How to Help Chicago Bar and Restaurant Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak

A running log of merch, prizes, and donation opportunities to help bridge the gap for employees during the mandated closure

by Naomi Waxman and Ashok Selvam Updated Apr 17, 2020, 2:40pm CDT

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A large dining room with long rows of tables and chairs along banquettes. An open kitchen is at the end of the rows. — Help support Chicago restaurants like West Town’s Funkenhausen.

Part of A Chicago Guide to Eating and Drinking During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Chicago bars closed Monday night, as restaurants also closed their dining rooms service for at least two weeks to try and limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, as ordered by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Customers can still get delivery, carry out, and curbside service, but the decision leaves restaurant and bar staff without paychecks.

There are ways for customers to help. Some have suggested “virtual happy hours” where friends converse using video over drinks. Folks could then tip one of the several virtual tip jar — online fundraisers from the staff at their favorite bars.

Hospitality industry employees and supporters have set up the online campaigns to help bridge the fiscal gap for servers, bussers, bartenders, and other staff. In addition, a new website called Dining at a Distance provides further details on which Chicago restaurants are open for pickup and delivery during the shutdown.

Here’s a running list of fundraisers and opportunities to provide financial support for Chicago’s bar and restaurant workers.

See a fundraiser or helpful link? Please email chicago@eater.com with any pertinent info.

AROUND TOWN— Though they’re based in LA now, the company that started the Saved by the Bell pop-up started in Chicago. They’ve gone on to working Breaking Bad, Good Burger, and more. Now they’re asking for the public’s help. They started a GoFundMe, as planned pop-ups, like Clueless, have been postponed.

AROUND TOWN— Several Chicagoans are coming up with their lists of restaurants with delivery and takeout options. One of the best was compiled by public relations professional Jenn Galdes and created by Sean Lynch.

AROUND TOWN— Support Staff is a new initiative that launched in March by bartenders to help hospitality workers deal with mental health challenges that may have arisen due to the public health crisis. It has a $100,000 goal for its GoFundMe.

AROUND TOWN— Stefani Restaurant Group (Bar Cargo, Broken English Taco Pub, Castaways, Mad Social, Tavern on Rush) has established a fund with a $250,000 goal.

AROUND TOWN — Local culinary retail company Stock Mfg. and hospitality group Leisure Activities have teamed up on a t-shirt line to raise money for food and beverage workers affected by COVID-19-related restaurant and bar closures. It’s called Chicago Hospitality United. T-shirts go for $25 each, and customers can donate more if they wish. All proceeds will be split evenly among workers from participating venues, a growing list that includes All Together Now, Birrieria Zaragoza, Elske, Hopewell Brewing, Ludlow Liquors, Mini Mott, Mott St, Passerotto, Pacific Standard Time, Scofflaw, and Young American.

AROUND TOWN — Footman Hospitality group is raising funds for employees at Bangers & Lace, Sparrow, Kite String Cantina, Bucktown Pub, Spilt Milk, and Little Victories on GoFundMe. It aims to raise $50,000.

AROUND TOWN — Heisler Hospitality hopes to raise $50,000 on GoFundMe for staff at Bad Hunter, Estereo, Lone Wolf, Pub Royale, Queen Mary, and Revel Room. If there’s any money left when the venues reopen, owners wrote, they’ll donate it to charity.

AROUND TOWN — 4 Star Restaurant Group has set up a fund for employees at Ella Elli, Crosby’s Kitchen, Remington’s, Smoke Daddy, and Dunlay’s on the Square. It hopes to raise $100,000 to support employees including barbacks, food runners, line cooks, hostesses, bartenders, and servers.

AROUND TOWN — Hammock Hospitality is raising funds for employees at the Green Room, Aberdeen Tap, Avondale Tap, Wolcott Tap, and G&O on GoFundMe. The goal is $15,000.

AROUND TOWN — Management at Farmhouse Chicago, Farmhouse Evanston, Farm Bar Lakeview, and Farm Bar Edgewater, is using GoFundMe to try and raise $10,000 to help cover staff wages and health insurance.

AROUND TOWN — Gage Hospitality Group aims to raise $1,000 for each staff member at its five restaurants — the Gage, the Dawson, Coda Di Volpe, Acanto, and Beacon Tavern — on GoFundMe. Especially generous donors ($1,000 and more) can get gift cards and discounts for future use.

AROUND TOWN — Local mini-chain Heritage Bicycles and Coffee, which operates seven Chicago locations along with Uptown cocktail bar Larry’s, is asking supporters to help staff by raising $40,000 on GoFundMe.

AROUND TOWN — Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Chicago’s largest restaurant group, has set up a GoFundMe to raise money for staff with a $750,000 goal.

AROUND TOWN — Restaurant group Hogsalt Hospitality created a GoFundMe for its more than 600 employees, including servers, chefs, cooks, polishers, baristas, bakers, bartenders, and more. It aims to raise $500,000.

AROUND TOWN — Hospitality group Bottleneck Management is working to raise $100,000 on GoFundMe to help support staff. The group give a $500 gift card to those who donate $500 or more.

ALBANY PARK — Recently opened cocktail bar Bokeh has a fund with a $10,000 goal.

ALBANY PARK — Neighborhood stand Hot Dog Station set up a fund that aims to raise $7,500.

ANDERSONVILLE/ROGERS PARK— 2Bears Tavern Group (Meeting House Tavern, Jackhammer, SoFo Tap) has established a workers fund with a $15,000 goal.

ANDERSONVILLE — Servers at neighborhood spot A Taste of Heaven are seeking donations on GoFundMe to help make it through the restaurant’s closure. They’ve set a $10,000 goal, and funds will be distributed evenly among staff.

ANDERSONVILLE — Neighborhood dive bar Simon’s Tavern, open since 1934, is asking for help raising $10,000 to help support staff on GoFundMe.

ANDERSONVILLE/WICKER PARK — Brunch spot Bongo Room aims to raise $25,000 for employees on GoFundMe.

ANDERSONVILLE — Beer bar and restaurant Hopleaf is asking for help raising $11,000 on GoFundMe to help staff.

ANDERSONVILLE — Baristas at the city’s largest La Colombe cafe have set up a fund with a $6,500 goal.

ANDERSONVILLE — Beer and burger bar Little Bad Wolf aims to raise $50,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

ANDERSONVILLE — Indie bakery Lost Larson is asking for help raising $25,000 to help support employees during the shutdown.

ANDERSONVILLE— Meatball specialists Bar Roma have a fund with a $20,000 goal.

AVONDALE— Craft beer store and bar Beer Temple has a fund with a $10,000 goal.

AVONDALE — Ownership at DMen Tap set up a GoFundMe to try and raise $4,000 to help staff cover their rent and bills. Supporters can also help out by buying a DMen Tap gift card for later use.

AVONDALE — Music venue and bar Live Wire hopes to raise $7,500 for staff during the shutdown on GoFundMe.

AVONDALE — Neighborhood bar Sleeping Village created a GoFundMe to help support employees during the closure. Ownership has set a $15,000 goal.

AVONDALE — Essential dive bar Reed’s Local is asking for help raising $3,500 for staff on GoFundMe.

AVONDALE — Late Bar, the 4 a.m. bar with a heart, has set up a fund with a $10,000 goal.

AVONDALE — The original burger and metal haven, Kuma’s Corner, has set up a fund with a $50,000 goal.

BOYSTOWN— Modern Grill, the diner at the corner of Belmont and Halsted in Boystown, has a fund with a $20,000 goal.

BRIDGEPORT— Nana, Ajo, and Taco E have set up a fund for workers at all three operations. They have a $100,000 goal.

BRIDGEPORT— Alulu, the quirky South Side brewpub, has established a fund with a $5,000 goal.

BRIDGEPORT — Jackalope Coffee & Tea, one the most beloved coffeeshops in the city, has established a fund with a $10,000 goal.

BRIDGEPORT — The South Side’s Duck Inn hopes to raise $25,000 on GoFundMe to help support staff during the closure.

BRIDGEPORT — Ownership at Polish-Korean restaurant Kimski and Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar has set up a “tip jar” on GoFundMe. They aim to raise $25,000.

BRIDGEPORT — Marz Community Brewing on the South Side is selling gift cards for to-go beers or for future in-house use on its website. All proceeds will go to staff members.

BUCKTOWN— Everyone’s creaky neighborhood tavern with a ton of soul, Danny’s Tavern, has a fund with a $25,000 goal.

BUCKTOWN — Neighborhood sports bar Jack & Ginger’s is asking fans to help raise $10,000 on GoFundMe to help support its staff.

BUCKTOWN — Green Eye Lounge owners are using GoFundMe to raise $3,000 for door staff and bartenders during the closure.

BUCKTOWN — The team at Royal Grocer & Co. is asking friends and neighbors for help raising $10,000 on GoFundMe for employees during the mandated shutdown.

BUCKTOWN — Filipino restaurant Cebu aims to raise $20,000 on GoFundMe to help provide financial stability for employees.

BUCKTOWN — Classic Bucktown dive bar Lemmings has a fund with a $3,000 goal.

BUCKTOWN — Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club is accepting online donations to help support staff during the closure.

A glorious shuffleboard club with vacant lanes. — Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

BUCKTOWN — Neighborhood tavern Floyd’s Pub aims to raise $5,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

BUCKTOWN — Tricycle, the neighborhood bar and restaurant that replaced Silver Cloud, has a fund with a $20,000 goal.

BUCKTOWN — Long Room, one of the city’s best beer bars, has a fund with a $5,000 goal.

BUCKTOWN — Retro pizzeria the StopAlong is offering prizes such as t-shirts and free garlic knots for life in exchange for GoFundMe donations. Staff aim to raise $15,000.

CHICAGO LAWN/WEST LOOP — Chicago’s only Garifuna restaurant, Garifuna Flava: A Taste of Belize, created a fund for staff on GoFundMe that aims to raise $12,000.

CHINATOWN — Asian street food and bubble tea spot Chi Yatai aims to raise $15,000 on GoFundMe to help support its staff.

DEPAUL— Arrogant Frog, the neighborhood tavern near DePaul University, has established a fund with a goal of $6,000.

EDGEWATER — Owners of Uncommon Ground are working to raise $15,000 to help staff on GoFundMe. They’ll withdraw donations weekly and divide them (after fees) among staff as soon as they are received.

FULTON MARKET — Government-themed bar and restaurant Recess is asking for help raising $10,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

GOLD COAST — Tavern on Rush, near Rush Street’s Mariano Park, has set up a fund with a $5,000 goal.

HYDE PARK — Pizza Capri, which has served deep-dish and California-stye gourmet pies for years, has a GoFundMe with a $15,000 goal.

HYDE PARK — South Side Italian restaurant Ascione Bistro has set a goal of $10,000 to help staff on GoFundMe.

HYDE PARK — Restaurant and music venue the Promontory is asking supporters to show solidarity with employees on GoFundMe, where it aims to raise $25,000.

HUMBOLDT PARK — Neighborhood bar the Continental hopes to raise $5,000 for staff relief during the closure on GoFundMe.

IRVING PARK — Montrose Saloon owners are working to find odd jobs around the venue to help staff make up some lost income, but are also asking for community support to close the gap for workers. They are using GoFundMe to raise $25,000, which will be distributed equitably among employees.

IRVING PARK — Old Irving Brewing Co., the brewery and restaurant from Matthias Merges and company, has a fund with a $20,000 goal.

LAKEVIEW — Matilda & Baby Atlas owners aim to raise $10,000 for staff on GoFundMe, which they’ve vowed to split between employees to cover regular wages during the mandated closure.

LAKEVIEW — Essential Chicago dive Liar’s Club is asking for help to raise $10,000 on GoFundMe for staff. “No amount is too small,” owners wrote.

LAKEVIEW — Ownership at Metro, Smartbar and GMan Tavern set a $30,000 goal on GoFundMe to help staff weather the state-mandated shutters.

LAKEVIEW — Restaurant and indie music venue Beat Kitchen is working to raise $25,000 on GoFundMe for bartenders, wait staff, production crews, sound staff, kitchen workers and security employees affected by the closure.

LAKEVIEW — Beermiscous, the craft beer spot that takes a coffee shop approach to the space, has a fund with a $10,000 goal.

LAKEVIEW — Neighborhood coffeehouse Bombastic Cafe is asking for help raising $3,000 on GoFundMe to help support baristas during the mandated shutdown.

LAKEVIEW — Racine Plumbing has launched a “staff tip jar” on GoFundMe, aiming to raise $5,000. The team also encouraged folks to reach out if they’re having a hard time sourcing grocery items, and that they’ll help out whenever possible.

LAKEVIEW — Wisconsin-friendly sports bar Redmond’s Ale House is using GoFundMe to try and raise $10,000 for furloughed employees.

LAKEVIEW — Will’s Northwoods Inn, the bar the specializes in welcoming fans of Wisconsin sports, is trying to raise $5,000 for its workers.

LAKEVIEW — Martyr’s, the performance space and bar, has a fund with a $5,000 goal.

LAKEVIEW — LGBTQ-friendly bar and performance venue Shaker’s on Clark is working to raise $4,000 for employees on GoFundMe.

LINCOLN PARK/BUCKTOWN — Unconventional dive and performance spot the Hideout offers donors a chance to tip its staff during the closure on GoFundMe. The online fundraiser has a $15,000 goal.

LINCOLN PARK— Sandra Holl’s dazzling bakery cafe, Floriole, has a fund with a $30,000 goal.

LINCOLN PARK — Neighborhood bar Broken Barrel is using GoFundMe to raise money for staff during the shutdown. The goal amount is $15,000.

LINCOLN PARK — Modern Greek restaurant Avi Taverna set up a fund for hourly employees with a $5,000 goal.

LINCOLN PARK — Live music venue and dive Tonic Room is using GoFundMe to raise money for its staff with a goal of $15,000. Ownership wrote they plan to keep the bar closed through May 29.

LINCOLN PARK — Neighborhood sports bar and grill Lincoln Station hopes to raise $10,000 for staff on GoFundMe during the closure.

LINCOLN PARK— The Exit, the late-night bar for goth and punkers, has a fund with a $15,000 goal.

LINCOLN PARK — Old school-style Dash of Salt & Pepper Diner aims to raise $10,000 on GoFundMe to support its staff and reopen after the mandated shutdown.

LINCOLN PARK — Delilah’s, the whiskey den where punks go before they end their nights at Exit, has a fund set up with a $20,000 goal.

LINCOLN PARK — Longtime Lincoln Park watering hole, the Store, has a fund with a $10,000 goal.

LINCOLN PARK — LEYE’s game-changing Spanish restaurant Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is selling sweatshirts, t-shirts, and totes, with all proceeds going toward financial relief for hourly employees. There’s also a GoFundMe with a $50,000 goal.

LINCOLN PARK/WEST LOOP — Japanese restaurants Juno and Mako from chef and owner B.K. Park is working to raise $35,000 on GoFundMe to help their teams

LINCOLN SQUARE— Huttenbar, the German beer bar in the heart of Lincoln Square has set up a fund with a $6,000 goal.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Neighborhood restaurant Fork has stated a fund with a $5,000 goal.

LINCOLN SQUARE— Jerry’s Sandwiches, the craft beer-centric restaurant with a reverence for the Grateful Dead, has an online fund with a $2,000 goal.

LINCOLN SQUARE — The Grafton, a neighborhood favorite for families and small gatherings, has set up a fund with a $15,000 goal.

LINCOLN SQUARE — Davis Theater, when it renovated, added a bar and food service. Carbon Arc is the name of the food operation for the movie theater, and they’ve got a $25,000 goal.

LINCOLN SQUARE — All-day spot Cafe Selmarie aims to raise $15,000 for its 43 team members on GoFundMe.

LOGAN SQUARE— Acclaimed Midwestern pasta spot Daisies has a GoFundMe with a $25,000 goal.

LOGAN SQUARE— Bixi Beer, Chicago’s only brewpub that servers Chinese, Korean, and Thai food, has a fund with a $20,000 goal.

LOGAN SQUARE — Pizza and drinking spot the Boiler Room is asking for support on GoFundMe to help staff bridge the financial gap. It’s shooting for a $25,000 goal.

LOGAN SQUARE — Cafe Mustache, the quirky Logan Square coffee shop, has set up a fund with a $10,000 goal.

LOGAN SQUARE — Crown Liquors, the dive bar and packaged goods store, has a fund with a $10,000 goal.

LOGAN SQUARE — The second location of vegan standby Chicago Diner has set up a fund with a $10,000 goal.

LOGAN SQUARE — Modern Indian spot Superkhana International is working to raise $35,000 on GoFundMe for hourly staff.

The dining room features limewashed brick paneling, wood accents, hanging lights, and booth seating. — Superkhana International

LOGAN SQUARE — Taproom Maplewood Lounge is asking for help raising $15,000 on GoFundMe for bar staff to help cover lost hours and tips during the closure.

LOGAN SQUARE — Venerable farm-to-table restaurant Lula Cafe is working to raise $50,000 on GoFundMe to help support hourly and tipped employees.

LOGAN SQUARE — Staff at drinking spot and music venue Cole’s Bar aim to raise $10,000 on GoFundMe for employees affected by the shutdown.

LOGAN SQUARE — Pinball and video game bar Logan Arcade hopes to use GoFundMe to raise $10,000 for staff and auxiliary tech, maintenance, and cleaning crews.

LOGAN SQUARE — Brewing hub and taproom Pilot Project is asking for help raising $5,000 on GoFundMe.

LOGAN SQUARE — All-day restaurant Reno is asking for support to help its staff, including bartenders, servers, bus boys, food runners, and cooks, during the closure. Supporters can donate to “Reno 911” on GoFundMe, and the goal amount is $20,000.

LOGAN SQUARE — New York-style pizza spot Dante’s hopes to raise $10,000 on GoFundMe to help cooks, bartenders, and servers mitigate the closure’s financial strain.

LOGAN SQUARE — Neighborhood bar Burlington aims to raise $5,000 on GoFundMe to help staff navigate the mandated closure.

LOGAN SQUARE — Bib Gourmand hotspot Dos Urban Cantina is asking for help raising $20,000 on GoFundMe for staff.

LOGAN SQUARE — The Native, a dive bar in Logan Square, has set up a fund with a $10,000 goal.

LOGAN SQUARE— Lonesome Rose, Land & Sea Dept.’s cantina and restaurant, has a fund for its cooks, bartenders, bussers, barbacks, dishwashers, servers and hosts. The goal’s $35,000.

LOGAN SQUARE — Vegan specialists Ground Control have set up a fund with a $15,000 goal.

THE LOOP — Downtown bar and restaurant Franklin Tap is asking for help to raise $10,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

THE LOOP — Downtown tavern Stocks & Blondes aims to raise $10,000 on GoFundMe that will go directly to staff.

THE LOOP — Monk’s Pub, a popular after-work bar, has set up a fund with a $15,000 goal.

THE LOOP — 2Twenty2 Tavern has been open for about two years in the Loop. They’ve established a fund with a $3,000 goal.

THE LOOP — Bar and restaurant the Dearborn aims to raise $100,000 in a “virtual tip jar” on GoFundMe.

THE LOOP — Irish bar O’Callaghan’s Pub created a GoFundMe with a $10,000 goal.

NEAR NORTH SIDE — Irish stalwart Butch McGuire’s is working to raise $25,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

NORTH CENTER — Neighborhood bar Cork Lounge created a fund with a $5,500 goal.

NORTH CENTER — O’Donovan’s, an Irish pub that’s been around for years, has set up a fund with a $5,000 goal.

NORTH CENTER/LINCOLN PARK — Staff at moody, intimate bars Love Street and Victor Bar are asking for help raising $10,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

OLD IRVING PARK — Eris Brewery & Cider House, Chicago’s first cider taproom, hopes to raise $25,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

OLD IRVING PARK — Lizard’s Liquid Lounge, a dive with a dance floor, has a fund with a $4,000 goal.

OLD TOWN — Barbecue rib specialist Twin Anchors is using GoFundMe to raise money for employees including bartenders, servers, and bussers during the mandated closure. Organizers hope to raise $10,000.

OLD TOWN — Second City, the legendary comedy club on Wells Street, has set up a fund for servers, hosts, bartenders, food runners, and dishwashers.

OLD TOWN — Storied dive bar Inner Town Pub is asking for help raising $10,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

OLD TOWN/WRIGLEYVILLE — Happy Camper, the pizzeria and bar with location in Old Town and Wrigleyville, has set up a fund with a $10,000 goal. It’s unclear if the fund supports only one location.

PILSEN — Skylark, one of the city’s friendliest dives, has an employee fund with a $16,000 goal.

PILSEN — Owners of Dusek’s and Thalia Hall are offering gifts in exchange for donations via GoFundMe, with prizes including shirts, VIP seating, and a private stage lighting lesson. They’re working to reach a $30,000 goal.

RAVENSWOOD — New American brewpub Band of Bohemia set up a fund that aims to raise $20,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

RAVENSWOOD/WEST LOOP/LINCOLN SQUARE — Baristas at local roastery and coffee shop mini-chain Groundswell Coffee Roasters hope to raise a total of $12,000 through a GoFundMe.

RIVER NORTH— Peruvian restaurant Tanta, and its cocktail-centric sibling Arbella each have its own campaigns. Arbella’s has a $20,000 goal. Tanta’s has a $50,000 goal.

RIVER NORTH — New American restaurant Bernie’s is working to raise $20,000 in a GoFundMe for staff.

RIVER NORTH — Modern Mexican restaurant Cantina Laredo set up a GoFundMe for front and back-of-house workers. It aims to raise $10,000.

RIVER NORTH — Mom’s Place, a bar and music venue in River North, has set up a fund with a $25,000 goal.

RIVER NORTH — Staff from Italian restaurant Prosecco aim to raise $10,000 on GoFundMe to help cover lost shifts.

RIVER NORTH — Japanese steakhouse Roka Akor has set up an employee relief fund supported by gift card purchases — the restaurant will contribute $20 to the fund for every $100 in gift cards sold during the shutdown. Wine is also now available for delivery and takeout, and $20 from each bottle sold will to to the fund as well.

RIVER NORTH — Speakeasy-style restaurant and whiskey bar Untitled Supper Club has a fund set up to help staff on GoFundMe. It aims to raise $10,000.

RIVER NORTH — Upscale sports lounge Theory is working to raise $25,000 on GoFundMe for staff during the shutdown.

RIVER WEST — The Dandy Crown, the soccer-centric cocktail bar that recently opened, has a fund set up with a $15,000 goal.

ROGERS PARK— Pub 626, a bar and grill in Rogers Park, has set up a fund with a $10,000 goal.

ROSCOE VILLAGE— Dive bar the Hungry Brain is using GoFundMe to try and raise $10,000 for staff, who are also using the closure to work on behind-the-scenes projects in the space.

ROSCOE VILLAGE — Le Sud, a surprise French hit that opened in 2019, has a fund with a $50,000 goal.

ROSCOE VILLAGE — Volo Wine Bar, a neighborhood staple, has set up an employee fund fund with a $5,000 goal.

SOUTH LOOP — Rock club Reggie’s is seeking help raising $30,000 on GoFundMe for staff, urging all who’ve had a memorable night at the venue to pitch in. Reggie’s kitchen is closed during the shutdown and isn’t accepting delivery or takeout orders.

SOUTH LOOP — Culinary brewpub Moody Tongue set up a fund for staff with a $50,000 goal.

STREETERVILLE— Second City Bar, a longtime LGBTQ spot, is seeking help with a $5,000 fundraiser.

STREETERVILLE— Lizzie McNeil’s Irish Pub has set up a fund with a $10,000 goal.

STREETERVILLE — The team at new American restaurant Marisol at the Museum of Contemporary Art are using GoFundMe to help raise funds for more than 60 workers during the shutdown. Organizers hope to raise $50,000.

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — All-day cafe and bottle shop All Together Now is using a GoFundMe to raise “Social Distance Gratuity” for staff including cooks, servers, and dishwashers during the shutdown.

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — Staff at Empty Bottle and Bite Cafe are offering special gifts in exchange for donations to its GoFundMe, including sticker packs, shirts, and — for $10,000 — free shows forever. They hope to raise a total of $30,000.

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — Neighborhood soccer bar and dive Cleo’s aims to raise $10,000 using GoFundMe to support its staff.

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — EZ Inn, the reborn dive bar along Western Avenue, has set up a relief fund with a $15,000 goal.

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE/SOUTH LOOP— Bureau Bar and Sage Room are both closed and have set up a fund for both venues with a $30,000 goal.

UPTOWN— Bar on Buena’s sidewalk cafe may not be open, but the craft beer bar has a fund with a $10,000 goal.

UPTOWN — Honky-tonk dive bar Carol’s Pub is asking for help raising $15,000 on GoFundMe for staff during the shutdown.

UPTOWN — North Side bar Holiday Club set up a fund for employees that aims to raise $15,000.

UPTOWN — New American bar and restaurant the Reservoir has a GoFundMe set up that aims to raise $15,000.

WICKER PARK— The Robey, the hotel at the intersection of Milwaukee, North, and Damen avenues in Wicker Park, has established a campaign with a $15,000 goal. They are also offering gift cards for donations of $100, $500, and $1,000.

WICKER PARK — Nearly 18-year-old lunch and brunch spot Milk & Honey Cafe set up a GoFundMe for staff with a $15,000 goal.

WEST LOOP — Bar, restaurant, and music venue Bottom Lounge launched an online tip fund on GoFundMe to assist bartenders, servers, cooks, dishwashers, security, and production staff. Owners aim to raise $10,000.

WEST LOOP— Madison Bar + Kitchen, the New American restaurant and bar, has a fund with a $5,000 goal

WEST TOWN— Rhine Hall, the West Town distiller, has set up a fund to help make hand sanitizer, a product that’s in need for health care providers. They have a $10,000 goal.

WEST TOWN — Rock ‘n roll bar Five Star Bar has set up an employee fund that aims to raise $6,000.

WEST TOWN — Watering hole High Dive is asking for help raising $10,000 on GoFundMe to support employees.

WEST TOWN — Live music spot Cobra Lounge set up a fund that aims to raise $25,000.

WEST TOWN — Cocktail lounge Damen Tavern is working to raise $5,000 for staff on GoFundMe.

WEST TOWN — German and Southern neighborhood restaurant Funkenhausen is offering beer boots, t-shirts, gift cards, and more in exchange for donations to its GoFundMe for staff members. The fund has a $15,000 goal.

WEST TOWN/LAKEVIEW — Owners of Bar Biscay and Mfk are asking for help to raise $30,000 on GoFundMe to help their staff.

WEST LOOP — Jefferson Tap set up a fund for employees with a $10,000 goal.

WEST LOOP — Politan Row food hall stall LaShuk Street Food is raising money for staff on GoFundMe and has already surpassed its $1,000 goal.

WEST LOOP — Momotaro, Boka Restaurant Group’s Japanese restaurant, has a fund for its bar workers. There’s a $10,000 goal.

WEST LOOP — Family-friendly spot Little Goat Diner aims to raise $30,000 on GoFundMe to help employees during the shutdown.

WICKER PARK — Division Street mainstay, Mac’s Wood Grilled, has a $10,000 goal for its workers.

WICKER PARK — Indie rock dive bar Rainbo Club has set up a fund with a $12,000 goal.

WICKER PARK — Dorian’s, the bar and restaurant with a stage for live music, has set up a fund with an $18,500 goal.

WICKER PARK — Late-night bar Flat Iron set up a fund that aims to raise $3,000 for staff who depend entirely on the venue for income.

WICKER PARK — Live music and beer spot North Bar has set up a fund for employees with a $1,000 goal.

WICKER PARK/LAKEVIEW/LOGAN SQUARE — Patrons can purchase gift cards and merch online to support local venues from Four Entertainment Group including Easy Bar, AliveOne, Estelle’s, the Owl, and Remedy.

WRIGLEYVILLE— Craft beer and smoked meats bar Sheffield’s has a fund with a $37,000 goal.

WRIGLEYVILLE — Longstanding spot Bernie’s Tap & Grill, located across from Wrigley Field, aims to raise $10,000 for employees on GoFundMe.

WRIGLEYVILLE — Uncommon Ground has also set up employee fund for workers at their Clark Street location with a $15,000 goal.

WRIGLEYVILLE — Yaz-Kies is waiting for some baseball. Until then, customers can support the sports bar and grill.

WRIGLEYVILLE — Dive bar Nisei Lounge set up a GoFundMe to help support employees. It has a $24,000 goal.

WRIGLEYVILLE — Open since the 1930s, sports bar Murphy’s Bleachers is working to raise $20,000 for employees on GoFundMe.

BROOKFIELD — Suburban restaurant Burger Antics hopes to raise $5,000 on GoFundMe for staff in a “virtual tip jar.”

EVANSTON — Staff at a suburban Bar Louie aim to raise $10,000 on GoFundMe.

EVANSTON — Suburban neighborhood restaurant Firehouse Grill set up a fund for employees who are furloughed while dine-in service is closed. It has a $10,000 goal.

EVANSTON— Viet Nom Nom in Evanston has set up a fund with a $20,000 goal.

EVANSTON — Suburban Evanston restaurant Koi Fine Asian Cuisine and Lounge from owner Sandy Chen (Le Sud) is raising funds for staff on GoFundMe. It’s aiming to raise $50,000.

ORLAND PARK — Indie suburban spot Blissful Banana Cafe is asking for help raising $50,000 on GoFundMe for staff during the shutdown.

ROCK ISLAND— Eight-year-old craft beer bar, Rock Island Public House, has a GoFundMe with a $9,000 goal.

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How to Help Chicago Bar and Restaurant Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak

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