A few of the many great things to eat/drink/do in Logan Square…
BREAKFAST // COFFEE
Reno: One of those places that’s great all day. Wood-fired bagels (with spreads or as egg sandwiches) and Stumptown Coffee in the morning are probably my favorite things at Reno, but the lunch sandwiches and dinner pizzas are also awesome.
Bang Bang Pie Shop: Amazing biscuits and pie. For biscuits, they have a full menu of breakfast sandwiches, plus just fancy butters and jams. There’s also a backyard area with picnic tables.
Cafe Con Leche: They have the best Mexican breakfast food (I especially love the chilaquiles and tortas). Also centrally located and not as crowded as some other brunch spots.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters: Probably my favorite Logan Square coffee shop. They roast their beans on-site, and it’s great for lingering or just stopping as you’re walking elsewhere. Great sandwiches, too.
Intelligentsia Logan Square: Simply because it’s the only Intelligentsia location that has this crazy good milkshake.
Cellar Door Provisions: Lovely pastries and a super-seasonal menu, plus this study in bread-and-butter simplicity.
OSB at Longman & Eagle: The Off-Site Bar space at the back of Longman has a pop-up sausage shop on Saturdays and a pop-up doughnut shop on Sundays. And Longman’s normal menu is awesome, too, of course.
BRUNCH // LUNCH
Lula Cafe: Lula is my go-to. They serve brunch/lunch/dinner six days a week (closed Tuesdays). Brunch is super popular and changes all the time (like this and this and this), but if you don’t get there for the first seating at 9 a.m., you may end up with a decent wait. But it’s another place where you’ll have an awesome, consistent experience no matter what time you go.
El Cid: Food is solid, but go for the hidden garden patio area when you walk along the right of the building and go all the way back. Their tamarind margaritas are also my fave.
DRINKS // SNACKS
Scofflaw: Easy to see why it’s won Best Bar in Chicago from Chicago magazine before. The drinks, food, and space (including fireplace!) just all work so well.
Parson’s Chicken and Fish: Probably don’t need to tell you about the Negroni slushies (they also have a dark & stormy one and other specials), but it’s a must-stop. One of the best patios in Chicago for a reason! Get the hush puppies and the Nashville hot chicken too (warning: it is seriously hot).
Miko’s Italian Ice: This walk-up window has been around forever and they always use fresh, seasonal fruit. I love coconut, mango, and banana chocolate chip, but every flavor is good. Always a fun stop on the way to/from Parson’s or Scofflaw.
Billy Sunday: I love the cocktails and cozy atmosphere. Everything I’ve ever had here has been interesting and delicious. It’s good for
The Whistler: The original craft cocktail destination in Logan, and still great. They have a lot of live music and other events, so I’d check the calendar before you go.
MILWAUKEE AVE. CRAWL [Fullerton to California]
Slippery Slope: Bottled cocktails, skee ball, and (once it’s late enough) lots of dancing. Upstairs is Heavy Feather, a ’70s throwback cocktail bar.
Chicago Distilling: They make their own spirits on site, so it’s a fun stop for white whiskey or vodka. They also do distillery tours for $10, which could be fun.
…And of course, finish with beers at Revolution
ACTIVITIES // ETC.
Logan Theatre: Cheap matinee + taking in drinks from the bar = perfection.
City Lit Books and Uncharted Books are both great bookstores, and I also really like Shop 1021 and Wolfbait for browsing.
Logan Square Farmers Market: It’s on the boulevard on Sunday mornings and is definitely worth walking through. New Wave Coffee also sells Metropolis iced coffee outside their shop during the market.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Lost Lake: The tiki hideaway that dreams are made of. Try everything.
Fat Rice: I would say Fat Rice has the most unique food in Logan Square (it’s Macanese, so Chinese and Portuguese influences). They started doing a dim sum brunch, but dinner is also fantastic (as long as you get there early, since it’s small and the wait builds up fast).
The Radler: A more upscale version of a German beer hall. Go for big steins, soft pretzels, and fancy sausages.
Rocking Horse: For when you just need a beer and tater tots (of all the varieties, the chimichurri ones are my favorite).
Pizza & Jameson soft serve at Boiler Room.