The Native

Bar · Logan Square

The Native

Bar · Logan Square

3

2417 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

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Highlights

Retro tavern with craft cocktails, free popcorn & patio  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

2417 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 Get directions

thenativechicago.com
@thenativechicago

$10–20

Information

Static Map

2417 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 Get directions

+1 872 206 5526
thenativechicago.com
@thenativechicago

$10–20

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reservations
wifi

Last updated

Aug 14, 2025

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@infatuation

The 21 Best Bars in Logan Square

"We like to think of The Native as the Cheers bar of Logan Square. It’s a place where everyone knows your name and, if they don’t, they’ll shower you in boozy slushies until names don’t really matter. While it only opened in 2017, this cash-only spot feels like it’s been here forever—complete with leather booths and a long wooden bar perfect for downing pints of High Life. There’s also a seasonal back patio, which occasionally hosts pop-up events. It’s a great place to get to know one of the bartenders over a few shots of Malört, as they really are some of the friendliest around." - sarah freeman, john ringor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/best-bars-breweries-logan-square
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@infatuation

The Native Review - Logan Square - Chicago - The Infatuation

"We like to think of The Native as the Cheers bar of Logan Square. It’s a place where everyone knows your name and, if they don’t, they’ll shower you in boozy slushies until names don’t really matter. While it only opened in 2017, this cash-only spot feels like it’s been here forever - complete with leather booths and a long wooden bar perfect for downing pints of High Life. There’s also a seasonal back patio, which occasionally hosts pop-up events. It’s a great place to get to know one of the bartenders over a few shots of Malort, as they really are some of the friendliest around." - Sarah Freeman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/the-native
View Postcard for The Native
@eater

How to Help Chicago Bar and Restaurant Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak - Eater Chicago

"Dive bar in Logan Square with a $10,000 goal fund." - Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/2020/3/17/21181779/coronavirus-covid-19-virtual-tip-jars-helpful-links-chicago
View Postcard for The Native

Victor H

Google
1st time here and definitely will not be the last time. Fun little local bar, the bartenders were great and very responsive. The drinks were awesome. The decor and lighting are cool. Will definitely be back to have more drinks here! FYI CASH ONLY

Erin Burks

Google
Great vibes, incredible staff! Beautiful patio space and free WiFi - I love finishing up my work notes for the day while having a cocktail here. My favorite night is Mario Kart night on the last Wednesday of every month. Truly a gem of Logan Square!

A Flood

Google
Weekday night stop by. Regular crowd is kinda wack. Could be a great local bar. As a note I will be stopping in again to see if this place is cool kinda mid tbh. Better bars in the area that serve the same purpose. Priced like Lincoln park bars too lol Bartender quiet - regulars quiet/working - other overall vibe is sleepy and slow not exciting or engaging like it looked like online.

Faith

Google
I came to the The Native for a Saturday night out with friends for some drinks. I really like the low lighting. That has a really cool photo booth which was a nice touch:) great drinks too! Fun place to come around Halloween. I will definitely be back.

Joseph Rosa-Molina

Google
No food, vibe is great. Bartenders make good drinks. Cash only, great patio

Eileen Acevedo

Google
Popped in for a plant sale the Native was hosting for a Women Unite Fundraiser. The bar area was spacious and cozy at the same time. Everyone was super friendly and chill. Will definitely be back to have a few drinks after work during the week.

Chris Krolczyk

Google
I was here for a benefit for Chiditarod, and this bar is nondescript enough in appearance that you'd probably walk right past it without noticing it - I know I have. It has a refurbished dive bar look to it much like Crown Liquors or Spilt Milk, but it splits the difference between Crown Liquors' emphasis on craft brews and Spilt Milk's emphasis on craft cocktails. A good, solid small bar that can act as a relaxed hidey-hole when a larger bar feels like overkill.

J Saler Drees

Google
Solid drive bar. Play rock and roll music. decent sized outdoor patio. Nothing too crazy or special about this place or the drinks but makes for a casual evening and music not outrageously loud so it's easy to talk with friends and not have to shout
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LJ J.

Yelp
Local neighborhood bar vibe. Open backyard. Felt like you were in someone's back yard. Drinks are delicious. Service was fast depends how busy they are. Cash only. There is an ATM inside.
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Meanole M.

Yelp
Last stop in Logan Square. Last bar before heading home. Favorite bar. Cash only is ok. Loved this bar. I stuck with beers, but my family had some cocktails. Bartender on Friday night was awesome! Bar had an old-school feel. It was later in the night and was more crowded. Lots of fun! There was a nice outdoor area. It looks like they may have live music, too. This was my favorite of the 4 or 5 bars we visited on this trip.
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Sandeep C.

Yelp
Walked in by accident and was pleasantly surprised! So immediately we saw it was a dive bar and it was cash only...thinking about leaving. Then the friendly bartender saw our confusion and engaged us in asking what we are in the mood for and gave us recommendations. We went for it! And glad we did - Patio Party - The best cocktail I've ever had at a dive bar and definitely one of the best overall. Basically tasted like a grilled pineapple. A refreshing take on the dive bar. Incredible drinks, no frills and everyone was friendly.
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Steve A.

Yelp
Gotta hit up this long time Logan Square divey ass bar. It sure looks like a well worn out shack, that also happens to serve cold drinks. The Native has some of the best prices, and that's the hard truth. Just bring cash. Make sure you have some bills on you. After coming here for the first time, I quickly learned a few important things to do before coming. It's a simple run business and they run it cheap, resulting in some important information. This bar is cash only. However they help out if you have to withdraw from the ATM. You get a complimentary shot. It makes up for the bank fee. The actual drinks are awesome too. All the frozen drinks are vegan, made with non dairy milk. It's $10, and these are strong. Good to drink when it gets hot. My favorite is the Cream Dream. This is made with coconut, oat milk, orange and vanilla syrup, and vanilla vodka. Bar has no food. They however let you bring in some. Forgive yourself if after spending some time in here you think it's a gay bar. It's actually not, it's just friendly. The bathrooms have some interesting pictures if you're like that though.
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Jerry Z.

Yelp
Went on a Saturday night and was very disappointed. The black bouncer was harassing everyone who was not African American and made very racist statements towards Latin and white folks in the name of jokes. It was a very sad and disappointing experience.
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Kelly B.

Yelp
AVOID. Recently went for a night out with a friend and the front door man was very rude and aggressive. The African American bouncer was extremely aggressive towards women and even sexually harassed a group of young ladies trying to come into the bar. It was a big turn off and he attempted to charge a $59 cover to enter, which was a red flag. AVOID AT ALL COST
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Jack K.

Yelp
Easily my favorite bar in Logan Square. Cash only. No windows. Great bartenders. Patio outback. Great whiskey selection. Malort at the ready. Cold beer. No gimmicks.
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Catherine Durkin R.

Yelp
What can you say about a place that only takes cash but will give you a shot of whiskey if you show them the ATM receipt? Everything from the vibe to the decor to the turntables was upper tier. We felt welcome and enjoyed two of the best Old Fashioneds ever. Plus we donated to the Chicago Abortion Fund. Mercurio is a gem. Will be back.
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Alex R.

Yelp
There's a place called the native. A bar by the English definition according to Oxford as a counter across which alcoholic drinks or refreshments are served. Where regular patrons get hugs & where a handshake means something different in a city filled with warm hearted people. A place where the stooges on Sunday meets death grips on Thursday. A drinking hole deserving of "the best bar in Chicago" Leave your stigma & snobbiness at the door because American traditional tattoos, warm hearted people with black jeans and storytellers run the bar & regulars drink the product, sometimes in gleeful excess. Cocktails? They have them. In fact, they thrive here. Craft beer? Cold in the black fridges behind the dark wooded bar. But don't order a PBR because old style flows here, cold, frequent and will have you questioning whether or not this was your 3rd, 7th or how your mothers name is actually properly spelled. Have a $1? American spirit can be bummed from the gracious back patio. There's a different time zone here. Event starts at 6? It'll start start at 7:30. Need a laugh? You'll here Mercurio's booming jolly laugh or loud lyrics with air guitar accompanying. Someone to welcome you back like an old friend? Brian will greet you like a long lost family member. Simple, wholesome, authentic. Zaff and Molly never forget a face and will ensure your experience seriously kicks ass, even by Chicago standards. Vegan friendly? Try the Sunday market in the back patio where animal-less products grace the pallet. Movie night? specially B movies, meet the American classic bingo thrill filled shenanigans. They don't apolgize, they don't try to replicate, it is a place all it it's own where the natives, are native.

Chris D.

Yelp
Been to this place many times. Consistently the worst service I've ever received in Chicago. Their "freezer" drinks make me want to puke. Highly suggest going to any of the other million bats in the area.
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Lauren B.

Yelp
I like the cocktails, the bartender knew how to make an old fashioned. So Im sold on this place. Hell yeah!
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Shekila S.

Yelp
Nice place!!!! Will most definitely return! My! I love Chicago.... Very relaxed and moderately priced drinks. There are forbidden music artists, and certain booze you don't ask for. Jäger!! Kid friendly... who knew?
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Missi J.

Yelp
I've lived in Logan for a while and just recently went to the Native and I can't believe I didn't know about this place sooner! It's truly a hidden gem. The inside has a retro vibe and there's a huge back patio area. (Not sure if it's heated during the winter). The inside would not be ideal for a bigger group, but the outside worked well for us. They do not serve food here (even though it says they serve pizza). But, you can bring/order food in. The drinks were reasonably priced with a good variety of cocktails, beer, etc. I will definitely be coming back to The Native sometime soon!
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Anamaria H.

Yelp
I've been trying to review the Native for months and I've been struggling. Because at its most basic level, the Native is just another neighborhood bar with beer on tap and a fully stocked bar. They have a patio now in the back, which is awesome, but it's a bar. But I love the Native. My friends and I come here at least once a week. The bartenders recognize us and remember us. I've had wonderful conversations with every person behind the bar every time I've been out. The Native is a fun place to be any night of the week. On a beautiful summer night, it's lovely to just sit out on the patio. But midweek, I prefer sitting at the bar that way I can meet any of the dogs who come in with their owners. FYI: it's cash only but that shouldn't stop you from checking out this place. I really love hanging out this bar and I'm sure you will too!
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Yayo T.

Yelp
This is a great low key bar with a nice beer selection, spirits selection, and an awesome beer garden. The Native is a "Dive" bar in the sense that the decor is low key, and keeps a lot of the original look and feel of the bar. The interior is very nice, and the place is clean. By no means is this a dive bar. For the guys, feel free to go to the bathroom often. Just don't take too long in there, or your drinking pals may think that you are doing something totally wrong with yourself... you will understand once you visit.
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Ryan V.

Yelp
Best dive bar in Logan. Came in last night for some canned beer and fun environment as was not disappointed. The place was packed out which made it difficult to navigate but found a seat at the bar pretty quick. The bartenders were friendly, fast and attentive which was great. Pay homage to the Malory shrine!! Stop in for a beer and some good music next time you are in this area. Cheers
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Gamaliel E.

Yelp
A solid neighborhood bar with a great backyard patio. Good beer selection and free popcorn.

joe h.

Yelp
So sad what was overheard. Welcome to Logan square. such a cool spot, with good music and intentions so disrespectfully treat others on a different level. If you don't look like the manager or speak the same way, they call you fag dumb or lazy. So pathetic. Feel bad for patroons nearby
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Talita S.

Yelp
Relaxed, chill, easy going. This is how I would describe this bar. I could totally see how this bar could be your regular bar spot with friends. Felt really cozy and warm. Like how a bar is supposed to feel to me.
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Leah W.

Yelp
A cute little dive bar on Milwaukee Avenue. As soon as I walked in, I felt like I was in Wisconsin - they are really going for that Midwestern hometown bar feel. Everyone was very welcoming and it almost felt like a private party that we accidentally walked into, lots of happy, flannel wearing groups, a few kids, and a super friendly staff. They had a special on barrel-aged Long Islands, which can be served as a shot or a drink, I think this is their signature cocktail. They were good, cheap, and very very strong. The bar doesn't really serve food (just frozen pizzas) but they do give out free, freshly popped popcorn and it was delicious. Oh, and it is cash only, but there is an ATM inside. Overall, a fun little place!
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Rachel O.

Yelp
This place is new and in my opinion, very good! Good beer selection (Matilda, Allagash, Revolution Anti-Hero IPA, Old Style! ). Free popcorn and a cute dog in the bar complete the 70s vibe. I also want to steak the Old Style sign above the exit. Will return for a drink!
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Jordan G.

Yelp
A fav of mine in the area drinks are definitely not cheap but the patio in the back makes it worth it -- went with a couple of friends and spent the time catching up and enjoying the atmosphere

Aaron S.

Yelp
The bar is great. Reasonably priced beers, fantastic atmosphere and a great patio. And they also allow dogs! One problem: the DJ brings in his pit bull. It attacked my dog and I was asked to leave after confronting the group responsible for the dog's attack. He seemed to be most offended by the fact that I correctly identified the breed, and not bothered by what happened. This is a GREAT bar, but be very careful about bringing your pooch there. Hopefully they fix the glitch!
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
Great low key bar and a refreshing change from all the super-trendy Logan Square craft cocktail over-hyped places. The bartender, Seth, was extremely friendly and they serve pitchers of beer, which is awesome. There's DJ nights and a super sweet patio out back. It's definitely a welcome addition to the neighborhood!
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Disgruntled M.

Yelp
Hard to find but usually busy. Pretty run of the mill dive bar. Has a photobooth that's kinda expensive but it's there if you want it.
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Courtney K.

Yelp
This place is the best. Great beer selection, amazing staff who makes a point to remember you and talk to you, and super dog friendly. Our pup manages to have as good of a time as we do. So glad to have found this spot!
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Meghan D.

Yelp
I think this place is relatively new, because it was empty, but I really enjoyed it. It was divey inside, and they had a good beer selection and free popcorn. There's a nice patio with a (relatively small) TV in the back - definitely a great place to go with a few friends!
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Amy M.

Yelp
I stumbled into The Native at a friend's invitation and immediately felt like part of the family. They welcomed us with popcorn, a frozen pizza, and a couple of negronis that were made with Malort. (I was skeptical at first too, but it was delicious.) The owners nailed the cozy midwestern dive, kind people, & great cocktails combo. (PLUS - the women's restroom somehow smells amazing. A really nice touch!) They're cash only, but there's an ATM at the door - so it really isn't a hassle. I can't wait til summer so I can laze and eat popcorn on the patio. The Native has quickly become one of my favorite spots in Chicago!
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Phu Q.

Yelp
This bar is great if you want a rock/punk vibe. The only thing I don't like is that it's cash only
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Michael K.

Yelp
The Native is my go to local bar with excellent bartenders who actually know your name and what you are drinking. They have music on vinyl and a old fashion bowling machine, free popcorn. What more do you want from a bar? Stop in and see my friend JP and relax, you are taken care of for the evening. Tell him Knappy sent you!
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Mike H.

Yelp
This place is great. Well priced drinks, super friendly staff and patrons. The Zeth dude made some dope ass drinks. Plus dog friendly. IT'S THE BEST

J B.

Yelp
Wow, what a tremendous new find in Logan Square! Hamms and High life on draft?!? Yes, please. Good bottle/can selection as well. The real highlight was the incredibly nice bartenders. I wish I lived closer to this place, but either way it's in the rotation now. Oh, and free popcorn
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Emmanuel E.

Yelp
Good prices, excellent first impression. horrible customer service when it comes to escalations. The asshole bartender spilled my sisters drink and didn't even try to replace it. Had to go to another bartender for the replacement, told him "thanks" and he brushed me off. Screw this place.
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Kelsey K.

Yelp
We went here for a LoganSquarist event and the patio was clutch. They were friendly, welcoming, and the setup was awesome. We haven't been here for just a chill patio session outside of the event, but I'm definitely excited to check it out sometime--maybe with a small group.

Nicole B.

Yelp
Love this bar! It's one of my favorite bars in logan square. If you want a fun laid back atmosphere, this is the place to go! The bartenders are great and attentive and I've always made friends with other bar attendees!

Ash M.

Yelp
Came in for a high life and ended up having a bunch of cocktails and beers I'd never tried before! Zef was super helpful and I absolutely loved the Le Tub (farmhouse ale) and the Lady Lucifer was one of the better cocktails I've had in a while!!! Ill have to go back to try the Malört Negroni

Meg L.

Yelp
Of all the dive bars I've been to, and there have been many, this place is by far the best! Amazing outdoor space, very chill. Bartenders were friendly and personable. This place is decently priced, when compared to other dimly lit "dives", but the space, service, patrons, and ambiance make it worth it. Looking forward to coming back.
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Natalia D.

Yelp
It's no Bonny's, but the drinks are cheap, the people are cool and I'll be back for more Old Style.

Steve W.

Yelp
The staff at the native rudely cleared the entire bar at 1:35 AM under "last call" with the bar being empty by 1:40. When asked if we could finish our beer before closing at 2AM (also to avoid the rain while waiting for our uber) the bartender rudely replied "You're an adult you should understand us asking you to leave". This was not isolated to us, but the entire bar. Great time up until this point, but overall would not recommend if you do not want to be treated with disrespect.
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Liv C.

Yelp
Zef was great! Was visiting from out of town from Indianapolis, Indiana & really enjoyed the dive-ey, low key atmosphere. Super attentive service!
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William X.

Yelp
Sometimes the bartenders bring their puppies! Cheap drinks, big patio, awesome music. What's not to like? Get some popcorn to soak up the booze.
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Emma S.

Yelp
Such a special spot. The people are awesome, the drinks are cheap, and there's an amazing bull dog that runs around and snuggles you. It's cash only but they have a cash machine so it's all good. I would definitely recommend!
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Brandon D.

Yelp
A gem on Milwaukee worth checking out! Great atmosphere and equally awesome prices. The owners and staff are amazing and genuinely care about your experience. Pizza was simple, tasty and hit the spot while sitting at the bar. I'm excited to see what they'll do with the huge outdoor patio! Stop in and see for yourself. You'll feel right at home! Side note: the popcorn is on point.
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Mike G.

Yelp
Dropped in through a random happenstance. Had a wonderful time with the bartenders. Tried new beers, which were fantastic. Recommended for an eclectic evening. Friends welcome.
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Allison C.

Yelp
Just moved to the neighborhood about a month ago. Amongst Milwaukee Avenue's resident dance, arcade and hook up hipster bars, The Native serves as a down to earth environment to hang with friends and meet some new ones. I especially like the hot bartender Zef ! Whether I'm with a group of 15 or by myself, he always makes everyone's saddled with a good drink and a good time. He's got the music matching the vibe, the drink matching the music and you feeling the weight of your day wash out the window Damn, I mean I started liking Malort because of the guy. MALORT! A couple weeks ago I wasn't sure what to order so he started crafting me his own cocktails, and I haven't gone back to a standard order since! Definetly gotta check it out!
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Jessie T.

Yelp
I've been here twice now and was remembered the second we came in. Bartenders are super nice and the drinks are pretty cheap. I will definitely be making myself a regular here.
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Robert M.

Yelp
Nice guys, great atmosphere, and Old Style on draft! Will be back. 5 Stars. Cash only

Siena V.

Yelp
Had a couple of cocktails here on a slow night, drinks were yum and the bartender (with a loon tattoo) was very kind and attentive. He even gave us popcorn, which we could not finish but is great to remember for the future! I remember when this place used to be Bonnies and I am impressed with the make over and vibe. Looking forward to seeing more of this place!

Stella O.

Yelp
Reasonably-priced drinks and free popcorn is great and all, but the best part was that little dog sprinting to the door as soon as I walked in to greet me.