Burglars Crash SUV Into Historic 24 Hour Chicago Restaurant to Steal ATM During Business Hours

Historic Lakeview diner Golden Apple Grille hit by crash and grab burglars who used a Jeep to steal an ATM while the restaurant was open.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 11:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from CBS News Chicago

Brazen Smash and Grab Targeting Iconic Lakeview Eatery

The Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago became the site of a violent commercial burglary early Monday morning when a vehicle was used as a battering ram against a local landmark. At approximately 3:43 a.m., three individuals drove a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee through the front entrance of the Golden Apple Grille and Breakfast House located at 2971 N. Lincoln Ave. Law enforcement officials noted that the restaurant was open for business at the time of the attack, though no injuries were reported among the staff or patrons present during the impact.

Suspects Coordinate Quick Extraction of Cash Machine

Once the structural barrier of the restaurant was breached, the burglars moved quickly to secure an automated teller machine located inside the building. Chicago Police reports indicate that after seizing the ATM, the trio abandoned the Jeep and transferred to a waiting black sport,utility vehicle to make their escape. The intersection of Lincoln, Southport, and Wellington avenues, usually a bustling hub for the Athenaeum Center and local parishioners, was briefly transformed into a crime scene as detectives arrived to process the evidence left behind by the fleeing suspects.

Cultural Landmark Faced With Sudden Structural Destruction

The Golden Apple holds a significant place in Chicago cultural history, having transitioned from the Golden Nugget chain to independent ownership by Greek immigrants in the 1970s. The restaurant website highlights its status as a creative hub where notable figures like Tina Fey penned scripts during her tenure at the Second City. It has served as a frequent stop for sports icons and media personalities alike, making the physical violation of the space a notable event for the Lakeview community and long time supporters of the 24,hour establishment.