It looks as if Division Street's go-to soul food spot, Dee's Place, is closing. This morning one of our readers was walking past the space while the landlord was taping this "No Trespassing" eviction notice to the door at 2114 W. Division St.
"There are still balloons filled with helium floating on the ceiling," said the reader, and other eyewitnesses can confirm the spot was operating as recently as New Year's Eve. Wishful thinking: maybe they can work things out with the landlord? But on the other hand, there are many steps that must be taken as a landlord in order to evict a tenant, so this isn't looking promising.
Dee's Place was one of those hole-in-the-wall neighborhood spots that gave Division Street its unique diversity -- best known for its live jazz music, fried chicken, smothered catfish and friendly (albeit leisurely) service. During the summertime, the patio would be jammed with diners taking in the lively blues and jazz tunes, which often carried down the block if the wind was blowing just right. The live music experience was unique, but many thought the food was often hit or miss.
We have been unable to reach the owner but hope to hear something definitive soon, at which time we'll update this post. In the meantime, your thoughts on what may be the second closing of 2012?
Addendum: That reminds us, another distressed storefront seems to be Real Naked Food at 1909 W. Division St. It seems as though every time we pass by, the store is closed (even during business hours) and the shelves are half empty. Anyone have any intel on this?
Real Nakeds windows are covered up. Unfortunately, the place never took off. The ambience of the store was very stale, no energy. Each time I drove by, I never see more than one or two people in there.
ReplyDeleteI went in to Real Naked one time, specifically looking for organic popcorn. I must have been in the store for a good 10 minutes, obviously looking at every bin in the store, and the guy working there never even acknowledged my existence. I was the only person in the store at the time too.
ReplyDeleteReal Naked is closed. Saw workers rolling out shelves and equipmaent 2 nights ago.
ReplyDeleteAnd as most are likely already aware...Crust closed 1/2/12.