The Story
The Busy Bee started in 1913 as the Oak Room, serving Chicago's Polish community near the Wicker Park Blue Line stop. It changed hands and names over the decades, but its soul was defined by Sophie Madej, who bought it in 1965 and ran it for 33 years.
Sophie's bright yellow walls, shoebox-shaped counter, and homemade pierogis made the Busy Bee a Wicker Park institution. Mayor Harold Washington loved the oxtail stew. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Congressman Dan Rostenkowski used the tiny diner as a photo opportunity. Local artists and factory workers sat side by side at the counter.
On June 28, 1998, diners stood and applauded as the 70-year-old Sophie wiped tears from her eyes. After 33 years of seven-day weeks, she was retiring. 'I've seen a lot of places close,' said one chef who attended. 'It wasn't until the Busy Bee closed that I saw people cry.' Sophie died in 2014 at age 86. Her sour cream spinach soup lives on at Boulevard Bistro in Logan Square.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Handmade Polish dumplings that defined the menu
Mayor Harold Washington's favorite dish
Recipe now served at Boulevard Bistro in Logan Square
Classic Polish preparation
💡 Did You Know?
- Mayor Harold Washington was a regular who loved the oxtail stew
- Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy, and Dan Rostenkowski all used it for campaign photos
- The former space became Blue Line Lounge & Grill in 2001
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Blue Line Lounge & Grill opened in the space in 2001
Original Address: 1546-1550 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622