Best view of...the action

Photograph by Taylor Castle

Lula Café (2537 N Kedzie Blvd, 773-489-9554)
As if keeping up with the seasonal specials (think scallops with grilled ramps, spring radishes and pork cracklings) and the head-spinning assemblage of farmers’ names on the menu at this Logan Square favorite weren’t enough, summertime brings even more activity. Lula’s simple, small sidewalk patio puts a few pretty planter boxes in view, but beyond that lies the real action. By day, there’s the streaming traffic of gearheads cruising into the adjacent Boulevard Bikes, plus the bleary-eyed late-risers stumbling into nearby Johnny’s Grill for a hangover cure of greasy hash browns and fried eggs. By night, live shows often rage at the upstairs Logan Square Auditorium, which means Lula diners are treated to the preshow parade of concertgoers, which can range from hipsters sporting skinny jeans and shaggy mops on their way to see bands like Man Man to teens lined up for indie hip-hoppers like Mac Lethal.

—Heather Shouse

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