Logan Square’s restaurant and bar scene is continuing to blossom in 2018. New establishments are cropping up—and closing shop—around the neighborhood, including new twists on classic Logan Square hot spots. Check out some of the new places to eat and the ones leaving the neighborhood soon.
Openings
Caribella (3311 W. Fullerton Ave.)
Following a brief hiatus, the former Cafe Bella reopened under the new name Caribella. The new concept focuses on Caribbean-inspired brunch and lunch options like Guava pancakes and Coquito french toast. It has the same small, intimate vibe as before but with better food options, a nicer interior (pictured above) and vibrant art to catch your eye while eating bacon-wrapped plantains or coconut shrimp.
Pretty Cool Ice Cream (2353 N. California Ave.)
Beard-nominated pastry chef and ice cream cook book author Dana Cree plans to open a new ice cream shop. The new shop will be in partnership with Bang Bang! Pie Shop owner, Michael Ciapciak. Although no specific date is set for this shop to open, we anticipate some pretty cool ice cream varieties straight from the pages of Dana’s ice cream recipe books.
Sleeping Village (3734 W. Belmont Ave.)
The trio that opened The Whistler, Billy Helmkamp, Robert Brenner and Eric Henry, recently opened a new all-day beer and coffee bar and music venue in neighboring Avondale. Sleeping Village boasts over 50 local and international taps, and offers free wifi, Dark Matter Coffee options and a patio for the upcoming warmth (hopefully).
Closings
Half Italian (2643 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
In a recent Facebook post, Half Italian stated that the Euro-style market and delicatessen will shut its doors in March. No specific date has been announced. “It has been a pleasure to serve our loyal customers,” wrote the owners in a small post, which received much attention from the community. Known for its sandwiches and fresh baked goods, Half Italian has served the neighborhood with authentic Italian meals and foods and will be missed. According to local reporter Mina Bloom, the business is being forced to leave after the landlord tripled rent. Read her article on the closing here.
Kombucha Room (2355 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Chicago’s first Kombucha bar located at officially shut its doors in January. In a Facebook post, which has since been deleted along with the company’s Facebook page, the owner cited that health department hurdles and personal life changes sparked the closure. But, she hinted that the business and popup would be back in April to brew something else Kombucha-related… so we will have to wait and see what is next for the Kombucha’s room adventures in Logan.
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