The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened to announce the upcoming closure of one of our beloved local establishments, Houndstooth Saloon. This iconic bar, nestled in the heart of Wrigleyville, has been a vibrant part of our community for decades. As we bid farewell to Houndstooth Saloon, we reflect on its rich history and the lasting impact it has had on both residents and visitors alike. Their last day will be on Sunday, May 14th, 2023.
Houndstooth Saloon was more than just your run-of-the-mill bar; it was a legendary hangout spot where memories were made. Whether you were kicking back with friends, celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a Crimison Tide game, or simply unwinding after a long day, Houndstooth Saloon always greeted you with a warm and welcoming vibe. No wonder it quickly became a local favorite!
Houndstooth Saloon was a gathering place for everyone. It brought our community together and played a vital role in making Lakeview East feel like home for many. From neighborhood events to fundraisers, Houndstooth Saloon was always there, doing its part to make our ‘hood a better place. Their commitment to the community is something we’ll always cherish. Stephanie Cook, the owner of Houndstooth, was always first to the table to help when the community needed it most.
As we bid farewell to Houndstooth Saloon, we extend our deepest gratitude to the owners, staff, and patrons who made it such a cherished establishment. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering support have contributed immensely to the fabric of Lakeview East. We encourage everyone to join us in commemorating the memories created within Houndstooth Saloon and to continue supporting the diverse array of businesses that make our community thrive.
During COVID-19, Stephanie and her team at Houndstooth were able to quickly innovate, with their expanded patio and DIY social distancing booths she handcrafted with her team, which helped keep this local favorite afloat during uncertain times within our business community. But not only were they faced with the impact of a global pandemic, the CTA RMP Project took away much of their outdoor seating & hampered foot traffic. The Houndstooth team did everything they could to innovate with new menus, daily specials, hour changes, and even hosting weekly events, but the toll of the combined construction and pandemic is evident.
Their efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2023 they won Best Neighborhood Specials at the Lakeview East Annual Meeting. Nearly every night, they have incredible specials to welcome in their dedicated group of neighbors and out of towners alike. Whether it was the electric vibe of game day or the blustery days of Chicago winter, Houndstooth always knew how to draw a crowd to their friendly restaurant and bar.
Alabama Fans Celebrating at Houndstooth Saloon
Despite the odds being against them, Houndstooth still remained a hub for neighbors. From their bottomless brunches, live music nights, trivia nights, themed pop ups during the holiday season, and winter makers market, they were truly a hub for the community to gather. Stephanie created a culture of inclusivity, where everyone was welcome to pull up a barstool and enjoy the company of others. Stephanie in particular truly cared about making her corner of the neighborhood great, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. She always had innovative ideas on how to improve the neighborhood and new events that could help out business community as a whole. For her tireless work, we are endlessly thankful.
Houndstooth Saloon holds a special place in our hearts, and its closure marks the end of an era. But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ll always cherish the memories, the good times, and the spirit of togetherness it brought to Lakeview East & Wrigleyville. As we bid adieu to our beloved Houndstooth Saloon, let’s remember that our community is resilient, and with your support, we’ll keep thriving. So let’s raise a glass and eagerly anticipate the new adventures and hidden gems that await us in Lakeview East. Cheers to Houndstooth Saloon and for all they’ve done for the community!
