Around Chicago: Logan Square
By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 9, 2015 5:00AM
This post is a sponsored collaboration between Jameson and Gothamist staff.
A city is defined by its people and what they build, create, and celebrate. Chicago, itself a kaleidoscope of America's complicated past, is a great example. Look at your community and, because it's Polish, African-American, Puerto Rican, Irish or a little of everything, you'll see the country by way of the city.
Logan Square is famous for the meeting of cultures that comes with rapid gentrification. Wicker Park refugees meet multi-generational Polish families meet first-generation Latino ones, and even if it's beginning to be known for artisanal mayonnaise more than pierogi, the neighborhood has something for everyone on a holiday that's ironically come to represent us all: St. Patrick's Day.
How does that make sense? Think about it: St. Paddy's is bigger here than it ever was in Ireland. Americans of every background have made it into their own celebration of friendship, indulgence, and the opportunity to unwind. How does it change from person to person, neighborhood to neighborhood, and what does it say about us?
In Logan Square, corned beef and cabbage specials at one of the many pubs—some with outdoor seating in case it's unseasonably warm—drink specials basically everywhere, and low-key hangouts at a Cuban steamtable place are all available to anyone who wants to avoid all the madness downtown. Who says St. Patrick's Day has to be green hats and parades? All you really need is some friends and a little Irish whiskey—Jameson, of course.
In a toast to Chicago, we've taken a look at four neighborhoods to get a picture of their past and present. First up is Logan Square.
Maps in this series by Keith & Co.
Tyler Deal is a designer and printmaker living in Logan Square. We asked Tyler about his neighborhood, what it means to live there, and whether there's anything he'd like to share with the rest of Chicago. You can check out his work here, here, and here.
It's St. Patrick's Day—let's talk about drinks! Do you have a favorite bartender? Anyone who's pouring drinks.
Favorite whiskey drink? I take my whiskey neat most times, but otherwise it's whiskey & soda.
You find yourself buying a round of shots for your table. What's the occasion? A birthday, a baby or a new job.
You live in Logan Square. What do you think sets it apart from other neighborhoods? The boulevards and the fact that we have a new restaurant or bar opening like every 10 minutes... and they're all within walking distance of my house.
Tyler Deal.
What was your impression when you first came to Logan Square? I found the people to be friendly and likeminded, not to mention Palmer Square is my favorite park in Chicago.
Tell me about a building or landmark you love in particular. Have I mentioned Palmer Square? The 606 looks like it will be pretty awesome as well.
What's something that strikes you as "home" whenever you come back from being away? I love the space I have living on the Boulevard, it makes me feel like I have a front yard sometimes.
So, got any plans for St. Patrick's Day this year? I like to stay as far away from any bars as possible, so I'll probably be in one of the aforementioned parks with a drink in my hand.
St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and, deep down, it's a holiday that's more American than Irish. What better represents our nation of scrappy upstarts than a holiday both nostalgic for home and proud to have built a new one? And really, what's more Chicagoan?
Jameson invites you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the spirit of community the most authentic way—with a shot of triple-distilled Irish whiskey in your hand. Whether you're toasting from a bar stool, your favorite restaurant or a nearby park: long live the neighborhood—and long live the shot!