Earwax has been a Wicker Park staple for the past two decades. Serving all sorts of artists, students, hipsters, and vegetarians, Earwax officially closed its doors Sunday, Feb. 27 after a week of seeing the most business they ever have. Talking to one waiter on the Wednesday night prior to the close, he told us that on Monday, they had their last food order, the line stretched out the door all day long and by the end they had gone through that food order. Same story Tuesday, and Wednesday. You can only imagine how the last weekend was for this vegetarian cafe.
Earwax was known for its delicious food and lively decorations. Mixing obscure circus furnishings with the ironic vibe that is so native to Wicker Park, Earwax was more than just a place for food. I took my first girlfriend there the night I asked her out, and went there almost at least once a month with friends afterwards. It quickly became one of my favorite hangout spots in the city.
The staff was always friendly, and if you tried to pull a joke on them they’d turn it around by playing along. Once, I brought in a bag of trail mix to see if they would make me a soymilk trail mix shake. They did, and it was delicious. Another time they blended a cookie for me, and another time, a cupcake. Always delicious.
The food at Earwax was some of the most unique I’ve ever had. Almost every time a group goes there, a waiter or frequent patron will hear the question, “What is seitan?” The avocado-salsa-black bean burger was a classic that will be missed, along with the sweet potato-black bean quesadilla, and don’t even get me started on their fresh baked vegan-friendly desserts.
But, the atmosphere of this restaurant is what made Earwax what it was.
The myth is that legendary Wicker Park artist Jojo did all the artwork in Earwax, from the giant monkey (and his equally giant phallus), to the carnival-like stand that would separate the hopeful patrons from the happy eaters. The place was always full, the waiters always friendly, and the café styled restaurant worked perfectly for this part of town.
I miss Earwax; it was a beautiful place. Goat cheese quesadillas, best tomato soup and chilaquiles I’ve probably ever had, and some mean veggie burgers. The desserts were great, the servers quickly turned into your friends. It’s a shocker that this place closed down and you can see that reflected in the graffiti covering the streets of Wicker Park as it now reads, “Save Earwax!” We all wish the owners hadn’t gotten a divorce, but I suppose that’s what happens sometimes.
Long live Earwax; Earwax is dead, long live Earwax! We didn’t live for thee, but we sure did love thee, if ever I were to find your recipe, it surely still wouldn’t be the same, to me.