Variety is the spice of life – and variety is what you’ll find in Logan Square. The lively and friendly Chicago Community Area rests just seven miles northwest of Downtown Chicago, at the North Milwaukee Avenue, North Kedzie Boulevard and West Logan Boulevard intersection. Here, your biggest problem will be picking which restaurant, bar, park or local boutique to visit first.
Along the tree-lined streets are bungalows, flats, greystones, restored mansions and new large apartment complexes. The diverse housing options are reflective of Logan Square’s diverse community, made up of young professionals and families, newcomers and longtime residents, local labor workers and corporate commuters.
Logan Square consists of five neighborhoods: Bucktown, Belmont Gardens, Kosciuszko Park, Palmer Square and its namesake Logan Square. All of the neighborhoods have a rich immigration history, which lends itself to a community that is still very diverse today.
Many street names in Logan Square are reflective of the German, Polish and Scandinavian settlers who arrived in the late 1800s. Following World War I, there was another wave of immigration and the neighborhood welcomed Russian and Jewish families. The 1960s and 1980s brought a large Hispanic population. In all instances, three key benefits made Logan Square an attractive place to be: affordability, accessibility and housing options.
While Logan Square is changing, the neighborhoods within it still hold on to much of its old charm. Bucktown, known for the arts, is still a go-to place for creatives. Belmont Gardens, designed around accessibility, is still very industrial and home to blue collar families. Palmer Square, with the help of the well-kept Palmer Square Park, coffee shops and transportation, is the perfect neighborhood for young families. Kosciuszko Park is one of the most diverse parts of Logan Square and host to some of the city’s best community festivals and fairs. Logan Square is a constant reminder of the local and state history of Native Americans, frontiersmen and farmers, all represented on the Illinois Centennial Monument that stands in the center of the neighborhood.
arries all the hard-to-find, upscale apparel.
Damen Avenue is the go-to for many shopping needs, but small businesses and quirky shops can be found all throughout Logan Square. Wolfbait & B-girls on Logan Boulevard houses artwork, clothing and accessories created by over 250 local artists. On Milwaukee Avenue, there is Adornment & Theory, the home for one-of-a-kind, “wearable art” accessories. Then, there is something for everyone at City Lit Books on Kedzie Boulevard, which has no shortage of events, book clubs or story time for kids.
THE ARTS ARE ALIVE
Residents in Logan Square are constantly exposed to the arts, with magnificent street art sprawled on buildings throughout the community. The art typically reflects Logan Square’s history, diversity, children and sense of community.
For the past ten years, tens of thousands of Chicagoans have gathered for the Logan Square Arts Festival. As a community known for supporting its local artists, the festival has proven to be a great way for musicians, sculptors, painters, crafters and artists of all kinds to show their talents.
The ARC Gallery in Bucktown is one of the nation’s oldest co-ops, having opened during the women’s movement to serve as “an alternate to the mainstream gallery system.” Today it continues to be an inclusive art gallery, promoting artists from all backgrounds and protected classes. To buy a print for your home or get one made, visit Studio 312. In addition to featuring posters and collectibles created by local emerging artists, Galerie F also hosts drawing events, mural projects and exhibitions for the community.
From world music to independent films, Logan Square’s performing arts centers make sure all community members are endlessly entertained. While Concord Music Hall and Hairpin Arts Center are some of the bigger venues, coffee shops, parks and local businesses present events and performances of all kinds.
Many street names in Logan Square are reflective of the German, Polish and Scandinavian settlers who arrived in the late 1800s. Following World War I, there was another wave of immigration and the neighborhood welcomed Russian and Jewish families. The 1960s and 1980s brought a large Hispanic population. In all instances, three key benefits made Logan Square an attractive place to be: affordability, accessibility and housing options.
While Logan Square is changing, the neighborhoods within it still hold on to much of its old charm. Bucktown, known for the arts, is still a go-to place for creatives. Belmont Gardens, designed around accessibility, is still very industrial and home to blue collar families. Palmer Square, with the help of the well-kept Palmer Square Park, coffee shops and transportation, is the perfect neighborhood for young families. Kosciuszko Park is one of the most diverse parts of Logan Square and host to some of the city’s best community festivals and fairs. Logan Square is a constant reminder of the local and state history of Native Americans, frontiersmen and farmers, all represented on the Illinois Centennial Monument that stands in the center of the neighborhood.
DOWN THE BOULEVARD
Stunning architecture and beautiful parks are often key selling points to those moving into Logan Square. Logan, Kedzie, Palmer and Humboldt Boulevards are particularly captivating, and that is not by accident. The boulevards make up 2.5 miles of the 26-mile Boulevard System of Chicago, designed and built in 1870 as an effort to bring more green space to the city. Today, much of the system has been redesigned or replaced by buildings, but thanks to the dedicated Logan Square community and its Logan Square Preservation Society, the 2.5 miles boulevards in the community still look exactly as they did when first built.
SHOP LOCAL
A weekend stroll down Damen Avenue in Bucktown is always a good idea. The street is lined with stores – some big brands but mostly local. Nike and Marc Jacobs have their stake in the ground, but the real treasures can be found in shops like T-Shirt Deli, where you can customize your own shirt; your purchase comes with a bag of chips. Stop at p.45 for the most unique women’s clothing from designers around the country. If you enjoy staying ahead of the fashion trends, check out RSVP Gallery, which c
arries all the hard-to-find, upscale apparel.
Damen Avenue is the go-to for many shopping needs, but small businesses and quirky shops can be found all throughout Logan Square. Wolfbait & B-girls on Logan Boulevard houses artwork, clothing and accessories created by over 250 local artists. On Milwaukee Avenue, there is Adornment & Theory, the home for one-of-a-kind, “wearable art” accessories. Then, there is something for everyone at City Lit Books on Kedzie Boulevard, which has no shortage of events, book clubs or story time for kids.
FOOD, FOOD & MORE FOOD
Last year, Bon Appetit named Chicago “Restaurant City of the Year.” Many of the restaurants listed are right in Logan Square. Taste Mexican street food with a modern twist at Mi Tocaya Antojería. Try some eclectic Macanese food from The Bakery at Fat Rice. Book a reservation one month in advance if you want primetime seating at Giant, the cozy restaurant known for its unusual – yet delicious – pairings. Get a fresh farm-to-table plate at the neighborhood favorite, Lula Café, and end the night with a Latin-inspired sip from Estereo or Mezcaleria Las Flores. If you’re unsure where to eat, take a walk down Logan Square’s up and coming restaurant row, Armitage Avenue. For casual outdoor dining, The Moonlighter is a must. There are fireplaces throughout the outdoor patio for those chilly Chicago evenings. For late night cookies and cocktail cravings, Scofflaw is a favorite. Parson’s Chicken & Fish’s outdoor benches, ping pong tables and outdoor bar are some major bonus points to its delicious menu. Table, Donkey and Stick is the perfect spot for warm and hearty dishes. For finer dining, Osteria Langhe’s Italian menu and wine list are top-notch.THE ARTS ARE ALIVE
Residents in Logan Square are constantly exposed to the arts, with magnificent street art sprawled on buildings throughout the community. The art typically reflects Logan Square’s history, diversity, children and sense of community.
For the past ten years, tens of thousands of Chicagoans have gathered for the Logan Square Arts Festival. As a community known for supporting its local artists, the festival has proven to be a great way for musicians, sculptors, painters, crafters and artists of all kinds to show their talents.
The ARC Gallery in Bucktown is one of the nation’s oldest co-ops, having opened during the women’s movement to serve as “an alternate to the mainstream gallery system.” Today it continues to be an inclusive art gallery, promoting artists from all backgrounds and protected classes. To buy a print for your home or get one made, visit Studio 312. In addition to featuring posters and collectibles created by local emerging artists, Galerie F also hosts drawing events, mural projects and exhibitions for the community.
From world music to independent films, Logan Square’s performing arts centers make sure all community members are endlessly entertained. While Concord Music Hall and Hairpin Arts Center are some of the bigger venues, coffee shops, parks and local businesses present events and performances of all kinds.
GETTING AROUND
Getting around town by car, foot, bike or public transportation is not an issue. The community’s Walk Score is 88 and most residential areas are located next to stores carrying all the necessities. The numerous bike shops around town are put to good use, as biking seems to be a preferred mode of transportation by many residents. If you’re commuting to the Loop, Logan Square has many convenient stops on the CTA Blue Line.
TO MOVE OR NOT TO MOVE
Despite Logan Square becoming a bit more mainstream than it once was, a Logan Square newcomer will immediately see the community’s appeal and be enlivened by the multicultural influences throughout the five neighborhoods.