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Lardon
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lardon
8.2
An all-day Logan Square salumeria and café where house-cured charcuterie, pâtés, and hearty sandwiches deliver a French-accented bistro feel without white tablecloths. Patio seating, strong coffee, and a tight wine and aperitif list make it as useful for afternoon boards as for casual date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcuterie Board, Reuben Sandwich, Italiano Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A charcuterie-driven café where house-cured meats lean heavily French bistro.
Who should go: Charcuterie lovers who want boards, wine, and relaxed bistro energy.
When to visit: Golden-hour patio time for boards, wine, and lighter crowds.
What to order: Grand charcuterie board, Reuben, Italian-inspired salumi sandwich.
Insider tip: Share one large board, then supplement with sandwiches instead of extra meats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable but can tighten on weekends and during dinner rush (no valet or dedicated lot).
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sweaters are common; slightly dressier works for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, but can get lively during peak evening hours.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on weather and patio demand; reservations recommended when available.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait outside of peak brunch-adjacent hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options depending on seasonal boards, salads, and cheese selections — confirm details with staff.
Vegan options: Limited — menu leans charcuterie-forward; a few plant-based sides or salads may be adaptable.
Gluten-free options: Some boards and salads can be made gluten-friendly; bread components are common, so request modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and bistro-style interior feel intimate without being formal, and sharing a charcuterie board creates an easy, conversational pace.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening or midday; expect a wait at peak weekend times and consider the patio first for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for well-behaved kids during the day, but the menu and pacing skew more adult-oriented; evenings feel better suited to dates and small groups.
Best For
Better for: Charcuterie-centric meals, house-cured meats, and relaxed patio dining with a European café feel rather than full white-tablecloth formality.
Skip if: You’re seeking a large entrée-driven dinner, extensive vegan options, or a very quiet special-occasion setting.
Lardon
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Lardon is a salumeria-focused cafe where house-cured charcuterie, crafted sandwiches, and a strong coffee and wine program power business lunches from morning through late afternoon. The compact dining room and patio work well for internal team catch-ups or casual client meetings that still feel considered.
Must-Try Dishes:
Reuben Sandwich, Lardon Charcuterie Board, Green Monster Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Charcuterie-driven cafe where serious sandwiches and salumi meet an easygoing, laptop-friendly lunch vibe.
Who should go: Hybrid workers and small teams needing impressive but relaxed lunch.
When to visit: Early lunch or midafternoon to avoid peak brunch crowds.
What to order: Reuben Sandwich, Lardon Charcuterie Board, Green Monster Salad.
Insider tip: For working lunches, ask for a two-top along the wall or on the patio for more elbow room and quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; metered spaces on Milwaukee Ave — can be competitive during brunch and peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — polished but relaxed; work attire and jeans are both appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is generally comfortable at two-tops, slightly louder during weekend brunch rush.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — Lardon typically operates daytime service; evenings are rarely a factor.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate wait at peak noon hours; earlier or later lunches usually seat quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several salads, toasts, and customizable sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads or modifications possible, but menu leans charcuterie-forward.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility — salads and board items work well; sandwich bread substitutions are limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates — the vibe is relaxed, bright, and food-focused, better for conversation than for a formal or intimate evening setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in. Arrive slightly before peak lunch or mid-afternoon for the best chance at a quieter table or patio seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — daytime service and counter ordering work fine for older kids; space is compact and not ideal for strollers or large family groups.
Best For
Better for: High-quality charcuterie, crafted sandwiches, and polished yet casual business-lunch meetings where food quality matters more than formality.
Skip if: You need a fully vegan or gluten-free menu, large-group seating, or a dinner-service restaurant with extended evening hours.