It’s been a while since there’s been much buzz around businesses in Logan Square, but it’s time for a business update on new ones coming to the neighborhood, businesses that have closed and some that are remodeling. Check out our list to see what’s going on and catch anything you might have missed.
Openings
Mini Mott (3057 W. Logan Blvd.)
If you are craving a special take on a delicious burger, look no further. The owners of Mott St, the Korean-infused restaurant in West Town opened their burger spin-off on July 5th. Mini Mott features their highly-regarded burgers in a more casual dining concept, along with hand-cut fries, wings, and homemade soft serve in their eye-catching Taiyaki cones.
Bixi Beer (2515 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
After three long years of planning, Bo Fowler’s latest restaurant endeavor is finally open! With her experience as owner of both Owen & Engine and Fat Wily’s Rib Shack, Fowler has developed a unique upscale Chinese restaurant + brewery concept. Hungry customers can anticipate chowing down on hand-pulled noodles and baby bao burgers while enjoying a Bixi-brewed beer.
Diversey Wine (3023 W. Diversey Ave.)
Wine lovers can rejoice: a specialty wine shop has opened in the neighborhood! Diversey Wine centers on natural wine that has been created with limited chemical intervention with a range of price options from about $20 – 75 per bottle. They next door neighbors to Cellar Door Provisions and as a sister business, are supplying their wine offerings as well. To learn more about the benefits of natural wine, check out their $10 tastings every Sunday featuring the winemakers themselves, or join their wine club that features two bottles of wine and 10% off all purchases for $50/month.
Merchant
(3137 W. Logan Blvd.)
Merchant opened its doors on the Square just a week ago but is already making a splash. The team brings a new twist on traditional classics from various cuisines with a hope of also bringing a fresh energy to the former Dunlay’s on the Square spot. Check out our in-depth profile with Merchant co-owner Chris Huizar to learn more about the ideas behind the menu choices and the concept.
Taco Bell (2432 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Taco Bell is opening a second location of their boozy Cantina concept that has been a hit in Wicker Park since opening September 2015 due to its features of alcoholic slushies and tapas-style food additions. While its opening will bring a late night, affordable food option to Milwaukee Ave., a LoganSquarist Instagram poll illustrated the mixed feelings about having a fast food chain in the neighborhood. Out of the 700 people that voted, 41 percent said they were happy to see its addition to Logan Square but 59 percent said they were not happy about it.
BIG & little’s (3000 W. Fullerton Ave.)
At the corner of Sacramento & Fullerton, a bright blue spot is taking shape to house a new location for BIG & little’s taco restaurant. This fast-casual restaurant will be the fourth location for the BIG & little’s team, who are cooking up delectable burgers, tacos, and po’boys for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While it is currently unclear when this location will open its doors, it is clear that Logan Square is not slowing down in its efforts toward becoming the spot for restaurants in Chicago.
Twain (2445 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
The signs are up—this upcoming Midwestern cuisine and bar is hiring for all positions and will be open soon, though no date has been announced yet. Twain seeks to bring Midwestern cuisine and drink to the neighborhood in a light, airy, colorful setting. “Inspired by their collection of vintage spiral-bound cookbooks from women’s clubs of the 1940s through 1960s, the menu focuses on delicious, approachable dishes with modern twists and fun presentations. Twain is in partnership with restaurateur Branko Palikuca, co-owner of The Dawson, Topaz Café and Citrine Café.” This is according to their website. Check back for more information.
Business Updates
Antique to Chic (3102 W. Diversey Ave.)
After being closed for a couple of weeks this summer for renovations, Antique to Chic has a new coat of paint and is looking better than ever! This local spot for reclaimed antiques, homemade soy candles, and refurbished furniture is a hit with anyone who loves to look through one-of-a-kind items. They re-opened July 17 with a fresh look.
Nakama Toys (2504 N. California Ave.)
Help us congratulate Nakama Toys in celebrating their four year anniversary in Logan Square. This specialty toy store is the go-to spot for fans of anime, video games, and/or manga to peruse their endless stock of Japanese toys, games, and sweets. Check them out for a unique gift and a fun time exploring the wide variety of goodies imported right from Japan!
Closings
Quenchers Saloon (2401 N. Western Ave.)
The loss of this Logan Square favorite will sting for a while. After 39 years serving a wide variety of craft beers alongside local music and art, Quenchers Saloon closed in June. The owner, Earle Johnson, sold the space in order to retire and the space is set to become a medical office. Johnson hosted a sale of memorabilia, such as tap handles, neon signs, and glassware, for Quenchers fans to buy as a way to have the legacy live on before officially closing shop.
Logan Hardware (2532 W. Fullerton)
At the end of May, Logan Hardware shut down after nearly a decade in the neighborhood as a mecca for affordable records, old school video games, and pinball machines. When asked about its closing, owner John Ciba told Chicago Reader that “the only thing he could do was burn it down” in reference to the 1979 burning down of Black Ark studio by Lee “Scratch” Perry. The loss is a big one for music and arcade game lovers alike, marking a shift in the neighborhood shop makeup and type of clientele.
Panaderia La Central (2218 N. California Ave.)
Panaderia La Central quietly boarded up its windows in May after over a decade of serving Mexican baked goods. Located underneath the CTA California Blue Line stop, this bakery was a neighborhood favorite for affordable Mexican bread, pastries, and cookies at a convenient location. But rising rent and fewer hispanic customers forced the business to close, according to a Block Club Chicago article. For fans of their delicious baked goods, you are in luck: the bakery still operates out of their second location in Humboldt Park at 3911 W. North Ave.
Goerge & Augie (1953 N. Campbell Ave.)
The unique furniture store bordering Bucktown and Logan Square quietly closed its doors a couple of months ago. They moved to Naperville and no longer have a physical store but sell their worldly items through Syrian Home, a furniture store that mostly sells handcrafted and decor accessories from India.
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