CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Chicago Loop, Portage Park

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Hoosier Mama Pie Co. has expanded into a neighboring storefront, added more seats, and an espresso bar. The new section opened this past Saturday at 10 am. Located at 1618 W. Chicago Ave., the popular spot has been slinging pies to its customers for 8 years. Espresso service launched on Tuesday, with drinks available until 2 pm. Hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. The shop is closed on Mondays.

Lakeview: During the World Series last year, Wrigleyville bars charged insane covers (some as much as $250!). But one bar, GMan Tavern (3740 N. Clark St.) had no cover at all! Instead, the bar encouraged customers to donate to Lakeview Pantry, one of the largest and longest running food pantries in Chicago. Just last week, the bar announced that it will once again be suggesting a $5 donation instead of a cover. GMan owner Joe Shanahan says, “We want to make it clear that the Cubs’ success is the neighborhoods’ success. We’ve called Wrigleyville home for 35 years, and we want to continue to enrich a neighborhood that has embraced us so wholeheartedly.”

Lincoln Park: Flirty Girl Fitness, the pole fitness craze, has officially closed its doors in Lincoln Park. The trendy gym has been open for 5 years at 2215 N. Halsted, but is closed as of the end of September. Founder Kerry Knee sent a letter to members saying, “It was a perfect storm of circumstances that caused this situation.” Members have had trouble with their billing cycles since the closing and Flirty Girl Fitness has been unavailable for comment.

Andersonville: Revive Spa is getting a face lift in Andersonville. The spa has been open at 4860 N. Clark St. for 5 years, but they’ve recently expanded, adding an advance skin care and med spa facility. The spa now offers botox, laser resurfacing, skin rejuvenation, and laser hair removal. The new medspa offers a huge line of professional skin care products and new technologies.

Chicago Loop: A new restaurant has opened in the West Loop! Regards to Edith, a collaboration from the people behind Lone Wolf and Bad Hunter, opened in the Google headquarters on Monday. The restaurant seeks to serve up the charm of the Maxwell Street Market. Regards to Edith is replacing Smack Shack at 326 N. Morgan St. Executive chef Jared Wentworth (nine-time Michelin starred chef to be exact) has created a menu that reflects Maxwell Street’s reputation as the “Ellis Island of the Midwest”. The restaurant seats 110 people and has a private dining room that seats 24. Hours are from 5 pm to 10 pm Sundays through Thursdays and from 5 pm to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays. The owners plan to expand to send lunch and brunch as well.

Portage Park: Get a little theatre into your weekend! The Gift Theatre (4802 N. Milwaukee Ave.) ends its current production season with the drama “A Swell in the Ground”. The announcement says the show “follows four college friends through 17 years of love affairs, shattered dreams, and compromised lives as they try to reconcile the lives they imagined with the lives they live.” Previews begin this Friday at 7:30 pm and the regular run starts on October 20. Performance times are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm. The show runs until December 10. Ticket prices start at $30 and can be purchased online or at the door.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO