Istria closes its doors
By LINDSAY WELBERS
Staff Writer
Istria Café, located inside of the Hyde Park Art Center, closed its doors on Sunday, Jan. 20.
The café shut its doors at 5030 S. Cornell Ave. with little advance notice, said HPAC executive director Kate Lorenz. Istria owners could not be reached at this time.
“Their management made that decision on Sunday. It was fairly sudden and we’re working. We’re disappointed but overly committed to having a vibrant space for the community,” Lorenz said.
According to a blog post on the HPAC website, Istria owners are working with the center to find a suitable replacement for the site. HPAC is requesting suggestions from the neighborhood for a replacement business.
“We’re excited. I think it’s a great amenity. I’m looking forward to something great and we’re sorry for everybody,” Lorenz said.
January 23, 2013 @ 4:48 pm
Istria was a beautiful space, but the coffee was too expensive, and you had to pay to use the Wifi. It was hard to work there and get out for under six bucks, so I rarely went.
Let’s hope another coffee-serving tenant moves in quick!
January 24, 2013 @ 4:27 am
I’m sure the owners struggled to keep the doors open but when customers spend a lot of time there and walk out only spending $6, and then complain about that being too expensive…..I think they probably just got tired of it.
January 24, 2013 @ 11:22 pm
I loved the pour over coffee. I was always there in the am getting the pour over…the absolute best way to drink a coffee. I can’t believe the BEST coffee shop in Chicago is closed. I want to cry. Now i am forced to drink inferior coffee at the places left standing. Well..there’s always Z& H ..but it’s far.. I was a block away…