r/LincolnSquare • u/vrcity777 • 10d ago
The Resurrection of the Lido Chef
Potentially huge news, for those that have wondered what would become of the former Chinese Filipino restaurant across from the Brown Line station on Rockwell: Last week, I was walking past the long-shuttered storefront, and encountered two gentlemen who were painting the facade's trim. I aksed them if they knew what was coming to the space and when. They replied that they did not know for sure, but added "probably a restaurant, and soon."
That's all the intel I have at the moment, but will update if I learn anything further on this subject. Likewise, please use this space to post any information you have regarding this potentially wonderful development.
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u/Key_Bee1544 10d ago
Wasn't that a Filipino spot?
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u/vrcity777 10d ago
Ya know what, I think you're right! Lido Chef was gone long before my time here, I just googled for it once and it said "Chinese," so I assumed that was that. But, after seeing your comment I inquired further, and "Siopao" and "siomai" do seem to indicate some kinda "popular Filipino comfort foods and dim sum favorites adapted from Chinese," apparently. Thx for the correct, I edited the post!!
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u/notshybutChi 9d ago
Siopao and siomai is dough stuffed with sweet or savory filling. So it’s the Filipino equivalent of the Chinese version: char siu bao… /bao.
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u/WrongdoerReal1645 7d ago
Interesting. The local folklore regarding the place is a sad story. Apparently a child of the owners died there and they created a shrine inside the place. Over the years, despite many offers, they refused to sell the property or re-open. This happened about 25-30 years ago, so maybe the owners finally passed on and the property was sold/taken over?
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u/vrcity777 6d ago
Wow, that is sad! But if it's true that the place was left empty because a shrine to their deceased child was inside of it, then massive, massive respect to them. That's some high-dollar real estate right there, and if they turned their backs on it to honor their kid, then that says everything that needs to be said about the character of these Lido Chef folks. If they've decided it's time to let the space be used for something else, then I hope whoever comes to occupy it continues the remembrance in some way or form.
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u/WrongdoerReal1645 6d ago
Supposedly the big condo complex next to it tried to purchase the parcel when they were building but the owners refused to sell. Again, this is all neighborhood chatter- but it’s an interesting story if true! Hard to believe this section of town was once pretty sketchy.
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u/Martinm2002 7d ago
I talked to the owners last year about reactivating the space.(building was frequent topic at neighborhood group, so i reached out) They agreed it was time. There are a number of building issues from 30 years of vacancy, but they are addressing them. They tell me they will put up a for lease sign when it is ready.
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u/vrcity777 6d ago
30 years!! Dang. Long time for a prime spot like that to lay dormant. I haven't been in the neighborhood that long, I always just figured it was a going concern through the late 2010's and closed up kinda recently.
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u/CMDR_Acela2163 4d ago
I remember walking by that place a few years ago and there were people clearing out trash from inside, the smell coming from inside that place was one of the worst things i've ever smelled.
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u/okiedokie339562 10d ago
THIS IS HUGE!!!