Sidewalk cafes contribute to a vibrant Edgewater by activating public space, encouraging pedestrian traffic, inviting interaction with the businesses and contributing to the aesthetic landscape with attractive furniture and greenery.

In order to encourage business’s in SSA 26 to invest in installing sidewalk cafes in Edgewater, the SSA 26 rebate program reimburses up to 33 participating restaurants for the $600 sidewalk cafe permit fee. Sidewalk cafes in Chicago are permitted from March 1 to December 1; the permit process takes up to 30-45 days from the submission of the sidewalk cafe permit application which can be found HERE. 

The 2023 rebate application can be found HERE and emailed, completed, with a copy of your business’s approved 2020 sidewalk cafe permit to Lynn@edgewater.org, or mailed or dropped off to the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, 1210 West Rosedale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660. 

Rebates will be issued to the first 33 applicants in the order of applications received. Please allow up to three weeks to receive your rebate.