Dec 6, 2024

Long Room Chicago

A bar with biscuits

""Long Room" in Chicago is as the name suggests: a long gathering room. Or rather, a long tavern. I love the wooden bar, the lack of television & the menu!"

Long Room is as the name suggests: a long gathering room. Or rather, a long tavern.

This oblong space is nestled in Ravenswood, a large neighborhood with lots of local spots and single-family homes. The tavern is right off Irving Park road, but you wouldn't know it as you head inside; the busy street noise seems to disappear as you sit down. You'll first notice, well, the long, wooden bar welcoming you with lots of bar stools at the ready for patrons. Retro lamps and mirrors complete the decor. Towards the back, past the long bar, are cushy seats and a photobooth machine to commemorate the evening.

Since 2001, Long Room has been on top of introducing new craft beers to locals, but they don't just serve alcohol: Long Room is part bar, part coffeeshop. Barista/bartenders mix up beautiful lattes, or for the purists, they serve Midwestern roasted Kickapoo Coffee. This television-free space encourages visitors to engage in conversation. On nice days, check out the hidden patio complete with a floral mural and flowers.

My favorite part of Long Room is their food options, which while limited can satiate any hungry customer. Inside the bar is a small stand where they host pop up restaurants, such as fresh tavern pizza, bakery pastries, and other cuisines that make a unique pairing with Long Room's libations and coffee beverages.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

1612 W Irving Park Rd

Coffees/beer:

USD

7

7736654500

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

TARY-Coffee-House

TARY Coffee House – Kazakh specialty cafe

There are many unique food options to try on their menu like Bylamyk porridge with raspberry jam, Baursak (fried dough bites) or Truffle Mushroom Soup.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Lydia

Schultz

Jan 18, 2025
Old-Town-Ale-House

Old Town Ale House – Famed dive with historic roots

" Old Town Ale House" is one of my favorite spots to enmesh myself in the history, art, and unique company found in Chicago.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Sydney

Epstein

Jan 18, 2025
Screenshot

Bungalow – Natural wine meets fresh bread

I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sophie

Amado

Jan 15, 2025
Argyle-Street

Argyle Street – Chicago's only shared street

"Argyle Street" is Chicago's first shared street. The concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provide spaces for the summer night market...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Claire

Conway

Jan 12, 2025
Pasta-Bowl

Pasta Bowl – Pasta to die for

"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sophie

Amado

Jan 10, 2025
Tesfa-Ethiopian

Tesfa Ethiopian – East African comfort food

The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Jan 7, 2025
Mella-Cafe

Mella Cafe – Local spot for Eritrean food

I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Jan 7, 2025
De-Luna-Taco-Grill

De Luna Taco Grill – Spicy Truck Tacos

The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Lydia

Schultz

Jan 7, 2025
Nha-Hang-Vietnam

Nhà Hàng Vietnam – Traditional Vietnamese

Although this street is dominated by Vietnamese eateries, Nhà Hàng is a quieter, no-frills joint as opposed to the touristy, upscale restaurants nearby.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Jan 7, 2025
Irazu

Irazu – Chicago's Only Costa Rican

Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Jan 7, 2025
Bolivar-Lincoln

Bolivar & Lincoln – Venezuelan Haven

My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Lydia

Schultz

Jan 7, 2025
Superdawg-Drive-in

Superdawg Drive-in – Classic Chicago hot dog spot

Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sophie

Amado

Dec 31, 2024