10 Things to Do in Logan Square
There are countless activities available in Logan Square, but to give you a head start on how to best enjoy the neighborhood, here is a look at 10 of the top things to do:
See a Show
See a movie at The Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, which first opened in 1915. It shows mid-run movies and independent films and plays host to a variety of events. Visit LoganTheatre.com for movie listings.
Catch a concert or another special event at The Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Blvd., a historic ballroom built more than 100 years ago. Visit LoganSquareAuditorium.com for a calendar of events and event space rental information.
Hear the blues at Rosa’s Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage, which has a 35-year history as one of the city’s top blues clubs. Visit RosasLounge.com for a full schedule of shows.
Go to the Logan Square Farmers Market
This neighborhood fixture takes over Logan Boulevard from Milwaukee to Whipple each Sunday from mid-May to the end of October. There are several dozen vendors offering a variety of locally sourced food items, and there’s enough going on to take up an entire day – you can shop, buy prepared food and have a picnic, listen to music and even take a free yoga class or Pilates. The market moves indoors November through March. Visit LoganSquareFarmersMarket.org for more information.
See how much the local brewery scene is hopping
Revolution is one of the best-known microbreweries in the Chicago area. The brewpub at 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. is a popular neighborhood gathering place, and its progressive craft brewery and taproom are at 3340 N. Kedzie Ave. Visit RevBrew.com.
While in the neighborhood, also check out Hopewell, 2760 N. Milwaukee, which was started in 2016 by three friends who all attended the University of Illinois-Champaign (visit hopewellbrewing.com), and Middle Brow Beer, which offers its experimental beers in its beer, bread and pizza den located at 2840 W. Armitage. Visit middlebrowbeer.com.
Grab a cup of Joe at a unique cafe
There is no shortage of coffee shops in Logan Square. Our favorites include:
- Café Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee. This hip cafe, bar and what has been dubbed “Chicago’s Best Unconventional Music Venue” by the Chicago Reader turns off its Wi-Fi and becomes “over 21” at 6 p.m.
- New Wave Coffee, a popular independent café, sets up shop outside each Sunday for the Farmers Market. 3103 W. Logan Blvd.
- Intelligentsia, a Chicago coffee roaster, has multiple locations but its Logan Square location has an ideal outdoor seating “parklet” during warm weather. 2642 N. Milwaukee
- Sip of Hope is the first coffee shop in the world where 100 percent of the proceeds go toward the mission of mental health education and suicide prevention. 3039 W. Fullerton
Take in the scenery
Logan Square has a rich history that is continually evolving and the architecture and boulevards reflect this. The Square itself is a large public green space that is part of the Chicago Boulevard System designed by famed architect William Le Baron Jenney and landscape architect Jens Jensen. Buildings on Logan and Kedzie boulevards feature styles such as Neo-Greco, Romanesque, Georgian, Queen Anne, Classical and Prairie. Take a walk and take it all in. Check out the website for local organization, Logan Square Preservation, for a quick history lesson before the walk: LoganSquarePreservation.org.
You can bike the Boulevards
Logan Square has a strong connection to biking – Palmer Square was popular with bicyclists in the early 1900s. Today, Milwaukee Avenue, the thoroughfare cutting through the neighborhood, is often called the “hipster highway” due to the high volume of bike traffic. The founder of Schwinn Bicycles lived in Logan Square and the factory was just outside of the neighborhood.
You can enjoy the 606 Trail and purchase a two-wheeler or get it serviced at neighborhood shops such as Bike Lane, 2130 N. Milwaukee; Oscar Wastyn, 2634 W. Fullerton or Boulevard Bikes, 2769 N. Milwaukee.
Get busy!
If you work from home or just need a change of scenery; a coworking space is the place for you. Take in one of the co-working spaces in the neighborhood – Ampersand Cowork, 3317 W. Fullerton, has a focus on cultivating a vibrant community and peaceful environment full of creative people, fantastic events and great art. In the summer months, be sure to visit their rooftop deck. Second Shift, 3432 W. Diversey, aims to provide a local, convenient, affordable, professional workspace right in your neighborhood – so you can meet your neighbors and get connected to your local community.
Visit a Button Museum
Housed within the Busy Beaver Button factory at 3407 W. Armitage, the museum was created to demonstrate how people commemorated noteworthy events in their lives through these wearable mementos and features historic and notable buttons covering a variety of categories, including art, advertisements, politics and sports.
Hit the bowling lanes!
At The Pink Squirrel, 2414 N. Milwaukee, you’ll enjoy the retro bar atmosphere and cocktails while you play the lesser-known brand of bowling known as duckpin, which uses a smaller ball and pins.
Bowling at the Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey, is more traditional bowling alley with an array of LED and laser lights plus a throbbing rock beat.
Enjoy the arts
Pinot’s Palette, 2768 N. Milwaukee, a paint-and-sip studio, provides everything you need for a fun night out with friends
Galerie F, 2415 N. Milwaukee, is a local art gallery providing a platform for emerging local artists. It is an ideal place to find art prints, street art and collectibles
Your Happy Place Liquors, 2501 N. Milwaukee, boutique liquor store features local artists, frequently hosting art openings and tastings in their warm and inviting storefront.