Acclaimed Cocktailers Take Over Johnny’s Grill Space in Logan Square

Nine months after Johnny’s Grill and Mezcaleria Las Flores — a critically acclaimed diner and mezcal bar — closed in Logan Square, there’s news of a new project in the space from the braintrust behind several of Chicago’s top bars. Wade McElroy and Jeff Donahue, Eater Chicago’s 2014 bartenders of the year have something brewing at the space at 2545 N. Kedzie Avenue. Mezcaleria Las Flores was Eater Chicago’s bar of the year for 2017 before the shutter.

McElroy and Donahue worked with Heisler Hospitality on Sportsman’s Club in Ukrainian Village and Estereo in Logan Square. More recently, they branched out by themselves and started a new company, Leisure Activities. Their first independent project was the overhaul of the Orbit Room in Avondale as they opened Ludlow Liquors.

A spokesperson for Leisure confirmed the duo were working on a project in both Johnny’s Grill and the Mezcaleria Las Flores spaces. Workers were coming in and out of the space on Tuesday afternoon. They’ll be in touch with more information at a later date.

The cheeseburger at Johnny’s Grill became crowd pleasure from chef Sarah Jordan. Jordan’s gone on to work as the food and beverage director for the company behind the upcoming Wheelhouse Hotel in Wrigleyville.

Block Club Chicago first reported the news by noticing a repair permit stuck to a bottom window. Ludlow Liquors has a food component, and it appears the new project will also serve food. Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks.