Old Town is set to get a new all-day hangout when Rest And Recreation moves into the former Patina Collection storefront at 1359 N Wells Street. The cozy coffee-and-cocktail concept is currently under construction and targeting a late spring to early summer 2026 debut. Billed as "Coffee. Cocktails. Community. All day every day," the project was first announced by the owner in early February.
According to What Now Chicago, Rest + Recreation was registered as a business in December 2025 and project lead Elizabeth Transier formally introduced the Old Town concept in early February. The outlet reports that the team has not shared a full menu yet, but has hinted at a lineup of espresso drinks alongside "specially made cocktails." The retailer that previously occupied the space has already moved on; the Patina Collection site notes that its Chicago showroom at 1359 N Wells has permanently closed.
Where It Will Sit
The new cafe will land at the corner of North Wells and West Schiller, a compact stretch of Old Town where neighborhood staples share the block with newer arrivals. Across the street, Orso's Italian holds court, according to its OpenTable listing, and Hogsalt's Small Cheval slings burgers just up Wells. The Old Town Merchants & Residents Association counts this stretch among the neighborhood's more tightly packed restaurant clusters, a spot that could give an all-day cafe a steady blend of commuter and local foot traffic.
What To Expect
A finalized menu has not yet been posted, but early teasers point to classic espresso drinks during daylight hours and a turn to cocktail service in the evening. The social messaging from the concept leans heavily on community and an all-day rhythm, a format that has become increasingly common for urban cafes looking to stay busy from morning into night. Coverage of similar all-day cafes and market-style spots has become a staple of local food news; Eater Chicago has highlighted the appeal when operators pair dependable coffee programs with evening beverage menus.
As construction continues, Rest And Recreation is poised to join an already busy Old Town dining strip, with the team sharing progress updates on social media. What Now reported that it has reached out to the operators and is awaiting a response; for now, public business listings and the shop's social pages remain the best bet for a confirmed opening date.
