Mirabell Restaurant on Addison closing View Full Caption Mirabell Restaurant

OLD IRVING PARK — Mirabell Restaurant, one of Chicago’s famous authentic German restaurants, is shutting its doors for good after nearly 38 years in the Old Irving Park neighborhood.

The restaurant and lounge at 3454 W. Addison St. announced Wednesday that Sunday would be the last day to sit down to a plate of schnitzel and have a prost (toast) at the festive neighborhood spot.

“Dear Loyal Patrons and Customers,” the Facebook post began. "It has been a real pleasure serving you for the past 38 years! It is with mixture of sorrow and joy, that we announce the closing of the Mirabell. We enjoyed having you and your family and friends, as our guests, at the Mirabell and we thank you and are very grateful for your business over the years. We just know that Chef Werner, our father/husband, is looking down from Heaven and is so very grateful and thankful too, for your continued support over the past 38 years!"

Werner Heil opened the restaurant in 1977 and quickly gained a following for his traditional German cuisine.

Son Jeff Heil took over operations from his father and made a number of updates to both Mirabell's decor and menu in late 2013. A new dining room, "Werner's Lodge," was added in honor of the elder Heil, the main dining room was renamed "Anita's Retreat" after Jeff's mother, and duck grilled cheese took its place on the bill of fare next to sauerbraten.

The closure might have come as a surprise, if not a shock to Mirabell's many regulars. The restaurant was just featured on the April 20 episode of "Chicago’s Best" with Brittney Payton sitting down with Heil to try the spicy goulash, one of Mirabell's most popular plates.

"Say it isn't so!" and "So sad to hear!" were common reactions posted to social media in response to the news.

In a separate Facebook post 15 hours before the official announcement, Mirabell mentioned that Heil was moving on to a “new venture” but did not specify what that would be.

The restaurant previously had announced drastically reduced hours, Thursday through Sunday.

The restaurant is across the street from a new Olive Garden — the city's first. It opened last year at 3555 W. Addison St.

The owners concluded the post by inviting everyone for one last visit.

"Please stop in sometime between Thursday through Sunday, so we can say our final goodbye and thank you in person. Peace and God Bless! With deep sincerity and gratefulness, Jeff and Anita Heil"

Heil could not be reached for additional comment.

Mirabell will open at 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday.

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