Provenance Food and Wine
2528 N. California Ave. 773-384-0699
Neighborhoodie/ex-waitress Tracy Kellner was tired of traveling to get wine, cheese and gourmet goodies, so she decided to set up shop close to home. Unlike many of the city’s wine boutiques, her spot–scheduled to open next month–will offer a more everyday wine selection: 30 to 50 rotating choices priced from $10 to $25. Also slated in store: Belgian beers, domestic microbrews, artisan cheeses, Red Hen baked goods, and regular cheese and wine tastings.
Hachi’s Kitchen
2521 N. California Ave. 773-276-8080
Just across the street and already doing brisk business is this new location from the owners of Lincoln Park’s Sai Cafe. The minimalist space gives off a contemporary vibe, and the menu’s similar to Sai’s; look for best sellers like the spicy white tuna crunch, and Chilean sea bass sauteed with jalapenos and onions. Like a side of trivia with your toro? One of the meanings of hachi is “bee,” in honor of chef-owner Jim Bee.
El Pollo Loco
2715 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-394-5626
Since Chicago’s first outlet of this south-of-the-border fave opened this fall, Logan dwellers have lined up for the citrus-, herb- and spice-marinated, flame-grilled chicken, served with sides like barbecued black beans. Look for more Pollos to hatch soon; the fast-food chain’s partnered with Chicago-based Fortis Restaurant Development (Gold Coast Dogs) to open at least 10 local stores.
Layer Resurrected Clothing
2601 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-6710
Sure, the ‘hood’s scored a bevy of new spots to grab a bite, but what do hipsters need even more than hole-in-the-wall beer and farm-raised, free-range, organic chicken dinners? Yep: ironic T-shirts and polyester pants. Enter this vintage shop, which opened just off the Square’s roundabout last month. Drop by and dip into the well-edited selection of vintage blouses, T’s and dresses (we picked up an olive-green, drop-waisted number with a Peter Pan collar for $25). Or, grab a seat on the shag carpet square and try your hand at one of the authentic Atari titles.
Fonda del Mar
3749 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-489-3748
Talk about lineage: This new seafood eatery’s a partnership between Angel Hernandez and Luis Montero, who hail from Mia Francesca, and Raul Arreola, who spent a dozen years under Rick Bayless at Frontera Grill/Topolobampo. The urban-meets-seashore decor features photos of Puerto Escondido, a Mexican resort town known for its great surfing, and the menu follows the same surf-and-turf policy: options include borrego en mole negro (roasted lamb chops with mole negro and garlic mashed potatoes), and red snapper Veracruzana.
The Pump Room Boutique
2630 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-0222
Outside, a beaconlike high heel competes for attention along this bustling stretch of Milwaukee Avenue; inside, the spunky storefront demands a second look. Glittery kicks, fire engine-red stilettos, flashy trinkets, chandelier earrings and studded bags sit alongside a smattering of more practical footwear for the office. Price tags don’t induce horrific gasps, as comparable shops along trendier stretches of the street do so well. The store moved from a more cramped location just a few blocks north this past fall; now there’s a mock stage for frugal fashionistas to glam it up and several spots to sit down for a shopping breather.
Logan’s heroes
You’ve supped at Lula, sipped ‘ritas at El Cid and brunched at Hot Spot, but have you tried these Logan Square hangs? Readers spill the beans.
San Luis
2903 W. Diversey Ave. 773-276-0691
“GREAT food and inexpensive. Best!”–Maddie
Two Way Lounge
2928 W. Fullerton
Ave. 773-227-5676
“On one hand, I never want to tell anyone about this place because it’s almost too perfect. . . . Be warned: It looks like a dump, and the jukebox is a mixed bag.”–Mike R.
Friendship Restaurant
2830 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-0970
“Every dish seems to be made with fresh vegetables … so there’s no need to drench the natural flavor.”–Brad F.
Logan Square Auditorium
2539 N. Kedzie Ave.
773-252-6179
“This venue’s officially on the map. Skeptics may argue its auditorium vibe is a bit difficult to grasp, but the atmosphere and extra space … are most fantastic.”–Fan
The Spice Thai Cuisine
2886 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-252-9959
“The food here is so much better than the empty restaurant would have you believe.”–J.L.
El Nandu
2731 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-278-0900
“Love this place, especially the churrasco and empanadas, and you can find a reasonable bottle of good Argentine or Chilean wine on the menu.”–Sparkey
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metromix@tribune.com
