Before Logan Square was the hotspot it is today, Lula Cafe was already calling it home. And before the organic, farm-to-table craze hit, Lula Cafe was already making it happen. Jason Hammel and Amelea Tshilds opened Lula Cafe 13 years ago in Chicago. And what began as a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients, led to them being one of the biggest voices and advocates of sustainable farming and food. Lula’s offerings are thoughtful, inspiring, and often veg-friendly.

Bright and woodsy but still dark and cool, the space lends itself well to a catchup brunch with a friend or a romantic dinner for two. And with a menu and staff that’s so cool that you might expect a side of surliness with your meal, you’ll be glad to know that it’s just the opposite. You’ll get nothing but doting warmth from the kind staff here.