by BRIAN NADIG

In an effort to promote social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak, dining in at restaurants and drinking at bars in Illinois comes to a halt at 9 p.m. today, March 16.

“The health and safety of ourselves, our guests and the community is top of mind right now, and our hope is that we all stay well and come out on the other side to meet, greet and eat again,” the management at the Gale Street Inn, 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave., said in a statement announcing that its restaurant will be completely shut down —effective immediately — for the next two weeks.

The restaurant plans to pay its staff for the next two weeks and to re-evaluate the situation at the end of the month and possibly decide whether to re-open with carryout options.

Several other area restaurants will be open for delivery and curbside pickup/carryout options, as allowed under the governor’s directive.

Colletti’s Restaurant, 5707 N. Central Ave., is offering free delivery and has a designated carryout area in the rear of the restaurant., while Paterno’s Pizza, 5303 N. Milwaukee Ave., announced that pickup and delivery through a ride-share service are available, promoting its to-go corned beef and cabbage meals for Saint Patrick’s Day.

Pasta D’Arte owner Mark Giannini, 6311 N. Milwaukee Ave., invited customers for a final toast on Monday night before the restaurant shuts down its dining room and switches to carryout and delivery. “We shall overcome,” he said.

One local restaurant owner questioned the effectiveness of the ban on dine-in eating unless it were nationwide. That could come soon, as President Trump said on Monday that gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people.







