The Meadowlark

This Logan Square spot is great if you want to hang at a bar that feels like a secret clubhouse. Its entrance is on a quiet side street and the discreet sign (just the silhouette of a bird) makes Meadowlark easy to miss. But once inside, you’ll find a dark wooden interior, comfy leather couches, and some great small plates and drinks—which isn’t a complete surprise considering this is from the team behind Union and Lardon. We like their smoky grilled jerk chicken hearts or turkey empanadas made with bacon fat pastry, both of which pair nicely with anything from their rotating drink menu. Currently, all of their cocktails are named after birds, like the boozy-yet-refreshing Cedar Waxwing with gin, sotol, amaro, and green chartreuse plus some lime and mint. Since seating in is limited, make sure to book a reservation in advance.