0 Followers
The Moonlighter
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
The Moonlighter
8.2
The Moonlighter is a Logan Square sports bar from the Scofflaw team, pairing classic and vegan wings with burgers, tacos, and a large, dog-friendly patio. All-day and early-evening happy hour deals on drinks and bar bites make it an easy neighborhood move for wings with a crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional Wings with house sauces, Vegan Wings (Mesquite), Loaded Tots
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Dog-friendly sports bar where classic and vegan wings share space with a big patio.
Who should go: Groups needing wings, drinks, and a dog-friendly patio.
When to visit: Early evenings on weekdays when happy hour overlaps patio time.
What to order: Traditional wings, Mesquite vegan wings, loaded tots.
Insider tip: Aim for earlier happy hour windows to snag patio seating before game crowds swell.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on Armitage and nearby residential blocks; availability tight after 6pm and during game nights; no valet service.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and patio-friendly attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially during games and busy evenings; conversation is easier earlier in the evening or on the patio.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes during peak patio and game hours; faster for small parties inside.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is generally immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meat-free snacks and sides, plus vegetarian versions of bar staples.
Vegan options: Yes — notable vegan wing options and a few plant-based plates; selection is limited but intentional.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some items can be modified; cross-contact is likely in a bar-kitchen environment, so confirm with staff if sensitivity is severe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, activity-style dates than intimate ones — the patio and wings-plus-drinks format work well if you want relaxed energy rather than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates mostly on a walk-in basis. Arrive earlier in the evening for the best shot at patio seating; peak game times fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-tolerant during the day and early evenings, especially outdoors; late nights and busy game hours skew more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Casual groups, dog-friendly patio hangs, and places where both classic and vegan wings are priorities during happy hour.
Skip if: You want a quiet or romantic setting, chef-driven food, or strict gluten-free controls.
The Moonlighter
8.0
The Moonlighter is a Scofflaw-group neighborhood bar between Logan Square and Humboldt Park known for a burger-heavy menu, long tap list, and one of the area’s most useful dog-friendly patios. It doubles as a sports bar and casual hangout, with burgers, vegan wings, and waffle fries built to soak up a full evening of beer and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Vegan Beyond Burger, Buffalo Vegan Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A dog-friendly burger bar with fireplaces, TVs, and a sprawling patio that works equally well for game days and casual group hangs.
Who should go: Groups and dog owners wanting burgers, beers, and TVs in one place.
When to visit: Weekend afternoons for patio time or weeknight evenings for sports and easier seating.
What to order: Cheeseburger with fries, vegan wings for the table, and a draft beer.
Insider tip: The patio is a real draw in season—arrive a bit early for key games if you want outdoor seats, and know that the vegan menu options are strong enough for mixed groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Armitage and nearby residential side streets; generally manageable on weeknights but can be competitive during peak patio weather and game days. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and layered outdoor attire are common, especially if you plan to sit on the patio.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during games and busy evenings; conversational on the earlier side or outdoors when the patio is less full.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during prime hours and warm-weather patio days, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when open during daytime hours, though hours can skew later — check schedule if planning an early visit.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, fries, and several meatless bar-food items; burgers can be customized.
Vegan options: Yes — notable vegan wings and a handful of bar staples that work well for mixed groups.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be modified (bun swaps, salads), but expect shared fryers and potential cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first date — especially on the patio — but it leans lively and bar-forward rather than intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in; arrive early on sunny weekends or big game days if you’re aiming for the patio or a group table.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so during daytime and early evenings, particularly on the patio; later hours and game nights skew louder and more adult-focused. No dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangs, dog-friendly patio meetups, and mixed-diet groups that want burgers, vegan bar food, and TVs in one place.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner, craft-cocktail focus, or strictly gluten-free dining with dedicated prep controls.
The Moonlighter
8.7
The Moonlighter is a Logan Square sports bar where classic and vegan wings share space with burgers, cocktails, and one of the neighborhood’s better dog-friendly patios. Diners lean on saucy, double-fried wings and crisp vegan wings as a fallback order for games, casual dates, and group hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite Vegan Wings, Classic Buffalo Wings, Smoky BBQ Wings
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Dog-friendly sports bar where classic and vegan wings both matter.
Who should go: Groups wanting wings, drinks, and a lively patio.
When to visit: Evenings for games and peak patio energy.
What to order: Mesquite Vegan Wings, Buffalo wings, a house cocktail.
Insider tip: On nice days, request the fireplace-adjacent patio tables for warmth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets but can be tight during games and peak patio weather
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jerseys, jeans, and patio-friendly layers are common
Noise level: Loud during games and busy evenings; conversation is easier on the patio or earlier in the night
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during big games or warm-weather evenings
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quicker service and quieter room
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — meatless appetizers and sides plus vegetarian-friendly wing sauces
Vegan options: Yes — well-regarded vegan wings and a few plant-based bar snacks
Gluten-free options: Partial — some wings and salads can be modified, but the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, low-pressure sports-bar vibe with patio seating; less ideal for quiet conversation on game nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served; arrive early for patio space or during major games when waits build quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes earlier in the evening and on the patio; the scene skews adult-focused and louder late at night or during big sporting events.
Best For
Better for: Wing variety (including strong vegan options), dog-friendly patio hangs, and casual game-day meetups
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, formal service, or strictly gluten-free dining with dedicated prep controls
The Moonlighter
7.8
The Moonlighter is a casual Logan Square bar where a dog-friendly, fireplace-warmed patio meets a short menu of burgers, waffle fries, and nachos. It leans more toward laid-back drinking and hanging out than destination food, but delivers satisfying late-night bar fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Waffle Fries, Taco Party Platter
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Neighborhood sports bar energy with a dog-friendly patio and better-than-average burgers.
Who should go: Casual drinkers and dog owners craving burgers and a relaxed patio.
When to visit: Evenings or late night when the fireplaces, TVs, and patio are active.
What to order: Double cheeseburger, waffle fries, taco party platter with a draft beer.
Insider tip: Head straight for the patio on mild nights; QR-code ordering keeps things easy while your dog settles in.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets but can be tight on weekends after 7pm.
Dress code: Very casual — hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are common; patio-friendly layers in cooler weather.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during games and late nights; easier conversation on the patio and earlier evenings.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for patio seating during peak hours; bar seating inside is usually faster.
Weekday lunch: Not a typical weekday lunch destination; when open earlier, there is rarely a wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few bar-snack and modified burger/sandwich options, but not a dedicated menu section.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items can be customized; best for snacks rather than a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — burgers can be served without a bun and some sides are gluten-leaning, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, low-pressure hang with drinks and burgers; less ideal for a quiet or upscale first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in. Arrive a bit earlier on busy weekends for the best chance at a patio table.
Is it kid-friendly? Informally kid-friendly earlier in the evening, especially on the patio, but it skews adult-focused and bar-oriented late at night.
Best For
Better for: Dog-friendly patio hangs, casual drinks, and late-night bar food in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want chef-driven plates, a quiet dining room, or a more formal dinner environment.
The Moonlighter
8.2
The Moonlighter is a casual Logan Square burger and beer bar with a big dog-friendly patio and a kitchen that runs to midnight or later, depending on the night. Smash burgers, vegan wings, and loaded waffle fries make it a go-to when you want real food with your nightcap.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Mesquite Vegan Wings, Loaded Waffle Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Neighborhood burger bar where the kitchen keeps turning out solid food deep into the night.
Who should go: Friends wanting burgers, beers, and a patio late.
When to visit: Late evenings for trivia, games, and a full kitchen until close.
What to order: Double Cheeseburger, Mesquite Vegan Wings, Loaded Waffle Fries.
Insider tip: On warmer nights, grab patio seats—dogs are welcome and service holds up even late.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on nearby residential blocks and metered spots along major streets; usually manageable but can be tighter late on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and hoodies are common; outdoor-friendly layers for the patio.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is doable at tables earlier in the evening; bar and patio get louder late.
Weekend wait: Usually 20–40 minutes during peak late-evening hours; faster for patio or bar seating.
Weekday lunch: No true lunch service — afternoons are typically quiet or closed; evenings have little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meat-free items and customizable sides.
Vegan options: Yes — a few clearly marked options (including vegan wings) plus modifiable items.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be modified; no dedicated gluten-free fryer or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates — burgers, beers, and the patio keep it relaxed; less ideal if you want quiet or polished ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in friendly. Arrive a bit earlier on weekends or be open to patio or bar seating for the shortest wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier evenings can work for families, especially on the patio; late night skews bar-focused and better for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night food with a real kitchen, casual groups, dog-friendly patio seating, and vegan-friendly bar fare.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, formal dining, reservations, or a large gluten-free menu.