Cafe Selmarie

"A beloved spot in Lincoln Square that held youthful memories for many, known for their banana eclairs." - Ashok Selvam

"Cafe Selmarie, a European-style restaurant and bakery pillar for four decades in Lincoln Square, has announced a closing date more than six months after founder Birgit Kobayashi declared her plans to retire. Its last seating will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at 4729 N. Lincoln Avenue, according to a rep. Kobayashi, who opened Selmarie in 1983 with late business partner Jean Uzdawani, first shared the impending closure in September 2023 but didn’t specify a date." - Ashok Selvam

"Cafe Selmarie, a cozy Lincoln Square favorite, is preparing to close after more than four decades. Founded by Birgit Kobayashi and her late business partner Jean Uzdawanis in 1983, it has been a Lincoln Square pillar. Known for its comfortable atmosphere, fresh baked goods made on-site, and an all-day lineup of soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta. It was home to the first espresso machine in the neighborhood. In 2017, Kobayashi became the sole proprietor following Uzdawanis’ death." - Naomi Waxman

"Cafe Selmarie owner Birgit Kobayashi has announced her intention to close the neighborhood bakery favorite around mid-February, though a closing date is not yet finalized, according to Block Club Chicago. Kobayashi first notified fans in the fall that she planned to retire and shut down the cafe in 2024 after 40 years at 4729 N. Lincoln Avenue. She and co-founder Jeanne Uzdawinis founded Cafe Selmarie when they were 29 and introduced the neighborhood to its first espresso machine." - Ashok Selvam

"I was also truly saddened to hear that Cafe Selmarie in Lincoln Square will soon be closing its doors after 40 years." - Ashok Selvam