Charlotte’s Bar in Jefferson Park closes after 35 years; new owner plans to remodel

by BRIAN NADIG

The beloved local Northwest Side watering hole, Charlotte’s Bar and Grill, 6000 W. Gunnison St., has closed after about 35 years in business, but a new owner reportedly will reopen the restaurant in the spring after renovation.

The bar, also known as the Crystal Inn, is located at the northwest corner of Gunnison Street and Austin Avenue in Jefferson Park on Chicago’s Far Northwest Side. It was previously a Larson’s Restaurant and Lounge.

Charlotte’s was owned by Charlotte Dolan, and in a Chicago Tribune article written by Rick Kogan in 2007, her daughter Joanna, who helped to run the bar, described the establishment as the following:

"This is still a blue-collar neighborhood, and that’s the kind of crowd we get," she said in the article. “Yes, we try to hire bartenders who are attractive. Almost all of them are Polish, like my mom and me, but they also have to be experienced. You can look only so long, but if they aren’t serving your drinks, it doesn’t matter how pretty they are. "We love running this place. My mom has been doing it her whole adult life."

The approximately 10,000-square-foot parcel, which has been for sale, is reportedly under contract to a buyer. The asking price reportedly was $799,000. Charlotte’s operated with retail food and incidental liquor licenses, which are still listed as active with the city. It is not clear if the new owner plans to purchase the existing corporation and have those licenses transferred. It is also not clear if the name of the business will change.

Many area residents have frequented the tavern over the years, including as early as 11 a.m. on weekdays. Its menu included hamburgers, steak sandwiches, wings, pizza, fish and chips, and pierogi, and there was a pool table, a jukebox and several televisions. And, of course, a shot and a beer.

The following note was posted on the exterior of the restaurant by the owners this week:

"After 35 wonderful years, it is with a mix of emotions that we announce the closing of our doors. This has been a difficult decision, but we feel it’s time to close this chapter of our lives.

"Over the years, our bar has been much more than just a place to grab drink. It has been a gathering spot, a place for celebration, comfort and countless memories. None of this would have been possible without you — our loyal and cherished customers. You’ve been an integral part of our journey, and we are deeply grateful for the support, camaraderie and friendships that have blossomed within these walls.

"We’ve watched families grow, friendships form, and so many special moments unfold here. Your laughter, stories and kind words have been the heart of our bar, and it’s been an absolute privilege to serve you.

"As we close our doors, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the years of patronage, trust and loyalty. While we may be saying goodbye to this place we will always treasure the memories we’ve created together.

"Thank you for being part of our story. We will miss you, and we hope to carry forward the spirit of this community wherever we go."

Cyryl Jakubowski contributed.

(photo by Rob Mandik)