Logan Square: CHICAGO'S Best-Kept Secret

Dive past the deep-dish pizzas and dive bars to the hip ‘hood of Logan Square, where foodie and cocktail connoisseurs rejoice.

Logan, as it’s affectionately nicknamed, is essentially the Brooklyn of Chicago and home to Negroni slushees, wild boar sloppy joes and 80’s pinball machines. Its transformation from a shady boulevard littered with questionable bars to cool gastropubs serving bone marrow and craft cocktails has begun. Something magical is happening in the Midwest.

Parson’s Chicken and Fish 

Mama’s home cooking meets hipster hillbilly in this 35-seat food shack. The vibe is casual yet creative, and diners are encouraged to enjoy the extensive outdoor bar while simultaneously playing round after round of ping-pong. But don’t let the vibe distract you for too long, you’ll want to try Parson’s beloved staples, including the Amish fried chicken and Negroni slushees.

http://www.parsonschickenandfish.com/

Longman and Eagle

The only thing bad about Longman and Eagle is deciding what to order. Not only does this beloved gastropub include an extensive selection of whiskey ( 148 varieties, to be exact), but they also offer roasted bone marrow, black sesame doughnuts, and the infamous wild boar sloppy joes. If you need a place to crash, Longman and Eagle also offers six urban-inspired rooms and a beautiful brunch menu, making it one of the trendiest Bed and Breakfasts we’ve seen in a while.

http://www.longmanandeagle.com/

Scofflaw

Great food? Check. Extensive gin menu? Check. Midnight chocolate chip cookies? Check, and yes please. The perfect place to cuddle up during a cold Chicago winter, Scofflaw is Logan’s go-to restaurant and gin bar. Walk inside and you’ll feel like you’ve entered an Edward Hopper painting; order a drink and you’ll never want to leave. Standouts include the Curtain Call and Swizzle #3, but the menu is extensive enough for everyone to find something to satisfy his or her particular tastes. Oh, and the bartender has a heavy hand, so don’t forget to order some of Scofflaw’s $4 sides to soak everything up.

http://www.scofflawchicago.com/

Masa Azul

For a friendly vibe, elevated Mexican, and a cornucopia of well-crafted cocktails, check out Masa Azul. This down-to-earth Mexican street food and agave bar focuses on simple and fresh flavors to create sophisticated favorites. Jason Lerner is the genius behind the bar. As one might expect, Jason favors tequila and mezcal-based concoctions, and likes to create unique twists on classic favorites (try the Oaxacan Old Fashioned and Latin Manhattan). Intimidated by the menu? Never fear. Jason and chef Jay Santana are ready to help learn customer’s preferences in order to give recommendations and provide an unforgettable dining and drinking experience.

http://www.masaazul.com/

Boiler Room

The Boiler Room entices diners with its PB&J, but don’t expect a sandwich if you decide to order one. The acronym stands for pizza, beer and Jameson, and for $8 you get all three (and it’s a TALL beer, folks).  There’s a big patio behind the restaurant, and it’s heated during those harsh Chicago winters, so you’re guaranteed a comfy seat regardless of the season.  It’s cash only, but if you use the restaurant’s ATM, you get a free shot of Jameson. We’re not complaining.

http://www.boilerroomlogansquare.com/

Logan Arcade

Whether you’re channeling your eighth-grade self or The Who, Logan Arcade is filled with enough nostalgia to make anyone feel like a pinball wizard.  Once home to Logan’s Record Store and Arcade museum, the place offers over 40 video games, 25 pinball machines, and a full bar. But be warned – the crowd can get quite competitive, especially when it comes to the Killer Queen.

http://loganarcade.com/

Revolution Brewing Company 

Okay, there had to be some beer on this list. But Revolution Brewing Company sets itself apart by putting just as much effort into their food as they do their beer. The bacon fat fries serve as the perfect accoutrement to any of their beers, from hyper hop-bombs like the Double Fist or Beglian-style wheat beers that coat the palate with coriander and orange. Don’t fret if you’re overwhelmed with choices; Revolution offers $2 5-oz glasses of all of their beers, so you can find something that works for you. You’re essentially a kid in a candy shop, ya know, if you were 21 and there were sour beers inside of Warheads.

http://revbrew.com/