In the process of writing about a new restaurant opening in the suburbs, I got word that an East Side landmark is about to close. That would be Balzac Wine Bar, which has been around an impressive 18 years. In 2005 Balzac took over the space that had been occupied by a seafood restaurant called Watermark.
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Leslie Montemurro, Balzac’s co-owner, released this statement in a press release: “What can I say, closing a restaurant is never easy…but this one is extremely difficult. The truth is, and I know you’ve heard it before, but since the pandemic, everything’s changed; the perpetuating obstacles of labor shortages, increasing costs, slower than expected sales numbers, and supply chain issues are just too much of a hinderance on business. It’s time to pause and re-evaluate.”
The last day of operations for the small plates restaurant (1716 N. Arlington St.) is Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Balzac’s ownership group also operates Hi Hat Lounge & Garage.
Also in the release Montemurro invites the restaurant’s “friends and family” to visit one last time on Nov. 22. “We know that so many people have cherished Balzac and we sincerely appreciate all the people that have made Balzac such a treasure over the years.”
