Rooftop Coming to Washington Park: Evelyn's Food Love Scores $483K City Grant to Expand

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · April 22, 2026

Washington Park is about to get a whole lot more to love — literally. Evelyn's Food Love, the beloved restaurant and event space at 5522 S. State St., is set for a major expansion after the Chicago City Council approved a $483,000 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant to help fund the project. The money will go toward adding a brand-new rooftop deck and bar, effectively doubling the size of the business from its current footprint to approximately 2,900 square feet — and nearly doubling seating capacity from around 40 to 80 guests.

The investment doesn't stop at square footage. Once the expansion is complete, the project is expected to create up to 15 additional full-time jobs right here in the neighborhood. Total project costs are estimated at $644,000, with the NOF grant covering the lion's share. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund is funded by fees paid by downtown construction projects and is specifically designed to support commercial corridor investment on Chicago's South, Southwest, and West sides — meaning downtown development dollars are flowing directly back into communities like Washington Park.

For neighbors, this is exactly the kind of local economic momentum the community has been rallying for. A rooftop bar and expanded event space could make Evelyn's Food Love a true anchor destination on the South Side. Stop by 5522 S. State St. to show your support, and stay connected with the Washington Park Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Park Advisory Council — which meets every third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. — to keep up with the latest neighborhood wins.

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