Multiple Hospitality Projects, Including Scofflaw, to Transform Logan Square Block

Much of the 2300 block of North Milwaukee will be unrecognizable within months, changing the course of a street and a neighborhood in one swoop. Epitomizing the fast and furious development of Logan Square, multiple hospitality projects, including Scofflaw, The Radler, D.A.S., Chicago Distilling Company, and more are going into one strip in a multi-pronged construction project that sources say has been years in the making. It is well underway and ongoing on the stretch that used to house Thiessen Printing and Precision Die Cutting, roughly between Revolution Brewing and Gaslight Coffee Roasters.

The Scofflaw project has been rumored for weeks. Although Scofflaw reps and ownership declined comment at this time, Ald. Rey Colon (35th) confirmed the project. "We can look forward to a lot more Scofflaw gin coming from that little section of Milwaukee," the Alderman said. "It's exciting."

While exact conceptual details are under wraps, a worker on site described a "hillbilly bar," mentioning a country western theme complete with line dancing. He expects construction to finish in September or October.

Many details are known about Chicago Distilling Company at 2359 N. Milwaukee. The project, helmed by Jay DiPrizio and family, will feature a 1700 square-foot tasting room (opening in roughly a month) and hopefully a production facility to open down the road. The craft distillery will focus on three types of whiskeys (including a white whiskey), one vodka, and possibly gin.

The tasting room will hold 60-70 people and have a 22-foot u-shaped bar serving tastes, cocktails, and house infusions. They will serve experimental and niche spirits like Amaro, and hope to offer food at a later date. Look for tours, tastings, and other types of liquor educational events. DiPrizio was inspired by a trip to the Canary Islands and his wife's family history of distilling in Wisconsin.

The Radler and D.A.S., the two Bavarian concepts from former Vie chef Nate Sears at 2357 N. Milwaukee, will be located in this complex as well. As previously reported, one will be a large 3,200 square-foot sit-down German beer hall; the other will be smaller, more modern, and intimate.

Rumors are flying furiously as to what else is coming in. A worker on site says there will be a winery, and another rumor mentions a new project from a very recognizable pastry chef. More to come when they are confirmed.

Whatever else ends up here, this strip of Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Square as a whole will receive a sudden influx of restaurants, bars, production, and jobs. Logan has already seen a recent boom of new projects, with more to come, but not multiple places around the same time in the same complex.

"When you come to Chicago you have to stop here," Colon says. "We're becoming a destination for the city."

[UPDATE: Scofflaw ownership says their new bar won't have a western theme, RedEye reports.]