Mexican Restaurant Closes After 18 Years In Gage Park

CHICAGO, IL - For the first time since at least the 1950s, a popular neighborhood restaurant is not taking up the building at the northwest corner of 55th and Spaulding in the city's Gage Park neighborhood. El Rincon Norteño closed to the public after 18 years at 3300 W. 55th St. as owner Sylvia Lopez retires from the business. For more than 40 years before the Mexican restaurant opened, the building was home to the Candlelight Lounge.

"After this month, this unusual place will be converted to something usual," said Christy Hernandez, Lopez' daughter.

The most "unusual" thing about it? Hernandez says it might be haunted by its previous owner.

"There are many accounts of (Candlelight Lounge owner) John making his appearance in many places of the restaurant," she said. "John's family brought a picture and placed it behind the register where is still stands after 18 years."

So yes, the place was "unusual" indeed.

For decades, the Candlelight Lounge was "the place for fancy dinners where woman could be spotted with their best fur and jewelry," Hernandez said.

In recent years, El Rincon Norteño had a "country and western" look with unique decor including antique wagon wheels and farming tools from the early 20th century. Many karaoke nights are sure to be missed.

Most of the restaurant's loyal customers came from nearby in the Gage Park, Brighton Park and West Lawn neighborhoods, Hernandez said. Some of whom are sure to be bummed out, albeit understanding, that Lopez is moving on.

"She will be focusing on her family and living life to the fullest," Hernandez said.

Photo: Sylvia Lopez stands in El Rincon Norteño, which closed this week in Brighton Park / Photo provided