The Owl

Logan Square, Chicago –

As its name suggests, The Owl is a late-night spot popular with Logan Square’s ineradicable hipsters looking to roost till the sun comes up.

The expansive single-room space, with its long line of globed pendant lights and undulating hardwood bar, bears some resemblance to the chi-chi lounges slowly working their way into this ever-gentrifying neighborhood, but the vibe is undeniably casual and the crowd’s drink of choice invariably comes in a can.

If $2.50 PBRs aren’t enough for the tatted connoisseurs, however, a decent selection of craft beers are also on hand – though no matter what anyone is drinking, a fake stone fountain seeping water behind the bar makes them all have to pee. The sounds of running water get drowned out with conversation long before closing, however, for despite its late hours The Owl is not merely a haven for last call but also a popular early evening destination.

Art students, cool cat post-grads, and even a few luxury condo owners from the area gather on stools and around high-topped wooden tables in the front, or make their way down the mirrored hallway to the small dance floor surrounded by couches and velvet armchairs.

Not surprising given its regular patrons, the music at the venue is relegated to an old-school CD jukebox, home to an eclectic selection from Dinosaur Jr. to Elvis Presley.

Mixing edginess with refinement, The Owl is a perfect reflection of what Logan Square has become, and a great spot for everyone to celebrate their nocturnal tendencies.