Nothing says summer like sitting out on a patio in Logan Square with a cocktail in hand and laughs shared among friends. As much as it pains me to remind us, winter is coming — and sooner than we’d like. With so many unique patio options in the neighborhood, there is a great excuse to sit outside and enjoy the warmth while it lasts. Not sure where to begin in a neighborhood with so many options? Here are seven bars to get you started:
The Native (2417 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
As advertised on their website, The Native is a wonderful “intersection of old and new,” serving reasonably-priced drinks in a no-frills, dive-bar atmosphere. This family-owned tavern is well-known for its frosted mugs of beer, heat-and-serve pizzas and free popcorn that is freshly popped all night. But the best part about The Native is its spacious back patio that can fit 50 people and is open to pups, too! The bar is now open at 2 p.m. on Fridays, and at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, so there’s more time to enjoy the sweet summer sunshine while it lasts. Keep an eye out for its Punk Rock Patio event serving up punk rock and pop punk tunes from 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. every Wednesday.
Parts and Labor (2700 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
A neighborhood favorite: Parts and Labor slings griddle burgers and a curated selection of craft sodas in an eclectic, colorful space. This spot also fries up all sorts of appetizers, including onion rings, curly fries, pickles, pepper jack cheese and even Twinkies! Parts and Labor’s patio, laid in astroturf, provides the perfect location to eat delicious food and meet friendly neighborhood pups. Make sure to check out the trivia nights every Monday at 8 p.m., as well as its monthly specials. Its grilled PB&J sandwich with a side of Cap’N Crunch puppies is calling my name.
Logan Bar & Grill (2330 N. California Ave.)
Since opening in 2008, Logan Bar & Grill has become a classic neighborhood sports bar in the heart of Logan Square. Whether you come for the elevated pub food, wide beer selection or to catch a game on one of their many flat-screens, this place has something for everyone. The patio game at Logan Bar & Grill is top notch: not only is there plenty of seating, but there’s a beautiful glass roof that allows even more guests to enjoy the sunshine from inside. This bar also has trivia every Tuesday, an open-mic night every Thursday, monthly art installations and even live DJs on the weekends. To hear more about all that Logan Bar & Grill has to offer, check out its Facebook page or website for information about upcoming events and food/drink specials.
Mi Tocaya Antojería (2800 W. Logan Blvd.)
Despite being a newer addition to the neighborhood, Mi Tocaya Antojería is already a fan favorite, best exemplified by being named the “New Star of Chicago’s Mexican Scene” by Eater Chicago. This restaurant serves an upscale take on classic regional Mexican cuisine in a bright, vibrant atmosphere. Each time I walk by, the 40-seat patio is full of smiling faces and colorful food and cocktails. As an added bonus, Mi Tocaya serves Sunday dinner family-style, which would be a great way to take your family dinner to the next level. If you haven’t yet had a chance, be sure to stop by for some of the unique tacos and Mexican plates, best enjoyed on their vibrant patio in the sunshine.
Best Intentions (3281 W. Armitage Ave.)
The warm, welcoming atmosphere at Best Intentions is enough to make anyone feel at home. In this corner tavern, the décor and the tunes are classic dive bar, but the cocktails are served with an inspired twist. The bartenders shake up your favorite drinks in tempting ways, such as the horchata margarita and the Wondermint Malted boozy dessert, featuring Wondermint liqueur, gin, Luxardo hazelnut and Spinning J acid phosphate. As if the creative cocktails weren’t enough of a draw, the patio at Best Intentions is spacious and equipped with a cabana bar outside, so you don’t even have to wander back inside for a refill. If you don’t take my word for it, trust Time Out Chicago, which named Best Intentions the 2017 Bar of the Year!
Scofflaw (3201 W. Armitage Ave.)
Scofflaw is a Logan Square cocktail bar staple, serving up gin-focused craft cocktails in an eclectic space featuring fireplaces, chandeliers and Motown tunes. This bar also has a roomy patio so you can enjoy the tasty food menu while enjoying the sunshine during weekend brunch and dinner, then enjoying the evening air every night of the week. For those with a sweet tooth like mine, the real draw is the complementary warm chocolate chip cookies offered at the stroke of midnight. The ingenious minds behind this bar concept are opening a new, more casual bar this fall called The Moonlighter (3204 W. Armitage Ave.), which will feature rosé on tap, 20 beers on draft, and a 100-seater patio filled with fireplaces to keep us warm in the upcoming colder months. Stay tuned for upcoming articles featuring what is sure to be another Scofflaw Group hit!
Mezcaleria Las Flores (3149 W. Logan Blvd.)
Mezcaleria Las Flores offers mezcal-centric cocktails that allow its patrons to explore the Mexican agave-based liquor that has shot up in popularity over the past year. The menu features vibrant descriptions of each drink, which can help even a mezcal novice select the perfect cocktail for their palate. Alongside the many mezcal offerings, Mezcaleria Las Flores has partnered with neighbor Johnny’s Grill to serve delicious diner dishes so customers can experience the best of both worlds. The sidewalk patio, ideal for people-watching along Logan Boulevard, is lined with plants and flowers that illuminate this bar’s roots as a former flower shop. With its stunning electric blue interior and creative cocktail menu, Mezcaleria Las Flores is an unforgettable addition to the Logan bar scene.
For more options of bar and restaurant patio seating, read our article from 2015!
Join The Discussion