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Logan Square
Profile
Logan Square has a lot to offer, and nothing to prove. It’s home to trendy bars, eclectic boutiques, and the kinds of restaurants where chefs go on their nights off. Still, it has a strong community vibe, and despite all its growth and popularity, doesn’t feel over-developed.
The neighborhood is still full of long-standing historic greystones and vintage apartments, but these are now mixed with newly built duplexes, single family homes, and townhouses. There’s a unique style and character thanks to various landmarks, too. For instance, between Logan and Palmer square parks, you can walk along one of the last remaining stretches of The Chicago Boulevard System — a series of wide, grassy avenues that used to run through several neighborhoods, but now feels like a defining feature of Logan Square.
With a mix of casual and Michelin-starred restaurants, Logan Square’s dining scene has become one of the best in Chicago. Check out the tasting room at Pilot Project Brewing, a kind of test kitchen for indie brewers experimenting with new recipes. Settle in for a movie at the nostalgic Lincoln Theater, known for its cheap tickets and vintage vibes. End the night with a cocktail and a warm chocolate chip cookie at Scofflaw, in front of a crackling fireplace.
Logan Square feels like your cool aunt who knows how to party – and how to garden. It’s a grassy stroll to the farmer’s market before a relaxing, outdoor brunch and a round of cornhole. It’s skeeball and dancing one night, and live blues the next. It’s laid-back strolls along picture-perfect historic streets, tiki drinks under glowing neon signs, and a steamy cup of the best coffee you’ve had in a while.
Backstory
Logan Square, like much of the West Side, wasn’t part of Chicago until the mid-1800s when the Chicago and Western Railway was extended, bringing new industrial opportunities as well as new settlers. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Scandinavian, Polish, and English immigrants were drawn to the area, and began construction of the greystone homes that line the boulevards today.
Logan Square started growing faster in the 1960s, with an influx of new Latino and Chicano residents. Since then, the area has grown more diverse and is home to residents of many backgrounds — which has played a big role in the way the neighborhood, and sense of community, has evolved.
There’s also been a lot of interest and attention from people who have worked to restore and maintain Logan’s architecture, parks, and streets — giving it a distinct look and feel compared to surrounding neighborhoods. Today, the district is home to some of the only wood-framed residences in the city. That’s because when the Chicago Fire swept through and damaged much of the landscape in 1871, Logan Square sat beyond the ‘fire limit’ zones. And, as mentioned above, there’s The Logan Square Boulevards Historic District, which runs past residences, parks, and the Illinois Centennial Monument. From the beautiful old homes to the 19th century churches, you’ll see a lot of history in the architecture around Logan Square.
Local Fare
- Andros Taverna - Named one of America’s best new restaurants by both Forbes and Esquire, they serve classic and contemporary Greek dishes cooked over glowing charcoal embers. Great place to bring a group, and an amazing place to have brunch.
- Daisies - Handmade pastas for dinner, incredible sandwiches for lunch, and a to-go market stocked with gourmet staples and curated wines.
- Giant - Their fresh, Midwest-inspired food that has gotten the attention of the folks at James Beard. Expect slight spins on simple dishes, like jalapeno-laced bucatini or a perfectly-done tri-tip steak. Make reservations and don’t skip dessert.
- Lula Cafe - This place has more awards and accolades than you can count. Lula Cafe has been a leader in the farm-to-table movement for over 20 years. Get in here for brunch, the breakfast sandwich is a legend.
- Big Kids - An homage to the 90s with huge sandwiches, spiced tots, and even a Tang-inspired cocktail.
- Revolution Brewing - Hazy, sour, or infused with hibiscus, the beers here are solid. Don’t forget about the burgers and beer-battered fried cheese curds, though.
- Gaslight Coffee Roasters - The menu is short and simple for a reason: their single-origin coffees are perfectly roasted, and their baristas know how to brew things just right.
Things to Do
- Logan Theater - A proud Logan Square icon, the Logan Theater is almost a century old, with a beautifully restored Art Deco interior. There’s a full roster of films, plus a bar and lounge.
- Logan Square Farmer's Market - Winner of a 2021 Time Out ‘Best of the City’ award, this weekly farmer’s market has fresh produce, handmade local food, beautiful flowers, and lots of community support. You’ll make friends with a dog every time you go.
- Galerie F - A grassroots exhibit space with a focus on street art and printmaking, they also set up mural projects around the city.
Sights to See
- Logan Square - Central to the neighborhood, both in name and in spirit. You’ll see the 70-foot-tall Centennial Monument, a memorial celebrating Illinois’ statehood, peeking up above the trees.
- ‘Greetings from Chicago’ mural - This classic, midcentury, postcard-inspired mural was the first piece in a nationwide art project.
- The 606 trail - The Bloomingdale Trail follows an elevated 2.7-mile former railway line through a bunch of western neighborhoods. Take in the parks, scenic lookout points, and artwork along the way.
Transportation
There are two Blue Line stations in Logan Square, for speedy transit downtown to the Loop, or out of town to O’Hare. Major through-roads Fullerton and Kimball have regular bus lines, and of course, there’s the unique 606.
- the Loop: ~25-30 min by public transit
- the Lake (North Ave. Beach): ~35 min by bike; ~50 min by public transit
- Fulton Market: ~30 min by public transit
- Wick Park: ~15 min by bike; ~20 min by public transit
- O’Hare: ~40 min by public transit
