When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Life on Marz Community Club
Why Life on Marz Community Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Life on Marz Community Club is a distinctive nano-brewery and community space situated in Chicago's vibrant Logan Square neighborhood. This venue blends the ambiance of an Eastern European workers' club with the modern feel of a 21st century listening lounge, making it a perfect spot to meet friends and enjoy unique cultural experiences. Beyond serving their exclusive lineup of Marz beers, the club offers an extensive range of non-alcoholic beverages including CBD seltzers, nitro coffee, carbonated teas, kombuchas, and low alcohol kombucha. A highlight for visitors is their full coffee service available Tuesday through Sunday from 7am to 2pm, complemented by Snack Wave, which features a curated menu of locally made snacks and munchies. The space itself is thoughtfully designed with contributions from notable designers such as Charlie Vinz and Adi Goodrich, featuring mural wallpaper by Louie Capozolli, and showcases an inviting atmosphere that encourages community connection. Life on Marz is not only a brewery but also an outpost for cultural programs, events, and activities, reflecting its deep roots in creativity and neighborhood culture. This combination of quality drinks, artistic design, and community-driven purpose makes it an exceptional destination for socializing in Chicago.
Here's what people think of Life on Marz Community Club
As of recent, Life on Marz Community Club holds a 4.7-star rating based on 80 reviews.
Visitors consistently praise Life on Marz Community Club for its welcoming atmosphere and creative environment that fosters social interactions. Reviewers highlight the quality and variety of drinks, especially appreciating the unique non-alcoholic options such as CBD seltzers and nitro coffee, alongside the diverse beer selection. The thoughtful design elements and the venue's role as a cultural hub also receive frequent compliments, with many noting how the space feels both intimate and vibrant. Positive reviews often emphasize the club's ability to blend a nostalgic cultural vibe with contemporary experiences, making it a favorite spot for gatherings, live events, and casual hangouts. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews mention occasional crowding during popular events and limited seating, which can affect comfort. A few guests expressed a desire for an expanded food menu beyond the curated snacks, although this is a minor critique in the broader context of praise. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong community appreciation for Life on Marz's unique concept, excellent beverage offerings, and cultural engagement, securing it as a cherished fixture in Logan Square's social scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mikaela Bullard
Love coming here in the mornings! My favorite coffee shop within 10 minutes of me. I normally get a cappuccino or a matcha/matcha lemonade. I love that I can bring my dog in to hang out with me too. It’s a good sized space, and they have a lot of events in the evenings as well.
Thomas Zimmerman
Love this place! Tried several of their beers and they were all outstanding. The atmosphere is simultaneously unique and cozy, with super friendly bartenders ready to make recommendations. The Martian Eastern European Workers Club you didn’t know you needed.
Maria Orzechowski
Great drink options (including coffee and thc cocktails!) great vibes, great game selection.
Luke Wiley
One of Chicago’s BEST breweries has this surprisingly spacious outpost (corner of Milwaukee/Western/Armitage) with more than all their great beer, including spiritless infused drinks (thc/cbd) and a coffee bar. I will definitely return!
Issy
They do not do coffee/espresso anymore, just awesome beer, gin, rum, vodka and thc/cbd drinks!
How to reach Life on Marz Community Club
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Why Life on Marz Community Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Life on Marz Community Club with your friends?
Gathering at Life on Marz Community Club is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a lively yet welcoming atmosphere with your friends or family. This venue boasts a unique combination of a brewery taproom and café, offering an eclectic environment that balances relaxation and social excitement perfectly. Life on Marz is not just a place to drink; it’s conceived as an artistic, cultural clubhouse inspired by Eastern European workers’ clubs and VFW halls, which makes every visit more than just a casual outing. Its location at the busy three-way intersection of Western, Armitage, and Milwaukee Avenues in Chicago’s vibrant Logan Square neighborhood further enhances accessibility and street-side energy. Guests can expect a warm, inclusive ambiance where good conversations flow alongside thoughtfully crafted beers and drinks. With a strong rating of 4.7 based on 80 reviews, it clearly resonates with patrons looking for a friendly, community-centered spot for meetups. Whether you want to catch up over a variety of exclusive Marz brews or engage in the cultural events that the club periodically hosts, Life on Marz Community Club is designed to bring people together for memorable social connections.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Life on Marz Community Club?
Life on Marz Community Club offers a variety of engaging activities that suit group gatherings and make it an excellent destination for meetups. Primarily, the club features a diverse lineup of "elixirs, potions, and ales" created by Marz Brewing, allowing guests to sample craft beers tailored with a creative edge. Besides alcoholic options, the club caters to a wide range of preferences by providing non-alcoholic beverages such as CBD seltzers, nitro coffee, carbonated teas, kombucha, and low-alcohol drinks. This variety ensures there’s something enjoyable for everyone within your group. The venue itself is reminiscent of a 21st-century listening lounge, encouraging guests to relax and socialize in a comfortable setting, which invites laid-back conversation or more enthusiastic celebrations. Life on Marz also features Snack Wave—a curated menu of locally sourced snacks and munchies—perfect for casual sharing among friends alongside drinks. On occasion, the club hosts cultural programs and events, transforming into a dynamic community space where you can experience live music, art exhibits, or themed social nights, further enhancing the social vibe and providing more reasons to gather.
Why is Life on Marz Community Club perfect for hosting group meetups?
Life on Marz Community Club is particularly well-suited for group meetups because of its spacious, versatile layout and its unique social spirit. Operating from early afternoon well into the evening, with weekend hours extending to midnight or later, it provides ample time for groups to settle in and enjoy each other’s company without rush. Their “first come, first served” seating arrangement encourages casual mingling and flexibility, which can make spontaneous group gatherings feel easy and unpressured. The club's location in Logan Square—a trendy neighborhood known for its community-centered vibe—also means groups can combine meeting here with visits to nearby shops and eateries. The ambiance, inspired by the camaraderie of traditional social clubs, naturally fosters interaction between guests, making it a lively yet intimate spot for friends or family who want to connect. Moreover, the inclusion of a dog-friendly outdoor patio invites groups with pets to share the experience, broadening its appeal. The variety in drink selections, plus the interesting snack options, make it convenient to satisfy different tastes without leaving the table, enhancing the overall group experience.
What makes the beverage and food selection stand out at Life on Marz Community Club?
The beverage offerings at Life on Marz Community Club are crafted to cater to a broad, discerning audience. The club prominently features a lineup from Marz Brewing that includes innovative and carefully brewed beers, which serve as the foundation for their taproom experience. However, the appeal extends well beyond just beer. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there is a thoughtfully curated range including CBD-infused seltzers, nitro coffee, and kombucha varieties that are either standard or low in alcohol content. This diversity ensures that everyone in a group can partake in the club’s beverages regardless of their drinking preferences. Additionally, the food menu, branded as Snack Wave, showcases local artisan snacks and small bites—perfect for sharing and ideal for complementing the drink selections. These snacks are carefully chosen to pair well with the drinks and to provide light, satisfying options that do not overpower the tasting experience. This combination of quality, variety, and local sourcing adds a layer of culinary interest that appeals to groups looking for a complete social outing that includes both drinks and food.
How accessible and comfortable is Life on Marz Community Club for group visitors?
Accessibility and comfort are key pillars of Life on Marz Community Club’s design, making it a go-to spot for groups. The venue is conveniently located at 1950 N Western Avenue, at a lively intersection that is easy to find and well served by public transit and local traffic routes in Chicago’s Logan Square area. The club’s hours extend from the afternoon into late evening hours on most days, providing flexible timing options for groups with various schedules. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, which benefits groups who prefer to drop in without the need for reservations, though event hosting for large groups (10 or more) is facilitated through a booking process. The interior’s design, blending vintage and modern clubhouse aesthetics, creates a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere with a community feel, encouraging guests to linger comfortably. Furthermore, the dog-friendly outdoor patio expands capacity and adds an inviting element for pet owners, making it suitable for casual daytime meetups or evening relaxation under the open sky. These factors all contribute to the venue being both user-friendly and accommodating.
What should groups know before visiting Life on Marz Community Club?
Groups planning to visit Life on Marz Community Club should note that the venue does not accept reservations for regular walk-in seating; all seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If your group consists of 10 or more people wanting to host a special event, it is recommended to use the club’s "Host an Event" service to ensure proper arrangements. The taproom is open from Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours, including weekend availability until midnight, giving groups plenty of opportunities to gather. Children are welcome when accompanied by adults over 21, making this a family-friendly destination as well. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, but as with any outdoor space, local weather conditions such as lightning or rain can lead to temporary closure of the patio for safety reasons. Smoking is prohibited in the patio area, parking lot, and within 15 feet of the building to maintain a comfortable environment for all guests. Visitors can purchase packaged goods and canned beers to take home, allowing the experience to extend beyond their visit. These policies and features promote a thoughtful, enjoyable experience for groups while maintaining a safe and welcoming space.
In summary, Life on Marz Community Club stands out as an exceptional venue to rally your friends or family due to its inspired blend of hospitality, culture, and craft beverages. Its unique ambiance, diverse drink and snack offerings, accessibility, and group-friendly policies make it an outstanding choice for creating memorable social experiences. Whether planning an intimate afternoon catch-up, a lively weekend night, or a special event, Life on Marz provides a vibrant communal setting that invites connection and celebration.