Scratch Kitchen and Lounge was just in its early days of opening as “an urban sandwich and artisan canned beer bodega.” It was among eight Forest Park restaurants that opened during the Great Recession of 2012. The “diner food with an attitude” was new to Madison and has evolved over the past decade-plus.
During 2012, Forest Park welcomed such new restaurants as Amelia’s (taking over Harrison Street Café, 7300 Harrison), Fiorenza (7404 Madison) featuring Italian cuisine, Tapas at 7232 Madison, Old School Tavern and Grill taking over former M. Hermans at 201 Desplaines, Junction Diner (7401 Madison, where the train brought food to children), Piggyback Barbeque (410 Circle), and Yilin (Pan Asian choice for sushi) took over the Coral at 7600 Madison St.
Jill Wagner
