Clark Street on Chicago's North Side, the new home of Babylon. Photo: Charles Carper / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Sunil Das has run Babylon for just over 10 years. The Mediterranean restaurant opened on Damen Avenue in Bucktown in 2004 and is now settling into a new home at 4882 N. Clark St.
Das works in real estate during the day, and Babylon is his first and only restaurant. He and his team describe the food as fresh, modern Mediterranean cooking. The move came with an upgrade in format, from a cafe setup to a full dining room with a modern, comfortable feel. The new location will also have a liquor license, and Das is already looking at the space next door for a possible expansion.
Regulars will follow
Das says the move has gone smoothly, and that loyal customers have followed the restaurant north. Babylon will keep delivering to its Bucktown customers while it builds a following on the North Side, and Das is counting on foot traffic along Clark.
He likes small business because it puts him face to face with customers and neighbors. He calls the experience chaotic but full of lessons, and his favorite moment is still watching someone finish a meal happy.
Same kitchen, new room
The menu is not changing with the address. Part of what makes the job manageable, Das says, is that some of the same chefs who opened the restaurant in 2004 are still cooking. Asked to pick a favorite dish, he hesitated, then named the lamb chops and the barbecue chicken shawarma, both longtime best sellers.
Babylon is open for dine-in, carryout and delivery.
Linh Tran-Whitaker covers Argyle Street, dining and community life.
