Reviving a Logan Square Landmark (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Logan Square, Chicago – Chef Joe Frillman transformed the original Daisies location into Radicle, a vibrant bar and restaurant that opened its doors on January 7, 2026.[1][2] Drawing from his travels along Italy’s Adriatic coast in Le Marche and local Midwestern farms, Frillman created a spot where elevated bar snacks meet thoughtful seafood and wood-fired pizzas. The result offers flexibility for diners seeking a quick aperitivo, a leisurely pizza evening, or late-night indulgence in a neighborhood long craving such variety.[3]
Reviving a Logan Square Landmark
The space at 2523 N. Milwaukee Avenue sat vacant since Daisies relocated to a larger venue in 2023.[4] Frillman, whose Daisies earned three consecutive Green Michelin Stars and Eater Chicago’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year award, invested around a million dollars in renovations, including massive pizza ovens.[3] Local firm Debaun Studio refreshed the interior into a moody, unhurried setting with bar seating and intimate tables, perfect for lingering evenings.[5]
A back patio will reopen in summer to enhance the coastal Italian vibe. Frillman described the project as a “radical version of a bar and restaurant,” where familiar items like chicken wings receive upscale treatment.[3] Thursdays focus on research and development, with the chef testing dishes like clam pasta improved by anchovy breadcrumbs.
A Menu Built for Versatility
Radicle’s offerings span casual bites to refined plates, ensuring appeal across occasions. Seafood stars include tuna conserva on grilled bread, chilled prawns with Campari aioli, and Frillman’s favorite baby beets with fermented mushrooms and mojama tuna.[1] Pizzas from the wood-fired ovens feature creative toppings such as Yukon gold potatoes and clams, Brussels sprouts with pancetta, garlicky pepperoni, or funky mushroom varieties with stinky cheeses.[6]
Bar snacks add fun nostalgia: crab dip with Ritz crackers, deviled eggs topped with trout roe, mozzarella sticks with apricot jam, and chicken wings glossed with Calabrian chili.[4] Heavier options like salmon tartare with saltines or fried lake perch with whitefish tonnato round out the savory selections. Desserts draw from Daisies, including rich chocolate slab cake reminiscent of warm brownies.
- Tuna conserva: Poached tuna in olive oil with beans and vegetables.
- Clam pizza: Cream sauce, Yukon potatoes, Sicilian oregano.
- Chicken wings: Crunchy with Calabrian chili heat.
- Mushroom pizza: Earthy with bold, funky cheeses.
- Crab dip: Served with Ritz crackers for retro appeal.
$10 Cocktails and Late-Night Energy
Beverage director Nicole Yarovinsky, a two-time Tales of the Cocktail nominee, crafted an accessible program where every cocktail costs $10.[5] Low-ABV standouts like Birdwatching in Milan blend fruitiness with Fernet, while Scoop of Blue Moon evokes funfetti rum delight. Inspired by Le Marche, the wine list emphasizes skin-contact pours and chilled reds, alongside sparkling options and non-alcoholic fizz like Peach Fizz with farm peaches.[4]
Hours cater to night owls: Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m., extending to 1 a.m. weekdays and Sunday, or 2 a.m. on weekends. Late-night menus kick in at 10 or 11 p.m., serving pizza and shift drinks until closing. Frillman noted, “Even if you’re not going there to crush cocktails, it can still be low ABV things – sitting on a patio and enjoying beverages is just something that’s great in the city of Chicago.”[1]
Sustainability and Team at the Core
Like Daisies, Radicle prioritizes environmental responsibility through local sourcing from Frillman Farms and fermentation techniques to minimize waste.[1] A service fee model supports competitive wages, benefits, and staff growth, fostering stability in a tough industry. Executive sous chef Meghan Groenhagen and the team emphasize sustainable umami from seafood like sardines and anchovies.
Frillman reflected on his Le Marche inspiration: “I spent a lot of time in Fano and Senigallia… the drinking culture, the seafood, I loved it.” This ethos positions Radicle as more than a restaurant – it’s a neighborhood anchor blending accessibility with excellence.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Affordable $10 cocktails and late-night menus make Radicle ideal for casual hangs.
- Seafood and pizzas fuse Midwest farms with Italian Adriatic flair.
- Sustainable practices and staff-focused model echo Daisies’ acclaimed success.
Radicle proves Logan Square still pulses with innovative dining. Whether for a solo bar perch or group celebration, it delivers reliably. What do you think about this fresh addition – have you visited yet? Tell us in the comments.
