In a new weekly series, Summer in Chicago, Eater is highlighting places to eat and drink—sometimes lesser-known spots—in different neighborhoods for when your out-of-town friends come to visit. This week: Logan Square.
[Photo: Revolution Brewing]
Summer in Chicago – the season that makes all those awful winters worth it. Also the season that out-of-towners pounce on our metropolis, eager for all the deep dish and hot dogs they can stomach. But not this time, tourists. Every week, Eater will provide a list of the different places throughout each neighborhood and break it down into categories—the famous, the hidden gems and more—to guide your summer culinary journeys and arm you against the typical tourist traps.
Famous: Bonsoiree
Address: 2728 W. Armitage
The low-down: This Michelin-starred spot is one of the city’s finest BYOB’s. While the eclectic fare is truly avant garde (and is served in five or nine-course tasting menus), the atmosphere is unpretentious and intimate.
Pub and Grub: Revolution Brewing
Address: 2323 N. Milwaukee
The low-down: Year-round and seasonal craft beers complement this brewpub’s equally creative food menu. Start with the bacon fat popcorn or La Pryor Farms pork rinds, or skip right to the farm burger (with baby spinach, roasted beet, horseradish cream and organic fried egg).
Under the Radar: Ecuador Restaurant
Address: 2923 W. Diversey
The low-down: Authentic Ecuadorian and Latin American dishes make this an ideal restaurant for groups. Everything from the ayacas (Ecuadorian tamale with chicken) and bolon de verde (plantain with pork skin) to the seco de chivo (goat stew) is generously portioned, perfectly seasoned and inexpensive.
Brunch: Lula Café
Address: 2537 N. Kedzie
The low-down: Whether you prefer sweet or savory when it comes to brunch, Lula hits the spot. The hazelnut bread pudding “French toast” (with brown butter crème anglaise, roasted rhubarb, whipped ricotta and gingersnap) is as decadent and delicious as dessert, while the breakfast tacos (with housemade chorizo and lamb’s quarter scrambled with farm eggs, queso fresco, red chile crème and chilled black bean salad) are satisfying without being overwhelming. The full bar and friendly staff are bonuses to the delicious fare.
Lunch: El Cubanito
Address: 2555 N. Pulaski
The low-down: This hole-in-the-wall serves unbeatable – you guessed it – Cuban sandwiches, complete with tender roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. If pork isn’t your thing, the steak sandwich is just as good.
Cocktails: Scofflaw
Address: 3201 W. Armitage
The low-down: If you think you don’t like gin, think again. This neighborhood watering hole serves traditional and innovative gin-focused cocktails (ranging from the Basil Bramble to the Rocket Frost), all hand shaken for $8.
Wine Bar: Telegraph
Address: 2601 N. Milwaukee
The low-down: If you're in the mood for a great glass of wine while sitting at communal tables or the bar with a cool staff, Telegraph is the spot. Craft beers and spirits accompany an extensive (and impressive) wine list. Oh, and that menu from chef Johnny Anderes? Designed in conjunction with the wine list. Bonus for you.
Coffee: New Wave Coffee
Address: 3103 W. Logan
The low-down: Everything you're looking for in a coffeehouse: hipster-chic vibe, free Wi-Fi, comfy couches and Metropolis Coffee. Stop by for a cup or settle in for an afternoon on your laptop – you’ll fit right in.
Dinner: Longman & Eagle
Address: 2657 N. Kedzie
The low-down: Farm-to-table American fare keeps the crowds rolling in. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait – but the pastrami-spiced pig head (with sauerkraut gnocchi, dehydrated rye, shaved pear-watercress salad and thousand island sugo), crispy confit of duck belly (with butternut risotto, Klug Farm apples, squash and soy chestnut broth) and seared Maine day boat scallops (with black truffle cream of wheat, beech mushrooms, pickled ramp bulbs, pea shoots and citrus emulsion) are totally worth it. Try one of the renowned whiskey cocktails in the meantime.
Late night: Redhot Ranch
Address: 2072 N. Western
The low-down: If you work up an appetite after your late-night shenanigans, head to Redhot for a hot dog or polish sausage. Fries come on the side, but the extras end there; mustard, relish, onions and peppers are the only condiments in house.
Eater intern Alison Kessler contributed this article.
