ZipPicks Awards
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best American in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Breakfast in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Brunch in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Trendy Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Master Critic Review
Lula Cafe
8.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lula Cafe is Logan Square’s original market-driven cafe, long praised for seasonal plates, thoughtful brunch, and a menu with plenty of gluten-free-friendly options clearly marked. It’s a go-to for celiac-aware diners who still want creative cooking, strong coffee, and an always-busy neighborhood room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pasta Yiayia, Lula Breakfast Burrito, Baked French Feta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Pioneer Logan Square cafe with a deep track record of seasonal, often gluten-free-friendly cooking and an all-day neighborhood draw.
Who should go: Gluten-aware diners wanting inventive brunch and seasonal plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early brunch to avoid long waits.
What to order: Pasta Yiayia, Baked French Feta, a seasonal gluten-free-friendly main.
Insider tip: Bar seats are usually the fastest way to snag a spot during peak brunch and dinner rushes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces on Kedzie/Logan can be competitive during peak brunch and dinner hours
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sweaters are common, nicer casual for dinner is typical
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at weekday lunch, livelier and buzzy during brunch and dinner
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; short queue possible on sunny or patio-friendly days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple marked vegetarian dishes and seasonal specials
Vegan options: Limited but present — a few vegan or easily adaptable items depending on the season
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items are clearly labeled gluten-free-friendly, but cross-contact may be possible in a shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, creative, and conversational during weekday lunch or early dinner; peak brunch can feel crowded and energetic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait at brunch and prime dinner hours; bar seating is typically the fastest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for well-behaved kids at brunch or lunch; space is cozy and there’s no dedicated kids menu, so it suits older children more than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, market-driven cooking with clearly labeled gluten-free-friendly options and a neighborhood-casual atmosphere that works across brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Skip if: You want guaranteed quiet, large-group seating, or a fully gluten-free kitchen with strict cross-contamination controls.