Evelyn's Food Love Is Growing — Washington Park Restaurant Scores $483K City Grant to Add Rooftop Deck

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · May 24, 2026

Washington Park has long championed its own, and now the city of Chicago is doing the same — with a major investment in one of the neighborhood's most beloved dining destinations. Evelyn's Food Love, the cherished restaurant and event space at 5522 S. State St., was awarded a $483,000 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant by Chicago City Council to fund a brand-new rooftop deck and bar. It's a big moment for a South Side small business, and neighbors should be celebrating.

The expansion will nearly double the size of the restaurant — growing from roughly 1,900 square feet to approximately 2,900 square feet — and increase seating capacity from about 40 to 80 guests. Even better for the community: once complete, the project is expected to create up to 15 additional full-time positions, putting more Washington Park residents to work right in their own backyard. Total project costs are estimated at $644,000, with the NOF grant covering the lion's share. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund is specifically designed to channel fees from downtown construction projects into commercial corridor investment on Chicago's South, Southwest, and West sides — making this a direct reinvestment in Washington Park from the city's core.

This is exactly the kind of momentum Washington Park deserves. A rooftop bar on State Street is set to become a new neighborhood gathering spot and a point of pride for the whole community. Stay tuned for construction updates, and keep cheering on local businesses like Evelyn's Food Love. The Washington Park Advisory Council meets every third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. — come out and stay connected to everything rising in this neighborhood.

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