Where to Eat, Drink and What to Do in Logan Square, Chicago
Historic Logan Square is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood. It has recently gained popularity as a fun and trendy spot, like its neighbors – Bucktown and Wicker Park. On a recent trip, we stayed a couple of days at an Airbnb and were able to explore this great neighborhood and discover some gems as well as tips from a local insider (friend) that has lived in the area. The neighborhood has a laid-back local vibe and is also convenient to so many Chicago hot spots. You can hop on the train and be at O’Hare in 15 minutes and downtown in 20!
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of fabulous dining in Logan Square. We were determined to find a brunch spot. Our Airbnb host recommended Lula Cafe, a popular, fun, funky brunch spot. At the time, they were only available for carry-out and we wanted to go to a place where we could sit and enjoy a Bloody Mary or two. We found The Whale on North Milwaukee Ave. and decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. They had great cuisine and delicious Bloody Marys. I loved the avocado toast. The restaurant was glamorously decorated in a mid-century gambling theme. They also serve lunch and dinner and have a full bar. Some other great brunch spots I had read great things about were Cellar Door Provisions and Jam. If you’re looking for an upscale Michelin-Star brunch, head to Longman and Eagle.
The previous evening while walking around, we were hungry after a long drive and wandered into the Furious Spoon. This Japanese fusion spot also has a location in Wicker Park. Their theme is “where ramen meets hip hop.” I had the Dynamo Shrimp and it was super spicy and so delicious. Bixi Beer is a newer restaurant with stunning decor and excellent Chinese fusion cuisine. A great laid-back pizza joint is Paulie Gees. Locals swear by it! If you have a sweet tooth, head over to Bang Bang Pie Shop – a no-frills spot with mouth-watering made-from-scratch pies. On the day we were heading out of town, we passed 90 miles Cuban Cafe and decided to give it a try for lunch. They had great patio seating and authentic Cuban cuisine. It was so good! I later discovered that it has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Where to get a great cup of coffee
I am all about a great cup of coffee and there are coffee shops on every corner in Logan Square it seems. Gaslight Coffee was a favorite for me. This hip, shabby-chic java joint hit the spot! On our way out of town, we were going to stop by Damn Fine Coffee, however there was a line out the door a block long and we were ready to hit the road. The coffee must be good. Sip of Hope non-profit coffee shop on W. Fullerton is another local favorite and 100% of the proceeds support suicide prevention and mental health education. How awesome is that! Some other local favorites are Passion House Coffee Roasters on N. Kenzie Ave., Colectivo on N. Milwaukee and Caffe Umbria Italian-style coffee on W. Armitage. Caffe Umbria is not technically local because they also have locations in Seattle and Portland but I had to include it because it was such good coffee.
Where to get a beverage
One of the great things about a historic neighborhood is the dive bars that go along with it. Whirlaway Lounge is just that. The bar looks unassuming from the outside but once inside, you can see it is packed with locals and you know you’re in a good place. You get the feeling it is one of those places that if only the walls could talk. Another great dive is Weegee’s Lounge on West Armitage. This 1940’s style haunt has classic cocktails, craft beer, and a shuffleboard table. The Owl on North Milwaukee is open extra late. This quirky late-night spot has creative cocktails, an indoor waterfall, and a vintage atmosphere. They also have happy hour 4-6:00 pm Monday through Friday and live music. A local friend had recommended Spilt Milk. Unfortunately, they were closed during our visit. This vintage style, 1920’s pharmacy look has unique cocktails, classy decor, and an outdoor patio. Hopefully, I can make it next time!
After hopping off the Blue Line at the California station, we stumbled onto The Boiler Room. This trendy, laid-back pub also serves up creative pizzas. I hear they even have a great vegan selection. Locals were coming in by the dozens to grab their carry-out pizzas. It must be good! The Moonlighter is a neighborhood bar with great outdoor seating and a full meeting, should you get the munchies. The burgers are amazing! If you’re in the mood for craft beer, Logan Square offers several breweries. Pilot Project, Revolution Brewing, and Hopewell Brewing are all located on North Milwaukee. You can crawl to them all if you choose!
What to Do
The 606 (aka Bloomingdale Trail) is an elevated trail for biking, running, and walking. This abandoned railway has been repurposed as a park. The trail offers scenic look-out points, art installations, and an observatory. It has several access points in Chicago’s hippest neighborhoods – Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Humboldt Park.
The Logan Theatre is a staple in the neighborhood. This historic spot has been around since 1915. Today it hosts movies, sporting events, and local events. The 906-seat theatre has vintage decor and a full bar and lounge – a definite gem!
Shop Logan Square’s boutiques and vintage shops. There are unique shops all around Logan Square. Some of the favorites I found were: Wolfbait and B-Girls Boutique. This handmade marketplace has locally crafted apparel, accessories, art, and gifts. It’s a great place to find something truly unique. Brick-a-Brac Records and Collectibles make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the 80s. This nostalgic shop has vintage toys, posters, records, video games and they also feature local music. Tusk is a chic boutique of vintage and trendy women’s clothing. Their supply is ever-evolving so it never gets old. Check out Fleur for quality home goods and exotic and seasonal floral arrangements. The beautiful boutique also has jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts.
The Logan Square Farmers Market takes place every Sunday. The market serves three goals in the community: 1. to build an alternative food system 2. to foster entrepreneurship and 3. to build community. In the winter, the market moves indoors. It is a great way to support the local community.
I hope you found some inspiration in planning your next Chicago trip. Reach out with any questions, comments, or to share your own Logan Square experiences.
Cheers!
Angela
