One of the oldest restaurants on the South Side, and perhaps the most atmospheric reminder of old Algrenesque Chicago left anywhere in the city, is set to close April 14. Ramova Grill, a small coffeeshop/diner attached to the long-shuttered Ramova Theater at 3510 S. Halsted in Bridgeport, will close to allow owners Tony Dinos and Bob Gertos to enjoy retirement. Offering standard diner fare from breakfast to dinner, Ramova Grill is best known for its chili, one of the last surviving examples of that once-ubiquitous workingman’s lunch counter food in its classic pre-yuppified style. A statement from the Ramova Grill Facebook page (which is collecting old photos) is below.
Dear friends and loyal customers, after 82 years of serving Chicago and the Bridgeport community, the Ramova Grill will be closing its doors after April 14, 2012. Owners, Tony Dinos and Bob Gertos will finally get to enjoy retired life.
We want to thank you all for your support over the years, and want you to know that we treasure the friendships built with generations of chili lovers who made their way down Halsted for a homemade meal.
We look forward to seeing you over the next few weeks, as we now begin, “MARCH CHILI MADNESS!” Please stop on by and say goodbye to a Chicago institution, and enjoy a fresh, hot breakfast, fresh squeezed orange juice, or maybe a burger, steak sandwich, or even a bowl of that Ramova chili.
See you soon!
