New bar taps downtown DeKalb’s former House Cafe for proposed ‘La Calle’

DeKALB - A new bar, dubbed La Calle or “The Street,” could be coming to downtown DeKalb in the space formerly occupied by The House Café, which closed in 2019.

Bar owner Yesenia Galindo is taking her petition to the DeKalb City Council for approval of a bar liquor license, with tentative plans to open the business by late summer. Galindo also is seeking a permit that will allow for live entertainment in the space.

If approved for a city permit, she’ll seek state licensing, too, according to city documents released ahead of Monday’s City Council meeting, set for 6 p.m. at the DeKalb Public Library, 209 Oak St.

The building at 263 E. Lincoln Highway has been largely vacant since the House Café closed in mid-2019. The ground level space has been used for art galleries and local vendor space. Chicago-based brewer Alulu Brewery sought city support to open a location in the building in 2019. The plans had included live entertainment and a rooftop patio. Alulu developers planned to ask the city of DeKalb for $770,000 in tax increment financing aid. Support for the project fizzled and did not win over the council.

The latest proposal for the place already has the owner enthused, according to city records.

“Ms. Galindo is very excited about this venture and looks forward to being a part of the new downtown DeKalb experience,” city staff said in documents released Thursday.

Galindo also is working with city staff to determine if any necessary building improvements are needed ahead of her target opening in early August. If the liquor permit is approved, Galindo will be expected to pay a $10,766 fee plus a $377 fee for the live entertainment permit.