Evelyn's Food Love Is Growing: Washington Park Restaurant Scores $483K City Grant for Rooftop Deck Expansion

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · March 21, 2026

Washington Park has another reason to celebrate this weekend. Evelyn's Food Love — the beloved restaurant and event space at 5522 S. State St. — just landed a major city investment that will help it grow in a big way. On March 18, the Chicago City Council approved a $483,000 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant to help fund the business's expansion, part of a $644,000 total project.

The plans are exciting: the expansion will nearly double the restaurant's footprint to approximately 2,900 square feet, adding a rooftop deck and bar that will give neighbors and visitors a brand-new perch to dine and gather above the South Side streetscape. Perhaps even more impactful, the project is expected to create up to 15 additional full-time jobs — a meaningful economic boost for the surrounding community. Seating capacity will jump from roughly 40 to 80, making the space even more ready to host the neighborhood gatherings and celebrations it's known for.

The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, which channels fees from downtown construction projects into commercial corridor investment on the South, Southwest, and West Sides, made this growth possible. It's a powerful reminder that Washington Park's dining and event scene is earning the recognition — and resources — it deserves. Stop by Evelyn's Food Love at 5522 S. State St. to show your support, and stay connected with the Washington Park Chamber of Commerce for the latest on neighborhood business news.

Sources:
1. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/ec_dev/news/2026/march/grant-funding-will-support-expansion-of-washington-park-restaura.html