Lula Cafe

Lula Cafe is a neighborhood restaurant at 2537 N Kedzie Blvd, facing Logan Square in Chicago, Illinois. Opened in 1999 under chef Jason Hammel, it is often cited as an early champion of local, seasonal cooking in the city, and it has remained a fixture of the Logan Square dining scene long after the neighborhood became a restaurant destination. The cuisine is seasonal American with Midwestern sourcing, written around what regional farms provide through the year. Brunch is a central draw, and the seasonal brunch plates are among the dishes most associated with the address, while the dinner menu is known for handmade pastas and vegetable-forward plates. The dining room is bright, relaxed and unfussy, with a bohemian, creative-neighborhood character and a moderate noise level that rises during weekend brunch; dress is casual. The beverage list includes coffee, cocktails and a thoughtful selection of wine and beer that follows the same seasonal and small-producer approach as the kitchen. The price tier is moderate. Hours are Wednesday to Monday from 9AM to 3PM and again from 4:30PM to 10PM, and the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, so the split service means a gap between brunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, though walk-ins are accepted when seating is available, and weekend brunch is the hardest slot, with waits common. Booking several days ahead for weekend meals is sensible. The phone number is (773) 489-9554. The location is on the edge of Logan Square, near its boulevard and park, and is easy to pair with a walk through the neighborhood's shops and bars. It suits travelers who want to eat where locals do, away from the downtown core.