West Town's Next Big Restaurant Opening Is Asking Neighbors to Be Part of the Dream — and It's Working

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Town · May 6, 2026

A brand-new dining concept is about to make its debut in West Town, and it's building its community before it even opens its doors. Gilda, a modern, transcultural pintxos bar, is set to open on June 1 in the former Chi-Latin Restaurant space — and the team behind it is doing something refreshingly different: inviting the neighborhood itself to invest in its success.

The restaurant is the brainchild of chefs Leven (of mfk. and Mama Delia fame) and Esparza (known for Momotaro and Kimski), who have collectively spent nearly 40 years in Chicago kitchens. The two chefs teamed up with partners Baier and beverage director Ines de Haro, and together they secured their West Town lease in January and have been road-testing the concept through a pop-up series ever since. To help close a funding gap and build a loyal base from day one, de Haro devised a creative 'Compañero' loyalty card — customers who donate any amount earn discounts and perks once the 44-seat spot opens. The effort has already raised more than 82% of its $20,000 goal, a sign that West Town neighbors are hungry for exactly this kind of chef-driven, community-rooted dining.

Gilda's June 1 opening will be closely watched across Chicago's independent restaurant scene as a model for community-powered hospitality. If you want to be part of the story from the very beginning — and score some opening-week perks in the process — now's the time to get involved. Follow Gilda on social media for updates on the Compañero card and their official opening day celebration!

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/food-drink/2026/04/30/gilda-west-town-chicago-independent-restaurant-opening-cost