When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Moonlighter
Why The Moonlighter is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Moonlighter, located in Chicago’s lively Logan Square neighborhood, is a welcoming bar and restaurant that offers a fantastic venue for friends to meet up and enjoy quality time together. Known for its spacious indoor and outdoor seating, including large outdoor areas perfect for summer gatherings and cozy fireplaces to warm up in winter, it creates an inviting environment year-round. The menu features solid bar food classics such as waffle fries, nachos, and burgers that are well-loved for their tasty and satisfying flavors, making it ideal for casual dining and sharing. Its connection to the owners of Scofflaw adds credibility to the experience, ensuring consistent quality and a laid-back atmosphere. The Moonlighter shines as a versatile destination, whether you're looking to watch sports on multiple TVs from outdoor seating or enjoy a relaxed evening drink with friends. Vegetarian options and refreshing cocktails such as their popular pina colada highlight its inclusive menu. While not necessarily a destination spot for a special trip, it is a reliable and enjoyable hangout in Logan Square that balances great food, drinks, and atmosphere for social gatherings.
Here's what people think of The Moonlighter
As of recent, The Moonlighter holds a 4.3-star rating based on 780 reviews.
Reviews of The Moonlighter reveal an overall positive impression from visitors, reflected in its solid 4.3-star rating from 780 reviews. Patrons appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and spacious layout, with the outdoor seating and fireplaces frequently highlighted as perfect features to accommodate groups and enhance comfort across seasons. Positive reviews emphasize the quality of the bar food, especially the burgers and snacks like pretzels, which complement the drink offerings well. Many guests also praise the diverse menu that caters well to vegetarians and the flavorful cocktails, including favorites like the pina colada, which many mention as perfectly balanced and refreshing. The sports bar vibe with multiple TVs also adds to the appeal for those wanting to catch games comfortably. On the downside, some feedback notes that the food can be a bit greasy and salty at times, which may not suit all tastes. However, this seems outweighed by the overall enjoyable experience. In conclusion, The Moonlighter offers a reliable and satisfying place to gather with friends in a relaxed environment where good food, drinks, and social energy are core strengths.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
perry knight
Nice and laid back experience. Visited during the evening. The breezy air, moderate music, and evening light were great. My party and I sat on the patio. The umbrella, picnic style seating was cool too. There's a bar in doors. The ordering concept was via QR code. Didn't really like it, but the orders were quick. The server was present within minutes of ordering. There is a variety of food and drink options. The BBQ vegan burger, the fries, the crunchy vegan tacos, and the vegan wings are a hit. Portion sizes on the smaller side. Enjoyed a ginger beer and a Right Bee Clementine Cider. Both had rich flavor.
Kristina Young
Their vegan options did not disappoint! Ordered delivery to my hotel and everything was hot, delicious, and on point! I’m just sorry I couldn’t order again before my trip was over!
Kyle O'Donnell
Horrible service. You're forced to use a generic app to order (not just look at the menu). We were the only patrons at 4pm. The waitstaff literally came by every couple of minutes offering to take away food we were still eating. Not okay. Will not be going back.
Zach Anderson
I don't mean to offend but this place is pretty mid. It most definitely has a sports bar vibe since it's way louder than most other bars. Food is pretty cheap and we got the tacos. Pretty basic, not terrible. Cheese fries were eh. Little too soft for my liking. Nothing really woo-ed me but I'll probably be back to try the burger and chicken sandwich. Edit: Went back to try the burger and was thoroughly disappointed. The consistency of the burger was like a Jimmy Dean frozen sausage patty. This place leaves a lot to be desired. I'm surprised it has such a high rating.
William Dalencour
Ok it’s been a minute since I posted a review but this place made me do it. Ok tacoTuesday the crunchy tacos are 10/10. The ground beef is very well seasoned and has a little kick. The best part they are only $1.00. The wings fried hard, damn yall will most definitely put wing stop across the street out of business. Idk how your ranch tastes like wing stops ranch but better. I’m full and I’m still considering ordering more wings! The server is dope as hell super nice. My new favorite place hands down.
How to reach The Moonlighter
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Why The Moonlighter may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Moonlighter with your friends?
Gathering with friends for a fun, relaxed outing is always more memorable when you choose the right venue—and The Moonlighter in Chicago stands out as an exceptional spot to rally your group. With a solid 4.3-star rating from 780 reviews, it has earned a reputation as a lively, welcoming place that caters well to both casual hangouts and more spirited meetups. Whether you and your friends are food enthusiasts, sports fans, or simply looking for a comfortable space to unwind, The Moonlighter offers an engaging environment. It boasts numerous TVs for sports lovers, making it ideal for catching a game together while enjoying great company. The venue strikes a rare and appreciated balance between a cozy neighborhood bar and a vibrant social hub, complete with a patio area and a dog-friendly policy for those who want to bring their furry friends along. Its encouraging reception from both vegan and non-vegan guests alike means it appeals broadly, making everyone feel included and comfortable, which is essential when hosting a diverse group. Ultimately, The Moonlighter is the kind of place where conversation flows easily, good times happen naturally, and your meetup becomes a memory worth repeating.
What activities and features at The Moonlighter make it perfect for a group meetup?
The Moonlighter offers a variety of activities and amenities that perfectly accommodate groups seeking fun, flavor, and laid-back entertainment. First and foremost, it excels as a sports bar with many TVs scattered around the venue. This setup ensures that no matter where your group sits, you can enjoy watching a live game, whether it’s basketball, football, or another popular sport, fostering a shared experience that brings people closer. The atmosphere is lively but comfortable, accommodating everything from casual catch-ups to more boisterous game nights.
Additionally, The Moonlighter’s patio offers an inviting outdoor space that adds to the ambiance, especially on pleasant weather days. Outdoor seating is a big plus for groups who want to relax in fresh air while enjoying the surrounding city vibe. Its dog-friendly policy also sets it apart; if friends want to bring their pets along, they can do so without worry, adding an extra layer of fun to your gathering.
The food and drink options are tailored to please a diverse crowd, featuring classic bar staples alongside innovative vegan-friendly choices. This inclusivity makes the place especially appealing for groups with varied dietary preferences. Specialty cocktails on draft add to the experience, encouraging social drinking with ease and quality. Altogether, these features provide multiple avenues for groups to bond—whether cheering for sports, savoring shared plates, or just enjoying each other's company outdoors or in the cozy, welcoming interior.
What food and drink options does The Moonlighter offer for group dining?
When hosting a meetup, quality food and drink options that satisfy everyone’s tastes are essential, and The Moonlighter delivers with a focused yet appetizing menu. The venue is known for offering classic bar food staples such as burgers, tacos, chicken wings, and various salads. What makes it especially distinctive is the thoughtful inclusion of both traditional and vegan versions of these favorites, ensuring that non-vegan and vegan guests alike have delicious choices. For example, the vegan wings and BBQ burger have received praise for their flavor and texture, while the burger buns are consistently highlighted by guests as exceptional.
In addition to its food, The Moonlighter’s drink menu features cocktails on draft, a trendy offering that allows guests to enjoy expertly mixed drinks quickly and efficiently, perfect for groups looking to socialize without long waits. The combination of well-executed bar bites and creative drinks contributes to an easygoing yet satisfying dining experience that helps groups linger and enjoy their time together without feeling rushed.
While some reviewers note occasional inconsistencies—such as spiciness or presentation issues with certain items like tacos—the overall reception is positive, particularly praising the vegan options as excellent and the balance between comfort and innovation in food choices. This menu versatility combined with a fun bar atmosphere makes The Moonlighter an ideal dining destination for groups seeking casual yet quality fare.
How accessible and comfortable is The Moonlighter for groups?
Accessibility and comfort are major factors when choosing a venue for meeting with friends or family, and The Moonlighter scores high on both counts. Located in Chicago, it’s situated in a vibrant neighborhood with good connectivity, making it easy for most guests to reach the spot either by car or public transit. The venue’s interior is designed to accommodate groups comfortably without feeling cramped, with ample seating that includes bar stools, tables, and roomy booths.
The presence of numerous TVs ensures that no one in the group misses out on entertainment or key moments in the sports events being broadcasted. This thoughtful layout supports a communal atmosphere where guests can watch together while still engaging in personal conversations, an important balance when hosting groups.
Its well-maintained patio adds an element of comfort for those who prefer outdoor seating, a feature that is often appreciated by groups during warmer months or when they want a more relaxed environment. The Moonlighter’s dog-friendly policy further enhances comfort for groups who consider their pets part of their social gatherings, providing a welcoming option not commonly found in many bars.
While The Moonlighter may not boast high-end luxury, its relaxed, approachable vibe combined with its practical layout makes it a hassle-free and comfortable choice for all types of group meetups.
What makes The Moonlighter’s atmosphere unique for a meetup with friends?
The Moonlighter cultivates a distinctive atmosphere that’s perfect for groups seeking a casual, unpretentious place to connect and enjoy themselves. This venue balances being a lively sports bar with a cozy, neighborhood feel, which means it’s upbeat enough to energize a crowd but calm enough to encourage meaningful conversations. The multiple TV screens keep sports fans engaged, creating the kind of communal excitement that naturally sparks interaction and bonding among friends.
Moreover, the dog-friendly aspect brings a unique charm to the space, allowing for a more inclusive and relaxed ambiance where even pet owners feel at home. The outdoor patio area further adds to this vibe by offering fresh air and a bit of open space, contrasting nicely with the warm, bustling interior.
The Moonlighter doesn’t rely on flashy decor or extravagant frills; instead, its appeal comes from a genuine, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and free to be themselves. This combination of energy and ease creates an ideal environment for a meetup, where the primary focus is on enjoying each other’s company amid good food, drinks, and entertainment.
Why do reviews emphasize The Moonlighter as a great option for both vegans and non-vegans?
A standout feature of The Moonlighter that makes it especially attractive for group gatherings is its thoughtful dual menu approach catering to both vegans and non-vegans. This inclusivity removes a common barrier when planning group outings, especially when dietary restrictions or preferences vary widely among friends or family. Vegan guests can enjoy hearty, satisfying options such as vegan wings and vegan burgers with cheese that many reviewers have praised enthusiastically.
At the same time, non-vegan guests have access to conventional bar food staples that maintain familiar flavors and portions. This balance ensures no one feels limited or left out, which adds to the overall appeal when coordinating meetups. The fact that the vegan options are not just substitutes but stand out in quality and flavor shows The Moonlighter’s commitment to accommodating diverse palates.
While some reviews mention occasional inconsistencies with specific dishes, the overall consensus remains that the venue successfully bridges the gap between vegan and non-vegan dining. This makes it a smart choice for groups that want everyone to leave the table satisfied and eager to return.
How does The Moonlighter support social interaction and group dynamics?
The layout and offerings of The Moonlighter foster an environment where social interaction naturally thrives. Its numerous TVs displaying popular sports create common conversation starters and shared experiences ideal for easing any social tension in groups. Watching a game together can transform a simple meetup into a collective excitement or friendly rivalry, strengthening group bonds.
The bar’s casual seating arrangements—ranging from tables to booths and patio seating—allow flexibility for groups of different sizes and preferences. This flexibility means friends can cluster for intimate talks or spread out to mix and mingle with others, promoting a vibrant social scene. The inclusion of craft cocktails on draft facilitates quick service and enjoyable drinking experiences, supporting a lively, convivial mood.
Additionally, the dog-friendly feature means pet owners can bring their companions, often a conversation starter or a delightful distraction, enhancing the social experience. This welcoming environment where guests feel relaxed and engaged makes The Moonlighter a practical and enjoyable choice for various types of group meetups—from casual dinners to spirited game nights.
What should groups know about The Moonlighter’s potential challenges?
While The Moonlighter is broadly praised, prospective visitors should be aware of some critiques that occasionally surface in reviews. There have been mentions of inconsistencies in food quality, particularly relating to the vegan tacos, which some guests found too spicy, mushy, or oddly flavored at times. Portions for sides like tater tots have also been noted to shrink when ordering online, which might surprise larger groups used to more generous servings.
These issues, however, appear to be somewhat sporadic rather than systemic, and many reviewers still praise the consistency of favorites like the vegan wings and burger. The atmosphere and service quality generally maintain a positive standard, balancing out occasional food criticism.
Groups visiting The Moonlighter should consider these factors and perhaps discuss menu choices ahead of time, especially if vegan tacos or other more variable dishes are on the table. Reservations or arriving early may also help ensure a smoother experience during busy times.
With its welcoming vibe, diverse menu, sports-friendly setup, and dog-friendly amenities, The Moonlighter stands out as a prime destination for groups wanting a relaxed yet engaging place to meet. Its thoughtful catering to vegans alongside classic bar fare, combined with multiple spaces for hanging out and watching games, makes it an all-around winner for hosting memorable social gatherings in Chicago.