Where to Eat in Logan Square, Chicago

The best part of moving to a new neighborhood is discovering the best restaurants and bars. I recently moved and have been researching what to eat in Logan Square.

After almost six years of living in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, I finally left downtown. All it took was a pandemic to bring the Loop’s liveliness to a lonely halt (and make my studio apartment feel incredibly cramped) and a relationship to make me crave a more neighborhood-feeling neighborhood.

So I moved to Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, about 7 miles northwest of downtown. (It’s about a 20 minute ride on the L.) It’s full of locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops, plus enough bars and restaurants to keep me entertained for a lifetime. Luckily my boyfriend is a Logan Square veteran who got me quickly acclimated to the area. Meaning: introducing me to the best restaurants in the neighborhood!

For the past few months we’ve done lots of research (it was hard work, trust me!). Here’s where to eat in Logan Square.

Where to Eat in Logan Square

Mi Tocaya Antojería

Recently reopened after a two year pandemic hiatus, Mi Tocaya is back. I never got to eat there pre-pandemic, so I can’t compare then vs. now, but I can say it’s fantastic. The cuisine is definitely Mexican, but not necessarily the typical dishes served at every Mexican spot in the country. Here they’re serving lesser known regional specialties and the chef’s take on classics.

The menu is based on Chef Diana Dávila’s childhood, with charming descriptions of the dishes relating to her memories as a child. This personal touch is charming and creates a connection with the chef. Somehow I think it makes the food taste better! The menu changes regularly, so if you find a favorite, return as soon as you can. (The bone marrow with burnt ends on the winter menu was that favorite for me, but her recent take on Enchiladas was delicious!)

Andros Taverna

When Andros Taverna opened in early 2021, it was nearly impossible to snag a reservation. I wondered if it was one of those places where the hype exceeds the reality. That is, until I ate there.

Andros Taverna’s contemporary Greek fare is worth every bit of excitement. The mezze dips are worth going for alone, but add the excellent octopus (seriously, don’t miss it) and the awesome wine list, and you’ve got yourself a great meal.

Speaking of wine, the sommelier has a knack for good bottle recommendations. One time we gave him a cryptic description of the wine we like (“white, acidic, citrusy”) and he produced a wine that hit all those notes perfectly. And the best part was it was an affordable bottle!

Don’t get me wrong, Andros Taverna can run up a pricey tab pretty quick, but at least it will be worth the splurge.

The Old Plank

Some days I don’t want to interpret a menu or break down the creativity of a dish, I just want a good meal. On those days you can find me at The Old Plank. The casual bar is bright and welcoming, and on warm days they open up their garage-door-style windows to let the breeze in. It feels almost like sitting outside without the hassle.

The food is described as Tex Mex, and the tacos, fajitas, and burritos on the menu confirm that. But why I go to The Old Plank is for their fried chicken sandwich or the burger. The brisket isn’t bad and neither are the nachos. In fact, I’ve yet to have a bad meal there. Even the brunch is awesome. (Get the brisket eggs benedict!)

Lardon

The first time I stepped foot into Lardon I instantly knew it was a place I’d be coming back to again and again. The space is tiny, with exposed brick and chalkboard menus on the wall. It’s both a shop — selling coffee and pastries — and a restaurant, serving charcuterie, cheese, and sandwiches. But alongside carefully created cocktails, a curated wine list, and draft beers.

Lardon cures all the meats in house, and meats hang along an interior window to prove it. The charcuterie boards are well thought out and change periodically. The sandwiches are just as thoughtfully created. And the Rueben — with house-cured pastrami, gouda, house-made kraut, and pickles — is hard to beat.

Their sister restaurant next door, Union, is another neighborhood favorite. Go for the pork chop — it’s outstanding! — and the chocolate stout cake.

Testaccio

Testaccio is the restaurant everyone dreams is down the street in their neighborhood. Luckily for me, it really is! It’s adorable and welcoming, but also buzzing with energy. The wood burning oven in the front of the restaurant prevents the space from feeling too stuffy while creating constant movement from the cooks. It’s nice enough for date night, but casual enough for a spontaneous dinner out.

The cuisine is described as “Southern Italian Comfort Food,” and their specialty is house made pasta. Testaccio’s take on Cacio e Pepe, traditional but with orecchetti, transported me back to Rome. Now it’s a must order when we go! The wine list is mostly Mediterranean, and changes alongside the food menu, but we’ve always found a great, affordable bottle.

Downstairs under Testaccio is Soif, a Parisian speakeasy focusing on wine. It’s a perfect place to end the evening.

Longman & Eagle

A longtime Logan Square staple, Longman & Eagle is an inn and gastro pub. (Yes, you can sleep there!) They have an extensive whiskey list with hundreds of whiskeys, including a selection of $3 pours. They believe whiskey is for drinking, not saving on a shelf. (Amen to that!) It’s mostly American whiskeys, but some other worldwide favorites are there, too. The food is definitely American, but in a creative way that makes it exciting. (But don’t miss their burger, either!)

The only downside to Longman & Eagle is that it’s extremely dark inside. I’ve literally struggled to figure out which dish was which when it arrived. But the patio more than makes up for it, so opt for that if you can.

Bixi

Both a brewery and a restaurant serving Asian fusion, Bixi sounds confusing and contrasting. The interior is part restaurant booths and part lounge chairs. But somehow it all works! There’s also a rooftop patio, which is always a good thing in Chicago!

Similar to the vibe, the menu feels all over the place at first glance. But just go with it and order what sounds good, and you won’t be disappointed. There’s potstickers, rangoon, udon, and fried rice — definitely get the fried rice! — alongside fried green tomatoes, shrimp scampi, and chicken liver mousse. I’ve yet to have a bad dish there. In fact, my only disappointment is I’m not with more people so I can order more food!

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I’m still discovering where to eat in Logan Square, but it’s hard not to return to these favorites! Did I miss anywhere you love? Let me know in the comments!