Noah Sandoval Files for New Chicago Spot
Noah Sandoval from 2-Michelin star Oriole filed a liquor license for a new restaurant at 111 N Carpenter in Chicago's West Loop — the former La Sardine location. This marks a potential expansion for one of Chicago's most acclaimed chefs. The West Loop continues to attract high-profile culinary talent.
The new venture will be Sandoval's third active project, joining the acclaimed Oriole and Pizza Friendly Pizza, a casual walk-up spot he opened in 2020. This demonstrates a range from the highest end of fine dining to accessible, everyday fare, leaving the concept for the new Carpenter Street location a subject of industry speculation. The 111 N. Carpenter address was home to the beloved French bistro La Sardine for 22 years. The institution closed its doors permanently in the summer of 2020, citing the financial strain of the pandemic and a prohibitively expensive $80,000 air-conditioning repair. The space has since been marketed as a turnkey restaurant opportunity. Filing for a liquor license in Chicago is a key preliminary step that signals serious intent. The process, which involves public notification and various city inspections, typically takes 30 to 90 days. A full restaurant opening often follows several months after the license application is submitted. This move places Sandoval deeper into one of the most competitive and celebrated dining neighborhoods in the country. The West Loop and the Fulton-Randolph Market District, once a hub for meatpacking and wholesale produce, is now dense with culinary destinations. The area is home to other Michelin-starred establishments like the three-star Smyth and two-star Ever, making it a proving ground for top-tier chefs.
