Longman & Eagle’s 16-Year Celebration and Culinary Innovation

Longman & Eagle, located in Logan Square, has reached its sweet sixteen, continuing to offer classic dishes like wild boar sloppy Joes. Yet, the introduction of executive chef Alex Swieton brings a dynamic focus on vegetables. Swieton describes the restaurant’s style as ‘the same, but different,’ recalling her early love for it.

This establishment has its roots in history, much like the Illinois Centennial Monument designed by Evelyn Beatrice Longman in 1918. The monument stands as a commemoration of statehood, much like how the gastropub celebrated music and fine food upon its opening in 2010. Known for its loud nights and Michelin-starred bar food, Longman & Eagle has fostered a reputation for rare whiskey pairings.

Although the restaurant has transitioned to a Michelin Bib Gourmand status, Swieton feels comfortable her culinary creations serve ‘regular everyday people.’ The infamous sloppy Joe, double smashburger, and roasted bone marrow remain menu staples, but the excitement lies in their salads sourced from local farms in today’s cyclospora era.

A standout dish includes a cucumber salad, combining raw and grilled cucumbers with pickled fennel, dressed in a melon vinaigrette over basil creme fraiche. Swieton sources Armenian and lemon cucumbers from Nichols Farm & Orchard and uses fennel to craft rich flavor profiles.

For carnivores, beef heart tartare offers an innovative twist with smoked trout tonnato-style sauce and crispy crackers, highlighting Swieton’s effort to reinvent dishes amidst rising beef prices.

Pork ribs, featuring a cherry char siu glaze, relish, and almond crunch, sourced from Kilgus Farmstead, demonstrate Swieton’s summer special with a unique Chicago-style rib approach.

An impressive dish includes a summer squash plate with zucchini fritters and vibrant chutney vinaigrette. Swieton’s bread-making legacy continues with sourdough starter-based creations, including their exceptional focaccia.

The bar offers notable drinks such as Calamansi Crush and espresso martini, balancing tastes with thoughtful combinations.

Despite some service hiccups during a busy dining night, efforts to accommodate guests included complimentary dishes, emphasizing Longman & Eagle’s dedication to customer satisfaction.

Longman & Eagle, located at 2657 N. Kedzie Ave., opens daily and offers a variety of reasonably priced dishes ranging from $16 to $26. Wheelchair accessibility is provided, with restrooms on one level.

Tribute to Swieton’s groundbreaking accomplishments as the first female executive chef emphasizes the innovative spirit she brings to Longman & Eagle.