I’ve been waiting–it seems like forever–for Logan Square to have a truly comfortable, Filter-esque coffee shop that is open late and doesn’t rhyme with Scarbucks. Sure, there are technically a few places in the ‘hood to hang out and get a cup of Joe, but Lula Cafe’s bar is always crowded, Cafe Con Leche delivers a layer of milk-film with their caffeinated drinks, and despite their moniker, the staff at No-Friction isn’t very friendly. Plus, none of those places have quite the college-town, low-key, linger-if-you-want-to vibe I crave. But my wish has finally been granted with the opening of New Wave Coffee, which began a “soft-opening” late last week. They’re off to a steady start: By day four, I was amazed to find the place was bustling by 11am with people talking, using the free Wi-fi, reading, and playing Super Mario Brothers, which is sitting next to a comfy couch, giving off the air of a junior-high-best-friend’s-rec-room.
Owners Zach Zulauf and Susan Wingerter have big ideas about the cafe’s mission. “We were interested in the concept of a ‘third place;’ not home, not work, where people can go and interface with the community. We want New Wave to be a extension of that, and we definitely have a bent towards the arts.”
To that end, brightly-colored paintings by a local artist hang on the walls, they play non-generic music (Gillian Welch and Archer Prewitt were on rotation during one of my visits), and their mission statement notes their dedication to “providing an arena for discussion, experience and cross-pollination of art, social and intellectual pursuits.” A lofty goal. For that, they and their customers will require copious amounts of the Metropolis coffee served there, (along with Torano bread, sweets from Roesers and other independent North Side bakers, plus soups and panini, (a good percentage of which are vegetarian and vegan). For my part, I’m just thrilled to have a place down the street to hang out and get caffeinated with friends this winter. Welcome to the neighborhood!
2569 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-682-8688, newwavecoffee.com. Hours are: 7am-11pm M-F, 8am-11pm Sa, Sun. Photo credits: Interior, Allison Williams. amwphoto@gmail.com. www.allison-williams.com. Exterior, Gretchen Kalwinski.
Sweet! I just saw this, but wasn’t sure what it was. Long overdue, and perfect spot.
Someone has to say it.
Logan Square, you are now officially the new Wicker Park … for about 3 more years. Then you become Lincoln Park.
It was nice knowing you and your once affordable rents.
Well, Logan Square’s gentrification flag started swinging a good 5-6 years ago when Starbucks arrived, no? I’d argue that this cafe–independently owned and operated and utilizing local vendors–is actually a return to a more authentically neighborhood-ey joint that LS *used* to be known for.
Next Wicker Park? Next Lincoln Park?
Maybe, maybe not. We’ll see. I don’t know if NWC is part of the problem. Those guys pay the same cheap rent I do, and live two blocks away and know plenty of people in the neighborhood, both incoming and previously residing alike. They have a commitment to community and might be a force that actually combats gentrification by pulling everyone together. I’ve got faith in them.
combat gentrification?
YOUR ALL PART OF IT BABEZ