A South Side Institution Gets Fresh Look
The former home to Tropical Hut transforms into Nipsey's, paying homage to the 1990s and positioning itself as more than just another restaurant in the community.
As the pandemic rages on, a whole new generation is discovering and obsessing over some of the 1990s’ best moments, including its hip-hop scene, movies, and television shows like “Moesha,” “In Living Color,” “Living Single,” and “Martin.” The team behind the brand-new Nipsey’s restaurant recognized the incoming trend two years ago when they started the project on Chicago’s South Side in the Pill Hill community.
Formerly the Tropical Hut, a popular seafood-focused restaurant that had been around since I was a child, Nipsey’s is modeled after the cocktail lounge the characters hung out in on “Martin.” It’s been updated, of course, with Southern fare, vibrant colors and leather throughout the space, and state-of-the-art monitors for watching sports action, yet its aim is to serve as a gathering spot for the community. Post-pandemic, they’re aiming to host book signings, wine-tasting events, local community groups and more.
Teddy Gilmore, who serves as the establishment’s director of operations and was instrumental in its concept, grew up a block away from the restaurant. During a recent episode on the LIVE! Culinary Series, he talks about how important it was for him to open something in his old neighborhood.
“It’s a different feeling to be appreciated, to actually be wanted,” says Gilmore, who has been involved in the restaurant business for more than 20 years. “I’ve often said that there’s a tale of two cities in Chicago. It feels good to be on a different side of the city where people appreciate you. … and the alderman will go to bat for you when you need something. That’s a different type of feeling.”
During the episode, he gave me a virtual tour of the space and showcased a few of the dishes, including popular items like deep-fried catfish, Nashville hot chicken sliders and tavern-style pizzas. But what was most interesting were his candid views on how Black residents are treated when they go out in Chicago. His previous restaurants were in River North and the West Loop, where they were constantly under scrutiny.
He hopes to get some relief at this South Side location while providing jobs for people in need.
“People over here were so happy and positive,” Gilmore continues. “I truly am at a place of peace being over here. … a lot of restaurants have left the downtown area and are now back into their own communities. Well, this is our community.”
I can't wait to visit Nipsey's! 😁