I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Logan Square (my brother used to live there) with a coffee in hand, camera ready, and a running list of places I can’t wait to recommend. If you love Chicago neighborhoods that mix historic boulevards, indie shops, inventive food, and a busy arts calendar, this is your spot. Below you’ll find my favorite ways to spend a day (or three), with practical tips so you can enjoy Logan Square like a local.
Getting to Know Logan Square
Just five miles northwest of downtown, Logan Square feels like a small town inside the city — a mix of old-school Chicago charm and new creative energy. What I love most about Logan Square is how it feels alive without trying too hard. The historic boulevard system — Logan, Kedzie, and Humboldt — still looks straight out of a turn-of-the-century postcard, with wide lawns and grand greystones lining each street.
On warm summer evenings, you’ll see kids on bikes, couples walking dogs, and locals heading toward their favorite patios for dinner. It feels like real Chicago, especially since post-pandemic, the area has seen a boom in pop-up markets and outdoor gatherings along Milwaukee Avenue, drawing even more families and artists back into the mix. It’s also home to restaurants, and iconic candy store (looking at you, Margie’s Candies) and one of my favorite bookstores in Chicago — Open Books Logan Square, where the shelves and staff picks are pure joy.
Where Is Logan Square & How to Get There
- Location: Northwest Side of Chicago
- Transit: CTA Blue Line (Logan Square stop) drops you right at the Illinois Centennial Monument; #56
- Milwaukee and #76 Diversey buses are reliable, and Divvy bikes are everywhere.
- Driving: Street parking is a gamble on weekends—transit or rideshare is usually faster.
- Good to know: Milwaukee Avenue slices diagonally through the neighborhood; Logan, Kedzie, and Humboldt Boulevards form the leafy, walkable spine of the neighborhood, perfect for strolling between attractions.
Best Things to Do in Logan Square
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
- Palmer Square Park (2200 N. Kedzie Blvd)
An eight-acre green space with a Velveteen Rabbit–themed playground and a running loop under a canopy of old oaks. I love bringing my coffee here on crisp fall mornings to watch the joggers and dogs go by. - The 606 Trail (access at Humboldt Blvd)
Chicago’s 2.7-mile elevated greenway connects Logan Square with Bucktown and Wicker Park. Rent a Divvy bike and ride it at sunset for skyline views — or walk it early to catch mural artists at work along the trail. - Logan Boulevard Skate Park (2430 W. Logan Blvd)
Tucked under the Kennedy Expressway, this community skate spot stays busy year-round with bikers, skaters, and kids learning their first ollie. - Logan Square Dog Park (2529 W. Logan Blvd)
A neighborhood favorite with bright murals, shaded benches, and separate fenced areas for large and small pups.
Art & Culture
Illinois Centennial Monument & Logan Square
The marble column marks the heart of the neighborhood — and on Sundays from May through October, it transforms into the bustling Logan Square Farmers Market. Grab a latte and browse local honey, handmade pasta, and fresh flowers under the trees.
The Logan Theatre (2646 N. Milwaukee Ave)
A restored 1915 movie house with original stained glass and marble, plus a cocktail bar that makes waiting for your film feel like part of the experience. They host indie screenings, open-mic nights, and film festivals throughout the year.
Comfort Station (2579 N. Milwaukee Ave)
This little brick building might be one of Chicago’s smallest venues — and one of its most creative. Expect free outdoor concerts, short-film nights, and experimental art shows that spill onto the lawn in summer 2025.
Murals of Logan Square
From the colorful “Greetings from Chicago” mural (2226 N. Milwaukee Ave) to the Robin Williams mural near Concord Music Hall, Logan Square wears its stories on its walls. I recommend starting your walk at Milwaukee and Fullerton and letting the street art guide you.
Open Books Logan Square (2068 N. Milwaukee Ave)
My favorite local stop for used books with heart. Every purchase helps fund Chicago literacy programs — and the cozy reading nooks make it easy to lose an afternoon here. Their staff picks wall is always spot-on.
Stan Mansion (2408 N. Kedzie Blvd)
An ornate former Masonic hall turned event venue. The candlelight concerts here in winter — everything from classical tributes to holiday jazz — are pure magic.
City Lit Books (2523 N. Kedzie Blvd)
One of Logan Square’s most beloved indie bookstores. The children’s section is fantastic, and they host frequent story hours and author events.
For Families & Kids
Aloft Circus Arts (3324 W. Wrightwood Ave)
Yes, your kids can actually learn trapeze here. Classes start at age two (with parents) and go all the way up to youth performance troupes. It’s one of the most unique ways to burn energy in Chicago.
Wolfbait & B-Girls (3131 W. Logan Blvd)
A bright, friendly shop featuring more than 300 local makers. You’ll find jewelry, prints, handmade toys, and quirky Chicago souvenirs — a perfect spot for creative kids (or parents) to find something one-of-a-kind.
Margie’s Candies (1960 N. Western Ave)
No family trip—or date night—is complete without a stop at Margie’s Candies, the century-old ice-cream parlor just south of the Logan Square border. Step inside and it’s 1950 all over again: spinning stools, neon signs, and massive ice-cream sundaes served in shell-shaped dishes. The hot-fudge sundae with house-made caramel is my go-to, and kids go wide-eyed when the waiter sets it down. Bring cash and patience; it’s worth every spoonful.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
Logan Square shines all year long. Here are some don’t miss events:
- Summer: The Logan Square Arts Festival transforms the monument area into a three-day celebration of art, music, and food, complete with mural painting and family activities. This is a don’t-miss summer festival in Chicago.
- Fall: Watch local chefs at the Harvest Market series at Comfort Station’s outdoor lawn — a post-pandemic tradition that blends music, food, and community.
- Winter: Cozy up for candlelight concerts at Stan Mansion, where string quartets play everything from ABBA to Adele beneath twinkling lights.
- Spring: The return of patio season brings neighborhood pop-ups, art markets, and extended hours at local breweries like Hopewell and Revolution.
Best Places to Eat in Logan Square (2025 Edition)
Brunch & Coffee
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I judge a Chicago neighborhood by its food scene — and Logan Square absolutely delivers. From casual coffee spots to rooftop tacos and Mediterranean date-night dinners, here’s where I’d happily eat any day of the week.
Lula Café (2537 N. Kedzie Blvd)
This neighborhood icon has been serving creative, farm-driven plates since before “farm-to-table” was a buzzword. I always order their seasonal scramble and whatever pastry just came out of the oven.
“A bit off the beaten path. Excellent breakfast, very informal service and super friendly. The pastries are a must try and the French omelette is the best I ever tasted. Reasonable prices.”
-Trip Advisor User
Reno (2607 N. Milwaukee Ave)
Wood-fired bagels, breakfast pizzas, and a steady hum of locals — Reno is the perfect pre-606-trail fuel stop. Grab a bagel sandwich and take it to the monument.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters (2385 N. Milwaukee Ave)
A quiet corner spot for pour-overs, laptop time, or people-watching. The latte art’s worth a photo, but it’s the vibe that keeps me coming back.
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee (3624 W. Wrightwood Ave)
Their walk-up window saves me on chilly mornings. Pair a flat white with a savory scone from nearby Sugar Moon Bakery.
Lunch & Dinner in Logan Square
Longman & Eagle (2657 N. Kedzie Ave)
If Logan Square has a culinary legend, this is it. Longman & Eagle is part tavern, part boutique inn, and 100 percent Chicago. The menu changes with the seasons—think duck fat fries, scallops with sweet-corn purée, and one of the best burgers in the city. Their whiskey list is nearly a book, and the cozy wood-paneled bar feels like an old-school lodge crossed with a hipster hangout. I love coming here for a late brunch or an after-dinner drink when the candles are flickering and the soundtrack leans vinyl-vintage.
Mi Tocaya Antojería (2800 W. Logan Blvd)
Chef Diana Dávila’s regional Mexican menu is the definition of soulful. The carnitas are legendary, and the corn masa dishes change with the seasons — I still dream about the squash blossom quesadilla.
Daisies (2375 N. Milwaukee Ave)
Hand-made pasta, a market-driven menu, and one of the prettiest dining rooms in the neighborhood. Their gnocchi and seasonal vegetables are comfort in a bowl.
Parson’s Chicken & Fish (2952 W. Armitage Ave)
If Logan Square had a summer mascot, it’d be Parson’s patio — fried chicken, Negroni slushies, ping-pong tables, and sunshine.
Beautiful Rind (2211 N. Milwaukee Ave)
If you love cheese as much as I do, Beautiful Rind is pure joy. Part artisan cheese shop, part café, and part classroom, it’s one of those only-in-Chicago gems where you can taste, learn, and linger. Stop in for a casual wine-and-cheese flight at the counter, or take one of their hands-on workshops to learn how to build your own charcuterie board from scratch.
My favorite part? You can choose your cheeses, meats, and accompaniments, and they’ll help you design a custom board to take home or enjoy right there with a glass of rosé. It’s the kind of simple, cozy indulgence that makes Logan Square so special.
“We have eaten here dozens of times and we’ve never had a bad meal.
This was our first time eating inside, we usually only come on sunny days to eat on the patio, so a different vibe but just as nice.”
-Trip Advisor User
Lonesome Rose (2101 N. Milwaukee Ave)
Rooftop tacos, frozen margaritas, and city views — it’s hard to beat on a warm night. Try the carne asada tacos or go veggie with the charred sweet potato version.
Andros Taverna (2542 N. Milwaukee Ave)
Modern Mediterranean with a lively buzz. Order the grilled octopus and the honeyed crispy kataifi cheese pie for dessert — it’s unforgettable.
Dessert & Treats in Logan Square
Pretty Cool Ice Cream (2353 N. California Ave)
Playful craft ice-cream bars in ever-changing flavors — from pistachio kulfi to chocolate malt. Perfect for post-606 strolls.
Sugar Moon Bakery (3612 W. Wrightwood Ave)
Known for savory bakes and tahini chocolate-chip cookies that always sell out by noon. The line’s worth it — trust me.
Katherine Anne Confections (2745 W. Armitage Ave)
Small-batch truffles, giant marshmallows, and sipping chocolate that feels like a hug. Their raspberry-champagne truffle is pure joy in bite-sized form.
“I discovered this amazing place a few years ago. I love everything they make. The hot chocolate, caramels and truffles are INSANE (in a good way)! Highly recommend my new favorite Sage Sable with its savory delight and slight hit of lemon.”
-Trip Advisor User
Nightlife in Logan Square
Cole’s Bar (2338 N. Milwaukee Ave)
Equal parts dive bar and creative clubhouse, Cole’s is where you’ll find local musicians, comics, and poets testing new material. It’s relaxed, affordable, and full of neighborhood regulars—exactly the kind of bar that makes Chicago’s nightlife scene special.
The Owl (2521 N. Milwaukee Ave)
When everything else winds down, The Owl is just getting started. The vintage jukebox, red lighting, and late-night kitchen make it one of Logan Square’s go-to after-hours spots. I’ve closed out more than one night here dancing to unexpected playlists and chatting with strangers who instantly felt like friends.
Logan Arcade (2410 W. Fullerton Ave)
Part retro arcade, part craft-beer bar, and all fun. More than 60 pinball and vintage video games line the walls, and they rotate new machines monthly. It’s perfect for a casual date night or a group hangout—especially when you need a dose of nostalgia with your local IPA.
One Perfect Day in Logan Square (2025 Edition)
Here’s how I’d spend a full day exploring one of Chicago’s most creative neighborhoods — mixing coffee, markets, art, and a little nightlife.
- Morning:
Start at the Illinois Centennial Monument and grab breakfast at Lula Café or a bagel from Reno. Then wander over to the Logan Square Farmers Market (Sundays, May–Oct). Coffee from Gaslight pairs perfectly with a walk around Palmer Square Park. - Midday:
Hop on a Divvy bike or stroll The 606 Trail for skyline views. Stop at Mi Tocaya Antojería for lunch, then browse local art and records at Wolfbait & B-Girls or Bric-A-Brac Records. - Afternoon:
Visit Comfort Station for free art exhibits or outdoor performances (their 2025 lineup is better than ever), then reward yourself with a frozen treat from Pretty Cool Ice Cream. - Evening:
Dinner options are endless — Parson’s for fried chicken and Negroni slushies, or Daisies for handmade pasta. Stay for a movie at The Logan Theatre, or grab a cocktail at Scofflaw or The Whistler before calling it a night.
Practical Tips For Visiting Logan Square
- Best for first-timers: Blue Line to Logan Square; do the Monument → Palmer Square loop first.
- Reservations: Daisies, Andros, and some weekend brunches book up.
- Peak season: Summer weekends (patios/festivals) and fall (perfect walking weather).
- Accessibility: The Monument plaza, farmers market, and much of the boulevard system are stroller-friendly.
FAQs
Yes—typical big-city awareness applies, but it’s popular with families and packed most evenings around Milwaukee/Logan/Kedzie.
Historic boulevards, inventive food, indie shops, murals, a lively arts scene, and one of Chicago’s best farmers markets.
Absolutely. Blue Line, buses, walking, and Divvy bikes are the way to go.
Why Logan Square Belongs on Your Chicago Itinerary
Every time I leave Logan Square, I’m already planning my next visit. Maybe it’s the smell of coffee drifting down Kedzie Boulevard, or the music spilling out of an open door on Milwaukee Ave — but this neighborhood always feels like home, even if it’s your first time here. Whether you’re here for the food, the music, or just to see a different side of Chicago, Logan Square will absolutely win you over.