Former Smylie Brothers Restaurant Site Listed for $1.475 Million

Fully furnished downtown Evanston restaurant property hits the market after abrupt closure in 2022.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:18pm

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A minimalist, high-end studio still life photograph featuring a polished wooden table with a glass beer stein, barbecue tongs, and wood chips, symbolizing the abstract concepts of corporate strategy and risk in the restaurant industry.The sale of the former Smylie Brothers property represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Evanston's evolving dining landscape.Evanston Today

The 3,515-square-foot building that previously housed the Smylie Brothers Brewing Company restaurant in downtown Evanston, Illinois is now listed for sale at $1.475 million. The property, which includes the fully furnished restaurant space and outdoor seating, became available after the business abruptly closed on New Year's Eve 2022 due to pandemic-related challenges.

Why it matters

The closure of Smylie Brothers was a high-profile loss for the Evanston dining scene, and the availability of this prime downtown real estate presents an opportunity for a new business to establish a presence in a visible, flexible, and recently renovated space.

The details

The listing for 1615 Oak Ave. describes the property as a 'rarely available, fully furnished freestanding restaurant with real estate for sale in downtown Evanston.' When Smylie Brothers closed, the furniture, patio seating, and even Christmas decorations were left behind. The location first opened in 2014 serving craft beer, Texas-style barbecue, and wood-fired pizzas, and also offered event space. According to city officials, at least one potential prospect has already toured the site since it became available for sale.

  • Smylie Brothers abruptly closed on New Year's Eve 2022.
  • The property listing has been active for a few months as of April 2026.

The players

Paul Zalmezak

Evanston's economic development director.

Andy Vick

Executive director of Downtown Evanston.

Jonathan Nieuwsma

Evanston Fourth Ward Councilmember.

Mike Smylie

Former owner of Smylie Brothers Brewing Company.

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What they’re saying

“Hopefully, someone will find the space to be the right fit for their new business concept!”

— Andy Vick, Downtown Evanston executive director

“As a result of the pandemic we are no longer able to operate the business and are now closed.”

— Smylie Brothers Brewing Company

What’s next

According to city officials, at least one potential prospect has already toured the site since it became available for sale, and they are hopeful a new business will find the space suitable for their concept.

The takeaway

The availability of the former Smylie Brothers restaurant property represents an opportunity for a new business to establish a presence in a prime downtown Evanston location, with a flexible layout, outdoor seating, and recent renovations. However, the closure of the popular craft beer and barbecue spot also highlights the ongoing challenges facing the restaurant industry in the wake of the pandemic.