Logan Square's Newest Bar Keeps it Cool and Casual

In a booze-soaked neighborhood like Logan Square, where bars practically outnumber people (yet they’re all somehow packed on a nightly basis), newcomers need to find unique ways to stand out from the pack. The Native, while seemingly pretty no-frills, takes this sentiment to heart by combining a throwback vibe with playful touches and updated classics. 

 

The Native has big shoes to fill. It’s located in the space formerly occupied by dearly departed Bonny’s, one of the more famous dive dance bars in Chicago. They’ve spiffed up the space, while maintaining a throwback vibe with leather booths and a cozy lodge-like motif with plenty of wood and brick. For Jared Savocchi, who owns The Native with his wife Carly, he first got a taste of the entrepreneurial spirit at his family’s glass company in the suburbs. He was only seven at the time, but it was enough to influence him to pursue his own business as an adult. In this case, though, he’s traded glasswork for beer glasses. 

Frosty mugs and pitchers of beer are front-and-center at The Native, which has 10 taps featuring local brews from the likes of Revolution and Half Acre. Cocktail-wise, drinks skew contemporary with variations on classics like a Negroni made with gin, Pamplemousse liquor and Malort. The Loon is another fun one, so named for The Native’s bird logo, with tequila, lemon, Mandarine Napoleon, simple syrup and egg white. 

 

The bar also sets itself apart with shuffleboard bowling for drinkers who like activities with their booze. Unlike standard shuffleboard, where players compete against each other from opposing sides, this one is designed to look like a bowling lane, with pins to knock down. The bar also spins full albums on a nightly basis.   

A back patio is on the way when the weather warms up. Although The Native missed out on Chicago’s outdoor patio season, there’s light at the end of the winter tunnel. Come spring, the bar will unveil its 50-seat back patio. Similar to the one at The Whistler just up the block, the al fresco area will feel more like a relaxed residential backyard, the perfect urban escape.