In Chicago, photographer Anna Petrow goes on the hunt for her favorite subject matter: fine food and drinks.
CHICAGO - Heading to the city but looking to take it easy? Here's an idea: Spend the whole weekend in the Logan Square neighborhood. A staycation-vacation, if you will. On Chicago's Northwest side, artisanal cocktail lounges meet cheap eats, breweries, and quaint coffee shops. Wide bike lanes and leafy streets make biking around (to burn a few calories) an easy feat.
Almost too pretty to eat at Daisies.
Snacks and brew for the crew at Middle Brow.
Eat + eat some more
Daisies
2523 N. Milwaukee Ave.; +1-773-661-1671
I’ll say a thing I never say: Daisies is my favorite restaurant in the city. Now that my hidden agenda for staying in Logan Square is exposed, I will tell you about the creative, delicate handmade pastas (think: bright pink beet agnolotti), the cozy neighborhood feel of the back patio, and the inventive herbal- and juice-based brunch cocktails.
Lula Cafe
2537 N. Kedzie Blvd.; +1-773-489-9554
This trendy spot is as packed as it is unassuming. A steady stream of customers roll through for brunch, lunch, and dinner — no matter the weather — and it just takes one meal to find out why.
Middle Brow Bungalow
2840 W. Armitage Ave.; no phone.
Dare I say the freshly baked bread and hot-off-the-hearth pizzas outshine the beautiful Middle Brow brews? Actually, no. They’re perfectly paired. Another round, please.
Young American still life.
Perfect libations at Estereo.
Drink plenty
Hopewell Brewing
2760 N. Milwaukee Ave.; +1-773-698-6178
Pastel branding and beers that pack a punch. A lovely place to post up for the afternoon and hit the taps.
Estereo
2450 N. Milwaukee Ave.; +1-773-360-8363
And ... this is my favorite bar in Chicago. Funky tunes, tequila galore, the occasional vendor wandering in to sell tamales. It's a neighborhood corner bar as welcoming as they come. The drinks are out of this world.
Young American
2545 N Kedzie Ave.; +1-773-687-8385
Just enough '80s romantic and Millennial modern. Upscale drinks pack unexpected flavors, and creative non-alcoholic beverages with additions like CBD make it a great spot to try something new, no matter what you’re into.
Lost Lake
3154 W. Diversey Ave.; +1-773-293-6048
Locals tell me there will be a line at Lost Lake even in a snowstorm. This tiny tropical paradise serves crazy drinks in absurd vessels and is a sure-fire fun night out.
Testing for ripeness at the farmers market.
Do some food shopping
Logan Square Farmers Market
3107 W. Logan Blvd.
A must in the summer and fall in Chicago, the farmers market stretches on and on with endless produce, fragrant florals, and pantry staples like pickles, bbq sauce, honey, and more.
Take a breather
Fleur
2651 N. Milwaukee Ave.; +1-773-395-2770
Part florist, part homewares shop, this cute boutique is a perfect stop to stock up on succulents and garden scented candles.
Direct line to cocktails at Longman.
Stay (+ eat +drink)
Longman & Eagle
2657 N. Kedzie Ave.; +1-773-276-7110
Head up the stairs and straight into a food-induced slumber after dining at the Michelin starred restaurant below. Delightful details abound at the inn: tokens for a whiskey pour at the bar, quirky in-room snacks from local makers, and even a payphone direct to the bartender for in-room cocktail service. Plan ahead and pack your earplugs: This small inn books out far in advance, and there can be a bit of noise from the dining room below – but it adds to the charm, in my book. Don’t forget to grab a latte and a fresh blueberry donut after checkout in the morning at OSB.
Stay (+ lounge + play)
The Robey
2018 W. North Ave.; +1-872-315-3050
For those looking for a more posh experience, head just a mile away (technically in Wicker Park) to The Robey for tiki-cocktail pool vibes, stunning rooftop sunsets, and plenty to do all within your hotel. Multiple restaurants, bars, and meeting spaces make this a great spot for the discerning traveler with a busy agenda. It’s impossible not to relax within the confines of the stunning deco Coyote Building, especially with in-room amenities like a sound machine and all-you-can-eat snacks and drinks in your mini bar. Read more on Fathom.
Find More Chicago Recommendations
And really nice photos to go with them — on Anna's website.
Explore More Chicago Neighborhoods
Get Your Art and Donut Fix on an Ambitious Day in Downtown Chicago
Layover Ideas from O'Hare Airport
A Kid-Centric Weekend in the Windy City
All photos by Anna Petrow.
Shares