Emporium Guys Opening Beach-Themed Bar In Logan Square Next Week

The Emporium Arcade Bar guys are bringing the beach to Logan Square. Brothers Danny and Doug Marks are unveiling their latest bar, Surf, on that hot Milwaukee Avenue block mid-next week. And no, there’s no gaming aspect to it—but there is an array of cocktails, beer, food, and decor meant to bring a beach town and surfer vibe to Logan.

Coming to the 2367 N. Milwaukee Ave. space that was once slated for Mindy Segal’s bakery and now houses their separate-entrance dispensary in the back, the interior of Surf "feels like you’re outside when you’re inside," Danny Marks says. The walls are meant to look like exteriors of colorful beach shacks, the floors to look like water, and there’s plenty of benches on rope swings, palm trees, surfboards, and even a front patio that can be enclosed for year-round usage beyond the fully-retractable front windows. "I thought it would be cool to do an endless summer kind of vibe," he says.

The Marks are also doing something different with the drinks. Known for extensive craft beer and whiskey selections at the Emporiums, they’re going with "beachy cocktails" centered on rum and tequila as well as "lighter and refreshing" beer at Surf. There are 12 taps at the bar, eight of which will be used for draft cocktails. Marks says he’s not going for a tiki or Polynesian theme.

Here’s another first for an Emporium project—Surf will have a full kitchen. Marks describes the food as "what a surfer dude would probably eat," which includes pizza (including by the slice), sandwiches, and salads at a mid-price range. The kitchen will serve dinner and late-night initially, with lunch to follow soon.

Expect the opening a couple days after the Fourth of July.