UPDATE: Escencia Urban Kitchen Moves into Former Phoebe’s Bakery

Two months after Phoebe’s Bakery & Espresso Bar in East Lake View shut its doors, residents are getting ready to welcome a new restaurant and café in its place.

Located at the corner of North Broadway and West Roscoe Street, owners Raphael and Isabel Castro are slated to bring a fresh sandwich and sweets shop to the restaurant mix. Named Escencia Urban Kitchen, Isabel says the café will be a casual space to snag a quick bite.

"Essence is the soul of everything, and it is what defines each individual, each culture and each family," Isabel said. "We will bring the essence of our family, our culture, and our food to the neighborhood. ... We are trying to open our own market and bring our "escencia" into it."

The Castros, who just signed the lease on Thursday, say they’ve been in the restaurant business for years. They even owned a Mexican restaurant about 10 years ago in Wrigleyville, saying their Mexican roots will have an effect on the new restaurant’s flavor.

“We’re not going to be a taquería or anything, but the food will have a little bit of Mexican flair,” Isabel said.

The new restaurant comes after the unexpected closing of Phoebe’s Bakery, a popular café that formerly occupied the space at 3351 N. Broadway. On Nov. 9, the store notified its more than 2,200 Facebook fans it was leaving East Lake View.

“Hello friends and lovers, i am sorry to announce that our store will be closing this Monday morning. Hopefully it will be short lived and a new owner will be opening soon. please stop by and get one last cupcake this weekend. Sat 9-10 and Sunday 8-8 Thank you for all of your love and support over the years. –phoebe”

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Rumors the store would reopen circled, but eventually were quashed when movers began pulling equipment from the restaurant.

The Castros were busy putting up the black window coverings on Friday, preparing for construction. They say the restaurant is scheduled to open sometime in March, and it will feature average priced menu options.

Also, because it’s intended to be a family eatery, there are no plans to apply for a liquor license. However, the duo says they’re applying for a sidewalk café permit so diners can enjoy their sandwiches and salads outdoors on Roscoe Street.

But, more than anything, the Castros say keeping things local and fresh is the top priority.

“We plan to connect with a local bakery for (pastry items), and everything will really be as fresh as possible,” Isabel said. “The sandwiches, salads—everything will be fresh and available for takeout.” 

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