Logan Square is experiencing a culinary renaissance with the recent openings of two vibrant Mexican restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue, along with a variety of eateries and cafes preparing to make their debut this summer.
At 2700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Mucho Gusto Barra + Cocina welcomes diners with an infectious energy and a modern take on Mexican classics. This establishment replaces The Old Plank—a Tex-Mex joint that shuttered earlier this year. Mucho Gusto aims to showcase the spirit and colors of San Miguel de Allende through its décor, adorned with colorful Mexican flowers and striking artwork.
The menu features a tantalizing array of dishes—enchiladas draped in rich Oaxaca black mole, cochinita pibil slowly roasted in banana leaves, and shrimp sautéed in a bold tomato-garlic sauce. The cocktail list is dedicated to mezcal and tequila, offering house-infused drinks paired with fresh juices and Latin spirits. The restaurant’s owners highlighted the meaning behind the name, stating, “In Latin culture, when someone thanks you for anything — your service, your time, your food — the natural response is ‘con mucho gusto.’ Everything we do here is truly con mucho gusto — with flavor, with soul and with love.”
Just a short stroll down, at 2539 N. Milwaukee Ave., La Lunita has emerged as the latest offering from the Sanchez family, renowned for their Pilsen eatery, La Luna. Open since June 14, La Lunita features a menu rich in local and seasonal ingredients, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians with dishes such as tacos, elotes, Oaxacan fondue, and a selection of fresh seafood including octopus, striped bass, and tuna.
In addition to the enticing food, La Lunita boasts a drink menu filled with Mexican wines, craft beers, and inventive mezcal cocktails that can accommodate non-alcoholic preferences.
On the coffee front, Allez Cafe has officially opened its second location at 2545 N. Kedzie Blvd. This new addition operates within the Cara Cara Club, serving a wide range of espresso options, handmade pastries, and breakfast sandwiches, promising a rich culinary experience for morning patrons. Each Friday, guests can enjoy handcrafted vinyl music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., adding a unique ambiance to their café experience.
The Logan Square and Avondale area is poised for even more culinary growth, with several new establishments set to open in the coming months.
A highly anticipated omakase and handroll sushi venue, Omakase Box, is scheduled to open its doors later this month at 3038 W. Armitage Ave. After a renovation journey transforming an empty space beneath an apartment building, the establishment promises to deliver quality sushi at approachable prices, combining elegance with a laid-back atmosphere. Andrew Choi, formerly of Jinsei Motto, is behind this exciting venture, with a soft opening slated for July 23 and a full opening on July 30.
Speaking of Jinsei Motto, the restaurant, which previously thrived in the West Loop, has found a new home in Logan Square. Previously operating at CH Distillery, the restaurant’s partnership ended unexpectedly in January. Chef Patrick Bouaphanh expressed his commitment to building a new identity at 2456 N. California Ave., in the location formerly occupied by Testaccio. Jinsei Motto’s reopening is planned for fall, and the restaurant is already generating buzz with its vibrant neon sushi signage.
In a similar vein, Birdys Bakery & Cafe, the newest brainchild of the team behind Noodlebird, is gearing up for a summer opening at 2951 W. Diversey Ave., right next door to its sister establishment. Originally situated in the former space of Fat Rice’s bakery, Birdys aims to bring a delectable range of baked goods and café offerings to the neighborhood.
Not to be overlooked, Lark Pizza is set to break ground in Avondale within the coworking space Guild Row, located at 3130 N. Rockwell St. This new venture, a collaboration with Meadowlark Hospitality and owner Steve Lewis, promises a unique take on neo-Neapolitan-style pizzas, using seasonal ingredients and Italian classics. Lark Pizza will feature premium ingredients, including cured meats from nearby Lardon, which is also operated by Meadowlark Hospitality.
Additionally, beverage director Abe Vucekovich promises a cocktail selection reflecting the playful craftsmanship found across Meadowlark’s establishments, making it perfect for summer sipping on the patio. The restaurant recently received its pizza oven from Italy, heralding exciting times ahead as it prepares for its grand opening.
With the exciting array of new food options on the horizon, Logan Square and Avondale are becoming increasingly vibrant destinations for food lovers in the city. From enriching the local culinary landscape with diverse flavors to providing inviting atmospheres for gatherings, the new restaurants are sure to leave a significant mark on the neighborhood.”
Each new opening adds depth and appeal to the community, ensuring that residents and visitors alike will find something enticing as they explore the ever-evolving dining scene.
image source from：blockclubchicago
