The Portage will close its doors New Year's Eve, its owner said in email Saturday. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Heather Cherone

PORTAGE PARK — The Portage, which put the Far Northwest Side on the map as a destination for fine dining, will close Dec. 31, the restaurant's owner announced Saturday.

In an email to patrons of the restaurant, 3938 N. Central Ave., which celebrated its fifth anniversary in June, owner Quay Tao made the "bittersweet" announcement that New Year's Eve would be the last service for the eatery that offered what it touted as elevated comfort food.

Tao, who could not immediately be reached Saturday afternoon, gave no reason for the closure.

"We will be sure to announce the details of what will be coming in 2016 as soon as things are finalized," according to the email. "Thank you all again for an amazing and memorable 5 1/2 years at The Portage."

Tao opened Community Tavern, a gastropub named the best new restaurant of 2015 by Chicago Magazine, at 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave. in the Six Corners Shopping District, nearly a year ago.

The email made no mention of changes at Community.

The restaurant's Facebook page was flooded with expressions of dismay and appreciation, with many nearby business owners thanking Tao for helping to transform the area.