For three years
Mudgie's Deli has bustled at 1300 Porter, the Corktown space that was previously occupied by Eph McNally's for years. Owner Greg Mudge -- an erstwhile Eph's server -- has now made the decision to move his operation Downtown to 1260 Library St., next-door to Vincente's Cuban Cuisine, to "better serve his customers," many who work in the Central Business District, he says.
The new space will seat approximately the same number of people (think 35) and, at least for now, will offer the same menu of sandwiches, salads, sides and a couple of daily soups. In the future, Mudge might consider expanding his offerings, since the Library St. kitchen is larger than the one he currently works in. "For now, it will be the exact same format, new place," he says.
The move to Downtown is a done deal -- plans are for it to go down in February -- but Mudge does allow for the possibility of continuing to operate the Corktown location as well -- if some improvements are made to the space. "I hate to leave, I've become attached to this little corner," he says.
While the loss of a neighborhood restaurant never tastes pleasant, 2011 promises to be palatable to Corktowners for a handful of reasons, including:
- Odds are looking good that Jerry Belanger of Park Bar fame will be the new proud owner of Bailie Corcaigh, located at the corner of Bagley and Trumbull. The bar and restaurant is yet to be named and the format is not yet determined, but there is good reason to believe that it won't be lousy;
- A coney island/diner is getting ready to open at The Corner of Michigan and Trumbull;
- An Italian/pizza spot is headed to the former pawn shop at Michigan and Eighth;
- Burgers are planned for the Mercury Bar space at Michigan and 14th; and
- Classic cocktails will be pouring from Sugar House Bar, opening soon at 2130 Michigan Ave.
That's quite a bit of action in one small area that, of course, we promise to cover meticulously in the new year.
Source: Greg Mudge, Mudgie's Deli
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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