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Lula Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Lula Cafe
8.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lula Cafe is Logan Square’s original market-driven cafe, long praised for seasonal plates, thoughtful brunch, and a menu with plenty of gluten-free-friendly options clearly marked. It’s a go-to for celiac-aware diners who still want creative cooking, strong coffee, and an always-busy neighborhood room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pasta Yiayia, Lula Breakfast Burrito, Baked French Feta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Pioneer Logan Square cafe with a deep track record of seasonal, often gluten-free-friendly cooking and an all-day neighborhood draw.
Who should go: Gluten-aware diners wanting inventive brunch and seasonal plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early brunch to avoid long waits.
What to order: Pasta Yiayia, Baked French Feta, a seasonal gluten-free-friendly main.
Insider tip: Bar seats are usually the fastest way to snag a spot during peak brunch and dinner rushes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces on Kedzie/Logan can be competitive during peak brunch and dinner hours
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sweaters are common, nicer casual for dinner is typical
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at weekday lunch, livelier and buzzy during brunch and dinner
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; short queue possible on sunny or patio-friendly days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple marked vegetarian dishes and seasonal specials
Vegan options: Limited but present — a few vegan or easily adaptable items depending on the season
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items are clearly labeled gluten-free-friendly, but cross-contact may be possible in a shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, creative, and conversational during weekday lunch or early dinner; peak brunch can feel crowded and energetic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait at brunch and prime dinner hours; bar seating is typically the fastest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for well-behaved kids at brunch or lunch; space is cozy and there’s no dedicated kids menu, so it suits older children more than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, market-driven cooking with clearly labeled gluten-free-friendly options and a neighborhood-casual atmosphere that works across brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Skip if: You want guaranteed quiet, large-group seating, or a fully gluten-free kitchen with strict cross-contamination controls.
Lula Cafe
8.8
Since 1999, Jason Hammel’s corner café has anchored Logan Square with a vegetable-forward, seasonally driven menu that runs from all-day café dishes to more composed dinner plates. Brunch lines, a tight natural-leaning wine list, and decades of consistent cooking make it a benchmark neighborhood restaurant with national reach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Trout Scramble, Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito, Buttermilk Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A seminal, farm-driven neighborhood café that helped define modern Logan Square dining.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and seasonal veg-forward diners.
When to visit: Early weekday brunch or late dinner to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Smoked trout scramble, seasonal pasta, any nightly farmers’ plate.
Insider tip: The weekday breakfast and lunch menu offers Lula’s cooking with far shorter lines than weekend brunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — mostly metered on Kedzie/Logan Blvd; can be competitive during peak brunch and dinner hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and relaxed attire are common, but many diners lean slightly polished for dinner
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at weekday meals, livelier and slightly loud during peak brunch
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes opens sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of peak midday rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection of vegetable-forward plates and rotating seasonal dishes
Vegan options: Partial — several dishes can be made vegan or are naturally vegan depending on the season
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility — some items are naturally gluten-free and others can be modified, but not a dedicated GF kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy café energy, thoughtful food, and a relaxed pace make it ideal for conversation, especially at dinner or off-peak brunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often — walk-ins are common, but expect waits during weekend brunch and prime dinner hours; arriving early or late reduces delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for well-behaved kids during daytime service; space is cozy and not stroller-heavy, so it’s best for older children rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, vegetable-forward cooking with neighborhood warmth, creative brunch staples, and consistently thoughtful plates
Skip if: You want large portions, ultra-fast service, or a quiet, reservation-only dining room with zero wait risk
Lula Cafe
9.0
Lula Cafe is Logan Square’s benchmark for market-driven brunch, where seasonal pastry, buttermilk pancakes, and composed egg dishes anchor a menu that changes with the produce. Locals use it for both leisurely weekday breakfasts and destination weekend brunch, pairing careful cooking with an artsy, lived-in room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Trout Scramble, Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito, Buttermilk Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Seasonal, market-driven brunch that feels like a neighborhood institution.
Who should go: Brunch fans who care about seasonal, chef-driven cooking.
When to visit: Early weekend brunch slots to avoid long waits.
What to order: Smoked Trout Scramble, breakfast burrito, buttermilk pancakes.
Insider tip: Weekday breakfasts are calmer and often easier to walk into.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Kedzie Blvd and nearby residential blocks; competition is high during peak brunch hours and especially on weekends; no valet service.
Dress code: Casual but put-together — jeans, sweaters, and daytime wear are common; no need to dress formally.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch — you can hold a conversation, but expect a lively room and occasional crowd noise.
Weekend wait: Typically shorter than brunch; often 15–30 minutes without a reservation, though peak evenings may run longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a brief one during normal lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several composed vegetarian dishes and rotating seasonal options are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited but viable — expect a small number of clearly marked or easily modifiable items depending on the season.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the relaxed, artsy dining room and thoughtful cooking make it a warm, low-pressure first date spot, especially for brunch or an earlier dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during weekend brunch; early arrivals or weekday breakfasts are the most reliable for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids — staff is accommodating and seating is comfortable, but peak brunch crowds and wait times may be challenging for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, chef-driven brunch with thoughtful flavors, a neighborhood-institution feel, and dishes that change with the market.
Skip if: You want bottomless-brunch party vibes, very fast in-and-out service, or a large-group spot with wide table availability at peak hours.
Lula Cafe
8.9
Lula Cafe is a Logan Square institution where seasonal, vegetable-forward brunch plates and pastries anchor a constantly evolving menu. Crowds line up for thoughtful cooking, strong coffee, and an all-day cafe vibe that has shaped the neighborhood since the late 1990s.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Pancakes, Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito, French Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Pioneering neighborhood cafe where creative, seasonal brunch plates feel genuinely chef-driven.
Who should go: Brunch people who value seasonal produce and thoughtful cooking.
When to visit: Weekend mornings; join waitlist early or aim late afternoon.
What to order: Buttermilk Pancakes, Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito, French Toast.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster solo seats and the full brunch menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered and residential; can be tight during peak brunch hours
Dress code: Casual but polished — jeans and sweaters common; weekend crowd skews stylish
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at off-peak times, louder during prime brunch rush
Weekend wait: Short waits or none — evenings are typically calmer than brunch
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though late morning can see brief spikes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent — many seasonal vegetable dishes and rotating specials
Vegan options: Good — several clearly marked options depending on menu cycle
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations — a number of dishes can be modified; no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — warm, creative, neighborhood-casual vibe with thoughtful food that feels special without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends — join the list early or plan for off-peak hours; bar and solo seats often move faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids — casual atmosphere and flexible plates, but space is tight and peak hours can feel crowded.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, chef-driven brunch with creative produce-focused plates and a neighborhood institution feel.
Skip if: You want quick, no-wait diner brunch, very large groups, or strictly traditional breakfast plates.
Lula Cafe
8.3
Since 1999, Jason Hammel’s Lula Cafe has anchored Logan Square with a vegetable-forward, market-driven menu that moves from daytime brunch to composed dinner plates. Pasta Yia Yia and seasonal tasting menus make it feel chef-driven even though the space still reads as neighborhood café.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pasta Yia Yia, Seasonal vegetable tasting plate, Roast chicken with market sides
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Foundational farm-to-table café that still runs nightly tasting menus.
Who should go: Din ers who like serious food in relaxed rooms.
When to visit: Weekday dinners or early brunch to avoid the heaviest waits.
What to order: Pasta Yia Yia, a seasonal appetizer, and one entrée.
Insider tip: Watch for limited-run tasting menus that sell out quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Kedzie/Milwaukee; can be limited during peak dinner and weekend brunch hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual wear are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished in the evening
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, slightly louder during peak brunch and weekend dinners
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though brunch-adjacent midday hours can see short queues
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple thoughtful vegetarian dishes and seasonal specials
Vegan options: Occasional vegan options; menu is vegetable-forward but not fully vegan-focused
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly dishes; staff can guide substitutions but there is no dedicated GF kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — relaxed but refined atmosphere with thoughtful food and warm service; better for conversational dates than flashy celebrations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect longer waits at brunch and prime weekend dinner hours; arriving early improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally adult-leaning but acceptable for well-behaved kids; no dedicated kids menu and tighter seating during busy service.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, chef-driven cooking in a neighborhood café setting with strong brunch and tasting-menu credibility
Skip if: You want large-group seating, ultra-quiet dining rooms, or a fast, no-wait brunch experience
Lula Cafe
8.9
Since 1999, Lula Cafe has anchored Logan Square with market-driven cooking, a popular brunch, and a shaded sidewalk patio that welcomes dogs. Seasonal plates, strong vegetarian options, and calm but lively service make it a dependable choice from morning coffee to date-night dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pasta Yiayia, Breakfast Burrito, Seasonal Scramble with market vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A long-running, vegetable-forward cafe with a true dog-friendly patio.
Who should go: Brunch lovers seeking thoughtful, vegetable-friendly plates with neighborhood energy.
When to visit: Weekday brunch or early dinner to avoid the longest waits.
What to order: Pasta Yiayia, breakfast burrito, a seasonal salad or grain bowl.
Insider tip: Join the waitlist, then loop the boulevard with your dog until your table’s ready.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around the boulevard; generally easier on weekdays, competitive during brunch rush and dinner peak
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; neighborhood-forward, polished but relaxed
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables, busier during peak brunch
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on warm patio days
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief holds during peak brunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent — multiple core dishes and rotating seasonal plates
Vegan options: Moderate — several plant-based options, plus seasonal adaptations on request
Gluten-free options: Limited but workable — some dishes naturally GF; staff can guide substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — relaxed, thoughtful atmosphere with seasonal food and a calm patio that feels intimate without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait at brunch and weekend dinners; add your name to the list and plan a short walk while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids, especially earlier in the day; limited space for strollers and no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, vegetable-forward cooking with a true dog-friendly patio and stronger brunch atmosphere than most neighborhood cafés
Skip if: You want large-portion comfort plates, rapid turn times, or zero-wait seating during peak brunch hours
Lula Cafe
8.7
Lula Cafe is Logan Square’s long-running farm-to-table anchor, serving market-driven plates, pastas, and an influential brunch in a cozy, always-busy corner space. Michelin Bib Gourmand status and James Beard–level recognition make it a destination that still functions as a neighborhood cafe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked French feta, Pasta YiaYia, Chickpea and fennel tagine
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A pioneer farm-to-table cafe that still feels genuinely neighborhood-focused.
Who should go: Brunch fans and market-driven dinner regulars alike.
When to visit: Weekday dinners or early brunch to avoid long waits.
What to order: Baked French feta, Pasta YiaYia, chickpea and fennel tagine.
Insider tip: Bar seats are ideal for walk-ins and solo grazing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — mostly metered on Kedzie & Milwaukee; expect competition during peak brunch and dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common, but many diners lean slightly dressy in the evenings
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversational at weekday dinners, louder during peak brunch rush
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of peak brunch windows
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent coverage — multiple rotating veg-forward dishes and brunch staples
Vegan options: Moderate — a few thoughtful options depending on seasonal menu
Gluten-free options: Several adaptable dishes; staff can advise on safe substitutions but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy lighting, thoughtful dishes, and an intimate neighborhood feel make it great for low-key, conversation-forward dates, especially on weeknights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — bar and counter seats are your best bet; expect a wait at brunch and prime-time dinner, and join the waitlist early when possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally adult-leaning but welcoming — daytime meals work best for families; limited space means strollers and large high-chair setups may be difficult during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Market-driven seasonal cooking, influential brunch, and a neighborhood-institution vibe that balances destination dining with everyday approachability
Skip if: You want large-group seating, very quiet dining rooms, or a reservation-guaranteed brunch with minimal waiting
Lula Cafe
8.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lula Cafe is Logan Square’s original farm-to-table cafe, where seasonal plates, pastas, and an especially strong brunch make it a power move for daytime meetings. Weekday lunch service, a flexible menu, and polished but relaxed service make it easy to host clients without feeling stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito, Pasta Yiayia, Baked French Feta
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Pioneering Logan Square cafe where market-driven plates and pastas work as well for client lunches as for weekend brunch.
Who should go: Teams courting clients who appreciate seasonal, vegetable-forward cooking.
When to visit: Weekday lunches between peak brunch and evening rush.
What to order: Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito, Pasta Yiayia, Baked French Feta.
Insider tip: Book weekday lunch reservations; bar seats are best for one-on-one meetings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots along Milwaukee Ave and limited residential side streets; can be tight during brunch and dinner, no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and clean sneakers are fine, but many daytime diners lean slightly polished for meetings.
Noise level: Moderate — daytime service is conversation-friendly, with a mild lunch buzz that still allows client discussions.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar and patio seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait with a reservation; walk-ins may wait 10–20 minutes during peak lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection of seasonal vegetarian plates and pastas.
Vegan options: Yes — several vegan or easily modifiable options; staff is accustomed to substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes — multiple GF-friendly dishes and modifications available, but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s warm, relaxed, and thoughtful without feeling formal; better for conversational daytime dates than late-night romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often at lunch, yes — but prime weekday windows fill quickly; reservations are recommended for meetings, while bar seats are the best same-day fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids during daytime hours; no dedicated kids menu, but approachable dishes and flexible service work for older children.
Best For
Better for: Daytime business lunches, thoughtful seasonal cooking, and meetings where food quality matters but the atmosphere stays relaxed.
Skip if: You want a quiet white-tablecloth setting, guaranteed fast turnaround during peak brunch, or a late-night business dinner environment.