It’s hard to believe this is my first restaurant review this year. Where has the time gone?
Logan Square is a great historical and eclectic neighborhood located on the north side of Chicago. Originally a Norwegian neighborhood, this area of the Windy City is now home to a large population of Hispanic and Irish families, while still retaining it’s Norwegian heritage. The area is also known for it’s 2.5 miles of perfectly preserved tree-lined boulevards, designated as both a National Historic District as well as a Chicago Landmark.
And there’s also the Illinois Centennial Monument, in the center of it all. This 70-foot column sits in the middle of actual Logan Square and was designed by Henry Bacon (BACON!), who also designed the Lincoln Memorial.
Illinois Centennial Monument
Image from Public Art in Chicago, via a random Google search
Don’t you love how history is all around us?
Also home to Logan Square is Dunlays on the Square.
Dunlays on the Square
We’ve been here several times now and each time, I’m struck by the menu options and quality of service. They’re known for having good quality comfort items, like Amish Fried Chicken, babyback ribs and the Skillet Cornbread, which is served up right in the skillet it’s cooked in. It’s hearty with the sweet taste of corn and goes beautifully with the whipped maple butter it’s served with.
Skillet Cornbread, Almost Gone!
The menu options here have recently changed up, with features such as Shrimp and Grits. The grits were great, for not being served in the South. They had just the right amount of creaminess, which perfectly complemented the tangy tomato-peppery sauce from the shrimp and sopresatta. The shrimp themselves were cooked perfectly as well – not overdone and rubbery. It was a great dish – and a perfect portion.
Shrimp and Grits, Y’all
They’re also known for their burgers – and we had their veggie version, which is made in-house with rice, beans and sweet potatoes, among other things. It was pretty huge and perfectly satisfying with a side of smashed potatoes.
Blurry, Veggie Goodness
We also tried their Roasted Wild Mushroom Flatbread, which are like flatbread pizzas. We’ve had their Roasted Chicken and Margherita flatbreads in prior visits. They’re served up on a small, thick plank and make a perfect lighter entree – or shareable appetizer. You can’t go wrong with these.
Roasted Wild Mushroom Flatbread
Dunlays is also known for their beer selection, as well as their extensive brunch. One item in particular worth trying is a Southern eggs benedict, which includes country sausage instead of the traditional Canadian bacon and the poached egg is covered in sausage gravy. Heavenly. It’s not on the menu, but is featured a lot as a special. The service for us has always been on point. The servers are knowledgeable, friendly and timely.
There are actually several Dunlays restaurants located throughout Chicago. Dunlays on Clark is actually closer to where we live, and we love going there as well, but we also love venturing over to Logan Square as well. With solid food and solid service, Dunlays on the Square sets the standard for a great bar and restaurant that any neighborhood would be proud to have.
Required Info:
- Name – Dunlays on the Square
- Neighborhood – Logan Square
- Where – 3137 W. Logan Blvd
- Phone – (773) 227-2400
- Meals – Dinner, Lunch and Brunch
- Hours – Mon – 4:30pm – 12am, Tues – Thurs – 11:30am – 12am, Fri – 11:30am – 1am, Sat – 10am – 1am, Sun - 10am – 11pm
- Attire – Neighborhood Casual
Shrimp and grits, hey. Chicago’s such a great town. This looks wonderful.
Thanks – yes, it was delicious!
Sounds like my kind of place. That food looks amazing. I have been to Rock Falls but never to Chicago. Hopefully one day!
Thank you – yes, you would love Chicago — so many restaurants, so little time!
Whoa. Any place that serves good lookin’ shrimp & grits is fine in my book. The skillet cornbread looks great awesome, too.
Thanks – yeah that cornbread gets me everytime!
Great review. I’ll have to bookmark it when we’re in Chicago next. Sadly our trip at the end of June whisks us from Midway right to cottage country in Wisconsin, so I won’t be spending any time in the windy city.
I am seriously so cross that I’ve never tried grits!!! I really, really want to. Time has flown by this year, it’s crazy….!
Shrimp and grits!!! Yes please! Bill, I really appreciate this. We are always looking for new places to try in Chicago. This one looks perfect! I love that neighborhood too. You’re making me want to hop in the car and head down there
thank you for this!
I was sure I left a comment for this…sorry it didn’t take, we were still in New York City!
I’m going to have to bookmark this place next time I visit Chicago, Bill, thanks for the tip. We’ll be there at the end of June but we are being whisked away to Wisconsin to our friends lake house so we won’t be spending any time in the windy city. But perhaps in the fall!
Oh how I wished I lived in Chicago if only to dine at the fabulous restaurants! My Brother in law grew up around there and I’ll definitely forward the review.
Thank you – there really are so many great restaurants, much to the chagrin of my waistline :/