Palace Grill damaged in fire overnight, officials say
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A fire caused “extensive” damage to a notable restaurant in the West Loop Friday night, according to the Chicago fire department.
The blaze broke out at about 10 p.m. at the Palace Grill, located at 1408 W. Madison St., said Larry Langford, a spokesperson for the fire department. While the structure is intact and “rebuildable,” Langford said the damage inside is substantial.
He said it only took about 10 minutes to extinguish the fire, and no injuries were reported.
The restaurant, founded in 1938, is known for its classic diner food. Located near Chicago’s 911 center and the United Center, it’s a popular destination for Blackhawks fans and first responders. It was even featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
Langford said the cause of the fire is under investigation, and they aren’t ruling out any possibilities until they review nearby surveillance cameras. He said there were a few lightning-induced fires overnight, which is something investigators will check for on the footage.
Because the restaurant closed at 2 p.m., he said a grease fire eight hours later is unlikely, but possible.
“Everything’s on the table,” Langford said. “They haven’t started eliminating anything.”
rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
dawilliams@chicagotribune.com
