Evelyn's Food Love Is Getting a Rooftop Glow-Up — and Free Jazz Is Playing in Your Backyard This Week

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · June 25, 2026

Washington Park neighbors, your local food scene just got a major boost — and your summer social calendar is already filling up nicely. Evelyn's Food Love, the beloved restaurant and event space at 5522 S. State St., has scored a $483,000 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant, approved by Chicago City Council, to fund a brand-new rooftop deck and bar. The expansion will nearly double the business's footprint to approximately 2,900 square feet and grow seating capacity from around 40 to 80 seats — plus create up to 15 new full-time jobs for the neighborhood. With total project costs estimated at $644,000, this is exactly the kind of investment that puts Washington Park's commercial corridor on the map.

And while that rooftop is on its way, there's plenty happening outside your door right now. This week, Washington Park is serving up free, family-friendly programming every day — from Lunch at the Park (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) to Workout on the Green (5–7 p.m.) to Pop Up Play for the kids. The crown jewel of the week? Jazz at the Park, featuring the Pamela Mallory Quartet, brought live music to the park on Monday evening — a perfect reminder that Washington Park's green spaces are alive and vibrant all summer long.

Whether you're grabbing a bite at Evelyn's Food Love or spreading a blanket at Jazz at the Park, there's never been a better time to support local and soak up your neighborhood. Keep an eye on washingtonpark.org for the full summer events calendar, and connect with the Washington Park Advisory Council — meeting every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. — to stay in the loop on all the good things growing here.

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
2. https://washingtonpark.org/events/