Awesome Bloody's And the Skillet Cookie... get in my belly.
(4)
KC W.
Note: I wrote this review a few months ago and did not publish it for some odd reason, even though I was adamant about reviewing it when we left. We went here last Sunday for brunch, and I do not plan on returning. We had the smoked salmon, which was delicious and the chili which was also good. The rest of the food was decent. The service, however, was not so great. It was Sunday. All this place had to do is give me a bloody mary to make me happy. Unfortunately, after waiting 20 minutes for a table, it took at least another 20 after we were seated for our drinks to arrive. Our waitress was sooo slow. She was nice at least, but it took her forever to do anything and it seemed as though she only understood 80% of what we said. To be fair, this was one of the first nice Sundays of Spring and we were seated outdoors, so the waitstaff may have just been getting used to being so busy. And, to be honest, it is not the service that will keep me from returning. It is the other patrons. From the guy with the dog that clearly doesn't like other dogs (which raises the question of WHY you would bring him to brunch with you), to the woman with the two young boys who stood their bikes up inside the outdoor dining area making it impossible for the waitstaff to navigate (and then loudly insulted one of the waiters for dripping syrup on one of the bikes), to the family with the toddler who thought it was appropriate for him to run wherever his little heart desires, the whole experience was too much for my poor hungover body to handle.
(3)
Jolie R.
My son and his s-o moved to Logan Square a week ago and wanted to try Dunlay's for brunch on Sunday. It was a beautiful day (goodbye winter!!!) for a walk, so we all clomped over to the square. The place was packed with seating outside if you wanted to share the sun, but it was a little to chilly to stay out there, so we opted for a booth inside. The son and his s-o ordered a bloody mary, which came with a shot of beer. Veggies skewered on top of the drink were red pepper, green olive and salami, which was an interesting twist. Son said the saltiness set off the bloody mary quite terrifically. Hubby ordered from their diverse beer menu. I wanted iced tea, but the iced tea is Honest Tea in bottles, which I can get at home. I was in the mood for a fresh-brewed, so I ended up with sparkly water. Son ordered the special - pulled pork burrito something with avocado mayo and some other green sauce - said it was awesome. His s-o nibbled and gave it a thumbs-up. Hubby and son's s-o ordered the fried egg sandwich, which I tasted. It was the bomb! Fried egg (with a runny yolk - yum!), lettuce, tomato, bacon and cheese (hold the onion!) on marble rye. So, so good! I had the BLT. When I got it, the BLT had no tomato.....so they slapped one on for me. Besides that, the sandwich was terrific - bacon was perfect, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese and tomato. Had to ask for mayo, but the overall taste blend was so good. I shoulda had the fried egg sandwich instead.... Best part of the meal was the hash browns. They use some kind of white sauce (bechamel?) with herbs.....so they turn out tasty, hashy, crispy and creamy all at one time. I'm giving this place the whole lot of stars - we'll be back whenever we can.
(5)
Katherine M.
My favorite place I ate in Chicago on my trip. So good I ate there twice. Delicious spicy cuban w fries first time. Palmer square omelette with a bloody mary the next time. Everything was fantastic - including the service.
(5)
Susan K.
Sitting outside at Dunlays last Saturday my mind wandered to memories of a trip I made last year to Madrid, Spain. While its true I have never eaten so badly or so expensively in my life, nonetheless I was still pleased by the overall dining experience there. For in Madrid, there is such a plethora of both outdoor seating and sunshine. Being that I just suffered through a long winter here in Chicago, I was being dazzled by good weather as I ate hose runny eggs with salty shavings of ham hock that I just saw moments ago, sitting like some preserved specimen behind the bar. I could have sat, in a setting like this, with my table overlooking some boulevard with some plaza in the middle with some fountain or some obelisk or monolith peeking through the tips of leafy oaks, and I could have been eating the menu while thinking that I was being served manna from the gods. So, imagine those leafy oaks, those wide boulevards, that monolithic obelisk, that dazzling sunshine. Now imagine eggs, but imagine them delicious. Delicious eggs, served with spinach, mushrooms, hollandaise sauce, and delicately seasoned cheesy hash brown potatoes. And then, lastly, imagine if I said you didn't have to book a trip all the way to Madrid to experience this, you could just go to Dunlays down the street? All I have to promise you is my word that its worth your time to take the short trip from downtown to eat here. You can either take the blue line to Logan square and take a short walk south/west down Milwaukee Ave to Kedzie, or just hop on the Milwaukee bus and get door to door service. This place is like a vacation and a meal all in one.
(5)
mervin j.
I have never heard anyone say that they thought Dunlays was an amazing spot, I think this is because no one has ever said it. However I do enjoy a pizza and a beer late night from time to time when I don't want to deal with a ton of rowdy drunks that places seem to attract around midnight. I will also say that someone has really spruced up the beer menu as of recent, it used to be miserable, good job on that.
(3)
meg g.
Dunlay's is the most annoying sports bar/grill/lounge/restaurant/brunch spot in Logan Square --that I hang out at all the time. The big screen sports TVs are offensive, the cloth napkins are annoying, the wall art is hideous and the prices aren't warranted. This place is confused; is it a sports bar or classy restaurant? PICK ONE! That said, the grilled artichoke is amazing (it tastes like steak!), the smoked salmon is delicate and smokey, the fries are Belgian style and the tap beers aren't boring. For brunch I recommend a bloody mary which has ample garnishes (including salami!) and the fried egg sandwich. The big Irish breakfast is good too, you get a whole grilled tomato! UPDATE: I wish Dunlay's would just commit to being mediocre and lower their damn prices. My Mom's Parmesan mahi was overcooked yesterday and my blackened fish sandwich was undercooked. But man those fries are good.
(3)
Robin W.
Dunlays is alright. I have been to this one only a couple times, but it is a chain and essentially the same as the Lincoln Park one that I lived near for a couple years, but the Square one has less douche bags. It doesn't really fit well in Logan Square, but it's alright. Brunch is decent though overpriced (actually it's mediocre brunch in comparison to delicious Lula's around the corner). It has a nice outdoor patio right on... duh... the Square (clever name....) They have decent drink specials, a half price bottle night, $5 martini night... the martinis are okay, but not terribly memorable. All and all.... average.
(3)
Alyssa V.
Please refer to my review on New Wave Cafe. That's what I have to say about this place, because whenever I almost come here for breakfast I end up going over to Johnny's to eat at a quarter of the price.
(2)
Eli S.
Tasty for certain. Averagely good yuppie food at slightly high-ish prices. I wasn't blown away, but the staff was nice, I was full by the end, the menu isn't boring, and since it's right around the corner, I may be back.
(3)
Anna G.
Food is great! wait staff is awsome. Try the spinach dip, it's the best!!
(4)
E. F.
Although I have not been to the brunch...I thought the place was great! I am not familiar with Logan Square at all. I just drove there and walked around to find a place to eat. When we initially sat down, I was a little shocked at the price. It's not too too expensive but everything is between $10 and $20. We thought about leaving, then changed our minds and ordered cheap. I was surprised at how good the food was. I had a tilapia sandwich with delicious mashed potatoes and my boyfriend ordered some pizza with goat cheese, artichokes, and onions. It was sooooooooo good! I mean really good. Our bill was about $20 and it was worth it. I would totally go back, especially with all the good reviews about brunch.
(4)
caroline k.
Friendly and accommodating staff contributed to a great brunch, as our group of 5 ballooned to 8 as friends staggered in and grew the table. Grilled artichoke, though simple, was surprisingly tasty. Grilled fish sandwich was good but won't order the bacon potato cake side - less 'latke'-like, more mushy pancake-like. Ever popular fried egg sandwich came out beautifully and gigantic in size. Coffee and diet coke were in endless supply. Solid, likely to return.
(4)
Brad T.
Seems like the last place one would want to end up at in Logan Square, especially after a day of having $2000 in amplifiers stolen and dealing with police, etc. But, all that being said I had a lovely time. Brian who bartends on Monday, as referenced by others, is a blast. Good natured, fun, and made us feel alot better about an otherwise nightmare of a day. I had vowed never to enter the joint, as I lament still the departure of The Boulevard and it's wonders. But I'd hit this joint anytime that Brian was slinging drams. It's a bad sign for our beloved 'hood, but hey support a great barman when you find one!
(2)
Jess F.
This is a staple of ours during the week. We walk there on Wednesday nights (burger night). Very family friendly, and our child has a lot of fun flirting with all the other kids and petting the dogs that sit with their owners in the outside seating area too. Service is usually great, and they work hard to correct their mistakes. Our take out order is often wrong, which is why I took off one star, but overall this place is great and one of our favorites.
(4)
Blah B.
Great comfort food!!! I normally get the margherita pizza with a side of Caesar salad..YUM!!:)) My son's love the brunch here. My youngest fave is the egg sandwich and my eldest loves... loves 2 eggs your way:) I especially love this place on a beautiful spring/summer day. Eating outside on their patio is worth the drive :)
(4)
Eddy C.
Despite how utterly average the food is at Dunlay's, this establishment will continue to get my business for one simple reason: their fantastic bloody mary's. As far as bloody mary's go, Dunlay's doesn't mess around. Aside from the usual vodka/tomato juice/black pepper combination, Dunlay's also adds some shredded cheese to the concoction. For the garnish, they give you a traditional stalk of celery plus a green olive, a pearl onion and a pickle slice. And to top it all off, they give you shot of beer to accompany your bloody mary. The menu said it'd be a shot of Guiness but mine ended up to be a shot of presumably Miller Lite. Thumbs down for setting false expectations, though it doesn't take away with the tastiness of the bloody mary. If you do insist on getting some food to wash down your bloody mary, I would suggest sticking with the sweet items (their french toast and oatmeal pancakes are both superb) and passing on the savory ones. But seriously, it's all about the bloody mary's at Dunlay's so as long as you order one with your meal, you'll be good to go.
(3)
Stacy S.
Not the best, but not the worst. My husband and I went here on a Friday, kind of late. The place was packed, inside and out, but we still managed to get in fast! The best thing we had, by far, was the grilled artichoke! We had had this item at another restaurant (Bandera, Magmile) and really enjoyed it there...so we gave it a shot at Dunlay's. It was awesome! But I also like just about anything grilled...it makes everything taste better! Our main dishes were burgers and sandwiches. They were good, but nothing to write home about. I like the shoe-string fries and my husband had some of there homemade BBQ sauce, which was also good. Overall, it is a good place to stop into if you are in the neighborhood and want a bit of comfortfood (that is mostly what the menu is). Oh, we haven't had the drinks there because I am prego...so no opinion there... And we seem to make it to Lula's on Sundays before the long lines...so no opinion on brunch either...
(3)
Lindley E.
The good: 1. during the week, every day is a different discount offer 2. The ability to watch a game in logan square. 3. There's bar food afoot 4. If you can't get into Lula Cafe, there's usually a seat for you at Dunlay's The Bad: 1. The food. Had terrible flatbread there -- flavorless, uninspired and too-sweet crust 2. The chain brings the worst of the other more 'developed' hoods to our little piece of Queens-esque paradise The Ugly 1. People come from their yupped out neighborhoods to 'slum it' in mine...and then go home 2. Doesn't really seem to be integrated with the neighborhood I'd rather cook at home than eat out at Dunlay's...even if someone else were paying.
(2)
Gregg L.
Nice little place, and would have been great to sit outside if not for the wind. The sangria was nice and the pasta was good, just a little overpriced for what you get. The chips with bleu cheese and tabasco were something different and good.
(3)
Irena A.
I loooove this place! My fiance and I ended up going here because nearby Lula cafe had a 40 minute wait. So worth it! We parked right in front of the place and we did not have to wait to be seated! Sunday morning brunch time: NO WAIT!!:) I had the French toast such good vanilla butter I believe it was.. My fiance had the plaza omelet( i know it had artichokes, asparagus and red pepper) soooo good!! Thei hash brown though.. not too crazy about them! They have a cream inside. I mentioned that it was our 1st time there and we gor dessert on the house!! whoooo.. The waitress was very friendly and service was stellar! Def recommend this place
(5)
Jasmine J.
I used to live right around the corner from Dunlay's on The Square and I miss those days. I thought the atmosphere was always welcoming. I enjoyed sitting inside and out. The staff was nice enough and their food was great! I loved their pizza, especially the margherita and sopressata. The beer cheese appetizer was also super tasty, although, it never came with enough chips! I once got a nightly special that was a rack of lamb and it was -perfect-. My favorite thing to order here was, of course, their burger. It had really fresh tasting, well seasoned ground beef and was served with mayo. Always a winning combination!
(5)
Jessica J.
This is a great stand-by for brunch. While guys and girls in skinny jeans are waiting an hour+ outside of Lula, I've always been able to saunter into Dunlay's, get a table right away, and eat a yummy brunch. The service is always really friendly. I can't say I've liked everything I've eaten there for dinner. I was really disappointed with an overly salty pizza. However, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
(3)
rachel c.
Love this place! Awesome specials during the week (half off wine night, burger specials, etc.) Great food, especially the salads and the homemade veggie burger. Great service- really friendly and cool waitstaff that provides consistently good service. It's not littered with TVs either (I believe only 1 or 2 at the bar)... so your friends might actually pay attention to you when you're talking instead of whatever mindless show is on. I've had nothing but good experiences in the 8+ times I've been here, and would recommend it to anyone in search of a good neighborhood grill and bar.
(4)
Nicholas J.
Who doesn't like a little piece of Lincoln Park in their neighborhood? My friends and me. Food not very good. Selection of alcohol so-so. Full of annoying people and too clean looking for a bar.
(2)
Alyssa S.
Sometimes, you just need a burger and a place to watch a game. Dunlay's fills that need for me. It's not gourmet, it's not that interesting, but it's consistent. Unpopular opinion: it's an improvement over the Boulevard Cafe. That place was ucky.
(3)
Ada L.
I enjoyed my dinner here much more than I thought I would. You see, I live fairly close to the other Dunlay's on Clark and I really can't stand going in that place. The clientele there is almost too much to handle and the service is never up to par. So, I had my doubts when we ended up at Dunlay's on The Square on a Tuesday evening (tried to go to Lula Cafe, but quickly found out that it is closed on Tuesdays - is it just me or do other people have bad timing when it comes to showing up at restaurants on the one day of week that they are closed?). My doubts were all erased when the friendly hostess greeted us at the door and showed us to a great booth. Our server was equally as friendly and informative and helped add to the pleasant experience. As far as food and drink go, I had an excellent glass of malbec and my friend had a great beer she had tried somewhere else recently. For my entree I had the grilled fish of the day and it was outstanding. Simply prepared with a side of my choice - huge grilled asparagus! The only complaint I have is that for $17, the piece of fish they gave me could have been a little bigger. It was super fresh though so I can forgive them. Overall a great experience and I'll definitely be back. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I think it is a little bit expensive, but not completely unreasonable.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Dunlays, you have won me back. This bar/restaurant opened about six years ago, the same night I moved into my condo up the street. Naturally my husband and I went there to have a few celebratory drinks, and I liked the ambiance and staff. We went back for food and drinks a lot those first couple of years, and I felt like the quality of the food was declining over time. After a few more places opened in the neighborhood, we stopped going there altogether (aside from a few drinks on their outdoor patio). Well, along came Groupon, and I couldn't resist the deal, so we went back for dinner. The ambiance and service is just as good as I remember, and the food was fantastic as well! Seriously, they had the best fish and chips I've had in years! They also have Bells Oberon on tap every spring/summer, a big plus in my book. Offering a groupon really worked for them, I will definitely be back. A lot!
(4)
Roberto F.
I'm come here every now and again especially after watching a movie at Logan. Plenty of seating for those who want to dine and just enough seating for those who just want to drink. Saturday and Sunday's are good here because they usually have some football game on. I haven't eaten here in while but I imagine that the food is still good. A good bonus is that they seem to change up there tap selections with the season.
(3)
Dena L.
Crab cake benedict for brunch? yes please.
(4)
Jackie S.
crispy polenta with mushroom ragout no longer on the menu? later for you, dunlays.
(2)
Christiana S.
Logan Square doesn't really have a lot of options for nightlife. But even if you do end up here by default, you could do a lot worse. The staff is friendly (and there's a hot bartender), the clientele isn't horribly obnoxious, the food is decent (good cheeseburgers) and despite what some other reviewers say, I haven't found the place to be all that terribly loud. I've been on a couple dates here, and conversation was possible (though in some instances, I wish it hadn't been). Plus, you've got to give it up for any place with a 1/2 price wine night. At least, if you like wine. (I do, and they have a pretty nice selection here.) Is this the most incredible dining/drinking experience you'll ever have? No. Still, a good (and needed) neighborhood establishment, and definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Cynthia S.
Come for the bloody mary and stay for the breakfast potatoes. We think the secret ingredient might be illicit - they're sooooo good. Great staff and a decent menu make this place a monthly stop.
(5)
Rob L.
Want some tuna sashimi? Perhaps some civiche? How about a big pile of home made potato chips with blue cheese and hot sauce? Perhaps a sesame chicken salad? And wash it all down with a blood orange martini? Yes... you would be probably dealing with a very large upset stomach if you ate all that, but you could find all of that here too. Coming on a bright and sunshine filled July 4th, I came visiting a friend who works here. The patio was fairly filled so I took my eatin' inside, I like to keep my pristine ghostly whiteness. The bartender was also my server who was friendly, upbeat and quick. I wasn't hung over so this was a good thing. I sat down to peruse a menu when a friend called and said she was joining me, so to stave off my starvation and not eat my left arm off, I went with the chips and blue cheese. Freshly made chips, crunchy, tasty and covered with a blue cheese bechamel sauce, chunks of blue cheese and hot sauce. Well, there goes all the time I just spent in the gym. It was tasty, but if I got it again, I would get it with a group as to split up the calories a little better. My friend showed up and got the blood orange martini and civiche, (and she knows her citric acid cooked seafood), and I with the salad, had to balance out those chips. Our food arrived and although my salad was quite tasty, I was slightly disappointed that the chicken seemed more like lunch meat chicken rather than a cut chicken breast, but my hunger pains were on the loose and I needed to reign them in. My friend was surprised at how good her dish was, even saying the best she ever had was in South America, it wasn't that good, but it was pretty darn good. She enjoyed her martini as well. Prices were fine, maybe a little more than I would expect for the area, but fine for what we got. It is a more than a stroll for me, but I am sure I could find the time, the things I do for some friends....
(4)
cina p.
Nice neighborhood bar. Good food. Good drinks. Nice staff.
(4)
Danielle C.
not a favorite- by far. It is close to my college roommate's place (over 10 years since undergrad- still friends!!), so we have met here for breakfast. Other than that, I would not bother. Fried egg sandwich- sign me up. I always get a bit excited thinking - this time- it is going to be good. Drippy egg, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato- all at the right temp. I should know by now- that is not going to happen. Bread is OK, tomato is very COLD and the egg seems lukewarm by the time it gets to me. The hash browns? OK, not quite as cooked as I like- but the augratin style is pretty interesting. It gets loud in here for brunch- too loud in my opinion. But hey---PEOPLE --PLEASE keep lining up and coming here! I prefer to have shorter waits at the places I like!
(2)
Tanya M.
I've been here several times for dinner and once for lunch and breakfast and I've always had good food and service. they have a good sized varied menu, the meatloaf is definitely better then any homemade that i've had and their salads are great as are the burgers. I had a veggie pizza and it had awesome vegetables on it, huge mushrooms, zucchini, tomato and big pieces of mozzarella but the mushrooms and pizza seem to have had a balsamic vinaigrette on them that had a bit too much sodium in it so my mouth started to sting after awhile. I'm told the beer cheese is good as well. I dig the low lighting and lounge vibe.
(4)
Craig G.
My girlfriend and I went there on St. Patrick's Day evening. The weather was unusually nice for mid-March. It was probably the first day they were seating outside (and probably the last until very recently). Well, the staff was clearly struggling to keep up and they just kept screwing things up for us. My Guiness was delivered to another table, my girlfriend's food wasn't prepared correctly, they were out of lots of menu items, no placesettings when our food was drpped off and it took us forever to flag someone down to get some... lots of tiny mistakes added up to a fairly miserable meal. The manager came by and apologized profusely. When our bill arrived, he dropped off a $50 gift certificate to encourage us to come again. We did and the food, service and experience was amazing. Treat yourself to a beer flight. They have some great combos.
(4)
Matt B.
Wednesday $5 burgers. I am usually there most Wednesdays for the burgers. They normally go for $10. They are not $10 burgers. The rest of the food is adequate but for not stellar considering the local competition. The service is pretty good depending on when you go. The bartenders know their stuff and are pretty conversive with the patrons. All in all not a bad place. I will say though that it is way out of place for that neighborhood. This is a Lincoln Park establishment parked in the middle of Logan Square. For some reason it just seems...wrong.
(3)
Blaise S.
Dunleys is actually a pretty good bar, but the drinks are way too overpriced for the area. They have some tv's, comfy seating, friendly staff, and outdoor seating. Here's my beef with the place - you can walk down the street to half a dozen other bars that charge like a dollar less per beer. If you don't think that's a big deal, then you probably don't drink a lot. Those beers add up! We're in a recession my friends!
(2)
Michelle B.
Good oatmeal pancakes! Friendly staff =) Even an atmosphere supporting both local sports and local arts! That's a rare find...
(4)
Alex Y.
Just f**king brilliant. Once I discovered this place and $5 martini Thursdays and half-price appetizers after 10:00 PM, I became somewhat of a fixture after work on Thursdays. I still miss this place -- the smoked Coho with toast points is unbelievably good and worth the trip for that, alone (and -- believe me -- I miss it to this day). What really, really stood out for me, though, was the huge shot of Mike Dunlay (yes, one of the owners of the place) with Joe Paterno on his shoulder after the '83 Sugar Bowl. I saw it every time I went to the restroom -- you have no idea how happy the the joyous expressions on everyone's faces in that photo made me feel (I don't think I've ever seen JoePa look so happy). I know Mike Dunlay was always embarrassed by it: I've asked about it, and his business partners purportedly mounted this picture as a joke and it is only at this location. I am, most definitely, not a Penn State fan: but, I have to say that I I have always loved that photo on the way to the restroom for the sheer, unadulterated joy of it -- it is what makes college football the best sport on earth, after all.
(5)
Cat B.
Went here on Saturday night for dinner and I was impressed with the variety of food that they have here. Everyone at my table was happy with their food. I had the fish sandwich, my friend Nora had the chicken sandwich, and our men had burgers...we were all satisfied. Their entrees look as though they are a bit overpriced, but the sandwiches were only $8/9. They have great sides that come with the sandwiches...I had the roasted veggies which had squash and zucchini in it; different from what I was expecting. Garlic taters were a little bland and the cabbage and goat cheese side was very different than expected. Adam was looking for something like a cole slaw and it was a little soggier than that. Banana cream pie for dessert was good and there was enough for a couple of people (although my fiance thinks there wasn't enough, he often thinks that when it comes to dessert!). Decent wine list, good beer choices, great service, and nice decor. I don't think I will go to Logan Square just to go to this place, but if I am in the hood again I might try it again.
(3)
Alpha P.
Nothing special. Good beer selection. 10$ for turkey burger w fries,w/o veggies? Too pricey. Average service. 5$ "mistake" in the bill at the end.
(3)
David M.
Let me start off by saying that maybe our waitress does not have many friends because she did not talk to us at all. No "hows it going" or "how was your food" or "hope you have a great day" Hospitality is the most important thing next to food in a restaurant. It really took away from the eating experience. To top it off the grilled chicken sandwich was mediocre at best. Only good thing about this place was the location and the Spinach dip. Disappointed and me and my friend will definitely not return
(1)
Kori T.
Finally got to have brunch here this past weekend and to enjoy the patio. Went on the 4th of July I believe too? but the brunch menu wasn't in effect due to the holiday so we had to come back. I couldn't tell you how impressed I was with the prompt service and our food was ready within 5 minutes at most. We just got the two egg specials, which come with bacon, toast and hash browns. I cannot speak highly enough of the hash browns, they are the BEST I've ever had..and I've had a lot. Definitely will be back again!
(5)
Page M.
Came here last night with some of my friends and started ordering Tilapia Sandwich, it also has good taste and very nutritious. Dunlays on the Square is also popular with its Breakfast Burrito, it has a unique taste that other burrito on the other places dont have. Always have and always will be a fan of Dunlays on the Square's food. Keep up the good work, improve the quality of services.
(4)
Ellen E.
Great patio and nice staff, wheelchair friendly... Oh yeah and delicious skillet cookies! This is my go-to place on the Square, good hipster-y food and craft beer but not as pretentious as some of the other spots.
(4)
Jen J.
The monkey bread is SOOOOO good! With Irish Coffee and Mamosa's for brunch! I'm complete. The food is large, so definitely a good idea to split with someone if you're not planning to eat a lot. Or in my case, where you get full off drinks and monkey bread.
(5)
Matt R.
Dunlays. Oh, Dunlays. You are well suited to large groups, which is unique. I have to say I love that giant corner booth thing where you can easily sit 6-8 people, which I happened to have upon coming here. Dunlays was our go-to destination to discuss a particular book for our book club, while drinking and eating. After all, not everyone needs a boring book club. So lets begin with the important part! The Bloody Mary, which happens to be awesome. Not sure if I like the beer sidecar or not, but in this case it was spicy enough that it was needed. Or maybe that was because I had like 3 of them. As nondescript as this is, all of the food here is awesome. Flavors are good, and choices are good as well. Great choices for Mac & Cheese? What's not to like? It's not the most vegetarian friendly menu, but the salads are definitely worth it (and make up for it).. verdict as a book club location for people to get somewhat drunk? perfect location.
(5)
Anna Y.
So Melissa is awesome . The food is good the burger at wed night burger night is pretty awesome :) but Melissa the waitress really did a good job and was beyond great!!!!
(5)
Lenda B.
I always have the fish and chips at Dunlays which is always absolutely delicious! In addition to the great food, the atmosphere is great and the service is outstanding. Bathroom was even clean! Can sit outside or inside in comfort. Love this place!
(5)
Elyse H.
When I lived in Logan Square, this place was phenomenal. I'm not sure exactly what has changed, but some of the best things on their menu are gone or changed considerably. I still am a fan of their Bloody Mary, but I have to say that I may prefer the gin Bloody Mary around the corner at Lula's now... Even though I still don't think Lula is worth the hype. Hopefully they get out of their funk- I really want to love this place.
(3)
Amanda J.
Brunch is phenomenal! Sriacha fried chicken eggs Benedict and mimosas! What more could you want? Also comes with the best hash brown casserole I've ever had. can't go wrong here.
(5)
Monik H.
The food is very good, I mainly come here for the Bloody Mary's and for the cookie skillet. Also the patio is very nice during the early evening hours although they allow dogs and there isn't too much space between the tables so it can be a bit annoying especially when you have kids and they are scared of dogs.
(3)
Rebecca O.
This place is good. I like the food, and the service is quick and unobtrusive. However, the prices are outrageous for what you get. I feel like I could get better quality or more food for the same price elsewhere. (At least they offer decent specials). Also, the atmosphere is not my favorite. There are too many TV's, the music is too loud, and the place is inevitably chock full of 5 and under children, who are admittedly cute but often loud. On a more positive note, their sweet potato fries are the shiz. And the veggie burger is surprisingly good for a place that serves so many meat-heavy dishes.
(3)
Angie M.
I see it like this. Dunlays on the Square is to Lula Cafe as Square Bar is to Kuma's. You don't really plan to go there. It's just sort of what happens when the wait is way too insane at your original destination and you want to eat, like, now. Despite playing second brunch fiddle to Lula (who's hype I don't completely understand, but that's a whole other story), I think Dunlays is pretty solid. First, they didn't bitch when I arrived sans my other brunching companions, sat me immediately and even provided me with lots of caffeinated beverages until my friends arrived. Most hoppin' brunch spots don't seat partial parties, which forces you to stand around awkwardly by the door for a few mins. I'd much rather be sitting down, sipping coffee and exploring the menu. Speaking of sitting down, the seating at Dunlays truly is top notch. Lots of comfy booths and a smattering of tables in between. I dig that the tables are not right on top of each other giving patrons room to breathe... and not have to make awkward conversation with strangers because their tables are 2 inches apart. Food? Good. I've only had brunch, but I can say that they do a decent job. I'm simple when it comes to brunch fare, so I've only ordered the 2 eggs scrambled (perfect, especially with cholula sauce), toast (fine), thick cut bacon (YUM), and creamy hash browns. Let's talk about the hash browns for a sec. They're pretty righteous. It's actually more of a potato casserole. They're creamy and have lots of pepper. And the portion is huge. For $8, it's a bargain. Yeah... you know, sometimes just don't want to wait 100 years at a hot spot for eggs. Dunlays is the place to not wait.
(4)
Leah W.
If you're not in the mood for a scene, want to sit down quickly and have some very good food at affordable prices, this is always a good bet. It's never too busy to get a seat and the food is always above average. The burger is fantastic and so are most of the entrees, which change a bit on about a monthly basis, but they always retain a sort of similarity (usually a chicken option, beef option, pasta option, etc). If I don't get the burger I usually end up getting the steak option of the moment, and I've never been disappointed. The martinis are very good and so are the mashed potatoes. This is a great weeknight place, a nice intimate date night spot, and a good place for lunch. Try the burger or the buffalo shrimp! My only complaint is that they took the appetizer pizzas off the menu and added flat bread instead - bring back the delicious pizzas my friends!
(4)
Jonathan C.
If you want a fast track to irrelevancy deprive your loyal customers of your BEST most unique dish??? Next time I'll weather the 2 hour wait for Lula or Jam.
(2)
Johnny R.
Quicky: I had the Amish fried chicken with the mozzarella bacon potato cakes along with a Small Town Root Beer Ale and it was fantastic. Longy: I'm addicted to fried food, have been for many years. I've tried to hide it, but every once in a while I order a plate of everything fried. This fried chicken should please even the f/c snobs. I think it was brined because the meat was very flavorful and juicy. The potato cake was great, and others at our table also shared theirs around. I've been there twice now, and have also have the fish and chips for lunch. Despite the puffy hugeness of the fried fish breading, it was very good and I cleaned my plate. Then again I always clean my plate. I'll be back.
(4)
Erika G.
Fantastic! Super pleasant, comfortable restaurant. Was too rainy to sit outside on this night, but I could see that being a choice for the many warm nights we still have left, OH YES! I don't live in L'Square, but I am a hipster wannabe, and the waitstaff was super friendly and nice to me. And cute! Very cute staff! I had a delicious glass of Malbec. Dry, dry, dry and very good on this rainy, cool night. Other person had a Wrightwood Salad, and it looked like a salad filled with Everything E Likes. Greens, almonds, craisens, corn, avocado - in other words YUM! I should have tried a bite, but I was to absorbed with my entree. That's something I'd order if / (hopefully) when I go back. I had the Fish n' Chips (in solidarity with my best friend who just left for a year in the UK, I was feeling some Brit). As someone who loved the crazy fast food of Arthur Treacher's Fish n' Chips as a kid, this tasted like that, but probably with better quality ingredients. Mmmmm . . . Lake Superior whitefish - the fish of my home state. Get. In. My. Mouth! The beer batter breading was crispy, buttery, flaky and DELICIOUS. The fish was moist, tender, buttery and wonderful. And they have the requisite Malt Vinegar, which I must douse everything in, and then be tempted to drink the bottle after. I loves me some vinegar, always have. And Tartar sauce, always a pleasure. Pile of fries with my food, which were crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. A LOT of fries too. The coleslaw that came with the entree was good too - a mayonnaise dressing, but not drenched in mayo. Very nice! The dessert "skillet cookie" looked disgusting to me. I didn't order it, and it should be said that I do not like sweet things. If you do, you'd probably love that. If you don't you don't have to order it, which I did not. So, no diss for that, it was just something that I noticed. I noticed on their menu they have daily specials. Specials! Cheap food! My favorite! I will rush back at my next opportunity, really a great, chill, comfortable, happy, nice restaurant.
(4)
Daniel G.
Now it's time to talk about Dunlay's in Logan Square. I've been coming here for a few years and I really like the brunch on Sundays. My favorite dish is the Smoked Salmon with chef's dressing and grilled ciabatta toasts: finger lickin' good. The bartender/server Phil is totally cool, courteous and very helpful, I come early on Sunday because it gets packed around eleven. Bryan is another cool server at the bar. They're getting a new deliciously looking menu for next Tues. Nov. 26, 2013.
(4)
C. P.
I will admit that I've never been "wowed" by their dinner selections, but sign me up for their weekend brunch any day. I always try to get a seat at their bar because 1) the actual structure of their bar is absolutely beautiful and 2) their weekend bartenders are fun! Bloody Marys are a must, but for the past 7 months or so I've had to succumb to their Virgin Mary's - the toothpick skewer that accompanies the drink is like having a simple, refreshing appetizer while you look over the menu. Anytime Brussel Sprouts with Bacon is their vegetable of the day - get it Mozzarella bacon potato cakes - yes Fired Egg Sandwich - my favorite (clearly they've got an amazing bacon supplier!)
(4)
Desiree S.
Their breakfast is spot on. Not a huge fan of their lunch and dinner options though.
(3)
Katherine D.
Hands down the best pancakes I've ever had!! Great spot to eat outside during the summer and experience the different types of crowds. The Palmer square omelette is very tasty. The OJ isn't so fresh but nonetheless still good.
(5)
Martha S.
Friends brought us here after the wait at Lula's was too long.... which seems to be a common trend. Nice selection of beers on tap and great service. Shared a turkey burger with my husband with a side of asparagus-- the turkey burger was one of the best I've had in a long time. It was moist and flavorful with Asian-inspired flavors/toppings. Highly recommend. Definitely a nice place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with brunch or lunch. Get the turkey burger!
(4)
Amy L.
They take the deliciousness and uniqueness of the foodie culture- minus the intimidating menu, too loud bar, and fancyness. Just a great, super tasty, friendly place to eat. I love it!
(5)
Moose P.
I recommend for a workday lunch. Expertly made cheeseburger. Tasty sourced beef, grilled to order (medium rare). The grilled asparagus were thin, well seasoned, and with a bit of lemon. I just needed a quick quality lunch and they got me in and out with fine attention.
(4)
Nate V.
Excellent spot for brunch and dinner. Had a great upside down pineapple cake there with my boy on New Year's Eve. Friendly staff great for people watching if you sit outside.
(4)
Jamie D.
We really love this place, it's a great mainstay in the Logan Square neighborhood. Great food, drinks, service, and very kid friendly. We come in fairly regularly, and whether it's weekday lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, the food/service is always consistently great. Love the new additions to the menu!
(5)
Steve M.
AU GRATIN HASH BROWNS! The highlight of the brunch we just had up in Logeen Squeer. Second runner up: breakfast sangwich con fried huevos, thick bacon, cheddar, lettuce and red onion. Not bad. Friendly, professional service. No small talk, all business. Not necessarily a bad thing. Pretty solid brunch alternative to standing in line for Lula, if you ask me.
(3)
molly w.
Thank you, Dunlay's, for being a regular restaurant. Thank you for not offering bone marrow or pig face on your menu. Thank you for offering normal foods like burgers, spinach dip, etc. Thank you for having excellent daily specials, where your patrons can count on consistent, decent food and service. Thank you for having such a large outdoor patio. It's nice that it's relatively easy to get a table outside, and seeing a few neighborhood pooches outside is always good. Thank you for having a decent staff. Everyone is pretty friendly and helpful, which you'd think would be a given at any restaurant, but alas, is much harder to come by these days. Thanks again, Dunlay's, for being right around the corner from my house, and always being there for me when I don't feel like cooking! Yours Truly, molly
(5)
David R.
Color me impressed again. Or still impressed? Either way, impressed. Impressed by the restaurant, that is. Dismayed by the good people of Logan Square. On a night (Sunday of Memorial Day weekend around 7:30) when other local establishments were quoting 60- to 90-minute waits, Dunlay's was almost empty. Not only is this a tragedy for Dunlay's, it shows what sad lemmings most of the rest of the populace are. I've seen this place full before, so I don't understand what was going on that evening. Dunlay's puts out food that is just as good as the trendier outfits, but one should never underestimate the power of the hype machine, I guess. I've eaten at those other places, and, sure, they're great; but why would you wait in line there when you could eat just as well somewhere else with no wait and less attitude? I just don't get it. This is the same reason that you should never wait 60 minutes for a table at the Bongo Room...but I digress. I haven't had so satisfying a straightforward meal in a while. One of the best cuban sandwiches anywhere, an icy pint of Krankshaft Kölsch, fantastic fries, near-perfect non-creamy cole slaw, and some solidly above-average calamari. In cooler weather (maybe less than 90) I would have settled in for an after-dinner porter. But italian ice sang its frosty siren song to us on that steamy tropical evening. I will forgive the good people of Logan Square for their holiday-weekend infraction, but so help me this place had better be full again the next time that I come in. Which will be soon.
(5)
Beth R.
Here we are, face to face. My oldest unfinished review. I am pleased to report that the four solid stars I initially bestowed upon Dunlay's are still very much deserved, over (mumbles) months later. I've now had the gamut of the food experience - brunch, lunch and dinner. Brunch was very good - the eggs were solid and my companions had crepes and omelets that both looked tempting. The fruity pancakes usually come with multiple fruits, but if you are, say, a blueberry loyalist, they'll make them with just one type. Also the fruit quantity is generous. The bloody mary offered during brunch appeared to be a meal in itself, too, plus it comes with a beer chaser. After seeing the veggie burger during my brunch visit, I wanted to come back for lunch ASAP. It too was very good. It was grainy but grilled well - a little char on the outside but not at all overdone. I couldn't detect the sweet potato or soy sauce in the description but I will just have to come back and try harder. We also had an appetizer of hummus, and it comes with pita and veggies for dipping. Our most recent visit was for dinner, and it was another solid one. I had a basic chicken sandwich with basil mayo, but there were other good options (like the early-'90s ads for Chicken Tonight, I felt like chicken (that)night). The fries were a wee disappointment, because they are shoestring and that's my least favorite incarnation of fried potato. But they were a good example of the type. On all three visits, the service was a-okay-plus-plus. The prices are fair and the crowd is normal peeps just looking for some quality sustenance. Too bad we live far from the Square, because I believe my husband and I would be up in this grill's grill early and often.
(4)
Amy M.
Usual local spot for me and the fam! Good: Wrightwood salad, staff is always on it, service is exceptional, pimms cup is a great drink, cucumber martini is better, specials are always interesting and tasty, and the little ones love the cookie skillet! Bad: we found a bread tie in the lobster roll and sometimes food doesn't come out they way it should. The good outweigh the bad so definitely check it out!
(4)
L S.
Great place for a casual meal - the Wrightwood salad is delicous! Highly recommend it!
(5)
Amanda F.
Mmm...Dunlays! Such a welcoming go-to restaurant located right on Logan Blvd. I have been here numerous times, but I've been frequenting the establishment more lately pre and post runs with the neighborhood running group, ThreeRunTwo. They host us on Thursdays and give us the best customer service! The waitresses we always have are awesome, especially when I bring my pup and hang out after! They have dog bowls for him and make sure everyone is having a good time. I am a huge fan of the veggie and turkey burgers - those are my go to. Their beer selection is great as well. It's true, runners are also the best drinkers and I always try new beers with the group and they have a great selection. The patio area is also big and pet friendly. Oh, and I've heard rumor of Dunlays having $5 burgers on Wednesdays, I haven't partook in that yet, but it sounds amazing!
(4)
Linh N.
These thin, crispy fries are the best fries I've eaten in Chicago, thus far. Let me also add FRESH, because old, thin fries can still be crispy, but are really not good for this world anymore. My friend and I stopped in for lunch after an arduous morning of apartment hunting. I was thrilled to spy a fried egg sandwich on the menu. She ordered the fish and chips. Both orders were perfect. We were really hungry, but even if we were only moderately hungry, I would not hesitate to head to Dunlays when I'm in the area. Not only was the food good, the atmosphere was cool: comfortable leather booths, including a huge circular one in the back corner for larger parties; great soundtrack that was not too loud while we ate--Pixies, MGMT, cool, old jazz--with two t.v.s tuned to a baseball game; diverse clientele--moms and pops and their kids, hip young thangs, and us.
(4)
Tony E.
Dunlays is a solid, non-diner, neighborhood choice. Wednesday is our favorite night with the $5 burger special. It's also a relatively good family friendly, but no less classy, choice. Meaning, the kids there don't get out of hand, and the place isn't all beat up from them being there. And it's a good alternative to the busier place around the corner. They have nice outdoor seating overlooking the square. Also, there is a good beer selection with some option to order flights. They have about 3-4 medium screens for sports games, but it's not the greatest place to watch a game. The men's room is also a little strange. They have a urinal and a toilet, and then they have two sinks. But it's a single bathroom. ??
(4)
Michael B.
The creamy hash browns are delicious, kind of like a potato risotto. Had the chicken fried eggs Benedict; would definitely have it again. Portions were good size but slightly pricey. Took a star off because my sister-in-law is a vegetarian (she told the waitress) and when she ordered her omelette with the bacon on the side so her husband could have it, they draped it over her omelette.
(4)
Andre W.
Bottomless Mimosas!!!! My buddy An organized an outing here this past Saturday. I've never really had the chance to come here even though my ex-girlfriend lived a few blocks away. Also, I live right around the corner from Dunlays on Clark and I always figured they were both pretty much the same. I was kinda right as the menu looks almost the same except there are a few minor differences. Our server was nice and accommodating and she even had a good sense of humor. Making jokes about my mimosa intake (I was putting them away and she kept em coming). I was torn between the Breakfast Burrito and the Palmer Square Omelet. I decided to go with the omelet as I was feeling sort of eggy. The omelet contains roasted red peppers, asparagus, goat cheese and artichokes (and I always have my omelets with egg whites). It came along with two pieces of toast and their delicious hash browns. My meal was delicious as it was devoured within minutes...I was starving! Good spot for the residents of Logan Square.
(4)
Brian B.
Dunlay's is great! The menu doesn't change that often, and it isn't that big, but there are some staples here like "Amish Fried Chicken." I find it very difficult to get something else when that is just staring me down all the time... Also, they make pretty good bloodies and serve them with a beer back, which is cool.
(4)
Katie M.
Hey Dunlays, it's 3:30 PM on a Thursday and my friend and I have just finished up with storytime at Play with our youngins and we're looking for a table for a very late lunch. We walk into your (empty) restaurant looking for a hostess, looking for a waitress, hell, we're looking for anyone to give us a seat. My friend and I look at each other after 1-2 mins and I suggest that we head elsewhere. As we start to leave, a young woman hops up from a nearby table (where I'm guessing she was gossiping with a few friends--as there were 3 other chicks sitting at the table with her) and asks if we want to eat. Yep, we do, thanks for finally noticing us, and we want to sit outdoors. The hostess showed us to a table and disappeared. Our waitress showed up to take our order shortly after... Your beet salad was yum yum yum but the lobster roll left much to be desired as did the smell flowing through the outdoor area of Dunlays. At one point, I apologized to my friend as I sniffed my lil one's tush for poop (don't judge, when you have a baby, you will do the same sniff-a-roo task). When the wind blows a certain way through the outdoor area, you'll catch whiffs of a sewage-like smell. Gag. Although my friend and I were only two of five guests in the outdoor area and received our check promptly upon request, I ended up heading inside to cash out after a 10+ minute wait to pay. Your hostess processed our bill at the request of our waitress who was at a back table near the bathrooms doing wine tastings with the manager and another waitress. Props for having staff members who are able to describe the tastes of wine to late night customers, but as a mid-day customer...don't make me wait for service please.
(2)
Stephanie G.
Best salad around - the Wrightwood Salad. It meets my requirements of needing seven or more ingredients to be delicious, and this one hit the mark. The goat cheese makes the salad. I also hear they have great specials - such as $5 burgers on Wednesday. We also had some appetizers - Tuscan white bean dip, and guacamole. yummmmmm.
(5)
Christina M.
Still a huge fan of the fried egg sandwich....phenomenal. My friend had the french toast and it was amazing!! great service.
(4)
Bri A.
I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend and the wait wasn't too long. The hostess didn't give us an exact time frame but it was only 10-15 minutes. I got excited when I saw the smoked pig ear on the menu, but then I realized it was for dogs! hahaha The bloody mary was pretty solid and came with a mini Bud Light. We both ordered the French toast which was tasty. The orange liquor flavor didn't come through but it was still good. I've never had French toast made with French bread but it was a nice twist. I would come here again if I were in the area.
(4)
Rhonda G.
I can now review this place with well rounded knowledge since i've been during brunch and now for drinks and appetizers during the evening hours. Pretty pleased on both occasions! No problem getting a table either time when most places in the area had ridiculous wait times. The brunch menu seems limited but the dishes are really good. I had two eggs over easy with turkey ( not turkey sausage but actual, delicious turkey) and potatoes. Common meal but a great choice. And to top it off I went with the bottomless mimosa option. Can't go wrong there, though I do wish they came in champagne glasses so I would feel like less of a lush (which is how I felt drinking mimosas in a tall glass with a straw). During my return visit (not the same day) I had a beer flight and a couple of different appetizers. The winner in the appetizer category is the blue cheese and chips ( no explanation needed right?). The beer flight I selected was ok, I just wish they had more options to choose from. Service was attentive on both visits, though we never felt rushed which tends to be an awful trend that i've noticed lately. Overall, a solid hangout with good food and drinks and excellent service. I shall return indeed.
(4)
Ricardo O.
Plain and simple...DELICIOUS $5 Burgers every Wednesdays! Plus that cookie dessert is to kill for! The servers are kinda moody though, not sure why. The food is delicious it's just the servers who seem to always be mad or something. Recommend there burgers and cookie dessert on Wednesday.
(4)
Kimberly L.
More like a 3-1/2 star experience but I will give them four stars for a few bonus items listed below. Came here on a Wednesday for the $5 burger and fries! Whoa, how can that be possible? Also had the brussel sprouts and shared the ice cream sandwich dessert. The food was fine but nothing that made me fall off my platform shoes. But I should have worn pants with an elastic waistband. Oof. I was incredibly full. Friendly enough service and clean, pleasant atmosphere. Bonus to the staff for reusing drinking water to water the outdoor plants. Nice, simple way to conserve. Very happy that this establishment was not a$$ to elbows crowded with hipsters. Also, thanks so much for splitting the dishes without our having to ask!
(4)
Leslie G.
I think the main thing that I like about this place is the fact that you can actually get a table here without having to wait for 2+ hours, unlike many of the other restaurants in this area. I don't have the patience to deal with that kind of wait, so I've ended up here twice in the past month. The food is pretty average, but how can you really mess up a grilled chicken sandwich? The sweet potato fries are good. My boyfriend had the fish and chips one of the times we came here and said it was very good. I think this place is a reliable choice when you don't feel like waiting forever to get in elsewhere.
(3)
Zoby S.
Just had dinner here with my husband and my son yesterday. I had the flatbread pizza which had it been hot would have been ok but it was cold the cheese barely melted on top. As for my son's salmon dish he said it was ok. Today he has food poisoning and has been sick all day. I think the salmon was not cooked properly. Obviously, we will not be going back.
(1)
Jason B.
Been over 20 times. It's a decent spot to have some drinks and grab some grub. Prices are reasonable. They are always rotating a Lagunitas which is nice. What's good? Bloodys, fries, turkey burger, roast chicken, salad with citrus vinaigrette , salmon app but ask for extra baguette, ribs are decent...they are steamed Best service is at the bar. TVs are lackin
(4)
Rencie H.
Awesome Bloody Mary's, probably the best I've tasted. Food was decent and our waitress lacked any type of personality. Would only go back if ever I'm in the mood for another Bloody Mary.
(3)
Lucy L.
I am honestly surprised this place doesn't have more stars!! Dunlay's on the Square, number 1, is way better than the one on Clark. Mainly because they have such a nicer staff. And I think their Bloody Mary's are made with a little more love at this location. The fact that they take reservations as well, is the best. Being from Chicago, I am not the type to stand outside for 2 hours waiting for a table at a crowded restaurant for a decent brunch. This place has great drinks, and their creamy hash browns are a hidden gem in this city!! I tell everyone to go here, and I love bringing friends and family. Everyone is always raving about it and wants to come back. Their prices too are perfect. I highly recommend Dunlay's!!
(5)
John M.
File under: I didn't remember to write a review/I don't get this place. I went here last summer and the place was totally dead on a Friday night. I thought that was strange as the weather was nice and the location is easy to get to. Then it sorta dawned on me that there's nothing exceptional going on here. Yeah, it's clean, the staff are friendly and the patio is ok. Beyond that, it just didn't have any real draw on getting me to come back. Maybe I happened by on an off night, but I doubt I'll be returning.
(2)
Lisa M.
I came here Saturday night at 10:30pm with 3 friends for a drink. We sat outside until around midnight when they wanted to close the patio. We could have moved inside, but we were done with our drinks so we left. My friend ordered a lemon drop martini, which three of us agreed seemed very weak. On the bright side it left no worries as to her ability to serve as designated driver. I'm not sure if all their martinis are super weak or if the alcohol was covered really well by whatever else was in it or if we did something to bother the waitress. The rest of us got beer so we didn't have anything to compare it to. The inside of the place looked nice. Kind of dark. One of the two stalls in the women's restroom was out of order. Overall this place was fine but nothing special.
(3)
Ashley B.
I went here with my vball team and a couple friends after our game and sat outside, which was lovely. The menu also looked pretty solid. I ended up getting a chicken sandwich and veggies, and it was good, but everything my friends ordered looked wayyyy better! I want to come back and try it again! The only thing is that the service was lame. Our server totally hated life or something because she had the worst attitude ever. I asked for the same thing 3 times and eventually she brought it out after I was basically done eating. Lame.
(4)
Paul L.
#NAME?
(5)
Richard R.
Wanted to give them three and a half stars. The fish sandwich was excellent and the grilled asparagus that accompanied it was fresh. Beer selection was also good as was the service. We were a party of nine (four adults, five kids) and the check came to $166 --which included beer and wine for the adults and desert for the kids-- so overall a very good value. I would certainly go back.
(3)
Jennifer R.
Outdoor seating this mid morning made the experience at Dunlay's more enjoyable. While indoors to wash my hands, the decor was too dark and loud for a brunch. My friend ordered a Champion breakfast drink: Maple whiskey, orange juice, and a slice of bacon. I ordered a mimosa. I had an omelet and my friend had eggs benedict. Our food was great and the price was a good value for the amount of food. I would pick this over Lula's down the road because it is a bit too pretentious for me. I am usually a Johnny's Grill girl (the diner by Lula's cafe). But for a good mid choice between the two, Dunlay's is perfect. I wanna try the stuffed nutella french toast next time. The wait staff was fabulous and the day was beautiful... brunch it up, lovelies.
(4)
Jordy S.
My boyfriend and I go to their brunch every Sunday. They have a good amount of items on the menu, more than most places I've been to, but it's not overwhelming. I like having the options. The fruit pancake is great and their hashbrowns are fantastic! My boyfriend usually gets the omelette every time and enjoys it. Good iced coffee. Friendly staff. Great place to stop by before or after the farmers market close by.
(5)
Rebecca S.
Best Bloody Mary I've had in awhile; it's like a meal in a glass. Yummy!!!!!
(4)
Maggie W.
I've been here a couple of times, and the food is pretty good. But tonight's service was pretty awful and I won't be making my way to this establishment again. Although my two friends and I were seated quickly (especially for a Friday at 7:30 pm) no waitress ever came to our table. We sat for ten minutes at our table in the corner going over the menu while another table next to us was seated. Not only did this neighboring table get their order taken first, but we saw at least 4 staff members walk to our section and never come to our table. Nobody ever came by to get our order. I understand that it is a busy Friday night. But that's no excuse for having to wait 20 minutes with no greeting or water or general acknowledgement. We walked out because we were both hungry and tired of being ignored for all that time while the tables around us got service. It's clear that another restaurant deserved our money tonight. It's a shame since that iron-skillet cookie is awesome. Too bad their wait staff completely ruins the dining experience.
(2)
Maribel Q.
Came here for brunch. Omelette was extremely greasy, fruit was obviously a few days old. Hubby's hash was swimming in oil, even he couldn't eat them. I was grossed out just by looking at them. I'm all about casual places but don't want my food swimming in grease. Not for me.
(2)
Judy H.
I'm in Logan Square often and carry out from Dunlays on the Square frequently. I love their fried chicken. Some of the best I've had. On this review though I want to commend the management for rectifying a mistake in a carryout order. Not only did they personally deliver the correct order shortly after, they also presented us with a $25 gift certificate for a future meal. Now that's the way to keep customers coming back! Thank you Dunlays On the Square.
(4)
Daniel C.
I find Dunlay's to be fine...acceptable...alright. I will now be coming here more often, because it is directly next to a great new bar that just opened and ALWAYS has a wait. When I find myself with an hour to kill, I will just head to Dunlay's. I dropped in with a few friends and the place was super dead for Friday at 10:30pm - definitely no more than 20% of the tables were filled. But that was fine, because we were just there to kill some time. The waitress was very nice and I found the prices to be fair. Between my friends and I, we had the beer cheese, tater tots, and a couple sandwiches. I only tasted a couple items but I thought it was slightly above average for bar food. One bummer is that they seemed to be out of a lot of stuff. A couple different foods items we wanted were both out, and they were also out of Whistle Pig, which was one of the whiskeys included in their "Rye" flight (two whiskeys and a rye ale). The waitress was apologetic and offered to sub in Knob Creek. Whistle Pig is a craft distilled 100% rye whiskey that costs $60-$70 bottle - Knob Creek is not any of those things. I eventually convinced the bartender to substitute a decent scotch they had at the bar. Then, when they finally brought out the flights, they had to explain what each thing was, because they were also out of the little paper templates that labels each glass for the drinker. So, like I said, it was fine. I am not in a rush to come back, but considering how convenient of a location it is for the huddled masses awaiting entrance to the new bar Billy Sunday, I'm sure I'll be back.
(3)
Zoey C.
I've been here several times, mostly for the $5 burger and fries, and I'm always a fan. Burgers are usually cooked perfectly (usually rare for me, medium rare for my roommate). The fries are good (not my favorite though, but still an improvement over Kuma's in my eyes) The wait staff is super nice (We usually get the same waitress who is always talkative and very sweet), And for $20 for two of us is great!
(4)
Amy S.
Fantastic Brunch. I high recommend the Eggs Florentine. Poached eggs, smoked turkey, hollindaise and frenched brioche on a bed of baby spinach. I find myself craving it if I don't go often enough. Went recently for dinner as well. The Amish Fried chicken is a huge portion (a half a chicken's worth!) and was tasty and cooked perfectly.
(5)
Chris D.
Nice place. I have never had a bad experience there. Good Beer selection. The food is usually pretty good to great. I have had both Chicken dishes, the ribs and burgers on several occasions. Outside of the Ribs not of the quality like they are at their sister company, Smoke Daddy, the food is always good to go. The service is professional and attentive. Kudos there! Much different than down at Logan Bar and Grill which has absolutely retched service. I recommend this joint.
(4)
Marissa K.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place seeing as how it's one of my neighborhood staples (I even remember it from back in the day when it was the Boulevard Cafe!) Everything about this place is solid and unpretentious, which is something you do not often get in Logan Square. Their bloody marys are amazing (and the high life beer back is a nice touch) and all of their brunch foods are delicious!! My favorite is the fried egg sandwich and Big Mike's Irish breakfast. The hash browns are seriously the best I've ever had (not sure what that creamy sauce they use is, but I'm pretty sure it must have crack in it because I've never left a scrap on my plate!) While I've only been here a handful of times for dinner (it is definitely much more of a brunch place), I've never been disappointed with the food or service. It is definitely a very kid-friendly and group-friendly place, and I've never had a problem getting a seat, which is probably why this is always the place I end up when I get annoyed with Lula or Longman's lines or wait estimates. My one main complaint would be: PLEASE GET MORE/BETTER TVS!! While they may not advertise themselves as a 'sports bar,' they have a decent draw of people during sporting events, especially Bears games, and all they have is two dinky little TVs on opposite sides of the bar. Adding one or two more (and ones where you don't have to squint to see the screen and ones that are actually visible from ALL tables, not just the bar) would definitely make me and my sports-loving friends come here more often to watch games. But when I have a bigger TV at home than in your bar, I am more likely to order takeout or head somewhere else altogether!
(4)
Yolanda C.
So because I am a single mother most place's I go to have to be kid friendly,but this place do offer kids eat free 4:30pm to 6:30pm every night cool right no,For one it took them over 15 minutes to come to are table then the waitress tells me very rudely that I have to order something over 10.00 or my son won't be eating for free. And after I ask if I could order a second plate of chicken tenders that (duh I was fully aware that I was paying for them there were not free) again the rude waitress told me that was to much food for my son well your not his ma just bring him more tenders thank you,I can go on and on about this one waitress but I will spare you. Limited food menu,not sure if it's a bar or way what I did order was good fish and chips .But that bloody Mary was nasty as hell. All and all will not be coming back any time soon.
(1)
Juliana R.
I really wanted to like this place, my friends rave about it all the time.... Don't inform your customers with bottomless mimosas if you can't keep up with the demand! If there's anything that will get me to come back it's the hashbrowns. Not anything else. The rest of the food is mediocre, service was terrible.
(2)
Kyle H.
Bumped to Four Stars! Twice now I've been pleased with the pulled pork (had the Breakfast Burrito today), and have always been pleased with the service. Was told they smoke their own pork in-house. Gotta love a place that smokes their own pork. The owner stopped by all of the tables outside today and asked if everything was alright, if he could get anything else, and that's just a nice touch on top of good food and solid service. The neighborhood has grown up around Dunlays and it's just the dawning of the Age of the new Squarius. And that's not a bad thing anymore.
(4)
A. D.
I'm not giving this place 5 stars because the service was slow and the waitress ignored my boyfriend and I for a bit : ( Food was very tasty! Great Bloody Mary!
(4)
Melanie S.
I just have to bump Dunlay's to five stars. *their food continues to impress, whether it's for brunch, dinner, or just noshes to eat over cocktails. *the service is tops; always friendly, efficient, and non-intrusive. *the music makes me feel like they've stolen my iPod because they play all my favorite songs *I've never had to wait for a table *it's less than a block from my part-time Logan Square love nest
(5)
Jericca B.
The idea of this place sounds and looks better than it really is. I ordered the Palmer square omelet and my boyfriend ordered the grilled chicken sandwich. Both sounded like they were going to be great. However the execution just wasn't there. Also, I am just not a fan of their hash browns.
(3)
Annalee T.
delicious. great bloody. i had the cuban and it was great. also tried the enchilada.. also wonderful. dunlay's on the square has a great location and seriously solid food and service.
(5)
Ryan C.
The place is fine, the atmosphere is pretty cool and the staff was fine. However, anytime I ask for a burger, I have always made an effort to make sure I mention "please, make sure it is well done." Sure enough, they bring a burger that wasn't even close and was pink/red on the inside. I had to wait for another burger to be well done while I watched the rest of the group eat. Had fun with the company, but the place...ehhh, not impressed.
(2)
Roseann M.
Thanks to Groupon, or we would have never found this terrific place. Actually, even with Groupon, we had to drive around the hellacious traffic circle that is Kedzie/Milwaukee Avenue/Logan Blvd. a few times to figure out where Dunlay's really was. If you already know Logan Square, you probably won't have an issue. But if you aren't in the area frequently, like us, Dunlay's is kinda hard to find. It is definitely worth the effort, though. We arrived on a weekday, at the very end of the lunch hour. There was almost no one in the restaurant, and it's a big place. The televisions over the bar were on, but the noise level was low, so none of that was intrusive. The waitress came over quickly, and was appropriately attentive and pleasant during our lunch. To explain "appropriately", sometimes wait staff at slow periods are so bored, they hang around you too much, refilling the water glasses if you drink even one sip. The attention is almost intrusive. Our waitress was around, but not hovering. That helped make our lunch experience good. We shared an artichoke appetizer. I don't have a lot of experience with real artichokes. I'm more familiar with the Birds Eye frozen kind, where you buy 10 ounces worth of artichoke hearts. My friend had to give me a little instruction how to peel off the leaves and get to the heart. We both liked the artichoke very much. I had the egg sandwich, and my friend had a tilapia sandwich. I don't eat fish, so I will rely on her review - she said it was excellent. As for my egg sandwich - friends, I have got to tell you, this was the best egg sandwich I have ever had in my life, and I've had a lot of egg sandwiches. I could write a song of praise for this sandwich. This egg sandwich deserves a Tony award, a Grammy, an Emmy, and a couple Oscars. It's that good. We passed on dessert, because we were pretty full by this point. And happy. It was a very good experience. I'd be very happy to go again, especially now that I know where it is, and how to escape the traffic circle. I think.
(4)
Evelina L.
Decided to visit Dunlays last Friday night at about 8 pm to try to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful night and some good food. The good news - we only had to wait 15-20 minutes for an outside seat, meanwhile we waited at the bar where a very nice server spent about 5 minutes trying to help my friend and I pick a bottle of wine. Now, we were perfectly happy with just randomly choosing one, but she insisted that we try a few. What service! Once we made it outside, it was about the food. My friends (who have been at Dunlays before) announced that the menu has changed and now things don't look too good... I sort of agreed. But, we were there to enjoy the night, so we proceeded to order. We had the turkey burger, their sausage pizza, fillet sandwiches appetizer ( I ordered it for my main, because nothing looked good) and the vegetable lasanga. Yes, lasanga, from their specials menu. We all had a good laugh at it, including the waiter as we patiently asked if the lasanga was good :) Overall - pretty good. My fillet sandwiches were probably the best, with a little blue cheese and grilled onions. Fries were great. The rest was solid. Spinach dip for appetizer was really good too... After we left, my husband defined the experience and totally made me understand why the place was just ok - it felt like a suburban restaurant. Not really the caliber of places to be next to Longman, Lula's, Revolution Brewery, etc. But then again, maybe that's why they aren't that busy on Friday nights and you can actually get a seat outside on a beautiful night....
(2)
Marc R.
I was heading to the Logan Square auditorium for a concert and decided to pop into this place because they had drinks and food and were still serving. I have tended to avoid places that have this sort of look, but I am becoming less of a judge-a-book-by-the-cover guy. I used to go for the cooler-than-cool places with rude assholes or hot chicks who were even ruder than the rude assholes serving food that might be organic or "whole" was thrown together by some amphetamine freak hipster who is more interested in finding cool tunes on her iPod than making a kick ass sandwich.... OK, so, I would not have gone in here in say 2009. Well, its 2011, or was NYE and still 2010, and I brought my friends in. I was happy as can be. We ordered burgers, and the food and sides were all awesome, and the beer list and friendly staff made this place a real winner. Our food was out in just a few minutes and was perfect. There were even some cool odd Doctor Who type professor types here and the crowd was more mixed than I thought. I have no problem coming here. They had a NYE dinner that looked amazing. I think they should put the fancy mac and cheese they had on special that night on the freaking menu. Pricing was about right. Way to go Dunlays!
(4)
Keith M.
Dunlay's is a pretty cool place to visit while in Logan. The wait staff was courteous and efficient. We stopped in here for a quick bite to eat on our way home one day from being downtown. The food was adequate. I just went for the burger and fries. They were good, but they weren't the best I've ever had by any means. The beer selection is decent, but there are better ones in the square. Dunlay's is a place to go because it's got a good menu, it has liquor, with decent staff, and isn't insanely expensive like some other places in the square.
(4)
Rob E.
Kid-friendly local bar with fantastic outdoor seating, and good indoor seating. Menu updates regularly, and they have regular specials (ex: $5 burger night) every weeknight except Friday. They have very good flatbread pizzas and simply the best basic breakfast in Chicago with the fried egg sandwich. Make sure to order the casserole-style hash browns, which are coated in butter but amazing.
(4)
Lisa N.
First things first- fantastic Bloody Marys! Great location, nice outdoor patio in a super people-watching spot. The patio is dog friendly, which I think is great but I suppose it's not for everyone. The food is consistanly good and always served within a reasonable amount of time. Awesome fish sandwich. Did I mention the Bloody Mary? It's almost a meal in itself. Their prices are pretty fair- keep your eyes open for daily specials- they're worth taking advantage of. Service is consistantly friendly, with the exception of the "hostess," and I use that word very loosely. She and I had a 30 second staring contest, at the hostess stand, before I decided to initiate the conversation by saying hello and asking for a table. Fortunately the decent service and yummy food make up for her snootiness.
(4)
Tykon D.
If Lula has a twenty minute wait, just wait. Chances are you might end up snagging a seat at the bar or pastry counter in a matter of minutes anyways. Whatever you do, do not repeat my mistake of going to Dunlay's. I can't understand how so many people come her for brunch. The service is pleasant but the food is awful. From cold "toast" to their creamy (read: disgusting) hash and amateur hour omelettes, you'd be better off skipping breakfast altogether. You've been warned.
(2)
Erin B.
Great brunch! The hash browns will surprise you if you are expecting "diner style." They aren't crispy and greasy but gooey and flavorful. They are pretty busy for Sunday brunch, but the hosts seat parties fast. Being in walking distance of my home, I'm a fan.
(4)
josie w.
Great burger! Great beer selection!
(5)
Drew N.
One of our regular go-to spots. Menu doesn't change much but the food is quality, brunch is amazing. A good spot to get dinner during the week. Decent drink selection as well.
(4)
Carrie S.
After an epic week of fun with friends, we all needed food and quickly! Since Lula Cafe's wait was insanely long, we meandered into Dunlay's with a much shorter wait time and room at the bar. To start off our morning, we had blood marys and mimosas. Nothing says a week long drinking experience like a little more to cap it off. We hung out at the bar for maybe ten minutes when a table opened up. Luckily, we were seated pretty quickly and got another mimosa in the process. To start, we had the skillet cornbread. Our most hungover, living in the South friend lusted over this, so we went for it. The cornbread satisfied our empty stomachs and eased the pain of week long drinking. For brunch, I had the Palmer Square omelette with goat cheese, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and artichokes. It hit the spot just right! The hashbrowns were creamy and delicious. For those hashbrowns along, I would come back to Dunlay's. They're seriously like crack hashbrowns. Dunlay's looks like an old workingman's bar that serves food. All in all, the brunch was great and got me through a day of naps and other recovery from that insanely fun week.
(4)
Elise T.
I decided to hit up Dunlay's for dinner since I had my dog with me and wanted to eat, draw, and hang out with the puppy. I was seated outside quickly (about 8:30 on an idle Wednesday), and their patio was lovely. The one complaint I have is the service. Although my waitress was very nice, it took a ridiculously log time to get served. I initially waited about 10 minutes to even get a drink order, and once my food arrived, she didn't check to see how I was - and I ended up having to ask another waitress to get me additional items. The food was good, although a touch on the pricey side for what I got. I wish there had been more vegetarian-friendly options. Overall, it was okay. I'd go back, but it probably wouldn't be my first choice.
(3)
James M.
Can only really speak to brunch, but they have a very tasty sounding menu, and what i've tried, I really like. They've got a tasty fried egg sandwich, and a kick arse bloody mary. It's got a lot of good spice on it, and the drink toothpick is laden with tasty olives, dill pickle, and salami or pepperoncini. And that doesn't even include the baby Miller High Life chaser they serve side saddle with it! We go here when our beloved Lula's has too long of a wait. And every time we come, we forget how good it is. Good, pleasant service. Neat atmosphere. If I lived in Logan Square, i'd be here all the time.
(4)
Michael W.
Good time. Menu needs to change more often. More wine by the glass. Staff is great. Give them a better product (food/beer) to sell. We're here every other week or so. I might get bashed for this but why not make your own fries or at least get a better french fry? Homemade is the wave of the future.
(3)
Karen Anne B.
I've been here twice now. The first time was during a festival in the summer. The second was last night. After leaving our first choice restaurant which had a two hour wait, we wandered over to Dunlays to find they had seats available immediately. Bonus. Both times we've been here, the food was good, as was the service. The first time I had their house-made veggie burger. It was good, and nice to have a veg burger that wasn't pre-packaged and frozen. Last night they had a falafel dog as one of the specials, so I gave that a shot. The falafel itself was good, the salad and sauce that were with it were tasty. It was kind of a novelty that it was supposed to be a hot dog, but the bun it on was a bit much for me and I ended up just eating the falafel. For my sides I chose the garlic mashed potatoes, and an extra side of the grilled asparagus, both were very good. Hubby had their shepherds pie last night. It came piping hot in a cast iron crock, which was empty when they took it away, so I assume he enjoyed it. Their beer selection is good and, I assume, some of it changes with the seasonal beers. My only real complaint is the way this place is laid out, which I suppose they can't do much about. I'm one of those "always cold" sort of people. When we arrived last night they sat us at the first open booth. It was right by the door. A cold draft hit us as the next customers came in. Since there were other open tables towards the back, we asked if we could move. Now we were in the very last booth, and still every time someone came in, cold draft. Call me silly, but I like to be warm when I'm inside. Dunlays is worth a visit, especially in the summer.
(4)
Aaron Jae M.
I have had positive experiences here every time I have gone. Their food is very tasty and it is mainly classics done well or with a little twist. I am a huge fan of their beer cheese which is served with tortilla chips. It's a little salty since there is salt on the chips and in the cheese but overall it is very tasty and flavorful. I have been here for both dinner and brunch and both had great food specials. They also have nice outdoor seating.
(4)
Dominique C.
Absolutely Love Dunlays! Great service, and even better food! Great mix of your neighborhood bar stop and family style dinning. Dunlays offers affordable eats with great $5. specials on burgers on Monday (turkey) and Wednesdays (beef). Great deal not to be missed! Male bartender is the Best! Super attentive!!
(5)
Emily T.
Best bloody mary in city. ( that is what I am basing my 4 stars on) Thats all, thank you and goodnight.
(4)
Mike P.
I enjoyed eating here, I think I was still drunk. Their mimosas are awesome. That's about it.
(4)
Brent W.
Service was extremely spotty and convoluted. Came here on a beauty of a Sunday early afternoon. Walk up and the outside seating was about 1/3 full with a few ppl (appearing to be) waiting for a seat. We put our name in with the outside host (there were a few ppl who looked to be host material but no one ever acknowledged themselves as such) and then asked her how many ppl were in front of us? This is where it becomes exceedingly strange and "high"ly annoying...note the quotes bc she certainly better have been bc this girl was totally out of it, i mean like not even on this planet, head buried in the clouds sort of stuff. She looks at her list, then looks at us with a blank look and unconvincingly states...umm, I don't know. As she was doing this, she was walking away looking to be surveying the open tables and figuring out who to put where in the several open tables avail. When she came back I ask again how many ppl are in front of us and she does the EXACT same thing. Don't know. Blank/Dead look. Complete indifference. This time as she's walking, I ask her directly, you mean you have no idea how long we might be waiting, like NONE? Same thing. Don't know. Blank stare. Ambivalence. So we wait inside at the bar and within about 5 minutes another person comes up and tells us our table is ready and walks us to said table. Few minutes later another person comes and takes our drink order. Drinks arrive in about 5 minutes, delivered by someone else who then asks to take our food order? Put order in and also put in another drink order assuming we need to do stay ahead of the curve here. We wait. And wait. And wait. 20 minutes later, no food, no new drinks which were ordered. Another guy comes up (mgr?) and asks if everything is ok/do we need anything? Yes. Our drinks put in about 20 min ago and food would be nice. As he's walking away another completely different person comes with our food.lol 5 min later, the new drinks. You guessed it, by a different server. TBH, the chicken, bacon club I ordered was outstanding. She ordered a salad that was equally good as was the chili. Service was a 1, food a 4. [x] No idea if I'd go back. So. Confused. Final note: Hipster infestation level (scale of 10) the restaurant itself = 2-3 (low) immediate area/ppl watching = 9 (extreme)
(2)
Carolina N.
Their food is pretty good but I mostly come here for the patio! Dunlay's is always a safe bet.
(4)
Matt G.
Good, not great.... Brunch with the family. Cornbread is a must have. Buffalo shrimp app was good, a little heavy on the sauce. Had a Fried Chicken Benedict. Chicken was a mess and a bit dry. Not much else going on with it. Left the biscuit as it was dry too. Nice atmosphere, slightly spotty service though.
(3)
Amy H.
It had been a while since I was at Dunlay's on the Square, but it was a beautiful day and I wanted to sit outside for brunch. I walked past Lula, because as usual the lines were too long. I noticed that the patio for Dunlay's was a little packed (hrm...so I'm not the only person in Chicago with this idea?!?!?) so I went inside and sat at the bar. I got the Big Mike's Irish Breakfast, which is two eggs, two sausage, two bacon, cheesy baked potatoes, a broiled tomato, and a pint of Guinness. Mmmm-mmm, just what the hangover doctor ordered! The bartender and someone who I think was the owner were so incredibly nice and attentive. Oh Dunlay's, why did I ever quit you??
(4)
Sarah C.
Late night dining is delicious. After spending some time in Logan Square on Saturday night our group was looking for a late night dinner. Dunlay's became the place. Not only are there seats outside (dog friendly) but after 9p.m. there isn't much of a crowd and groups can be accommodated. The service was excellent and the food selection was ample. I went with the vegetarian burger. Most of the table ordered the red wine sangria and had a blast sipping that down. I found my burger to be hand made and not reheated. It had excellent flavor and complemented the sweet potato fries extremely well. Others ordered the turkey burger with the potato patties. Let me tell you a thing or two about those potato patties. They were enormous and crispy on the outside and filled with cheese and bacon on the inside. What a perfect pair! I would definitely go back and next time I'm in the area I certainly will!
(4)
Kris R.
enter: kris r. + 3 friends. although it was the middle of january, DOTS had a warm decor christmas-y decor. garland-y, wreaths, red ribbons, lights - the works. it felt cozy. comfy. welcoming. and after a few minutes of that, who cares that it's not the season anymore? so my new thing is eating boatloads of goat cheese. we ordered and split: the beet salad with yummy goat cheese the yummy mushroom flatbread with goat cheese a turkey yummy burger the beer cheese yummy dip honestly, all great food. i mean, yummy food. beer specials to few of us, hard cider on ice for me. i'm fance. oh, and we were so cool that 2 ladies tried be our servers. awesome. i hate the word yummy.
(4)
Jim M.
A nice spot for brunch if you feel like you need a break from all the hipster trendiness that exists in Logan Square. Just a friendly place with solid food and 3$ mimosas.
(4)
Sherie P.
A friend of mine wanted to meet up for brunch. We each threw out a couple of suggestions that the other had not been to.. And Dulays, you had me at Breakfast Burrito! So we met up, hopped on the blue line, and did the short walk across the park. There was no waiting. It was Sunday at 11 am and there's seating inside and outside? Wonderful! We are off to a good start. Our waitress greeted us promptly and was quick with the Blood Mary's. Can I just say YUM! Spicy and tomatoy, served with this pickle, olive, salami, kabob that is just magical if you let it "marinate" in the bloody marry. The also served it with a beer chaser... a miller high life. Being a non-beer drinker, I passed on that but I still think it's cute. I ordered the breakfast burrito which I had been planning since reading the menu on-line. When asked what side I wanted I took the waitress's recommendation of the hash browns. When It all came out I was a bit disappointed. The burrito was not rolled tight at all. When I picked it up, it practically fell apart. And where's the pulled pork the menu promised? Where are the eggs for that matter? It was tasty, but lacking in fullness. When I get a breakfast burrito I want some EGGS! Otherwise, it's just a burrito. It felt like they used MAYBE one egg for the whole burrito. The hash browns on the other hand were a HIT. They do these herby creamy hash browns cooked on the grill which makes yummy crispy bits. Mmmm! They felt a little salty at the end when I was just eating them and drinking my bloody mary but still really good. My friend got the Nutella Stuffed French toasts and of course I had to try that. The bread was light and fluffy and the cream sauce on top was delicious. I was disappointed a bit because when you say Stuffed, I think STUFFED! It was more like a think layer between two pieces of bread. Don't get me wrong, it was still good but only had a hit of Nutella. So, a Dulay's... you were a little disappointing. But still good enough for a second try. I'll get my Bloody Mary (minus chaser) and my hash browns, but I'll opt for a different main dish next time.
(3)
Brian S.
Pretty good spot for brunch. Its a little congested at times to get a place to sit but not too bad for what its worth. Im a fan of the french toast and the hashbrowns.. NOM!! NOM!!!
(4)
Phoebe W.
The first few times I came here, their lunch was great! I loved their huge salads (I got the Wrightwood) and their special of the day: fish & chips. Their service has always been on point and I like their beer/drink selection. So why only three stars? I am a brunch brat, let's face it. I showed up late morning on a Friday afternoon expecting a lovely brunch at Dunlay's since I've heard/read so many great things. Imagine my disappointment, when our server informed us of the "limited" brunch menu for weekdays. I already think the selection is pretty scant, but try to make do anyway. I ended up getting their two egg breakfast since nothing else seemed to appeal to me and was sorely disappointed. I'm not a fan of their hash browns because they're not crispy and have some kind of weird herb sauce. My friend got their Irish breakfast, which comes with a pint of Guinness...too bad the best thing about the breakfast was the beer. Sigh. Dunlays, I'm willing to give you another shot at brunch. Please have an order of Crabcakes Benedict ready for me!
(3)
Carly O.
I suppose I can't actually rate this restaurant as we didn't eat or drink here. That wasn't for lack of trying though. My mom made a (probably unnecessary) reservation for 5 p.m. last night (Sunday). My dad went to deal with the parking meter, so my mom and I walk in. There's no one at the host stand. We stand there, awkwardly and not one person even looks our way. I wasn't expecting to be ushered in or seated right away. However, there is nothing more uncomfortable than to stand there and be ignored. ANYone could have said "we'll be right with you". The bartender, a server, the guy in the back who was too busy lighting votives. I've lived in the neighborhood just over a year now and had never made it around to checking this place out. Now I know I won't be attempting to do this again. Thankfully, Lula Cafe is right around the corner and more than made up for this experience.
(1)
Fa M.
Had a great lunch. Server was very friendly, and suggested the tilapia sandwich, which was good, and had the grilled asparagus on the side. Server didn't rush the order and took time to converse, and overall was a good lunch place. Save room for dessert. Looking to go back, next time we are in the area.
(4)
Jenna S.
I'm definitely a fan of this place as long as I don't have to eat inside. Apparently the key to really enjoying Dunlays is to get your food to-go - don't waste your time eating inside with all the annoying families and their really loud, stupid kids. I've been ordering take out from here a couple of times per year and it's pretty fantastic. The food is expensive, sure, so getting Dunlays is kind of a treat (and usually our last choice) but the food is really great to go. My veggie burger is always hot and the fries have always been crispy. The service is always spot-on and they time they quote for the wait is always accurate. I only have to spend about two minutes inside the loud, annoying restaurant and that's fine with me. I don't have to deal with any servers or other patrons, which is awesome. The last time I ordered, I even made the stupid mistake of placing my order with the Dunalys on Clark instead of the Square location and they totally just fixed it for me, no problem. I had to wait about 10 minutes longer (my fault) and they just said no big deal, we'll make it here. Then it was just done and I went home with my food one happy patron. Order your Dunlays to go - the food is expensive but pretty tasty and then you can enjoy your lunch or dinner at home.
(4)
K P.
The food is good and consistent. I go there all of the time. I especially like the Sunday Brunch.
(4)
Alex Z.
Pretty legit place. Monday's is half off burgers. Ordered a turkey burger with sweet potato fries. the fries were delicious and the turkey burger was very different. Felt like the consistency a crab cake. It's unexpected, but it's definitely a huge plus. The outdoor seating was nice, the server was friendly, but she got my friend's order wrong and it took her a bit of time to get the replacement. Altogether, 4 star. Worth checking out again.
(4)
Michael S.
Good eats. Had sweet potatoes fries which were decent and a really well made turkey burger on pretzel bread with coleslaw topped on top. Very yummy burger.
(4)
Adam S.
Others have said it: Dunlay's is the definition of "standard." It's not that it's bad. The beer selections are nice, they have daily specials, it's not too terribly busy (except brunch time), and they have a large outdoor area that's dog friendly. Also, their french fries are a near mirror image of McDonald's, only they're made with actual potatoes. SO GOOD. It's just that it's not that good, either. What do I mean? Their burger is BORING. Their turkey burger is OK, but it's just not that good. For $9.50, they have the smallest breakfast burrito I've ever seen. The rest of their brunch is OK, but nothing standout. Their ribs are on special one day during the week, are really cheap, and about the driest ribs I've ever had. The Cuban sandwich is good, but again, for $11 I really expect something more than what I got. In short, their menu is OK, but nothing really stands out, at all. And, it's always chock full of families. I have nothing against families, but it's a bar, not a restaurant that serves alcohol. When I'm in there getting my happy hour on, or ensuring a soft landing on Saturday or Sunday morning, I don't need nor want to be surrounded by yelling, running little kids. I don't know if Dunlay's encourages this or not, but it seems like it sometimes. The place is decidedly non-hipster (when compared to most other restaurants within walking distance to Dunlay's). This makes it sorta stand out, but only b/c it's in Logan Square. If Dunlay's were in Lakeview or Lincoln Park (where the other is located), you'd be hard pressed to tell it apart from any other place in the area. Go get their specials, they are a good deal. Everything else, meh.
(3)
Kevin G.
I finally returned to Dunlays this evening. The last time I was there was last year. I don't know what happened, but it seems like the menu and quality of the food changed. We started off with the beer cheese with chips. The cheese looked and tasted like it came from a can. Not a good start. I ordered a cheeseburger with fries and my girlfriend ordered the mac and cheese and a side of mashed potatoes. The cheeseburger was decent. It really reminded me of the cheeseburgers that you can get at one of those small burger joints. However, that's not what a $9 burger should taste like. At least the fries were good. My girlfriend did not like the mac and cheese or the mashed potatoes. The mac and cheese tasted like it had the same cheese from the chips. The mashed potatoes were slightly cold and lacked flavor. I came here several times a few years ago and remember the food being a lot better. I don't know what happened, but I will not be back. You can get better food elsewhere.
(2)
J. F.
Second people in the place after it opened this morning. Service was impeccable, waitresses were on-the-spot, and the booth was comfy. However, I had the Apple Cobbler with ice cream for breakfast - - and it's RIGHT UP THERE with the apple dumpling mentioned in one of my other reviews. OMG. I LOVE apple dishes, and this was PERFECT. Really. My friend asked for 'off menu' scrambled eggs. The waitress didn't blink, although she wasn't sure they had spinach. She was so professional. Just a nice person, and the eggs were exactly what he wanted. I read that Dunlays has good Mimosas. I have to go back to try the Mimosas. I love Mimosas, too. I'll get food next time as well. Nice atmosphere and decor.
(5)
Alice R.
I often walked past Dunlays on my way to Lula Cafe or the Rocking Horse and wanted to give it a shot, but the time was never right and I was always on my way somewhere else. Then, one Sunday, I decided to go try Dunlays for brunch. There was a short wait so we figured we'd just grab a drink and kill time by the bar. I stood there for the entire twenty minute wait just waiting for the bartender to acknowledge my presence. In this time, I stood, established eye contact numerous times, waved almost to the point of looking like I was drowning, and several times the bartender looked directly at me, but didn't acknowledge me beyond that. Not even just to say "I'm pretty busy, but I promise I'll be with you!" Instead, I watched him help two people who just walked up who were clearly regulars as, without a word said, he made them two bloody marys and chatted it up about something that I can only assume to be about the new Ed Hardy line of date rape drugs. I was starting to catch on to the douchiness of this place, but the only reason I stuck around so long was because the bloody marys looked like they were loaded with alcohol, so I was hoping that my patience would pay off. With that, I decided to assume positive intent on the part of the bartender. Maybe he couldn't see me through the fog of Axe Body Spray? Maybe he couldn't hear me over the abnormal frequency emitting from all of the surrounding patrons' bluetooth headsets? Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't a complete asshole. Eventually I got frustrated and nearly yelled "I'm sorry, but I've been waiting a really long time. Can I please place an order?" and he finally responded with nothing but "I have nine bloody marys to make before whatever you need, but then you can." Seriously? I know 9 bloody marys is a lot, but I was there waiting to be helped long before those 9 bloody mary drinkers ever crawled off of their one night stands' futons. With that, we decided to just walk out. I know that I look young and people sometimes discredit me as just being some snotty indie kid who isn't going to tip well, but I'm old enough to drink and old enough to have a well-paying job and old enough to tip well, but none of that will ever happen at Dunlays thanks to their phenomenally terrible customer service.
(1)
Aaron T.
I have had a good experience every time I have been here. Friendly wait staff and solid food. The menu is made up full of basic bar food for the most part. I have had all three of the burgers: veggie, beef, and turkey. All of them are excellent. I think I am partial to the turkey burger though. We also got some corn bread for an app one time and it was a good size portion and incredibly tasty. It come out in this little corn bread pan and I think they cook it to order. I wouldn't go out of your way to eat here, but check it out if your around the area and looking for some standard bar eats.
(4)
Kenny N.
I eat here every couple months after church on Sundays. Always crowded...but always quick to seat us. Located right off the BLVD...so be sure to enjoy the trees and greenery before or after you eat! The menu isn't overwhelmingly large, but carries the right amount of variety for everyone in our large groups to be satisfied! Great food all around - I've tended to eat their breakfast foods and I have enjoyed everything I've tried- highlights: cornbread skilet & cookie skillet (if you like cookies like me...you won't be disappointed) But yea...I enjoy Dunlay's and will return regularly
(4)
Nessa M.
My friend and I had dinner here on a Saturday night around 9. Tables were abundant, atmosphere super nice, waiters and waitresses very friendly and knowledgeable (even willing to admit when they didn't know) and the food was spot on! I got this big salad that was absolutely perfect and my friend got a steak which was to die for. We split a bottle of Malbec which we were able to taste test. Overall a great experience, I would recommend this place to anyone, you could bring your friend, a date or even your parents! Kudos!
(5)
Sarah M.
I've been here twice. Once a few months ago for brunch. It wasn't really remarkable but not bad either. We came here again for dinner and were truly disappointed. My husband had the mushroom meatloaf. He said it wasn't very good and it came with mashed potatoes but no vegetables. I had crab cake. The flavor was good, but they were stone cold. I sent them back and they came back to me all chopped up. Like they just smashed them up on the flat top to heat them up. Not to mention my sweet potato side was then cold when the plate was returned to me. So I still had cold food. Would it kill you to put a fresh side on the plate? We will not be back.
(2)
Gregory S.
Reliable comfort food and usually good service. TVs are there, but they're not obnoxious. The honey corn bread is our fave! After the marathon last year all I wanted was a Manhattan and Dunlays fried chicken!
(3)
Jennifer P.
Their meatloaf is sublime, the fried chicken is great, the burgers are great examples of burgers, the mashed potatoes are garlicky, the service is good, they have Shiner on tap. A great neighborhood joint.
(4)
David S.
Very clean and casual setting with modern restrooms. The place was clean and the staff are friendly. I had the Reuben with sweet potato fries, both delicious and fairly priced. Shared The Cookie dessert (chocolate chip cookie baked in cast iron skillet with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel), which was pretty amazing, warm, and gooey. I can see how parking is normally difficult, but we were able to park right out front during rush hour. The burgers my friends had looked amazing as well (apparently they are like $5 during Happy Hour, but that may just be certain days).
(4)
Joel W.
I'd go back and try other things for sure. First time visited mid-March A+ weather. Sat right inside of the open window/walls which gives an awesome view of the Logan Square which comes with complimentary people watching: hipsters, yuppies, old young-at-heart, and puppies. Fun. Had a flatbread (chicken, pesto, and mozzarella), good. Took half home to ensure I did stuff myself too much. My companion had crab cakes, SO good! We also had the humus. Loved the slices of carrots and cucumber. Only issue was the crab cakes were $24. The menu said $13/$24, which I assume means half/full. But she didn't really realize that because the $24 portion of crab cake did not seem big at all, which is why she was surprised to see the $24 price. I as well. Two cakes, bit small than the size of tennis balls or so and 4 or 5 pieces of grilled asparagus which was delicious. So our fault, no biggie, but a bit eye opening. She loved it, but probably would not spend the $24 on it again. Good thing we had a groupon! Waitress was great! Nice, attentive. Staff kept our water glasses full which always makes my wife happy. Huge drink menu. I'd go back and try other things for sure. heard good things about brunch.
(3)
Tammy M.
I have been here twice now since moving to Logan Square and I have to say that I'm not in love with this place. It's honestly just OK. My group of friends is all about Sunday Funday and drinking Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's. There are so many places offering great bottomless options for under $15 that it's always painful to spend my afternoon somewhere that doesn't participate in such festivities. No real reason to ever go back when this city is full of great Sunday Funday establishments. The beers and wines seem very over priced and it's really not that great of environment. Better off to spend your money elsewhere.
(2)
Anne F.
My friend and I were looking for a place in the neighborhood that we could have dinner and drinks and watch the 2012 Presidential Election coverage. We called and were told that the election would be on and that the volume would be on. There was music playing for a while, the restaurant and bar filled up. Everyone there was watching the TVs, all the tables were filled with people just sitting on one side so no ones' back would be to the TV. This is Chicago, it's Obama's town-- people were excited. After asking, I was told the volume on the TVs would be turned on in 15 more minutes (meanwhile people are clearly annoyed that music is on instead of the coverage). Finally, they turn on the TV volume. People are glued to the changing results and polls closed etc. People are clapping and cheering. So then, CNN calls the election for Obama-- and everyone was really happy and waiting to hear what people are saying-- waiting for Romney to concede and for Obama to talk. AND THEN THE BARTENDERS TURNED OFF THE SOUND!. It was like a record stopped-- everyone is confused and looking to the TVs then to the bartenders who clearly dont care that NO ONE ELSE wants the music on. Two ladies came in, had just ordered food and were asking us what our plan B was-- they were going to abandon their order to get somewhere and listen and watch the coverage. I asked the bartender if we could please have the volume on, I said "Look-- all these people want to hear this-- this table is going to leave, and my friend and are going to leave too, can we please listen to the TVs?" She was rude and bitchy-- apologizing about it insincerely, and saying "we are going to have the music on now".. as if it wasnt up to her-- which it clearly was. I was pretty shocked at how nasty they were about it. I wont be going there again, that's for sure.
(1)
Emily K.
I come here almost weekly now for $5 Burger Night. I've been here for dinner once or twice and brunch once. Overall Dunaly's is OK. It's not fantastic but it doesn't suck either. The food is generally hit or miss and so is the service. The $5 burger is the best thing they have going though. It's big, juicy, delicious and you can get it with a nice blue cheese crust on the top. Fries are tasty too. I also enjoy their grilled artichoke but you can get better at Skewerz. There are times when we get great service but mostly it's slow. As someone who has served I get the impression that the poor service has more to do with the management than the servers themselves. If it wasn't for the $5 burger night and proximity to my house I probably wouldn't come here much. For what they charge on their normal menu they either need to beef up their service standards or their food quality. I also don't know how you charge $13 for Fish n' chips (not even all you can eat anymore), give your customer 2 medium sized pieces of bland fish, and expect them not to feel ripped off. Especially when you can go to Duke of Perth and get all you can eat delicious fish (inlcuding the peas and malt vinegar!) for $10.
(2)
Jonathan C.
Sadly.... most times when I write I make a more informing review. However I cannot remember anything special about this place. They have a nice small outdoor seating. However that is all I remember. Unlike the person who just reviewed, I don't remember anything special about their beer list. Maybe I have been hanging out in beer bars too much. The food was eh
(2)
Molly A.
We went here for brunch with a bunch of out of towners one Sunday. Bloody Mary's? Delicious. Breakfast burrito? Delicious. Semi-reasonable prices, lots of goo brunch menu items to choose from and a very laid back atmosphere. It doesn't hurt that it's just steps away from our front door. I don't know how it is for lunch, dinner or nightlife, but in terms of an impromptu, casual brunch, I would never turn it down!
(4)
Rick S.
Nice place for a date meeting, good selection of beers, the waitress and staff seem knowledgeable about menu and various wines, and spirits selections. This place can get very busy on weekends. It has some really good appetizers, I had the smoked salmon with toast points, and fried calamary. Both are excellent choices. This place is easy to get to, just south of the Logan St. exit on the blue line, and there's parking available.
(4)
Douglas R.
I had a very positive evening dinner experience with some friends, here at Dunlays. They offer a very respectable selection of taps, in a comfortable atmosphere. It was easy to carry on a conversation while waiting only a very short time for our food which was really good. I recommend trying the Fish and Chips. Our bartender/waiter was personable, and knowledgeable. I'll certainly be back with friends in the future.
(4)
Zach J.
Dunlay's is kind of the perfect representation of the classic American "good but not great" restaurant. You're not going to find anything on the menu that blows your mind, and on the flipside, you're rarely going to have something on the menu that's bad or disappointing. They've got a pretty standard, comfort-food themed menu, so it's pretty hard to screw up those type of selections. I'm personally a fan of their fried-chicken as well as their ribs, both of which are, you guessed it: good but not great. They also happen to have a good breakfast/brunch menu as well, which is a nice option when Lula's or even Johnny's is too crowded. And, as a side note, their breakfast is not much more expensive than Johnny's (we're taking maybe an extra $2-3 on average) and the food is usually better. And you can order booze if you'd like. Speaking of booze, their full bar is stocked with all the usual suspects, so no complaints there. And service-wise, while I have had a couple of sporadic lackadaisical waiters/waitresses here and there, most of the time the service is fine. Lastly, the ambiance of the place is nice, if somewhat generic feeling. It feels like a somewhat nicer version of your typical Chicago bar & grill, probably because it's a restaurant 1st, a bar 2nd. And, as a result, you get a lot of families and the like frequenting the place, just looking for a nice generic, reasonably priced meal in a good atmosphere. Which is perfectly fine for a fellow like me who happens to be a new father. (yes, I'm that guy with the baby stroller...don't act like you don't like it). So suffice to say Dunlay's will likely be a casual go-to spot for yours truly for the next several years being that we live around the corner. Not a place to seek out necessarily, but if you happen to find yourself there, chances are you will have a "good" experience.
(4)
Nichole M.
MARTINIS! SOOO GOOOD Ok, this place totally does not look anything like a place with fabulous martinis, but let me tell you. They are delicious. And on Thursday they were half price I believe. Oh, the Flirtini, yummmm. I went there to see a friend's band, and the place had a nice vibe to it. Comfortable set up, decent service, great martinis and pretty good food. My friends loved the chocolate chip cookie desert. It tasted like raw cookie dough to me, which is not my style. I would go here again for martinis and if they had a band playing. It was a pretty low key place on a Thursday night. Also good to note is that they have a late night menu with specials, not bad.
(3)
Lesly C.
This was my first time here and I was pretty disappointed. We weren't greeted very nicely by our waitress Cristina, she was very rude and almost seem bothered by our presence. I liked the place but the customer service isn't the best.
(1)
Jay P.
Solid lunch option for Logan Square. While the burger I had was dry, everything else I have ordered was right on the money. I would have to recommend the fish sandwich which is delicious a simple blackened tilapia but done perfectly, not drenched in the blackening seasoning and the remoulade complimented it just right.
(4)
Melanie V.
Admittedly, I don't venture to Logan Square too often - especially to eat brunch. So, it was a nice treat to head west of Western that early on the weekend! Glad I did 'cuz Dunlays has some fabu food options! I was pretty much wanting everything on the menu, but settled on the Palmer Square omelette - goat cheese, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and artichokes ($8.50). That was kinda a new combo for me, but I loved the way it tasted. The feta wasn't overpowering and the actual portion size wasn't massive! It also came with some toast and fruit, so it was a well-rounded meal. Service was perfect. I've never seen such chipper waitresses that early. Seriously. The crowd looked, well, hungover, but that's expected at 11am. Parking was impossible, but if you turn onto Milwaukee, there's tons of meters available. Oh, and they have mimosas ($7). Gotta try that out next time!
(4)
Erica O.
No visit to Chicago is ever complete without brunch at Dunlays on the Square. I'm always on a mission to find the best Bloody Mary in America - and so far, this place has the winner. THEEE best Bloody Mary that I've come across! I'm sure there are many other great things on the menu, but I would hop in my car right now and drive from Detroit to Chicago just for the Hash Browns! (Although, I'm guessing they are filled with a ton of calories, and I should ride my bike there instead)
(4)
John S.
This place has friendly and good service, and the menu is much better than you might expect from a neighborhood joint. Good casual place for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It's is a local go-to.
(4)
Mr. T.
This is just a bar review! I've been in Logan Square 12 years and remember this place when it was the Boulevard cafe a great place for Sunday brunch. For several years we have known it as Dunlays and glad they stayed because back then this whole Logan Square area was still a restaurant desert with no decent drinks or much interesting food. I'm a new dad and haven't been able to really peruse the 'hood in quite awhile - I am very pleased to see all the new faces and places and events in Logan. We always wondered what took the kids so long to find us. BUT what about Dunlays? it seems to me their pricing of liquor is outrageous - as if we are in some downtown club scene. My friend from NYC and I ordered two Manhattan's with knob creek the bill was just about $25.00 W/tip it was a $30.00 tab! Explain this please Dunlays. I can get the best Manhattan I have ever tasted just a mere two blocks from you for only $8.00 Granted we asked for Knob creek and did not look at the drinks menu for pricing but even at the highest high end joint a shot of Knob will never be more than $9. This was just an ordinary not very well prepared Manhattan on the rocks with the exception of using black cherries instead of Maraschino. My advice to Dunlays is to remember that this isn't really Manhattan or downtown Chicago but rather Logan Square home to a group of regular folks and although it feels like a bunch of new moneyed tech industry richers are moved here even they would laugh at these ridiculous prices. No wonder the place was empty. I won't be back even to try what smelled to me like an amazing fried chicken. Get your act together and get back to being a neighborhood anchor. I feel if you criticize something you should back it up with your honest name and will happily engage openly with anyone that disagrees with me just not in a forum where trolls reside. Tom
(2)
Bethany H.
Dunlays is...convenient. It's close to my home, moderately priced, and kid friendly. With a 7 month old, getting to go out to dinner with my husband is a rare treat, and having a place where we can also have a cocktail and not feel on edge, worrying that baby coo's, orour son practicing his raspberry sounds, will offend anyone. It's true, I have other places I would likely go on a kid-free date, with higher end food, but you can't eat that 3 meals a day. The fried chicken is spicy and delicious, they have great daily specials, and they have a great beer selection. That's what will keep us coming back.
(3)
Josh K.
It's good in a lot of ways, but totally unremarkable. I have had several things ranging from fish and chips, mac and cheese, fish of the day, roasted chicken, etc. It's all fine and a spot to take friends who are pretty boring when it comes to food. You'll be able to get a pretty decent meal, have a 50/50 shot at being able to watch a game, and be plenty full. Not the best but far from the worst.
(3)
Jason A.
If you make an offer, stand by it. Dunlays On The Square proudly says that kids eat free from 4:30 to 6:00 every night on their website. However, when my bill came, I was charged for my 8-year-old daughter's dinner. I protested with our waitress. She told me I was wrong, talked to the manager and brought my check back telling me it was "fixed". Apparently kids eat free doesn't mean they drink free. We were charged $3 for an 8 oz cup of lemonade (that is too tart for a child). That price is more appropriate for a glass of wine. They also charged for my refill of lemonade (What? When my little girl ordered it, it sounded good to me too.) If you're counting, that's $9 for 2 1/4 glasses of lemonade. The food was good and the atmosphere was nice, but I don't like getting jerked around when the check comes. Also, service was slow, and got a lot slower when I complained about the bill. There are better places. I won't be back.
(2)
Peggy L.
After City Lit Bookstore visit, my daughter & I were hungry. @PM and Dunlay's was packed. Menu had wonderful options - hard to decide which way to go. Opted for the Turkey Burger with Asparagus side. YUMMY. BEST Turkey Burger I've had- moist and spicy and delish. Would def return!
(5)
Celia G.
I highly recommend this place for brunch. I am a big fan of their Palmer square omelet and sashimi tuna salad. The sangria is also so delicious and refreshing! I like this place because the service is friendly and the menu has many healthy choices. The only thing that needs to be improved is that the music is too loud in certain area of the restaurant because of the location of the speakers. Overall, it is a very awesome place to enjoy food/drinks and hang out with friends.
(4)
Quetzalli C.
For the few times that I've been here I have not been let down. Yet something (I can't quite put my finger on it) keeps me from saying that its amazing. All in all its been a good experience. The food has never been a let down for me. The veggie burger is quality stuff and my friend thoroughly enjoyed his Cuban sandwich.
(3)
Stuart E.
Think of a slightly nicer, less suburban Applebee's, and you'll find yourself at home in Dunlays. The food is the standard fare, with a twist, like their Chicken sandwich with basil pesto. You can almost always get a seat at this place, including on their outside patio right on Logan Square. The even have good brunch, with the Big Mike's Irish Breakfast taking the prize. The downsides are pretty hit-or-miss service, a spartan menu, and a beer list that changes on an infrequent basis. I would heartily recommend this place when Lula or Longman & Eagle are too crowded, or when you just feel like having something that you're too lazy to make at home.
(3)
Kara N.
Decided to have brunch here this morning, what a great decision and a wonderful way to start the week. I felt very welcome from the minute I walked in the door, the place was warm and cozy and tastefully decorated for Christmas. I joined a friend and we had a hard time deciding what to order because everything looked so tasty. I ordered the Big Mike Irish Breakfast and since I am not a fan of beer our server Christina told me I could get a Smoke Daddy Bloody Mary for just $1 more. It was exactly what I wanted. Service from the get go was amazing. We had the good fortune to be sat in Christina M's section. Christina answered all our questions and gave great suggestions and struck that delicate balance where we totally felt taken care of but did not feel harassed. She is a rock star server, when you go ask to sit in her section. Not only is the service stellar but everything that comes out of the kitchen is as well. It is obvious that chef Jordan Rose puts passion into everything he cooks! The entire breakfast was amazing, but the hash browns were heavenly. They were creamy and delicious and crispy in all the right places. They made me swoon. I asked what the secret ingredient was and Christina told me it was heavy cream, parsley and 26 spices. It blends together in such an incredible and harmonious way that it is something to savor. My friend had french toast with hot maple butter and the Two Eggs Your Way Breakfast. Both were amazing, in fact the french toast was ignored until the very end and Christina noticed and had the kitchen re-warm the plate so the hot maple butter could melt and be enjoyed properly! I asked Christina to send our compliments to Chef Jordan and he sent us a lovely dessert! I forget the technical name but it included fresh strawberries, fresh whipped cream, filo dough, vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberry sauce. Double swoon. I know I will be back. All around a great brunch experience!
(5)
Danielle G.
Dunlay's is a favorite weekday spot for my fiance and I. The food is more upscale than most sport's bars. We prefer to sit out on their sidewalk cafe and have drinks while people watching on the Square. They have a great selection of beers and wines with decent drink specials during the week. The lack of 1 star is due to the pretty small menu that doesn't change often enough for my liking. Its a bit pricey but the food that is on the menu is really good!
(4)
Michael E.
Dunlays in Logan Square is a bright spot in an otherwise "thin" selection of restaurants in that particular area. Logan Square is a lovely place, but the physical layout of this part of town harks back to the early 1900s where large streets, huge house were the norm. Unfortunately for modern times this makes for finding a set of eateries in the area a challenge as you have to walk many blocks to cover all the selections. But Dunlays is clean, new (at it appears new looking to me) establishment that has plenty of booth space (I love me some booth) and a long bar that can accommodate any number of folks. I ate their last night and by 7:30pm, the places was already filling up. They have a good beer selection and I partaked of the Chips w/guacamole dip (which the chips came out warm w which really makes eating this sort of thing a step above the rest) and a pizza which both were quite good. Two fat tire beers and the dinner was perfect. Wait staff was really on the ball and food was served very quickly. If you find yourself in Logan Square, I'd recommend this place for dinner. UPDATE: I realize there are few places close by..but the diner isn't something I consider seriously....their are several places down on Fullerton, but 3 blocks is closing in on half a mile in this city, so the selection is spread out compared to other parts of town.
(4)
Renee E.
Dunlays is where my fiance and I go when we're in the mood for a bite and a beer but feel too lazy to leave the neighborhood. That said, we've been coming back for about 4 years now. The food's good, but I'm ashamed to say, I'm totally sick of the menu. When we started coming, I wasn't vegetarian, so my options were much greater. Now that I'm not eating meat, I really only have 2 entree choices (not counting pizza, which I don't tend to order). The vegetable platter is good, but sometimes you want a little something...MORE. The veggie burger is also good, but sometimes you want a little something...healthier? Although, it is awesome that they'll let you choose, say, grilled asparagus as a side instead of fries. If they did the Wrightwood Salad with a baked tofu option for a topping, I'd be there daily. That salad ROCKS. Oh, and that skillet cookie? Sinful. And delicious.
(3)
Glory O.
love love love loveeeeeeee their bloody marys!!! hands down my favorite bloody mary ever! their brunch is always delicious and if you never had a reason to hit the gym... after a serving of their awesome hash would be a good reason to start. (seriously, you probably consume a whole stick of butter and heavy cream....) but very well worth it. tell your hangover who's boss and get some awesome brunch at dunlays!
(4)
Julia C.
I've only sat on the patio, but Dunlay's definitely does the trick when we have the dog in tow. They're always quick to bring out water for Lily and find us a spot in the shade for our little, black, sun-loving pup. Food is good- exactly what you expect from a place that has a little bit of everything. We switch it up between brunch, lunch and dinner, and have always found something delicious.
(4)
Colleen R.
In my mind, Dunlay's is a solid option in this location (and on Clark Street as well) for one reason alone -- the Wrightwood Salad. Hands down, this salad has to be my favorite in Chicagoland. It's one of the only ones that has a really good ratio of greens to "other stuff" -- in this case, it's chicken, avocado, almonds, goat cheese, and a bit of corn that complement the fresh greens and dressing. I've never been left with a bed of lettuce after finishing eating, unlike some places that don't understand the importance of observing the proper ratio. I've never ordered anything else at Dunlay's, so I'd be a terrible person to ask about anything else on their menu. I can tell you that you can usually get a table right away, unless the spillover from Lula's happens to be crazier than usual. Sunday mornings tend to bring out the stroller brigade, but then again, where isn't that the case?
(4)
J. K.
Amazing food, especially that I think it is more of a bar place than a restaurant. They make turkey sandwiches from scratch, juicy and delicious, the best I've ever had. We also had blackened tilapia, was very good, shoe string fries was great, their coleslaw was good. Everything had zest or spice to it, even Cole slaw, but we liked it all. We didn't have any drinks, were there for lunch, but they have different kind of flights, not wine flights, but hard cider and beer flights.
(5)
Eddie L.
On this day, Thursday, I stepped in to grab a lunch knowing what I wanted...fish 'n chips. It reminds me of the snacks I'd buy on the streets of London. It was a good, cheap meal. The meal and service was great(as always) but I had ordered a Wrightwood salad as well. Once home, I began with the salad when after a few bites, I noticed something different. Everything tasted fine but then it hit me, there were no almonds or craisins!!! What's going on? I was thinking about calling but didn't want to go through the hassle. I wonder if they hired a new line prep. This was my first real miss after ordering from them the past few years...that and the, seemingly, reduced portions. I'll definitely be back but if you see me dismantling a carry-out order at the bar, you now know why. I didn't
(4)
Jennifer I.
Cute little spot in Logan Square...I agree with the other reviewer's comments of "traditional" and "non-threatening". Nothing about this place smacked me in the ass and called me Sally, but I enjoyed my food (the tuna poke was delish) and our waitress was knowledgable, friendly and knew how to do her job. I added one extra star for the picture of Joe Paterno on the wall. Three cheers for Joe Pa, four stars for Dunlays. Word to your mother.
(4)
MaryEllen S.
Been here many times for lunch over the years and always enjoyed. Had to write a review this time because of the butterscotch pudding with salted caramel. OMG, simply incredible. I'm not usually a fan of overly rich desserts but the salted caramel really balanced out the sweetness. Served in a little mason jar--adorable.
(4)
Simon C.
Dunlays is not my favorite restaurant. That said, every month I end up there at least 5 times and often more. It's a go to. Always comfortable, easy. Great staff. Good food. Quality mixed drinks. Top notch Bloody Mary. If you want a hangover brunch, you can't go wrong. $5 burgers on Wednesday is a great deal. Love the outdoor seating. Nice bar. I'm giving it 4 stars because you need a place as a go to. This is it. No matter what the occasion, Dunlays works. I'll take that every time. The following dishes are my favorites 1. Blue Cheese and Chips 2. Bloody Mary 3. $5 Burger on Wednesday 4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dessert
(4)
Angie M.
I keep going back to Dunlay's for a couple reasons: there usually isn't a long wait and the food is really good. Dunlay's is a great place for brunch. My regular order is the Bloody Mary and a Breakfast Burrito with a side of hashbrowns. Their hashbrowns might be the best damn hashbrowns in the city. No joke. They have an extensive drink list and if you're here for appetizers, the blue cheese and chip are delightful. As well as the BBQ pork wraps. The reason I gave them three stars is because the service is usually sub-par. They have completely messed up our orders. Once I had a dead fruit fly in my drink (no biggie, just get me a new drink) and when the manager came over to investigate, he had this look on his face like I was lying. It was awkward. On a couple occasions, the bartenders appeared annoyed that we were coming in after 10pm to grab a pint and grub on some pizza (their menu changes to a couple appetizers and pizza only after 9pm) which never makes for a comfortable interaction. I could go on with stories about the service, but the quality of food usually makes up for it. Overall, I like it. Just expect some things to go wrong here and there.
(3)
Lucy M.
Can you really mess up breakfast? Yes. Yes, you can. I ordered scrambled eggs, toast, and hash browns. I was served a bowl of salt. The toast was okay with some jelly.
(2)
Phyllis S.
Love this place! The food here is always good. The bloody mary could use more alcohol but it taste really good. I love that it comes with a chaser... My husband loves the corn bread. Brunch is good..I also had a salmon salad...that was really good...that and the turkey burger...they put water out for dogs in the summer...I love any place that takes good care of doggies... Great for a yuppy brunch.
(5)
Debbie C.
A great little place to go to for the "I don't feel like cooking tonight and I don't want to order pizza or get fill-in-the-blank-ethnic-food." Good food at a good price and a great drinks list. Not pretentious, not stuffy, friendly atmosphere and very fun to sit outside in the summer and people watch. Their specials are always reasonably priced. The flatbreads are a good deal, too.
(4)
Laney M.
Horrible customer service. Our party of 6 was told the wait would be 30 minutes and we waited over an hour without even being acknowledged or being given an apology. There are several better options nearby, and their potatoes are definitely not worth waiting that long for.
(1)
Kate W.
No. Just, no. We came over to Logan Square for Lula, but when they said the wait was going to be an hour we decided we'd need St. Patty's day hangover food much sooner than an hour. So we went to Dunlay's, where we were promptly seated in a just a few minutes. That was the last prompt thing about our experience. Strike one- we asked for a Coke and Diet Coke and without clearing it, they brought us Pepsi. I don't drink Pepsi. When waiters ask "Is Pepsi okay?" I say, "No. I'll just have water." But whatever, I needed soda so I drank it down. Begrudgingly. Strike two- They kept bringing us food that wasn't ours. They'd come by, set it down, then realize that it wasn't for our table. Which makes strike three all the more cruel. Strike three- We ordered our food and then waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually our server came over to say that she was sorry about the wait, our food would be out shortly. Ohkay, thanks for letting us know. So we waited a while longer. Then the manager came over and apologized for the wait. Again, thanks but stop apologizing and just get us some food. Strike four (yes, they are already technically "out")- Our food finally came out, and my club sandwich was cold. Not cold, cold- just not hot. And since they had toasted my bread and then allowed it to cool it was very hard and dry. I told the waitress and she offered to get me something else, but I wasn't taking the chance on how long that would take. Strike five- After all of that, THEY CHARGED US FOR SOMETHING WE DIDN'T EVEN ORDER. Are you kidding me? Wait in the line for Lula's. The food is 100% better and you'll get your food in the same amount of time anyway.
(1)
Eric V.
Ok so my guess is that Dunlay is Irish for Meh! Aside from their drink specials which weren't bad at all the rest was pretty vanilla. The walls were neutral with no art or quite frankly anything. The ceiling was a faux tin monotone color and the bar appeared small in comparison to the wall it was on and reminded me of a 1920's pharmacy. The food was not impressive but filling. Then again so would a plate full of sawdust. Anyway, I had their Cuban sandwich with potato cakes and a friend had the half slab of ribs. Again, mediocre at best. My suggestion; go with a group for the drink specials and appetizers and hunt elsewhere for food.
(2)
Christina K.
Just got back from Dunlays on the square and the food was just alright. The major thing I had a problem with was the service. Our waitress was Miera and she was plain and simple rude. 1st off she forgot our beverages. 2nd she never once checked on us while we were eating at this establishment. If she had a ton of tables I would understand but there were only 5 tables and 3 servers in the whole place!! We considered not tipping her it was that bad but we also work in the service industry so we just couldn't do that! b If her service was better the tip would have been better. Sorry Dunlays I will not be back. Its sad that 1 employee can hurt your business like that but it can.
(2)
Andrew D.
Mediocre at best. There are far better places to eat in Logan Square. Burgers are far better at Rocking Horse. Brunch and Breakfast, Lula of course. I agree with many of the comments, the service is bad here. Sometimes the TV is on and commercials are blasting. That's not my thing. Dunlays is the Chilis of Logan Square.
(1)
Helena B.
It's official - I'm a Bruncher. This past Sunday marked an important event in my brunch-life: my very first Bloody Mary. That's right, I popped my Blood Mary Cherry! Dunlay's was a good place to do so - it was delicious (and served with a "beer back" - a small glass of beer to take the edge off the Bloody Mary spice). For brunch itself, I went with the daily special: Crabcakes Benedict. These were essentially Eggs Benedict with crabcake instead of Canadian bacon. As a child of the Chesapeake, I'm somewhat discerning when it comes to all things crabcake, and these definitely passed muster. The crab was all warm, flaky goodness and when combined with the egg yolk and hollandaise, breakfast bliss. My side, Mozzarella Bacon Potato Cakes were... full of promise but void of real taste. I ate one of them with a healthy heaping of ketchup and let the other linger on the plate. Service was attentive throughout. There were nine ladies at brunch this Sunday, and we didn't have much wait for beverage refills or other service. I'd love to come back during the Summer months when Dunlay's opens its sliding windows for Brunchers to dine al fresco on the Square.
(4)
Tiffany K.
A couple of friends and I came here to check out the $5 burger special onThursday. Overall not a bad spot. The $5 burger and fries special is decent, and everyone was nice. The beer list is definitely overpriced, and the crowd was a mix of older and younger folk. I would probably come back here to try other dishes, but it's a solid Thursday night burger spot. The menu looks average and isn't extensive, but their outdoor patio is nice.
(3)
Janet W.
I came here with a friend, both a bit hungover, for a Sunday brunch. We thought it would be a great idea to make ourselves feel better by drinking a little more. After hearing so many amazing things about their mimosas, I am really disappointed. Their mimosas definitely didn't live up to the hype that our other friends created. On top of that, our server messed up my friend's dish twice, took no responsibility, and then blamed it on the chef. The food was just okay and the service ruined what little appetite we had. The atmosphere was also too hectic for what we had hoped for on that particular day, though I might have been amused on other days - a little boy was parading his half naked mother around the restaurant.
(2)
Kean M.
Good solid place with decent food and drinks. Supports local artists and have started including local farmers market products in some of their meals.
(3)
Dennis K.
Overpriced mediocrity. Went with my 5 year old and we both thought our food was pretty boring. He loves pasta but didn't even finish a third of his dish. The dinner salad had bacon as hard as rocks and what restaurant doesn't carry Blue Cheese Dressing? Apparently Dunlay's. Some places seem to survive based upon those who go there once by mistake, but maybe their secret is $5 dollar wine on Tuesday, as it certainly isn't the food.
(1)
Megan L.
How have I never reviewed Dunlay's? I've only eaten here about eleventy seven times... Dunlay's food is solid, though I have a slight preference for their brunch menu over dinner. I'm a sucker for a good brunch, I guess. I was actually just there over the weekend, and had the french toast - delightful! And I tried my friend's hash browns - they had something sort of creamy in them, and they were delicious! I'm a big fan of the spinach artichoke dip, as well. It's hard not to order it when I'm there. This weekend, though, it didn't go with the breakfast vibe I had going on. I've seriously never had a bad meal here. The service is always good, and they have some really good weekly specials. And Dunlay's gets bonus points for being stumbling distance from home.
(4)
Ina J.
My friends and I ventured here when our usual brunch spot was closed due to an issue with mother nature (guess who won?) The wait was about 30 minutes (not too shabby). We ended up being seated at the back of the place, in an elevated booth (nice touch). The ceviche, served with tortilla chips, was pretty good. It was a sweet version with bits of mango. My main course, oatmeal pancakes with a side of sliced (smoked) turkey breast and fresh fruit was delicious. The portion was large and I ended up taking half with me. Good service and good food prompts a return visit.
(4)
Kristin K.
I love this Dunlay's. Brunch is SO GOOD as is all of their food. I love their wines and beers and sangria, the staff is really friendly and make you feel at home, and they are fun to stop by at the bar or just get a $5 burger on a Wednesday, or Sunday brunch. They are a TAD pricey but if you go for the deals, of which there are many, you will be a-ok. Yay Dunlay's! Also you can bring your dog to the beer garden in the summer and they sell bones for him/her. :) The beer garden is a little bit icky, they should put the plants out there or something. But that's being picky.
(4)
Jack Z.
This place is about as average as they come for a simple but pleasant dining experience. You can choose indoor or outdoor seating, and of the three times I've been here I've opted for the outside seating twice. It's great if you enjoy people watching, and it's in a pretty safe area. I got a grilled chicken sandwich with asparagus and mayo on the side the first time I came here, and it was a pretty plain sandwich with slightly charred chicken and mayo on the side. It tasted healthy enough at the very least, and I did feel satisfied after, though I did also eat half of my dad's Cuban sandwich, which was really delicious. The second time I came here was on Wednesday. For those of you who don't know, that's cheeseburger night, so naturally I got to try their cheeseburger and fries. Again, it was a pleasant experience but nothing mindblowing or out of the ordinary. The third time I came back I got a turkey burger, and this is what pushes the restaurant to four stars. It was tender and the sauce they put on the burger blended perfectly with the texture and taste of the turkey burger/bun combination. Definitely try it out. This is a great place for small groups, first date meetups, or just a casual meetup with a friend. It has a low stress, relaxing environment, and food that doesn't make you feel like you're going to fall into a 12 hour coma after eating it.
(4)
Alexandria F.
So, this place is quite close to home, so my boyfriend and I frequent on the weekends for brunch. I really think Sunday was the last time we'll go. About 70% of the time, we end up sending our food back. I don't know if it's a timing thing in the kitchen or with the waitstaff, but almost without fail, one dish comes out right and fresh, and the other comes out totally wrong and stale. Last time, I got the fried chicken benedict and he got the pork breakfast burrito. His was great. Mine came out and the eggs were cooked all the way through, and everything was the same room-temperature. It had clearly been sitting out waiting for about 10 minutes under the warmer. So, yet again, I sent it back and got to sit there watching my boyfriend eat while I waited. If it had only happened once or twice, fine. But it happens consistently. The management really needs to get a grip on their kitchen. Get your timing right. The food is fine, menu selections are good, and when it's right, it's tasty. But I'm sick of sending food back to be re-done. I wish I could say I was just super particular, but truthfully, I've never had to send food back until I started going to Dunley's.
(2)
Raul B.
I went here for an early dinner with a friend. I have never eaten before but I have had drinks here and they do have a great beer selection. This night out I had the chili special and we shared the ceviche. The ceviche was excellent and even tho it seemed small it actually was enough for both of us. I know paring chili and ceviche is a weird pairing it turned out pretty good. I usually like my chili more soupy but this chili was great and very meaty and it was at a great price only five bucks. I ended up drinking a Sangria and it was very good but I have had better. There are other things I need to try out on their menu but from what I had it was very tasty. A great first outing food wise at Dunlay's
(4)
Katie R.
two words: skillet cookie.
(4)
Cara T.
I took my friend from out of town here after our trip to the Logan Square Farmer's Market. We sat on the patio for good food and good conversation. Very enjoyable We started with the Spinach Dip. It was very tasty...some of the best spinach dip I've had. EVER. I had the Palmer Square Omelette with goat cheese, asparagus, red peppers, and artichokes. I've only had two omelettes in my life and I just don't think I like them. The goat cheese was a little much. And I got "fresh" fruit on the side...but it tasted more like canned fruit. I also tried the mimosa. VERY yummy. My friend had the oatmeal pancakes. They were super moist and yummy with REAL fresh fruit on the top. I will most definitely go back to Dunlays...but I will probably do more lunch than brunch. The Kedzie Club and Fish Sandwich caught my eye... Great, friendly staff. I felt very welcomed. Super pet friendly.
(3)
Jean C.
I mainly come here on Wednesday to take advantage of their $5 burger deal. It's a great burger with your choice of cheese and fries and you can add extras, like bacon, for $1! Service has always been great and friendly. I have eaten brunch here as well and the food is consistently good. They have a nice sidewalk cafe and they are dog friendly. We brought our puppy here about a month ago and although he was good, he definitely needs to be older before that happens again! This is a fun spot to meet with friends or have dinner with one other person. But seriously come for the burger night. You can't beat that value for that quality of burger.
I can only think of 2 other businesses that have the same quality of customer service as Dunlay's on the Square (I'll tell you if you ask). The food is delicious; I've had the fried egg sandwich, faux Primanti Bros. sammie, a taste of the french toast (yum!) and a few other dishes. The Bloody Mary is very good as is their selection of beers. Oh, and best of all? This is our new Steelers bar. It's not the same as having the fight song blaring during the commercials or when we score, but the quality food and service seriously outweighs the opportunity to polka after a td. I highly recommend Dunaly's on the Square!!!
(5)
Albert K.
This place feels and tastes like a chain restaurant. Oh wait, it kind of is. A good place to meet for a drink before going out since I've never seen it crowded and its easy to spot the people your meeting.
(3)
Lourdes A.
I had the rigatoni pasta sauteed with fennel sausage, spring peas and a light tomato cream sauce and it was very good. I'd order it again. The drinks were also good, balanced and presented nicely. The bar and seating throughout are of a more contemporary design and really nice. But we sat at one of the cabaret tables by the floor to ceiling windows looking out onto Logan Blvd and had good food and drinks inches away from a fierce rainstorm. It's immediately across from the Logan Square monument so I imagine it'd be nice to sit in their outdoor seating area on a not so rainy day, especially since the sidewalk is so wide. There were 3 of us and we were LOUD, obnoxiously so, I think, because we were excited to be hanging out. We had such a good time and our server was awesome even poking fun at us about our loudness but in a good-natured way. We were all happy with the service. Everyone from host to servers was really friendly.
(4)
Jeanette K.
Probably one of the best veggie burgers I've ever had! Also, the patio is great for a late summer/early fall dinner, and the night I was there, they had $5 glasses of wine. Plus, you gotta love any place with a deep dish cookie. Mmm.
(4)
Ermelinda C.
Great cocktails!
(4)
Rebecca K.
My boyfriend has been a "regular" here for 5 or 6 years now and after a couple years together, I guess it makes me a regular too... This was our local standby when we lived in "The Square..." It was always the place that was our fall back, even though I constantly complain to Phil that I want to try new places in the city. We keep going back because the food and the service is always 5 star good. Michelle and Brian behind the bar are a treat and always know how to make us laugh. The fried egg sandwich at brunch and the tilapia sandwich at dinner are two meals that are unique takes on the traditional menu items and I love the cookie skillet...save room for dessert!
(5)
Matt R.
Dunlay's On The Square is a solid choice in Logan Square if you're looking for a place that has reliable food, a well-rounded drink list, and can seat a bunch of people. Having lived in or near Logan Square now for almost 2 years, I have been here far more than my fair share of times. I like it much more in the summer when they have outside sidewalk seating. The people watching is good and it's nice to be able to escape the sports bar environment. I still think that the best time to come here is for brunch or lunch. For some reason, by evening there can be a weird smell wafting through the place that seems to come from a poorly ventilated kitchen. They have a special on burgers once a week and it just seems like there's a lot of grilled onions being ordered. Then again, maybe it's just the French onion soup which is actually pretty decent. Lol. So I guess that the lesson for me was to avoid it as a late-night destination. Anyway, the brunch fare is really tasty and they make a mean Eggs Benedict in numerous forms. My favorite is to have them add spinach to any of them which adds a Florentine twist. If you go for lunch or dinner, then I recommend anything that seems like comfort food because it's always really fresh and yummy. Honestly, their meatloaf is pretty delicious and hits the spot when you just want to eat after a long day and then go home and get some sleep. Finally, the beer and wine lists are well rounded and full of good options regardless of your taste. I haven't been in a while so I've forgotten which night they offer wine specials but they're always a good value.
(3)
Matt P.
Found myself here before going to a rock show at the Auditorium ... anyways, good selection of microbrews, and the barkeep even put on pre-season hockey for me during football Sunday (albeit nothing was on before the Bears game). The only drawback I think is that there's only two big screens, so you're kind of at the mercy of what the majority wants to watch.
(4)
DS M.
I was recently here and ordered two things. One was the caponata pizza (mushrooms + artichoke + goat cheese, $11), which sounds really good but was very poorly executed. The crispy thin crust was nearly flavorless, the tomato sauce was one dimensional and overwhelming, the toppings were sparse, and what mushrooms and artichoke there were could barely be tasted. Second, I ordered the spinach dip ($9) which was decent. The texture was good, it was well heated and thick, the chips were crisp and hot, but a little too oily. It was disappointing as a dish though because the spinach (and artichoke) barely contributed flavor. In general the menu looks great. But from what I've had there the two times I've been (once for dinner and once for brunch), I have been disappointed. The prices are a little high. For a appetizer, a pizza, plus two discounted beers, I paid $36 after tip + tax. At that price you gotta do well whatever it is you do. Poor and mediocre doesn't cut it. Service was both times good though. Thumbs up to you wait and bar staff. If this place has anything going for it, it is the selection of beers on tap. I got a dark espresso beer from Portland that was delicious and a Belgian beer called Affligem, that was sweet and subtle. Normally these beers are priced on the high side ($6.50 & $7.50 respectively), but the night I went happened to be $4 drafts. Those $4 draft nights would be the only reason I'd go back.
(2)
Christoph B.
I put Dunlay's to the ultimate test yesterday. I decided to go there for brunch on the weekend. The weather was sunny and perfect for outdoor dining. The Logan Square Farmers market was in full swing across the street as was the Milwaukee Ave Arts Festival. You might think we were being naive, expecting to get a table under these circumstances, but NO, my companion and I were seated almost immediately. Now, I've been to Dunlay's several times, mostly to drink, so this time I was determined to review the food. The brunch menu is pretty OK, albeit expensive ($3 for one pancake?). I ended up going with the cheeseburger with blue cheese and my friend had the fish sandwich, I believe it was blackened tilapia. Both were outstanding. But, the real winner at Dunlay's are the fries. They are the best, especially if you like them like the way I like them, with a side of Mayonnaise. Yum. I've decided, my next visit will be later in the day so I can finally try the (margherita) pizza. Do yourself a favor if you live in the area, give Dunlay's a chance. There's nothing around that's quite like it and I dare say you won't be disappointed.
(4)
P S.
It's local, it doesn't suck, the Bloody Marys are pretty good, and I really love the hashbrowns. It's good for take out. Friendly bartenders. With that said: it's too expensive for what it is. They allow dogs on the patio which, I'm sorry, while I'm tying to eat is totally repulsive when they're licking themselves and drooling. The service is always very, very spotty at best. $4 for a burger on special is not special. Not much personality.
(3)
Sarah K.
I live close by to Dunlay's and have eaten here for dinner and brunch. I was torn with what rating to give because brunch is 2-3 stars and dinner is just 2 stars. The only thing that kept me coming back for dinner at all is that they have a burger deal that makes it worth coming by and they have my favorite dessert - a skillet cookie sundae. Otherwise I would skip Dunlay's for dinner. Brunch is slightly better, but again, just meh.
(2)
Craig M.
You know, I like that Dunlay's. Yeah, it's a little pricey, but when you're with a group of friends and you can't agree on a place because X doesn't like Mexican and Y had Thai food last night, Dunlay's is always agreeable. The service is always good and the food is high quality. It's just not a place that I'm ever all that excited to go to. I would give it a three and a half star review, but I woke up on the wrong side of the coffin this morning, so three it is!
(3)
Lauren G.
I guess Dunlay's feels like a randomly placed, slightly higher end sports bar, and it was the only thing open on the 4th near my house. The food has always been consistently all right: on the first trip, the burger was good but the side of bacon potato cakes were cold; on the second trip, for brunch, I just thought there should have been a side served with the Eggs Florentine and the amount halved, but that's me. However, after the outwardly rude and surly behavior of the hostess (we could watch her motioning towards us and talking shit to other waitresses as they approached the station and looked back) when we split our check by what we ordered (even though our waitress NEVER asked ahead if we would want it split that way), I will not return. Chill out, lady. You're not splitting atoms, you're splitting a goddamn check on a simplified computer program. Service was also pretty slow on both visits. Also, I am not sure if my Bloody Mary even had any alcohol in it. Weak sauce, indeed.
(2)
Michael S.
Service was alittle slow and decent food makes this a A-Ok for me. Here is the deal....with so much to choose in Chicago it wiill be hard for me to want to go back to this place. Having said that it wasn't terrible.
(3)
Sheena P.
$5 burgers and fries on Wednesdays!? YES, PLEASE! The service was great, and the burger was fantastic. The fries were good, too. It wasn't very crowded around 6:30, and the ambiance was nice. The experience overall was worth far more than the $5 I paid, and I'm glad we went. I heart thee, Logan Square, and Dunlays is a nice addition.
(5)
Tony B.
Brunch at Dunlay's last week was a fab food experience. The Bloody Mary's are really good here, I opted out of having one since I was driving and one is never enough so I just tasted my friends and it was great. We had the cornbread as a starter and I must say some of the best cornbread I have ever eaten was made here; we brought the extra home and I made a sandwich out of the extra bread the next day! I had the breakfast burrito which was good, the pork was cooked perfectly and made me clamor for more meat and less everything else to be honest but the flavors all went well together. And I must say the hash browns soaked in cream are FANTASTIC! I would return here just for hash browns! My friend had the cuban sandwich which was equally fantastic as the hash browns; overall a great meal PLUS the service was great. I found a new brunch favorite in Logan and will be back soon!!
(4)
Shayna N.
Dunlays has lovely outdoor seating with a view of lush Logan Square and a pretty decent drink list. I live so close by, so i find myself here often enough. This place is great for an afternoon cocktail, i just wish the food were better for what you pay. Average burgers, fresh salads, the sashimi tuna was fine (but lacked flavor) and the polenta was tasty, but heavy on the cream. Nothing is spectacular. The patio makes this place worth it :)
(3)
Carolyn C.
came for brunch on a sunday bc the Lula wait is ridiculous. Pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and quick service. The mimosa deal is fantastic!
(4)
Carri A.
My Logan Square friends ran a 5k on Sunday and as a sign of support and love I said I would sleep in later than them and would meet them for brunch. They kicked ass and they led everyone to Dunlays on the Square for some brunch grub - and I was so pleased with this choice. They have great outdoor seating (wonderful for people- and dog-watching) and the service was pretty good. The waitress said their special was crab cake eggs benedict and I was instantly sold. Everything on the plate was incredible (DONT get me started on that hollandaise sauce and the glorious hashbrowns), though I was a little surprised at the $14 price tag when the bill came. Just a couple of dollars more than what I expected, especially for Logan Square (no offense). Overall a great time and highly satisfying meal. The bloody marys looked great but I was told they could use a bit more Tabasco.
(4)
Lindsay N.
You know, I've never really been impressed by this place. For one reason or another, I find myself here often enough, either due to a band that's playing, a friend's birthday gathering, or an alternative to the wait at Lula (p.s. best brunch ever!!!! ... at Lula, that is. Anyway...). I went here for brunch today (Lula was closed. Rats.) and, again, the food was fine but nothing awesome. I got the crab cake benedict (quite a splurge at $14) and it was fine. I wouldn't order it again due to the price, but I was satisfied. The only weird thing was that the "hashbrowns" were more like fatty potato salad. Bizarre. Last month, I went on a night when they had cheap margarita specials. I had 4 and barely felt a buzz. My conclusion? Little or no alcohol. Hmmm... I'd rather pay full price for a good drink with a hell of a lot of booze, baby. Moral of the story: Whether brunch, lunch, or dinner... skip this place and walk around the corner to Lula.
(2)
Nick B.
I was with a group of people who wanted a burger. I decided that we should check out the raved about, Kuma's Korner. We got to the restaurant and the hostess told me "2 hours." I laughed and left and decided on Dunlays On The Square instead. I have to say I loved the atmosphere the most about Dunlays. It was open, cool, and quiet. I wanted to sit outside but ended up at a booth, no big deal. I glanced for a veggieburger right away and read the description. The veggieburger was described as being made fresh daily with beans, rice, walnuts, soy, and sweet potatoes. This sounded amazing! I ordered the grilled asparagus to go along with it. I have to say the burger was a little underwhelming. I ate the whole thing and enjoyed it, but the description just didn't match the taste. It was very bland and "rice-y" despite having walnuts and sweet potatoes in it, which should have given a nice zing to the taste. The grilled asparagus was also insanely salty. I liked Dunlays On The Square. Food was OK. Service was fine. Can't say I was blown out of the water though.
(3)
Donnie B.
Although the fried-egg sandwich was delicious... I took my girl there and our breakfast ended up being $50! I'd like to mention that we had 2 bloody mary's. But still a bit too pricey for breakfast. We found out the next weekend that we could make the same tasting fried-egg sandwich and save $40 on breakfast! Don't want to diss the food, but I want to diss the cost.
(2)
Mark D.
Good meal, good food, good service in a friendly atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is perfect on a nice day. Maybe not the quintessential local hangout, as you can find similar places in any city, but a reliable place to enjoy a pint and some above average pub food.
(4)
Carlee W.
I officially had the best breakfast, ever, here at Dunlays On The Square. The hash browns are OUT OF THIS WORLD and the french toast was phenomenal. I myself tend to order a pretty average breakfast, and Dunlays just went above and beyond. Their beer selection is always pretty good, and I love their flight options. Jana, our server, was super sweet, very helpful, and probably the best server I've had. Overall, I will definitely go back for breakfast, and have always enjoyed their lunch and dinner menu.
(5)
Ramona Z.
Food was great, they have one of the best turkey burgers you can't beat bottomless mimosas. Service was great, fast, friendly and efficient!! Great atmosphere and just great all around!!
(5)
Nikki Y.
Came here after a long morning with friends and it turned out to be a really good decision. It was only about half full on a Saturday afternoon and a very chill environment with local art hanging on the walls. Ah, and good ol' 90s music playing in the background. Had a great beer selection and served late brunch (score for the hungover!) I had the strange daze omelet--mozzarella, bacon, mushrooms, spinach, and hollandaise sauce. HOLLANDAISE SAUCE on my omelet..I'm obviously a big fan of it. The omelet was made very well and the smoky flavor of the bacon blended well with the sauce and melted, stringy (in the best way possible) cheese. Not to mention I had it with a toasted English muffin and, you guessed it, the hash browns. The hash browns were so good they deserve their own paragraph. You may have read about them a few times by now, but I don't think you can understand just how good these hash browns are. Warm, shredded potatoes in a creamy sauce. I really want the recipe--I couldn't even guess what it was. All I know is that it's freakin delicious. My friends had the breakfast burrito and the park west club--they looked super legit as well. Service, for me at least, was really great. Maybe it was because the place wasn't that full..and it was 2 in the afternoon, but the waitress and bus boys frequented our table a lot to check up on us, refill drinks, etc. Overall good stuff. I'd say a great spot for my first visit to Logan Square..
(4)
Bryan H.
I have been to Dunlay's more than any other restaurant in Logan Square, mainly because of its incredible consistency. Dunlay's also has great weekly specials which I really appreciate. If you like ribs, you will LOVE the ribs here. If you like specialty beers, you will love the selection. The atmosphere has a casual pub feel, with food that is several notches above traditional pub food.
(5)
Jennifer R.
Headed out to Dunlay's for beer and the $5 cheeseburger special on Wednesday. Short wait for a table, service was good. The burgers were better than I expected. Really enjoyed the super thin, crispy fries. Nice, cheap weeknight date.
(4)
Mike K.
So my buddy Matz was in town for a few shows at Dick's over the weekend, and he had to drop off some bball shirts I ordered from another buddy of mine - we like to keep it in the family you see. Anywho, I owed him lunch, so we went to Dunlay's in Logan Square, back where he used to live and we caused lots of trouble - well as much trouble as you can cause in a condo where he doesnt let you do anything fun. I kn ew what he wanted, a fried egg sandwich, and until I heard the waitress say how good it was i was hell bento on ordering something else. however i wanted to try my 1st fried egg sandwich, as for years matty would talk about this thing like huge tits on natalie portman 9that would make her the most perfect thing ever created in the history of mankind, btw). sao i ordered it and it was the greatest thing ever eaten. The hashbrowns made it even better. I wanted more...i want more now. best ever. and then i write this review to see ive already easten this damn sandwich once before. oh well...still awesome!
(4)
Andrew K.
Went to Dunlays in Logan Square on a Friday night a couple of weeks ago with my girlfriend. We ordered the Mac and Cheese as an appetizer and the Meatloaf as an entree. The Mac and Cheese was pretty good. No complaints. I had better at other restaurants, but the cheese was solid and the noodles were cooked well. The meatloaf, on the other hand, was a disaster. I think of Dunlays as an upscale place for bar food. If you're paying high prices for food, you expect the food to be fresh. The meatloaf was not. When we received it, the loaf was cold. It tasted pretty good, but the fact that they are microwaving food here was a huge turn-off. When we sent the meatloaf back, the chef came out and offered us two plates...of the same meatloaf!!! He simply put it back in the microwave!!! Now, to compensate for the failure which was the meatloaf, the bartender at the time comp'd us for the the meatloaf THAT WE DIDN'T EAT!!! Anyways, that's the last time we'll be going to Dunlays. They screwed up with the food and to compensate us being hungry, they didn't charge us for the food we didn't eat. That is what we call "not doing a thing".
(2)
Doro R.
Pretty OK pizza here. If you don't like pizza, even if you do, the sandwiches rock. I like this place when it's not busy. I do not like, and therefore do not come here, when it IS busy. There is an OK selection of beers. Games are on. Water glasses are always full. Servers are professional. When I want to sit down and eat but not leave a 1 mile radius of my home, this is where I go. I have never been disappointed. *FYI- There are a lot of yuppies and not so many hipsters.
(4)
Jackie A.
I absolutely love Dunley's! I've lived in the area for 4 years and this was one of the first places that I tried. The staff is nice, the service has never failed me. Great, comfortable atmosphere. I've never had a wait to be seated. The menu is a bit limited in variety but the choices they DO have a delicious. I believe it's Thursday nights that they have live music, it can get a bit loud but the performances are good for a free show. Good weekday specials. $5 glasses of wine on Mondays! I have been here dozens of times and will continue to go!
(5)
Mali T.
I went to Dunlay's for date night with my boyfriend. I have mixed feelings about the place, and I figured we should try it because it was just so cold out we couldn't fathom being out in the cold for long. Extensive beer selection, but the opposite for vegetarian options. It's okay, I'm over it. I realize not everyone's vegetarian. Whatever. We got the artichoke appetizer and it was one of those moments where you feel like you're just... doing it wrong? Do you get what I'm saying? I felt like I was chewing on something that I shouldn't been eating (general leafiness) and it didn't have much of a heart and kind of started eating it with my fingers. My table manners... scheiz... I ordered the brie and apple flatbread. It was huuuuge (you could call it a slab, in a good way) and tasty. Could have been a little warmer. Seems like it may have sat in the kitchen for a moment. But otherwise good. My beau ordered the boulevard chicken dish that he absolutely loved. At the end of our meal we ordered martinis, which were delicious, and then our waitress seemed to disappear for 15 minutes. Not sure what happened, and I understand that "shit happens," but mildly confusing.
(3)
J. P.
I'll start off by saying I like Dunlays on the Square a hell of a lot better than the Clark location, even though it's considerably closer to my house. The waitresses seem to have sticks up their asses over there. If I'm doing breakfast, I always get a goat cheese and spinach omelette with an english muffin and those DELICIOUS hash browns! Seriously, what do they put in there?? They're creamy and awesome! I've brought friends/family here who think they're a little too fancy for breakfast potatoes, but all I want to do is order them as a main dish. Maybe next time... Other yummy items include their margherita pizza, burgers (used to be $4 on Wed, not sure if they still do that) and their blackened fish sandwich. The service is hit or miss, but there is one particular waitress with strawberry blonde(ish) hair who is always super friendly and attentive. When I said my fish was "too spicy" one day she happily brought me a new one and I don't think she even spit on it. The inside can be a bit dark and gloomy especially if you visit during the day, but if you're lucky enough to get a seat outside you can watch all the stupid hipsters and characters that walk by.
(4)
Angelica E.
Dunlays is pretty cool! The waitstaff is nice and chill and everytime I have been it hasnt been busy so I was able to get my food and drinks pretty quickly! Overall its a pretty chill place to go to in Logan Square!
(3)
carlos t.
Ok so tried this place again. Service is still OK, better then the last server I had but the food is very good. Had a spicy breaded shrimp appetizer that was delicious! My veggie burger was ok, it was a rice patty. I prefer black bean. I'd go back.
(3)
Frances C.
I debated on how many stars I could give Dunlay's. Not that my dining experience wasn't excellent--it was. I just have a few issues. Let's start with the good news: I liked the atmosphere, the ambience, the decor. I felt good sitting in there, and I liked everything I looked at. Plus, they played really good music. Like, Electric Light Orchestra (not "Xanadu", unfortunately. But some goodies). The food--delicious. Caesar salad--gigantor, amazing. The gooey cookie skillet hellacious dessert deal--yummers! It made me feel all disgusting inside. My mouth kept saying yes but my torso was screaming no. I listened to my mouth. Here are my not-so-greats: The menu is small, and not a lot of selecsh. Everything looks good, but I like to have a lot to choose from. There was only, like three sandwiches and salads, and everything else was something I never would have ordered. (i.e. ribs, pork tenderloin, etc.). Another minus is the prices. It's kinda expense! I mean, I only got a salad, a diet coke with lime and split a dessert and ended up paying $26. WTF is that? That's sort of a lot for a Monday night impromptu dinner with my gays. I'll be eating Morningstar mini corn dogs for the rest of the week to salvage my bank account. Seriously--OUCH! I can't be spending those kinds of benjamins in these dire economic times. Even though I do. and probably would again because this place was damn good. All in all, I think Dunlays is a wonderful place for a Friday/Saturday night dinner with friends, a great first date locashe, but a Monday night bite with some queens is best at somewhere like Chipotle.
(4)
Brenda H.
Dunlays is so close to my house that I've been stopping by more frequently lately. The food and drinks are still a bit expensive for what you get, but it's convenience to Logan Square makes up for it a bit. I am currently addicted to their blue cheese melted on kettle chips (I started making them at home for a fraction of the cost) and enjoy their beer specials and beer flights. The thin crust pizzas are also not bad at all and I enjoyed the breakfast blt-egg sandwich.
(3)
Matt M.
Hit or Miss, but they have good beer. I have been here a million times and everytime I leave wondering why I go. The food is average and sometimes it sucks, the service is good and sometimes it's slow and annoying. What kills me is $5 burger night.. really? $5?? That's a lot! I mean, if you're going to have a special make it a real special.. how does $1 burger night sound? The two things that drag this place from two stars to three stars is the brunch till 3pm, its really good.. I can't even name one thing cause they are all good, and the beer. They always have a good selection of beers. Too bad the rest of the place is bush league.
(3)
Anne Marie J.
Glad that the burgers haven't changed, especially since I went on a non-Wednesday and paid $9 (eek) for it. However, we went for brunch and got to sample other foods. The fiance devoured the BLT - he said it was delish. The cousin had a blackened fish sandwich - I was worried that he wouldn't like it because fish sandwiches are hit or miss but since he didn't leave any of it on his plate, I assume he enjoyed it. Instead of fries, I opted for the bacon mashed potato cakes - lesson learned. I personally didn't like it b/c it just tasted like a deep fried mashed potato but other people thought it was decent. 1 less star for Dunlay's b/c service wasn't as great and personable as it usually is. I didn't order bacon, but I got it on my burger, we asked for water and ketchup but didn't get it. All this with an attitude.
(4)
Cassie I.
Love this place! We've been here several times - usually whenever we're not feeling the Lula menu (which is also fabulous, of course). First, these are the most amazing hashbrowns I have ever had and I have more than once returned solely with the goal of getting hashbrowns for brunch. Equally please with their brunch and dinner options - have had great experiences both times. Last time we were here, we sat for at least 20 minutes before a waitress noticed we hadn't been helped. I was starting to get a bit annoyed, but the staff was so apologetic and nice, that I almost started feeling bad about getting annoyed! Shrug, right? Mistakes happen, it's all in how you handle them. I've never had anything here I didn't like, but if you're coming here for brunch - fried egg sandwich. Do it. So good.
(4)
Shelden E.
So I'll have to say, I've gone here often, very often. Their sandwiches are good, but what I'm saying is that there aren't really any of the same types of restaurants in the Square, especially off the stop. They are open fairly late which is nice. And they do have specials on the weekdays, which definitely made my friends and I decide to go there a lot. Brunch is pretty decent also--can be worth getting if Lula's is packed, which it always is. The waitresses and managers there are also really nice and helpful. As I said, I've been there sooooo often with friends and we had tried the dishes on the menu too much that we asked the manager if they could give us something different for once. He offered to make us whatever we wanted, just name it. We didn't get every choice we wanted but he still made us things not on the menu, like I got a hoagie. The manager, whose from Pittsburgh, made the hoagie himself with bread they don't usually have in the restaurant. And when he brought it out, he tucked a napkin into the collar of my shirt as a joke. That's quite the service, I must say! Bar has decent selection of beers. Iron City which is a rarity in Chicago. Also these are the same people who own Smoke Daddy's.
(4)
Kristen H.
I could go to Dunlays any day of the week. They have delicious brunch - I'd recommend the breakfast sandwich or the club! Also they make a mean mouth water burger and even have $5 burger nights on Wednesday. Hands down this place as the BEST bloody mary in the city. I wasn't a fan of bloodies until I finally tried one here - the skewer that comes with it is reason enough to order one. The staff is great and the service has always been pleasant. Thanks Dunlays for being in the Logan Square!
(5)
Caroline S.
Dunlays is 100% reliable and good. No surprises - nothing is the best of the best but everything is good. A lovely patio to waste away your Sunday with a few beers. Good service and they put up with annoying people such as myself. Story follows: It doesn't take much for me to become a little drunk, and our poor waitress had to put up with my silliness. She asked if I would like any food to accompany my beer. I responded that I seriously had a craving for some meat but didn't think I could afford the meat on the menu on top of my beers. And like the drunk idiot I was, I asked if she had any scraps of meat lying around. And you know what?! She brought me three sausages left over from the morning's brunch and didn't charge me for them, and also didn't make me feel like the idiot I was for asking. Now that is good service. And today they had a $4 draft deal on some damn good beers. So they definitely get my mark of approval even if it's a little more than I'd want to spend on the burger i was so badly craving.
(3)
Lisa D.
I met a blind date here, he was late...but I'm reviewing Dunlay's not the date. ANyWay... We chose this place to meet because he lived close by and we both had dogs we wanted to bring along. I really enjoy having my dog with me, because she's well behaved. This guy's dog, not so much. But again, I'm reviewing Dunlay's. We ordered a bottle of wine, which I never do but he never asked so I went along. He also suggested the guacamole as an appetizer and you know what, that was the best suggestion he had on him. I got the house salad and asked for light dressing, the salad was fresh and not too big. I didn't use the restroom. Contessa, however, was in need of relief so we had to walk up the sidewalk a bit. She didn't mind the lack of amenities and chose a grate about 100 or so feet away rather than trot across the street to the park. Dude who's name I don't remember...I know you said you train your dog yourself but you really need help. Please read my review of Animal Sense before you introduce him to another date. Save yourself. I'm going to not hold it against Dunlay's that the guy I met here was odd and give it another try one day. On my own time, and my dog will be my date! She's the best date anyone could hope for.
(3)
Jorge M.
I don't even know where to start. I think busy places should have open table or just a good host to keep of the people that get there and are waiting for a table. Few people got seated before we did, manager was nice to get us a round of drinks to later see they were still on our bill... Food was cold, I didn't like the fries, nor they're terrible bloody mary. Our server was a bit weird. I am not coming back...
(2)
Kit G.
The food was alright. The waitress was just not smart, and very ditsy. My friend asked her for a Coke twice. She never brought it, she ended up asking another waitress and finally got it. I ordered a salad, and it was huge. I ate a good amount of it, but the waitress scolded me for not eating enough. I shouldn't have to explain how much I eat to a server.
(3)
Andrea H.
I have been to Dunlay's twice for Sunday brunch. I like the atmosphere, it is usually lively and the service is decent. The first time I went there, I had a very good BLT. The second time, I was in the mood for something light. I was intrigued by the sesame chicken salad. Grilled chicken, cilantro, tortilla strips...yum. I even asked the waitress and she said it was fantastic. Well, my salad arrived and it was literally lettuce, very sweet peanut sauce and chicken COLD CUTS...a lot of them, and not even cut up either, the whole round slices. Seriously??? I'm generally not too picky, but for a $10 salad, I'm looking for something I can't make at home with a bag of lettuce and a package of Hormel. So I guess if you go, stick with something you can't screw up...like the BLT.
(2)
Lisa F.
The cornbread in a cast iron pan is delicious, and there are some nice beer choices. The rest of the food is all entirely fine, but nothing amazing. When Lula is too full to bear or I want patio seating and friendly service, I go to Dunlays.
(3)
Kathy C.
Dunlay's is a good neighborhood destination, but not worth the trip from other hoods. I went there this week for dinner and had the pulled pork eggrolls, which came with a delicious plum dipping sauce, but were unimpressive otherwise. I had the Reuben, which is made with house made corned beef on marbled rye which is tasty. My husband took advantage of their Wednesday $5 cheeseburger special, which came with deliciously crispy shoestring fries. I don't think you can go wrong with this special. Beer selection is very good with lots of great drafts on tap. If I lived in Logan Square, I would probably go there often to enjoy their front patio, but I don't see myself back anytime soon.
(3)
Kathryn G.
Stopped in the other night with a group of friends. Services was great, the place is large and comfortable, the beer list was yummy and the fries we snacked on with basil mayo hit the spot. I haven't eaten a meal here so i will save the last star for my return. Great neighborhood spot!
(4)
Phaeded H.
I eat brunch here frequently - not anymore. Just ordered the fried chicken eggs benedict special and the chicken came to me pink. They said no prob, brought me another one but when I cut into it this one it was an even deeper pink like a medium rare filet mignon. When I complained the manager said it was almost overcooked - look at the outside. I said, yea, in your haste to replace the first one you burned the outside but the inside is still raw: "Would you eat it?" When he said yes I got the hell out of there if this is who is in charge of their quality control. Guess I'll be waiting in line at Lulas from now on...
(1)
colin t.
Dunlays has great brunch, with great service, and the best Bloody Mary in the city. Seriously, the best. Their menu isn't too extensive but I've never gotten tired of their breakfast burrito or Big Mike's Irish Breakfast. The dinner menu needs to have some items, it gets a bit tired. Oddly enough, they have some of the best-poured Guinness in town. Not sure what the secret is on that, but it's delicious. Great manager, too, really nice guy. Also a good place for a quiet late-night drink or two, it's never too loud or crowded, you don't have to deal with the hipsters nor the fratboys. Pretty solidly middle-of-road clientele.
(4)
Brittany C.
I'm quite the fan of Dunlays, for a number of reasons (in no particular order): 1. Nice, clean bar. Friendly staff. Bartender is easy-going and doesn't rush that "last" drink. 2. Outdoor patio in the summer allows for lazy afternoons of drinking and chatting for as long as you please. Or as long as you can keep your eyes open. 3. Nice selection of beer. Also, fruity martini thingys for those that like that kind of thing. 4. A good menu that goes beyond bar food. Good portions for a good price. 5. INCREDIBLE brunch. (Is it Sunday yet??) Tops my best french toast list. An egg sandwich that kicks Micky D's booty... Good bloody Marys.. Perfect cure for any hangover. Perhaps the one you received spending your entire day at dunlays yesterday.. Although the potatoes WERE mentioned, I need to call attention to them again, that's how GOOD they are.
No frills - just great food, service and drinks. I agree with most of the posts - its a little on the expensive side... but you will find that its worth it. When your hung over on a Sunday and all you want is a bloodymary and some TV's for football, this is your place! The service is great. Your water glass never goes empty and the servers always keep a close tab to how things are going. Cant ask for much more. There is limited parking. If your driving, you will need to make sure that you have money for a meter. Other than that, you will find this place to be quite pleasing.
(3)
Brittani L.
Yum yum yum! Every time I come here I have great service and a great meal! The BLT is perfect. They also do some great specials I'd keep an eye out for one of those. The pricing isn't bad with out it though.
(5)
Andrew F.
Service was great, food was OK (the breakfast burrito was kind of nasty). Probably won't be back again but it was a nice alternative when other brunch places in the area have a long wait.
(3)
Lori Taylor R.
Strong, spicy and savory is just the way I like to start my Saturday afternoon ... Dunlays serves up a solid bloody mary that meets this criteria perfectly (and the best part, it's only six bucks). The BBQ Chicken Pizza was very tasty. Nice thin crust, cooked to perfection, ample amounts of shredded chicken, onions and bbq sauce. They call it a personal size, but it's six sizable pieces ... enough to share, which is a great deal for eleven bucks! The staff all worked well together, which made for a great experience. The manager was running food, taking drink orders and didn't seem to mind helping out. All in all a decent spot.
(4)
Brian B.
Still despised by 2nd-Gen Gentrifiers, because 3rd-Gen Gentrifiers abound here ... but the food, staff, and surroundings are still nice. This is the safe place to take your 'rents if they ever visit your "area". You don't want to scare them, do you? I nearly always go for ordering appetizers here for dinner rather than the meals. Hush Puppies, Tuna Sashimi, etc., all deece. The place is better for brunch, actually -- the Eggs Benedict is awesome, and believe it or not the Fried Egg Sandwich (which sounds bleh) it's actually the most incredible breakfast food you will ever eat. The outdoor seating is also plentiful, and gives you an ideal spot to observe Andrew Bird walk by on a random Sunday afternoon! Boo-Yah.
(4)
Steve R.
OK so I have lived in Logan Square for quite awhile now, and I guess that means I am automatically supposed to hate this place because it's sorta like a Lincoln Park establishment (unlike Lula cuz lord knows there are no high end eateries in LP) . Well eat it, hipsters. I'm gonna say it...I like it better than Lula. Yep, you heard me. The service doesn't think it's cooler than you, you can always get a seat on the patio (with your dog) without a 45 minute wait on the sidewalk, and the food isn't 25 bucks a plate. They have a pretty good tap selection, notably Rogue Dead Guy (huzzah). They have a great hamburger special every wed, and I have found the service to be attentive and accomodating. That said, I have only ever sat on the patio, so I have no idea what the interior is like aside from trips to the bathroom. I don't know why other neighborhood folks go into histrionics about it, it's a regular average bar and grill tap just like all the others in the city. I'm astounded that more people seem to be offended by this place than by the snootiness and bank-breaking prices found around the corner. If ya want gritty, go to the Two Way and pose your way through another night of bohemian blue collar role playing.
(4)
Emily R.
Ceasar salad is delicious. Also the artichoke spinach dip is good. Great weeknight drink specials. I've been here over 5 times and the service is always great. During nice weather the outdoor patio is great, but still a lot of room inside, with a nice ambiance.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Dunlay's has just changed their menu and although the fritters and the Asian chicken salad are gone the ceviche was pretty tasty and I liked the Boulevard Salad.
(5)
Jennifer K.
The food is always brilliant here and the service always compliments it. There was a mistake on the order, but long story short my mother is to blame with the confusion. The veggie lecture from my mother surely confused the server. They happily made the change to the order. I will be back again and again. Cheers!
(5)
Meghan A.
I've been here three times now, and I really like this place. I had brunch here on Easter and the food was really good - I love the french toast and my dad still raves about the hash browns. Stopped in yesterday to catch some of the Bears game and enjoyed the $13 bottomless mimosa deal they have Sundays. And these are not dainty little mimosas in a champagne flute. We're talking giant-ass mimosas in pint glasses. Right on. I've also been here on a Saturday night and it's fun then too - good beer list and it doesn't get too packed. My one complaint is that sometimes the service can be a little bit slow...it seems like they could use a few more servers during busy times, particularly on Sundays. But overall I really like this place and will continue to go back.
(4)
Mike P.
Having lived 2 blocks from the Clark Street Dunlay's, yet never visited it, I didn't know what to expect. The wife and I were over in Logan Square Sunday morning and decided to stop in to this location for brunch. Man, am I glad we did, it was the best meal I've had in a while. I ordered the fried egg sandwich with hash browns. After ordering, I was contemplating if I should have gone with the fruit as a side. Am I glad I did not. The hash browns here are phenomenal. If you are hung over, these thing will be exactly what you need. They are expertly fried and combined with fresh herbs and cream cheese. They are a must have. If the Clark Street location doesn't have brunch, the hash browns alone are worth the trip over to Logan Square. The fried egg sandwich is also great. If you've seen the movie Spanglish, then you have the inspiration for this Dunlay's offering. It's basically a very good BLT between marble rye. Add some Cheddar, a little red onion and a fried egg and you have it. They ciffranod the romaine (that's a fancy way to say "shred"). The presentation is very nice. There is some controversy about the place because it replaced a "tried and true" Logan Square establishment and is viewed as negatively impacting the square by some. I don't see it. Business is business and if somebody wants to open a quality joint, that's great. If it's too trendy or upscale, you don't have to visit. I don't think Dunlay's will lead to the destruction of Logan Square's unique characteristics.
(4)
Erin R.
I was forced to come here last week for brunch/lunch with my sister when I forgot Lula's was closed on a Tuesday. I was starving and really just wanted a cup of coffee and didn't feel like El Cid's so Dunlays it was. This is going to sound personal but I'm vegan so I always feel a bit shafted when I go here. I've come to expect to be only able to eat one thing on the menu from what I consider more of a mainstream restaurant. I do like their veggie burger - it is really good - but I get really sick of ordering the same thing each time I get stuck eating here. And I'm not sure it's even vegan but it's better than eating a plate of french fries - the only other thing on the menu that is o.k. Also could you please just keep a container of soy milk on hand for the coffee? My sister said the coffee was good but I wouldn't know. Had to run to New Wave when we were finished. Plus their prices? Jeese.
(2)
Tuyet H.
I decide to come here to get some food to go a couple of days ago. Since there so many ppl sitting outside for dinner, I expect for it to be pretty good. With such high rating for this place, I wish they would have a better staff. I not looking for top of the line service, just hoping they do a better job. It took them too long to even ask me if I needed any help or table, even though they saw me standing there for awhile. Its not like they were super busy. Most of the time I see them standing there talking to each other. They don't look so busy to me. After while they took notice and when I told them I want to order for take out, one of the waitress rudely point to the bar and said I could order there. Without a fuse I walk over with a menu and order with the bartender, to my surprise he was pretty rude too. He was super distracted. Honestly it would kill the man to look at me for just one min to take my order. Nor were there any recommandations on what I could try, knowing that it was my first time there. I don't hate the place personally, I love the food! Just wish they have better service.
(3)
Megan K.
Turn down the TV volume! I have been here a few times. Granted mainly because of it's location and convenience. Lula is busy and you're hungry for brunch. It satisfied the hunger, but didn't excite me with the options. Granted, I'm vegetarian and this may not be the best place for me to eat. Then I went again for the half price veggie burger. Not the best I've had, but not terrible. Then last night might have been the end for me. I was cold and wet from a rainy trip on the CTA, and wanted a warm place to get a something cheap (half price veggie burger on Monday once again) and the football game was BLARING! There were only TWO people in the entire place, so why the need to blast the game? The moment I walked in my ears were ringing it was so loud, and had to leave immediately. You are scaring away patrons that may not be there to watch the game. Fine, have the game on for those two people at the bar, but turn down the volume for those of us that want to eat without feeling like we are sitting on the 50 yard line.
(2)
Nikki C.
sitting in this quaint comfortable air conditioned haven with trumen pils, rogue dead guy and of course stella on tap for just under $7 a pour, its obvious the curse of lincoln park/wicker park has infected yet another hood. the adorable perfect 2.5 family with twins strolls in, the "partners" of many happy years, the new implants just graduated and in their first real urban environment and me. it is a mix of good people, people smile, a few steps under a bennigans, but still kind of too corporate for my tastes. staff here are top notch, food is tasty if you follow the waitstaff's recommendations, and the neighborhood is safe enough to park on the street and go for a nice walk after. i began my latest diet with trying out the spinach dip, hot oozing goodness of cheese, spinach and artichoke hearts, served with a side of fresh cripsy corn chips, yum! the hanger steak and frites(off the menu and suggested by the staff) was covered with carmelized onions in a reduction sauce and killed yet another diet, but oh what a way to go. the fries were perfectly thin, perfectly crispy, yet still had a soft bite ..these are some damn good frites! Say hi to Penny on your way in!
(3)
Jenn L.
Wait! Did someone say Dunlays? Oh man Im there! Great food but more importantly great brunch! They have these creamy hashbrowns that rule over any other breakfast potatoe! the waitstaff is friendly and laid back. Its a good place to go on sunday obviously for brunch but also a good place to grab a beer and some good convo. Great atmosphere and nice and clean! Now go get some BRUNCH!
(4)
Jessie B.
This place has covered kettle chips with melted blue cheese. Should I repeat that? Oh yeah you get the "king" size of Tabasco sauce as well. (I love the chips--but could I eat it everyday? I don't think that it would fall very well into my training diet) I love the coziness of this place. Some yelp reviews said that it was a bit loud, but I thought the noise level was acceptable. And when you are going out to a place like this-honestly-who cares?! My friend & I ordered so much food it wasn't even funny! Not only did we split the heavenly blue cheese chips, we got the Wrightwood Salad. Yummy! Cranberries, goat cheese, carrots, corn, sweet butter lettuce, avocado, and sliced chicken. So great. Then we ordered our entrees. I ordered the beef short ribs-they were so tender that they fell off the bone when I was trying to poke them with my fork for a bite! Served with most likely some of the best garlic mashed potatoes I've ever had, some grilled asparagus and a pinot noir reduction sauce-OH MY! My friend ordered the Florentine Filet. She asked for it rare-and it was cooked perfectly. Also served with the great garlic mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. The food coma definitely came after this meal. The service was also very good. Our server was very cute as she described the fish specials, and checked in on us quite a bit. I think this is my new favorite spot in Logan Square!
(5)
Robyn T.
Nice addition to Logan Square - big bar area, drink specials and TVs to watch your favorite sporting events at. Nice big booths make this a nice place to relax with family or catch up with friends (assuming the music isn't too loud). Expect your Lincoln Park Dunlay's favorites here too. I enjoyed brunch here on a recent Sunday and didn't have to wait either (nice if you're tired of waiting next door at Lula's). Good coffee and a great breakfast burrito (pulled pork makes this different than your standard brunch staple) with a little creamy potato cake are a great way to start your day.
(3)
Jen S.
I can't say enough good things about Dunlay's!!! I can't! To start, though, I first went to this restaurant a year or so ago with a friend, rather tentatively, because I can't eat gluten. Our waitress, Lindsey, who now is, like, my favorite, went over the entire menu with me, talked to the chef, and in general kicked butt on my behalf. Since then, I've become a regular, and the food is SOOO good, and everyone I've come into contact with at Dunlay's is super accommodating. Even to an extreme... example: a few weeks ago, I had sort of an autoimmune attack and had to leave the restaurant and only made it out to the sidewalk before I collapsed - ouch... the manager came out to help me (!), and then one of the waitresses ran out and told him about my gluten-thing, and they were giving me glasses of water and orange juice right there on the sidewalk. See? NICE people. and GOOD restaurant. great everything. love, love, love! more perks are the Wednesday night $5 cheeseburger-&-french fries special, the full bar, the ribs (drool, drool), & I heart the garlic-mashed potatoes. they also have a really good brunch, which is good to know if you can't get into Lula's :)
(5)
T Mir S.
Good food great location. The French toast was awesome. And the best hashnorwns in town. Service was good.
(4)
Quantas G.
$5 burgers. Delicious $5 burgers. Juicy $5 burgers. Tasty $5 burgers. Go on Wednesday and have the $5 burger special. Mmmmm, good.
(4)
Natalie J.
i liked it better when it was half priced wine night - not $5 wine night. that being said, dunlays has some decent food, i almost always get their pizza which is perfect for one. their spinach dip is atrocious however. everything is just too pricey for what it is. and while the service always seems okay, i wish they would have made a little effort in trying to sit my party outside. i realize it was a big table and it's a small patio but it was my friend's last night in town and it was beautiful out and they really just made no effort at all to arrange seating the next tables with the thought of us in mind, despite the fact that they said they would. and i wonder how long it would have been (had i not asked) before they bothered to tell me that they weren't even going to make an effort to sit us outside. weird.
(3)
Brandon H.
Same great Dunlay's food, same great service and atmosphere. My fiancee and I were out looking at new condo developments in the area and we stopped in for a late lunch. Some of the other reviewers compared this to Lakeview and other "yuppie" neighborhood establishments. They're right, it is. It's just like the other location on Clark, D.O.C and Frasca.. If you don't like those kinds of places, you're probably not going to enjoy this one. It's there for the new crowd coming into the area.. Love it or hate it, it's not going anywhere soon. Edit: We just tried the cookie skillet desert.. it's one of the best deserts in the area, I would stop in just for that!
(5)
Gigi L.
I'm picking up what you're putting down, people. That disparate group of reviewers here. That whole yuppie vs. art school chick/dude of doom blah blah blah. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but if you don't like what it stands for then you don't have to go! It's just another decent place in Logan to go and have drinks and food, that isn't a "stand" or a "joint." I agree that there are loathsome red-faced drunks who are loud and don't live in the neighborhood who come here. I always avoided them by going when it was still daylight, whenever possible. I like it for brunch. They greet you and seat you immediately. You can get a burger, an omelet or a salad. Things are fresh. It's not loud, and the televisions aren't blaring in your ears yet. That warm chocolate chip cookie a la mode, served in its own little cast-iron pan, is tasty. The room has nice big dark wood booths and lively original art on the walls, and the bathrooms are clean. It's all decently priced, you know, for an "upscale" place. Sure, go. Why the hell not?
(4)
erin d.
Although I did have to laugh at the prospect of calling yuppies in this hood "Dunlays" I have to throw the smack down on the other yelpers. This is NOT a chain! There is but one other Dunlay's and they own 4 others totes. That is a small business peeps. Support them. And that is a juicy burger! The good is food and you know what I mean.
(5)
Kristin D.
The brew's are a touch pricey for the neighborhood, but everything else about this place is pretty awesome. The Wrightwood Salad might be the best thing I've eaten in a restaurant. The staff is usually friendly. They have a late night food menu that cheap and beats the hell out of the Golden Nugget. The outdoor seating is beautiful - you can see all of the diversity in Logan Square (from hipster to Mexicano to stroller-pusher). If they came down in drink prices even a touch, this would be a five star spot for me.
(4)
Kiarash Z.
Although I was initially turned off by the appearance of the place, the bartender, Brian, charmed me. Clever guy. Dunlay's seems to be the only place in the neighborhood with HD sports in the bar, in English, which makes it my likely destination to watch NBA, MLB and NFL when I don't wanna venture far from home. I don't think I'll be going there often, and I hope Dunlay's doesn't draw other streamlined chains into the neighborhood.
(2)
Martha Z.
Sunday morning, farmer's market crowd bustling, hungry, seriously hung over, the wait at lula 45 minutes at least.... have no fear, just walk around the bend to dunlay's. The menu may not be as diverse or eclectic, but I'm hungry and have no patience to wait. Food and service was fast and good. We were probably done with our meal sooner then by the time we would have been seated at lula. Which gives me more time to go home and sleep off my hangover.
(4)
Julie F.
Okay - beer, drinks are nice, setting is nice. Pizzas are pretty good, veggie burger is good but, way too big. Here's my real beef with this place - all their "healthy" options come totally swimming in oil. This includes the fish, any veggie, and the salads. I am eating the remaining half of my wrightwood salad right now and my lips are still greasy dispite mixing in a ton of fresh lettuce. Bottom line, go here for the drinks, locale, and ALWAYS ask for the dressing on the side.
(3)
Mark S.
Based on the people who told me how good this place is, I didn't expect to like it. But I've been here a bunch of times anyway, and I like Dunlay's a lot for what it is. They keep their menu small, and most everything on it is pretty good. A rare dependable place where maybe they don't take a lot of chances to try and wow you, but the result is uniform quality and a good meal that won't offend you either. I like their blackened fish sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes in particular. And they do have a nice little selection of good wines too- even a yummy Rioja! So Dunlay's is just fine by me when I want a meal like something I might make at home, without actually buying the groceries and making it. I agree it can get loud here, but I eat at weird hours a lot so for me it's not as big of a deal.
(4)
Amanda K.
Wow, I've lived in Logan Square for four years or so, and I had no idea that people appropriated "Dunlay" as an insult. ... Hilarious! But, really, Dunlay's isn't SO bad. My partner and I have gone here for half-priced cheeseburger night and the occasional breakfast/brunch when Lula Cafe is too much and Johnny's Grill is too little. Yes, it attracts a lot of Bucktown yuppies, but so does Lula at this point, so. The main problem I have with Dunlay's is the bad management. Servers and hostesses seem a bit dim and inexperienced; the bartenders seem overworked and annoyed. But the food is pretty good! I really like their cheeseburgers (and I'm a bit of a c-b connoisseur) and their individual-sized pizzas (though they're totally big enough to share with a date). The pizzas are thin-crust and have just the right amount of cheese and yummy toppings. Recommended for weeknight bar food for neighborhoodies. I def. wouldn't make a trip here if you're in another neighborhood. These places are a dime a dozen.
(3)
Leo L.
Everything was pretty average at Dunlay's. My mushroom soup was delicious yet no warm enough, the $5 cheeseburger special was served on a overly doughy bun and the fries were very forgettable. Three stars because the waitress was very nice and the patio is great place for people watching.
(3)
Steve M.
We were out looking for some breakfast and since the place around the corner was packed we decided on Dunlays. I ordered the breakfast burrito which was excellent and I especially liked the hash brown casserole. It definitely had some secret ingredients in it. The girlfriend had the spinach, bacon, and mushroom omelette which was good. It did seem a little pricey for just breakfast but otherwise I will definitely go again. Service was good.
(3)
Tisha W.
Apparently some people love this place and others hate it. I personally like it. I was sad to see the Boulevard Cafe close, but I lived near Dunlay's for a year so I had plenty of opportunities to check it out. It may not hold a candle to Boulevard's Sunday brunch buffet, but I was always pleased with the food here and consistently received good service. On Wednesdays they have $4 burgers and fries, which is quite a bargain because the portions are huge and I think it is one of the most flavorful burger and fries combos in the city. Other can't misses: the veggie burger. the garlic mashed potatoes, and the pizza. While the place may be a little bland or yuppy, it adds a something different to the area. That is, it's a good midpoint between Lula's uniqueness and Johnny's Grill's classic greasy spoon vibe.
(4)
Ingrid G.
BRUNCH UPDATE, or a BRUP-DATE!: The breakfast sandwich with the fried egg is awesome. Do not get the eggs florentine. Trust me. Dunlays: the place you go when you can't get into Lula and you are with people who won't dig the authenticity of Johnny's grill. Dunlays: the place you go on a weekend night when you are too lazy to leave the neighborhood and you think Streetside might be too loud or crowded Dunlays: not so bad, but not great either.
(3)
Aaron M.
Yes I am giving Dunlay's On The Square a 5 Star. But this 5 Star is only for their BRUNCH menu, service, atmosphere, and drinks ONLY! I have never eaten here at night but this is our go to place for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. We love Dunlay's so much that we will chant with anticipation the night before for their freakin' awesome hash browns. The atmosphere at Dunlay's during the morning is exceptional anytime of the year. Be in the middle of summer outside on the patio or during the dead of winter inside a cozy booth, Dunlay's does it right. They have a long comfortable bar with a number of quality unintrusive flat screens. Some people might complain that Dunlay's is too "corporate" or "yuppie". Well it sucks to suck because their pride is making them miss out on one hell of a brunch. Service at Dunlay's is almost always on point. The wait staff is friendly, informative, and for the most part prompt. Sometimes during brunch it does get busy but the best thing about their waitstaff is that they operate as a team. Severs are always running other servers drinks, food, or small things like menus or ketchup. It makes a big difference in the atmosphere and dining experience. Drinks at Dunlay's are a tad pricy but worth it. Bloody Marys are average on the taste side but actually have a decent pour of vodka in them. The mimosas are also a good pour with the glass being three quarters champagne. Mixed drinks are decent and they have a decent stock of draft and bottled beers. Their wine list is lacking but I doubt that is their main focus. The fried egg sandwich. What to say about the fried egg sandwich. Before Dunlay's I had never tried a fried egg sandwich and experimented on the resounding choruses of praise it received from everyone I knew. Suffice it to say, they were so right. This sandwich is in no way healthy but perfect hangover food or perfect for a "I just want an awesome egg sandwich" mood. Now moving on to the hash browns. These are unlike any hash browns I have ever had and are just decadent. The rest of the menu is good to great with a good range of omlettes and vegetarian choices. Prices are a little more expensive but they are certainly worth it. I want to just reiterate that my 5 star review of Dunlay's is solely for their brunch menu. I recommend that everyone at least checks it out and gives it a chance.
(5)
tracy j.
I heart your fried egg sandwhich. I'm thinking about making a t-shirt with "Dunlay's fried egg sandwhich" on it.
(4)
Rachel H.
I gave this place a try when I lived in Logan Square and it's just ok. The chicken sandwich is very juicy and I liked the beer selection but it's nothing special. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I love the chocolate chip cookie sundae. My complaints: Small menu selection and they really should tell you that the wild rice is cold, yuck.
(4)
Kate D.
We went here after trekking out to Logan Square to try brunch at Lula, only to find it closed. As one of my dining companions put it, it's a very good consolation prize. The coffee is allegedly very good (I don't drink coffee, but my friends say so) and I can vouch that the food is really pretty good. I had an omlet with goat cheese and lots of veggies that really hit the spot, but the highlight of all our meals was probably the creamy cheesy hashbrowns. Prices were on the high side of reasonable. Not a destination spot, but pretty good if you're in the neighborhood anyway.
(4)
Beebe G.
after reading a few of the reviews on dunlays, it's a shame those who had a bad service experience didn't get to enjoy the time my husband and i had on a warm sunday morning during memorial day weekend when our first choice for breakfast did not work out. i remembered my daughter telling me about dunlays so we headed to logan square. dunlays' location is ideal right in the heart of logan square just down the block from cute shops and other restaurants. i was also in favor of their dog-friendly patio so we were able to bring in ziggy in the outdoor area. he loved it! their service wasn't half bad; the cute blonde who waited on us was very nice and all the other servers were helping each other's tables with coffee and/or water refills. dunlays has a pretty good brunch menu selection too. i ordered strange daze omelette and my husband had the palmer square omelette which we both enjoyed. it was a beautiful start to our sunday!
(3)
Moe f.
Alright place with great bar food.. When Lula's wait is too long, this is a nice alternative. Iike the egg sandwich and burger. In summer, the outside area is very kid friendly.
(3)
Heather S.
This a great place to stumble to when I didn't feel like venturing out of Logan Square. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it's still a fun place to meet friends for a drink or two, and the cookie in the skillet is to die for!
(3)
Megan O.
I love their Sunday brunch Bloody Mary's. I have had many in Chicago, and these are great. They have meat in them, for Christ's sake. And their breakfast potatoes are stupendous. Creamy, savory, delicious. Drawbacks - Despite the great food, the decor is mediocre, and it is a bit pricey. Though not compared to Lula's around the corner. While I love Lula's, this is still a bit cheaper. Without the local farm advantage.
(4)
Deborah M.
This is my local pub/eatery. They have great salads, good burgers and a wonderful egg sandwich for that Sunday morning after too much fun on a Sat night. The staff is friendly and they pour an honest cocktail. I like them.
(4)
Jonathan C.
Nicely maintained and set up. Looks like lincoln park/new wicker park bar. Woops, priced like one too. Specials make it worth it, breakfast has really nice hash browns (cheesy).
(3)
Kristen S.
Dunlay's on the Square is a casually nice restaurant right on Logan's Square. The walls of this restaurant feature local Chicago-themed art, and the food is pretty good. Not fancy, but not too casual either. Steak is pretty decent and they have a good collection of wines and other bar options. The meal is good, and the service is decent. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but if you're in the neighborhood, you should stop by.
(4)
Nathan W.
Man-Brunch part duex: I had oatmeal pancakes and fresh fruit. Overall the menu seemed a little light on choices. Our server was very nice and personable. This location is a good choice if waiting an hour to have alcohol with breakfast doesn't appeal to you.
(3)
Melissa C.
Try the fried edd sandwich with hashbrowns. If you don't like red onions specify no onions b/c there are plenty on the sandwich. Both the sandwich & hashbrowns were delicious. The hashbrowns are actually more of a hashbrown casserole, they are creamy. I ate my whole dish and did not eat the rest of the day I was so full. The only bad thing about my experience was that I called my order in to go. They said it would be ready in 15 minutes. I arrived just in about that only to find my order was not ready. I am pretty sure they forgot to put it in b/c i had to wait 20 minutes for it. Luckily there was a seat at the bar so I could sit & wait. I wish they would of offered water or coffee while I waited, but I can only hope. I give the food 5 stars, but the service 2. At least 2 different people apologized for the wait.
(3)
Jennifer K.
It was hard for me at first, several years ago, to accept this place, seeing as how I used to frequent this same place when it was called the Boulevard Cafe. I had way too many good times at the Blvd. to count. However, now that I live within walking distance of Dunlay's, I have to say my feelings have changed. I have gone in the summertime for burgers and beer and brought my dog to sit outside with us (Dunlay's provides the water :) I have also gone on Thursday nights for $5 martini night with friends, and most recently have been going for brunch. I must say, the fresh fruit pancakes are one of the best things this place has to offer-one of the best brunches in the city too, especially with those crazy cheesy rosemary potatoes they offer. I mean, most places just give you fried potatoes or hash browns, but Dunlays really steps to the plate with their offerings. Love love love it.
(5)
Nana H.
I'm giving this place 3 stars- as it is AVERAGE, at best. For our neighborhood however, it is probably the only place to get a decent hamburger and on wednesday they are half off ( ends up being $4). The burger is good, the fries are what bring it home! The atmosphere is very yuppy/sporty - but that doesnt mean you hipsters have to ban the place, get some food and get out. I have known servers who work there- and they are fully aware it is not the coolest place to work- but come on....they have a bar and its better then johnny's!
(3)
Nick C.
Relaxed environs and a great patio that is pooch-friendly. This is a standard stop (weekly in the summers). Food is tasty, diverse menu. Try the special or the handmade veggie burger and make sure to grab an organic smoked pigs ear for the canine companion in your group. Check the daily specials!
(4)
Leang E.
I was looking at buying a condo out in this neighborhood, and stopped by this place to talk with my Broker and his wife about the place. It was a nice place to sit outside, eat, and drink. It happened to be half off wine night, and we had a delicious red zin. I tried the beer cheese and chips which were nice and spicy. I also had a house salad with chicken. It was pretty decent. The indoors reminded me of the similar seating set up at The Grill on Wilson and Lincoln. The service was as good as could be expected, and it seemed to be an easygoing and diverse crowd. It's what you would expect at a typical bar. I'd come again if I was in the neighborhood.
(3)
Coralie Z.
The Wrightwood Salad. Get it. You're welcome:)
(5)
Mary M.
Favorite reliable comfort food in the neighborhood, bar none. Maybe the city? Add-your-own macaroni and cheese, savory and satisfying salads, nicely done fish. Of course burgers and chicken too. The wines are great, and somehow they always have a glass of something sparkling to fit my mood. Beer list is solid, with plenty of experimental ones blended with standbys. Also, I've rarely had to wait for a table, and come to think of it, I've never not sat in a booth. The stars always align with Dunlays, and I'm always happy I came.
(5)
Jason H.
We took a long leisurely stroll all the way to Logan Square and wanted to try a new place. We took a shot with Dunlays. OMG - we were not dissapointed! I had the french toast, a mimosa and bacon. The french toast was made with an french baquette bread and had been dipped in an orange liquor and served with a maple butter spread (heavenly). Ben had a great grilled chicken sandwich with just right thin crispy fries. We will indeed go back. The waitress was super nice and super friendly. Oh, check out the bathroom faucets. I want them in my bathroom. So darn cool.
(5)
Nicole B.
Yum yum yum! Their food is outstanding and filling! You will not leave disappointed! The fried egg sandiwch is so simple yet amazing and their creamy hasbrowns are out of this world! Favorite brunch restaurant, love the side car beer with my Bloody Mary. Waitstaff are friendly and greet you promptly too.
(5)
Ashley T.
I go to this location a lot. They keep changing my favorites on the dinner menu so for dinner I give it 3 stars but today was my first time trying their brunch...I'm so sad it took me this long! First off, let's start with the monkey bread. So very good. So worth it. Get it and be happy! Then the hash browns. I was not expecting them to be as good as they were. Creamy with a hint of Rosemary. Very tasty!!!!! I didn't drink alcohol at this meal so I can't speak to the cocktails, but the fresh squeezed OJ satisfied! I will be back!
(5)
Chicago A.
Sad to say, but Dunlay's has lost its touch. I dined in house this after noon and was sD to discover this neighborhood go-to spot was not good at all. The veggie burger which used to be the best in the city just taste like brown rice, the service was bad and I don't know if we'll be back. Bummer because it used to be so good.
(2)
Brianna M.
Let me preface this by saying that I am only giving Dunley's on the Square 2 stars because of food (the food is for the most part delicious), the service and staff on the other hand is GODAWFUL. After our last visit to Dunley's, my boyfriend and I will most likely not be coming back. After being seated promptly our server passed us several times and did not acknowledge us or even bring us water for over 15 minutes. When she finally came around she was extremely blunt and rude. She looked miserable as if she didn't want to be there. Even after our meal was dropped off she would walk past our table without even so much as a glance over at us. The visit before that was even worse. Again we sat at our table for about 15 minutes before a server even came over to greet us (this time the place was dead). Server was short and dismissive. The group we were with had to order two drinks at a time because the server made herself so scarce. As the cups and plates built up, no one came to clear the table and there was no room for anything else. We had to complain to a manager and he was even more unhelpful and seemed annoyed that we asked to have empty cups and plates taken off the table.
(2)
Jeff J.
Chocolate chip cookie dessert is to die for. Caramel drizzle on top of vanilla ice cream and a hot out if the oven cookie... Yes please. Also love their food in general. For me this is the kind of restaurant we go to when we want to not me disappointed and just want to relax.
(5)
Nicki P.
Just had dinner here tonight and it was lovely. For starters we opted for the lobster deviled eggs, mainly because who wouldn't try them? ! They did not disappoint, even a kick of unexpected spice at the finish, which was great! For mains, I went with the roasted chicken which was amazing, fall off the bone tender and actually besides the drumstick, it didn't have any bones which was a pleasant surprise. The chicken rested atop a heaping scoop of garlic mash and grilled asparagus, a really tasty dish. My dad went for the Mac and cheese with Italian sausage and peas, pretty good but not nearly as good as mine. I will definitely be back, yum!
(4)
Dre L.
Went to dunlays today. Had the Cuban! Great atmosphere lots of fun and accommodating service. Thanks Dunlay's!!!
(5)
Kim S.
Best hashbrowns I have ever had! The only qualm I have with this place is that they don't serve breakfast on the weekdays.
(4)
Jamie J.
First of all you have to get the Housemade Monkey Bread. Served in a skillet with cinnamon, sugar and cream cheese frosting. Went there for brunch to treat two of my AMAZING friends for just being awesome. They both have babies so we wanted to be somewhere that would be comfortable and hopefully not wait long for a table, but also have enough space. We were able to get a booth right away. The server was patient as we said our hellos and picked out what we want. I can't remember her name but she had long blond hair in a messy braid and wore really cool glasses. We all really enjoyed our food. My one friend ordered the Fried Egg Sandwich but asked for her eggs to be scrambled. The sandwich did not come out as she asked. The runner immediately took her plate, the manager stopped by to apologize and then the manager returned to deliver the sandwich in a very short amount of time with another apology! Great way to handle the situation! Mistakes happen and we felt they acknowledged it and fixed it right away. The only negative comment I have is that I sent the restaurant an email (which the email is on their website) on Thursday morning saying we were coming in with two babies and wondered if it would be comfortable environment for them. No response. I wasn't expecting a guaranteed reservation. I just gave them an opportunity to make a connection with a guest and they chose to ignore it. The place was full of families and kids on a Saturday so it would have actually been a very easy response. I still recommend this place just suggest that they take the time to respond to questions via email if they are going to have the email posted for potential guest to reach out to them. Such an easy way to make potential guests feel welcome before they even step foot into the door. Guest service 101! At least the staff on that shift got it!
(4)
Sarah S.
I went here on St. Patrick's Day and I have to say that based on their food, drinks and service I rate them the bee's knees. My friend and I split the mac & cheese entree for $13. You can pick two ingredients they throw in from a pretty long list of choices. It was hard to settle on two but we went with mushrooms & bacon in the end...bacon makes everything better. Dunlay's was nice enough so split the mac & cheese into two bowls for us! Aw, sweetness. And it was genuinely good mac and cheese. It was very creamy, cheesey without being too rich - I finished every single bite! Sadly this Irish place didn't have jigs playing nor leprechauns running around, but they did have a special Corned Beef & Cabbage dish that my friends got and loved. They also have $5 special Irish beers and we had a couple rounds of those. My friend couldn't handle a full pint so they were nice enough to bring her a mini glass gratis! Props to Dunlays. Dunlays is a great place for a drink & some grub in Logan Square and I'll def be back. They looked to have some good breakfast options I'd like to try!
(5)
Alexandria G.
I had breakfast in the afternoon here. It was busy when I walked in but died down quickly after 2 pm. I had an amazing smoked pork hash. I don't even like hollandaise sauce but this was a bacon-hollandaise. ::kisses fingers:: it was so good.
(5)
april w.
Good brunch place in Logan square. They have pretty good monkey bread! And huge burgers with lots of condiments. I got a fried chicken Benedict which was delicious! And came with hash browns, which were more soggy than I was used to, but still not bad. We came in a group of 10, so we called ahead.
(5)
Julie Y.
Ate here for the first time twice last weekend. Sat got a the wrightwood salad and it was really good. Thinly sliced chicken, avocado, corn, almonds, craisins and goat cheese really made this salad amazing. Asked for a side of jalapeños and they legit game me a whole one. Not even sliced up or anything which I found weird. But..Everything just went together well in the salad. Second time..Came here the next morning for brunch and ordered a couple different things. Spinach dip was so good I couldn't stop eating it. The smoked salmon started was really good as well. Then I just ordered a pancake, one egg and some fruit that was good. My friend got the strange daze omelette and said the hollandaise sauce was good on it but there was way too much cheese and it took over the entire meal. -and he likes cheese too. So I guess it you're really in the mood for some cheese that would be a good option for you. It was just everywhere though even in the potatoes. His Bloody Mary was really good too! Cute place for brunch, a little stuffy and loud but food was great.
(4)
J P.
Amazing caramel cinnamon skillets of Monkey Bread happiness paired with a Bloody Mary or Not Your Father's Rootbeer makes the perfect brunch! For the next course be sure to get the hash browns as your side--cheesy herby goodness!!!
(5)
Alex G.
I just moved to Logan Square from Phoenix and Dunlays is one of the few places that I've been to more than once. I came for brunch on a Sunday and was seated right away. It is a classier bar and was glad my boyfriend and I could watch football. I forget the name of my sandwich but it had fried egg on it. It was good but next time I would order the egg over hard and without cheddar. My boyfriend had tasty French toast and we shared a pitcher of sangria. After eating we decided to hang out a bit to watch the game and later ordered spinach dip which was also good. Service was attentive. We went last night. Roasted chicken wasn't my favorite but food was overall great and our server was exceptional! Plus $5 wine night. We will be back often.
(4)
Jaime G.
Good breakfast option in Logan Square. Reasonable prices, outdoor seating, and good menu. Really good menu in fact. Try the breakfast burrito with pork, guac, cheese, and eggs (get them poached). Love love love. Also try the skillet corn bread and french toast. I liked this a lot and will come back for more.
(4)
Sierra D.
Our last two visits were mediocre. We got 4 asparagus as a side. My green beans were cold. Our waitress failed to tell us you were out of the short ribs, I was set on having them so that was disappointing. We had to get up to find our server for refills and she still didn't see us. We will probably start frequenting another location.
(3)
Andrew S.
Unbelievably awesome hash browns. Fried chicken Benedict is awesome. Great Bloody Mary.
(4)
Elizabeth F.
Enjoyed a visit to Dunlays on the Square with a couple of girlfriends & my 3 week old son. We chose Dunlays because while it has a great menu & atmosphere for grown-ups, the establishment is very kid-friendly. When we walked in, we immediately noticed other families with small children seated in the restaurant. We were offered a high chair, but my son is still so tiny he just rests in his car seat. We were given a sling that stands next to the table & holds the car seat for you at a perfect height. My little sweetheart rested like an angel. My gal pals & I all ordered coffee, which came quickly. Our waitress then took our orders, our dishes came out shortly after - & our waitress disappeared. We were really interested in a second cup of coffee, & we finally stopped another waitress who met our waitress-seeking gaze. We asked her for more coffee & a carry out box. By now, we assumed our waitress was off duty for the evening. No dice! She eventually reemerged, smelling obviously of her lengthy cigarette break. At one point I excused myself to the ladies room... as I walked past the bar & kitchen, a wet towel flew through the air & smacked me on the side of the head. I looked around in shock to discover a busboy had thrown it; probably playfully towards the people working behind the bar. Only it didn't land at the bar, but against my FACE. Disgusting. The man who seemed to be acting as manager that night was standing right next to said busboy when the towel took flight, but no one offered an apology. Super weird. Other than wishing for coffee, an absent waitress, & the flying dish rag we enjoyed our food. My gal pals each ordered a fresh brussel sprout salad. I had an order of their edamame & cilantro hummus, with a side of spicy green beans. When we had coffee, it was dark & tasty. I appreciate a restaurant like Dunlays that affords me the grown-up time I need, but allows considerations for children. Just watch your six, & don't lose your waitress.
(3)
Jake S.
Somebody asks "where's a good brunch spot in Logan Square?" I say Dunlay's. Hashbrown fan? Think again, you're not a hashbrown fan, because you haven't eaten Dunlay's hashbrowns. Take someone you like to brunch here, grab a mimosa or two, chill on their sweet patio, right by the square monument and order hashbrowns. Give them a try and you'll probably be writing some good reviews yourself about this joint.
(4)
Matt B.
Dunlays on the Square is my go-to when I want to get a nice cold draft and burger. Nothing satisfies me more than Dunaly's in that regard. I sometimes go alone and sit at the bar to enjoy the scene. On many occasions I have ordered take out which has been a positive experience. Wednesday night is their burger special and they have Oberon on draft. Talk about a blissful experience to unwind from a workday.
(4)
Ginny P.
A good spot for consistently good food and drinks. A place to go for dinner with family or friends. I love the Wrightwood Salad! I will take it to-go for lunch sometimes. I also recommend their Turkey Burger! This is good place for brunch, too. The wait is usually non existent or minimal most times. All around this is a great place to hit in Logan Square. Room for improvement: music.
(4)
Jose C.
Yes, Dunlay's has good burger specials, drinks, and is located in a very convenient area. The interior is nicely set up and the patio is just as fun. Dog-friendly outside, so if you find yourself feeling guilty for leaving the pooch at home each time you go out, just head to Dunlay's. Yes, you'll have to contend with hipsters - mostly snobby suburban or out of state transplants (or maybe you are one of those yourself), but, in this area it is hard not to run into them (unless they're on a bicycle). What stood out for me on my last visit (yesterday evening), was the fact that the whole block had been experiencing a power outage, yet Dunlay's still offered a limited menu and drinks. Management and staff were apologetic but couldn't have been any more welcoming. We decided to stuff our faces with guac and chips and then wash it down with some nice wine. But then it rained out of nowhere, and staff offered to assist us in moving to the inside even though we insisted to stay out there under the umbrella. Good people. If you're in the area, try them out.
(4)
Shereene M.
Stopped in for an appetizer and drink. We tried a couple cocktails and the cheese dip. Both really good! Can't wait to check back in.
(4)
Lauren F.
I've been here twice now, gotten the same meal each time: bloody mary with an omelette, hash browns and toast. Seriously, everything is so dead on. The bread is thick, hash browns are ooey gooey great and the omelette has a beautiful hollandaise on top. (I forget the name of this omelette specifically, has thick bacon in it as well) The bloody mary is a good one. I'm not one for spiciness so if you're looking for a hot one this might not be the place for you. (Revolution's is very spicy) Overall, a great meal and for a good price. The service is meh only because they seem understaffed. Certainly very nice and helpful when you need them though.
(4)
Brittney H.
I think I've written numerous reviews for this place. Since then I have become a regular at Dunlays. I mean that I go here multiple times a week. I am never disappointed. The service is friendly even on busy nights. The drinks are always delicious - but Dunlays, why do you now deprive me of your adult cherry coke? I realize that most grown adults don't want to be seen ordering something so embarrassing but I have no shame and it's delicious. Give it back! Without fail I always order the Brussel Sprout Salad and the Turkey Burger. Every time I eat the salad, which is around 10 times a month (look at me - I can do math), I find myself saying "This salad is always amazing!" It's almost baffling. To top all of this - the weekly specials are incredibly reasonable. $5 Turkey and Veggie burgers on Mondays. $5 Wine on Tuesdays. Half Price Burgers on Wednesday. Some beer special on Thursdays that I could not care less about. Also, within walking distance from my house. So many points for you Dunlays!
(5)
Theresa L.
I went with the boyfriend there on a Sunday afternoon for brunch. The reason we chose the place was because we didn't want to wait for half an hour to be seated at Jam. We checked in and we got seated within less than five minutes. I ordered a fried chicken benedict with sriracha hollandaise, and my boyfriend ordered an omelette that contained mushrooms (I can't recall the name of the dish at the moment) as well as a Sangria. Both dishes came with a side - hash or fruit. We both chose hash. My boyfriend enjoyed his dish because he could taste the mushrooms really well, but it was a bit salty for both of our tastes. The "fried chicken" was a in actuality a thin slice of chicken with breading, but I have to admit, it was a good portion size for me. I did not know what to make of the sriracha hollandaise. I know sriracha has become a new thing in the american market and people are going stir crazy over it, but sometimes, it just doesn't work. For me band most other asians, we grew up with this stuff and have been using them in our households for more than two decades. And then there were the potatoes. I love anything potato - mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, fries, potato pancakes, hashbrowns, shepherd's pie - and the list goes on. The hash was good the first few bites and then it just didn't agree with my taste buds or my stomach. It just started tasting weird and unappetizing after a while which I don't know if it attributes to the more than generous amount of cream or cheese product they put in there. Also the waiters... Although friendly, not the attentive sort. The only time the waitress came was to take our orders, deliver our food, and ask if we were ready for the bill. The thing that also bugged me was that you can't tell who is a waiter!! There doesn't seem to a set uniform there to single them out. The only reason I knew our waiter was one was because she asked for our order. I don't even think she gave us a name. I was going to give it a three but the fact that they I didn't enjoy my potatoes and I was confused as to who to ask for a water refill made it a two star place. Another thing to be noted, although the have a bar and serve libations during the day, there are quite a good amount of babies and toddlers present, which creates a very unique ambience.
(2)
Emily H.
Getting to Dunley's right as they open in the morning is a wise choice for the weekend. The prompt arrival gets you prime seating, an attended coffee cup and excellent service for breakfast or brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating gives me great hope for summer visits. The food is very tasty and comes in appropriate portions. The sides mix it up with some classic breakfasting fare and some unusual additions. The omelets remind me of Frasca's Sunday Brunch fare with two notable exceptions - Twice the size and twice the quality. There's never a bite that just lacks all the key ingredients/spices, so the chefs at Dunleys know how to wield a whisk and portion judiciously, a rarity when it comes to the recent rush into the breakfast scene by restaurants who don't give a crap about actual cooking. Dunley's tries none of the fatal skimps that many trendy restaurants tend to do. Brunching drinks are reasonably priced and reasonably sized. Cream for coffee is fresh and butter is on the table without a fuss. The coffee is strong, and refilled often along with the water. The service staff aren't trying to hurry anyone along or steal your plate away from you before you are done to accelerate the chuck-n-stuff process of customer replacement. Plus, the final bill won't cost you a car payment! The restaurant's interior makes even the noisy hubbub bearable and spread out enough to have a conversation. Dunley's hits all of my Musts and most of my Maybes.
(5)
Steven N.
I'm giving it a four for the service - which was outstanding. The manager goes around and makes sure every table is happy and has everything they need. I've only been for brunch so I will speak on that. I had the eggs Benedict twice - it's quite good. Please try the potato breakfast cakes. They're mashed potatoes that have been fried patty style. Really tasty and definitely worth the extra bit of cash. Although I was happy with what I ordered, my friends did not like their choices as much. They all, ironically, had the breakfast sandwich. I did not taste it but not one of them enjoyed the sandwich all that much. However, the bloody mary is phenomenal. One of the better ones I've had - they actually use a mix that they created. It's now owned by a distributor but the recipe, according to the manager, has remained the same. I would definitely go again.
(4)
Kendrick W.
So Dunlay's has been around a while and it's not as posh and trendy as all the other joints that have sprung up in the past few years. But what Dunlay's has is good and consistent food and drinks. The staff is pleasant and there's plenty of space which helps with how long you have to wait. The other bonus is that in a neighborhood full of men who have beards but couldn't tell you the difference between a nail, they seem to have been drawn away to the other locations. The lack of ironic mustache's is a plus.
(4)
J. F.
I went because I saw on TV -Chicago's Best that this was supposedly a family-oriented restaurant & good food. I decided to stop in today about 2pm to try the famous (Skillet Cookie)...When I arrived at the restaurant there was neither service inside or outside. I stepped into the restaurant to see if I could find a waiter/waitress (server) but did not see anyone. Decided to sit al fresco and finally a waitress walked right by me, she was very obnoxious and didn't care about anything. I waited about 15 min to finally get her attention, menus, etc. due to the wait I decided not to order Just the skillet and nothing else. She stepped up to me and asked quickly what will it be? I ordered the skillet politely. Now the skillet was good. But not something that would make me want to go again to deal with such bad/poor service. After eating, I looked at the waitress politely asked her for the bill, she gave me the bill quickly. I paid in cash, waited a long while to see if she'd pick up the payment. I had to literally go inside the restaurant to see if I can tell somebody that I had paid and that it was on the table. Needless to say, the skillet wasn't all that plus the absolute worst service is not worth ever visiting again. I'll take my money elsewhere where it will be much appreciated.
(1)
Jen K.
We went here for a pre New Years Eve dinner. Loved the atmosphere and the openness of the restaurant. The service was very good. The food was tasty and pretty simple. They had a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie that was delicious. Lots of different things to try. Decent beer menu. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Steve F.
Three of us came in for an early dinner. Service was excellent -- cheerful, attentive, got everything right, happily accommodated my cousin's unusual request regarding handling of the check. I had the barbecue ribs -- fall-off-the-bone tender, delicious. If you're a big fan of sauce, ask for extra. They brought it to me in a labeled plastic squeeze bottle, so it obviously wasn't housemade. I like the redder, sweeter barbecue sauce rather than the oranger, more tomato-y kind, but this was a good compromise between the two. Mashed potatoes were clearly fresh and delicious, not powdered. Atmosphere nice, and my cousin could watch a football game on the TVs over the bar without it overtaking the environment for all of us. The buzz in the 'hood is that this is a great breakfast place too, and I intend to come back and check that out.
(4)
Emma G.
Food: Fantastic! Some of my favorite skinny crispy french fries with a delicious veggie burger. Drinks were great and priced well. Ambiance: Inside was too cold and outside was too windy not that that's the restaurants fault. It was an in between day weather wise and we would've needed jackets to sit inside the restaurant and outside was so windy the salt and pepper flew off tables and shattered on the ground. Otherwise both inside and outside were set up really nice and comfortable. Service: Started okay but then got worse. It was like if a friend said they'd help you build something then it got cold or dark and they just stopped coming outside to help you. Server asked us to sit somewhere clean but with other people sitting at tables that blocked the only clean tables we moved which pissed off the server. Then after we got our food we never saw him again and had to flag down the only other outside server. Took an eternity to get our second drinks. Overall great food with tons of great options for drink specials and food which change often but the service was lack luster. I'd still go again, and again though.
(4)
D Q.
Ambience and service was great. Nice that it wasn't packed, even on a Saturdya night. Food (at least what I ordered -- the fried chicken with fries) was just ok. Everyone was happy with their drinks/cocktails, and the key lime pie got rave reviews.
(3)
Neamen L.
Big fan of their breakfast. Had the french toast which did not use normal "toast" bread but the bread they used was very good. The omelet was also good. Portions are huge and big enough to share one meal. The price is cost effective as well.
(4)
Brent G.
Stopped in for a brunch after mass. We've been to the sister restaurant on Clarke (loved the blue cheese nachos there...sadly gone from the menu) and wanted to try the Logan Square option. After waiting for a while to get in, we were then seated in a comfortable booth. Service was friendly and prompt. I had four young children with me and among the five of us tried the daily special chilaquiles, monkey bread, buffalo shrimp and the kids french toast and cheese pizza. Monkey bread: bomb. Seriously. It's a Cinnabon on steroids. Amazing. Everything else was good; standard but good. Great for kids.
(4)
Jess S.
This placed opened up and thought "now there *really* goes the neighborhood." Yet my very-independent-minded friends who lived nearby brought me here time and time again (gotta love those weekday specials). I was never disappointed, but never blown away either. I guess I wasn't ready to accept this Lincoln Park transplant, however I definitely softened up to the place over time and now include in my list of considerations for dinner and a drink around the square on a weeknight. It's "a-ok" but not a favorite.
(3)
Vivian Y.
Dropped in here last night (Tues) after an atrocious volleyball game and was ready for a beer. My first visit and it was a gorgeous night! Considering the three of us were in sweaty tee's - we opted to sit outside where we could airdry and enjoy an icy cold beer. (by the way, there is a sign on their door that says, "20 wines for $20" - what a DEAL! (lol, I'm kidding, I understand what it means, but I think they may have worded it wrong???) Anyway, I spotted a margerhita pizza on the menu - YUMMMMMY!!! it was AWESOME! Made from a woodfire oven - the super thin crust was topped with pesto,cheese, sweet pizza sauce, cherry tomatoes and arugula. One of the best pizza's I've had! It was just what I was expecting and it didn't disappoint!!! Next time, I'm going back to try the ceviche and maybe their ribs! My only crticism - it smelled like sewage every now and again - whenever the wind blew from the right angle. Maybe I'll bring a sweater and sit INSIDE instead.
(4)
Michael F.
Dunlay's has good beer, a nice atmosphere and outdoor seating. You can usually find a seat any night of the week though it may be at the bar. The drawback of this place is that the drinks are too pricey.
(4)
laura heather h.
OMG BREAKFAST POTATOES!!!!!!!!! I don't know what they do to them, but hot damn those are the best potatoes I have ever had at a breakfast joint. Other than that pretty typical..... more expensive than I usually care to pay. The Palmer Square omlette is darn good too. Their bloody marys trip my trigger when I feel like splurging. But seriously.... the potatoes are AMAZING.
(4)
erin k.
I was really here for $5 glasses of wine, after a quick trip to the Logan Square Auditorium. After a few glasses I realized how very long my bike ride home was going to be if I didn't consume some sort of solid sustenance. Okay, so let me just say that the beer cheese appetizer is probably on par with casual sex as a way to flirt with your own demise. You know, "oh I should not be doing this" as you reach for another chip, attractive stranger, whatever.
(3)
Molly P.
Dunlay's is just a good, good spot. The food is tasty (breakfast burrito with pulled pork is reeeediculously good) and the wait staff are pleasant and attentive. The decor is nice & in the summer they open up the front so it has really open & breezy feel. Thursdays they have live music too. Probably not a destination bar but if you're in the neighborhood, it is a relaxed, dependable place for a few beers and bite.
(5)
Adam A.
My wife and I stopped here for dinner one evening. She got the hamburger and I got the grilled chicken sandwich. She seemed to like the hamburger and the fries she got were pretty tasty. I found the chicken sandwich over-seasoned, with a tangy taste to it. I got the parmesan-garlic mashed potatoes as my side and was not impressed. I like skins in my potatoes, but these skins were very large. Also the potatoes came out lukewarm and in my mind there is nothing worse than cold potatoes. I'd be willing to give it another try, but it's definitely not on the top of my list.
(2)
Vincent T.
A favorite place that never feels rushed. The food is above average (the meat loaf and burgers in particular, though they have veggie stuff that is equally good), the drinks are fun (the 'beer flights' in particular) and the staff is attentive and courteous. Special note: try the big hot chocolate chip cookie with the ice cream. July 2009: I'm going to knock this down a star, as Dunlays has introduced music nights on Tuesdays. The music, both times I experienced it, just didn't fit the conversations-with-friends vibe that the other six days at the restaurant provide. It is a needless addition. Sometime in 2011: I'm upping this back up to 5 stars because not only is the music gone, but I have had occasion to host parties of 15+ on numerous occasions, and the Dunlays folks were brilliant every single time (up to an including running up separate tabs for everyone without being asked).
(5)
Katie P.
This place gets five stars in my book just based on the Fried Egg Sandwich. O-M-G! Really! It's the best! Especially with those Dunlay's potatoes on a Sunday morning. When the weather's nice and the patio is open we like to take the dog here. We always get her a pig's ear. She never eats it when where there... it think she's just trying to make the other dogs jealous and she wolfs it down the second we get home. If I'm here in the evening hours I really like the blackened fish sandwich. Good cocktails and Bloody Marys!
(5)
Andrew R.
One of my favorite places to hangout in Logan Square. The food is good, and they have great beers on tap. The staff really makes this place. Really cool, relaxed and great service. Dennis , the GM, is awesome. He helped me put together a last minute engagement celebration for fiance and me. We couldn't have asked for a better setup.
(4)
John S.
Great outdoor seating. It's a little pricey and at times they are out of things on the menu. I like that they have a dog water bowl outside.
(3)
A B.
It's not great, but it's not horrible either. I agree with the other reviewers who compared it to Chilis or Applebees. Although I think Dunlay's is slightly better. Anywho I definitely wouldn't go there on purpose but if you're hungry and Lula's is packed then Dunlay's will work just fine.
(3)
Keira S.
The meatloaf is droolworthy and worth heading over for. The brunch is not so hot. I got fresh-squeezed orange juice, took a swig, and ended up with a hunk of Saran Wrap lodged next to my uvula. Plus, the "art" on the walls is really, really embarrassing.
(3)
Jennifer J.
Many times before, I've liked Dunlays. They ahve a delicious veggie burger. But last week, when I met some friends for dinner, we had an awful experience. First, our waitress was awful. She rarely came to our table. By the end of the meal, when we had been waiting forever for her to come back for our payment, I finally had to get up from the table and take the bill and money to her. (She was busy sitting at a front table by the bar texting, eating and talking to her friends). Second, my friend ordered the chicken and it came out complete with feathers still attached. Horrified, she didn't eat anything. They did take the chicken off the check, but when the manager came to apologize he asked for a drink order from everyone (implying he was paying for a round of drinks) and then charged us for them. Really bad experience.
(2)
Tyler M.
I live in the area and this is a reliable place. I usually opt for the fish sandwich that I really enjoy. It comes with spicy mayonnaise and definitely has some kick. Other things I've repeat ordered has been the Wiseguy Pizza (caramelized onions and sausage) and the crab cakes - surprising good for a place with little seafood. I've never noticed a noise problem and have quite a few conversations here. Updated - They increased prices so minus a star.
(3)
Ji K.
My friend and I came by one Friday night because we were starving and couldn't think of any place else to go-- but we were quite pleased with our decision. The spinach artichoke dip is borderline heavenly, the blackened tilapia sandwich is quite good, and the crab cakes were the best I've had in Chicago. Unfortunately, we were in a hurry and couldn't stick around for drinks, but I would definitely come back here. Good stuff.
(4)
K U.
Dunlays on the Square is one of those places you crave on a 70 degree summer night!! It has a great outdoor seating area - that is VERY dog friendly! Not to mention they have amazing specials every night of the week - i.e. 1/2 price bottles of wine (great way to unwind with some girlfriends or your husband after work)!! I love their wrightwood salad and while I am not much of a burger person; I will order the burger at dunlays with a side of honey mustard (delicious)!! The Staff is always friendly and prompt... you may have to wait - but never for an excessive amount of time. While they may not have the best variety of wine, and its only a few steps up from pub food....... it's wonderful for those beautiful spring through fall evenings; and the food is simple, yet delicious!
(5)
jake d.
dunlays is pretty sweet. i went for the dinner menu and was kinda bummed on the prices of everything. but i found a chicken sandwich that was like 8 bucks i think so i went for that. and i'm glad i did. the chicken was very well prepared and perfectly seasoned. my girlfriend had the wrightwood salad and i munched on that with her and it was super good too. all in all it was a good experience. i'll most likely return when i get a bit of dough to spend.
(4)
K S.
A warm, melt-y chocolate chip cookie/pie dessert thing served in a pan, with vanilla ice cream. How can you go wrong with that??
(5)
Ben M.
I was unbelievably impressed with Dunlay's! I got the recommendation from a guy at my barber shop...Bucktown Barber, thanks for the Trim Norm ;-). So I had my sister coming into town with her husband and my 2 nieces for the weekend 7 and 4 years old. I needed a place that was kid friendly yet still a good meal and was racking my brain trying to come up with someplace that won't be super busy and that will still serve a good meal. Dunlay's was perfect! Very Nice environment. The wait staff was extremely accomidating when I called asking if they could have a table for 5 in 20 minutes...they even offered a booster chair for my youngest niece. The Food was very good, though my brother-in-law complained about his grilled artichoke appetizer he was elated with his Jambalya. Everyone else had a great meal. My sister fell in LOVE with the mashed potatos and my pork chop's were perfect. They had a kids menu, Which I have found hard to find any place that isn't a chain, it was simple and only had 5 or 6 items but honestly how adventurous are kids with food? My nieces split a cheese pizza and had IBC root beers. Did I mention this was on a Saturday night at 6:45. Seated right away, Great service, nice atmosphere, wonderful food, and kid friendly... Great dinner spot KUDO's to you Dunlay's On The Square!
(5)
Rachel W.
This is my second favorite restaurant in Chicago. Why? Because first of all, I love Logan Square. I have several friends that live there, and I have fallen in love with the neighborhood. Second, they have an amazing blue cheese burger (thanks to my son for discovering it!). Third, they have brunch and one of the best Bloody Mary's I've ever had-just the right amount of extra stuff, and yet it doesn't clog the straw! I love the patio in the summer-a great place to day drink and people watch (2 of my favorite things!)!
(5)
Heidi P.
I went here for the first time last night with a fellow Yelper. Great, great food--solid burgers and spinach dip and salads. Nice, dimly-lit atmosphere--my only complaint is how close the tables are to each other. If you get seated in the booths in the back, you are on top of the other tables and their meals.
(4)
Jim K.
Not a bad place. Sort of a nondescript bar/restaurant. If I didn't live so close to it, I'd probably never go there. That said, though, I do really like their hamburgers, and the garlic mashed potatoes is above average too. If they're busy the waitstaff can get a little overloaded and service will slow, but they seem aware of this problem and go out of their way to apologize, so that's cool too.
(3)
Nicholas G.
First let's address the "it's so vanilla" issue. While the crowd may not be that eclectic compared to other local restaurants, I don't think it's fair to compare it to Lula's either. If you've seen one table full of tattooed, ironic tee shirt, polyester sporting, tight pants wearing hipster with big sun glasses, well you've seen them all haven't you. (Disclaimer, this is not a knock on Lula's, which I personally love. In my opinion it has the best turkey sandwich, and the menu while not always something I may like, tries very hard and has some of they most creative dishes I've ever seen! Really, go there!!) So the crowd there might be considered "Ben and Jerry's Organic Vanilla." If you don't like the crowd, don't go there. If you miss your Boulevard Cafe, don't give Dunlay's just one star because it took it's place. On to the food...the egg sandwich for brunch on Sat./Sun. is really very good! I try to order new things every time, but it's comforting to know that the gf will always order this, and never be able to finish it. I also enjoy the pork, meatloaf, and cheeseburgers (especially when they are 1/2 off!). Based on other recommendations here I'll have to try the pizza as well. Nice beer and wine selection as well, and every time I've ordered a mixed drink it's been plenty strong enough for me. So why only 3 stars? Well I think they need to focus more on quality control in the kitchen, particularly portion sizes. Every time we order the meatloaf ,it's a crap shoot, 3 pieces? 4? 5? The first time we went i think it was 4 pieces, which was plenty and filled you up. Anything less and it gives you the feeling that they are trying to scrimp. The worst offense though, in my mind, is their Strawberry Ice Box pie. The first time we ordered that (right after it was added to the menu for summer) the piece was huge! A nice think crust, loads of strawberry ice cream, and whipped cream piled high topped with pieces of strawberry and sugar. At the risk of sounding like a pig it was so good we ordered another! Now unfortunately, if we are tempted to order two it's because the pieces have gotten so small, and the crust so thick you have to hammer through it with your fork. There is hardly any ice cream any more as well. A complete disappointment.... It's not like my first experience was mistake, the first couple of times the meatloaf/pie was the same, but then it began to shrink. Come on Dunlay's, I think you can do better then this!
(3)
J. M.
Dunlay's on the square is a great neighborhood pub. The staff is always friendly, personable and tentative. The food is delicious...love the burgers, sandwiches, and daily soup specials.
(4)
bernadette b.
all i have to say is: couldn't we do something a little more interesting with logan square? uncreatively worn khaki pants everywhere...with chambray shirts. where the hell did these people come from? i don't want to make this an altogether bad review. i have been treated very kindly by the staff and i have had some good appetizers. in the summer, i enjoy the patio (provided i'm not sitting to cigarette- nazi lady who doesn't understand why people are smoking outside at a BAR). the place is just so "clean"....ugh.
(3)
Stefanie L.
I like this place. You can't go wrong with the burger and I'm totally addicted to the grilled artichokes. Also, the chocolate chip skillet cookie is amazing!!!
(4)
Andrew P.
Ready to hate this place due to its fratty LIncoln Park feel (kinda like the old Boulevard, but with less fratty hippies), but I was pleasantly surpised. They actually hand make their veggie burgers. Also, bottles of wine are 1/2 price on Tuesday. Kinda loud, but still fun. If you want to to go a Lincoln Park restraunt, but live in Logan Square, you might as well go here.
(3)
S T.
Really the only thing about this place that has me returning is the location. It's close, you can get a table pretty quickly and they serve alcohol. Everything on the menu, the decor, and the vibe is about pretty vanilla. The one thing that always kills me is the music they're playing. I've only been on weekdays so maybe the weekend is different, but the music just does no fit. it's like listening to the B sides of the Top Gun soundtrack. The pizza's are pretty small but are good. The veggie burgers are somewhat filling at best. They don't taste horrible, just tasteless and they always fall apart. ask for extra napkins cause half of it will end up on your face or lap. No pitchers. I guess they're trying to be too "up scale" for that.
(2)
Kara M.
i love the dunlay's in lincoln park but now that i'm in logan square I wanted to find a place to ride my bike to in order to have brunch with a friend and dunlay's was the perfect distance...we went the same weekend as the Logan Square arts festival and there was nice music to fill the air as we sat semi outside. i had an omelet with hash browns and some sangria and though the omelet and the sangria were good, the real highlight was the cheesy hashbrowns...on the east coast we have waffle house and you can have hashbrowns smothered and covered and they are delish...so the hashbrowns here reminded me of those. though i felt the service was a little slow, overall we had a good brunch and i would def keep this place on my radar for a brunch visit
(3)
Allison C.
Yeah, bring on the stoning, I don't hate the place. Sometimes it's nice to be able to walk somewhere and get decent food that isn't Mexican (not that there is ANYthing wrong with Mexican food, yum) or too fancy with decent service. I've always had good service here, and the food's always been good. Sure, it's yuppie/Lincoln Park-y and sometimes the televised sports is a bit much, but sometimes you want a burger that isn't from McDonald's. I will probably use this place as one of my defaults until they open up more/different things in the 'hood...
(3)
Neha S.
Great food and atmosphere. I love the beer cheese! They have a late night menu which was incredibly cheap and amazing. I would love to give this place 5 stars, but the beer prices are too high. However, if you go for the late night menu, you can swap the money you save on their great food for their overpriced beer. Even deal!
(4)
Maggie V.
Love this place on Wednesday's when they have half-priced burgers w/ fries and glasses (maybe bottles?) of wine. The atmosphere and decor is cool and if you come late enough and stay long enough you can get a half-priced skillet cookie (which is probably worth the full price). I'm also partial to this place because of the Penn State connection.
(4)
Ed M.
I ventured to Dunlay's for sunday brunch and it left me with a bill clinton sized hard-on . The food here is intern-licking good! I guess the joint's considered more for its nightlife and bar scene, I gathered from you yelpers. But nay, its not my type of place. If i am to bar hop, logan square would not be my ideal choice. However brunch is brunch and the maple oatmeal pancakes at Dunlay's make me warm inside...and so does your mom.
(5)
Bianca J.
I will give the disclaimer that I wanted to go to Lula but it being a Sunday morning, Lula was impossible. So we went here instead. I wasn't inspired by the menu. Smoked Turkey eggs "Florentine" but no Benedict? (I'm sorry, turkey is not a breakfast meat!) I wound up getting the 2 egg breakfast because it seemed like a safe bet. The coffee was sludgy, the service was slow and our waitress had a cubs tattoo (okay, so I shouldn't rate a restaurant on the basis of the waitress's tattoos, but cubs tattoos offend me). Only grape jelly in the bucket of preserves and the first butter pat I opened had separated and gone rancid (fortunately they were nice enough to bring me fresh butter). The breakfast itself was fine, but not out of this world. The potatoes my boyfriend got were pretty delish, though- like mac n' cheese in potato form. Pretty mediocre overall, though maybe they've resigned themselves to serving the people who can't get into Lula and stopped trying?
(3)
Cortney C.
YUMMY! I've been here maybe a dozen times to eat/drink.The homemade veggie burger is delicious, it sorta falls apart while you are eating it but who cares, I don't mind being sloppy if it tastes good. The side options are great. I usually get the asparagus. I've also tried the fish sandwich, guac n' chips, margarita pizza, and the fish of the day entree. The drinks are reasonable. I've been there for 1/2 off wine night and I was not disappointed. The waitstaff is very friendly and they make great suggestions if you have no clue what you want. The atmosphere is laid back including colorful artwork, fresh flowers and even nice-smelling candles burning in the bathroom. The little things add up.
(5)
Crafty K.
I've never been here for breakfast so I don't have anything to note on that but I've been there at least a dozen times for dinner and drinks. I like this place. I love that I can get grilled asparagus as a side instead of fries. I really like their pizza. I like their meatloaf. I really can like their veggie burger - it has brown rice, walnuts and sweet potatoes in it. The problem with them is that it's completely inconsistent. Sometimes the burger is perfect and sometimes it's like they tried to stretch it by adding in more rice instead of all the other good stuff and then it totally falls apart all over your plate and doesn't taste as good. I just wish it was consistent because, on a good night, that veggie burger is splendid.
(4)
Ryan L.
This place is great! I love the happy hour food, and there are usually good deals on drinks. The soothing lighting helps you settle right in. kind of a bar for yuppies, which doesn't really match the neighborhood at all, but I still like to chill there.
(4)
susana e.
I've only gone to the Logan Square location. The waitstaff is nice, they have booths, regular tables, or you can sit at the bar, and in the back, they have about 4 tables that are 'bistro' style..with the higher chairs...mostly for couples, because those tables are small. Good selection of beer. The food is reliable and good. I have not found a better veggieburger anywhere else in Chicago. They make it when you order it, so it's not a frozen patty you can buy at the grocery store. It's a mix they make there and it has nuts in it too. It can be messy to eat, so don't order it on a first date. heh. Anyway, I love it. Their brunch is quite good and also reliable. Their hash browns are a little different- they were too rich for me. I don't know what they put in them- maybe cream? I like my hash browns simple. But, my friend loves them! Watch out for the kiddies on the weekends. Everytime I've been there for brunch, there's always one or two running around. I'm fine with kids, but not running around. I recommend their bloody mary's with brunch. YUMMY! and served with a shot of beer. They've got TV's at the bar, which is ok. I haven't been in a while, but they rarely changed the art. They showed the same artist all the time and I didn't like his/her artwork.
(4)
Dan B.
The service sucks and the food is overpriced at Appleb-, I mean, Dunlay's on the Square. The only redeeming quality is that it's not Boulevard Cafe -- that place sucked dog balls.
(2)
molly c.
meh. not great. i don't like the one in Lakeview either and i feel that this place takes away from the asthetic of the area. at least the people that go there won't be making my wait for a table at el cid 2 or lula's any longer. ha
(3)
J C.
some sweet things are to be found on the menu. breakfast can be good. the house veggie burger is good, save a little loose. brunch mimosas are swell, what with the fresh OJ. also, it just seems funny to eat in a place that feels like you're in a bennigan's.
(3)
Leigh K.
We ended up here yesterday when our attempt to go to Lula was thwarted since the people planning the party didn't remember that Lula is closed on Tuesdays. I forgot too. D'oh! I was actually pretty pleased with what I ordered. I got an appetizer that the table tried too: blue cheese and chips. Originally I was going to go with the grilled artichoke, but our server informed me that it was included on my grilled vegetable platter entree. The chips were surprisingly good after more hot sauce was added. The vegetable platter was awesome and plentiful. On the plate was grilled artichoke half, a dollop of mashed potatoes, shredded red cabbage with goat cheese, roasted green beans, and I think I am still missing something. Everything was great except for the artichoke, which was alright, but rather bland and hard to eat in a fairly nice restaurant. I loved the cozy round booth we were in. Overall though, it's not a place I would come for drinking since I prefer dive bars most of the time. I prefer Lula to Dunlay's on the Square, but I wouldn't mind coming here again, if only to try the desserts I sadly skipped out on this time.
(4)
CM D.
The food is standard fare, and the wine list isn't bad. I'm told the wine prices are excellent, but that's not a factor for me. The problem is having a conversation in this place - it's LOUD. You have to practically shout to be heard. If you want to talk over dinner and not just eat and communicate in semaphore with your napkin, go somewhere else. Make a reservation, if you're going on a Friday or Saturday night, or prepare to wait. Frankly, I think Lula's (right around the corner) is a better meal for your dollar, but Dunlay's isn't bad and even with the need for reservations, since it hasn't been featured in Chicago Magazine, it's less crowded than Lula's most nights. Even though you have to wait, the wait is less long. The menu is fairly limited, though they do change it from time to time. Unfortunately, because it's gotten so popular and crowded, you may order your dinner and then get told that they're out of steak. Or fish. Or whatever else. This has happened twice to us at Dunlay's. Perhaps they've just not gotten used to being popular - but they've had plenty of time to adjust. The crowd is mostly young yuppies, newbies to the neighborhood, just like the restuarant, but none of that makes it a bad place. The main objection I have is the sheer volume of the place - the bar section (which is PART of the restaurant) has at least two televisions going and if the place is full, you can't hear yourself THINK. We thought that Wednesdays or Thursdays might be better, so we tried it then. While we didn't need a reservation, the volume of combined television, waiters, other patrons, and heaven knows what else made us need to nearly shout to be heard over our dinners. We also ordered steak and, sadly, didn't get any - they'd run out of steak. So we've stopped going there, for the most part, because we like to be able to have a conversation over dinner, and we like to be able to get the food that we ordered.
(2)
Kathy H.
Their $4 cheeseburger special on Wednesdays is great! Crisp fresh mushrooms! Fries were incredibly fresh and you can't help but eat them all. It does get super smokey in the restaurant though on Wednesdays. We have been there twice and both times our clothes stunk... stick with the outside seating.
(4)
daniel w.
I wandered into this restauarant the other day not quite knowing what to expect. I tried the burger and it was really good. Many of the other things looked great on the menu as well and I noticed they have a lot of specials during the week. This seems like a great restaurant if you are looking for a casual bite to eat.
(4)
Glynnis S.
Great go-to place in Logan Square. Surprisingly kid-friendly, lots of seating, nice outdoor patio, decent food...brunch is yummy - their omelets and hash browns are especially delicious. My only complaint: their coffee is never hot enough. But they offer half price wine on Tuesdays, so that makes up for it.
(4)
ArTal K.
I have lived in Logan Square for the past 4 years, and this place is just perfect when you want to run out for dinner close by. I have never ordered anything off the menu that wasn't acceptable. Love the laid back neighborhood atmosphere. We need more places like this in Logan Square.
(4)
Arielle A.
I have visited Dunlays twice, both on Thursday nights. The first time was just for beer and artichoke dip. I was super surpised at how relaxed and inviting the space was, as visitng my friends ten years ago in that neighborhood meant arming myself. There is live music on Thursday nights that's enjoyable and does not overpower your conversation. Last night I returned with friends and was almost shocked at how good the food was. Spareribs were melt in your mouth delicious, my roast chicken was juicier than what I've had at Deleece and the fish and chips rivaled the best I've had in England. Also, a $6 Pomegranite martini made with perfection helped things along. Excellent job on their part- keep up the great service and tasty food- expand the late night menu if possible.
(4)
PJ B.
EXPENSIVE. $10 for a salad. Food is just ok. Can't stand the red cabbage with everything. Pizzas are irratic - sometimes they are properly topped, sometimes they are seriously bare. AGAIN WE FIND IT VERY EXPENSIVE.
(2)
Jenny I.
Okay, I take back anything nice I said about this place. The servers are bitchy, the bloody mary came out with MEAT on it, and the food is nothing exciting. I like the patio, and I like the bar...and Monday has $3 wine...but the rest of Dunlay's can bite me. You're in Logan Square. And you have pig ears on the menu. I don't care if it's for dogs, that's nasty.
(2)
shannon m.
i am a logan square property owner & dweller & i LOVE to spend my money in my neighborhood, but will never eat at dunlays again. i ordered the roasted chicken, delish, right? no. mine came with feathers. yes. feathers. the waitress & manger treated it as a joke, acted as they were going to treat us to a around of drinks, but didnt. the only thing they took off the bill was the feathered chicken. i hope another bar/ grill style restaurant makes it to this neighborhood & no one has to suffer thru a feather disaster again. boo to dunlays.
(1)
Maya D.
I've usually gotten good, friendly, no-nonsense service here, and the pub food (burgers, pizza, pork chops) is good. (If you order a burger, you should definitely add the bacon and mushrooms. They use a very thick, leanish bacon that is very flavorful, and the mushrooms are done just right. They will also cook you a medium-rare burger that's actually medium-rare, not bloody and not overdone.) However, I was recently there with a friend, and we got the ceviche. Not bad, though a little too limey, but it came with saltines, which were, well, salty, and whose texture didn't stand up to the fish.
(3)
Alicia S.
Super overpriced but pretty damn tasty. I couldn't quit raving about our waitress. She was super professional yet friendly, attentive without being annoying. She treated us very well which seems to be increasingly rare. I'm just smitten with her services both times we've been to Dunlay's. The atmosphere is very clean without being uninviting..rather good vibes..and the bartenders were quick to turn on the Playoffs at our request on their big HD televisions (with no annoying commentary..instead, just great music). yay for Dunlay's.
(4)
David D.
An awful yuppie magnet/crapstain on Logan Square. Overpriced, terrible interior design, food isn't good, etc. On the specially priced burger night, they won't sell the veggie burger for the cheap price. TOTALLY BOGUS! I'm a vegetarian, and that was really annoying. The staff is nice, but everything else can stay in Lakeview.
(1)
jason t.
not too bad...i can't really find fault with an irish breakfast combo that includes a pint of guiness. but the hash browns had some weird creamy sauce stuff on them. plus it's a little too 'upscale' for my tastes. good coffee, though. and the bloody marys are about the best i've had in chicago, i love the hunk of salami especially.
(3)
k s.
i don't know? isn't this place a chain? i'm skeptical. nice outdoor seating and specials, but too nice and not very special, really, you know.
(2)
Mike H.
i like bars that have lots of beers on tap and offer a late night food menu like this place does. not cheap like a dive bar, but someplace your mom might like if she comes visiting...
(3)
Keith L.
nice lil chain of bars/restaurants...service was good, beer selection was decent overall pretty good.
(4)
Erik S.
Dinner was a wreck. This place is the definition of over reaching your abilities. The food for the most part boring and sub par. The only redeeming quality was the service. Our waitress was really great. We had a couple of the specials which were all terrible. The sweet potato au gratin was almost inedible it was chunks of over cooked sweet potato covered in liquid Swiss cheese fondue. I would hope even a remedial chef knows that gratin means browned on top.
(2)
Rachelle B.
My boyfriend had to try the Blue Cheese Chips (kettle chips smothered in a blue cheese bechamel topped with fresh blue cheese and Tabasco) because he LOVES blue cheese. He also had the Strange Daze Omelette (mozzarella, bacon, wild mushrooms, spinach, and hollandaise sauce). I had a bloody mary and the Wrightwood Salad (field greens, sliced chicken, tomatoes, craisens, avocado, almonds and goat cheese). We really liked everything we ate and enjoyed Dunlay's. BF liked his omelette but it was the hashbrowns that we were really impressed with. There is some secret cheese or cream ingredient in there that was making them extra delicious. My salad was great, too. Everything was in there.
(4)
David C.
I really appreciate having Dunlay's within walking distance from my house. They have a really great brunch, including some of the best hashbrowns in the city, which are really creamy and addictive, even better served on the patio out front. The burgers are pretty great, and at half price on wednesdays are hard to pass up. Pizzas are surprisingly really good as well. They have a pretty good selection of TV's to catch a game, which I was thinking about doing this evening, as it's NCAA tournament time. The beers aren't cheap, but they have a pretty good selection, including Fat Tire on tap. To all the complainers out there, who act like it's freaking TGI McFunsters, not a local business with solid food, don't eat here. Whaa whaa whaa (a la Debbie Downer).
(4)
Stella C.
Excellent selection on drinks. They actually have Pear Cider beer in addition to Apple Cider. Sooooo yummy! I also split a pizza and salad here and thought they were satisfying. Would definitely come back for the cider!!!
(4)
Gamaliel E.
Dunlays is only a few blocks from me so its always a safe bet when i want a good meal. The wait staff is always polite and attentive. A Cubs tattoo is a big plus in my book. The menu isn't huge..which I actually like in a restaurant. Beware of menus that are 4 pages long! The food is probably all sitting in a freezer. I like to order the burger, and for brunch the Dunz Omelette with potatoes. I think the secret is gouda and provolone in them. Its a good place for a laid back night of good food and drinks with friends.
(4)
Soft Pie N.
Just ate here once, yesterday, and liked it bunch. I love that you can get goat cheese on the pizza and everything about the pizza was very yummy. I kept grabbing fries from my friends plate because there were exceptionaly good fries, really thin crispy shoe string style fries...kinda like steak and shakes but better quality. We sat outside and that was nice :) and thats all I have to say, oh but it is a little too pricey for what you get, but its not too crazy. ========== Steer clear of the veggie burgers, they are tasteless, everything else is good though.
(4)
Dustin B.
Their food was worth 4 stars for the price, but the service is only 2 stars. We were eating inside to stay out of the heat, but it was even warmer inside. Wouldn't go to again.
(3)
Brook E.
Hmmm... Dunlay's. Dunlay's used to be our second string to Lula's for brunch. And the neighborhood place we took out of town guests who can't handle anything "weird" like goat cheese. It's just okay. They have double-sided booths, semi-good drinks, and okay food. Lots of the wait staff here are snooty. Oh, and they like to put bacon on everything, so if you're a veg, make sure to ask that your salad comes sans pork. If you're in Logan Square, and you want just plain ol' American food, head to Dunlay's, and that's what you'll get.
(3)
Adam R.
Went in to use a groupon and it happened to be rib special night. The ribs were great and so was their signature cornbread. The staff was courteous and our waitress went into details when asked for some suggestions. I'll be coming back.
(5)
Trey S.
A consistently solid place for casual dining. Our go-to place in the 'hood. Always friendly. Always accommodating. Always yummy. And if the cookie skillet dessert was a person we'd be engaged - dangerously amazing!
(4)
Kelly B.
Best bloody mary and mashed potatoes around. Yum!!!! Great for slow Sundays.
(5)
Jeff N.
Hey! Pretty darned good. This was a Groupon find that is near daughter's apartment. Not too crowded on a Sunday night. I did make a reservation for 5 but didn't need it. Everyone was please with the grub. I had the salad (Wrightwood?) which was very good. My honey had the mushroom meatloaf. Oh, boy, was that great! Pizza looked good. Veggie burger also good. I would go back and pay full price.
(4)
Sydney F.
Went for brunch yesterday with the boyfriend- quite delicious! In and out but not rushed. Nice environment, good food and delicious cocktails. Their bloody marys are very delicious! As far as the food goes, I got the Strange Daze omelette with hollandaise sauce, very delish. The maple bacon potato cake [side] wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad. Overall, two thumbs up, and I can't wait to try out the patio in the summer!
(4)
Bill J.
It all started with an exquisite bloody mary featuring the freshest of ingredients. The cornbread was the best batch of cornbread I've ever had in my life. It had a sweet honey glaze and the perfect blend of spice with jalapeno chunks throughout the bread, truly the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Lastly, the denver omelet was above average. I'll be back for some brunch on a Sunday morning.
(4)
erika s.
this place is thankfully underrated for the weekend brunch. they are both kid and dog friendly during the summer in the outdoor area.* their food is great and the people watching is always fun. they have a $5 hamburger deal weds nights and always have something good on tap. their omelettes are really good--strange dae is my fave. you can never go wrong with the wrightwood salad. grilled asparagus here is also delicious. *happens to be along the stretch of my running route where i haul ass to look like i'm more in shape than i am. i have seen many others do the same.
(4)
Amanda G.
This would be the first of two places I visited this weekend because Lula closed shop starting at 2:30 on Sunday. So it wasn't a first choice, is what I'm trying to say. The patio was really lovely because, although it was hot as hell in the sun, at 2:30 p.m. the patio was in the shade. We had brunch and, as noted by other reviewers, the potatoes were amazing. Like... I want to eat a meal composed solely of those potatoes. Like those potatoes could make me orgasm the first time we slept together, defying all odds. I am in love with those potatoes. Otherwise, I had the special, which was like this salmon cake benedict thing, which was pretty good. There were cute dogs on the patios, which I enjoyed. Our waitress was very, very nice and pretty attentive. So between her and my new boyfriend Mr. Potatoes, 4 stars.
(4)
Laurel H.
No, it's not arty or kitschy. Yes, you'll end up watching some kind of televised sport (a plus for some, a minus for me), but it's always a pretty decent meal. I usually end up at Dunlay's for one or more of the following reasons: 1. There is a line at Lula. 2. The Cookie (sometimes, after a bad day, it's better than whiskey) 3. 1/2 price bottles of wine (Tuesday) 4. 1/2 price burgers (Wednesday) 5. Bloody Mary for brunch 6. Fried egg sandwich (usually paired with #5) 7. French Toast (usually paired with #6 and #5) 8. Stoli Doli BONUS: THEY CHANGED MOST OF THE WALL ART! It's still the same artist, but now pieces mostly comprised of abstract bits of color and lines have taken the place of the uncomfortable "jazz series" they had up for as long as I can remember. The new stuff is unobtrusive and much easier to eat next to than the "Sax Man" or the "Blue Lady with What Seems to Be a Flute."
(3)
John B.
The mashed potatoes and the chips with spinach dip are out-frikken-standing. Burgers are good, but nothing special. The food is reasonably priced. Beh. What I really want to talk about, it being my forte and all, is the booze. Poor beer selection. Something like ten taps and maybe ten or twelve bottles. These days I think a decent bar should have more selection than that. The drinks are also very overpriced, at least for the neighborhood. Even the Champagne of Beers is expensive here. A cheap shot and a beer will set you back 10-12 bucks with tip. Just as you're getting a decent buzz, wham! Suddenly $40 is missing from your wallet. Even if you can throw that kind of money around, the atmosphere at night at Dunlay's is sub-par. Most patrons come for food, so if you're there to drink late, you're not going to have a whole lot of people around to watch you get blitzed. If that's what you're into. After midnight it can be dead, dead, dead. On top of that, you're listening to corporate satellite radio which, from what I've been told, cannot be changed locally. And some of the music is out-and-out BAD. Pluses: Dunlay's is an oasis of classiness in the central Logan Square area. If you love ESPN and need some decent food late (but not too late) at night, it's a good place to stop. After 10 p.m. on any given night, you're almost guaranteed a place to sit down to drink. Staff is friendly, but stingy on the free drinks, even after multiple visits and hefty tipping. No, that's not a plus, but I felt I had to throw something negative in to end this review.
(2)
- chicagobiker -.
There is never a wait at brunch. The breakfast potatoes have some sort of au gratin thing going on, perhaps a beschamel sauce? Amazing. The oatmeal pancakes are also really tasty and unique. I'm kindof a snob about bloody marys, and this one is pretty good. The garnishes are awesome (bell pepper, salami, pickle, olive, celery) and it comes with a beer chaser. I've had dinner here a few times, too, and the portions are big. I make a better meatloaf at home blindfolded, but the asparagus is outstanding. Brunch is better. The waitresses seem a bit ditzy and clueless, but other than that, it's pretty decent and a nice change from the sea of Mexican food in the area.
(3)
Robert B.
Love this place! Sit at the bar or sit outside. Check out the great rotating beer list, both on tap and in bottles. The bartenders are super cool. Just have to try the Cuban sandwich. Its finally on the menu after be a secret special that you had to know to ask for. $5 burger nite it great. And its not a rip off, its a big ol' good burger. The menu may seem simple, but everything thing on it is top notch. Ask to try some of the beers on tap, they get some good ones you may not have had before. Just try it!
(5)
Cat D.
I've been craving the pulled pork on a bed of polenta. It was a special that evening, and I fear I'll never be allowed to encounter it's deliciousness again. The things they do with skillets over there is also... ha-mazing. Cornbread? Cookies topped with ice cream? In a skillet?? Yes, please.
(4)
J. N.
In my search to find a late night restaurant last week found this place... While NOT a late night restaurant it did catch my eye and I put it in the back of my brain for a rainy day. Last night, as we drove around debating where to eat dinner I remembered this Dunlay's. We ventured to Logan Square, a neighborhood I am quite honestly not familiar with, and began searching... Who knew Logan Square had such confusing streets? Once we found it, we parked our selves in a nice plushy booth and ate and drank. We has the Guacamole to start. I was hesitant, I mean guac at a place like this? It was chunky and delish. I was impressed. My boyfriend had the burger with mashed potatoes. The potatoes were good, as was the burger. His only complaint was the burger didn't fill him up - it was pretty skimpy for $9. I had the blackened fish sandwich which was OUTSTANDING. Really, it was. The fish was so tender and melted in your mouth like butter. The dressing on the sandwich was tangy and complimented the spicy fish well. The grilled asparagus on the side was also very good, crisp and lemony. Overall the food was good, but seemed overpriced for what you got and the location. Thursday nights are $5 martini nights... Seriously, a 007 is a vodka or gin straight... and you can get it on the rocks... for $5. That is pretty sweet. While Finlandia is not one of my favorite vodkas - too sweet - it's pretty decent for $5. The atmosphere is cool. When we first walked in it seemed too loud, but once we were seated it didn't feel that way at all. The booth was comfortable and private, which we enjoyed. Service was good. Our waitress was new, but she was very attentive and friendly. She helped me pick what to order and I think she did an excellent job. She was very quick to find the answer to any question we had. Overall, I liked this place. The food was good, cheap quality drinks on Thursday... it is simply a bit pricey. If they were open later, this place would be a 4 star establishment for me... but since they are not, I am forced to go during hours in which I would rather visit another place.
(3)
Maggie B.
Even though it's not always on the menu, you have to try their old staple drink, the "Stoli Doli". It's delicious! Place is very dark and romantic.
(4)
Cristina G.
It's in my neighborhood so I had to try it. My friends and I went there for dinner. I got the fish and chips which was fine. My friends got a pitcher of sangria and pizza and it was just fine. Mostly my complaint is about our service. Our server went missing for long periods of time and it wasn't even busy in there. I'm very pregnant and when I asked for non-alcoholic drinks selection she mentioned beer ?? then really thought I was going to drink even though I asked for a lemonade. Maybe I just looked fat to her, but we all mentioned that I'm pregnant therefore looking for yummy non-alcoholic drinks she wasn't helpful. Once it was time to pay for the check she messed up a couple of times. We weren't even trying to split it we just had a card and asked for change for a 20 and that was confusing to her and somehow she charged half and used the 20 for the other half and brought us weird change so that we had to ask for change again so we could tip her. Maybe she just wasn't the brightest crayon in the box which is fine but mainly I think she was pissy with us for some reason and in her annoyance with us over thought what we really expected from her. Considering our food was just fine and the service bad I don't think I'll go back there.
(2)
Aaron S.
A couple things about this place others might not have mentioned: If you split an entree with someone (a good idea as they're big), they'll put it on two separate plates without asking or charging. Very nice! Hollandaise on an omelette--what a great idea! Delicious whole-grain pancakes too. Sunday brunch when the weather's nice: where tf did all these babies come from?
(4)
Theresa C.
I've been here a few times now, and honestly, there are just way better places to go in Logan Square. Dunley's has decent whiskey cocktails but they're expensive. The service is hit or miss. The food is just okay, but priced like it's awesome. I can't really think of a reason to come in because you're literally blocks from better stuff.
(2)
Paul T.
I have lived in Logan Square for 15 years and have been going to Dunlays since they opened. The food is always good and I can not complain about that. I hate to say it but the service constantly fails. We had the WORST experience there yesterday which also included an argument with the manager. I do not recommend going there. Logan Square is great for dining but please do not go to Dunlays!
(1)
Holly M.
Dunlays Brunch. That's all I gotta say. The Bloody Mary and fried egg sandwich--Amazing.
(4)
Frank D.
I like it. The food's good. Not a cheap place but isn't meant to be one. Wednesday nights they have $5 burgers and its a good deal.... the burgers really are good. High quality ingredients/tasty/etc etc.
(4)
Jet H.
I've been here for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is pretty decent with great hashbrowns and interesting french toast. I wish there were more breakfast options and a bit more food for the money. Dinner is also pretty decent with a very good artichoke appetizer and a pretty good porkloin. It's in my neighborhood, so I'll be eating there again, but I don't think I'd go if it weren't so convenient.
(3)
Sharlene K.
Thanks, but no thanks. If I wanted to eat food like this, I'd pay double my rent and move to Lincoln Park, drink Miller Lite, enjoy the Cubs, something about Mary, possibly enjoy the mall, and jam crayons up my nose. The only thing I like here is the French toast which comes on diagonally cut French bread, and that was it's only saving grace. Otherwise, it's kind of bland. Woohoo... a pretentious sports bar! Thanks for all the kids pointing out that *misconception* that Dunlay's is there for you "visiting" or "new to" the neighborhood, and you're not really yuppies, tourists, fratboys, or whatever else can't tell that Logan Square has a million guacamole hotspots. I have no quams with sports bars, but this isn't a real sports bar. I'm bothered by douchebags who think this is a sports bar when clearly they have no nachos. Not 1 offering of any sort of nachos. In fact, the menu is like some sordid attempt to be some mix of sports bar and frou-frou pseudo-hipster boutique (no really, read the menu). There's not 1 item on their menu that isn't a mediocre rip off of the shops that litter Milwaukee Ave for about 3x the cost. *Fancy cheeseburgers? Go to Earwax for a Feta/RedOnion/Turkey burger. Cheese that isn't cheddar on a burger is not novel. *Guacomole? Hello? You're in Logan Square! Only Pilsen might have better Mexican food. *Bloody Mary's? Go to Lula's. *Fried-egg sandwich? For everyone's sake, go to Johnny's Grill on the fucking corner and get one for a lot less in all of its short-order griddle glory. My god, I spent every morning of my public school life getting a bacon/egg/cheese sandwich on a roll. It is a staple in every NYC pizzeria, deli, and streetside sandwich vendor for $2 or I guess $8.50 here. If you want a fancier one, go to Lula's. Milk and Honey on Damen offers up the same sandwich on brioche bread (no less) for $5. These aren't magical foods and I'm kind of surprised anyone worth a damn cent of their review prowess would think otherwise. The brunch, for Chicago, is very unimpressive. I wouldn't call the atmosphere "corporate", but "frat house" or "tourist" because the gourmet attempts fall short - hard. Corporate goons have better taste. Want a good Chicago brunch? Not here folks... try Bongo Room, M Henry, Flo, Orange, Toast, Tweet, etc. The Chicago brunch is unique for outstanding quality, but not here. Want local? Lula's. Want good food in a bar? Small Bar, up Albany by Diversey. Walk there and lose that tourist defense mechanism. Want cheap pizza? Cleo's. Don't want something unique but something expensive maybe too much salt or no seasonings? Go here.
(1)
Elaina W.
This place is close to work, at times co-workers and I will go there for some drinks & appetizers. Atomosphere is good, waitresses are friendly and the price is reasonable. Favorites: Chips w/guacamole dip, Wrightwood Salad, Pizza, egg rolls looking like ??(don't remember the name) but it came with 2 separate sauces and has the same skin of an egg roll (I know I'm Asian :0) ) with chicken it it or is it pork ? Hum...like they say in a Chinese restaurant " That's not Chicken" Forgot one more thing, on the weekends for brunch, don't forget to try the Fried Egg Sandwich!!! It's the BOMBBBB !!!
(4)
yoon l.
They have horrible customer service. They told us the wait was 30 mins and we ended up waiting for over an hour. They didn't even apologize for keeping our party of 6 waiting so long. Also their egg was undercooked and watery. I don't find myself going there anytime in the near future.
(1)
Rachel K.
The only reason I go to this bar all the time is because we live 3 blocks away. But most of the time we go here I feel like we're just being lame for not venturing out further. Its basically a last resort that happens too often because of the close proximity. Its not that the place is bad at all. Its just so average. The art on the walls is always ugly, the drinks are overpriced, and it just has absolutely no character to it. The food is ok. I like their mashed potatoes and the cookie skillet is really good. It is difficult to order anything on the menu differently since apparently many things are already pre-mixed. The service is pretty average. Some nights they can be pretty attentive and other nights they seem to ignore you. What I really dislike though is that they often bring us the check without checking if we're done first. Usually we've just started and I feel like they're trying to get rid of us. Very annoying! The martinis are ok. I've definitely had better. And their martini list is always pretty small. If you're in the neighborhood (as in within 3 blocks of the place) then go here, but otherwise don't travel to get here. Its not worth it *8/5/08 Edit* Ok I've finally gotten over myself. We're still going to Dunlay's pretty regularly and now I'm even suggesting it. The food is good and its convenient to just go 3 blocks for a pretty decent burger and some very good mashed potatoes. The chicken sandwich is pretty fab too. And actually the chocolate martini is damn good. I don't like that they change the martini lists though because I know there was a martini that I really liked that used to be on it, but isn't anymore and I don't remember what it was called or what was in it. Oh well. But yeah, I've upped my star count from 3 to 4
(4)
Ella R.
How hard is it to cook some eggs? Or toast a hamburger bun? Or use real wine in a sangria? And I can keep on asking but life's too short to waste. This place is usually a very underwhelming and unsatisfying place to eat. Too much meat, not enough flavor, most of the dishes are akin to average cafeteria fare.
(2)
Alexis P.
After visiting Dunlays a few times for brunch, I've never had much to say about it. It's always been just fine. However, on my last visit, I tried the veggie burger and was really pleased. They make it themselves out of rice, walnuts and sweet potato and top it with jalapeño mayo. Way to go, Dunlays. I don't understand why more places can't put a little more creativity into their veggie burgers and not just use some frozen processed soy mystery. The grilled asparagus was lemony and very good and the oatmeal pancakes were better than your standard flapjacks.
(3)
Don G.
I see lots of people trashing Dunlay's for being mid to low in service and food. I'm not sure what everyone is looking for. It's not a crap mexican place with bad/expensive drinks. The food is better that average. The service is just fine. The prices are good. And it's big enough to go with a large group and have almost no wait. I like it - it's just down the street from my place. It's much better that most of the Lakeview Cub's pubs I've suffered through in the past. I'll be back every time Lula's has a line out the door.
(3)
Olga Q.
I really like this place!!!! I live close by and often find myself headed here after work for a drink and a burger. The atmosphere is nice and dim inside not too loud and not quiet at all. The service is is ok. When my boyfriend and I first moved into the neighborhood and started going here we weren't very pleased with the waitresses or hostess, they rarely seem to smile and once sat two couples ahead of us. Usually service like this would be a deal breaker for me but it's so close by to where we live, the food is great, and the weekly specials kept us coming back. I'm assuming we began to look familiar because the service did progressively get better; although I wouldn't go as far as saying that they go above and beyond. The menu changes often, but they have some staples that are very worth the trip here. I often order their burger or Cuban sandwich. I am Cuban and I can honestly say it's not a REAL Cuban sandwich but whatever they want to call it is fine by me because the taste is awesome! They also have great desserts that include oreo cookie ice cream sandwich and my personal favorite skillet cookie with ice cream. On Wed. they have burger specials serving up burgers with cheese and fries for only $5!!! Their brunch is the only thing I wouldn't really recommend especially because it's right next to Lula's which has brunch that is difficult to compete with.
(4)
Rachel M.
Good food and great drinks (my husband's favorite beer on tap). I wouldn't normally get excited about a grilled veggie platter (we shared it along with the ribs) but it was GREAT.
(4)
Caitlin S.
This place is not amazing, but not horrible. The food I ordered when I've gone has been good but nothing to write home about. The service was mediocre. The only thing I really don't like about dunlay's is that it is really loud, all of the time, so you can't really carry on a conversation unless you sit outdoors.
(3)
Sara B.
It's Ok. Food was decent but really nothing extrodinary. Great blind date place if you need on in the area...
(3)
Bess R.
Went to brunch here this morning, and it was quite tasty! We had to wait a little while because it was packed, but not too bad. All the servers were very nice, and the food came out quickly. I had the crab cakes hollandaise special with the AWESOME cheesy hashbrowns. Crab cakes were also great - big chunks of crab...mmm...crabbiness... Really enjoyed Dunlay's - not for the kid-unfriendly though, many small children everywhere.
(4)
Clover S.
i went there last night for the first time b/c it was new years day & my partner thought id done enough cooking for one holiday. lula's is always closed during the holidays (and despite the one chilly review i gave them), he and i cannot let go of dreams of their roasted chicken. so, we hesitantly decided upon dunlays to satiate our palettes. i was SHOCKED that our waitress knew what gluten was. she even went over the entire menu with me to tell me what I could & could not eat. She also gave me a bunch of made to order choices! THe food was fresh & super yummy!
(4)
Rachel F.
It's decent. There aren't that many vegetarian options, which is one of the reasons for only 3 stars, but they actually have a very good veggie burger, which is why it gets 3 stars. Not the kind that you can tell was frozen 20 minutes ago, but a freshly made one. The other reason for just 3 stars is I've had very slow (but it was friendly) service nearly every time I've been there. Twice I've sat for close to 20 minutes before anyone even came over.
(3)
Mehul S.
A nice place for upscale bar food. The beer list could be better, but the selections are good enough unless you want to be more adventurous (but then you wouldn't be here, would you...). The place gets knocked down because of the half-attempt at being sports bar-ish. Either make the TV's better for viewing the game, or get rid of them completely. Go to the Logan Bar and Grill to watch the game. However, the rating goes up solely because of the Blue Cheese and Chips appetizer. This simple snack is one of the best bar fare I have eaten (though I'm sure many will be turned off by both the blue cheese and the Tabasco.)
(4)
Molly B.
Meh. The service is pretty abysmal. We sat in that round corner booth on a slow night where there were 4 or so waitstaff and literally got no service at all. We had to order from the bar - even waiving people down was to no avail. There were six of us desiring to make them slightly richer, and they seemed oblivious to the fact that they worked for tips. Who knows maybe they had already made enough money that night. Its such a pain when you have too much money, right? Also, the banana cream pie was terrible - the "pie" part had no flavor at all, and it was liberally dotted with half rotten banana chunks. Blech!
(2)
Velia S.
This is one of my favorite neighborhood places. The Flirtini is one of the bests I've ever had, and on Thurs. nights they have $5 martinis. Their brunch is good and I've taken many people there who admit they have one of the best chicken sandwiches in the city!
(4)
Shawn J.
They have a decent bar and beer selection. I thin they have some wines that are a bit pricey by the glass but ... I will say they have the best veggie burger home made hands down! I love it and get it every time! I am a meat eater as well but am in love with this veggie burger! Nice to sit outside in the summer and the waitstaff is always friendly!
(4)
Jonathan A.
Hey, I just realized this place is actually pretty good, and the food is more than just alright. It's right in my neighborhood, it's clean and open, and has plenty of outdoor seating. It's friendly and the menu is interesting enough for my tastes. I don't know what my problem was before, but I'll be back more often. Especially since Lula's is always busy, and my experiences there have been hit or miss. This place is like your couch on a Sunday afternoon. And if you complain about gentrification, yuppies, hipsters and yuppsters in the area, just move to the South Side. Inglewood, not Pilsen.
(4)
Summer P.
Dunlay's is your average bar and grill. I found the service and food to be on par with what I expected though I wish that the menu had more to offer along the bar/grill line.
(3)
Colleen B.
Dunlay's is your typical bar and grill done right. The food is pretty good, and the atmosphere is laid back and casual without being schlumpy. They have a patio and there's never a wait and doesn't get over-crowded and obnoxious. What more do you want from a neighborhood pub?
(4)
Kelly W.
I love the food here. You have to try to Veggie Burger! Also, I love how they alter their menu all the time, so you get a nice change of pace if you are a regular. Their beer prices are little off the charts. The Late Night menu here is the best in the city. Great place, but they should change their beer prices as they are getting a bit out of control.
(4)
Madge S.
Tuesday is half-price bottles of wine, so basically we can order a nice Kim Crawford white for the same price we pay at Wine Discount Store or Binny's- so it's definitely an incentive to keep us coming back. The food is good. Not sure I'm addicted to a menu item yet, like I am the beet bruschetta and breakfast burrito at Lula, but I've never had a bad food experience. The service is actually better than Lula-- no pretention, just hard-working folks trying to pay rent like the rest of us. The only complaint I have is the smoke from the bar. Sorry smokers--- it's nasty so I'll be glad when the smoke-free law takes effect in January.
The burgers we got were decent enough for the price but what shocked us was the desert we got cost as much as the meal?? $9.00 dollars for a cookie and ice cream. Sure it was amazing but the price not so much, at least we know next time... Service seemed okay for mid / late afternoon until it turned into family and babies everywhere... Guess Logan Square has changed... Hence the $9.00 cookie I would check this place out again for the bar probably
(3)
Leslie W.
GET THE CREAMY HASH BROWNS. That's all you need. Really. They're so good and I have yet to be able to replicate it in my own kitchen, which is why we keep coming back to Dunlay's. I usually get their fried egg sandwich while my boyfriend usually gets the Benedict. Last time we were there, there was a fried chicken Benedict special which was delicious. I got the french toast once, and while it was good, it wasn't the traditional french toast I was hoping for. We love coming to Dunlay's after church then walking around the farmer's market afterwards.
(4)
Amoli P.
I've been to Dunlays twice now. Once for a weeknight dinner and once for a midweek lunch. Based on cuisine alone, Dunlays is good but nothing unique or memorable. However, when you add in the friendly service, the outdoor seating on a beautiful summer day, and the prime Logan Square location, Dunlays becomes a fun little neighborhood joint. My dinner visit was less impressive because it was back during the colder months with no outdoor seating. I remember ordering a salmon entree that was tasty and well prepared but forgettable. I just had a lovely lunch on the patio with my husband and their turkey burger is anything but forgettable. Great Asian inspired flavored patty that was charbroiled to perfection and deliciously moist. Excellent Asian slaw as a topper and the mayo based sauce makes this burger messy to eat but rounds out the burger nicely. My husband ordered the mac n cheese (which was delicious on its own) but after trying a few bites of my burger, just stares longingly at my plate. I got the bacon potato cakes as my side but have to say, despite the rave reviews, I found it a bit bland and boring. My husband liked them more, so maybe I'm in the minority here. The Mac n cheese is one of the better ones I've had. Creamy and saucy and not super oily (relative to other mac n cheeses...make no mistake, it's still as unhealthy as any other Mac n cheese). You can choose two ingredients to mix in and my vegetable-hating husband opted for Italian sausage and bacon. The bacon was eh, and I would have preferred mushrooms or tomatoes. The sausage was genius. And excellent. The beer selection added to our enjoyment and I was happy that the Bell's on tap was the Oberon and my husband went with the Hackershorr (I know that's not spelled correctly but autocorrect isn't helping me out here). We will be back to Dunlays whenever the weather is nice. Looking forward to trying their brunch...and their Wednesday burger and beer special.
(4)
Pierre W.
My wife took me to Dunlays on the Square for my birthday. The service from the host to the bartender(Phil[?])...to our waitress Suzie...EVERYONE was FANTASTIC!!!... we went about 3:30pm The crowd was light, so not much noise We had the Lobster Deviled Eggs for the appetizer...delish!!!... but quite "rich"..which I found out later on that night...BUT it tasted GREAT!!!..OK...moving right along..... we had the Short Ribs of Beef...nice and tender... with Green Beans...we had Fried potatoes to accompany our meal. I forgot what they were exactly, but They were tasty, as well. FOR desert!!!!/// the wife had Key Lime Pie that was delish!!... I had a Chocolate Chip cookie with Caramel...and Ice Cream. I'm getting hungry all over again!!!. In short, I hope we return. I enjoyed my experience to the MAX!!!!!
(5)
Douglas B.
Dunlay's you are such a good place to go and grab a bite! Wifey and I usually head here for a quick lunch or brunch. I really enjoy coming here, they are very consistent with the food, the staff is friendly and we always get a seat with out waiting. The restaurant gets a good variety of clientele from young brats to big families enjoying a Sunday afternoon. It's in a nice location in Logan Square, right in the heart of things, very hard to miss. There is plenty of street parking and I usually find a spot right away. The staff is very friendly and very attentive even on a busy day. The food is so good. Wifey always orders the vegetarian burger, it has to be her favorite burger so far. She gets it with a side of sweet potato fries, I am going to need to take a bite one day to see what she raves about... but I stick to the meat. We typically go during brunch. I have had their Dunlay omelette which is nice and hearty with delicious sausage and bacon! But usually, I almost always order their Cubano sandwich. Now I know... nothing compares to the original Miami.. blah blah blah... i get it.. BUT who cares! Their sandwich rocks. Its full of yummy ham, roasted pork, pickles cheese mustard.. drippin with porky juices on a toasted roll. It is delicious... my other favorite part about that sandwich is that it comes with these really thing cripsy yum fries! I crave those always. The are just lovely morsels of friedy potato goodness. They have a decent beer selection, this include a nice rotating draft selection. They have plenty of bottles and cans as well. They have a full bar they;ll make what your heart desires but also have a nice small wine list in case you want to go down that route. I usually get a nice draft beer or even their bloody mary which comes with spicy meats, pickle and the best part a miller high life shorty on the side! How cool is that !!? I have to say do it! Head over to Dunlay's enjoy a nice meal, have a good conversation.
(5)
Mallory S.
Big Mikes Irish Breakfast is the bomb!!!! + with a pint o Guinness it's the perfect hangover food. The tomatoes were so freakin good and perfectly spiced. The bacon was cut thick and perfectly crispy. My girlfriend really liked the smoked pork hash. Nice smokey flavor and extremely filling. I'd definitely return!
(4)
Katie R.
Dear Dunlays, Why, oh why did you change your weightwood salad? The lunch meat chicken has got to go. Bring back the old salad. I used to cravvvvvvvvve the weightwood goodness, and now the sight of the meat makes my skin crawl.
(2)
Kaleb B.
Food was great, service was great. Will be going back for sure. The atmosphere was nice and the prices were right.
(5)
Rossana B.
I have been to Dunlays on the Square several times now and it has never disappointed; the service is great and the food is very tasty. My husband and I have always been here for Sunday brunch and I always have either the Wrightwood salad or the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, both delicious healthier alternatives. My husband's favorite is the Cubano, he loves this sandwich along with the delicious thin crispy fries that come with it. I do have to say that I enjoy more going to Dunlays in the summer because we can sit outside and people watch right in the heart of Logan Square. Also, the drinks are never a miss, mimosas are awesome!
(4)
Mark M.
Had a great brunch at Dunlays at 10am on a Sunday morning. With a nice day, patio doors were open to the front. The farmers market is just around the corner so good energy in the area, but we didn't have to wait for a seat. Loved the French toast and the Dunz omelette. Other food was good also. We'll be back!
(4)
Jesse F.
This is an excellent spot for lunch during the week if you want to avoid the annoyances of the hipster clowns that have taken over my beloved Logan Square. I would've given 5 stars, but the afternoon server was condescending when I asked him what kind of sausage they used for a particular item. I know I have a baby face, but I've worked as a chef for almost a decade. Hence, if you throw some smug BS line at me I'll probably call you on it. Also, the place is beautiful on the inside. Gorgeous wood all over the place that screams old school Chicago. Gotta love that. This has been one of my favorite spots for years because of the old-timey ambiance. Sorry for only recently getting around to review it. This Dunlays is definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Jackie C.
5 stars for brunch. Great breaky potatoes, bomb bloody Mary's and amazing Mexican skillet! Awesome atmosphere!
(5)
B B.
I am surprised I haven't yet left a review for Dunlays. While I lived in Logan Square, this was our go-to brunch and cheeseburger night restaurant. The bloody Marys are outstanding and the service is fun and attentive. But listen, I got married a few weeks ago. My bridesmaid knows how much I love Dunlay's brunch, so she special ordered some monkey bread to-go the morning of the wedding. Either the chef or the general manager met her 2-hours before the restaurant even opened, AND THEN comped the monkey bread because they were so charmed by the order. Oh, she also got a bottle of bloody Mary mix, because it is so good and she knows what's good for her. So that's how I got to eat Dunlay's monkey bread and drink a Dunlay's bloody Mary the morning of my wedding. What wonderful customer service!
(5)
Naya D.
Okay. They discontinued the humus. My heart broke a bit. On some happier news, we had an awesome waitress and we definitely enjoyed our chicken sliders! Our waitress went an extra mile when she heard we were sharing the cheeseburger, and asked for the burger to be cut in half for us. That definitely was a small gesture that did show great customer service! Wish the weather was nice to sit outside! Boo!
(4)
Jaquie K.
Great service. Deviled eggs are superb and the chicken is out of this world. My husband was sold he didn't get the chicken once he tried mine. Really like this place!
(4)
Melissa B.
Good food, good environment, cute little patio outside, pretty nice service. Get the potato mozzarella bacon cakes... with a side of ranch!
(4)
James K.
Appetizers came out cold, server wasn't welcoming at all, shortest conversations ever, didn't ask how my food was. Even if the place looks nice, cold food and bad service is a deal breaker.
(2)
Elisabeth C.
I'm surprised I have not reviewed Dunlays yet. I've been here quite a few times, all with good experiences. The first time, we came with a Groupon and the waitress was really cool about separating out our drink check from our meal check so we could take advantage of the martini special. The second time was on date night, and my flatbread and his cuban were both very good. Most recently, my mom, myself, and my dog came for brunch. The monkey bread was killer, and so was the Palmer Square omelette. Service was great, and of course it's always wonderful to bring my dog with me.
(4)
Josh V.
I've had an amazing experience here and a not so good one, even though I ordered the same thing both times. The last time I came here my food came out at room temperature and it was just bland (fried chicken benedict for those wondering). The service was pretty awful as our table was soaking wet and it took quite a while for our waters to be refilled. The plus? A great beer list. Unless forced I probably won't be here anytime soon.
(2)
Tamara P.
A regular at Dunlays, I'm far too often a creature of habit and order my long standing faves. Well now I have two more to add to my list!! Had two appetizers, both for the first time this past week and LOVED them both! First was the Edamame & Cilantro Hummus. This is no ordinary hummus... it was an amazing explosion of freshness (on the coldest day of 2015 to boot!). I have a new favorite hummus, hands down! Creamy, yet mixed with whole edamame beans, with a crisp radish relish on top. Served with warm pita, it is delish! Second was the Buffalo Shrimp. Perfectly sized jumbo shrimp, lightly breaded & bathed in buffalo sauce with just enough kick. The shrimp were really very good, but the cole slaw served with the shrimp was coveted by each of us. Pretty funny to see five adults each vying for bites of it. The menu said it was the Smoke Daddy Cole Slaw, so you know now what's now made my list of places to hit. Seriously, that was some darn good cole slaw! I was reminded tonight to not get too comfortable with the menu anywhere because there are so many fabulous surprises to be explored & enjoyed. Can't wait to have both those dishes again!
(5)
Micha N.
This is the kind of place I bring my unadventurous parents to when they're visiting. The food isn't terrible, but it's nothing spectacular.
(3)
Dave M.
My girlfriend and I have been here three times. It was stellar the first time and mediocre the second. We thought maybe it was an off day, so we went again. I got a burger which tasted like it had recently unthawed from a long freeze and wasn't seasoned. The server was very unfriendly. I got that "this job is beneath me" vibe from her. We were going to stay and have more drinks bit left after it took the server so long to come back and check on us. It's easy to see why the two restaurants next door are packed and this one isn't. It's in a great location and has a lot of potential, but I don't think I'll be back a fourth time.
(2)
Haydee S.
I think this place gets a lot more hype then it needs. I went with a coworker of mine- we like to go on burger dates don't judge us- on Wednesday night for their burger special: $6 burger and fries. I have to say that 1) It doesn't compare by any means to Big Chicks's Buck Burger Night (I WILL NOT TELL YOU WHEN IT IS CAUSE IT GETS PACKED AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE ELSE GOING THERE CAUSE I'M A BONAFIDE JERK...) 2) The burger was...so so. It was good enough to eat and drink to, but it wasn't anything to write to the grandkids about. 3) My waitress...would not look at me, and only at my coworker, whose Latina. I will say that shit made me hella uncomfortable and her service in general was just...sub-par. I take issue with service folks who don't strive to engage with their customers- speaking as someone who worked in the food & service industry for YEARS (read since high school). It was also a real hipster place with dad's with wild beards and moms with bandana's and yoga mats. So...grandma wanted to leave and watch some Netflix at home. With the wine. Like a champ.
(3)
Marka C.
This place is my absolute favorite brunch spot. Whether it's to cure a hangover or just a lazy Sunday, this is my number one choice. I usually get the sriracha fried chicken benedict because it is literally always perfect, right down to the potatoes on the side, which are so creamy and wonderful. They also make bloody mary's just how I like them--spicy with lots of olives! I've never had a bad meal here, and usually don't have to wait long for a table. They even have TVs to play games on. I would bring anyone here anytime.
(5)
Judy W.
Had the chiliquiles and it was soooo good! The best I have ever had. Mimosas are always great with brunch too! Sometimes they have specials for $3 a glass!
(5)
Aaron J.
We came for brunch. Food is amazing. The potatoes are probably the best thing on Earth. I had an omelette that was very good as well. As far as service goes, it's good enough. Prepare to be waited on by people who have been serving brunch to idiots for hours and hours. I'd be ready to leave if I were in their place. Our waitress was very sweet though. All in all, this place isn't very good for anything but brunch, but those potatoes and eggs more than make up for it.
(4)
Andrea H.
I love this place. Of all the new trendy spots popping up in Logan, this continues to be a constant go-to for me. AND they can accommodate parties of 6 or so, where as some of the other local spots will be hours and hours of waiting for that size group. The brunch never dissapoints. 3 dollar mimosas on certain days, monkey bread and great omelets. I personally love all of their burgers. The veggie, turkey and regular burgers are delicious. Veggie burger is a personal favorite.
(4)
Josue J.
So my kids and I are watching Chicagos Best, when we see this amazing cookie being cooked in an iron skillet topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel. They asked if we can go, I'm in a good mood and it looked delicious, so I tell them if it's not to far. I see they are located in Logan Square, we live in Niles, so it's not so far, but not down the block either. I say lets go and we pack up the car and head off. Keep in mind, my kids are 4,6,8 and it's 7pm, but it looked so good. We get there and I was planning dessert and let's get back home, but now they're hungry, so now we order dinner and I order a drink. Dinner arrives, no drink for me, I ask for my drink again, the waitress blames it on the bartender, 10 minutes later, I ask for my drink again, this time she admits she forgot, I'm thinking strike 2. Dinner is over, NOW ITS TIME FOR THE COOLIE DESSERT. I place the order, she says we are out, I mention we came here specifically for the dessert as we had just seen it on CB. She double checked, they have the cookie, no ice cream, but the can add whip cream, "I guess" the kids were a little disappointed but the whip cream made up for it. They bring out the dessert, and it has no caramel, I guess they ran out of caramel as well. This place would have received a 5 star review if the had ice cream, caramel, and a wait staff that was attentive.
(3)
Josh t.
This review is based entirely on Dunlays food. I live off the square and wish we had a simple breakfast/brunch/diner in the area. I gave this place 3 shots and every time a walked away disappointed, which wouldn't be so irritating if they didn't present themselves as upscale, both with their menu and their pricing. Menu descriptions look promising but their chefs just suck. I never met chilaquiles I didn't like until Dunlays. Their offering's are crunchy and dry and their eggs have every time been undercooked. The last time I went I sent the omelet back because it was like eating runny yolks and it came back the exact same way. I'm pretty certain the conversation in the back went "That's how you cook eggs, that idiot doesn't know what a cooked egg is." If you get a sunny side up or poached egg, you want runny yolk. If you order scrambled eggs or an omelet, you want solid eggs. It's pretty simple. The wait-staff is good and the ambiance is that of a standard neighborhood sports-bar pub. If you just want a beer there's no reason not to go, but if you want a meal do not approach.
(2)
Rich R.
Bacon, Brussels sprout, and caramelized onion pizza was excellent. Nice outdoor patio. Responsive and personable service staff.
(5)
Nicole W.
Utterly mediocre. If you like exchanging money for edible food, this is your spot. Pluses of Dunlays include: - on the square - usually not a huge wait However, there's a reason there's not a wait. Food is often obviously re-warmed, even early on weekend nights. Drink selection is so-so. Prices are pretty Logan Square-standard, slightly too high for what you get. Service is always just ok. The patio is really nice, the extra star is for the lovely flowers. But otherwise, this place just really doesn't stand out in any way. Another place to get a cobb salad and a beer.
(2)
Jamil T.
Date night Sunday. Very economical. My fiancee and I were looking to dine on an outdoor patio. Only drawback was the mosquitoes. If they had one of those mosquito repellent lamps, we would've stayed longer and ordered more. Wrote it on the receipt, but my fiancee scribbled it out. So hopefully they get the message on Yelp. We had the braised beef short ribs with green beans and the Amish fried chicken with mashed potatoes. Fried chicken was very light and fluffy. Almost felt like a healthy meal. Short ribs pulled apart with ease. Compliments to the chef. Also, started with calamari. Nice and crisp. Service was phenomenal. Our waitress whom may have also been the hostess, pulling double duty like a a boss. She let us try the Hard Root Beer (10% abv). Too syrupy for our taste unfortunately. Love the concept though. The waitress told us she usually has it with a scoop of ice cream, so definitely recommending this place to my buddy who loves root beer floats. Had the Old Chub scotch ale instead. Appetizer + 2 beverages + 2 entrees. Total bill approximately $50 Will be back with mosquito repellent next time.
(4)
Joseph M.
My favorite hamburger in the city without question -- and that includes Kuma's! They have a burger special on Monday nights, which can't be beat. Also, I'm a huge fan of their skillet cookie.
(5)
Lizzie E.
Not a huge fan. First time there and was disappointed with my meal. I got the Roasted Chicken. Boyfriend really liked the Chicken Pot Pie, so I'm just thinking I got the wrong menu item. I was expecting the beer cheese to be warmed up, but it seemed like it was just scooped out from a store bought tub. Still good, just meh.
(3)
Gaby T.
Came in on Saturday night and sat in their patio. Probably only reason I would be back. I ordered a margarita which was superb. For dinner I ordered the braised beef ragu. My friend had the Asian short ribs. The meat was really tender and flavorful. My pasta on the other hand looked unappetizing and was tasteless. I tried convincing myself just to eat it, as it wasn't awful. But it wasn't good. And at $16 it wasn't worth swallowing. I've had better tasting frozen dinners. So I apologized and sent it back. The waitress didn't like it but she wasn't rude about it either. So I ordered the cheeseburger. It wasn't awful either. But I've had better burgers at red robin. The waitress never came to ask if my food was okay. She just seemed annoyed by us at this point. She didn't ask if we would like another drink either. This is one of those hip places you just want to like. But, it's not consistent. I can't recommend this place and say they have good food. They have some good food. It's hit or miss.
(2)
Nick S.
Love this place but the music is so hit or miss! When it's 90s throwback night or awesome classic rock it's great. I even love classic r&b nights, just stay consistent. Often it goes straight epileptic and nonsensical which isn't fun.
(5)
Natalie C.
Came here last Sunday with a friend - we had actually been planning to go to Lula's Cafe but the wait was at least 45 minutes and there was no way my empty stomach was going to be able to handle that long of a wait without turning into a bit of a monster (food withdrawal does not bring out my good side). We were seated promptly in their outdoor section (they were very accommodating in that we wanted to sit outside, but in the shade - my friend had poorly decided to wear long pants and didn't want to becoming a sweaty beast during our brunch). Service was good, our food came promptly and our drinks were always filled. We split a starter of the lobster deviled eggs and I ordered the eggs benedict over fried chicken. The lobster deviled eggs (while a bit on the pricier side at $9 for three half eggs) was delissssh and loaded up with lobster, so decent value for what you paid for. My eggs benedict was quite tasty, but definitely benefited from a good dose of sriracha sauce that I heaped on. The cheesy hash browns on the side though - those quelled my hunger demons, VERY tasty. As it is just around the corner from my place, I will definitely be heading back over to sample some other menu items - especially since the weather is finally nice.
(4)
Michele S.
Pre-game Saturday night. Fabulous service and very good food, taco trio and the special. Simple decor that I really enjoyed, very vintage, candlelight, great conversation all around, very neighborhood feel. Loved it and would recommend support of this local. I'm not from the neighborhood but will return when I'm in it! Would love to sit outside when the weather allows for it.
(4)
Ruben F.
Dunley's has updated their menu a few times since I had the fish tacos 5 years ago. I'm a fan of everything this place is. I'm glad they worked out their menu and found their niche in the neighborhood. Please disregard anything I said in my previous review from 2009. I hope that it has long enough. I genuinely love this place now. Great food. Better drinks and part of the neighborhood.
(4)
Grace C.
There are so many great food options just around the corner from this place in Logan Square... this isn't really one of them. The food is passable and the service is fine, but nothing is really that interesting and think the drinks are pretty watered down in my opinion. Speaking about lunch/dinner here and not brunch, will give them the benefit of the doubt and say that I know people who are brunch fans of this place.
(2)
Matt K.
Mmmm Fried Chicken. Logan Square spot for when you don't have two hours to wait for a table.
(4)
Lauren D.
It was a beautiful Summer morning! The sun was shining brightly and I just finished a 15-mile run with over 75% humidity. I was edacious and narcoleptic. After stopping off at Lula's Cafe and realizing the wait was going to be super long, we decided to give this place, around the corner from Lula's Cafe, a shot. My husband ordered the "Cuban" sandwich. He really liked the bread -- fresh and fluffy and ooey-gooey melted cheese. The sandwich was huge! He said it was very, very good. Four stars. He especially enjoyed the side of hash browns which were creamy and flavorful on the inside with a crunchy exterior. The hash browns, 5 stars. I ordered the Palmer Square omelette with fruit and one piece of wheat toast. It was filled with artichokes, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and creamy goat cheese which made for the perfect amalgamation. The ingredients were obviously excellent quality, and incredibly fresh, which I appreciated. The goat cheese was unevenly distributed (only one side and very little), so this was a disappointment. I was wishing for a bit more goat cheese -- perhaps even a small dollop of the creamy goat cheese on top of my omelette. The fresh fruit contained chunks of sweet pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew, grapes and strawberries. They were perfectly ripe, juicy and sweet. I could tell that this was all organic fruit (: which I appreciated. My meal was worthy of 3.50 stars. I am still debating as to whether or not I should go with 4-stars. Oh well. SERVICE -- Slow. Slow. Slow. Not personable. Cold. Two stars. Our server went "MIA" so we asked another server to please find her. I was really, really thirsty and was drinking tons of water. Fortunately, I had my bottle of water with me so that helped a bit, but, really. Our plates were left on the table for quite a while, empty, before anyone stopped by to clear off the table. We have experienced better. PRICE POINT -- $21.86 (excluding tip) -- Three stars INTERIOR -- The usual -- exposed brick walls, large dark wood bar, light blonde scratched up vintage wood floors, copper bronze ceiling, modern light fixtures. I have seen this cookie-cutter interior once too many times. Nothing really unique. PARKING -- Pay to Park or go to the gravel parking lot (on the corner of Milwaukee Ave) and park there for free (that is, if you can find a spot). Some people clearly opted NOT to "Pay to Park" and ended up with expensive parking tickets in this area. They have an outdoor patio with umbrellas -- not huge -- but a decent size. Nice. Clean. A great spot for people watching. Some customers sitting on the patio brought along their furry companions. It was great to see that dogs are welcomed. It reminded me of Paris, France where you see dogs everywhere -- including inside restaurants. While we were there we saw lots and lots of hipsters, Generation X, Y & Z and a few yuppies -- oh and a few puppies too. The spill-over crowd here comes because they don't want to wait 45 minutes to one hour for a table at Lula's Cafe. I don't think they come here because it is their number one choice. It's more like, "Let's see what else is around the corner. Great. No wait! Let's eat here." Like us, we too, were planning to go to Lula's Cafe, but ended up here instead. My final rating is based on several factors. The slow service from the kitchen (food took a while to arrive). The dirty dishes at our table (from when we finished our meal). The non-personable server who didn't appear to enjoy her job. It was our first time at Dunlays, and it was also our last visit. We make "special" trips to Lula's Cafe, but I cannot say I would make a special trip to this joint. Next time, I will get my ass over to Lula's Cafe super early in the morning when most of the people in this neighborhood are sleeping off their Friday night hang-overs!
(3)
Jehan G.
Great service . Berlin was bubbly , friendly and professional . Food was great . Buffalo shrimp a most try . succulent shrimp .. My ribs were so tender and flavorful . Cocktails are great too . Reasonable priced. Great neighborhood restaurant. Come over to Logan square to check this gem out
(5)
Chrissy M.
Truly every menu item is worth ordering here at this friendly neighborhood spot. They are great with kids; offering kids eat free from 4:30-6:30 means they are always jumping. The staff are stellar (say hi to Brian at the bar) no matter who is taking care of you. Reasonably priced, great quality, fun atmosphere. I definitely make it more often then I should for my wallet's sake. On the other hand, can't beat the best $5 burger in the city!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kay M.
Awesome Bloody's And the Skillet Cookie... get in my belly.
(4)KC W.
Note: I wrote this review a few months ago and did not publish it for some odd reason, even though I was adamant about reviewing it when we left. We went here last Sunday for brunch, and I do not plan on returning. We had the smoked salmon, which was delicious and the chili which was also good. The rest of the food was decent. The service, however, was not so great. It was Sunday. All this place had to do is give me a bloody mary to make me happy. Unfortunately, after waiting 20 minutes for a table, it took at least another 20 after we were seated for our drinks to arrive. Our waitress was sooo slow. She was nice at least, but it took her forever to do anything and it seemed as though she only understood 80% of what we said. To be fair, this was one of the first nice Sundays of Spring and we were seated outdoors, so the waitstaff may have just been getting used to being so busy. And, to be honest, it is not the service that will keep me from returning. It is the other patrons. From the guy with the dog that clearly doesn't like other dogs (which raises the question of WHY you would bring him to brunch with you), to the woman with the two young boys who stood their bikes up inside the outdoor dining area making it impossible for the waitstaff to navigate (and then loudly insulted one of the waiters for dripping syrup on one of the bikes), to the family with the toddler who thought it was appropriate for him to run wherever his little heart desires, the whole experience was too much for my poor hungover body to handle.
(3)Jolie R.
My son and his s-o moved to Logan Square a week ago and wanted to try Dunlay's for brunch on Sunday. It was a beautiful day (goodbye winter!!!) for a walk, so we all clomped over to the square. The place was packed with seating outside if you wanted to share the sun, but it was a little to chilly to stay out there, so we opted for a booth inside. The son and his s-o ordered a bloody mary, which came with a shot of beer. Veggies skewered on top of the drink were red pepper, green olive and salami, which was an interesting twist. Son said the saltiness set off the bloody mary quite terrifically. Hubby ordered from their diverse beer menu. I wanted iced tea, but the iced tea is Honest Tea in bottles, which I can get at home. I was in the mood for a fresh-brewed, so I ended up with sparkly water. Son ordered the special - pulled pork burrito something with avocado mayo and some other green sauce - said it was awesome. His s-o nibbled and gave it a thumbs-up. Hubby and son's s-o ordered the fried egg sandwich, which I tasted. It was the bomb! Fried egg (with a runny yolk - yum!), lettuce, tomato, bacon and cheese (hold the onion!) on marble rye. So, so good! I had the BLT. When I got it, the BLT had no tomato.....so they slapped one on for me. Besides that, the sandwich was terrific - bacon was perfect, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese and tomato. Had to ask for mayo, but the overall taste blend was so good. I shoulda had the fried egg sandwich instead.... Best part of the meal was the hash browns. They use some kind of white sauce (bechamel?) with herbs.....so they turn out tasty, hashy, crispy and creamy all at one time. I'm giving this place the whole lot of stars - we'll be back whenever we can.
(5)Katherine M.
My favorite place I ate in Chicago on my trip. So good I ate there twice. Delicious spicy cuban w fries first time. Palmer square omelette with a bloody mary the next time. Everything was fantastic - including the service.
(5)Susan K.
Sitting outside at Dunlays last Saturday my mind wandered to memories of a trip I made last year to Madrid, Spain. While its true I have never eaten so badly or so expensively in my life, nonetheless I was still pleased by the overall dining experience there. For in Madrid, there is such a plethora of both outdoor seating and sunshine. Being that I just suffered through a long winter here in Chicago, I was being dazzled by good weather as I ate hose runny eggs with salty shavings of ham hock that I just saw moments ago, sitting like some preserved specimen behind the bar. I could have sat, in a setting like this, with my table overlooking some boulevard with some plaza in the middle with some fountain or some obelisk or monolith peeking through the tips of leafy oaks, and I could have been eating the menu while thinking that I was being served manna from the gods. So, imagine those leafy oaks, those wide boulevards, that monolithic obelisk, that dazzling sunshine. Now imagine eggs, but imagine them delicious. Delicious eggs, served with spinach, mushrooms, hollandaise sauce, and delicately seasoned cheesy hash brown potatoes. And then, lastly, imagine if I said you didn't have to book a trip all the way to Madrid to experience this, you could just go to Dunlays down the street? All I have to promise you is my word that its worth your time to take the short trip from downtown to eat here. You can either take the blue line to Logan square and take a short walk south/west down Milwaukee Ave to Kedzie, or just hop on the Milwaukee bus and get door to door service. This place is like a vacation and a meal all in one.
(5)mervin j.
I have never heard anyone say that they thought Dunlays was an amazing spot, I think this is because no one has ever said it. However I do enjoy a pizza and a beer late night from time to time when I don't want to deal with a ton of rowdy drunks that places seem to attract around midnight. I will also say that someone has really spruced up the beer menu as of recent, it used to be miserable, good job on that.
(3)meg g.
Dunlay's is the most annoying sports bar/grill/lounge/restaurant/brunch spot in Logan Square --that I hang out at all the time. The big screen sports TVs are offensive, the cloth napkins are annoying, the wall art is hideous and the prices aren't warranted. This place is confused; is it a sports bar or classy restaurant? PICK ONE! That said, the grilled artichoke is amazing (it tastes like steak!), the smoked salmon is delicate and smokey, the fries are Belgian style and the tap beers aren't boring. For brunch I recommend a bloody mary which has ample garnishes (including salami!) and the fried egg sandwich. The big Irish breakfast is good too, you get a whole grilled tomato! UPDATE: I wish Dunlay's would just commit to being mediocre and lower their damn prices. My Mom's Parmesan mahi was overcooked yesterday and my blackened fish sandwich was undercooked. But man those fries are good.
(3)Robin W.
Dunlays is alright. I have been to this one only a couple times, but it is a chain and essentially the same as the Lincoln Park one that I lived near for a couple years, but the Square one has less douche bags. It doesn't really fit well in Logan Square, but it's alright. Brunch is decent though overpriced (actually it's mediocre brunch in comparison to delicious Lula's around the corner). It has a nice outdoor patio right on... duh... the Square (clever name....) They have decent drink specials, a half price bottle night, $5 martini night... the martinis are okay, but not terribly memorable. All and all.... average.
(3)Alyssa V.
Please refer to my review on New Wave Cafe. That's what I have to say about this place, because whenever I almost come here for breakfast I end up going over to Johnny's to eat at a quarter of the price.
(2)Eli S.
Tasty for certain. Averagely good yuppie food at slightly high-ish prices. I wasn't blown away, but the staff was nice, I was full by the end, the menu isn't boring, and since it's right around the corner, I may be back.
(3)Anna G.
Food is great! wait staff is awsome. Try the spinach dip, it's the best!!
(4)E. F.
Although I have not been to the brunch...I thought the place was great! I am not familiar with Logan Square at all. I just drove there and walked around to find a place to eat. When we initially sat down, I was a little shocked at the price. It's not too too expensive but everything is between $10 and $20. We thought about leaving, then changed our minds and ordered cheap. I was surprised at how good the food was. I had a tilapia sandwich with delicious mashed potatoes and my boyfriend ordered some pizza with goat cheese, artichokes, and onions. It was sooooooooo good! I mean really good. Our bill was about $20 and it was worth it. I would totally go back, especially with all the good reviews about brunch.
(4)caroline k.
Friendly and accommodating staff contributed to a great brunch, as our group of 5 ballooned to 8 as friends staggered in and grew the table. Grilled artichoke, though simple, was surprisingly tasty. Grilled fish sandwich was good but won't order the bacon potato cake side - less 'latke'-like, more mushy pancake-like. Ever popular fried egg sandwich came out beautifully and gigantic in size. Coffee and diet coke were in endless supply. Solid, likely to return.
(4)Brad T.
Seems like the last place one would want to end up at in Logan Square, especially after a day of having $2000 in amplifiers stolen and dealing with police, etc. But, all that being said I had a lovely time. Brian who bartends on Monday, as referenced by others, is a blast. Good natured, fun, and made us feel alot better about an otherwise nightmare of a day. I had vowed never to enter the joint, as I lament still the departure of The Boulevard and it's wonders. But I'd hit this joint anytime that Brian was slinging drams. It's a bad sign for our beloved 'hood, but hey support a great barman when you find one!
(2)Jess F.
This is a staple of ours during the week. We walk there on Wednesday nights (burger night). Very family friendly, and our child has a lot of fun flirting with all the other kids and petting the dogs that sit with their owners in the outside seating area too. Service is usually great, and they work hard to correct their mistakes. Our take out order is often wrong, which is why I took off one star, but overall this place is great and one of our favorites.
(4)Blah B.
Great comfort food!!! I normally get the margherita pizza with a side of Caesar salad..YUM!!:)) My son's love the brunch here. My youngest fave is the egg sandwich and my eldest loves... loves 2 eggs your way:) I especially love this place on a beautiful spring/summer day. Eating outside on their patio is worth the drive :)
(4)Eddy C.
Despite how utterly average the food is at Dunlay's, this establishment will continue to get my business for one simple reason: their fantastic bloody mary's. As far as bloody mary's go, Dunlay's doesn't mess around. Aside from the usual vodka/tomato juice/black pepper combination, Dunlay's also adds some shredded cheese to the concoction. For the garnish, they give you a traditional stalk of celery plus a green olive, a pearl onion and a pickle slice. And to top it all off, they give you shot of beer to accompany your bloody mary. The menu said it'd be a shot of Guiness but mine ended up to be a shot of presumably Miller Lite. Thumbs down for setting false expectations, though it doesn't take away with the tastiness of the bloody mary. If you do insist on getting some food to wash down your bloody mary, I would suggest sticking with the sweet items (their french toast and oatmeal pancakes are both superb) and passing on the savory ones. But seriously, it's all about the bloody mary's at Dunlay's so as long as you order one with your meal, you'll be good to go.
(3)Stacy S.
Not the best, but not the worst. My husband and I went here on a Friday, kind of late. The place was packed, inside and out, but we still managed to get in fast! The best thing we had, by far, was the grilled artichoke! We had had this item at another restaurant (Bandera, Magmile) and really enjoyed it there...so we gave it a shot at Dunlay's. It was awesome! But I also like just about anything grilled...it makes everything taste better! Our main dishes were burgers and sandwiches. They were good, but nothing to write home about. I like the shoe-string fries and my husband had some of there homemade BBQ sauce, which was also good. Overall, it is a good place to stop into if you are in the neighborhood and want a bit of comfortfood (that is mostly what the menu is). Oh, we haven't had the drinks there because I am prego...so no opinion there... And we seem to make it to Lula's on Sundays before the long lines...so no opinion on brunch either...
(3)Lindley E.
The good: 1. during the week, every day is a different discount offer 2. The ability to watch a game in logan square. 3. There's bar food afoot 4. If you can't get into Lula Cafe, there's usually a seat for you at Dunlay's The Bad: 1. The food. Had terrible flatbread there -- flavorless, uninspired and too-sweet crust 2. The chain brings the worst of the other more 'developed' hoods to our little piece of Queens-esque paradise The Ugly 1. People come from their yupped out neighborhoods to 'slum it' in mine...and then go home 2. Doesn't really seem to be integrated with the neighborhood I'd rather cook at home than eat out at Dunlay's...even if someone else were paying.
(2)Gregg L.
Nice little place, and would have been great to sit outside if not for the wind. The sangria was nice and the pasta was good, just a little overpriced for what you get. The chips with bleu cheese and tabasco were something different and good.
(3)Irena A.
I loooove this place! My fiance and I ended up going here because nearby Lula cafe had a 40 minute wait. So worth it! We parked right in front of the place and we did not have to wait to be seated! Sunday morning brunch time: NO WAIT!!:) I had the French toast such good vanilla butter I believe it was.. My fiance had the plaza omelet( i know it had artichokes, asparagus and red pepper) soooo good!! Thei hash brown though.. not too crazy about them! They have a cream inside. I mentioned that it was our 1st time there and we gor dessert on the house!! whoooo.. The waitress was very friendly and service was stellar! Def recommend this place
(5)Jasmine J.
I used to live right around the corner from Dunlay's on The Square and I miss those days. I thought the atmosphere was always welcoming. I enjoyed sitting inside and out. The staff was nice enough and their food was great! I loved their pizza, especially the margherita and sopressata. The beer cheese appetizer was also super tasty, although, it never came with enough chips! I once got a nightly special that was a rack of lamb and it was -perfect-. My favorite thing to order here was, of course, their burger. It had really fresh tasting, well seasoned ground beef and was served with mayo. Always a winning combination!
(5)Jessica J.
This is a great stand-by for brunch. While guys and girls in skinny jeans are waiting an hour+ outside of Lula, I've always been able to saunter into Dunlay's, get a table right away, and eat a yummy brunch. The service is always really friendly. I can't say I've liked everything I've eaten there for dinner. I was really disappointed with an overly salty pizza. However, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
(3)rachel c.
Love this place! Awesome specials during the week (half off wine night, burger specials, etc.) Great food, especially the salads and the homemade veggie burger. Great service- really friendly and cool waitstaff that provides consistently good service. It's not littered with TVs either (I believe only 1 or 2 at the bar)... so your friends might actually pay attention to you when you're talking instead of whatever mindless show is on. I've had nothing but good experiences in the 8+ times I've been here, and would recommend it to anyone in search of a good neighborhood grill and bar.
(4)Nicholas J.
Who doesn't like a little piece of Lincoln Park in their neighborhood? My friends and me. Food not very good. Selection of alcohol so-so. Full of annoying people and too clean looking for a bar.
(2)Alyssa S.
Sometimes, you just need a burger and a place to watch a game. Dunlay's fills that need for me. It's not gourmet, it's not that interesting, but it's consistent. Unpopular opinion: it's an improvement over the Boulevard Cafe. That place was ucky.
(3)Ada L.
I enjoyed my dinner here much more than I thought I would. You see, I live fairly close to the other Dunlay's on Clark and I really can't stand going in that place. The clientele there is almost too much to handle and the service is never up to par. So, I had my doubts when we ended up at Dunlay's on The Square on a Tuesday evening (tried to go to Lula Cafe, but quickly found out that it is closed on Tuesdays - is it just me or do other people have bad timing when it comes to showing up at restaurants on the one day of week that they are closed?). My doubts were all erased when the friendly hostess greeted us at the door and showed us to a great booth. Our server was equally as friendly and informative and helped add to the pleasant experience. As far as food and drink go, I had an excellent glass of malbec and my friend had a great beer she had tried somewhere else recently. For my entree I had the grilled fish of the day and it was outstanding. Simply prepared with a side of my choice - huge grilled asparagus! The only complaint I have is that for $17, the piece of fish they gave me could have been a little bigger. It was super fresh though so I can forgive them. Overall a great experience and I'll definitely be back. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I think it is a little bit expensive, but not completely unreasonable.
(4)Jennifer D.
Dunlays, you have won me back. This bar/restaurant opened about six years ago, the same night I moved into my condo up the street. Naturally my husband and I went there to have a few celebratory drinks, and I liked the ambiance and staff. We went back for food and drinks a lot those first couple of years, and I felt like the quality of the food was declining over time. After a few more places opened in the neighborhood, we stopped going there altogether (aside from a few drinks on their outdoor patio). Well, along came Groupon, and I couldn't resist the deal, so we went back for dinner. The ambiance and service is just as good as I remember, and the food was fantastic as well! Seriously, they had the best fish and chips I've had in years! They also have Bells Oberon on tap every spring/summer, a big plus in my book. Offering a groupon really worked for them, I will definitely be back. A lot!
(4)Roberto F.
I'm come here every now and again especially after watching a movie at Logan. Plenty of seating for those who want to dine and just enough seating for those who just want to drink. Saturday and Sunday's are good here because they usually have some football game on. I haven't eaten here in while but I imagine that the food is still good. A good bonus is that they seem to change up there tap selections with the season.
(3)Dena L.
Crab cake benedict for brunch? yes please.
(4)Jackie S.
crispy polenta with mushroom ragout no longer on the menu? later for you, dunlays.
(2)Christiana S.
Logan Square doesn't really have a lot of options for nightlife. But even if you do end up here by default, you could do a lot worse. The staff is friendly (and there's a hot bartender), the clientele isn't horribly obnoxious, the food is decent (good cheeseburgers) and despite what some other reviewers say, I haven't found the place to be all that terribly loud. I've been on a couple dates here, and conversation was possible (though in some instances, I wish it hadn't been). Plus, you've got to give it up for any place with a 1/2 price wine night. At least, if you like wine. (I do, and they have a pretty nice selection here.) Is this the most incredible dining/drinking experience you'll ever have? No. Still, a good (and needed) neighborhood establishment, and definitely worth a visit.
(4)Cynthia S.
Come for the bloody mary and stay for the breakfast potatoes. We think the secret ingredient might be illicit - they're sooooo good. Great staff and a decent menu make this place a monthly stop.
(5)Rob L.
Want some tuna sashimi? Perhaps some civiche? How about a big pile of home made potato chips with blue cheese and hot sauce? Perhaps a sesame chicken salad? And wash it all down with a blood orange martini? Yes... you would be probably dealing with a very large upset stomach if you ate all that, but you could find all of that here too. Coming on a bright and sunshine filled July 4th, I came visiting a friend who works here. The patio was fairly filled so I took my eatin' inside, I like to keep my pristine ghostly whiteness. The bartender was also my server who was friendly, upbeat and quick. I wasn't hung over so this was a good thing. I sat down to peruse a menu when a friend called and said she was joining me, so to stave off my starvation and not eat my left arm off, I went with the chips and blue cheese. Freshly made chips, crunchy, tasty and covered with a blue cheese bechamel sauce, chunks of blue cheese and hot sauce. Well, there goes all the time I just spent in the gym. It was tasty, but if I got it again, I would get it with a group as to split up the calories a little better. My friend showed up and got the blood orange martini and civiche, (and she knows her citric acid cooked seafood), and I with the salad, had to balance out those chips. Our food arrived and although my salad was quite tasty, I was slightly disappointed that the chicken seemed more like lunch meat chicken rather than a cut chicken breast, but my hunger pains were on the loose and I needed to reign them in. My friend was surprised at how good her dish was, even saying the best she ever had was in South America, it wasn't that good, but it was pretty darn good. She enjoyed her martini as well. Prices were fine, maybe a little more than I would expect for the area, but fine for what we got. It is a more than a stroll for me, but I am sure I could find the time, the things I do for some friends....
(4)cina p.
Nice neighborhood bar. Good food. Good drinks. Nice staff.
(4)Danielle C.
not a favorite- by far. It is close to my college roommate's place (over 10 years since undergrad- still friends!!), so we have met here for breakfast. Other than that, I would not bother. Fried egg sandwich- sign me up. I always get a bit excited thinking - this time- it is going to be good. Drippy egg, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato- all at the right temp. I should know by now- that is not going to happen. Bread is OK, tomato is very COLD and the egg seems lukewarm by the time it gets to me. The hash browns? OK, not quite as cooked as I like- but the augratin style is pretty interesting. It gets loud in here for brunch- too loud in my opinion. But hey---PEOPLE --PLEASE keep lining up and coming here! I prefer to have shorter waits at the places I like!
(2)Tanya M.
I've been here several times for dinner and once for lunch and breakfast and I've always had good food and service. they have a good sized varied menu, the meatloaf is definitely better then any homemade that i've had and their salads are great as are the burgers. I had a veggie pizza and it had awesome vegetables on it, huge mushrooms, zucchini, tomato and big pieces of mozzarella but the mushrooms and pizza seem to have had a balsamic vinaigrette on them that had a bit too much sodium in it so my mouth started to sting after awhile. I'm told the beer cheese is good as well. I dig the low lighting and lounge vibe.
(4)Craig G.
My girlfriend and I went there on St. Patrick's Day evening. The weather was unusually nice for mid-March. It was probably the first day they were seating outside (and probably the last until very recently). Well, the staff was clearly struggling to keep up and they just kept screwing things up for us. My Guiness was delivered to another table, my girlfriend's food wasn't prepared correctly, they were out of lots of menu items, no placesettings when our food was drpped off and it took us forever to flag someone down to get some... lots of tiny mistakes added up to a fairly miserable meal. The manager came by and apologized profusely. When our bill arrived, he dropped off a $50 gift certificate to encourage us to come again. We did and the food, service and experience was amazing. Treat yourself to a beer flight. They have some great combos.
(4)Matt B.
Wednesday $5 burgers. I am usually there most Wednesdays for the burgers. They normally go for $10. They are not $10 burgers. The rest of the food is adequate but for not stellar considering the local competition. The service is pretty good depending on when you go. The bartenders know their stuff and are pretty conversive with the patrons. All in all not a bad place. I will say though that it is way out of place for that neighborhood. This is a Lincoln Park establishment parked in the middle of Logan Square. For some reason it just seems...wrong.
(3)Blaise S.
Dunleys is actually a pretty good bar, but the drinks are way too overpriced for the area. They have some tv's, comfy seating, friendly staff, and outdoor seating. Here's my beef with the place - you can walk down the street to half a dozen other bars that charge like a dollar less per beer. If you don't think that's a big deal, then you probably don't drink a lot. Those beers add up! We're in a recession my friends!
(2)Michelle B.
Good oatmeal pancakes! Friendly staff =) Even an atmosphere supporting both local sports and local arts! That's a rare find...
(4)Alex Y.
Just f**king brilliant. Once I discovered this place and $5 martini Thursdays and half-price appetizers after 10:00 PM, I became somewhat of a fixture after work on Thursdays. I still miss this place -- the smoked Coho with toast points is unbelievably good and worth the trip for that, alone (and -- believe me -- I miss it to this day). What really, really stood out for me, though, was the huge shot of Mike Dunlay (yes, one of the owners of the place) with Joe Paterno on his shoulder after the '83 Sugar Bowl. I saw it every time I went to the restroom -- you have no idea how happy the the joyous expressions on everyone's faces in that photo made me feel (I don't think I've ever seen JoePa look so happy). I know Mike Dunlay was always embarrassed by it: I've asked about it, and his business partners purportedly mounted this picture as a joke and it is only at this location. I am, most definitely, not a Penn State fan: but, I have to say that I I have always loved that photo on the way to the restroom for the sheer, unadulterated joy of it -- it is what makes college football the best sport on earth, after all.
(5)Cat B.
Went here on Saturday night for dinner and I was impressed with the variety of food that they have here. Everyone at my table was happy with their food. I had the fish sandwich, my friend Nora had the chicken sandwich, and our men had burgers...we were all satisfied. Their entrees look as though they are a bit overpriced, but the sandwiches were only $8/9. They have great sides that come with the sandwiches...I had the roasted veggies which had squash and zucchini in it; different from what I was expecting. Garlic taters were a little bland and the cabbage and goat cheese side was very different than expected. Adam was looking for something like a cole slaw and it was a little soggier than that. Banana cream pie for dessert was good and there was enough for a couple of people (although my fiance thinks there wasn't enough, he often thinks that when it comes to dessert!). Decent wine list, good beer choices, great service, and nice decor. I don't think I will go to Logan Square just to go to this place, but if I am in the hood again I might try it again.
(3)Alpha P.
Nothing special. Good beer selection. 10$ for turkey burger w fries,w/o veggies? Too pricey. Average service. 5$ "mistake" in the bill at the end.
(3)David M.
Let me start off by saying that maybe our waitress does not have many friends because she did not talk to us at all. No "hows it going" or "how was your food" or "hope you have a great day" Hospitality is the most important thing next to food in a restaurant. It really took away from the eating experience. To top it off the grilled chicken sandwich was mediocre at best. Only good thing about this place was the location and the Spinach dip. Disappointed and me and my friend will definitely not return
(1)Kori T.
Finally got to have brunch here this past weekend and to enjoy the patio. Went on the 4th of July I believe too? but the brunch menu wasn't in effect due to the holiday so we had to come back. I couldn't tell you how impressed I was with the prompt service and our food was ready within 5 minutes at most. We just got the two egg specials, which come with bacon, toast and hash browns. I cannot speak highly enough of the hash browns, they are the BEST I've ever had..and I've had a lot. Definitely will be back again!
(5)Page M.
Came here last night with some of my friends and started ordering Tilapia Sandwich, it also has good taste and very nutritious. Dunlays on the Square is also popular with its Breakfast Burrito, it has a unique taste that other burrito on the other places dont have. Always have and always will be a fan of Dunlays on the Square's food. Keep up the good work, improve the quality of services.
(4)Ellen E.
Great patio and nice staff, wheelchair friendly... Oh yeah and delicious skillet cookies! This is my go-to place on the Square, good hipster-y food and craft beer but not as pretentious as some of the other spots.
(4)Jen J.
The monkey bread is SOOOOO good! With Irish Coffee and Mamosa's for brunch! I'm complete. The food is large, so definitely a good idea to split with someone if you're not planning to eat a lot. Or in my case, where you get full off drinks and monkey bread.
(5)Matt R.
Dunlays. Oh, Dunlays. You are well suited to large groups, which is unique. I have to say I love that giant corner booth thing where you can easily sit 6-8 people, which I happened to have upon coming here. Dunlays was our go-to destination to discuss a particular book for our book club, while drinking and eating. After all, not everyone needs a boring book club. So lets begin with the important part! The Bloody Mary, which happens to be awesome. Not sure if I like the beer sidecar or not, but in this case it was spicy enough that it was needed. Or maybe that was because I had like 3 of them. As nondescript as this is, all of the food here is awesome. Flavors are good, and choices are good as well. Great choices for Mac & Cheese? What's not to like? It's not the most vegetarian friendly menu, but the salads are definitely worth it (and make up for it).. verdict as a book club location for people to get somewhat drunk? perfect location.
(5)Anna Y.
So Melissa is awesome . The food is good the burger at wed night burger night is pretty awesome :) but Melissa the waitress really did a good job and was beyond great!!!!
(5)Lenda B.
I always have the fish and chips at Dunlays which is always absolutely delicious! In addition to the great food, the atmosphere is great and the service is outstanding. Bathroom was even clean! Can sit outside or inside in comfort. Love this place!
(5)Elyse H.
When I lived in Logan Square, this place was phenomenal. I'm not sure exactly what has changed, but some of the best things on their menu are gone or changed considerably. I still am a fan of their Bloody Mary, but I have to say that I may prefer the gin Bloody Mary around the corner at Lula's now... Even though I still don't think Lula is worth the hype. Hopefully they get out of their funk- I really want to love this place.
(3)Amanda J.
Brunch is phenomenal! Sriacha fried chicken eggs Benedict and mimosas! What more could you want? Also comes with the best hash brown casserole I've ever had. can't go wrong here.
(5)Monik H.
The food is very good, I mainly come here for the Bloody Mary's and for the cookie skillet. Also the patio is very nice during the early evening hours although they allow dogs and there isn't too much space between the tables so it can be a bit annoying especially when you have kids and they are scared of dogs.
(3)Rebecca O.
This place is good. I like the food, and the service is quick and unobtrusive. However, the prices are outrageous for what you get. I feel like I could get better quality or more food for the same price elsewhere. (At least they offer decent specials). Also, the atmosphere is not my favorite. There are too many TV's, the music is too loud, and the place is inevitably chock full of 5 and under children, who are admittedly cute but often loud. On a more positive note, their sweet potato fries are the shiz. And the veggie burger is surprisingly good for a place that serves so many meat-heavy dishes.
(3)Angie M.
I see it like this. Dunlays on the Square is to Lula Cafe as Square Bar is to Kuma's. You don't really plan to go there. It's just sort of what happens when the wait is way too insane at your original destination and you want to eat, like, now. Despite playing second brunch fiddle to Lula (who's hype I don't completely understand, but that's a whole other story), I think Dunlays is pretty solid. First, they didn't bitch when I arrived sans my other brunching companions, sat me immediately and even provided me with lots of caffeinated beverages until my friends arrived. Most hoppin' brunch spots don't seat partial parties, which forces you to stand around awkwardly by the door for a few mins. I'd much rather be sitting down, sipping coffee and exploring the menu. Speaking of sitting down, the seating at Dunlays truly is top notch. Lots of comfy booths and a smattering of tables in between. I dig that the tables are not right on top of each other giving patrons room to breathe... and not have to make awkward conversation with strangers because their tables are 2 inches apart. Food? Good. I've only had brunch, but I can say that they do a decent job. I'm simple when it comes to brunch fare, so I've only ordered the 2 eggs scrambled (perfect, especially with cholula sauce), toast (fine), thick cut bacon (YUM), and creamy hash browns. Let's talk about the hash browns for a sec. They're pretty righteous. It's actually more of a potato casserole. They're creamy and have lots of pepper. And the portion is huge. For $8, it's a bargain. Yeah... you know, sometimes just don't want to wait 100 years at a hot spot for eggs. Dunlays is the place to not wait.
(4)Leah W.
If you're not in the mood for a scene, want to sit down quickly and have some very good food at affordable prices, this is always a good bet. It's never too busy to get a seat and the food is always above average. The burger is fantastic and so are most of the entrees, which change a bit on about a monthly basis, but they always retain a sort of similarity (usually a chicken option, beef option, pasta option, etc). If I don't get the burger I usually end up getting the steak option of the moment, and I've never been disappointed. The martinis are very good and so are the mashed potatoes. This is a great weeknight place, a nice intimate date night spot, and a good place for lunch. Try the burger or the buffalo shrimp! My only complaint is that they took the appetizer pizzas off the menu and added flat bread instead - bring back the delicious pizzas my friends!
(4)Jonathan C.
If you want a fast track to irrelevancy deprive your loyal customers of your BEST most unique dish??? Next time I'll weather the 2 hour wait for Lula or Jam.
(2)Johnny R.
Quicky: I had the Amish fried chicken with the mozzarella bacon potato cakes along with a Small Town Root Beer Ale and it was fantastic. Longy: I'm addicted to fried food, have been for many years. I've tried to hide it, but every once in a while I order a plate of everything fried. This fried chicken should please even the f/c snobs. I think it was brined because the meat was very flavorful and juicy. The potato cake was great, and others at our table also shared theirs around. I've been there twice now, and have also have the fish and chips for lunch. Despite the puffy hugeness of the fried fish breading, it was very good and I cleaned my plate. Then again I always clean my plate. I'll be back.
(4)Erika G.
Fantastic! Super pleasant, comfortable restaurant. Was too rainy to sit outside on this night, but I could see that being a choice for the many warm nights we still have left, OH YES! I don't live in L'Square, but I am a hipster wannabe, and the waitstaff was super friendly and nice to me. And cute! Very cute staff! I had a delicious glass of Malbec. Dry, dry, dry and very good on this rainy, cool night. Other person had a Wrightwood Salad, and it looked like a salad filled with Everything E Likes. Greens, almonds, craisens, corn, avocado - in other words YUM! I should have tried a bite, but I was to absorbed with my entree. That's something I'd order if / (hopefully) when I go back. I had the Fish n' Chips (in solidarity with my best friend who just left for a year in the UK, I was feeling some Brit). As someone who loved the crazy fast food of Arthur Treacher's Fish n' Chips as a kid, this tasted like that, but probably with better quality ingredients. Mmmmm . . . Lake Superior whitefish - the fish of my home state. Get. In. My. Mouth! The beer batter breading was crispy, buttery, flaky and DELICIOUS. The fish was moist, tender, buttery and wonderful. And they have the requisite Malt Vinegar, which I must douse everything in, and then be tempted to drink the bottle after. I loves me some vinegar, always have. And Tartar sauce, always a pleasure. Pile of fries with my food, which were crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. A LOT of fries too. The coleslaw that came with the entree was good too - a mayonnaise dressing, but not drenched in mayo. Very nice! The dessert "skillet cookie" looked disgusting to me. I didn't order it, and it should be said that I do not like sweet things. If you do, you'd probably love that. If you don't you don't have to order it, which I did not. So, no diss for that, it was just something that I noticed. I noticed on their menu they have daily specials. Specials! Cheap food! My favorite! I will rush back at my next opportunity, really a great, chill, comfortable, happy, nice restaurant.
(4)Daniel G.
Now it's time to talk about Dunlay's in Logan Square. I've been coming here for a few years and I really like the brunch on Sundays. My favorite dish is the Smoked Salmon with chef's dressing and grilled ciabatta toasts: finger lickin' good. The bartender/server Phil is totally cool, courteous and very helpful, I come early on Sunday because it gets packed around eleven. Bryan is another cool server at the bar. They're getting a new deliciously looking menu for next Tues. Nov. 26, 2013.
(4)C. P.
I will admit that I've never been "wowed" by their dinner selections, but sign me up for their weekend brunch any day. I always try to get a seat at their bar because 1) the actual structure of their bar is absolutely beautiful and 2) their weekend bartenders are fun! Bloody Marys are a must, but for the past 7 months or so I've had to succumb to their Virgin Mary's - the toothpick skewer that accompanies the drink is like having a simple, refreshing appetizer while you look over the menu. Anytime Brussel Sprouts with Bacon is their vegetable of the day - get it Mozzarella bacon potato cakes - yes Fired Egg Sandwich - my favorite (clearly they've got an amazing bacon supplier!)
(4)Desiree S.
Their breakfast is spot on. Not a huge fan of their lunch and dinner options though.
(3)Katherine D.
Hands down the best pancakes I've ever had!! Great spot to eat outside during the summer and experience the different types of crowds. The Palmer square omelette is very tasty. The OJ isn't so fresh but nonetheless still good.
(5)Martha S.
Friends brought us here after the wait at Lula's was too long.... which seems to be a common trend. Nice selection of beers on tap and great service. Shared a turkey burger with my husband with a side of asparagus-- the turkey burger was one of the best I've had in a long time. It was moist and flavorful with Asian-inspired flavors/toppings. Highly recommend. Definitely a nice place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with brunch or lunch. Get the turkey burger!
(4)Amy L.
They take the deliciousness and uniqueness of the foodie culture- minus the intimidating menu, too loud bar, and fancyness. Just a great, super tasty, friendly place to eat. I love it!
(5)Moose P.
I recommend for a workday lunch. Expertly made cheeseburger. Tasty sourced beef, grilled to order (medium rare). The grilled asparagus were thin, well seasoned, and with a bit of lemon. I just needed a quick quality lunch and they got me in and out with fine attention.
(4)Nate V.
Excellent spot for brunch and dinner. Had a great upside down pineapple cake there with my boy on New Year's Eve. Friendly staff great for people watching if you sit outside.
(4)Jamie D.
We really love this place, it's a great mainstay in the Logan Square neighborhood. Great food, drinks, service, and very kid friendly. We come in fairly regularly, and whether it's weekday lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, the food/service is always consistently great. Love the new additions to the menu!
(5)Steve M.
AU GRATIN HASH BROWNS! The highlight of the brunch we just had up in Logeen Squeer. Second runner up: breakfast sangwich con fried huevos, thick bacon, cheddar, lettuce and red onion. Not bad. Friendly, professional service. No small talk, all business. Not necessarily a bad thing. Pretty solid brunch alternative to standing in line for Lula, if you ask me.
(3)molly w.
Thank you, Dunlay's, for being a regular restaurant. Thank you for not offering bone marrow or pig face on your menu. Thank you for offering normal foods like burgers, spinach dip, etc. Thank you for having excellent daily specials, where your patrons can count on consistent, decent food and service. Thank you for having such a large outdoor patio. It's nice that it's relatively easy to get a table outside, and seeing a few neighborhood pooches outside is always good. Thank you for having a decent staff. Everyone is pretty friendly and helpful, which you'd think would be a given at any restaurant, but alas, is much harder to come by these days. Thanks again, Dunlay's, for being right around the corner from my house, and always being there for me when I don't feel like cooking! Yours Truly, molly
(5)David R.
Color me impressed again. Or still impressed? Either way, impressed. Impressed by the restaurant, that is. Dismayed by the good people of Logan Square. On a night (Sunday of Memorial Day weekend around 7:30) when other local establishments were quoting 60- to 90-minute waits, Dunlay's was almost empty. Not only is this a tragedy for Dunlay's, it shows what sad lemmings most of the rest of the populace are. I've seen this place full before, so I don't understand what was going on that evening. Dunlay's puts out food that is just as good as the trendier outfits, but one should never underestimate the power of the hype machine, I guess. I've eaten at those other places, and, sure, they're great; but why would you wait in line there when you could eat just as well somewhere else with no wait and less attitude? I just don't get it. This is the same reason that you should never wait 60 minutes for a table at the Bongo Room...but I digress. I haven't had so satisfying a straightforward meal in a while. One of the best cuban sandwiches anywhere, an icy pint of Krankshaft Kölsch, fantastic fries, near-perfect non-creamy cole slaw, and some solidly above-average calamari. In cooler weather (maybe less than 90) I would have settled in for an after-dinner porter. But italian ice sang its frosty siren song to us on that steamy tropical evening. I will forgive the good people of Logan Square for their holiday-weekend infraction, but so help me this place had better be full again the next time that I come in. Which will be soon.
(5)Beth R.
Here we are, face to face. My oldest unfinished review. I am pleased to report that the four solid stars I initially bestowed upon Dunlay's are still very much deserved, over (mumbles) months later. I've now had the gamut of the food experience - brunch, lunch and dinner. Brunch was very good - the eggs were solid and my companions had crepes and omelets that both looked tempting. The fruity pancakes usually come with multiple fruits, but if you are, say, a blueberry loyalist, they'll make them with just one type. Also the fruit quantity is generous. The bloody mary offered during brunch appeared to be a meal in itself, too, plus it comes with a beer chaser. After seeing the veggie burger during my brunch visit, I wanted to come back for lunch ASAP. It too was very good. It was grainy but grilled well - a little char on the outside but not at all overdone. I couldn't detect the sweet potato or soy sauce in the description but I will just have to come back and try harder. We also had an appetizer of hummus, and it comes with pita and veggies for dipping. Our most recent visit was for dinner, and it was another solid one. I had a basic chicken sandwich with basil mayo, but there were other good options (like the early-'90s ads for Chicken Tonight, I felt like chicken (that)night). The fries were a wee disappointment, because they are shoestring and that's my least favorite incarnation of fried potato. But they were a good example of the type. On all three visits, the service was a-okay-plus-plus. The prices are fair and the crowd is normal peeps just looking for some quality sustenance. Too bad we live far from the Square, because I believe my husband and I would be up in this grill's grill early and often.
(4)Amy M.
Usual local spot for me and the fam! Good: Wrightwood salad, staff is always on it, service is exceptional, pimms cup is a great drink, cucumber martini is better, specials are always interesting and tasty, and the little ones love the cookie skillet! Bad: we found a bread tie in the lobster roll and sometimes food doesn't come out they way it should. The good outweigh the bad so definitely check it out!
(4)L S.
Great place for a casual meal - the Wrightwood salad is delicous! Highly recommend it!
(5)Amanda F.
Mmm...Dunlays! Such a welcoming go-to restaurant located right on Logan Blvd. I have been here numerous times, but I've been frequenting the establishment more lately pre and post runs with the neighborhood running group, ThreeRunTwo. They host us on Thursdays and give us the best customer service! The waitresses we always have are awesome, especially when I bring my pup and hang out after! They have dog bowls for him and make sure everyone is having a good time. I am a huge fan of the veggie and turkey burgers - those are my go to. Their beer selection is great as well. It's true, runners are also the best drinkers and I always try new beers with the group and they have a great selection. The patio area is also big and pet friendly. Oh, and I've heard rumor of Dunlays having $5 burgers on Wednesdays, I haven't partook in that yet, but it sounds amazing!
(4)Linh N.
These thin, crispy fries are the best fries I've eaten in Chicago, thus far. Let me also add FRESH, because old, thin fries can still be crispy, but are really not good for this world anymore. My friend and I stopped in for lunch after an arduous morning of apartment hunting. I was thrilled to spy a fried egg sandwich on the menu. She ordered the fish and chips. Both orders were perfect. We were really hungry, but even if we were only moderately hungry, I would not hesitate to head to Dunlays when I'm in the area. Not only was the food good, the atmosphere was cool: comfortable leather booths, including a huge circular one in the back corner for larger parties; great soundtrack that was not too loud while we ate--Pixies, MGMT, cool, old jazz--with two t.v.s tuned to a baseball game; diverse clientele--moms and pops and their kids, hip young thangs, and us.
(4)Tony E.
Dunlays is a solid, non-diner, neighborhood choice. Wednesday is our favorite night with the $5 burger special. It's also a relatively good family friendly, but no less classy, choice. Meaning, the kids there don't get out of hand, and the place isn't all beat up from them being there. And it's a good alternative to the busier place around the corner. They have nice outdoor seating overlooking the square. Also, there is a good beer selection with some option to order flights. They have about 3-4 medium screens for sports games, but it's not the greatest place to watch a game. The men's room is also a little strange. They have a urinal and a toilet, and then they have two sinks. But it's a single bathroom. ??
(4)Michael B.
The creamy hash browns are delicious, kind of like a potato risotto. Had the chicken fried eggs Benedict; would definitely have it again. Portions were good size but slightly pricey. Took a star off because my sister-in-law is a vegetarian (she told the waitress) and when she ordered her omelette with the bacon on the side so her husband could have it, they draped it over her omelette.
(4)Andre W.
Bottomless Mimosas!!!! My buddy An organized an outing here this past Saturday. I've never really had the chance to come here even though my ex-girlfriend lived a few blocks away. Also, I live right around the corner from Dunlays on Clark and I always figured they were both pretty much the same. I was kinda right as the menu looks almost the same except there are a few minor differences. Our server was nice and accommodating and she even had a good sense of humor. Making jokes about my mimosa intake (I was putting them away and she kept em coming). I was torn between the Breakfast Burrito and the Palmer Square Omelet. I decided to go with the omelet as I was feeling sort of eggy. The omelet contains roasted red peppers, asparagus, goat cheese and artichokes (and I always have my omelets with egg whites). It came along with two pieces of toast and their delicious hash browns. My meal was delicious as it was devoured within minutes...I was starving! Good spot for the residents of Logan Square.
(4)Brian B.
Dunlay's is great! The menu doesn't change that often, and it isn't that big, but there are some staples here like "Amish Fried Chicken." I find it very difficult to get something else when that is just staring me down all the time... Also, they make pretty good bloodies and serve them with a beer back, which is cool.
(4)Katie M.
Hey Dunlays, it's 3:30 PM on a Thursday and my friend and I have just finished up with storytime at Play with our youngins and we're looking for a table for a very late lunch. We walk into your (empty) restaurant looking for a hostess, looking for a waitress, hell, we're looking for anyone to give us a seat. My friend and I look at each other after 1-2 mins and I suggest that we head elsewhere. As we start to leave, a young woman hops up from a nearby table (where I'm guessing she was gossiping with a few friends--as there were 3 other chicks sitting at the table with her) and asks if we want to eat. Yep, we do, thanks for finally noticing us, and we want to sit outdoors. The hostess showed us to a table and disappeared. Our waitress showed up to take our order shortly after... Your beet salad was yum yum yum but the lobster roll left much to be desired as did the smell flowing through the outdoor area of Dunlays. At one point, I apologized to my friend as I sniffed my lil one's tush for poop (don't judge, when you have a baby, you will do the same sniff-a-roo task). When the wind blows a certain way through the outdoor area, you'll catch whiffs of a sewage-like smell. Gag. Although my friend and I were only two of five guests in the outdoor area and received our check promptly upon request, I ended up heading inside to cash out after a 10+ minute wait to pay. Your hostess processed our bill at the request of our waitress who was at a back table near the bathrooms doing wine tastings with the manager and another waitress. Props for having staff members who are able to describe the tastes of wine to late night customers, but as a mid-day customer...don't make me wait for service please.
(2)Stephanie G.
Best salad around - the Wrightwood Salad. It meets my requirements of needing seven or more ingredients to be delicious, and this one hit the mark. The goat cheese makes the salad. I also hear they have great specials - such as $5 burgers on Wednesday. We also had some appetizers - Tuscan white bean dip, and guacamole. yummmmmm.
(5)Christina M.
Still a huge fan of the fried egg sandwich....phenomenal. My friend had the french toast and it was amazing!! great service.
(4)Bri A.
I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend and the wait wasn't too long. The hostess didn't give us an exact time frame but it was only 10-15 minutes. I got excited when I saw the smoked pig ear on the menu, but then I realized it was for dogs! hahaha The bloody mary was pretty solid and came with a mini Bud Light. We both ordered the French toast which was tasty. The orange liquor flavor didn't come through but it was still good. I've never had French toast made with French bread but it was a nice twist. I would come here again if I were in the area.
(4)Rhonda G.
I can now review this place with well rounded knowledge since i've been during brunch and now for drinks and appetizers during the evening hours. Pretty pleased on both occasions! No problem getting a table either time when most places in the area had ridiculous wait times. The brunch menu seems limited but the dishes are really good. I had two eggs over easy with turkey ( not turkey sausage but actual, delicious turkey) and potatoes. Common meal but a great choice. And to top it off I went with the bottomless mimosa option. Can't go wrong there, though I do wish they came in champagne glasses so I would feel like less of a lush (which is how I felt drinking mimosas in a tall glass with a straw). During my return visit (not the same day) I had a beer flight and a couple of different appetizers. The winner in the appetizer category is the blue cheese and chips ( no explanation needed right?). The beer flight I selected was ok, I just wish they had more options to choose from. Service was attentive on both visits, though we never felt rushed which tends to be an awful trend that i've noticed lately. Overall, a solid hangout with good food and drinks and excellent service. I shall return indeed.
(4)Ricardo O.
Plain and simple...DELICIOUS $5 Burgers every Wednesdays! Plus that cookie dessert is to kill for! The servers are kinda moody though, not sure why. The food is delicious it's just the servers who seem to always be mad or something. Recommend there burgers and cookie dessert on Wednesday.
(4)Kimberly L.
More like a 3-1/2 star experience but I will give them four stars for a few bonus items listed below. Came here on a Wednesday for the $5 burger and fries! Whoa, how can that be possible? Also had the brussel sprouts and shared the ice cream sandwich dessert. The food was fine but nothing that made me fall off my platform shoes. But I should have worn pants with an elastic waistband. Oof. I was incredibly full. Friendly enough service and clean, pleasant atmosphere. Bonus to the staff for reusing drinking water to water the outdoor plants. Nice, simple way to conserve. Very happy that this establishment was not a$$ to elbows crowded with hipsters. Also, thanks so much for splitting the dishes without our having to ask!
(4)Leslie G.
I think the main thing that I like about this place is the fact that you can actually get a table here without having to wait for 2+ hours, unlike many of the other restaurants in this area. I don't have the patience to deal with that kind of wait, so I've ended up here twice in the past month. The food is pretty average, but how can you really mess up a grilled chicken sandwich? The sweet potato fries are good. My boyfriend had the fish and chips one of the times we came here and said it was very good. I think this place is a reliable choice when you don't feel like waiting forever to get in elsewhere.
(3)Zoby S.
Just had dinner here with my husband and my son yesterday. I had the flatbread pizza which had it been hot would have been ok but it was cold the cheese barely melted on top. As for my son's salmon dish he said it was ok. Today he has food poisoning and has been sick all day. I think the salmon was not cooked properly. Obviously, we will not be going back.
(1)Jason B.
Been over 20 times. It's a decent spot to have some drinks and grab some grub. Prices are reasonable. They are always rotating a Lagunitas which is nice. What's good? Bloodys, fries, turkey burger, roast chicken, salad with citrus vinaigrette , salmon app but ask for extra baguette, ribs are decent...they are steamed Best service is at the bar. TVs are lackin
(4)Rencie H.
Awesome Bloody Mary's, probably the best I've tasted. Food was decent and our waitress lacked any type of personality. Would only go back if ever I'm in the mood for another Bloody Mary.
(3)Lucy L.
I am honestly surprised this place doesn't have more stars!! Dunlay's on the Square, number 1, is way better than the one on Clark. Mainly because they have such a nicer staff. And I think their Bloody Mary's are made with a little more love at this location. The fact that they take reservations as well, is the best. Being from Chicago, I am not the type to stand outside for 2 hours waiting for a table at a crowded restaurant for a decent brunch. This place has great drinks, and their creamy hash browns are a hidden gem in this city!! I tell everyone to go here, and I love bringing friends and family. Everyone is always raving about it and wants to come back. Their prices too are perfect. I highly recommend Dunlay's!!
(5)John M.
File under: I didn't remember to write a review/I don't get this place. I went here last summer and the place was totally dead on a Friday night. I thought that was strange as the weather was nice and the location is easy to get to. Then it sorta dawned on me that there's nothing exceptional going on here. Yeah, it's clean, the staff are friendly and the patio is ok. Beyond that, it just didn't have any real draw on getting me to come back. Maybe I happened by on an off night, but I doubt I'll be returning.
(2)Lisa M.
I came here Saturday night at 10:30pm with 3 friends for a drink. We sat outside until around midnight when they wanted to close the patio. We could have moved inside, but we were done with our drinks so we left. My friend ordered a lemon drop martini, which three of us agreed seemed very weak. On the bright side it left no worries as to her ability to serve as designated driver. I'm not sure if all their martinis are super weak or if the alcohol was covered really well by whatever else was in it or if we did something to bother the waitress. The rest of us got beer so we didn't have anything to compare it to. The inside of the place looked nice. Kind of dark. One of the two stalls in the women's restroom was out of order. Overall this place was fine but nothing special.
(3)Ashley B.
I went here with my vball team and a couple friends after our game and sat outside, which was lovely. The menu also looked pretty solid. I ended up getting a chicken sandwich and veggies, and it was good, but everything my friends ordered looked wayyyy better! I want to come back and try it again! The only thing is that the service was lame. Our server totally hated life or something because she had the worst attitude ever. I asked for the same thing 3 times and eventually she brought it out after I was basically done eating. Lame.
(4)Paul L.
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(5)Richard R.
Wanted to give them three and a half stars. The fish sandwich was excellent and the grilled asparagus that accompanied it was fresh. Beer selection was also good as was the service. We were a party of nine (four adults, five kids) and the check came to $166 --which included beer and wine for the adults and desert for the kids-- so overall a very good value. I would certainly go back.
(3)Jennifer R.
Outdoor seating this mid morning made the experience at Dunlay's more enjoyable. While indoors to wash my hands, the decor was too dark and loud for a brunch. My friend ordered a Champion breakfast drink: Maple whiskey, orange juice, and a slice of bacon. I ordered a mimosa. I had an omelet and my friend had eggs benedict. Our food was great and the price was a good value for the amount of food. I would pick this over Lula's down the road because it is a bit too pretentious for me. I am usually a Johnny's Grill girl (the diner by Lula's cafe). But for a good mid choice between the two, Dunlay's is perfect. I wanna try the stuffed nutella french toast next time. The wait staff was fabulous and the day was beautiful... brunch it up, lovelies.
(4)Jordy S.
My boyfriend and I go to their brunch every Sunday. They have a good amount of items on the menu, more than most places I've been to, but it's not overwhelming. I like having the options. The fruit pancake is great and their hashbrowns are fantastic! My boyfriend usually gets the omelette every time and enjoys it. Good iced coffee. Friendly staff. Great place to stop by before or after the farmers market close by.
(5)Rebecca S.
Best Bloody Mary I've had in awhile; it's like a meal in a glass. Yummy!!!!!
(4)Maggie W.
I've been here a couple of times, and the food is pretty good. But tonight's service was pretty awful and I won't be making my way to this establishment again. Although my two friends and I were seated quickly (especially for a Friday at 7:30 pm) no waitress ever came to our table. We sat for ten minutes at our table in the corner going over the menu while another table next to us was seated. Not only did this neighboring table get their order taken first, but we saw at least 4 staff members walk to our section and never come to our table. Nobody ever came by to get our order. I understand that it is a busy Friday night. But that's no excuse for having to wait 20 minutes with no greeting or water or general acknowledgement. We walked out because we were both hungry and tired of being ignored for all that time while the tables around us got service. It's clear that another restaurant deserved our money tonight. It's a shame since that iron-skillet cookie is awesome. Too bad their wait staff completely ruins the dining experience.
(2)Maribel Q.
Came here for brunch. Omelette was extremely greasy, fruit was obviously a few days old. Hubby's hash was swimming in oil, even he couldn't eat them. I was grossed out just by looking at them. I'm all about casual places but don't want my food swimming in grease. Not for me.
(2)Judy H.
I'm in Logan Square often and carry out from Dunlays on the Square frequently. I love their fried chicken. Some of the best I've had. On this review though I want to commend the management for rectifying a mistake in a carryout order. Not only did they personally deliver the correct order shortly after, they also presented us with a $25 gift certificate for a future meal. Now that's the way to keep customers coming back! Thank you Dunlays On the Square.
(4)Daniel C.
I find Dunlay's to be fine...acceptable...alright. I will now be coming here more often, because it is directly next to a great new bar that just opened and ALWAYS has a wait. When I find myself with an hour to kill, I will just head to Dunlay's. I dropped in with a few friends and the place was super dead for Friday at 10:30pm - definitely no more than 20% of the tables were filled. But that was fine, because we were just there to kill some time. The waitress was very nice and I found the prices to be fair. Between my friends and I, we had the beer cheese, tater tots, and a couple sandwiches. I only tasted a couple items but I thought it was slightly above average for bar food. One bummer is that they seemed to be out of a lot of stuff. A couple different foods items we wanted were both out, and they were also out of Whistle Pig, which was one of the whiskeys included in their "Rye" flight (two whiskeys and a rye ale). The waitress was apologetic and offered to sub in Knob Creek. Whistle Pig is a craft distilled 100% rye whiskey that costs $60-$70 bottle - Knob Creek is not any of those things. I eventually convinced the bartender to substitute a decent scotch they had at the bar. Then, when they finally brought out the flights, they had to explain what each thing was, because they were also out of the little paper templates that labels each glass for the drinker. So, like I said, it was fine. I am not in a rush to come back, but considering how convenient of a location it is for the huddled masses awaiting entrance to the new bar Billy Sunday, I'm sure I'll be back.
(3)Zoey C.
I've been here several times, mostly for the $5 burger and fries, and I'm always a fan. Burgers are usually cooked perfectly (usually rare for me, medium rare for my roommate). The fries are good (not my favorite though, but still an improvement over Kuma's in my eyes) The wait staff is super nice (We usually get the same waitress who is always talkative and very sweet), And for $20 for two of us is great!
(4)Amy S.
Fantastic Brunch. I high recommend the Eggs Florentine. Poached eggs, smoked turkey, hollindaise and frenched brioche on a bed of baby spinach. I find myself craving it if I don't go often enough. Went recently for dinner as well. The Amish Fried chicken is a huge portion (a half a chicken's worth!) and was tasty and cooked perfectly.
(5)Chris D.
Nice place. I have never had a bad experience there. Good Beer selection. The food is usually pretty good to great. I have had both Chicken dishes, the ribs and burgers on several occasions. Outside of the Ribs not of the quality like they are at their sister company, Smoke Daddy, the food is always good to go. The service is professional and attentive. Kudos there! Much different than down at Logan Bar and Grill which has absolutely retched service. I recommend this joint.
(4)Marissa K.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place seeing as how it's one of my neighborhood staples (I even remember it from back in the day when it was the Boulevard Cafe!) Everything about this place is solid and unpretentious, which is something you do not often get in Logan Square. Their bloody marys are amazing (and the high life beer back is a nice touch) and all of their brunch foods are delicious!! My favorite is the fried egg sandwich and Big Mike's Irish breakfast. The hash browns are seriously the best I've ever had (not sure what that creamy sauce they use is, but I'm pretty sure it must have crack in it because I've never left a scrap on my plate!) While I've only been here a handful of times for dinner (it is definitely much more of a brunch place), I've never been disappointed with the food or service. It is definitely a very kid-friendly and group-friendly place, and I've never had a problem getting a seat, which is probably why this is always the place I end up when I get annoyed with Lula or Longman's lines or wait estimates. My one main complaint would be: PLEASE GET MORE/BETTER TVS!! While they may not advertise themselves as a 'sports bar,' they have a decent draw of people during sporting events, especially Bears games, and all they have is two dinky little TVs on opposite sides of the bar. Adding one or two more (and ones where you don't have to squint to see the screen and ones that are actually visible from ALL tables, not just the bar) would definitely make me and my sports-loving friends come here more often to watch games. But when I have a bigger TV at home than in your bar, I am more likely to order takeout or head somewhere else altogether!
(4)Yolanda C.
So because I am a single mother most place's I go to have to be kid friendly,but this place do offer kids eat free 4:30pm to 6:30pm every night cool right no,For one it took them over 15 minutes to come to are table then the waitress tells me very rudely that I have to order something over 10.00 or my son won't be eating for free. And after I ask if I could order a second plate of chicken tenders that (duh I was fully aware that I was paying for them there were not free) again the rude waitress told me that was to much food for my son well your not his ma just bring him more tenders thank you,I can go on and on about this one waitress but I will spare you. Limited food menu,not sure if it's a bar or way what I did order was good fish and chips .But that bloody Mary was nasty as hell. All and all will not be coming back any time soon.
(1)Juliana R.
I really wanted to like this place, my friends rave about it all the time.... Don't inform your customers with bottomless mimosas if you can't keep up with the demand! If there's anything that will get me to come back it's the hashbrowns. Not anything else. The rest of the food is mediocre, service was terrible.
(2)Kyle H.
Bumped to Four Stars! Twice now I've been pleased with the pulled pork (had the Breakfast Burrito today), and have always been pleased with the service. Was told they smoke their own pork in-house. Gotta love a place that smokes their own pork. The owner stopped by all of the tables outside today and asked if everything was alright, if he could get anything else, and that's just a nice touch on top of good food and solid service. The neighborhood has grown up around Dunlays and it's just the dawning of the Age of the new Squarius. And that's not a bad thing anymore.
(4)A. D.
I'm not giving this place 5 stars because the service was slow and the waitress ignored my boyfriend and I for a bit : ( Food was very tasty! Great Bloody Mary!
(4)Melanie S.
I just have to bump Dunlay's to five stars. *their food continues to impress, whether it's for brunch, dinner, or just noshes to eat over cocktails. *the service is tops; always friendly, efficient, and non-intrusive. *the music makes me feel like they've stolen my iPod because they play all my favorite songs *I've never had to wait for a table *it's less than a block from my part-time Logan Square love nest
(5)Jericca B.
The idea of this place sounds and looks better than it really is. I ordered the Palmer square omelet and my boyfriend ordered the grilled chicken sandwich. Both sounded like they were going to be great. However the execution just wasn't there. Also, I am just not a fan of their hash browns.
(3)Annalee T.
delicious. great bloody. i had the cuban and it was great. also tried the enchilada.. also wonderful. dunlay's on the square has a great location and seriously solid food and service.
(5)Ryan C.
The place is fine, the atmosphere is pretty cool and the staff was fine. However, anytime I ask for a burger, I have always made an effort to make sure I mention "please, make sure it is well done." Sure enough, they bring a burger that wasn't even close and was pink/red on the inside. I had to wait for another burger to be well done while I watched the rest of the group eat. Had fun with the company, but the place...ehhh, not impressed.
(2)Roseann M.
Thanks to Groupon, or we would have never found this terrific place. Actually, even with Groupon, we had to drive around the hellacious traffic circle that is Kedzie/Milwaukee Avenue/Logan Blvd. a few times to figure out where Dunlay's really was. If you already know Logan Square, you probably won't have an issue. But if you aren't in the area frequently, like us, Dunlay's is kinda hard to find. It is definitely worth the effort, though. We arrived on a weekday, at the very end of the lunch hour. There was almost no one in the restaurant, and it's a big place. The televisions over the bar were on, but the noise level was low, so none of that was intrusive. The waitress came over quickly, and was appropriately attentive and pleasant during our lunch. To explain "appropriately", sometimes wait staff at slow periods are so bored, they hang around you too much, refilling the water glasses if you drink even one sip. The attention is almost intrusive. Our waitress was around, but not hovering. That helped make our lunch experience good. We shared an artichoke appetizer. I don't have a lot of experience with real artichokes. I'm more familiar with the Birds Eye frozen kind, where you buy 10 ounces worth of artichoke hearts. My friend had to give me a little instruction how to peel off the leaves and get to the heart. We both liked the artichoke very much. I had the egg sandwich, and my friend had a tilapia sandwich. I don't eat fish, so I will rely on her review - she said it was excellent. As for my egg sandwich - friends, I have got to tell you, this was the best egg sandwich I have ever had in my life, and I've had a lot of egg sandwiches. I could write a song of praise for this sandwich. This egg sandwich deserves a Tony award, a Grammy, an Emmy, and a couple Oscars. It's that good. We passed on dessert, because we were pretty full by this point. And happy. It was a very good experience. I'd be very happy to go again, especially now that I know where it is, and how to escape the traffic circle. I think.
(4)Evelina L.
Decided to visit Dunlays last Friday night at about 8 pm to try to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful night and some good food. The good news - we only had to wait 15-20 minutes for an outside seat, meanwhile we waited at the bar where a very nice server spent about 5 minutes trying to help my friend and I pick a bottle of wine. Now, we were perfectly happy with just randomly choosing one, but she insisted that we try a few. What service! Once we made it outside, it was about the food. My friends (who have been at Dunlays before) announced that the menu has changed and now things don't look too good... I sort of agreed. But, we were there to enjoy the night, so we proceeded to order. We had the turkey burger, their sausage pizza, fillet sandwiches appetizer ( I ordered it for my main, because nothing looked good) and the vegetable lasanga. Yes, lasanga, from their specials menu. We all had a good laugh at it, including the waiter as we patiently asked if the lasanga was good :) Overall - pretty good. My fillet sandwiches were probably the best, with a little blue cheese and grilled onions. Fries were great. The rest was solid. Spinach dip for appetizer was really good too... After we left, my husband defined the experience and totally made me understand why the place was just ok - it felt like a suburban restaurant. Not really the caliber of places to be next to Longman, Lula's, Revolution Brewery, etc. But then again, maybe that's why they aren't that busy on Friday nights and you can actually get a seat outside on a beautiful night....
(2)Marc R.
I was heading to the Logan Square auditorium for a concert and decided to pop into this place because they had drinks and food and were still serving. I have tended to avoid places that have this sort of look, but I am becoming less of a judge-a-book-by-the-cover guy. I used to go for the cooler-than-cool places with rude assholes or hot chicks who were even ruder than the rude assholes serving food that might be organic or "whole" was thrown together by some amphetamine freak hipster who is more interested in finding cool tunes on her iPod than making a kick ass sandwich.... OK, so, I would not have gone in here in say 2009. Well, its 2011, or was NYE and still 2010, and I brought my friends in. I was happy as can be. We ordered burgers, and the food and sides were all awesome, and the beer list and friendly staff made this place a real winner. Our food was out in just a few minutes and was perfect. There were even some cool odd Doctor Who type professor types here and the crowd was more mixed than I thought. I have no problem coming here. They had a NYE dinner that looked amazing. I think they should put the fancy mac and cheese they had on special that night on the freaking menu. Pricing was about right. Way to go Dunlays!
(4)Keith M.
Dunlay's is a pretty cool place to visit while in Logan. The wait staff was courteous and efficient. We stopped in here for a quick bite to eat on our way home one day from being downtown. The food was adequate. I just went for the burger and fries. They were good, but they weren't the best I've ever had by any means. The beer selection is decent, but there are better ones in the square. Dunlay's is a place to go because it's got a good menu, it has liquor, with decent staff, and isn't insanely expensive like some other places in the square.
(4)Rob E.
Kid-friendly local bar with fantastic outdoor seating, and good indoor seating. Menu updates regularly, and they have regular specials (ex: $5 burger night) every weeknight except Friday. They have very good flatbread pizzas and simply the best basic breakfast in Chicago with the fried egg sandwich. Make sure to order the casserole-style hash browns, which are coated in butter but amazing.
(4)Lisa N.
First things first- fantastic Bloody Marys! Great location, nice outdoor patio in a super people-watching spot. The patio is dog friendly, which I think is great but I suppose it's not for everyone. The food is consistanly good and always served within a reasonable amount of time. Awesome fish sandwich. Did I mention the Bloody Mary? It's almost a meal in itself. Their prices are pretty fair- keep your eyes open for daily specials- they're worth taking advantage of. Service is consistantly friendly, with the exception of the "hostess," and I use that word very loosely. She and I had a 30 second staring contest, at the hostess stand, before I decided to initiate the conversation by saying hello and asking for a table. Fortunately the decent service and yummy food make up for her snootiness.
(4)Tykon D.
If Lula has a twenty minute wait, just wait. Chances are you might end up snagging a seat at the bar or pastry counter in a matter of minutes anyways. Whatever you do, do not repeat my mistake of going to Dunlay's. I can't understand how so many people come her for brunch. The service is pleasant but the food is awful. From cold "toast" to their creamy (read: disgusting) hash and amateur hour omelettes, you'd be better off skipping breakfast altogether. You've been warned.
(2)Erin B.
Great brunch! The hash browns will surprise you if you are expecting "diner style." They aren't crispy and greasy but gooey and flavorful. They are pretty busy for Sunday brunch, but the hosts seat parties fast. Being in walking distance of my home, I'm a fan.
(4)josie w.
Great burger! Great beer selection!
(5)Drew N.
One of our regular go-to spots. Menu doesn't change much but the food is quality, brunch is amazing. A good spot to get dinner during the week. Decent drink selection as well.
(4)Carrie S.
After an epic week of fun with friends, we all needed food and quickly! Since Lula Cafe's wait was insanely long, we meandered into Dunlay's with a much shorter wait time and room at the bar. To start off our morning, we had blood marys and mimosas. Nothing says a week long drinking experience like a little more to cap it off. We hung out at the bar for maybe ten minutes when a table opened up. Luckily, we were seated pretty quickly and got another mimosa in the process. To start, we had the skillet cornbread. Our most hungover, living in the South friend lusted over this, so we went for it. The cornbread satisfied our empty stomachs and eased the pain of week long drinking. For brunch, I had the Palmer Square omelette with goat cheese, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and artichokes. It hit the spot just right! The hashbrowns were creamy and delicious. For those hashbrowns along, I would come back to Dunlay's. They're seriously like crack hashbrowns. Dunlay's looks like an old workingman's bar that serves food. All in all, the brunch was great and got me through a day of naps and other recovery from that insanely fun week.
(4)Elise T.
I decided to hit up Dunlay's for dinner since I had my dog with me and wanted to eat, draw, and hang out with the puppy. I was seated outside quickly (about 8:30 on an idle Wednesday), and their patio was lovely. The one complaint I have is the service. Although my waitress was very nice, it took a ridiculously log time to get served. I initially waited about 10 minutes to even get a drink order, and once my food arrived, she didn't check to see how I was - and I ended up having to ask another waitress to get me additional items. The food was good, although a touch on the pricey side for what I got. I wish there had been more vegetarian-friendly options. Overall, it was okay. I'd go back, but it probably wouldn't be my first choice.
(3)James M.
Can only really speak to brunch, but they have a very tasty sounding menu, and what i've tried, I really like. They've got a tasty fried egg sandwich, and a kick arse bloody mary. It's got a lot of good spice on it, and the drink toothpick is laden with tasty olives, dill pickle, and salami or pepperoncini. And that doesn't even include the baby Miller High Life chaser they serve side saddle with it! We go here when our beloved Lula's has too long of a wait. And every time we come, we forget how good it is. Good, pleasant service. Neat atmosphere. If I lived in Logan Square, i'd be here all the time.
(4)Michael W.
Good time. Menu needs to change more often. More wine by the glass. Staff is great. Give them a better product (food/beer) to sell. We're here every other week or so. I might get bashed for this but why not make your own fries or at least get a better french fry? Homemade is the wave of the future.
(3)Karen Anne B.
I've been here twice now. The first time was during a festival in the summer. The second was last night. After leaving our first choice restaurant which had a two hour wait, we wandered over to Dunlays to find they had seats available immediately. Bonus. Both times we've been here, the food was good, as was the service. The first time I had their house-made veggie burger. It was good, and nice to have a veg burger that wasn't pre-packaged and frozen. Last night they had a falafel dog as one of the specials, so I gave that a shot. The falafel itself was good, the salad and sauce that were with it were tasty. It was kind of a novelty that it was supposed to be a hot dog, but the bun it on was a bit much for me and I ended up just eating the falafel. For my sides I chose the garlic mashed potatoes, and an extra side of the grilled asparagus, both were very good. Hubby had their shepherds pie last night. It came piping hot in a cast iron crock, which was empty when they took it away, so I assume he enjoyed it. Their beer selection is good and, I assume, some of it changes with the seasonal beers. My only real complaint is the way this place is laid out, which I suppose they can't do much about. I'm one of those "always cold" sort of people. When we arrived last night they sat us at the first open booth. It was right by the door. A cold draft hit us as the next customers came in. Since there were other open tables towards the back, we asked if we could move. Now we were in the very last booth, and still every time someone came in, cold draft. Call me silly, but I like to be warm when I'm inside. Dunlays is worth a visit, especially in the summer.
(4)Aaron Jae M.
I have had positive experiences here every time I have gone. Their food is very tasty and it is mainly classics done well or with a little twist. I am a huge fan of their beer cheese which is served with tortilla chips. It's a little salty since there is salt on the chips and in the cheese but overall it is very tasty and flavorful. I have been here for both dinner and brunch and both had great food specials. They also have nice outdoor seating.
(4)Dominique C.
Absolutely Love Dunlays! Great service, and even better food! Great mix of your neighborhood bar stop and family style dinning. Dunlays offers affordable eats with great $5. specials on burgers on Monday (turkey) and Wednesdays (beef). Great deal not to be missed! Male bartender is the Best! Super attentive!!
(5)Emily T.
Best bloody mary in city. ( that is what I am basing my 4 stars on) Thats all, thank you and goodnight.
(4)Mike P.
I enjoyed eating here, I think I was still drunk. Their mimosas are awesome. That's about it.
(4)Brent W.
Service was extremely spotty and convoluted. Came here on a beauty of a Sunday early afternoon. Walk up and the outside seating was about 1/3 full with a few ppl (appearing to be) waiting for a seat. We put our name in with the outside host (there were a few ppl who looked to be host material but no one ever acknowledged themselves as such) and then asked her how many ppl were in front of us? This is where it becomes exceedingly strange and "high"ly annoying...note the quotes bc she certainly better have been bc this girl was totally out of it, i mean like not even on this planet, head buried in the clouds sort of stuff. She looks at her list, then looks at us with a blank look and unconvincingly states...umm, I don't know. As she was doing this, she was walking away looking to be surveying the open tables and figuring out who to put where in the several open tables avail. When she came back I ask again how many ppl are in front of us and she does the EXACT same thing. Don't know. Blank/Dead look. Complete indifference. This time as she's walking, I ask her directly, you mean you have no idea how long we might be waiting, like NONE? Same thing. Don't know. Blank stare. Ambivalence. So we wait inside at the bar and within about 5 minutes another person comes up and tells us our table is ready and walks us to said table. Few minutes later another person comes and takes our drink order. Drinks arrive in about 5 minutes, delivered by someone else who then asks to take our food order? Put order in and also put in another drink order assuming we need to do stay ahead of the curve here. We wait. And wait. And wait. 20 minutes later, no food, no new drinks which were ordered. Another guy comes up (mgr?) and asks if everything is ok/do we need anything? Yes. Our drinks put in about 20 min ago and food would be nice. As he's walking away another completely different person comes with our food.lol 5 min later, the new drinks. You guessed it, by a different server. TBH, the chicken, bacon club I ordered was outstanding. She ordered a salad that was equally good as was the chili. Service was a 1, food a 4. [x] No idea if I'd go back. So. Confused. Final note: Hipster infestation level (scale of 10) the restaurant itself = 2-3 (low) immediate area/ppl watching = 9 (extreme)
(2)Carolina N.
Their food is pretty good but I mostly come here for the patio! Dunlay's is always a safe bet.
(4)Matt G.
Good, not great.... Brunch with the family. Cornbread is a must have. Buffalo shrimp app was good, a little heavy on the sauce. Had a Fried Chicken Benedict. Chicken was a mess and a bit dry. Not much else going on with it. Left the biscuit as it was dry too. Nice atmosphere, slightly spotty service though.
(3)Amy H.
It had been a while since I was at Dunlay's on the Square, but it was a beautiful day and I wanted to sit outside for brunch. I walked past Lula, because as usual the lines were too long. I noticed that the patio for Dunlay's was a little packed (hrm...so I'm not the only person in Chicago with this idea?!?!?) so I went inside and sat at the bar. I got the Big Mike's Irish Breakfast, which is two eggs, two sausage, two bacon, cheesy baked potatoes, a broiled tomato, and a pint of Guinness. Mmmm-mmm, just what the hangover doctor ordered! The bartender and someone who I think was the owner were so incredibly nice and attentive. Oh Dunlay's, why did I ever quit you??
(4)Sarah C.
Late night dining is delicious. After spending some time in Logan Square on Saturday night our group was looking for a late night dinner. Dunlay's became the place. Not only are there seats outside (dog friendly) but after 9p.m. there isn't much of a crowd and groups can be accommodated. The service was excellent and the food selection was ample. I went with the vegetarian burger. Most of the table ordered the red wine sangria and had a blast sipping that down. I found my burger to be hand made and not reheated. It had excellent flavor and complemented the sweet potato fries extremely well. Others ordered the turkey burger with the potato patties. Let me tell you a thing or two about those potato patties. They were enormous and crispy on the outside and filled with cheese and bacon on the inside. What a perfect pair! I would definitely go back and next time I'm in the area I certainly will!
(4)Kris R.
enter: kris r. + 3 friends. although it was the middle of january, DOTS had a warm decor christmas-y decor. garland-y, wreaths, red ribbons, lights - the works. it felt cozy. comfy. welcoming. and after a few minutes of that, who cares that it's not the season anymore? so my new thing is eating boatloads of goat cheese. we ordered and split: the beet salad with yummy goat cheese the yummy mushroom flatbread with goat cheese a turkey yummy burger the beer cheese yummy dip honestly, all great food. i mean, yummy food. beer specials to few of us, hard cider on ice for me. i'm fance. oh, and we were so cool that 2 ladies tried be our servers. awesome. i hate the word yummy.
(4)Jim M.
A nice spot for brunch if you feel like you need a break from all the hipster trendiness that exists in Logan Square. Just a friendly place with solid food and 3$ mimosas.
(4)Sherie P.
A friend of mine wanted to meet up for brunch. We each threw out a couple of suggestions that the other had not been to.. And Dulays, you had me at Breakfast Burrito! So we met up, hopped on the blue line, and did the short walk across the park. There was no waiting. It was Sunday at 11 am and there's seating inside and outside? Wonderful! We are off to a good start. Our waitress greeted us promptly and was quick with the Blood Mary's. Can I just say YUM! Spicy and tomatoy, served with this pickle, olive, salami, kabob that is just magical if you let it "marinate" in the bloody marry. The also served it with a beer chaser... a miller high life. Being a non-beer drinker, I passed on that but I still think it's cute. I ordered the breakfast burrito which I had been planning since reading the menu on-line. When asked what side I wanted I took the waitress's recommendation of the hash browns. When It all came out I was a bit disappointed. The burrito was not rolled tight at all. When I picked it up, it practically fell apart. And where's the pulled pork the menu promised? Where are the eggs for that matter? It was tasty, but lacking in fullness. When I get a breakfast burrito I want some EGGS! Otherwise, it's just a burrito. It felt like they used MAYBE one egg for the whole burrito. The hash browns on the other hand were a HIT. They do these herby creamy hash browns cooked on the grill which makes yummy crispy bits. Mmmm! They felt a little salty at the end when I was just eating them and drinking my bloody mary but still really good. My friend got the Nutella Stuffed French toasts and of course I had to try that. The bread was light and fluffy and the cream sauce on top was delicious. I was disappointed a bit because when you say Stuffed, I think STUFFED! It was more like a think layer between two pieces of bread. Don't get me wrong, it was still good but only had a hit of Nutella. So, a Dulay's... you were a little disappointing. But still good enough for a second try. I'll get my Bloody Mary (minus chaser) and my hash browns, but I'll opt for a different main dish next time.
(3)Brian S.
Pretty good spot for brunch. Its a little congested at times to get a place to sit but not too bad for what its worth. Im a fan of the french toast and the hashbrowns.. NOM!! NOM!!!
(4)Phoebe W.
The first few times I came here, their lunch was great! I loved their huge salads (I got the Wrightwood) and their special of the day: fish & chips. Their service has always been on point and I like their beer/drink selection. So why only three stars? I am a brunch brat, let's face it. I showed up late morning on a Friday afternoon expecting a lovely brunch at Dunlay's since I've heard/read so many great things. Imagine my disappointment, when our server informed us of the "limited" brunch menu for weekdays. I already think the selection is pretty scant, but try to make do anyway. I ended up getting their two egg breakfast since nothing else seemed to appeal to me and was sorely disappointed. I'm not a fan of their hash browns because they're not crispy and have some kind of weird herb sauce. My friend got their Irish breakfast, which comes with a pint of Guinness...too bad the best thing about the breakfast was the beer. Sigh. Dunlays, I'm willing to give you another shot at brunch. Please have an order of Crabcakes Benedict ready for me!
(3)Carly O.
I suppose I can't actually rate this restaurant as we didn't eat or drink here. That wasn't for lack of trying though. My mom made a (probably unnecessary) reservation for 5 p.m. last night (Sunday). My dad went to deal with the parking meter, so my mom and I walk in. There's no one at the host stand. We stand there, awkwardly and not one person even looks our way. I wasn't expecting to be ushered in or seated right away. However, there is nothing more uncomfortable than to stand there and be ignored. ANYone could have said "we'll be right with you". The bartender, a server, the guy in the back who was too busy lighting votives. I've lived in the neighborhood just over a year now and had never made it around to checking this place out. Now I know I won't be attempting to do this again. Thankfully, Lula Cafe is right around the corner and more than made up for this experience.
(1)Fa M.
Had a great lunch. Server was very friendly, and suggested the tilapia sandwich, which was good, and had the grilled asparagus on the side. Server didn't rush the order and took time to converse, and overall was a good lunch place. Save room for dessert. Looking to go back, next time we are in the area.
(4)Jenna S.
I'm definitely a fan of this place as long as I don't have to eat inside. Apparently the key to really enjoying Dunlays is to get your food to-go - don't waste your time eating inside with all the annoying families and their really loud, stupid kids. I've been ordering take out from here a couple of times per year and it's pretty fantastic. The food is expensive, sure, so getting Dunlays is kind of a treat (and usually our last choice) but the food is really great to go. My veggie burger is always hot and the fries have always been crispy. The service is always spot-on and they time they quote for the wait is always accurate. I only have to spend about two minutes inside the loud, annoying restaurant and that's fine with me. I don't have to deal with any servers or other patrons, which is awesome. The last time I ordered, I even made the stupid mistake of placing my order with the Dunalys on Clark instead of the Square location and they totally just fixed it for me, no problem. I had to wait about 10 minutes longer (my fault) and they just said no big deal, we'll make it here. Then it was just done and I went home with my food one happy patron. Order your Dunlays to go - the food is expensive but pretty tasty and then you can enjoy your lunch or dinner at home.
(4)K P.
The food is good and consistent. I go there all of the time. I especially like the Sunday Brunch.
(4)Alex Z.
Pretty legit place. Monday's is half off burgers. Ordered a turkey burger with sweet potato fries. the fries were delicious and the turkey burger was very different. Felt like the consistency a crab cake. It's unexpected, but it's definitely a huge plus. The outdoor seating was nice, the server was friendly, but she got my friend's order wrong and it took her a bit of time to get the replacement. Altogether, 4 star. Worth checking out again.
(4)Michael S.
Good eats. Had sweet potatoes fries which were decent and a really well made turkey burger on pretzel bread with coleslaw topped on top. Very yummy burger.
(4)Adam S.
Others have said it: Dunlay's is the definition of "standard." It's not that it's bad. The beer selections are nice, they have daily specials, it's not too terribly busy (except brunch time), and they have a large outdoor area that's dog friendly. Also, their french fries are a near mirror image of McDonald's, only they're made with actual potatoes. SO GOOD. It's just that it's not that good, either. What do I mean? Their burger is BORING. Their turkey burger is OK, but it's just not that good. For $9.50, they have the smallest breakfast burrito I've ever seen. The rest of their brunch is OK, but nothing standout. Their ribs are on special one day during the week, are really cheap, and about the driest ribs I've ever had. The Cuban sandwich is good, but again, for $11 I really expect something more than what I got. In short, their menu is OK, but nothing really stands out, at all. And, it's always chock full of families. I have nothing against families, but it's a bar, not a restaurant that serves alcohol. When I'm in there getting my happy hour on, or ensuring a soft landing on Saturday or Sunday morning, I don't need nor want to be surrounded by yelling, running little kids. I don't know if Dunlay's encourages this or not, but it seems like it sometimes. The place is decidedly non-hipster (when compared to most other restaurants within walking distance to Dunlay's). This makes it sorta stand out, but only b/c it's in Logan Square. If Dunlay's were in Lakeview or Lincoln Park (where the other is located), you'd be hard pressed to tell it apart from any other place in the area. Go get their specials, they are a good deal. Everything else, meh.
(3)Kevin G.
I finally returned to Dunlays this evening. The last time I was there was last year. I don't know what happened, but it seems like the menu and quality of the food changed. We started off with the beer cheese with chips. The cheese looked and tasted like it came from a can. Not a good start. I ordered a cheeseburger with fries and my girlfriend ordered the mac and cheese and a side of mashed potatoes. The cheeseburger was decent. It really reminded me of the cheeseburgers that you can get at one of those small burger joints. However, that's not what a $9 burger should taste like. At least the fries were good. My girlfriend did not like the mac and cheese or the mashed potatoes. The mac and cheese tasted like it had the same cheese from the chips. The mashed potatoes were slightly cold and lacked flavor. I came here several times a few years ago and remember the food being a lot better. I don't know what happened, but I will not be back. You can get better food elsewhere.
(2)J. F.
Second people in the place after it opened this morning. Service was impeccable, waitresses were on-the-spot, and the booth was comfy. However, I had the Apple Cobbler with ice cream for breakfast - - and it's RIGHT UP THERE with the apple dumpling mentioned in one of my other reviews. OMG. I LOVE apple dishes, and this was PERFECT. Really. My friend asked for 'off menu' scrambled eggs. The waitress didn't blink, although she wasn't sure they had spinach. She was so professional. Just a nice person, and the eggs were exactly what he wanted. I read that Dunlays has good Mimosas. I have to go back to try the Mimosas. I love Mimosas, too. I'll get food next time as well. Nice atmosphere and decor.
(5)Alice R.
I often walked past Dunlays on my way to Lula Cafe or the Rocking Horse and wanted to give it a shot, but the time was never right and I was always on my way somewhere else. Then, one Sunday, I decided to go try Dunlays for brunch. There was a short wait so we figured we'd just grab a drink and kill time by the bar. I stood there for the entire twenty minute wait just waiting for the bartender to acknowledge my presence. In this time, I stood, established eye contact numerous times, waved almost to the point of looking like I was drowning, and several times the bartender looked directly at me, but didn't acknowledge me beyond that. Not even just to say "I'm pretty busy, but I promise I'll be with you!" Instead, I watched him help two people who just walked up who were clearly regulars as, without a word said, he made them two bloody marys and chatted it up about something that I can only assume to be about the new Ed Hardy line of date rape drugs. I was starting to catch on to the douchiness of this place, but the only reason I stuck around so long was because the bloody marys looked like they were loaded with alcohol, so I was hoping that my patience would pay off. With that, I decided to assume positive intent on the part of the bartender. Maybe he couldn't see me through the fog of Axe Body Spray? Maybe he couldn't hear me over the abnormal frequency emitting from all of the surrounding patrons' bluetooth headsets? Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't a complete asshole. Eventually I got frustrated and nearly yelled "I'm sorry, but I've been waiting a really long time. Can I please place an order?" and he finally responded with nothing but "I have nine bloody marys to make before whatever you need, but then you can." Seriously? I know 9 bloody marys is a lot, but I was there waiting to be helped long before those 9 bloody mary drinkers ever crawled off of their one night stands' futons. With that, we decided to just walk out. I know that I look young and people sometimes discredit me as just being some snotty indie kid who isn't going to tip well, but I'm old enough to drink and old enough to have a well-paying job and old enough to tip well, but none of that will ever happen at Dunlays thanks to their phenomenally terrible customer service.
(1)Aaron T.
I have had a good experience every time I have been here. Friendly wait staff and solid food. The menu is made up full of basic bar food for the most part. I have had all three of the burgers: veggie, beef, and turkey. All of them are excellent. I think I am partial to the turkey burger though. We also got some corn bread for an app one time and it was a good size portion and incredibly tasty. It come out in this little corn bread pan and I think they cook it to order. I wouldn't go out of your way to eat here, but check it out if your around the area and looking for some standard bar eats.
(4)Kenny N.
I eat here every couple months after church on Sundays. Always crowded...but always quick to seat us. Located right off the BLVD...so be sure to enjoy the trees and greenery before or after you eat! The menu isn't overwhelmingly large, but carries the right amount of variety for everyone in our large groups to be satisfied! Great food all around - I've tended to eat their breakfast foods and I have enjoyed everything I've tried- highlights: cornbread skilet & cookie skillet (if you like cookies like me...you won't be disappointed) But yea...I enjoy Dunlay's and will return regularly
(4)Nessa M.
My friend and I had dinner here on a Saturday night around 9. Tables were abundant, atmosphere super nice, waiters and waitresses very friendly and knowledgeable (even willing to admit when they didn't know) and the food was spot on! I got this big salad that was absolutely perfect and my friend got a steak which was to die for. We split a bottle of Malbec which we were able to taste test. Overall a great experience, I would recommend this place to anyone, you could bring your friend, a date or even your parents! Kudos!
(5)Sarah M.
I've been here twice. Once a few months ago for brunch. It wasn't really remarkable but not bad either. We came here again for dinner and were truly disappointed. My husband had the mushroom meatloaf. He said it wasn't very good and it came with mashed potatoes but no vegetables. I had crab cake. The flavor was good, but they were stone cold. I sent them back and they came back to me all chopped up. Like they just smashed them up on the flat top to heat them up. Not to mention my sweet potato side was then cold when the plate was returned to me. So I still had cold food. Would it kill you to put a fresh side on the plate? We will not be back.
(2)Gregory S.
Reliable comfort food and usually good service. TVs are there, but they're not obnoxious. The honey corn bread is our fave! After the marathon last year all I wanted was a Manhattan and Dunlays fried chicken!
(3)Jennifer P.
Their meatloaf is sublime, the fried chicken is great, the burgers are great examples of burgers, the mashed potatoes are garlicky, the service is good, they have Shiner on tap. A great neighborhood joint.
(4)David S.
Very clean and casual setting with modern restrooms. The place was clean and the staff are friendly. I had the Reuben with sweet potato fries, both delicious and fairly priced. Shared The Cookie dessert (chocolate chip cookie baked in cast iron skillet with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel), which was pretty amazing, warm, and gooey. I can see how parking is normally difficult, but we were able to park right out front during rush hour. The burgers my friends had looked amazing as well (apparently they are like $5 during Happy Hour, but that may just be certain days).
(4)Joel W.
I'd go back and try other things for sure. First time visited mid-March A+ weather. Sat right inside of the open window/walls which gives an awesome view of the Logan Square which comes with complimentary people watching: hipsters, yuppies, old young-at-heart, and puppies. Fun. Had a flatbread (chicken, pesto, and mozzarella), good. Took half home to ensure I did stuff myself too much. My companion had crab cakes, SO good! We also had the humus. Loved the slices of carrots and cucumber. Only issue was the crab cakes were $24. The menu said $13/$24, which I assume means half/full. But she didn't really realize that because the $24 portion of crab cake did not seem big at all, which is why she was surprised to see the $24 price. I as well. Two cakes, bit small than the size of tennis balls or so and 4 or 5 pieces of grilled asparagus which was delicious. So our fault, no biggie, but a bit eye opening. She loved it, but probably would not spend the $24 on it again. Good thing we had a groupon! Waitress was great! Nice, attentive. Staff kept our water glasses full which always makes my wife happy. Huge drink menu. I'd go back and try other things for sure. heard good things about brunch.
(3)Tammy M.
I have been here twice now since moving to Logan Square and I have to say that I'm not in love with this place. It's honestly just OK. My group of friends is all about Sunday Funday and drinking Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's. There are so many places offering great bottomless options for under $15 that it's always painful to spend my afternoon somewhere that doesn't participate in such festivities. No real reason to ever go back when this city is full of great Sunday Funday establishments. The beers and wines seem very over priced and it's really not that great of environment. Better off to spend your money elsewhere.
(2)Anne F.
My friend and I were looking for a place in the neighborhood that we could have dinner and drinks and watch the 2012 Presidential Election coverage. We called and were told that the election would be on and that the volume would be on. There was music playing for a while, the restaurant and bar filled up. Everyone there was watching the TVs, all the tables were filled with people just sitting on one side so no ones' back would be to the TV. This is Chicago, it's Obama's town-- people were excited. After asking, I was told the volume on the TVs would be turned on in 15 more minutes (meanwhile people are clearly annoyed that music is on instead of the coverage). Finally, they turn on the TV volume. People are glued to the changing results and polls closed etc. People are clapping and cheering. So then, CNN calls the election for Obama-- and everyone was really happy and waiting to hear what people are saying-- waiting for Romney to concede and for Obama to talk. AND THEN THE BARTENDERS TURNED OFF THE SOUND!. It was like a record stopped-- everyone is confused and looking to the TVs then to the bartenders who clearly dont care that NO ONE ELSE wants the music on. Two ladies came in, had just ordered food and were asking us what our plan B was-- they were going to abandon their order to get somewhere and listen and watch the coverage. I asked the bartender if we could please have the volume on, I said "Look-- all these people want to hear this-- this table is going to leave, and my friend and are going to leave too, can we please listen to the TVs?" She was rude and bitchy-- apologizing about it insincerely, and saying "we are going to have the music on now".. as if it wasnt up to her-- which it clearly was. I was pretty shocked at how nasty they were about it. I wont be going there again, that's for sure.
(1)Emily K.
I come here almost weekly now for $5 Burger Night. I've been here for dinner once or twice and brunch once. Overall Dunaly's is OK. It's not fantastic but it doesn't suck either. The food is generally hit or miss and so is the service. The $5 burger is the best thing they have going though. It's big, juicy, delicious and you can get it with a nice blue cheese crust on the top. Fries are tasty too. I also enjoy their grilled artichoke but you can get better at Skewerz. There are times when we get great service but mostly it's slow. As someone who has served I get the impression that the poor service has more to do with the management than the servers themselves. If it wasn't for the $5 burger night and proximity to my house I probably wouldn't come here much. For what they charge on their normal menu they either need to beef up their service standards or their food quality. I also don't know how you charge $13 for Fish n' chips (not even all you can eat anymore), give your customer 2 medium sized pieces of bland fish, and expect them not to feel ripped off. Especially when you can go to Duke of Perth and get all you can eat delicious fish (inlcuding the peas and malt vinegar!) for $10.
(2)Jonathan C.
Sadly.... most times when I write I make a more informing review. However I cannot remember anything special about this place. They have a nice small outdoor seating. However that is all I remember. Unlike the person who just reviewed, I don't remember anything special about their beer list. Maybe I have been hanging out in beer bars too much. The food was eh
(2)Molly A.
We went here for brunch with a bunch of out of towners one Sunday. Bloody Mary's? Delicious. Breakfast burrito? Delicious. Semi-reasonable prices, lots of goo brunch menu items to choose from and a very laid back atmosphere. It doesn't hurt that it's just steps away from our front door. I don't know how it is for lunch, dinner or nightlife, but in terms of an impromptu, casual brunch, I would never turn it down!
(4)Rick S.
Nice place for a date meeting, good selection of beers, the waitress and staff seem knowledgeable about menu and various wines, and spirits selections. This place can get very busy on weekends. It has some really good appetizers, I had the smoked salmon with toast points, and fried calamary. Both are excellent choices. This place is easy to get to, just south of the Logan St. exit on the blue line, and there's parking available.
(4)Douglas R.
I had a very positive evening dinner experience with some friends, here at Dunlays. They offer a very respectable selection of taps, in a comfortable atmosphere. It was easy to carry on a conversation while waiting only a very short time for our food which was really good. I recommend trying the Fish and Chips. Our bartender/waiter was personable, and knowledgeable. I'll certainly be back with friends in the future.
(4)Zach J.
Dunlay's is kind of the perfect representation of the classic American "good but not great" restaurant. You're not going to find anything on the menu that blows your mind, and on the flipside, you're rarely going to have something on the menu that's bad or disappointing. They've got a pretty standard, comfort-food themed menu, so it's pretty hard to screw up those type of selections. I'm personally a fan of their fried-chicken as well as their ribs, both of which are, you guessed it: good but not great. They also happen to have a good breakfast/brunch menu as well, which is a nice option when Lula's or even Johnny's is too crowded. And, as a side note, their breakfast is not much more expensive than Johnny's (we're taking maybe an extra $2-3 on average) and the food is usually better. And you can order booze if you'd like. Speaking of booze, their full bar is stocked with all the usual suspects, so no complaints there. And service-wise, while I have had a couple of sporadic lackadaisical waiters/waitresses here and there, most of the time the service is fine. Lastly, the ambiance of the place is nice, if somewhat generic feeling. It feels like a somewhat nicer version of your typical Chicago bar & grill, probably because it's a restaurant 1st, a bar 2nd. And, as a result, you get a lot of families and the like frequenting the place, just looking for a nice generic, reasonably priced meal in a good atmosphere. Which is perfectly fine for a fellow like me who happens to be a new father. (yes, I'm that guy with the baby stroller...don't act like you don't like it). So suffice to say Dunlay's will likely be a casual go-to spot for yours truly for the next several years being that we live around the corner. Not a place to seek out necessarily, but if you happen to find yourself there, chances are you will have a "good" experience.
(4)Nichole M.
MARTINIS! SOOO GOOOD Ok, this place totally does not look anything like a place with fabulous martinis, but let me tell you. They are delicious. And on Thursday they were half price I believe. Oh, the Flirtini, yummmm. I went there to see a friend's band, and the place had a nice vibe to it. Comfortable set up, decent service, great martinis and pretty good food. My friends loved the chocolate chip cookie desert. It tasted like raw cookie dough to me, which is not my style. I would go here again for martinis and if they had a band playing. It was a pretty low key place on a Thursday night. Also good to note is that they have a late night menu with specials, not bad.
(3)Lesly C.
This was my first time here and I was pretty disappointed. We weren't greeted very nicely by our waitress Cristina, she was very rude and almost seem bothered by our presence. I liked the place but the customer service isn't the best.
(1)Jay P.
Solid lunch option for Logan Square. While the burger I had was dry, everything else I have ordered was right on the money. I would have to recommend the fish sandwich which is delicious a simple blackened tilapia but done perfectly, not drenched in the blackening seasoning and the remoulade complimented it just right.
(4)Melanie V.
Admittedly, I don't venture to Logan Square too often - especially to eat brunch. So, it was a nice treat to head west of Western that early on the weekend! Glad I did 'cuz Dunlays has some fabu food options! I was pretty much wanting everything on the menu, but settled on the Palmer Square omelette - goat cheese, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and artichokes ($8.50). That was kinda a new combo for me, but I loved the way it tasted. The feta wasn't overpowering and the actual portion size wasn't massive! It also came with some toast and fruit, so it was a well-rounded meal. Service was perfect. I've never seen such chipper waitresses that early. Seriously. The crowd looked, well, hungover, but that's expected at 11am. Parking was impossible, but if you turn onto Milwaukee, there's tons of meters available. Oh, and they have mimosas ($7). Gotta try that out next time!
(4)Erica O.
No visit to Chicago is ever complete without brunch at Dunlays on the Square. I'm always on a mission to find the best Bloody Mary in America - and so far, this place has the winner. THEEE best Bloody Mary that I've come across! I'm sure there are many other great things on the menu, but I would hop in my car right now and drive from Detroit to Chicago just for the Hash Browns! (Although, I'm guessing they are filled with a ton of calories, and I should ride my bike there instead)
(4)John S.
This place has friendly and good service, and the menu is much better than you might expect from a neighborhood joint. Good casual place for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It's is a local go-to.
(4)Mr. T.
This is just a bar review! I've been in Logan Square 12 years and remember this place when it was the Boulevard cafe a great place for Sunday brunch. For several years we have known it as Dunlays and glad they stayed because back then this whole Logan Square area was still a restaurant desert with no decent drinks or much interesting food. I'm a new dad and haven't been able to really peruse the 'hood in quite awhile - I am very pleased to see all the new faces and places and events in Logan. We always wondered what took the kids so long to find us. BUT what about Dunlays? it seems to me their pricing of liquor is outrageous - as if we are in some downtown club scene. My friend from NYC and I ordered two Manhattan's with knob creek the bill was just about $25.00 W/tip it was a $30.00 tab! Explain this please Dunlays. I can get the best Manhattan I have ever tasted just a mere two blocks from you for only $8.00 Granted we asked for Knob creek and did not look at the drinks menu for pricing but even at the highest high end joint a shot of Knob will never be more than $9. This was just an ordinary not very well prepared Manhattan on the rocks with the exception of using black cherries instead of Maraschino. My advice to Dunlays is to remember that this isn't really Manhattan or downtown Chicago but rather Logan Square home to a group of regular folks and although it feels like a bunch of new moneyed tech industry richers are moved here even they would laugh at these ridiculous prices. No wonder the place was empty. I won't be back even to try what smelled to me like an amazing fried chicken. Get your act together and get back to being a neighborhood anchor. I feel if you criticize something you should back it up with your honest name and will happily engage openly with anyone that disagrees with me just not in a forum where trolls reside. Tom
(2)Bethany H.
Dunlays is...convenient. It's close to my home, moderately priced, and kid friendly. With a 7 month old, getting to go out to dinner with my husband is a rare treat, and having a place where we can also have a cocktail and not feel on edge, worrying that baby coo's, orour son practicing his raspberry sounds, will offend anyone. It's true, I have other places I would likely go on a kid-free date, with higher end food, but you can't eat that 3 meals a day. The fried chicken is spicy and delicious, they have great daily specials, and they have a great beer selection. That's what will keep us coming back.
(3)Josh K.
It's good in a lot of ways, but totally unremarkable. I have had several things ranging from fish and chips, mac and cheese, fish of the day, roasted chicken, etc. It's all fine and a spot to take friends who are pretty boring when it comes to food. You'll be able to get a pretty decent meal, have a 50/50 shot at being able to watch a game, and be plenty full. Not the best but far from the worst.
(3)Jason A.
If you make an offer, stand by it. Dunlays On The Square proudly says that kids eat free from 4:30 to 6:00 every night on their website. However, when my bill came, I was charged for my 8-year-old daughter's dinner. I protested with our waitress. She told me I was wrong, talked to the manager and brought my check back telling me it was "fixed". Apparently kids eat free doesn't mean they drink free. We were charged $3 for an 8 oz cup of lemonade (that is too tart for a child). That price is more appropriate for a glass of wine. They also charged for my refill of lemonade (What? When my little girl ordered it, it sounded good to me too.) If you're counting, that's $9 for 2 1/4 glasses of lemonade. The food was good and the atmosphere was nice, but I don't like getting jerked around when the check comes. Also, service was slow, and got a lot slower when I complained about the bill. There are better places. I won't be back.
(2)Peggy L.
After City Lit Bookstore visit, my daughter & I were hungry. @PM and Dunlay's was packed. Menu had wonderful options - hard to decide which way to go. Opted for the Turkey Burger with Asparagus side. YUMMY. BEST Turkey Burger I've had- moist and spicy and delish. Would def return!
(5)Celia G.
I highly recommend this place for brunch. I am a big fan of their Palmer square omelet and sashimi tuna salad. The sangria is also so delicious and refreshing! I like this place because the service is friendly and the menu has many healthy choices. The only thing that needs to be improved is that the music is too loud in certain area of the restaurant because of the location of the speakers. Overall, it is a very awesome place to enjoy food/drinks and hang out with friends.
(4)Quetzalli C.
For the few times that I've been here I have not been let down. Yet something (I can't quite put my finger on it) keeps me from saying that its amazing. All in all its been a good experience. The food has never been a let down for me. The veggie burger is quality stuff and my friend thoroughly enjoyed his Cuban sandwich.
(3)Stuart E.
Think of a slightly nicer, less suburban Applebee's, and you'll find yourself at home in Dunlays. The food is the standard fare, with a twist, like their Chicken sandwich with basil pesto. You can almost always get a seat at this place, including on their outside patio right on Logan Square. The even have good brunch, with the Big Mike's Irish Breakfast taking the prize. The downsides are pretty hit-or-miss service, a spartan menu, and a beer list that changes on an infrequent basis. I would heartily recommend this place when Lula or Longman & Eagle are too crowded, or when you just feel like having something that you're too lazy to make at home.
(3)Kara N.
Decided to have brunch here this morning, what a great decision and a wonderful way to start the week. I felt very welcome from the minute I walked in the door, the place was warm and cozy and tastefully decorated for Christmas. I joined a friend and we had a hard time deciding what to order because everything looked so tasty. I ordered the Big Mike Irish Breakfast and since I am not a fan of beer our server Christina told me I could get a Smoke Daddy Bloody Mary for just $1 more. It was exactly what I wanted. Service from the get go was amazing. We had the good fortune to be sat in Christina M's section. Christina answered all our questions and gave great suggestions and struck that delicate balance where we totally felt taken care of but did not feel harassed. She is a rock star server, when you go ask to sit in her section. Not only is the service stellar but everything that comes out of the kitchen is as well. It is obvious that chef Jordan Rose puts passion into everything he cooks! The entire breakfast was amazing, but the hash browns were heavenly. They were creamy and delicious and crispy in all the right places. They made me swoon. I asked what the secret ingredient was and Christina told me it was heavy cream, parsley and 26 spices. It blends together in such an incredible and harmonious way that it is something to savor. My friend had french toast with hot maple butter and the Two Eggs Your Way Breakfast. Both were amazing, in fact the french toast was ignored until the very end and Christina noticed and had the kitchen re-warm the plate so the hot maple butter could melt and be enjoyed properly! I asked Christina to send our compliments to Chef Jordan and he sent us a lovely dessert! I forget the technical name but it included fresh strawberries, fresh whipped cream, filo dough, vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberry sauce. Double swoon. I know I will be back. All around a great brunch experience!
(5)Danielle G.
Dunlay's is a favorite weekday spot for my fiance and I. The food is more upscale than most sport's bars. We prefer to sit out on their sidewalk cafe and have drinks while people watching on the Square. They have a great selection of beers and wines with decent drink specials during the week. The lack of 1 star is due to the pretty small menu that doesn't change often enough for my liking. Its a bit pricey but the food that is on the menu is really good!
(4)Michael E.
Dunlays in Logan Square is a bright spot in an otherwise "thin" selection of restaurants in that particular area. Logan Square is a lovely place, but the physical layout of this part of town harks back to the early 1900s where large streets, huge house were the norm. Unfortunately for modern times this makes for finding a set of eateries in the area a challenge as you have to walk many blocks to cover all the selections. But Dunlays is clean, new (at it appears new looking to me) establishment that has plenty of booth space (I love me some booth) and a long bar that can accommodate any number of folks. I ate their last night and by 7:30pm, the places was already filling up. They have a good beer selection and I partaked of the Chips w/guacamole dip (which the chips came out warm w which really makes eating this sort of thing a step above the rest) and a pizza which both were quite good. Two fat tire beers and the dinner was perfect. Wait staff was really on the ball and food was served very quickly. If you find yourself in Logan Square, I'd recommend this place for dinner. UPDATE: I realize there are few places close by..but the diner isn't something I consider seriously....their are several places down on Fullerton, but 3 blocks is closing in on half a mile in this city, so the selection is spread out compared to other parts of town.
(4)Renee E.
Dunlays is where my fiance and I go when we're in the mood for a bite and a beer but feel too lazy to leave the neighborhood. That said, we've been coming back for about 4 years now. The food's good, but I'm ashamed to say, I'm totally sick of the menu. When we started coming, I wasn't vegetarian, so my options were much greater. Now that I'm not eating meat, I really only have 2 entree choices (not counting pizza, which I don't tend to order). The vegetable platter is good, but sometimes you want a little something...MORE. The veggie burger is also good, but sometimes you want a little something...healthier? Although, it is awesome that they'll let you choose, say, grilled asparagus as a side instead of fries. If they did the Wrightwood Salad with a baked tofu option for a topping, I'd be there daily. That salad ROCKS. Oh, and that skillet cookie? Sinful. And delicious.
(3)Glory O.
love love love loveeeeeeee their bloody marys!!! hands down my favorite bloody mary ever! their brunch is always delicious and if you never had a reason to hit the gym... after a serving of their awesome hash would be a good reason to start. (seriously, you probably consume a whole stick of butter and heavy cream....) but very well worth it. tell your hangover who's boss and get some awesome brunch at dunlays!
(4)Julia C.
I've only sat on the patio, but Dunlay's definitely does the trick when we have the dog in tow. They're always quick to bring out water for Lily and find us a spot in the shade for our little, black, sun-loving pup. Food is good- exactly what you expect from a place that has a little bit of everything. We switch it up between brunch, lunch and dinner, and have always found something delicious.
(4)Colleen R.
In my mind, Dunlay's is a solid option in this location (and on Clark Street as well) for one reason alone -- the Wrightwood Salad. Hands down, this salad has to be my favorite in Chicagoland. It's one of the only ones that has a really good ratio of greens to "other stuff" -- in this case, it's chicken, avocado, almonds, goat cheese, and a bit of corn that complement the fresh greens and dressing. I've never been left with a bed of lettuce after finishing eating, unlike some places that don't understand the importance of observing the proper ratio. I've never ordered anything else at Dunlay's, so I'd be a terrible person to ask about anything else on their menu. I can tell you that you can usually get a table right away, unless the spillover from Lula's happens to be crazier than usual. Sunday mornings tend to bring out the stroller brigade, but then again, where isn't that the case?
(4)J. K.
Amazing food, especially that I think it is more of a bar place than a restaurant. They make turkey sandwiches from scratch, juicy and delicious, the best I've ever had. We also had blackened tilapia, was very good, shoe string fries was great, their coleslaw was good. Everything had zest or spice to it, even Cole slaw, but we liked it all. We didn't have any drinks, were there for lunch, but they have different kind of flights, not wine flights, but hard cider and beer flights.
(5)Eddie L.
On this day, Thursday, I stepped in to grab a lunch knowing what I wanted...fish 'n chips. It reminds me of the snacks I'd buy on the streets of London. It was a good, cheap meal. The meal and service was great(as always) but I had ordered a Wrightwood salad as well. Once home, I began with the salad when after a few bites, I noticed something different. Everything tasted fine but then it hit me, there were no almonds or craisins!!! What's going on? I was thinking about calling but didn't want to go through the hassle. I wonder if they hired a new line prep. This was my first real miss after ordering from them the past few years...that and the, seemingly, reduced portions. I'll definitely be back but if you see me dismantling a carry-out order at the bar, you now know why. I didn't
(4)Jennifer I.
Cute little spot in Logan Square...I agree with the other reviewer's comments of "traditional" and "non-threatening". Nothing about this place smacked me in the ass and called me Sally, but I enjoyed my food (the tuna poke was delish) and our waitress was knowledgable, friendly and knew how to do her job. I added one extra star for the picture of Joe Paterno on the wall. Three cheers for Joe Pa, four stars for Dunlays. Word to your mother.
(4)MaryEllen S.
Been here many times for lunch over the years and always enjoyed. Had to write a review this time because of the butterscotch pudding with salted caramel. OMG, simply incredible. I'm not usually a fan of overly rich desserts but the salted caramel really balanced out the sweetness. Served in a little mason jar--adorable.
(4)Simon C.
Dunlays is not my favorite restaurant. That said, every month I end up there at least 5 times and often more. It's a go to. Always comfortable, easy. Great staff. Good food. Quality mixed drinks. Top notch Bloody Mary. If you want a hangover brunch, you can't go wrong. $5 burgers on Wednesday is a great deal. Love the outdoor seating. Nice bar. I'm giving it 4 stars because you need a place as a go to. This is it. No matter what the occasion, Dunlays works. I'll take that every time. The following dishes are my favorites 1. Blue Cheese and Chips 2. Bloody Mary 3. $5 Burger on Wednesday 4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dessert
(4)Angie M.
I keep going back to Dunlay's for a couple reasons: there usually isn't a long wait and the food is really good. Dunlay's is a great place for brunch. My regular order is the Bloody Mary and a Breakfast Burrito with a side of hashbrowns. Their hashbrowns might be the best damn hashbrowns in the city. No joke. They have an extensive drink list and if you're here for appetizers, the blue cheese and chip are delightful. As well as the BBQ pork wraps. The reason I gave them three stars is because the service is usually sub-par. They have completely messed up our orders. Once I had a dead fruit fly in my drink (no biggie, just get me a new drink) and when the manager came over to investigate, he had this look on his face like I was lying. It was awkward. On a couple occasions, the bartenders appeared annoyed that we were coming in after 10pm to grab a pint and grub on some pizza (their menu changes to a couple appetizers and pizza only after 9pm) which never makes for a comfortable interaction. I could go on with stories about the service, but the quality of food usually makes up for it. Overall, I like it. Just expect some things to go wrong here and there.
(3)Lucy M.
Can you really mess up breakfast? Yes. Yes, you can. I ordered scrambled eggs, toast, and hash browns. I was served a bowl of salt. The toast was okay with some jelly.
(2)Phyllis S.
Love this place! The food here is always good. The bloody mary could use more alcohol but it taste really good. I love that it comes with a chaser... My husband loves the corn bread. Brunch is good..I also had a salmon salad...that was really good...that and the turkey burger...they put water out for dogs in the summer...I love any place that takes good care of doggies... Great for a yuppy brunch.
(5)Debbie C.
A great little place to go to for the "I don't feel like cooking tonight and I don't want to order pizza or get fill-in-the-blank-ethnic-food." Good food at a good price and a great drinks list. Not pretentious, not stuffy, friendly atmosphere and very fun to sit outside in the summer and people watch. Their specials are always reasonably priced. The flatbreads are a good deal, too.
(4)Laney M.
Horrible customer service. Our party of 6 was told the wait would be 30 minutes and we waited over an hour without even being acknowledged or being given an apology. There are several better options nearby, and their potatoes are definitely not worth waiting that long for.
(1)Kate W.
No. Just, no. We came over to Logan Square for Lula, but when they said the wait was going to be an hour we decided we'd need St. Patty's day hangover food much sooner than an hour. So we went to Dunlay's, where we were promptly seated in a just a few minutes. That was the last prompt thing about our experience. Strike one- we asked for a Coke and Diet Coke and without clearing it, they brought us Pepsi. I don't drink Pepsi. When waiters ask "Is Pepsi okay?" I say, "No. I'll just have water." But whatever, I needed soda so I drank it down. Begrudgingly. Strike two- They kept bringing us food that wasn't ours. They'd come by, set it down, then realize that it wasn't for our table. Which makes strike three all the more cruel. Strike three- We ordered our food and then waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually our server came over to say that she was sorry about the wait, our food would be out shortly. Ohkay, thanks for letting us know. So we waited a while longer. Then the manager came over and apologized for the wait. Again, thanks but stop apologizing and just get us some food. Strike four (yes, they are already technically "out")- Our food finally came out, and my club sandwich was cold. Not cold, cold- just not hot. And since they had toasted my bread and then allowed it to cool it was very hard and dry. I told the waitress and she offered to get me something else, but I wasn't taking the chance on how long that would take. Strike five- After all of that, THEY CHARGED US FOR SOMETHING WE DIDN'T EVEN ORDER. Are you kidding me? Wait in the line for Lula's. The food is 100% better and you'll get your food in the same amount of time anyway.
(1)Eric V.
Ok so my guess is that Dunlay is Irish for Meh! Aside from their drink specials which weren't bad at all the rest was pretty vanilla. The walls were neutral with no art or quite frankly anything. The ceiling was a faux tin monotone color and the bar appeared small in comparison to the wall it was on and reminded me of a 1920's pharmacy. The food was not impressive but filling. Then again so would a plate full of sawdust. Anyway, I had their Cuban sandwich with potato cakes and a friend had the half slab of ribs. Again, mediocre at best. My suggestion; go with a group for the drink specials and appetizers and hunt elsewhere for food.
(2)Christina K.
Just got back from Dunlays on the square and the food was just alright. The major thing I had a problem with was the service. Our waitress was Miera and she was plain and simple rude. 1st off she forgot our beverages. 2nd she never once checked on us while we were eating at this establishment. If she had a ton of tables I would understand but there were only 5 tables and 3 servers in the whole place!! We considered not tipping her it was that bad but we also work in the service industry so we just couldn't do that! b If her service was better the tip would have been better. Sorry Dunlays I will not be back. Its sad that 1 employee can hurt your business like that but it can.
(2)Andrew D.
Mediocre at best. There are far better places to eat in Logan Square. Burgers are far better at Rocking Horse. Brunch and Breakfast, Lula of course. I agree with many of the comments, the service is bad here. Sometimes the TV is on and commercials are blasting. That's not my thing. Dunlays is the Chilis of Logan Square.
(1)Helena B.
It's official - I'm a Bruncher. This past Sunday marked an important event in my brunch-life: my very first Bloody Mary. That's right, I popped my Blood Mary Cherry! Dunlay's was a good place to do so - it was delicious (and served with a "beer back" - a small glass of beer to take the edge off the Bloody Mary spice). For brunch itself, I went with the daily special: Crabcakes Benedict. These were essentially Eggs Benedict with crabcake instead of Canadian bacon. As a child of the Chesapeake, I'm somewhat discerning when it comes to all things crabcake, and these definitely passed muster. The crab was all warm, flaky goodness and when combined with the egg yolk and hollandaise, breakfast bliss. My side, Mozzarella Bacon Potato Cakes were... full of promise but void of real taste. I ate one of them with a healthy heaping of ketchup and let the other linger on the plate. Service was attentive throughout. There were nine ladies at brunch this Sunday, and we didn't have much wait for beverage refills or other service. I'd love to come back during the Summer months when Dunlay's opens its sliding windows for Brunchers to dine al fresco on the Square.
(4)Tiffany K.
A couple of friends and I came here to check out the $5 burger special onThursday. Overall not a bad spot. The $5 burger and fries special is decent, and everyone was nice. The beer list is definitely overpriced, and the crowd was a mix of older and younger folk. I would probably come back here to try other dishes, but it's a solid Thursday night burger spot. The menu looks average and isn't extensive, but their outdoor patio is nice.
(3)Janet W.
I came here with a friend, both a bit hungover, for a Sunday brunch. We thought it would be a great idea to make ourselves feel better by drinking a little more. After hearing so many amazing things about their mimosas, I am really disappointed. Their mimosas definitely didn't live up to the hype that our other friends created. On top of that, our server messed up my friend's dish twice, took no responsibility, and then blamed it on the chef. The food was just okay and the service ruined what little appetite we had. The atmosphere was also too hectic for what we had hoped for on that particular day, though I might have been amused on other days - a little boy was parading his half naked mother around the restaurant.
(2)Kean M.
Good solid place with decent food and drinks. Supports local artists and have started including local farmers market products in some of their meals.
(3)Dennis K.
Overpriced mediocrity. Went with my 5 year old and we both thought our food was pretty boring. He loves pasta but didn't even finish a third of his dish. The dinner salad had bacon as hard as rocks and what restaurant doesn't carry Blue Cheese Dressing? Apparently Dunlay's. Some places seem to survive based upon those who go there once by mistake, but maybe their secret is $5 dollar wine on Tuesday, as it certainly isn't the food.
(1)Megan L.
How have I never reviewed Dunlay's? I've only eaten here about eleventy seven times... Dunlay's food is solid, though I have a slight preference for their brunch menu over dinner. I'm a sucker for a good brunch, I guess. I was actually just there over the weekend, and had the french toast - delightful! And I tried my friend's hash browns - they had something sort of creamy in them, and they were delicious! I'm a big fan of the spinach artichoke dip, as well. It's hard not to order it when I'm there. This weekend, though, it didn't go with the breakfast vibe I had going on. I've seriously never had a bad meal here. The service is always good, and they have some really good weekly specials. And Dunlay's gets bonus points for being stumbling distance from home.
(4)Ina J.
My friends and I ventured here when our usual brunch spot was closed due to an issue with mother nature (guess who won?) The wait was about 30 minutes (not too shabby). We ended up being seated at the back of the place, in an elevated booth (nice touch). The ceviche, served with tortilla chips, was pretty good. It was a sweet version with bits of mango. My main course, oatmeal pancakes with a side of sliced (smoked) turkey breast and fresh fruit was delicious. The portion was large and I ended up taking half with me. Good service and good food prompts a return visit.
(4)Kristin K.
I love this Dunlay's. Brunch is SO GOOD as is all of their food. I love their wines and beers and sangria, the staff is really friendly and make you feel at home, and they are fun to stop by at the bar or just get a $5 burger on a Wednesday, or Sunday brunch. They are a TAD pricey but if you go for the deals, of which there are many, you will be a-ok. Yay Dunlay's! Also you can bring your dog to the beer garden in the summer and they sell bones for him/her. :) The beer garden is a little bit icky, they should put the plants out there or something. But that's being picky.
(4)Jack Z.
This place is about as average as they come for a simple but pleasant dining experience. You can choose indoor or outdoor seating, and of the three times I've been here I've opted for the outside seating twice. It's great if you enjoy people watching, and it's in a pretty safe area. I got a grilled chicken sandwich with asparagus and mayo on the side the first time I came here, and it was a pretty plain sandwich with slightly charred chicken and mayo on the side. It tasted healthy enough at the very least, and I did feel satisfied after, though I did also eat half of my dad's Cuban sandwich, which was really delicious. The second time I came here was on Wednesday. For those of you who don't know, that's cheeseburger night, so naturally I got to try their cheeseburger and fries. Again, it was a pleasant experience but nothing mindblowing or out of the ordinary. The third time I came back I got a turkey burger, and this is what pushes the restaurant to four stars. It was tender and the sauce they put on the burger blended perfectly with the texture and taste of the turkey burger/bun combination. Definitely try it out. This is a great place for small groups, first date meetups, or just a casual meetup with a friend. It has a low stress, relaxing environment, and food that doesn't make you feel like you're going to fall into a 12 hour coma after eating it.
(4)Alexandria F.
So, this place is quite close to home, so my boyfriend and I frequent on the weekends for brunch. I really think Sunday was the last time we'll go. About 70% of the time, we end up sending our food back. I don't know if it's a timing thing in the kitchen or with the waitstaff, but almost without fail, one dish comes out right and fresh, and the other comes out totally wrong and stale. Last time, I got the fried chicken benedict and he got the pork breakfast burrito. His was great. Mine came out and the eggs were cooked all the way through, and everything was the same room-temperature. It had clearly been sitting out waiting for about 10 minutes under the warmer. So, yet again, I sent it back and got to sit there watching my boyfriend eat while I waited. If it had only happened once or twice, fine. But it happens consistently. The management really needs to get a grip on their kitchen. Get your timing right. The food is fine, menu selections are good, and when it's right, it's tasty. But I'm sick of sending food back to be re-done. I wish I could say I was just super particular, but truthfully, I've never had to send food back until I started going to Dunley's.
(2)Raul B.
I went here for an early dinner with a friend. I have never eaten before but I have had drinks here and they do have a great beer selection. This night out I had the chili special and we shared the ceviche. The ceviche was excellent and even tho it seemed small it actually was enough for both of us. I know paring chili and ceviche is a weird pairing it turned out pretty good. I usually like my chili more soupy but this chili was great and very meaty and it was at a great price only five bucks. I ended up drinking a Sangria and it was very good but I have had better. There are other things I need to try out on their menu but from what I had it was very tasty. A great first outing food wise at Dunlay's
(4)Katie R.
two words: skillet cookie.
(4)Cara T.
I took my friend from out of town here after our trip to the Logan Square Farmer's Market. We sat on the patio for good food and good conversation. Very enjoyable We started with the Spinach Dip. It was very tasty...some of the best spinach dip I've had. EVER. I had the Palmer Square Omelette with goat cheese, asparagus, red peppers, and artichokes. I've only had two omelettes in my life and I just don't think I like them. The goat cheese was a little much. And I got "fresh" fruit on the side...but it tasted more like canned fruit. I also tried the mimosa. VERY yummy. My friend had the oatmeal pancakes. They were super moist and yummy with REAL fresh fruit on the top. I will most definitely go back to Dunlays...but I will probably do more lunch than brunch. The Kedzie Club and Fish Sandwich caught my eye... Great, friendly staff. I felt very welcomed. Super pet friendly.
(3)Jean C.
I mainly come here on Wednesday to take advantage of their $5 burger deal. It's a great burger with your choice of cheese and fries and you can add extras, like bacon, for $1! Service has always been great and friendly. I have eaten brunch here as well and the food is consistently good. They have a nice sidewalk cafe and they are dog friendly. We brought our puppy here about a month ago and although he was good, he definitely needs to be older before that happens again! This is a fun spot to meet with friends or have dinner with one other person. But seriously come for the burger night. You can't beat that value for that quality of burger.
(4)nellie l.
This is my neighborhood local. It took us a long time to get here, my friends, but I have FINALLY embraced Dunlay's (what has it been? six years?) after the rocky transition from The Boulevard Café (Oh, my, how I loved The Boulevard....sigh....). I see postings on here regarding the rude staff. Huh what? I find the staff to be delightful. Especially the manager who has listened intently to my feedback about the veggie burger (about which others rave, but is too rice-y and grain-y for me, I like more veggies and beans in mine, but that is my personal opinion. Moving on...) Food favorites include the Blackened Fish Sandwich and Bacon Potato Cakes. All of the salads are pretty good and rather massive. For breakfast/brunch, the Eggs Florentine never fails me. The staff knows how to make a Stellar Bloody Mary. Loaded and very spicy. Yum! They also have a $5 burger and fries special on Wednesday nights- how can you beat that?! There other specials during the week as well, and the outdoor seating in the summer time is great! I appreciate the rotating local art featured on the walls, and Thursdays nights they sometimes have live music. With the exception of a few (very busy) Saturday nights, I have never had to wait to be seated. So, while this is perhaps not the best restaurant in the city for the money, it is reliably good. It is a step or four above typical bar quality food. It is close to me, the peeps are friendly. I am sure to return time and time again.
(4)Eliza B.
I can only think of 2 other businesses that have the same quality of customer service as Dunlay's on the Square (I'll tell you if you ask). The food is delicious; I've had the fried egg sandwich, faux Primanti Bros. sammie, a taste of the french toast (yum!) and a few other dishes. The Bloody Mary is very good as is their selection of beers. Oh, and best of all? This is our new Steelers bar. It's not the same as having the fight song blaring during the commercials or when we score, but the quality food and service seriously outweighs the opportunity to polka after a td. I highly recommend Dunaly's on the Square!!!
(5)Albert K.
This place feels and tastes like a chain restaurant. Oh wait, it kind of is. A good place to meet for a drink before going out since I've never seen it crowded and its easy to spot the people your meeting.
(3)Lourdes A.
I had the rigatoni pasta sauteed with fennel sausage, spring peas and a light tomato cream sauce and it was very good. I'd order it again. The drinks were also good, balanced and presented nicely. The bar and seating throughout are of a more contemporary design and really nice. But we sat at one of the cabaret tables by the floor to ceiling windows looking out onto Logan Blvd and had good food and drinks inches away from a fierce rainstorm. It's immediately across from the Logan Square monument so I imagine it'd be nice to sit in their outdoor seating area on a not so rainy day, especially since the sidewalk is so wide. There were 3 of us and we were LOUD, obnoxiously so, I think, because we were excited to be hanging out. We had such a good time and our server was awesome even poking fun at us about our loudness but in a good-natured way. We were all happy with the service. Everyone from host to servers was really friendly.
(4)Jeanette K.
Probably one of the best veggie burgers I've ever had! Also, the patio is great for a late summer/early fall dinner, and the night I was there, they had $5 glasses of wine. Plus, you gotta love any place with a deep dish cookie. Mmm.
(4)Ermelinda C.
Great cocktails!
(4)Rebecca K.
My boyfriend has been a "regular" here for 5 or 6 years now and after a couple years together, I guess it makes me a regular too... This was our local standby when we lived in "The Square..." It was always the place that was our fall back, even though I constantly complain to Phil that I want to try new places in the city. We keep going back because the food and the service is always 5 star good. Michelle and Brian behind the bar are a treat and always know how to make us laugh. The fried egg sandwich at brunch and the tilapia sandwich at dinner are two meals that are unique takes on the traditional menu items and I love the cookie skillet...save room for dessert!
(5)Matt R.
Dunlay's On The Square is a solid choice in Logan Square if you're looking for a place that has reliable food, a well-rounded drink list, and can seat a bunch of people. Having lived in or near Logan Square now for almost 2 years, I have been here far more than my fair share of times. I like it much more in the summer when they have outside sidewalk seating. The people watching is good and it's nice to be able to escape the sports bar environment. I still think that the best time to come here is for brunch or lunch. For some reason, by evening there can be a weird smell wafting through the place that seems to come from a poorly ventilated kitchen. They have a special on burgers once a week and it just seems like there's a lot of grilled onions being ordered. Then again, maybe it's just the French onion soup which is actually pretty decent. Lol. So I guess that the lesson for me was to avoid it as a late-night destination. Anyway, the brunch fare is really tasty and they make a mean Eggs Benedict in numerous forms. My favorite is to have them add spinach to any of them which adds a Florentine twist. If you go for lunch or dinner, then I recommend anything that seems like comfort food because it's always really fresh and yummy. Honestly, their meatloaf is pretty delicious and hits the spot when you just want to eat after a long day and then go home and get some sleep. Finally, the beer and wine lists are well rounded and full of good options regardless of your taste. I haven't been in a while so I've forgotten which night they offer wine specials but they're always a good value.
(3)Matt P.
Found myself here before going to a rock show at the Auditorium ... anyways, good selection of microbrews, and the barkeep even put on pre-season hockey for me during football Sunday (albeit nothing was on before the Bears game). The only drawback I think is that there's only two big screens, so you're kind of at the mercy of what the majority wants to watch.
(4)DS M.
I was recently here and ordered two things. One was the caponata pizza (mushrooms + artichoke + goat cheese, $11), which sounds really good but was very poorly executed. The crispy thin crust was nearly flavorless, the tomato sauce was one dimensional and overwhelming, the toppings were sparse, and what mushrooms and artichoke there were could barely be tasted. Second, I ordered the spinach dip ($9) which was decent. The texture was good, it was well heated and thick, the chips were crisp and hot, but a little too oily. It was disappointing as a dish though because the spinach (and artichoke) barely contributed flavor. In general the menu looks great. But from what I've had there the two times I've been (once for dinner and once for brunch), I have been disappointed. The prices are a little high. For a appetizer, a pizza, plus two discounted beers, I paid $36 after tip + tax. At that price you gotta do well whatever it is you do. Poor and mediocre doesn't cut it. Service was both times good though. Thumbs up to you wait and bar staff. If this place has anything going for it, it is the selection of beers on tap. I got a dark espresso beer from Portland that was delicious and a Belgian beer called Affligem, that was sweet and subtle. Normally these beers are priced on the high side ($6.50 & $7.50 respectively), but the night I went happened to be $4 drafts. Those $4 draft nights would be the only reason I'd go back.
(2)Christoph B.
I put Dunlay's to the ultimate test yesterday. I decided to go there for brunch on the weekend. The weather was sunny and perfect for outdoor dining. The Logan Square Farmers market was in full swing across the street as was the Milwaukee Ave Arts Festival. You might think we were being naive, expecting to get a table under these circumstances, but NO, my companion and I were seated almost immediately. Now, I've been to Dunlay's several times, mostly to drink, so this time I was determined to review the food. The brunch menu is pretty OK, albeit expensive ($3 for one pancake?). I ended up going with the cheeseburger with blue cheese and my friend had the fish sandwich, I believe it was blackened tilapia. Both were outstanding. But, the real winner at Dunlay's are the fries. They are the best, especially if you like them like the way I like them, with a side of Mayonnaise. Yum. I've decided, my next visit will be later in the day so I can finally try the (margherita) pizza. Do yourself a favor if you live in the area, give Dunlay's a chance. There's nothing around that's quite like it and I dare say you won't be disappointed.
(4)P S.
It's local, it doesn't suck, the Bloody Marys are pretty good, and I really love the hashbrowns. It's good for take out. Friendly bartenders. With that said: it's too expensive for what it is. They allow dogs on the patio which, I'm sorry, while I'm tying to eat is totally repulsive when they're licking themselves and drooling. The service is always very, very spotty at best. $4 for a burger on special is not special. Not much personality.
(3)Sarah K.
I live close by to Dunlay's and have eaten here for dinner and brunch. I was torn with what rating to give because brunch is 2-3 stars and dinner is just 2 stars. The only thing that kept me coming back for dinner at all is that they have a burger deal that makes it worth coming by and they have my favorite dessert - a skillet cookie sundae. Otherwise I would skip Dunlay's for dinner. Brunch is slightly better, but again, just meh.
(2)Craig M.
You know, I like that Dunlay's. Yeah, it's a little pricey, but when you're with a group of friends and you can't agree on a place because X doesn't like Mexican and Y had Thai food last night, Dunlay's is always agreeable. The service is always good and the food is high quality. It's just not a place that I'm ever all that excited to go to. I would give it a three and a half star review, but I woke up on the wrong side of the coffin this morning, so three it is!
(3)Lauren G.
I guess Dunlay's feels like a randomly placed, slightly higher end sports bar, and it was the only thing open on the 4th near my house. The food has always been consistently all right: on the first trip, the burger was good but the side of bacon potato cakes were cold; on the second trip, for brunch, I just thought there should have been a side served with the Eggs Florentine and the amount halved, but that's me. However, after the outwardly rude and surly behavior of the hostess (we could watch her motioning towards us and talking shit to other waitresses as they approached the station and looked back) when we split our check by what we ordered (even though our waitress NEVER asked ahead if we would want it split that way), I will not return. Chill out, lady. You're not splitting atoms, you're splitting a goddamn check on a simplified computer program. Service was also pretty slow on both visits. Also, I am not sure if my Bloody Mary even had any alcohol in it. Weak sauce, indeed.
(2)Michael S.
Service was alittle slow and decent food makes this a A-Ok for me. Here is the deal....with so much to choose in Chicago it wiill be hard for me to want to go back to this place. Having said that it wasn't terrible.
(3)Sheena P.
$5 burgers and fries on Wednesdays!? YES, PLEASE! The service was great, and the burger was fantastic. The fries were good, too. It wasn't very crowded around 6:30, and the ambiance was nice. The experience overall was worth far more than the $5 I paid, and I'm glad we went. I heart thee, Logan Square, and Dunlays is a nice addition.
(5)Tony B.
Brunch at Dunlay's last week was a fab food experience. The Bloody Mary's are really good here, I opted out of having one since I was driving and one is never enough so I just tasted my friends and it was great. We had the cornbread as a starter and I must say some of the best cornbread I have ever eaten was made here; we brought the extra home and I made a sandwich out of the extra bread the next day! I had the breakfast burrito which was good, the pork was cooked perfectly and made me clamor for more meat and less everything else to be honest but the flavors all went well together. And I must say the hash browns soaked in cream are FANTASTIC! I would return here just for hash browns! My friend had the cuban sandwich which was equally fantastic as the hash browns; overall a great meal PLUS the service was great. I found a new brunch favorite in Logan and will be back soon!!
(4)Shayna N.
Dunlays has lovely outdoor seating with a view of lush Logan Square and a pretty decent drink list. I live so close by, so i find myself here often enough. This place is great for an afternoon cocktail, i just wish the food were better for what you pay. Average burgers, fresh salads, the sashimi tuna was fine (but lacked flavor) and the polenta was tasty, but heavy on the cream. Nothing is spectacular. The patio makes this place worth it :)
(3)Carolyn C.
came for brunch on a sunday bc the Lula wait is ridiculous. Pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and quick service. The mimosa deal is fantastic!
(4)Carri A.
My Logan Square friends ran a 5k on Sunday and as a sign of support and love I said I would sleep in later than them and would meet them for brunch. They kicked ass and they led everyone to Dunlays on the Square for some brunch grub - and I was so pleased with this choice. They have great outdoor seating (wonderful for people- and dog-watching) and the service was pretty good. The waitress said their special was crab cake eggs benedict and I was instantly sold. Everything on the plate was incredible (DONT get me started on that hollandaise sauce and the glorious hashbrowns), though I was a little surprised at the $14 price tag when the bill came. Just a couple of dollars more than what I expected, especially for Logan Square (no offense). Overall a great time and highly satisfying meal. The bloody marys looked great but I was told they could use a bit more Tabasco.
(4)Lindsay N.
You know, I've never really been impressed by this place. For one reason or another, I find myself here often enough, either due to a band that's playing, a friend's birthday gathering, or an alternative to the wait at Lula (p.s. best brunch ever!!!! ... at Lula, that is. Anyway...). I went here for brunch today (Lula was closed. Rats.) and, again, the food was fine but nothing awesome. I got the crab cake benedict (quite a splurge at $14) and it was fine. I wouldn't order it again due to the price, but I was satisfied. The only weird thing was that the "hashbrowns" were more like fatty potato salad. Bizarre. Last month, I went on a night when they had cheap margarita specials. I had 4 and barely felt a buzz. My conclusion? Little or no alcohol. Hmmm... I'd rather pay full price for a good drink with a hell of a lot of booze, baby. Moral of the story: Whether brunch, lunch, or dinner... skip this place and walk around the corner to Lula.
(2)Nick B.
I was with a group of people who wanted a burger. I decided that we should check out the raved about, Kuma's Korner. We got to the restaurant and the hostess told me "2 hours." I laughed and left and decided on Dunlays On The Square instead. I have to say I loved the atmosphere the most about Dunlays. It was open, cool, and quiet. I wanted to sit outside but ended up at a booth, no big deal. I glanced for a veggieburger right away and read the description. The veggieburger was described as being made fresh daily with beans, rice, walnuts, soy, and sweet potatoes. This sounded amazing! I ordered the grilled asparagus to go along with it. I have to say the burger was a little underwhelming. I ate the whole thing and enjoyed it, but the description just didn't match the taste. It was very bland and "rice-y" despite having walnuts and sweet potatoes in it, which should have given a nice zing to the taste. The grilled asparagus was also insanely salty. I liked Dunlays On The Square. Food was OK. Service was fine. Can't say I was blown out of the water though.
(3)Donnie B.
Although the fried-egg sandwich was delicious... I took my girl there and our breakfast ended up being $50! I'd like to mention that we had 2 bloody mary's. But still a bit too pricey for breakfast. We found out the next weekend that we could make the same tasting fried-egg sandwich and save $40 on breakfast! Don't want to diss the food, but I want to diss the cost.
(2)Mark D.
Good meal, good food, good service in a friendly atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is perfect on a nice day. Maybe not the quintessential local hangout, as you can find similar places in any city, but a reliable place to enjoy a pint and some above average pub food.
(4)Carlee W.
I officially had the best breakfast, ever, here at Dunlays On The Square. The hash browns are OUT OF THIS WORLD and the french toast was phenomenal. I myself tend to order a pretty average breakfast, and Dunlays just went above and beyond. Their beer selection is always pretty good, and I love their flight options. Jana, our server, was super sweet, very helpful, and probably the best server I've had. Overall, I will definitely go back for breakfast, and have always enjoyed their lunch and dinner menu.
(5)Ramona Z.
Food was great, they have one of the best turkey burgers you can't beat bottomless mimosas. Service was great, fast, friendly and efficient!! Great atmosphere and just great all around!!
(5)Nikki Y.
Came here after a long morning with friends and it turned out to be a really good decision. It was only about half full on a Saturday afternoon and a very chill environment with local art hanging on the walls. Ah, and good ol' 90s music playing in the background. Had a great beer selection and served late brunch (score for the hungover!) I had the strange daze omelet--mozzarella, bacon, mushrooms, spinach, and hollandaise sauce. HOLLANDAISE SAUCE on my omelet..I'm obviously a big fan of it. The omelet was made very well and the smoky flavor of the bacon blended well with the sauce and melted, stringy (in the best way possible) cheese. Not to mention I had it with a toasted English muffin and, you guessed it, the hash browns. The hash browns were so good they deserve their own paragraph. You may have read about them a few times by now, but I don't think you can understand just how good these hash browns are. Warm, shredded potatoes in a creamy sauce. I really want the recipe--I couldn't even guess what it was. All I know is that it's freakin delicious. My friends had the breakfast burrito and the park west club--they looked super legit as well. Service, for me at least, was really great. Maybe it was because the place wasn't that full..and it was 2 in the afternoon, but the waitress and bus boys frequented our table a lot to check up on us, refill drinks, etc. Overall good stuff. I'd say a great spot for my first visit to Logan Square..
(4)Bryan H.
I have been to Dunlay's more than any other restaurant in Logan Square, mainly because of its incredible consistency. Dunlay's also has great weekly specials which I really appreciate. If you like ribs, you will LOVE the ribs here. If you like specialty beers, you will love the selection. The atmosphere has a casual pub feel, with food that is several notches above traditional pub food.
(5)Jennifer R.
Headed out to Dunlay's for beer and the $5 cheeseburger special on Wednesday. Short wait for a table, service was good. The burgers were better than I expected. Really enjoyed the super thin, crispy fries. Nice, cheap weeknight date.
(4)Mike K.
So my buddy Matz was in town for a few shows at Dick's over the weekend, and he had to drop off some bball shirts I ordered from another buddy of mine - we like to keep it in the family you see. Anywho, I owed him lunch, so we went to Dunlay's in Logan Square, back where he used to live and we caused lots of trouble - well as much trouble as you can cause in a condo where he doesnt let you do anything fun. I kn ew what he wanted, a fried egg sandwich, and until I heard the waitress say how good it was i was hell bento on ordering something else. however i wanted to try my 1st fried egg sandwich, as for years matty would talk about this thing like huge tits on natalie portman 9that would make her the most perfect thing ever created in the history of mankind, btw). sao i ordered it and it was the greatest thing ever eaten. The hashbrowns made it even better. I wanted more...i want more now. best ever. and then i write this review to see ive already easten this damn sandwich once before. oh well...still awesome!
(4)Andrew K.
Went to Dunlays in Logan Square on a Friday night a couple of weeks ago with my girlfriend. We ordered the Mac and Cheese as an appetizer and the Meatloaf as an entree. The Mac and Cheese was pretty good. No complaints. I had better at other restaurants, but the cheese was solid and the noodles were cooked well. The meatloaf, on the other hand, was a disaster. I think of Dunlays as an upscale place for bar food. If you're paying high prices for food, you expect the food to be fresh. The meatloaf was not. When we received it, the loaf was cold. It tasted pretty good, but the fact that they are microwaving food here was a huge turn-off. When we sent the meatloaf back, the chef came out and offered us two plates...of the same meatloaf!!! He simply put it back in the microwave!!! Now, to compensate for the failure which was the meatloaf, the bartender at the time comp'd us for the the meatloaf THAT WE DIDN'T EAT!!! Anyways, that's the last time we'll be going to Dunlays. They screwed up with the food and to compensate us being hungry, they didn't charge us for the food we didn't eat. That is what we call "not doing a thing".
(2)Doro R.
Pretty OK pizza here. If you don't like pizza, even if you do, the sandwiches rock. I like this place when it's not busy. I do not like, and therefore do not come here, when it IS busy. There is an OK selection of beers. Games are on. Water glasses are always full. Servers are professional. When I want to sit down and eat but not leave a 1 mile radius of my home, this is where I go. I have never been disappointed. *FYI- There are a lot of yuppies and not so many hipsters.
(4)Jackie A.
I absolutely love Dunley's! I've lived in the area for 4 years and this was one of the first places that I tried. The staff is nice, the service has never failed me. Great, comfortable atmosphere. I've never had a wait to be seated. The menu is a bit limited in variety but the choices they DO have a delicious. I believe it's Thursday nights that they have live music, it can get a bit loud but the performances are good for a free show. Good weekday specials. $5 glasses of wine on Mondays! I have been here dozens of times and will continue to go!
(5)Mali T.
I went to Dunlay's for date night with my boyfriend. I have mixed feelings about the place, and I figured we should try it because it was just so cold out we couldn't fathom being out in the cold for long. Extensive beer selection, but the opposite for vegetarian options. It's okay, I'm over it. I realize not everyone's vegetarian. Whatever. We got the artichoke appetizer and it was one of those moments where you feel like you're just... doing it wrong? Do you get what I'm saying? I felt like I was chewing on something that I shouldn't been eating (general leafiness) and it didn't have much of a heart and kind of started eating it with my fingers. My table manners... scheiz... I ordered the brie and apple flatbread. It was huuuuge (you could call it a slab, in a good way) and tasty. Could have been a little warmer. Seems like it may have sat in the kitchen for a moment. But otherwise good. My beau ordered the boulevard chicken dish that he absolutely loved. At the end of our meal we ordered martinis, which were delicious, and then our waitress seemed to disappear for 15 minutes. Not sure what happened, and I understand that "shit happens," but mildly confusing.
(3)J. P.
I'll start off by saying I like Dunlays on the Square a hell of a lot better than the Clark location, even though it's considerably closer to my house. The waitresses seem to have sticks up their asses over there. If I'm doing breakfast, I always get a goat cheese and spinach omelette with an english muffin and those DELICIOUS hash browns! Seriously, what do they put in there?? They're creamy and awesome! I've brought friends/family here who think they're a little too fancy for breakfast potatoes, but all I want to do is order them as a main dish. Maybe next time... Other yummy items include their margherita pizza, burgers (used to be $4 on Wed, not sure if they still do that) and their blackened fish sandwich. The service is hit or miss, but there is one particular waitress with strawberry blonde(ish) hair who is always super friendly and attentive. When I said my fish was "too spicy" one day she happily brought me a new one and I don't think she even spit on it. The inside can be a bit dark and gloomy especially if you visit during the day, but if you're lucky enough to get a seat outside you can watch all the stupid hipsters and characters that walk by.
(4)Angelica E.
Dunlays is pretty cool! The waitstaff is nice and chill and everytime I have been it hasnt been busy so I was able to get my food and drinks pretty quickly! Overall its a pretty chill place to go to in Logan Square!
(3)carlos t.
Ok so tried this place again. Service is still OK, better then the last server I had but the food is very good. Had a spicy breaded shrimp appetizer that was delicious! My veggie burger was ok, it was a rice patty. I prefer black bean. I'd go back.
(3)Frances C.
I debated on how many stars I could give Dunlay's. Not that my dining experience wasn't excellent--it was. I just have a few issues. Let's start with the good news: I liked the atmosphere, the ambience, the decor. I felt good sitting in there, and I liked everything I looked at. Plus, they played really good music. Like, Electric Light Orchestra (not "Xanadu", unfortunately. But some goodies). The food--delicious. Caesar salad--gigantor, amazing. The gooey cookie skillet hellacious dessert deal--yummers! It made me feel all disgusting inside. My mouth kept saying yes but my torso was screaming no. I listened to my mouth. Here are my not-so-greats: The menu is small, and not a lot of selecsh. Everything looks good, but I like to have a lot to choose from. There was only, like three sandwiches and salads, and everything else was something I never would have ordered. (i.e. ribs, pork tenderloin, etc.). Another minus is the prices. It's kinda expense! I mean, I only got a salad, a diet coke with lime and split a dessert and ended up paying $26. WTF is that? That's sort of a lot for a Monday night impromptu dinner with my gays. I'll be eating Morningstar mini corn dogs for the rest of the week to salvage my bank account. Seriously--OUCH! I can't be spending those kinds of benjamins in these dire economic times. Even though I do. and probably would again because this place was damn good. All in all, I think Dunlays is a wonderful place for a Friday/Saturday night dinner with friends, a great first date locashe, but a Monday night bite with some queens is best at somewhere like Chipotle.
(4)Brenda H.
Dunlays is so close to my house that I've been stopping by more frequently lately. The food and drinks are still a bit expensive for what you get, but it's convenience to Logan Square makes up for it a bit. I am currently addicted to their blue cheese melted on kettle chips (I started making them at home for a fraction of the cost) and enjoy their beer specials and beer flights. The thin crust pizzas are also not bad at all and I enjoyed the breakfast blt-egg sandwich.
(3)Matt M.
Hit or Miss, but they have good beer. I have been here a million times and everytime I leave wondering why I go. The food is average and sometimes it sucks, the service is good and sometimes it's slow and annoying. What kills me is $5 burger night.. really? $5?? That's a lot! I mean, if you're going to have a special make it a real special.. how does $1 burger night sound? The two things that drag this place from two stars to three stars is the brunch till 3pm, its really good.. I can't even name one thing cause they are all good, and the beer. They always have a good selection of beers. Too bad the rest of the place is bush league.
(3)Anne Marie J.
Glad that the burgers haven't changed, especially since I went on a non-Wednesday and paid $9 (eek) for it. However, we went for brunch and got to sample other foods. The fiance devoured the BLT - he said it was delish. The cousin had a blackened fish sandwich - I was worried that he wouldn't like it because fish sandwiches are hit or miss but since he didn't leave any of it on his plate, I assume he enjoyed it. Instead of fries, I opted for the bacon mashed potato cakes - lesson learned. I personally didn't like it b/c it just tasted like a deep fried mashed potato but other people thought it was decent. 1 less star for Dunlay's b/c service wasn't as great and personable as it usually is. I didn't order bacon, but I got it on my burger, we asked for water and ketchup but didn't get it. All this with an attitude.
(4)Cassie I.
Love this place! We've been here several times - usually whenever we're not feeling the Lula menu (which is also fabulous, of course). First, these are the most amazing hashbrowns I have ever had and I have more than once returned solely with the goal of getting hashbrowns for brunch. Equally please with their brunch and dinner options - have had great experiences both times. Last time we were here, we sat for at least 20 minutes before a waitress noticed we hadn't been helped. I was starting to get a bit annoyed, but the staff was so apologetic and nice, that I almost started feeling bad about getting annoyed! Shrug, right? Mistakes happen, it's all in how you handle them. I've never had anything here I didn't like, but if you're coming here for brunch - fried egg sandwich. Do it. So good.
(4)Shelden E.
So I'll have to say, I've gone here often, very often. Their sandwiches are good, but what I'm saying is that there aren't really any of the same types of restaurants in the Square, especially off the stop. They are open fairly late which is nice. And they do have specials on the weekdays, which definitely made my friends and I decide to go there a lot. Brunch is pretty decent also--can be worth getting if Lula's is packed, which it always is. The waitresses and managers there are also really nice and helpful. As I said, I've been there sooooo often with friends and we had tried the dishes on the menu too much that we asked the manager if they could give us something different for once. He offered to make us whatever we wanted, just name it. We didn't get every choice we wanted but he still made us things not on the menu, like I got a hoagie. The manager, whose from Pittsburgh, made the hoagie himself with bread they don't usually have in the restaurant. And when he brought it out, he tucked a napkin into the collar of my shirt as a joke. That's quite the service, I must say! Bar has decent selection of beers. Iron City which is a rarity in Chicago. Also these are the same people who own Smoke Daddy's.
(4)Kristen H.
I could go to Dunlays any day of the week. They have delicious brunch - I'd recommend the breakfast sandwich or the club! Also they make a mean mouth water burger and even have $5 burger nights on Wednesday. Hands down this place as the BEST bloody mary in the city. I wasn't a fan of bloodies until I finally tried one here - the skewer that comes with it is reason enough to order one. The staff is great and the service has always been pleasant. Thanks Dunlays for being in the Logan Square!
(5)Caroline S.
Dunlays is 100% reliable and good. No surprises - nothing is the best of the best but everything is good. A lovely patio to waste away your Sunday with a few beers. Good service and they put up with annoying people such as myself. Story follows: It doesn't take much for me to become a little drunk, and our poor waitress had to put up with my silliness. She asked if I would like any food to accompany my beer. I responded that I seriously had a craving for some meat but didn't think I could afford the meat on the menu on top of my beers. And like the drunk idiot I was, I asked if she had any scraps of meat lying around. And you know what?! She brought me three sausages left over from the morning's brunch and didn't charge me for them, and also didn't make me feel like the idiot I was for asking. Now that is good service. And today they had a $4 draft deal on some damn good beers. So they definitely get my mark of approval even if it's a little more than I'd want to spend on the burger i was so badly craving.
(3)Lisa D.
I met a blind date here, he was late...but I'm reviewing Dunlay's not the date. ANyWay... We chose this place to meet because he lived close by and we both had dogs we wanted to bring along. I really enjoy having my dog with me, because she's well behaved. This guy's dog, not so much. But again, I'm reviewing Dunlay's. We ordered a bottle of wine, which I never do but he never asked so I went along. He also suggested the guacamole as an appetizer and you know what, that was the best suggestion he had on him. I got the house salad and asked for light dressing, the salad was fresh and not too big. I didn't use the restroom. Contessa, however, was in need of relief so we had to walk up the sidewalk a bit. She didn't mind the lack of amenities and chose a grate about 100 or so feet away rather than trot across the street to the park. Dude who's name I don't remember...I know you said you train your dog yourself but you really need help. Please read my review of Animal Sense before you introduce him to another date. Save yourself. I'm going to not hold it against Dunlay's that the guy I met here was odd and give it another try one day. On my own time, and my dog will be my date! She's the best date anyone could hope for.
(3)Jorge M.
I don't even know where to start. I think busy places should have open table or just a good host to keep of the people that get there and are waiting for a table. Few people got seated before we did, manager was nice to get us a round of drinks to later see they were still on our bill... Food was cold, I didn't like the fries, nor they're terrible bloody mary. Our server was a bit weird. I am not coming back...
(2)Kit G.
The food was alright. The waitress was just not smart, and very ditsy. My friend asked her for a Coke twice. She never brought it, she ended up asking another waitress and finally got it. I ordered a salad, and it was huge. I ate a good amount of it, but the waitress scolded me for not eating enough. I shouldn't have to explain how much I eat to a server.
(3)Andrea H.
I have been to Dunlay's twice for Sunday brunch. I like the atmosphere, it is usually lively and the service is decent. The first time I went there, I had a very good BLT. The second time, I was in the mood for something light. I was intrigued by the sesame chicken salad. Grilled chicken, cilantro, tortilla strips...yum. I even asked the waitress and she said it was fantastic. Well, my salad arrived and it was literally lettuce, very sweet peanut sauce and chicken COLD CUTS...a lot of them, and not even cut up either, the whole round slices. Seriously??? I'm generally not too picky, but for a $10 salad, I'm looking for something I can't make at home with a bag of lettuce and a package of Hormel. So I guess if you go, stick with something you can't screw up...like the BLT.
(2)Lisa F.
The cornbread in a cast iron pan is delicious, and there are some nice beer choices. The rest of the food is all entirely fine, but nothing amazing. When Lula is too full to bear or I want patio seating and friendly service, I go to Dunlays.
(3)Kathy C.
Dunlay's is a good neighborhood destination, but not worth the trip from other hoods. I went there this week for dinner and had the pulled pork eggrolls, which came with a delicious plum dipping sauce, but were unimpressive otherwise. I had the Reuben, which is made with house made corned beef on marbled rye which is tasty. My husband took advantage of their Wednesday $5 cheeseburger special, which came with deliciously crispy shoestring fries. I don't think you can go wrong with this special. Beer selection is very good with lots of great drafts on tap. If I lived in Logan Square, I would probably go there often to enjoy their front patio, but I don't see myself back anytime soon.
(3)Kathryn G.
Stopped in the other night with a group of friends. Services was great, the place is large and comfortable, the beer list was yummy and the fries we snacked on with basil mayo hit the spot. I haven't eaten a meal here so i will save the last star for my return. Great neighborhood spot!
(4)Phaeded H.
I eat brunch here frequently - not anymore. Just ordered the fried chicken eggs benedict special and the chicken came to me pink. They said no prob, brought me another one but when I cut into it this one it was an even deeper pink like a medium rare filet mignon. When I complained the manager said it was almost overcooked - look at the outside. I said, yea, in your haste to replace the first one you burned the outside but the inside is still raw: "Would you eat it?" When he said yes I got the hell out of there if this is who is in charge of their quality control. Guess I'll be waiting in line at Lulas from now on...
(1)colin t.
Dunlays has great brunch, with great service, and the best Bloody Mary in the city. Seriously, the best. Their menu isn't too extensive but I've never gotten tired of their breakfast burrito or Big Mike's Irish Breakfast. The dinner menu needs to have some items, it gets a bit tired. Oddly enough, they have some of the best-poured Guinness in town. Not sure what the secret is on that, but it's delicious. Great manager, too, really nice guy. Also a good place for a quiet late-night drink or two, it's never too loud or crowded, you don't have to deal with the hipsters nor the fratboys. Pretty solidly middle-of-road clientele.
(4)Brittany C.
I'm quite the fan of Dunlays, for a number of reasons (in no particular order): 1. Nice, clean bar. Friendly staff. Bartender is easy-going and doesn't rush that "last" drink. 2. Outdoor patio in the summer allows for lazy afternoons of drinking and chatting for as long as you please. Or as long as you can keep your eyes open. 3. Nice selection of beer. Also, fruity martini thingys for those that like that kind of thing. 4. A good menu that goes beyond bar food. Good portions for a good price. 5. INCREDIBLE brunch. (Is it Sunday yet??) Tops my best french toast list. An egg sandwich that kicks Micky D's booty... Good bloody Marys.. Perfect cure for any hangover. Perhaps the one you received spending your entire day at dunlays yesterday.. Although the potatoes WERE mentioned, I need to call attention to them again, that's how GOOD they are.
(4)Kim W.
there's nothing memorable about this place. actually, it's my back-up plan when lula café or cafe con leche is too busy. and it's also the type of place where you should take your visiting folks out to brunch because this place is non-threatening and traditional. however, i will recommend their eggs benedict. yesiree bob. EDIT: don't ever attempt to order their veggie burger. rice and walnuts? what in the flying frig is that?
(3)Phil P.
No frills - just great food, service and drinks. I agree with most of the posts - its a little on the expensive side... but you will find that its worth it. When your hung over on a Sunday and all you want is a bloodymary and some TV's for football, this is your place! The service is great. Your water glass never goes empty and the servers always keep a close tab to how things are going. Cant ask for much more. There is limited parking. If your driving, you will need to make sure that you have money for a meter. Other than that, you will find this place to be quite pleasing.
(3)Brittani L.
Yum yum yum! Every time I come here I have great service and a great meal! The BLT is perfect. They also do some great specials I'd keep an eye out for one of those. The pricing isn't bad with out it though.
(5)Andrew F.
Service was great, food was OK (the breakfast burrito was kind of nasty). Probably won't be back again but it was a nice alternative when other brunch places in the area have a long wait.
(3)Lori Taylor R.
Strong, spicy and savory is just the way I like to start my Saturday afternoon ... Dunlays serves up a solid bloody mary that meets this criteria perfectly (and the best part, it's only six bucks). The BBQ Chicken Pizza was very tasty. Nice thin crust, cooked to perfection, ample amounts of shredded chicken, onions and bbq sauce. They call it a personal size, but it's six sizable pieces ... enough to share, which is a great deal for eleven bucks! The staff all worked well together, which made for a great experience. The manager was running food, taking drink orders and didn't seem to mind helping out. All in all a decent spot.
(4)Brian B.
Still despised by 2nd-Gen Gentrifiers, because 3rd-Gen Gentrifiers abound here ... but the food, staff, and surroundings are still nice. This is the safe place to take your 'rents if they ever visit your "area". You don't want to scare them, do you? I nearly always go for ordering appetizers here for dinner rather than the meals. Hush Puppies, Tuna Sashimi, etc., all deece. The place is better for brunch, actually -- the Eggs Benedict is awesome, and believe it or not the Fried Egg Sandwich (which sounds bleh) it's actually the most incredible breakfast food you will ever eat. The outdoor seating is also plentiful, and gives you an ideal spot to observe Andrew Bird walk by on a random Sunday afternoon! Boo-Yah.
(4)Steve R.
OK so I have lived in Logan Square for quite awhile now, and I guess that means I am automatically supposed to hate this place because it's sorta like a Lincoln Park establishment (unlike Lula cuz lord knows there are no high end eateries in LP) . Well eat it, hipsters. I'm gonna say it...I like it better than Lula. Yep, you heard me. The service doesn't think it's cooler than you, you can always get a seat on the patio (with your dog) without a 45 minute wait on the sidewalk, and the food isn't 25 bucks a plate. They have a pretty good tap selection, notably Rogue Dead Guy (huzzah). They have a great hamburger special every wed, and I have found the service to be attentive and accomodating. That said, I have only ever sat on the patio, so I have no idea what the interior is like aside from trips to the bathroom. I don't know why other neighborhood folks go into histrionics about it, it's a regular average bar and grill tap just like all the others in the city. I'm astounded that more people seem to be offended by this place than by the snootiness and bank-breaking prices found around the corner. If ya want gritty, go to the Two Way and pose your way through another night of bohemian blue collar role playing.
(4)Emily R.
Ceasar salad is delicious. Also the artichoke spinach dip is good. Great weeknight drink specials. I've been here over 5 times and the service is always great. During nice weather the outdoor patio is great, but still a lot of room inside, with a nice ambiance.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Dunlay's has just changed their menu and although the fritters and the Asian chicken salad are gone the ceviche was pretty tasty and I liked the Boulevard Salad.
(5)Jennifer K.
The food is always brilliant here and the service always compliments it. There was a mistake on the order, but long story short my mother is to blame with the confusion. The veggie lecture from my mother surely confused the server. They happily made the change to the order. I will be back again and again. Cheers!
(5)Meghan A.
I've been here three times now, and I really like this place. I had brunch here on Easter and the food was really good - I love the french toast and my dad still raves about the hash browns. Stopped in yesterday to catch some of the Bears game and enjoyed the $13 bottomless mimosa deal they have Sundays. And these are not dainty little mimosas in a champagne flute. We're talking giant-ass mimosas in pint glasses. Right on. I've also been here on a Saturday night and it's fun then too - good beer list and it doesn't get too packed. My one complaint is that sometimes the service can be a little bit slow...it seems like they could use a few more servers during busy times, particularly on Sundays. But overall I really like this place and will continue to go back.
(4)Mike P.
Having lived 2 blocks from the Clark Street Dunlay's, yet never visited it, I didn't know what to expect. The wife and I were over in Logan Square Sunday morning and decided to stop in to this location for brunch. Man, am I glad we did, it was the best meal I've had in a while. I ordered the fried egg sandwich with hash browns. After ordering, I was contemplating if I should have gone with the fruit as a side. Am I glad I did not. The hash browns here are phenomenal. If you are hung over, these thing will be exactly what you need. They are expertly fried and combined with fresh herbs and cream cheese. They are a must have. If the Clark Street location doesn't have brunch, the hash browns alone are worth the trip over to Logan Square. The fried egg sandwich is also great. If you've seen the movie Spanglish, then you have the inspiration for this Dunlay's offering. It's basically a very good BLT between marble rye. Add some Cheddar, a little red onion and a fried egg and you have it. They ciffranod the romaine (that's a fancy way to say "shred"). The presentation is very nice. There is some controversy about the place because it replaced a "tried and true" Logan Square establishment and is viewed as negatively impacting the square by some. I don't see it. Business is business and if somebody wants to open a quality joint, that's great. If it's too trendy or upscale, you don't have to visit. I don't think Dunlay's will lead to the destruction of Logan Square's unique characteristics.
(4)Erin R.
I was forced to come here last week for brunch/lunch with my sister when I forgot Lula's was closed on a Tuesday. I was starving and really just wanted a cup of coffee and didn't feel like El Cid's so Dunlays it was. This is going to sound personal but I'm vegan so I always feel a bit shafted when I go here. I've come to expect to be only able to eat one thing on the menu from what I consider more of a mainstream restaurant. I do like their veggie burger - it is really good - but I get really sick of ordering the same thing each time I get stuck eating here. And I'm not sure it's even vegan but it's better than eating a plate of french fries - the only other thing on the menu that is o.k. Also could you please just keep a container of soy milk on hand for the coffee? My sister said the coffee was good but I wouldn't know. Had to run to New Wave when we were finished. Plus their prices? Jeese.
(2)Tuyet H.
I decide to come here to get some food to go a couple of days ago. Since there so many ppl sitting outside for dinner, I expect for it to be pretty good. With such high rating for this place, I wish they would have a better staff. I not looking for top of the line service, just hoping they do a better job. It took them too long to even ask me if I needed any help or table, even though they saw me standing there for awhile. Its not like they were super busy. Most of the time I see them standing there talking to each other. They don't look so busy to me. After while they took notice and when I told them I want to order for take out, one of the waitress rudely point to the bar and said I could order there. Without a fuse I walk over with a menu and order with the bartender, to my surprise he was pretty rude too. He was super distracted. Honestly it would kill the man to look at me for just one min to take my order. Nor were there any recommandations on what I could try, knowing that it was my first time there. I don't hate the place personally, I love the food! Just wish they have better service.
(3)Megan K.
Turn down the TV volume! I have been here a few times. Granted mainly because of it's location and convenience. Lula is busy and you're hungry for brunch. It satisfied the hunger, but didn't excite me with the options. Granted, I'm vegetarian and this may not be the best place for me to eat. Then I went again for the half price veggie burger. Not the best I've had, but not terrible. Then last night might have been the end for me. I was cold and wet from a rainy trip on the CTA, and wanted a warm place to get a something cheap (half price veggie burger on Monday once again) and the football game was BLARING! There were only TWO people in the entire place, so why the need to blast the game? The moment I walked in my ears were ringing it was so loud, and had to leave immediately. You are scaring away patrons that may not be there to watch the game. Fine, have the game on for those two people at the bar, but turn down the volume for those of us that want to eat without feeling like we are sitting on the 50 yard line.
(2)Nikki C.
sitting in this quaint comfortable air conditioned haven with trumen pils, rogue dead guy and of course stella on tap for just under $7 a pour, its obvious the curse of lincoln park/wicker park has infected yet another hood. the adorable perfect 2.5 family with twins strolls in, the "partners" of many happy years, the new implants just graduated and in their first real urban environment and me. it is a mix of good people, people smile, a few steps under a bennigans, but still kind of too corporate for my tastes. staff here are top notch, food is tasty if you follow the waitstaff's recommendations, and the neighborhood is safe enough to park on the street and go for a nice walk after. i began my latest diet with trying out the spinach dip, hot oozing goodness of cheese, spinach and artichoke hearts, served with a side of fresh cripsy corn chips, yum! the hanger steak and frites(off the menu and suggested by the staff) was covered with carmelized onions in a reduction sauce and killed yet another diet, but oh what a way to go. the fries were perfectly thin, perfectly crispy, yet still had a soft bite ..these are some damn good frites! Say hi to Penny on your way in!
(3)Jenn L.
Wait! Did someone say Dunlays? Oh man Im there! Great food but more importantly great brunch! They have these creamy hashbrowns that rule over any other breakfast potatoe! the waitstaff is friendly and laid back. Its a good place to go on sunday obviously for brunch but also a good place to grab a beer and some good convo. Great atmosphere and nice and clean! Now go get some BRUNCH!
(4)Jessie B.
This place has covered kettle chips with melted blue cheese. Should I repeat that? Oh yeah you get the "king" size of Tabasco sauce as well. (I love the chips--but could I eat it everyday? I don't think that it would fall very well into my training diet) I love the coziness of this place. Some yelp reviews said that it was a bit loud, but I thought the noise level was acceptable. And when you are going out to a place like this-honestly-who cares?! My friend & I ordered so much food it wasn't even funny! Not only did we split the heavenly blue cheese chips, we got the Wrightwood Salad. Yummy! Cranberries, goat cheese, carrots, corn, sweet butter lettuce, avocado, and sliced chicken. So great. Then we ordered our entrees. I ordered the beef short ribs-they were so tender that they fell off the bone when I was trying to poke them with my fork for a bite! Served with most likely some of the best garlic mashed potatoes I've ever had, some grilled asparagus and a pinot noir reduction sauce-OH MY! My friend ordered the Florentine Filet. She asked for it rare-and it was cooked perfectly. Also served with the great garlic mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. The food coma definitely came after this meal. The service was also very good. Our server was very cute as she described the fish specials, and checked in on us quite a bit. I think this is my new favorite spot in Logan Square!
(5)Robyn T.
Nice addition to Logan Square - big bar area, drink specials and TVs to watch your favorite sporting events at. Nice big booths make this a nice place to relax with family or catch up with friends (assuming the music isn't too loud). Expect your Lincoln Park Dunlay's favorites here too. I enjoyed brunch here on a recent Sunday and didn't have to wait either (nice if you're tired of waiting next door at Lula's). Good coffee and a great breakfast burrito (pulled pork makes this different than your standard brunch staple) with a little creamy potato cake are a great way to start your day.
(3)Jen S.
I can't say enough good things about Dunlay's!!! I can't! To start, though, I first went to this restaurant a year or so ago with a friend, rather tentatively, because I can't eat gluten. Our waitress, Lindsey, who now is, like, my favorite, went over the entire menu with me, talked to the chef, and in general kicked butt on my behalf. Since then, I've become a regular, and the food is SOOO good, and everyone I've come into contact with at Dunlay's is super accommodating. Even to an extreme... example: a few weeks ago, I had sort of an autoimmune attack and had to leave the restaurant and only made it out to the sidewalk before I collapsed - ouch... the manager came out to help me (!), and then one of the waitresses ran out and told him about my gluten-thing, and they were giving me glasses of water and orange juice right there on the sidewalk. See? NICE people. and GOOD restaurant. great everything. love, love, love! more perks are the Wednesday night $5 cheeseburger-&-french fries special, the full bar, the ribs (drool, drool), & I heart the garlic-mashed potatoes. they also have a really good brunch, which is good to know if you can't get into Lula's :)
(5)T Mir S.
Good food great location. The French toast was awesome. And the best hashnorwns in town. Service was good.
(4)Quantas G.
$5 burgers. Delicious $5 burgers. Juicy $5 burgers. Tasty $5 burgers. Go on Wednesday and have the $5 burger special. Mmmmm, good.
(4)Natalie J.
i liked it better when it was half priced wine night - not $5 wine night. that being said, dunlays has some decent food, i almost always get their pizza which is perfect for one. their spinach dip is atrocious however. everything is just too pricey for what it is. and while the service always seems okay, i wish they would have made a little effort in trying to sit my party outside. i realize it was a big table and it's a small patio but it was my friend's last night in town and it was beautiful out and they really just made no effort at all to arrange seating the next tables with the thought of us in mind, despite the fact that they said they would. and i wonder how long it would have been (had i not asked) before they bothered to tell me that they weren't even going to make an effort to sit us outside. weird.
(3)Brandon H.
Same great Dunlay's food, same great service and atmosphere. My fiancee and I were out looking at new condo developments in the area and we stopped in for a late lunch. Some of the other reviewers compared this to Lakeview and other "yuppie" neighborhood establishments. They're right, it is. It's just like the other location on Clark, D.O.C and Frasca.. If you don't like those kinds of places, you're probably not going to enjoy this one. It's there for the new crowd coming into the area.. Love it or hate it, it's not going anywhere soon. Edit: We just tried the cookie skillet desert.. it's one of the best deserts in the area, I would stop in just for that!
(5)Gigi L.
I'm picking up what you're putting down, people. That disparate group of reviewers here. That whole yuppie vs. art school chick/dude of doom blah blah blah. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but if you don't like what it stands for then you don't have to go! It's just another decent place in Logan to go and have drinks and food, that isn't a "stand" or a "joint." I agree that there are loathsome red-faced drunks who are loud and don't live in the neighborhood who come here. I always avoided them by going when it was still daylight, whenever possible. I like it for brunch. They greet you and seat you immediately. You can get a burger, an omelet or a salad. Things are fresh. It's not loud, and the televisions aren't blaring in your ears yet. That warm chocolate chip cookie a la mode, served in its own little cast-iron pan, is tasty. The room has nice big dark wood booths and lively original art on the walls, and the bathrooms are clean. It's all decently priced, you know, for an "upscale" place. Sure, go. Why the hell not?
(4)erin d.
Although I did have to laugh at the prospect of calling yuppies in this hood "Dunlays" I have to throw the smack down on the other yelpers. This is NOT a chain! There is but one other Dunlay's and they own 4 others totes. That is a small business peeps. Support them. And that is a juicy burger! The good is food and you know what I mean.
(5)Kristin D.
The brew's are a touch pricey for the neighborhood, but everything else about this place is pretty awesome. The Wrightwood Salad might be the best thing I've eaten in a restaurant. The staff is usually friendly. They have a late night food menu that cheap and beats the hell out of the Golden Nugget. The outdoor seating is beautiful - you can see all of the diversity in Logan Square (from hipster to Mexicano to stroller-pusher). If they came down in drink prices even a touch, this would be a five star spot for me.
(4)Kiarash Z.
Although I was initially turned off by the appearance of the place, the bartender, Brian, charmed me. Clever guy. Dunlay's seems to be the only place in the neighborhood with HD sports in the bar, in English, which makes it my likely destination to watch NBA, MLB and NFL when I don't wanna venture far from home. I don't think I'll be going there often, and I hope Dunlay's doesn't draw other streamlined chains into the neighborhood.
(2)Martha Z.
Sunday morning, farmer's market crowd bustling, hungry, seriously hung over, the wait at lula 45 minutes at least.... have no fear, just walk around the bend to dunlay's. The menu may not be as diverse or eclectic, but I'm hungry and have no patience to wait. Food and service was fast and good. We were probably done with our meal sooner then by the time we would have been seated at lula. Which gives me more time to go home and sleep off my hangover.
(4)Julie F.
Okay - beer, drinks are nice, setting is nice. Pizzas are pretty good, veggie burger is good but, way too big. Here's my real beef with this place - all their "healthy" options come totally swimming in oil. This includes the fish, any veggie, and the salads. I am eating the remaining half of my wrightwood salad right now and my lips are still greasy dispite mixing in a ton of fresh lettuce. Bottom line, go here for the drinks, locale, and ALWAYS ask for the dressing on the side.
(3)Mark S.
Based on the people who told me how good this place is, I didn't expect to like it. But I've been here a bunch of times anyway, and I like Dunlay's a lot for what it is. They keep their menu small, and most everything on it is pretty good. A rare dependable place where maybe they don't take a lot of chances to try and wow you, but the result is uniform quality and a good meal that won't offend you either. I like their blackened fish sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes in particular. And they do have a nice little selection of good wines too- even a yummy Rioja! So Dunlay's is just fine by me when I want a meal like something I might make at home, without actually buying the groceries and making it. I agree it can get loud here, but I eat at weird hours a lot so for me it's not as big of a deal.
(4)Amanda K.
Wow, I've lived in Logan Square for four years or so, and I had no idea that people appropriated "Dunlay" as an insult. ... Hilarious! But, really, Dunlay's isn't SO bad. My partner and I have gone here for half-priced cheeseburger night and the occasional breakfast/brunch when Lula Cafe is too much and Johnny's Grill is too little. Yes, it attracts a lot of Bucktown yuppies, but so does Lula at this point, so. The main problem I have with Dunlay's is the bad management. Servers and hostesses seem a bit dim and inexperienced; the bartenders seem overworked and annoyed. But the food is pretty good! I really like their cheeseburgers (and I'm a bit of a c-b connoisseur) and their individual-sized pizzas (though they're totally big enough to share with a date). The pizzas are thin-crust and have just the right amount of cheese and yummy toppings. Recommended for weeknight bar food for neighborhoodies. I def. wouldn't make a trip here if you're in another neighborhood. These places are a dime a dozen.
(3)Leo L.
Everything was pretty average at Dunlay's. My mushroom soup was delicious yet no warm enough, the $5 cheeseburger special was served on a overly doughy bun and the fries were very forgettable. Three stars because the waitress was very nice and the patio is great place for people watching.
(3)Steve M.
We were out looking for some breakfast and since the place around the corner was packed we decided on Dunlays. I ordered the breakfast burrito which was excellent and I especially liked the hash brown casserole. It definitely had some secret ingredients in it. The girlfriend had the spinach, bacon, and mushroom omelette which was good. It did seem a little pricey for just breakfast but otherwise I will definitely go again. Service was good.
(3)Tisha W.
Apparently some people love this place and others hate it. I personally like it. I was sad to see the Boulevard Cafe close, but I lived near Dunlay's for a year so I had plenty of opportunities to check it out. It may not hold a candle to Boulevard's Sunday brunch buffet, but I was always pleased with the food here and consistently received good service. On Wednesdays they have $4 burgers and fries, which is quite a bargain because the portions are huge and I think it is one of the most flavorful burger and fries combos in the city. Other can't misses: the veggie burger. the garlic mashed potatoes, and the pizza. While the place may be a little bland or yuppy, it adds a something different to the area. That is, it's a good midpoint between Lula's uniqueness and Johnny's Grill's classic greasy spoon vibe.
(4)Ingrid G.
BRUNCH UPDATE, or a BRUP-DATE!: The breakfast sandwich with the fried egg is awesome. Do not get the eggs florentine. Trust me. Dunlays: the place you go when you can't get into Lula and you are with people who won't dig the authenticity of Johnny's grill. Dunlays: the place you go on a weekend night when you are too lazy to leave the neighborhood and you think Streetside might be too loud or crowded Dunlays: not so bad, but not great either.
(3)Aaron M.
Yes I am giving Dunlay's On The Square a 5 Star. But this 5 Star is only for their BRUNCH menu, service, atmosphere, and drinks ONLY! I have never eaten here at night but this is our go to place for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. We love Dunlay's so much that we will chant with anticipation the night before for their freakin' awesome hash browns. The atmosphere at Dunlay's during the morning is exceptional anytime of the year. Be in the middle of summer outside on the patio or during the dead of winter inside a cozy booth, Dunlay's does it right. They have a long comfortable bar with a number of quality unintrusive flat screens. Some people might complain that Dunlay's is too "corporate" or "yuppie". Well it sucks to suck because their pride is making them miss out on one hell of a brunch. Service at Dunlay's is almost always on point. The wait staff is friendly, informative, and for the most part prompt. Sometimes during brunch it does get busy but the best thing about their waitstaff is that they operate as a team. Severs are always running other servers drinks, food, or small things like menus or ketchup. It makes a big difference in the atmosphere and dining experience. Drinks at Dunlay's are a tad pricy but worth it. Bloody Marys are average on the taste side but actually have a decent pour of vodka in them. The mimosas are also a good pour with the glass being three quarters champagne. Mixed drinks are decent and they have a decent stock of draft and bottled beers. Their wine list is lacking but I doubt that is their main focus. The fried egg sandwich. What to say about the fried egg sandwich. Before Dunlay's I had never tried a fried egg sandwich and experimented on the resounding choruses of praise it received from everyone I knew. Suffice it to say, they were so right. This sandwich is in no way healthy but perfect hangover food or perfect for a "I just want an awesome egg sandwich" mood. Now moving on to the hash browns. These are unlike any hash browns I have ever had and are just decadent. The rest of the menu is good to great with a good range of omlettes and vegetarian choices. Prices are a little more expensive but they are certainly worth it. I want to just reiterate that my 5 star review of Dunlay's is solely for their brunch menu. I recommend that everyone at least checks it out and gives it a chance.
(5)tracy j.
I heart your fried egg sandwhich. I'm thinking about making a t-shirt with "Dunlay's fried egg sandwhich" on it.
(4)Rachel H.
I gave this place a try when I lived in Logan Square and it's just ok. The chicken sandwich is very juicy and I liked the beer selection but it's nothing special. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I love the chocolate chip cookie sundae. My complaints: Small menu selection and they really should tell you that the wild rice is cold, yuck.
(4)Kate D.
We went here after trekking out to Logan Square to try brunch at Lula, only to find it closed. As one of my dining companions put it, it's a very good consolation prize. The coffee is allegedly very good (I don't drink coffee, but my friends say so) and I can vouch that the food is really pretty good. I had an omlet with goat cheese and lots of veggies that really hit the spot, but the highlight of all our meals was probably the creamy cheesy hashbrowns. Prices were on the high side of reasonable. Not a destination spot, but pretty good if you're in the neighborhood anyway.
(4)Beebe G.
after reading a few of the reviews on dunlays, it's a shame those who had a bad service experience didn't get to enjoy the time my husband and i had on a warm sunday morning during memorial day weekend when our first choice for breakfast did not work out. i remembered my daughter telling me about dunlays so we headed to logan square. dunlays' location is ideal right in the heart of logan square just down the block from cute shops and other restaurants. i was also in favor of their dog-friendly patio so we were able to bring in ziggy in the outdoor area. he loved it! their service wasn't half bad; the cute blonde who waited on us was very nice and all the other servers were helping each other's tables with coffee and/or water refills. dunlays has a pretty good brunch menu selection too. i ordered strange daze omelette and my husband had the palmer square omelette which we both enjoyed. it was a beautiful start to our sunday!
(3)Moe f.
Alright place with great bar food.. When Lula's wait is too long, this is a nice alternative. Iike the egg sandwich and burger. In summer, the outside area is very kid friendly.
(3)Heather S.
This a great place to stumble to when I didn't feel like venturing out of Logan Square. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it's still a fun place to meet friends for a drink or two, and the cookie in the skillet is to die for!
(3)Megan O.
I love their Sunday brunch Bloody Mary's. I have had many in Chicago, and these are great. They have meat in them, for Christ's sake. And their breakfast potatoes are stupendous. Creamy, savory, delicious. Drawbacks - Despite the great food, the decor is mediocre, and it is a bit pricey. Though not compared to Lula's around the corner. While I love Lula's, this is still a bit cheaper. Without the local farm advantage.
(4)Deborah M.
This is my local pub/eatery. They have great salads, good burgers and a wonderful egg sandwich for that Sunday morning after too much fun on a Sat night. The staff is friendly and they pour an honest cocktail. I like them.
(4)Jonathan C.
Nicely maintained and set up. Looks like lincoln park/new wicker park bar. Woops, priced like one too. Specials make it worth it, breakfast has really nice hash browns (cheesy).
(3)Kristen S.
Dunlay's on the Square is a casually nice restaurant right on Logan's Square. The walls of this restaurant feature local Chicago-themed art, and the food is pretty good. Not fancy, but not too casual either. Steak is pretty decent and they have a good collection of wines and other bar options. The meal is good, and the service is decent. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but if you're in the neighborhood, you should stop by.
(4)Nathan W.
Man-Brunch part duex: I had oatmeal pancakes and fresh fruit. Overall the menu seemed a little light on choices. Our server was very nice and personable. This location is a good choice if waiting an hour to have alcohol with breakfast doesn't appeal to you.
(3)Melissa C.
Try the fried edd sandwich with hashbrowns. If you don't like red onions specify no onions b/c there are plenty on the sandwich. Both the sandwich & hashbrowns were delicious. The hashbrowns are actually more of a hashbrown casserole, they are creamy. I ate my whole dish and did not eat the rest of the day I was so full. The only bad thing about my experience was that I called my order in to go. They said it would be ready in 15 minutes. I arrived just in about that only to find my order was not ready. I am pretty sure they forgot to put it in b/c i had to wait 20 minutes for it. Luckily there was a seat at the bar so I could sit & wait. I wish they would of offered water or coffee while I waited, but I can only hope. I give the food 5 stars, but the service 2. At least 2 different people apologized for the wait.
(3)Jennifer K.
It was hard for me at first, several years ago, to accept this place, seeing as how I used to frequent this same place when it was called the Boulevard Cafe. I had way too many good times at the Blvd. to count. However, now that I live within walking distance of Dunlay's, I have to say my feelings have changed. I have gone in the summertime for burgers and beer and brought my dog to sit outside with us (Dunlay's provides the water :) I have also gone on Thursday nights for $5 martini night with friends, and most recently have been going for brunch. I must say, the fresh fruit pancakes are one of the best things this place has to offer-one of the best brunches in the city too, especially with those crazy cheesy rosemary potatoes they offer. I mean, most places just give you fried potatoes or hash browns, but Dunlays really steps to the plate with their offerings. Love love love it.
(5)Nana H.
I'm giving this place 3 stars- as it is AVERAGE, at best. For our neighborhood however, it is probably the only place to get a decent hamburger and on wednesday they are half off ( ends up being $4). The burger is good, the fries are what bring it home! The atmosphere is very yuppy/sporty - but that doesnt mean you hipsters have to ban the place, get some food and get out. I have known servers who work there- and they are fully aware it is not the coolest place to work- but come on....they have a bar and its better then johnny's!
(3)Nick C.
Relaxed environs and a great patio that is pooch-friendly. This is a standard stop (weekly in the summers). Food is tasty, diverse menu. Try the special or the handmade veggie burger and make sure to grab an organic smoked pigs ear for the canine companion in your group. Check the daily specials!
(4)Leang E.
I was looking at buying a condo out in this neighborhood, and stopped by this place to talk with my Broker and his wife about the place. It was a nice place to sit outside, eat, and drink. It happened to be half off wine night, and we had a delicious red zin. I tried the beer cheese and chips which were nice and spicy. I also had a house salad with chicken. It was pretty decent. The indoors reminded me of the similar seating set up at The Grill on Wilson and Lincoln. The service was as good as could be expected, and it seemed to be an easygoing and diverse crowd. It's what you would expect at a typical bar. I'd come again if I was in the neighborhood.
(3)Coralie Z.
The Wrightwood Salad. Get it. You're welcome:)
(5)Mary M.
Favorite reliable comfort food in the neighborhood, bar none. Maybe the city? Add-your-own macaroni and cheese, savory and satisfying salads, nicely done fish. Of course burgers and chicken too. The wines are great, and somehow they always have a glass of something sparkling to fit my mood. Beer list is solid, with plenty of experimental ones blended with standbys. Also, I've rarely had to wait for a table, and come to think of it, I've never not sat in a booth. The stars always align with Dunlays, and I'm always happy I came.
(5)Jason H.
We took a long leisurely stroll all the way to Logan Square and wanted to try a new place. We took a shot with Dunlays. OMG - we were not dissapointed! I had the french toast, a mimosa and bacon. The french toast was made with an french baquette bread and had been dipped in an orange liquor and served with a maple butter spread (heavenly). Ben had a great grilled chicken sandwich with just right thin crispy fries. We will indeed go back. The waitress was super nice and super friendly. Oh, check out the bathroom faucets. I want them in my bathroom. So darn cool.
(5)Nicole B.
Yum yum yum! Their food is outstanding and filling! You will not leave disappointed! The fried egg sandiwch is so simple yet amazing and their creamy hasbrowns are out of this world! Favorite brunch restaurant, love the side car beer with my Bloody Mary. Waitstaff are friendly and greet you promptly too.
(5)Ashley T.
I go to this location a lot. They keep changing my favorites on the dinner menu so for dinner I give it 3 stars but today was my first time trying their brunch...I'm so sad it took me this long! First off, let's start with the monkey bread. So very good. So worth it. Get it and be happy! Then the hash browns. I was not expecting them to be as good as they were. Creamy with a hint of Rosemary. Very tasty!!!!! I didn't drink alcohol at this meal so I can't speak to the cocktails, but the fresh squeezed OJ satisfied! I will be back!
(5)Chicago A.
Sad to say, but Dunlay's has lost its touch. I dined in house this after noon and was sD to discover this neighborhood go-to spot was not good at all. The veggie burger which used to be the best in the city just taste like brown rice, the service was bad and I don't know if we'll be back. Bummer because it used to be so good.
(2)Brianna M.
Let me preface this by saying that I am only giving Dunley's on the Square 2 stars because of food (the food is for the most part delicious), the service and staff on the other hand is GODAWFUL. After our last visit to Dunley's, my boyfriend and I will most likely not be coming back. After being seated promptly our server passed us several times and did not acknowledge us or even bring us water for over 15 minutes. When she finally came around she was extremely blunt and rude. She looked miserable as if she didn't want to be there. Even after our meal was dropped off she would walk past our table without even so much as a glance over at us. The visit before that was even worse. Again we sat at our table for about 15 minutes before a server even came over to greet us (this time the place was dead). Server was short and dismissive. The group we were with had to order two drinks at a time because the server made herself so scarce. As the cups and plates built up, no one came to clear the table and there was no room for anything else. We had to complain to a manager and he was even more unhelpful and seemed annoyed that we asked to have empty cups and plates taken off the table.
(2)Jeff J.
Chocolate chip cookie dessert is to die for. Caramel drizzle on top of vanilla ice cream and a hot out if the oven cookie... Yes please. Also love their food in general. For me this is the kind of restaurant we go to when we want to not me disappointed and just want to relax.
(5)Nicki P.
Just had dinner here tonight and it was lovely. For starters we opted for the lobster deviled eggs, mainly because who wouldn't try them? ! They did not disappoint, even a kick of unexpected spice at the finish, which was great! For mains, I went with the roasted chicken which was amazing, fall off the bone tender and actually besides the drumstick, it didn't have any bones which was a pleasant surprise. The chicken rested atop a heaping scoop of garlic mash and grilled asparagus, a really tasty dish. My dad went for the Mac and cheese with Italian sausage and peas, pretty good but not nearly as good as mine. I will definitely be back, yum!
(4)Dre L.
Went to dunlays today. Had the Cuban! Great atmosphere lots of fun and accommodating service. Thanks Dunlay's!!!
(5)Kim S.
Best hashbrowns I have ever had! The only qualm I have with this place is that they don't serve breakfast on the weekdays.
(4)Jamie J.
First of all you have to get the Housemade Monkey Bread. Served in a skillet with cinnamon, sugar and cream cheese frosting. Went there for brunch to treat two of my AMAZING friends for just being awesome. They both have babies so we wanted to be somewhere that would be comfortable and hopefully not wait long for a table, but also have enough space. We were able to get a booth right away. The server was patient as we said our hellos and picked out what we want. I can't remember her name but she had long blond hair in a messy braid and wore really cool glasses. We all really enjoyed our food. My one friend ordered the Fried Egg Sandwich but asked for her eggs to be scrambled. The sandwich did not come out as she asked. The runner immediately took her plate, the manager stopped by to apologize and then the manager returned to deliver the sandwich in a very short amount of time with another apology! Great way to handle the situation! Mistakes happen and we felt they acknowledged it and fixed it right away. The only negative comment I have is that I sent the restaurant an email (which the email is on their website) on Thursday morning saying we were coming in with two babies and wondered if it would be comfortable environment for them. No response. I wasn't expecting a guaranteed reservation. I just gave them an opportunity to make a connection with a guest and they chose to ignore it. The place was full of families and kids on a Saturday so it would have actually been a very easy response. I still recommend this place just suggest that they take the time to respond to questions via email if they are going to have the email posted for potential guest to reach out to them. Such an easy way to make potential guests feel welcome before they even step foot into the door. Guest service 101! At least the staff on that shift got it!
(4)Sarah S.
I went here on St. Patrick's Day and I have to say that based on their food, drinks and service I rate them the bee's knees. My friend and I split the mac & cheese entree for $13. You can pick two ingredients they throw in from a pretty long list of choices. It was hard to settle on two but we went with mushrooms & bacon in the end...bacon makes everything better. Dunlay's was nice enough so split the mac & cheese into two bowls for us! Aw, sweetness. And it was genuinely good mac and cheese. It was very creamy, cheesey without being too rich - I finished every single bite! Sadly this Irish place didn't have jigs playing nor leprechauns running around, but they did have a special Corned Beef & Cabbage dish that my friends got and loved. They also have $5 special Irish beers and we had a couple rounds of those. My friend couldn't handle a full pint so they were nice enough to bring her a mini glass gratis! Props to Dunlays. Dunlays is a great place for a drink & some grub in Logan Square and I'll def be back. They looked to have some good breakfast options I'd like to try!
(5)Alexandria G.
I had breakfast in the afternoon here. It was busy when I walked in but died down quickly after 2 pm. I had an amazing smoked pork hash. I don't even like hollandaise sauce but this was a bacon-hollandaise. ::kisses fingers:: it was so good.
(5)april w.
Good brunch place in Logan square. They have pretty good monkey bread! And huge burgers with lots of condiments. I got a fried chicken Benedict which was delicious! And came with hash browns, which were more soggy than I was used to, but still not bad. We came in a group of 10, so we called ahead.
(5)Julie Y.
Ate here for the first time twice last weekend. Sat got a the wrightwood salad and it was really good. Thinly sliced chicken, avocado, corn, almonds, craisins and goat cheese really made this salad amazing. Asked for a side of jalapeños and they legit game me a whole one. Not even sliced up or anything which I found weird. But..Everything just went together well in the salad. Second time..Came here the next morning for brunch and ordered a couple different things. Spinach dip was so good I couldn't stop eating it. The smoked salmon started was really good as well. Then I just ordered a pancake, one egg and some fruit that was good. My friend got the strange daze omelette and said the hollandaise sauce was good on it but there was way too much cheese and it took over the entire meal. -and he likes cheese too. So I guess it you're really in the mood for some cheese that would be a good option for you. It was just everywhere though even in the potatoes. His Bloody Mary was really good too! Cute place for brunch, a little stuffy and loud but food was great.
(4)J P.
Amazing caramel cinnamon skillets of Monkey Bread happiness paired with a Bloody Mary or Not Your Father's Rootbeer makes the perfect brunch! For the next course be sure to get the hash browns as your side--cheesy herby goodness!!!
(5)Alex G.
I just moved to Logan Square from Phoenix and Dunlays is one of the few places that I've been to more than once. I came for brunch on a Sunday and was seated right away. It is a classier bar and was glad my boyfriend and I could watch football. I forget the name of my sandwich but it had fried egg on it. It was good but next time I would order the egg over hard and without cheddar. My boyfriend had tasty French toast and we shared a pitcher of sangria. After eating we decided to hang out a bit to watch the game and later ordered spinach dip which was also good. Service was attentive. We went last night. Roasted chicken wasn't my favorite but food was overall great and our server was exceptional! Plus $5 wine night. We will be back often.
(4)Jaime G.
Good breakfast option in Logan Square. Reasonable prices, outdoor seating, and good menu. Really good menu in fact. Try the breakfast burrito with pork, guac, cheese, and eggs (get them poached). Love love love. Also try the skillet corn bread and french toast. I liked this a lot and will come back for more.
(4)Sierra D.
Our last two visits were mediocre. We got 4 asparagus as a side. My green beans were cold. Our waitress failed to tell us you were out of the short ribs, I was set on having them so that was disappointing. We had to get up to find our server for refills and she still didn't see us. We will probably start frequenting another location.
(3)Andrew S.
Unbelievably awesome hash browns. Fried chicken Benedict is awesome. Great Bloody Mary.
(4)Elizabeth F.
Enjoyed a visit to Dunlays on the Square with a couple of girlfriends & my 3 week old son. We chose Dunlays because while it has a great menu & atmosphere for grown-ups, the establishment is very kid-friendly. When we walked in, we immediately noticed other families with small children seated in the restaurant. We were offered a high chair, but my son is still so tiny he just rests in his car seat. We were given a sling that stands next to the table & holds the car seat for you at a perfect height. My little sweetheart rested like an angel. My gal pals & I all ordered coffee, which came quickly. Our waitress then took our orders, our dishes came out shortly after - & our waitress disappeared. We were really interested in a second cup of coffee, & we finally stopped another waitress who met our waitress-seeking gaze. We asked her for more coffee & a carry out box. By now, we assumed our waitress was off duty for the evening. No dice! She eventually reemerged, smelling obviously of her lengthy cigarette break. At one point I excused myself to the ladies room... as I walked past the bar & kitchen, a wet towel flew through the air & smacked me on the side of the head. I looked around in shock to discover a busboy had thrown it; probably playfully towards the people working behind the bar. Only it didn't land at the bar, but against my FACE. Disgusting. The man who seemed to be acting as manager that night was standing right next to said busboy when the towel took flight, but no one offered an apology. Super weird. Other than wishing for coffee, an absent waitress, & the flying dish rag we enjoyed our food. My gal pals each ordered a fresh brussel sprout salad. I had an order of their edamame & cilantro hummus, with a side of spicy green beans. When we had coffee, it was dark & tasty. I appreciate a restaurant like Dunlays that affords me the grown-up time I need, but allows considerations for children. Just watch your six, & don't lose your waitress.
(3)Jake S.
Somebody asks "where's a good brunch spot in Logan Square?" I say Dunlay's. Hashbrown fan? Think again, you're not a hashbrown fan, because you haven't eaten Dunlay's hashbrowns. Take someone you like to brunch here, grab a mimosa or two, chill on their sweet patio, right by the square monument and order hashbrowns. Give them a try and you'll probably be writing some good reviews yourself about this joint.
(4)Matt B.
Dunlays on the Square is my go-to when I want to get a nice cold draft and burger. Nothing satisfies me more than Dunaly's in that regard. I sometimes go alone and sit at the bar to enjoy the scene. On many occasions I have ordered take out which has been a positive experience. Wednesday night is their burger special and they have Oberon on draft. Talk about a blissful experience to unwind from a workday.
(4)Ginny P.
A good spot for consistently good food and drinks. A place to go for dinner with family or friends. I love the Wrightwood Salad! I will take it to-go for lunch sometimes. I also recommend their Turkey Burger! This is good place for brunch, too. The wait is usually non existent or minimal most times. All around this is a great place to hit in Logan Square. Room for improvement: music.
(4)Jose C.
Yes, Dunlay's has good burger specials, drinks, and is located in a very convenient area. The interior is nicely set up and the patio is just as fun. Dog-friendly outside, so if you find yourself feeling guilty for leaving the pooch at home each time you go out, just head to Dunlay's. Yes, you'll have to contend with hipsters - mostly snobby suburban or out of state transplants (or maybe you are one of those yourself), but, in this area it is hard not to run into them (unless they're on a bicycle). What stood out for me on my last visit (yesterday evening), was the fact that the whole block had been experiencing a power outage, yet Dunlay's still offered a limited menu and drinks. Management and staff were apologetic but couldn't have been any more welcoming. We decided to stuff our faces with guac and chips and then wash it down with some nice wine. But then it rained out of nowhere, and staff offered to assist us in moving to the inside even though we insisted to stay out there under the umbrella. Good people. If you're in the area, try them out.
(4)Shereene M.
Stopped in for an appetizer and drink. We tried a couple cocktails and the cheese dip. Both really good! Can't wait to check back in.
(4)Lauren F.
I've been here twice now, gotten the same meal each time: bloody mary with an omelette, hash browns and toast. Seriously, everything is so dead on. The bread is thick, hash browns are ooey gooey great and the omelette has a beautiful hollandaise on top. (I forget the name of this omelette specifically, has thick bacon in it as well) The bloody mary is a good one. I'm not one for spiciness so if you're looking for a hot one this might not be the place for you. (Revolution's is very spicy) Overall, a great meal and for a good price. The service is meh only because they seem understaffed. Certainly very nice and helpful when you need them though.
(4)Brittney H.
I think I've written numerous reviews for this place. Since then I have become a regular at Dunlays. I mean that I go here multiple times a week. I am never disappointed. The service is friendly even on busy nights. The drinks are always delicious - but Dunlays, why do you now deprive me of your adult cherry coke? I realize that most grown adults don't want to be seen ordering something so embarrassing but I have no shame and it's delicious. Give it back! Without fail I always order the Brussel Sprout Salad and the Turkey Burger. Every time I eat the salad, which is around 10 times a month (look at me - I can do math), I find myself saying "This salad is always amazing!" It's almost baffling. To top all of this - the weekly specials are incredibly reasonable. $5 Turkey and Veggie burgers on Mondays. $5 Wine on Tuesdays. Half Price Burgers on Wednesday. Some beer special on Thursdays that I could not care less about. Also, within walking distance from my house. So many points for you Dunlays!
(5)Theresa L.
I went with the boyfriend there on a Sunday afternoon for brunch. The reason we chose the place was because we didn't want to wait for half an hour to be seated at Jam. We checked in and we got seated within less than five minutes. I ordered a fried chicken benedict with sriracha hollandaise, and my boyfriend ordered an omelette that contained mushrooms (I can't recall the name of the dish at the moment) as well as a Sangria. Both dishes came with a side - hash or fruit. We both chose hash. My boyfriend enjoyed his dish because he could taste the mushrooms really well, but it was a bit salty for both of our tastes. The "fried chicken" was a in actuality a thin slice of chicken with breading, but I have to admit, it was a good portion size for me. I did not know what to make of the sriracha hollandaise. I know sriracha has become a new thing in the american market and people are going stir crazy over it, but sometimes, it just doesn't work. For me band most other asians, we grew up with this stuff and have been using them in our households for more than two decades. And then there were the potatoes. I love anything potato - mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, fries, potato pancakes, hashbrowns, shepherd's pie - and the list goes on. The hash was good the first few bites and then it just didn't agree with my taste buds or my stomach. It just started tasting weird and unappetizing after a while which I don't know if it attributes to the more than generous amount of cream or cheese product they put in there. Also the waiters... Although friendly, not the attentive sort. The only time the waitress came was to take our orders, deliver our food, and ask if we were ready for the bill. The thing that also bugged me was that you can't tell who is a waiter!! There doesn't seem to a set uniform there to single them out. The only reason I knew our waiter was one was because she asked for our order. I don't even think she gave us a name. I was going to give it a three but the fact that they I didn't enjoy my potatoes and I was confused as to who to ask for a water refill made it a two star place. Another thing to be noted, although the have a bar and serve libations during the day, there are quite a good amount of babies and toddlers present, which creates a very unique ambience.
(2)Emily H.
Getting to Dunley's right as they open in the morning is a wise choice for the weekend. The prompt arrival gets you prime seating, an attended coffee cup and excellent service for breakfast or brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating gives me great hope for summer visits. The food is very tasty and comes in appropriate portions. The sides mix it up with some classic breakfasting fare and some unusual additions. The omelets remind me of Frasca's Sunday Brunch fare with two notable exceptions - Twice the size and twice the quality. There's never a bite that just lacks all the key ingredients/spices, so the chefs at Dunleys know how to wield a whisk and portion judiciously, a rarity when it comes to the recent rush into the breakfast scene by restaurants who don't give a crap about actual cooking. Dunley's tries none of the fatal skimps that many trendy restaurants tend to do. Brunching drinks are reasonably priced and reasonably sized. Cream for coffee is fresh and butter is on the table without a fuss. The coffee is strong, and refilled often along with the water. The service staff aren't trying to hurry anyone along or steal your plate away from you before you are done to accelerate the chuck-n-stuff process of customer replacement. Plus, the final bill won't cost you a car payment! The restaurant's interior makes even the noisy hubbub bearable and spread out enough to have a conversation. Dunley's hits all of my Musts and most of my Maybes.
(5)Steven N.
I'm giving it a four for the service - which was outstanding. The manager goes around and makes sure every table is happy and has everything they need. I've only been for brunch so I will speak on that. I had the eggs Benedict twice - it's quite good. Please try the potato breakfast cakes. They're mashed potatoes that have been fried patty style. Really tasty and definitely worth the extra bit of cash. Although I was happy with what I ordered, my friends did not like their choices as much. They all, ironically, had the breakfast sandwich. I did not taste it but not one of them enjoyed the sandwich all that much. However, the bloody mary is phenomenal. One of the better ones I've had - they actually use a mix that they created. It's now owned by a distributor but the recipe, according to the manager, has remained the same. I would definitely go again.
(4)Kendrick W.
So Dunlay's has been around a while and it's not as posh and trendy as all the other joints that have sprung up in the past few years. But what Dunlay's has is good and consistent food and drinks. The staff is pleasant and there's plenty of space which helps with how long you have to wait. The other bonus is that in a neighborhood full of men who have beards but couldn't tell you the difference between a nail, they seem to have been drawn away to the other locations. The lack of ironic mustache's is a plus.
(4)J. F.
I went because I saw on TV -Chicago's Best that this was supposedly a family-oriented restaurant & good food. I decided to stop in today about 2pm to try the famous (Skillet Cookie)...When I arrived at the restaurant there was neither service inside or outside. I stepped into the restaurant to see if I could find a waiter/waitress (server) but did not see anyone. Decided to sit al fresco and finally a waitress walked right by me, she was very obnoxious and didn't care about anything. I waited about 15 min to finally get her attention, menus, etc. due to the wait I decided not to order Just the skillet and nothing else. She stepped up to me and asked quickly what will it be? I ordered the skillet politely. Now the skillet was good. But not something that would make me want to go again to deal with such bad/poor service. After eating, I looked at the waitress politely asked her for the bill, she gave me the bill quickly. I paid in cash, waited a long while to see if she'd pick up the payment. I had to literally go inside the restaurant to see if I can tell somebody that I had paid and that it was on the table. Needless to say, the skillet wasn't all that plus the absolute worst service is not worth ever visiting again. I'll take my money elsewhere where it will be much appreciated.
(1)Jen K.
We went here for a pre New Years Eve dinner. Loved the atmosphere and the openness of the restaurant. The service was very good. The food was tasty and pretty simple. They had a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie that was delicious. Lots of different things to try. Decent beer menu. I will definitely go back.
(4)Steve F.
Three of us came in for an early dinner. Service was excellent -- cheerful, attentive, got everything right, happily accommodated my cousin's unusual request regarding handling of the check. I had the barbecue ribs -- fall-off-the-bone tender, delicious. If you're a big fan of sauce, ask for extra. They brought it to me in a labeled plastic squeeze bottle, so it obviously wasn't housemade. I like the redder, sweeter barbecue sauce rather than the oranger, more tomato-y kind, but this was a good compromise between the two. Mashed potatoes were clearly fresh and delicious, not powdered. Atmosphere nice, and my cousin could watch a football game on the TVs over the bar without it overtaking the environment for all of us. The buzz in the 'hood is that this is a great breakfast place too, and I intend to come back and check that out.
(4)Emma G.
Food: Fantastic! Some of my favorite skinny crispy french fries with a delicious veggie burger. Drinks were great and priced well. Ambiance: Inside was too cold and outside was too windy not that that's the restaurants fault. It was an in between day weather wise and we would've needed jackets to sit inside the restaurant and outside was so windy the salt and pepper flew off tables and shattered on the ground. Otherwise both inside and outside were set up really nice and comfortable. Service: Started okay but then got worse. It was like if a friend said they'd help you build something then it got cold or dark and they just stopped coming outside to help you. Server asked us to sit somewhere clean but with other people sitting at tables that blocked the only clean tables we moved which pissed off the server. Then after we got our food we never saw him again and had to flag down the only other outside server. Took an eternity to get our second drinks. Overall great food with tons of great options for drink specials and food which change often but the service was lack luster. I'd still go again, and again though.
(4)D Q.
Ambience and service was great. Nice that it wasn't packed, even on a Saturdya night. Food (at least what I ordered -- the fried chicken with fries) was just ok. Everyone was happy with their drinks/cocktails, and the key lime pie got rave reviews.
(3)Neamen L.
Big fan of their breakfast. Had the french toast which did not use normal "toast" bread but the bread they used was very good. The omelet was also good. Portions are huge and big enough to share one meal. The price is cost effective as well.
(4)Brent G.
Stopped in for a brunch after mass. We've been to the sister restaurant on Clarke (loved the blue cheese nachos there...sadly gone from the menu) and wanted to try the Logan Square option. After waiting for a while to get in, we were then seated in a comfortable booth. Service was friendly and prompt. I had four young children with me and among the five of us tried the daily special chilaquiles, monkey bread, buffalo shrimp and the kids french toast and cheese pizza. Monkey bread: bomb. Seriously. It's a Cinnabon on steroids. Amazing. Everything else was good; standard but good. Great for kids.
(4)Jess S.
This placed opened up and thought "now there *really* goes the neighborhood." Yet my very-independent-minded friends who lived nearby brought me here time and time again (gotta love those weekday specials). I was never disappointed, but never blown away either. I guess I wasn't ready to accept this Lincoln Park transplant, however I definitely softened up to the place over time and now include in my list of considerations for dinner and a drink around the square on a weeknight. It's "a-ok" but not a favorite.
(3)Vivian Y.
Dropped in here last night (Tues) after an atrocious volleyball game and was ready for a beer. My first visit and it was a gorgeous night! Considering the three of us were in sweaty tee's - we opted to sit outside where we could airdry and enjoy an icy cold beer. (by the way, there is a sign on their door that says, "20 wines for $20" - what a DEAL! (lol, I'm kidding, I understand what it means, but I think they may have worded it wrong???) Anyway, I spotted a margerhita pizza on the menu - YUMMMMMY!!! it was AWESOME! Made from a woodfire oven - the super thin crust was topped with pesto,cheese, sweet pizza sauce, cherry tomatoes and arugula. One of the best pizza's I've had! It was just what I was expecting and it didn't disappoint!!! Next time, I'm going back to try the ceviche and maybe their ribs! My only crticism - it smelled like sewage every now and again - whenever the wind blew from the right angle. Maybe I'll bring a sweater and sit INSIDE instead.
(4)Michael F.
Dunlay's has good beer, a nice atmosphere and outdoor seating. You can usually find a seat any night of the week though it may be at the bar. The drawback of this place is that the drinks are too pricey.
(4)laura heather h.
OMG BREAKFAST POTATOES!!!!!!!!! I don't know what they do to them, but hot damn those are the best potatoes I have ever had at a breakfast joint. Other than that pretty typical..... more expensive than I usually care to pay. The Palmer Square omlette is darn good too. Their bloody marys trip my trigger when I feel like splurging. But seriously.... the potatoes are AMAZING.
(4)erin k.
I was really here for $5 glasses of wine, after a quick trip to the Logan Square Auditorium. After a few glasses I realized how very long my bike ride home was going to be if I didn't consume some sort of solid sustenance. Okay, so let me just say that the beer cheese appetizer is probably on par with casual sex as a way to flirt with your own demise. You know, "oh I should not be doing this" as you reach for another chip, attractive stranger, whatever.
(3)Molly P.
Dunlay's is just a good, good spot. The food is tasty (breakfast burrito with pulled pork is reeeediculously good) and the wait staff are pleasant and attentive. The decor is nice & in the summer they open up the front so it has really open & breezy feel. Thursdays they have live music too. Probably not a destination bar but if you're in the neighborhood, it is a relaxed, dependable place for a few beers and bite.
(5)Adam A.
My wife and I stopped here for dinner one evening. She got the hamburger and I got the grilled chicken sandwich. She seemed to like the hamburger and the fries she got were pretty tasty. I found the chicken sandwich over-seasoned, with a tangy taste to it. I got the parmesan-garlic mashed potatoes as my side and was not impressed. I like skins in my potatoes, but these skins were very large. Also the potatoes came out lukewarm and in my mind there is nothing worse than cold potatoes. I'd be willing to give it another try, but it's definitely not on the top of my list.
(2)Vincent T.
A favorite place that never feels rushed. The food is above average (the meat loaf and burgers in particular, though they have veggie stuff that is equally good), the drinks are fun (the 'beer flights' in particular) and the staff is attentive and courteous. Special note: try the big hot chocolate chip cookie with the ice cream. July 2009: I'm going to knock this down a star, as Dunlays has introduced music nights on Tuesdays. The music, both times I experienced it, just didn't fit the conversations-with-friends vibe that the other six days at the restaurant provide. It is a needless addition. Sometime in 2011: I'm upping this back up to 5 stars because not only is the music gone, but I have had occasion to host parties of 15+ on numerous occasions, and the Dunlays folks were brilliant every single time (up to an including running up separate tabs for everyone without being asked).
(5)Katie P.
This place gets five stars in my book just based on the Fried Egg Sandwich. O-M-G! Really! It's the best! Especially with those Dunlay's potatoes on a Sunday morning. When the weather's nice and the patio is open we like to take the dog here. We always get her a pig's ear. She never eats it when where there... it think she's just trying to make the other dogs jealous and she wolfs it down the second we get home. If I'm here in the evening hours I really like the blackened fish sandwich. Good cocktails and Bloody Marys!
(5)Andrew R.
One of my favorite places to hangout in Logan Square. The food is good, and they have great beers on tap. The staff really makes this place. Really cool, relaxed and great service. Dennis , the GM, is awesome. He helped me put together a last minute engagement celebration for fiance and me. We couldn't have asked for a better setup.
(4)John S.
Great outdoor seating. It's a little pricey and at times they are out of things on the menu. I like that they have a dog water bowl outside.
(3)A B.
It's not great, but it's not horrible either. I agree with the other reviewers who compared it to Chilis or Applebees. Although I think Dunlay's is slightly better. Anywho I definitely wouldn't go there on purpose but if you're hungry and Lula's is packed then Dunlay's will work just fine.
(3)Keira S.
The meatloaf is droolworthy and worth heading over for. The brunch is not so hot. I got fresh-squeezed orange juice, took a swig, and ended up with a hunk of Saran Wrap lodged next to my uvula. Plus, the "art" on the walls is really, really embarrassing.
(3)Jennifer J.
Many times before, I've liked Dunlays. They ahve a delicious veggie burger. But last week, when I met some friends for dinner, we had an awful experience. First, our waitress was awful. She rarely came to our table. By the end of the meal, when we had been waiting forever for her to come back for our payment, I finally had to get up from the table and take the bill and money to her. (She was busy sitting at a front table by the bar texting, eating and talking to her friends). Second, my friend ordered the chicken and it came out complete with feathers still attached. Horrified, she didn't eat anything. They did take the chicken off the check, but when the manager came to apologize he asked for a drink order from everyone (implying he was paying for a round of drinks) and then charged us for them. Really bad experience.
(2)Tyler M.
I live in the area and this is a reliable place. I usually opt for the fish sandwich that I really enjoy. It comes with spicy mayonnaise and definitely has some kick. Other things I've repeat ordered has been the Wiseguy Pizza (caramelized onions and sausage) and the crab cakes - surprising good for a place with little seafood. I've never noticed a noise problem and have quite a few conversations here. Updated - They increased prices so minus a star.
(3)Ji K.
My friend and I came by one Friday night because we were starving and couldn't think of any place else to go-- but we were quite pleased with our decision. The spinach artichoke dip is borderline heavenly, the blackened tilapia sandwich is quite good, and the crab cakes were the best I've had in Chicago. Unfortunately, we were in a hurry and couldn't stick around for drinks, but I would definitely come back here. Good stuff.
(4)K U.
Dunlays on the Square is one of those places you crave on a 70 degree summer night!! It has a great outdoor seating area - that is VERY dog friendly! Not to mention they have amazing specials every night of the week - i.e. 1/2 price bottles of wine (great way to unwind with some girlfriends or your husband after work)!! I love their wrightwood salad and while I am not much of a burger person; I will order the burger at dunlays with a side of honey mustard (delicious)!! The Staff is always friendly and prompt... you may have to wait - but never for an excessive amount of time. While they may not have the best variety of wine, and its only a few steps up from pub food....... it's wonderful for those beautiful spring through fall evenings; and the food is simple, yet delicious!
(5)jake d.
dunlays is pretty sweet. i went for the dinner menu and was kinda bummed on the prices of everything. but i found a chicken sandwich that was like 8 bucks i think so i went for that. and i'm glad i did. the chicken was very well prepared and perfectly seasoned. my girlfriend had the wrightwood salad and i munched on that with her and it was super good too. all in all it was a good experience. i'll most likely return when i get a bit of dough to spend.
(4)K S.
A warm, melt-y chocolate chip cookie/pie dessert thing served in a pan, with vanilla ice cream. How can you go wrong with that??
(5)Ben M.
I was unbelievably impressed with Dunlay's! I got the recommendation from a guy at my barber shop...Bucktown Barber, thanks for the Trim Norm ;-). So I had my sister coming into town with her husband and my 2 nieces for the weekend 7 and 4 years old. I needed a place that was kid friendly yet still a good meal and was racking my brain trying to come up with someplace that won't be super busy and that will still serve a good meal. Dunlay's was perfect! Very Nice environment. The wait staff was extremely accomidating when I called asking if they could have a table for 5 in 20 minutes...they even offered a booster chair for my youngest niece. The Food was very good, though my brother-in-law complained about his grilled artichoke appetizer he was elated with his Jambalya. Everyone else had a great meal. My sister fell in LOVE with the mashed potatos and my pork chop's were perfect. They had a kids menu, Which I have found hard to find any place that isn't a chain, it was simple and only had 5 or 6 items but honestly how adventurous are kids with food? My nieces split a cheese pizza and had IBC root beers. Did I mention this was on a Saturday night at 6:45. Seated right away, Great service, nice atmosphere, wonderful food, and kid friendly... Great dinner spot KUDO's to you Dunlay's On The Square!
(5)Rachel W.
This is my second favorite restaurant in Chicago. Why? Because first of all, I love Logan Square. I have several friends that live there, and I have fallen in love with the neighborhood. Second, they have an amazing blue cheese burger (thanks to my son for discovering it!). Third, they have brunch and one of the best Bloody Mary's I've ever had-just the right amount of extra stuff, and yet it doesn't clog the straw! I love the patio in the summer-a great place to day drink and people watch (2 of my favorite things!)!
(5)Heidi P.
I went here for the first time last night with a fellow Yelper. Great, great food--solid burgers and spinach dip and salads. Nice, dimly-lit atmosphere--my only complaint is how close the tables are to each other. If you get seated in the booths in the back, you are on top of the other tables and their meals.
(4)Jim K.
Not a bad place. Sort of a nondescript bar/restaurant. If I didn't live so close to it, I'd probably never go there. That said, though, I do really like their hamburgers, and the garlic mashed potatoes is above average too. If they're busy the waitstaff can get a little overloaded and service will slow, but they seem aware of this problem and go out of their way to apologize, so that's cool too.
(3)Nicholas G.
First let's address the "it's so vanilla" issue. While the crowd may not be that eclectic compared to other local restaurants, I don't think it's fair to compare it to Lula's either. If you've seen one table full of tattooed, ironic tee shirt, polyester sporting, tight pants wearing hipster with big sun glasses, well you've seen them all haven't you. (Disclaimer, this is not a knock on Lula's, which I personally love. In my opinion it has the best turkey sandwich, and the menu while not always something I may like, tries very hard and has some of they most creative dishes I've ever seen! Really, go there!!) So the crowd there might be considered "Ben and Jerry's Organic Vanilla." If you don't like the crowd, don't go there. If you miss your Boulevard Cafe, don't give Dunlay's just one star because it took it's place. On to the food...the egg sandwich for brunch on Sat./Sun. is really very good! I try to order new things every time, but it's comforting to know that the gf will always order this, and never be able to finish it. I also enjoy the pork, meatloaf, and cheeseburgers (especially when they are 1/2 off!). Based on other recommendations here I'll have to try the pizza as well. Nice beer and wine selection as well, and every time I've ordered a mixed drink it's been plenty strong enough for me. So why only 3 stars? Well I think they need to focus more on quality control in the kitchen, particularly portion sizes. Every time we order the meatloaf ,it's a crap shoot, 3 pieces? 4? 5? The first time we went i think it was 4 pieces, which was plenty and filled you up. Anything less and it gives you the feeling that they are trying to scrimp. The worst offense though, in my mind, is their Strawberry Ice Box pie. The first time we ordered that (right after it was added to the menu for summer) the piece was huge! A nice think crust, loads of strawberry ice cream, and whipped cream piled high topped with pieces of strawberry and sugar. At the risk of sounding like a pig it was so good we ordered another! Now unfortunately, if we are tempted to order two it's because the pieces have gotten so small, and the crust so thick you have to hammer through it with your fork. There is hardly any ice cream any more as well. A complete disappointment.... It's not like my first experience was mistake, the first couple of times the meatloaf/pie was the same, but then it began to shrink. Come on Dunlay's, I think you can do better then this!
(3)J. M.
Dunlay's on the square is a great neighborhood pub. The staff is always friendly, personable and tentative. The food is delicious...love the burgers, sandwiches, and daily soup specials.
(4)bernadette b.
all i have to say is: couldn't we do something a little more interesting with logan square? uncreatively worn khaki pants everywhere...with chambray shirts. where the hell did these people come from? i don't want to make this an altogether bad review. i have been treated very kindly by the staff and i have had some good appetizers. in the summer, i enjoy the patio (provided i'm not sitting to cigarette- nazi lady who doesn't understand why people are smoking outside at a BAR). the place is just so "clean"....ugh.
(3)Stefanie L.
I like this place. You can't go wrong with the burger and I'm totally addicted to the grilled artichokes. Also, the chocolate chip skillet cookie is amazing!!!
(4)Andrew P.
Ready to hate this place due to its fratty LIncoln Park feel (kinda like the old Boulevard, but with less fratty hippies), but I was pleasantly surpised. They actually hand make their veggie burgers. Also, bottles of wine are 1/2 price on Tuesday. Kinda loud, but still fun. If you want to to go a Lincoln Park restraunt, but live in Logan Square, you might as well go here.
(3)S T.
Really the only thing about this place that has me returning is the location. It's close, you can get a table pretty quickly and they serve alcohol. Everything on the menu, the decor, and the vibe is about pretty vanilla. The one thing that always kills me is the music they're playing. I've only been on weekdays so maybe the weekend is different, but the music just does no fit. it's like listening to the B sides of the Top Gun soundtrack. The pizza's are pretty small but are good. The veggie burgers are somewhat filling at best. They don't taste horrible, just tasteless and they always fall apart. ask for extra napkins cause half of it will end up on your face or lap. No pitchers. I guess they're trying to be too "up scale" for that.
(2)Kara M.
i love the dunlay's in lincoln park but now that i'm in logan square I wanted to find a place to ride my bike to in order to have brunch with a friend and dunlay's was the perfect distance...we went the same weekend as the Logan Square arts festival and there was nice music to fill the air as we sat semi outside. i had an omelet with hash browns and some sangria and though the omelet and the sangria were good, the real highlight was the cheesy hashbrowns...on the east coast we have waffle house and you can have hashbrowns smothered and covered and they are delish...so the hashbrowns here reminded me of those. though i felt the service was a little slow, overall we had a good brunch and i would def keep this place on my radar for a brunch visit
(3)Allison C.
Yeah, bring on the stoning, I don't hate the place. Sometimes it's nice to be able to walk somewhere and get decent food that isn't Mexican (not that there is ANYthing wrong with Mexican food, yum) or too fancy with decent service. I've always had good service here, and the food's always been good. Sure, it's yuppie/Lincoln Park-y and sometimes the televised sports is a bit much, but sometimes you want a burger that isn't from McDonald's. I will probably use this place as one of my defaults until they open up more/different things in the 'hood...
(3)Neha S.
Great food and atmosphere. I love the beer cheese! They have a late night menu which was incredibly cheap and amazing. I would love to give this place 5 stars, but the beer prices are too high. However, if you go for the late night menu, you can swap the money you save on their great food for their overpriced beer. Even deal!
(4)Maggie V.
Love this place on Wednesday's when they have half-priced burgers w/ fries and glasses (maybe bottles?) of wine. The atmosphere and decor is cool and if you come late enough and stay long enough you can get a half-priced skillet cookie (which is probably worth the full price). I'm also partial to this place because of the Penn State connection.
(4)Ed M.
I ventured to Dunlay's for sunday brunch and it left me with a bill clinton sized hard-on . The food here is intern-licking good! I guess the joint's considered more for its nightlife and bar scene, I gathered from you yelpers. But nay, its not my type of place. If i am to bar hop, logan square would not be my ideal choice. However brunch is brunch and the maple oatmeal pancakes at Dunlay's make me warm inside...and so does your mom.
(5)Bianca J.
I will give the disclaimer that I wanted to go to Lula but it being a Sunday morning, Lula was impossible. So we went here instead. I wasn't inspired by the menu. Smoked Turkey eggs "Florentine" but no Benedict? (I'm sorry, turkey is not a breakfast meat!) I wound up getting the 2 egg breakfast because it seemed like a safe bet. The coffee was sludgy, the service was slow and our waitress had a cubs tattoo (okay, so I shouldn't rate a restaurant on the basis of the waitress's tattoos, but cubs tattoos offend me). Only grape jelly in the bucket of preserves and the first butter pat I opened had separated and gone rancid (fortunately they were nice enough to bring me fresh butter). The breakfast itself was fine, but not out of this world. The potatoes my boyfriend got were pretty delish, though- like mac n' cheese in potato form. Pretty mediocre overall, though maybe they've resigned themselves to serving the people who can't get into Lula and stopped trying?
(3)Cortney C.
YUMMY! I've been here maybe a dozen times to eat/drink.The homemade veggie burger is delicious, it sorta falls apart while you are eating it but who cares, I don't mind being sloppy if it tastes good. The side options are great. I usually get the asparagus. I've also tried the fish sandwich, guac n' chips, margarita pizza, and the fish of the day entree. The drinks are reasonable. I've been there for 1/2 off wine night and I was not disappointed. The waitstaff is very friendly and they make great suggestions if you have no clue what you want. The atmosphere is laid back including colorful artwork, fresh flowers and even nice-smelling candles burning in the bathroom. The little things add up.
(5)Crafty K.
I've never been here for breakfast so I don't have anything to note on that but I've been there at least a dozen times for dinner and drinks. I like this place. I love that I can get grilled asparagus as a side instead of fries. I really like their pizza. I like their meatloaf. I really can like their veggie burger - it has brown rice, walnuts and sweet potatoes in it. The problem with them is that it's completely inconsistent. Sometimes the burger is perfect and sometimes it's like they tried to stretch it by adding in more rice instead of all the other good stuff and then it totally falls apart all over your plate and doesn't taste as good. I just wish it was consistent because, on a good night, that veggie burger is splendid.
(4)Ryan L.
This place is great! I love the happy hour food, and there are usually good deals on drinks. The soothing lighting helps you settle right in. kind of a bar for yuppies, which doesn't really match the neighborhood at all, but I still like to chill there.
(4)susana e.
I've only gone to the Logan Square location. The waitstaff is nice, they have booths, regular tables, or you can sit at the bar, and in the back, they have about 4 tables that are 'bistro' style..with the higher chairs...mostly for couples, because those tables are small. Good selection of beer. The food is reliable and good. I have not found a better veggieburger anywhere else in Chicago. They make it when you order it, so it's not a frozen patty you can buy at the grocery store. It's a mix they make there and it has nuts in it too. It can be messy to eat, so don't order it on a first date. heh. Anyway, I love it. Their brunch is quite good and also reliable. Their hash browns are a little different- they were too rich for me. I don't know what they put in them- maybe cream? I like my hash browns simple. But, my friend loves them! Watch out for the kiddies on the weekends. Everytime I've been there for brunch, there's always one or two running around. I'm fine with kids, but not running around. I recommend their bloody mary's with brunch. YUMMY! and served with a shot of beer. They've got TV's at the bar, which is ok. I haven't been in a while, but they rarely changed the art. They showed the same artist all the time and I didn't like his/her artwork.
(4)Dan B.
The service sucks and the food is overpriced at Appleb-, I mean, Dunlay's on the Square. The only redeeming quality is that it's not Boulevard Cafe -- that place sucked dog balls.
(2)molly c.
meh. not great. i don't like the one in Lakeview either and i feel that this place takes away from the asthetic of the area. at least the people that go there won't be making my wait for a table at el cid 2 or lula's any longer. ha
(3)J C.
some sweet things are to be found on the menu. breakfast can be good. the house veggie burger is good, save a little loose. brunch mimosas are swell, what with the fresh OJ. also, it just seems funny to eat in a place that feels like you're in a bennigan's.
(3)Leigh K.
We ended up here yesterday when our attempt to go to Lula was thwarted since the people planning the party didn't remember that Lula is closed on Tuesdays. I forgot too. D'oh! I was actually pretty pleased with what I ordered. I got an appetizer that the table tried too: blue cheese and chips. Originally I was going to go with the grilled artichoke, but our server informed me that it was included on my grilled vegetable platter entree. The chips were surprisingly good after more hot sauce was added. The vegetable platter was awesome and plentiful. On the plate was grilled artichoke half, a dollop of mashed potatoes, shredded red cabbage with goat cheese, roasted green beans, and I think I am still missing something. Everything was great except for the artichoke, which was alright, but rather bland and hard to eat in a fairly nice restaurant. I loved the cozy round booth we were in. Overall though, it's not a place I would come for drinking since I prefer dive bars most of the time. I prefer Lula to Dunlay's on the Square, but I wouldn't mind coming here again, if only to try the desserts I sadly skipped out on this time.
(4)CM D.
The food is standard fare, and the wine list isn't bad. I'm told the wine prices are excellent, but that's not a factor for me. The problem is having a conversation in this place - it's LOUD. You have to practically shout to be heard. If you want to talk over dinner and not just eat and communicate in semaphore with your napkin, go somewhere else. Make a reservation, if you're going on a Friday or Saturday night, or prepare to wait. Frankly, I think Lula's (right around the corner) is a better meal for your dollar, but Dunlay's isn't bad and even with the need for reservations, since it hasn't been featured in Chicago Magazine, it's less crowded than Lula's most nights. Even though you have to wait, the wait is less long. The menu is fairly limited, though they do change it from time to time. Unfortunately, because it's gotten so popular and crowded, you may order your dinner and then get told that they're out of steak. Or fish. Or whatever else. This has happened twice to us at Dunlay's. Perhaps they've just not gotten used to being popular - but they've had plenty of time to adjust. The crowd is mostly young yuppies, newbies to the neighborhood, just like the restuarant, but none of that makes it a bad place. The main objection I have is the sheer volume of the place - the bar section (which is PART of the restaurant) has at least two televisions going and if the place is full, you can't hear yourself THINK. We thought that Wednesdays or Thursdays might be better, so we tried it then. While we didn't need a reservation, the volume of combined television, waiters, other patrons, and heaven knows what else made us need to nearly shout to be heard over our dinners. We also ordered steak and, sadly, didn't get any - they'd run out of steak. So we've stopped going there, for the most part, because we like to be able to have a conversation over dinner, and we like to be able to get the food that we ordered.
(2)Kathy H.
Their $4 cheeseburger special on Wednesdays is great! Crisp fresh mushrooms! Fries were incredibly fresh and you can't help but eat them all. It does get super smokey in the restaurant though on Wednesdays. We have been there twice and both times our clothes stunk... stick with the outside seating.
(4)daniel w.
I wandered into this restauarant the other day not quite knowing what to expect. I tried the burger and it was really good. Many of the other things looked great on the menu as well and I noticed they have a lot of specials during the week. This seems like a great restaurant if you are looking for a casual bite to eat.
(4)Glynnis S.
Great go-to place in Logan Square. Surprisingly kid-friendly, lots of seating, nice outdoor patio, decent food...brunch is yummy - their omelets and hash browns are especially delicious. My only complaint: their coffee is never hot enough. But they offer half price wine on Tuesdays, so that makes up for it.
(4)ArTal K.
I have lived in Logan Square for the past 4 years, and this place is just perfect when you want to run out for dinner close by. I have never ordered anything off the menu that wasn't acceptable. Love the laid back neighborhood atmosphere. We need more places like this in Logan Square.
(4)Arielle A.
I have visited Dunlays twice, both on Thursday nights. The first time was just for beer and artichoke dip. I was super surpised at how relaxed and inviting the space was, as visitng my friends ten years ago in that neighborhood meant arming myself. There is live music on Thursday nights that's enjoyable and does not overpower your conversation. Last night I returned with friends and was almost shocked at how good the food was. Spareribs were melt in your mouth delicious, my roast chicken was juicier than what I've had at Deleece and the fish and chips rivaled the best I've had in England. Also, a $6 Pomegranite martini made with perfection helped things along. Excellent job on their part- keep up the great service and tasty food- expand the late night menu if possible.
(4)PJ B.
EXPENSIVE. $10 for a salad. Food is just ok. Can't stand the red cabbage with everything. Pizzas are irratic - sometimes they are properly topped, sometimes they are seriously bare. AGAIN WE FIND IT VERY EXPENSIVE.
(2)Jenny I.
Okay, I take back anything nice I said about this place. The servers are bitchy, the bloody mary came out with MEAT on it, and the food is nothing exciting. I like the patio, and I like the bar...and Monday has $3 wine...but the rest of Dunlay's can bite me. You're in Logan Square. And you have pig ears on the menu. I don't care if it's for dogs, that's nasty.
(2)shannon m.
i am a logan square property owner & dweller & i LOVE to spend my money in my neighborhood, but will never eat at dunlays again. i ordered the roasted chicken, delish, right? no. mine came with feathers. yes. feathers. the waitress & manger treated it as a joke, acted as they were going to treat us to a around of drinks, but didnt. the only thing they took off the bill was the feathered chicken. i hope another bar/ grill style restaurant makes it to this neighborhood & no one has to suffer thru a feather disaster again. boo to dunlays.
(1)Maya D.
I've usually gotten good, friendly, no-nonsense service here, and the pub food (burgers, pizza, pork chops) is good. (If you order a burger, you should definitely add the bacon and mushrooms. They use a very thick, leanish bacon that is very flavorful, and the mushrooms are done just right. They will also cook you a medium-rare burger that's actually medium-rare, not bloody and not overdone.) However, I was recently there with a friend, and we got the ceviche. Not bad, though a little too limey, but it came with saltines, which were, well, salty, and whose texture didn't stand up to the fish.
(3)Alicia S.
Super overpriced but pretty damn tasty. I couldn't quit raving about our waitress. She was super professional yet friendly, attentive without being annoying. She treated us very well which seems to be increasingly rare. I'm just smitten with her services both times we've been to Dunlay's. The atmosphere is very clean without being uninviting..rather good vibes..and the bartenders were quick to turn on the Playoffs at our request on their big HD televisions (with no annoying commentary..instead, just great music). yay for Dunlay's.
(4)David D.
An awful yuppie magnet/crapstain on Logan Square. Overpriced, terrible interior design, food isn't good, etc. On the specially priced burger night, they won't sell the veggie burger for the cheap price. TOTALLY BOGUS! I'm a vegetarian, and that was really annoying. The staff is nice, but everything else can stay in Lakeview.
(1)jason t.
not too bad...i can't really find fault with an irish breakfast combo that includes a pint of guiness. but the hash browns had some weird creamy sauce stuff on them. plus it's a little too 'upscale' for my tastes. good coffee, though. and the bloody marys are about the best i've had in chicago, i love the hunk of salami especially.
(3)k s.
i don't know? isn't this place a chain? i'm skeptical. nice outdoor seating and specials, but too nice and not very special, really, you know.
(2)Mike H.
i like bars that have lots of beers on tap and offer a late night food menu like this place does. not cheap like a dive bar, but someplace your mom might like if she comes visiting...
(3)Keith L.
nice lil chain of bars/restaurants...service was good, beer selection was decent overall pretty good.
(4)Erik S.
Dinner was a wreck. This place is the definition of over reaching your abilities. The food for the most part boring and sub par. The only redeeming quality was the service. Our waitress was really great. We had a couple of the specials which were all terrible. The sweet potato au gratin was almost inedible it was chunks of over cooked sweet potato covered in liquid Swiss cheese fondue. I would hope even a remedial chef knows that gratin means browned on top.
(2)Rachelle B.
My boyfriend had to try the Blue Cheese Chips (kettle chips smothered in a blue cheese bechamel topped with fresh blue cheese and Tabasco) because he LOVES blue cheese. He also had the Strange Daze Omelette (mozzarella, bacon, wild mushrooms, spinach, and hollandaise sauce). I had a bloody mary and the Wrightwood Salad (field greens, sliced chicken, tomatoes, craisens, avocado, almonds and goat cheese). We really liked everything we ate and enjoyed Dunlay's. BF liked his omelette but it was the hashbrowns that we were really impressed with. There is some secret cheese or cream ingredient in there that was making them extra delicious. My salad was great, too. Everything was in there.
(4)David C.
I really appreciate having Dunlay's within walking distance from my house. They have a really great brunch, including some of the best hashbrowns in the city, which are really creamy and addictive, even better served on the patio out front. The burgers are pretty great, and at half price on wednesdays are hard to pass up. Pizzas are surprisingly really good as well. They have a pretty good selection of TV's to catch a game, which I was thinking about doing this evening, as it's NCAA tournament time. The beers aren't cheap, but they have a pretty good selection, including Fat Tire on tap. To all the complainers out there, who act like it's freaking TGI McFunsters, not a local business with solid food, don't eat here. Whaa whaa whaa (a la Debbie Downer).
(4)Stella C.
Excellent selection on drinks. They actually have Pear Cider beer in addition to Apple Cider. Sooooo yummy! I also split a pizza and salad here and thought they were satisfying. Would definitely come back for the cider!!!
(4)Gamaliel E.
Dunlays is only a few blocks from me so its always a safe bet when i want a good meal. The wait staff is always polite and attentive. A Cubs tattoo is a big plus in my book. The menu isn't huge..which I actually like in a restaurant. Beware of menus that are 4 pages long! The food is probably all sitting in a freezer. I like to order the burger, and for brunch the Dunz Omelette with potatoes. I think the secret is gouda and provolone in them. Its a good place for a laid back night of good food and drinks with friends.
(4)Soft Pie N.
Just ate here once, yesterday, and liked it bunch. I love that you can get goat cheese on the pizza and everything about the pizza was very yummy. I kept grabbing fries from my friends plate because there were exceptionaly good fries, really thin crispy shoe string style fries...kinda like steak and shakes but better quality. We sat outside and that was nice :) and thats all I have to say, oh but it is a little too pricey for what you get, but its not too crazy. ========== Steer clear of the veggie burgers, they are tasteless, everything else is good though.
(4)Dustin B.
Their food was worth 4 stars for the price, but the service is only 2 stars. We were eating inside to stay out of the heat, but it was even warmer inside. Wouldn't go to again.
(3)Brook E.
Hmmm... Dunlay's. Dunlay's used to be our second string to Lula's for brunch. And the neighborhood place we took out of town guests who can't handle anything "weird" like goat cheese. It's just okay. They have double-sided booths, semi-good drinks, and okay food. Lots of the wait staff here are snooty. Oh, and they like to put bacon on everything, so if you're a veg, make sure to ask that your salad comes sans pork. If you're in Logan Square, and you want just plain ol' American food, head to Dunlay's, and that's what you'll get.
(3)Adam R.
Went in to use a groupon and it happened to be rib special night. The ribs were great and so was their signature cornbread. The staff was courteous and our waitress went into details when asked for some suggestions. I'll be coming back.
(5)Trey S.
A consistently solid place for casual dining. Our go-to place in the 'hood. Always friendly. Always accommodating. Always yummy. And if the cookie skillet dessert was a person we'd be engaged - dangerously amazing!
(4)Kelly B.
Best bloody mary and mashed potatoes around. Yum!!!! Great for slow Sundays.
(5)Jeff N.
Hey! Pretty darned good. This was a Groupon find that is near daughter's apartment. Not too crowded on a Sunday night. I did make a reservation for 5 but didn't need it. Everyone was please with the grub. I had the salad (Wrightwood?) which was very good. My honey had the mushroom meatloaf. Oh, boy, was that great! Pizza looked good. Veggie burger also good. I would go back and pay full price.
(4)Sydney F.
Went for brunch yesterday with the boyfriend- quite delicious! In and out but not rushed. Nice environment, good food and delicious cocktails. Their bloody marys are very delicious! As far as the food goes, I got the Strange Daze omelette with hollandaise sauce, very delish. The maple bacon potato cake [side] wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad. Overall, two thumbs up, and I can't wait to try out the patio in the summer!
(4)Bill J.
It all started with an exquisite bloody mary featuring the freshest of ingredients. The cornbread was the best batch of cornbread I've ever had in my life. It had a sweet honey glaze and the perfect blend of spice with jalapeno chunks throughout the bread, truly the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Lastly, the denver omelet was above average. I'll be back for some brunch on a Sunday morning.
(4)erika s.
this place is thankfully underrated for the weekend brunch. they are both kid and dog friendly during the summer in the outdoor area.* their food is great and the people watching is always fun. they have a $5 hamburger deal weds nights and always have something good on tap. their omelettes are really good--strange dae is my fave. you can never go wrong with the wrightwood salad. grilled asparagus here is also delicious. *happens to be along the stretch of my running route where i haul ass to look like i'm more in shape than i am. i have seen many others do the same.
(4)Amanda G.
This would be the first of two places I visited this weekend because Lula closed shop starting at 2:30 on Sunday. So it wasn't a first choice, is what I'm trying to say. The patio was really lovely because, although it was hot as hell in the sun, at 2:30 p.m. the patio was in the shade. We had brunch and, as noted by other reviewers, the potatoes were amazing. Like... I want to eat a meal composed solely of those potatoes. Like those potatoes could make me orgasm the first time we slept together, defying all odds. I am in love with those potatoes. Otherwise, I had the special, which was like this salmon cake benedict thing, which was pretty good. There were cute dogs on the patios, which I enjoyed. Our waitress was very, very nice and pretty attentive. So between her and my new boyfriend Mr. Potatoes, 4 stars.
(4)Laurel H.
No, it's not arty or kitschy. Yes, you'll end up watching some kind of televised sport (a plus for some, a minus for me), but it's always a pretty decent meal. I usually end up at Dunlay's for one or more of the following reasons: 1. There is a line at Lula. 2. The Cookie (sometimes, after a bad day, it's better than whiskey) 3. 1/2 price bottles of wine (Tuesday) 4. 1/2 price burgers (Wednesday) 5. Bloody Mary for brunch 6. Fried egg sandwich (usually paired with #5) 7. French Toast (usually paired with #6 and #5) 8. Stoli Doli BONUS: THEY CHANGED MOST OF THE WALL ART! It's still the same artist, but now pieces mostly comprised of abstract bits of color and lines have taken the place of the uncomfortable "jazz series" they had up for as long as I can remember. The new stuff is unobtrusive and much easier to eat next to than the "Sax Man" or the "Blue Lady with What Seems to Be a Flute."
(3)John B.
The mashed potatoes and the chips with spinach dip are out-frikken-standing. Burgers are good, but nothing special. The food is reasonably priced. Beh. What I really want to talk about, it being my forte and all, is the booze. Poor beer selection. Something like ten taps and maybe ten or twelve bottles. These days I think a decent bar should have more selection than that. The drinks are also very overpriced, at least for the neighborhood. Even the Champagne of Beers is expensive here. A cheap shot and a beer will set you back 10-12 bucks with tip. Just as you're getting a decent buzz, wham! Suddenly $40 is missing from your wallet. Even if you can throw that kind of money around, the atmosphere at night at Dunlay's is sub-par. Most patrons come for food, so if you're there to drink late, you're not going to have a whole lot of people around to watch you get blitzed. If that's what you're into. After midnight it can be dead, dead, dead. On top of that, you're listening to corporate satellite radio which, from what I've been told, cannot be changed locally. And some of the music is out-and-out BAD. Pluses: Dunlay's is an oasis of classiness in the central Logan Square area. If you love ESPN and need some decent food late (but not too late) at night, it's a good place to stop. After 10 p.m. on any given night, you're almost guaranteed a place to sit down to drink. Staff is friendly, but stingy on the free drinks, even after multiple visits and hefty tipping. No, that's not a plus, but I felt I had to throw something negative in to end this review.
(2)- chicagobiker -.
There is never a wait at brunch. The breakfast potatoes have some sort of au gratin thing going on, perhaps a beschamel sauce? Amazing. The oatmeal pancakes are also really tasty and unique. I'm kindof a snob about bloody marys, and this one is pretty good. The garnishes are awesome (bell pepper, salami, pickle, olive, celery) and it comes with a beer chaser. I've had dinner here a few times, too, and the portions are big. I make a better meatloaf at home blindfolded, but the asparagus is outstanding. Brunch is better. The waitresses seem a bit ditzy and clueless, but other than that, it's pretty decent and a nice change from the sea of Mexican food in the area.
(3)Robert B.
Love this place! Sit at the bar or sit outside. Check out the great rotating beer list, both on tap and in bottles. The bartenders are super cool. Just have to try the Cuban sandwich. Its finally on the menu after be a secret special that you had to know to ask for. $5 burger nite it great. And its not a rip off, its a big ol' good burger. The menu may seem simple, but everything thing on it is top notch. Ask to try some of the beers on tap, they get some good ones you may not have had before. Just try it!
(5)Cat D.
I've been craving the pulled pork on a bed of polenta. It was a special that evening, and I fear I'll never be allowed to encounter it's deliciousness again. The things they do with skillets over there is also... ha-mazing. Cornbread? Cookies topped with ice cream? In a skillet?? Yes, please.
(4)J. N.
In my search to find a late night restaurant last week found this place... While NOT a late night restaurant it did catch my eye and I put it in the back of my brain for a rainy day. Last night, as we drove around debating where to eat dinner I remembered this Dunlay's. We ventured to Logan Square, a neighborhood I am quite honestly not familiar with, and began searching... Who knew Logan Square had such confusing streets? Once we found it, we parked our selves in a nice plushy booth and ate and drank. We has the Guacamole to start. I was hesitant, I mean guac at a place like this? It was chunky and delish. I was impressed. My boyfriend had the burger with mashed potatoes. The potatoes were good, as was the burger. His only complaint was the burger didn't fill him up - it was pretty skimpy for $9. I had the blackened fish sandwich which was OUTSTANDING. Really, it was. The fish was so tender and melted in your mouth like butter. The dressing on the sandwich was tangy and complimented the spicy fish well. The grilled asparagus on the side was also very good, crisp and lemony. Overall the food was good, but seemed overpriced for what you got and the location. Thursday nights are $5 martini nights... Seriously, a 007 is a vodka or gin straight... and you can get it on the rocks... for $5. That is pretty sweet. While Finlandia is not one of my favorite vodkas - too sweet - it's pretty decent for $5. The atmosphere is cool. When we first walked in it seemed too loud, but once we were seated it didn't feel that way at all. The booth was comfortable and private, which we enjoyed. Service was good. Our waitress was new, but she was very attentive and friendly. She helped me pick what to order and I think she did an excellent job. She was very quick to find the answer to any question we had. Overall, I liked this place. The food was good, cheap quality drinks on Thursday... it is simply a bit pricey. If they were open later, this place would be a 4 star establishment for me... but since they are not, I am forced to go during hours in which I would rather visit another place.
(3)Maggie B.
Even though it's not always on the menu, you have to try their old staple drink, the "Stoli Doli". It's delicious! Place is very dark and romantic.
(4)Cristina G.
It's in my neighborhood so I had to try it. My friends and I went there for dinner. I got the fish and chips which was fine. My friends got a pitcher of sangria and pizza and it was just fine. Mostly my complaint is about our service. Our server went missing for long periods of time and it wasn't even busy in there. I'm very pregnant and when I asked for non-alcoholic drinks selection she mentioned beer ?? then really thought I was going to drink even though I asked for a lemonade. Maybe I just looked fat to her, but we all mentioned that I'm pregnant therefore looking for yummy non-alcoholic drinks she wasn't helpful. Once it was time to pay for the check she messed up a couple of times. We weren't even trying to split it we just had a card and asked for change for a 20 and that was confusing to her and somehow she charged half and used the 20 for the other half and brought us weird change so that we had to ask for change again so we could tip her. Maybe she just wasn't the brightest crayon in the box which is fine but mainly I think she was pissy with us for some reason and in her annoyance with us over thought what we really expected from her. Considering our food was just fine and the service bad I don't think I'll go back there.
(2)Aaron S.
A couple things about this place others might not have mentioned: If you split an entree with someone (a good idea as they're big), they'll put it on two separate plates without asking or charging. Very nice! Hollandaise on an omelette--what a great idea! Delicious whole-grain pancakes too. Sunday brunch when the weather's nice: where tf did all these babies come from?
(4)Theresa C.
I've been here a few times now, and honestly, there are just way better places to go in Logan Square. Dunley's has decent whiskey cocktails but they're expensive. The service is hit or miss. The food is just okay, but priced like it's awesome. I can't really think of a reason to come in because you're literally blocks from better stuff.
(2)Paul T.
I have lived in Logan Square for 15 years and have been going to Dunlays since they opened. The food is always good and I can not complain about that. I hate to say it but the service constantly fails. We had the WORST experience there yesterday which also included an argument with the manager. I do not recommend going there. Logan Square is great for dining but please do not go to Dunlays!
(1)Holly M.
Dunlays Brunch. That's all I gotta say. The Bloody Mary and fried egg sandwich--Amazing.
(4)Frank D.
I like it. The food's good. Not a cheap place but isn't meant to be one. Wednesday nights they have $5 burgers and its a good deal.... the burgers really are good. High quality ingredients/tasty/etc etc.
(4)Jet H.
I've been here for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is pretty decent with great hashbrowns and interesting french toast. I wish there were more breakfast options and a bit more food for the money. Dinner is also pretty decent with a very good artichoke appetizer and a pretty good porkloin. It's in my neighborhood, so I'll be eating there again, but I don't think I'd go if it weren't so convenient.
(3)Sharlene K.
Thanks, but no thanks. If I wanted to eat food like this, I'd pay double my rent and move to Lincoln Park, drink Miller Lite, enjoy the Cubs, something about Mary, possibly enjoy the mall, and jam crayons up my nose. The only thing I like here is the French toast which comes on diagonally cut French bread, and that was it's only saving grace. Otherwise, it's kind of bland. Woohoo... a pretentious sports bar! Thanks for all the kids pointing out that *misconception* that Dunlay's is there for you "visiting" or "new to" the neighborhood, and you're not really yuppies, tourists, fratboys, or whatever else can't tell that Logan Square has a million guacamole hotspots. I have no quams with sports bars, but this isn't a real sports bar. I'm bothered by douchebags who think this is a sports bar when clearly they have no nachos. Not 1 offering of any sort of nachos. In fact, the menu is like some sordid attempt to be some mix of sports bar and frou-frou pseudo-hipster boutique (no really, read the menu). There's not 1 item on their menu that isn't a mediocre rip off of the shops that litter Milwaukee Ave for about 3x the cost. *Fancy cheeseburgers? Go to Earwax for a Feta/RedOnion/Turkey burger. Cheese that isn't cheddar on a burger is not novel. *Guacomole? Hello? You're in Logan Square! Only Pilsen might have better Mexican food. *Bloody Mary's? Go to Lula's. *Fried-egg sandwich? For everyone's sake, go to Johnny's Grill on the fucking corner and get one for a lot less in all of its short-order griddle glory. My god, I spent every morning of my public school life getting a bacon/egg/cheese sandwich on a roll. It is a staple in every NYC pizzeria, deli, and streetside sandwich vendor for $2 or I guess $8.50 here. If you want a fancier one, go to Lula's. Milk and Honey on Damen offers up the same sandwich on brioche bread (no less) for $5. These aren't magical foods and I'm kind of surprised anyone worth a damn cent of their review prowess would think otherwise. The brunch, for Chicago, is very unimpressive. I wouldn't call the atmosphere "corporate", but "frat house" or "tourist" because the gourmet attempts fall short - hard. Corporate goons have better taste. Want a good Chicago brunch? Not here folks... try Bongo Room, M Henry, Flo, Orange, Toast, Tweet, etc. The Chicago brunch is unique for outstanding quality, but not here. Want local? Lula's. Want good food in a bar? Small Bar, up Albany by Diversey. Walk there and lose that tourist defense mechanism. Want cheap pizza? Cleo's. Don't want something unique but something expensive maybe too much salt or no seasonings? Go here.
(1)Elaina W.
This place is close to work, at times co-workers and I will go there for some drinks & appetizers. Atomosphere is good, waitresses are friendly and the price is reasonable. Favorites: Chips w/guacamole dip, Wrightwood Salad, Pizza, egg rolls looking like ??(don't remember the name) but it came with 2 separate sauces and has the same skin of an egg roll (I know I'm Asian :0) ) with chicken it it or is it pork ? Hum...like they say in a Chinese restaurant " That's not Chicken" Forgot one more thing, on the weekends for brunch, don't forget to try the Fried Egg Sandwich!!! It's the BOMBBBB !!!
(4)yoon l.
They have horrible customer service. They told us the wait was 30 mins and we ended up waiting for over an hour. They didn't even apologize for keeping our party of 6 waiting so long. Also their egg was undercooked and watery. I don't find myself going there anytime in the near future.
(1)Rachel K.
The only reason I go to this bar all the time is because we live 3 blocks away. But most of the time we go here I feel like we're just being lame for not venturing out further. Its basically a last resort that happens too often because of the close proximity. Its not that the place is bad at all. Its just so average. The art on the walls is always ugly, the drinks are overpriced, and it just has absolutely no character to it. The food is ok. I like their mashed potatoes and the cookie skillet is really good. It is difficult to order anything on the menu differently since apparently many things are already pre-mixed. The service is pretty average. Some nights they can be pretty attentive and other nights they seem to ignore you. What I really dislike though is that they often bring us the check without checking if we're done first. Usually we've just started and I feel like they're trying to get rid of us. Very annoying! The martinis are ok. I've definitely had better. And their martini list is always pretty small. If you're in the neighborhood (as in within 3 blocks of the place) then go here, but otherwise don't travel to get here. Its not worth it *8/5/08 Edit* Ok I've finally gotten over myself. We're still going to Dunlay's pretty regularly and now I'm even suggesting it. The food is good and its convenient to just go 3 blocks for a pretty decent burger and some very good mashed potatoes. The chicken sandwich is pretty fab too. And actually the chocolate martini is damn good. I don't like that they change the martini lists though because I know there was a martini that I really liked that used to be on it, but isn't anymore and I don't remember what it was called or what was in it. Oh well. But yeah, I've upped my star count from 3 to 4
(4)Ella R.
How hard is it to cook some eggs? Or toast a hamburger bun? Or use real wine in a sangria? And I can keep on asking but life's too short to waste. This place is usually a very underwhelming and unsatisfying place to eat. Too much meat, not enough flavor, most of the dishes are akin to average cafeteria fare.
(2)Alexis P.
After visiting Dunlays a few times for brunch, I've never had much to say about it. It's always been just fine. However, on my last visit, I tried the veggie burger and was really pleased. They make it themselves out of rice, walnuts and sweet potato and top it with jalapeño mayo. Way to go, Dunlays. I don't understand why more places can't put a little more creativity into their veggie burgers and not just use some frozen processed soy mystery. The grilled asparagus was lemony and very good and the oatmeal pancakes were better than your standard flapjacks.
(3)Don G.
I see lots of people trashing Dunlay's for being mid to low in service and food. I'm not sure what everyone is looking for. It's not a crap mexican place with bad/expensive drinks. The food is better that average. The service is just fine. The prices are good. And it's big enough to go with a large group and have almost no wait. I like it - it's just down the street from my place. It's much better that most of the Lakeview Cub's pubs I've suffered through in the past. I'll be back every time Lula's has a line out the door.
(3)Olga Q.
I really like this place!!!! I live close by and often find myself headed here after work for a drink and a burger. The atmosphere is nice and dim inside not too loud and not quiet at all. The service is is ok. When my boyfriend and I first moved into the neighborhood and started going here we weren't very pleased with the waitresses or hostess, they rarely seem to smile and once sat two couples ahead of us. Usually service like this would be a deal breaker for me but it's so close by to where we live, the food is great, and the weekly specials kept us coming back. I'm assuming we began to look familiar because the service did progressively get better; although I wouldn't go as far as saying that they go above and beyond. The menu changes often, but they have some staples that are very worth the trip here. I often order their burger or Cuban sandwich. I am Cuban and I can honestly say it's not a REAL Cuban sandwich but whatever they want to call it is fine by me because the taste is awesome! They also have great desserts that include oreo cookie ice cream sandwich and my personal favorite skillet cookie with ice cream. On Wed. they have burger specials serving up burgers with cheese and fries for only $5!!! Their brunch is the only thing I wouldn't really recommend especially because it's right next to Lula's which has brunch that is difficult to compete with.
(4)Rachel M.
Good food and great drinks (my husband's favorite beer on tap). I wouldn't normally get excited about a grilled veggie platter (we shared it along with the ribs) but it was GREAT.
(4)Caitlin S.
This place is not amazing, but not horrible. The food I ordered when I've gone has been good but nothing to write home about. The service was mediocre. The only thing I really don't like about dunlay's is that it is really loud, all of the time, so you can't really carry on a conversation unless you sit outdoors.
(3)Sara B.
It's Ok. Food was decent but really nothing extrodinary. Great blind date place if you need on in the area...
(3)Bess R.
Went to brunch here this morning, and it was quite tasty! We had to wait a little while because it was packed, but not too bad. All the servers were very nice, and the food came out quickly. I had the crab cakes hollandaise special with the AWESOME cheesy hashbrowns. Crab cakes were also great - big chunks of crab...mmm...crabbiness... Really enjoyed Dunlay's - not for the kid-unfriendly though, many small children everywhere.
(4)Clover S.
i went there last night for the first time b/c it was new years day & my partner thought id done enough cooking for one holiday. lula's is always closed during the holidays (and despite the one chilly review i gave them), he and i cannot let go of dreams of their roasted chicken. so, we hesitantly decided upon dunlays to satiate our palettes. i was SHOCKED that our waitress knew what gluten was. she even went over the entire menu with me to tell me what I could & could not eat. She also gave me a bunch of made to order choices! THe food was fresh & super yummy!
(4)Rachel F.
It's decent. There aren't that many vegetarian options, which is one of the reasons for only 3 stars, but they actually have a very good veggie burger, which is why it gets 3 stars. Not the kind that you can tell was frozen 20 minutes ago, but a freshly made one. The other reason for just 3 stars is I've had very slow (but it was friendly) service nearly every time I've been there. Twice I've sat for close to 20 minutes before anyone even came over.
(3)Mehul S.
A nice place for upscale bar food. The beer list could be better, but the selections are good enough unless you want to be more adventurous (but then you wouldn't be here, would you...). The place gets knocked down because of the half-attempt at being sports bar-ish. Either make the TV's better for viewing the game, or get rid of them completely. Go to the Logan Bar and Grill to watch the game. However, the rating goes up solely because of the Blue Cheese and Chips appetizer. This simple snack is one of the best bar fare I have eaten (though I'm sure many will be turned off by both the blue cheese and the Tabasco.)
(4)Molly B.
Meh. The service is pretty abysmal. We sat in that round corner booth on a slow night where there were 4 or so waitstaff and literally got no service at all. We had to order from the bar - even waiving people down was to no avail. There were six of us desiring to make them slightly richer, and they seemed oblivious to the fact that they worked for tips. Who knows maybe they had already made enough money that night. Its such a pain when you have too much money, right? Also, the banana cream pie was terrible - the "pie" part had no flavor at all, and it was liberally dotted with half rotten banana chunks. Blech!
(2)Velia S.
This is one of my favorite neighborhood places. The Flirtini is one of the bests I've ever had, and on Thurs. nights they have $5 martinis. Their brunch is good and I've taken many people there who admit they have one of the best chicken sandwiches in the city!
(4)Shawn J.
They have a decent bar and beer selection. I thin they have some wines that are a bit pricey by the glass but ... I will say they have the best veggie burger home made hands down! I love it and get it every time! I am a meat eater as well but am in love with this veggie burger! Nice to sit outside in the summer and the waitstaff is always friendly!
(4)Jonathan A.
Hey, I just realized this place is actually pretty good, and the food is more than just alright. It's right in my neighborhood, it's clean and open, and has plenty of outdoor seating. It's friendly and the menu is interesting enough for my tastes. I don't know what my problem was before, but I'll be back more often. Especially since Lula's is always busy, and my experiences there have been hit or miss. This place is like your couch on a Sunday afternoon. And if you complain about gentrification, yuppies, hipsters and yuppsters in the area, just move to the South Side. Inglewood, not Pilsen.
(4)Summer P.
Dunlay's is your average bar and grill. I found the service and food to be on par with what I expected though I wish that the menu had more to offer along the bar/grill line.
(3)Colleen B.
Dunlay's is your typical bar and grill done right. The food is pretty good, and the atmosphere is laid back and casual without being schlumpy. They have a patio and there's never a wait and doesn't get over-crowded and obnoxious. What more do you want from a neighborhood pub?
(4)Kelly W.
I love the food here. You have to try to Veggie Burger! Also, I love how they alter their menu all the time, so you get a nice change of pace if you are a regular. Their beer prices are little off the charts. The Late Night menu here is the best in the city. Great place, but they should change their beer prices as they are getting a bit out of control.
(4)Madge S.
Tuesday is half-price bottles of wine, so basically we can order a nice Kim Crawford white for the same price we pay at Wine Discount Store or Binny's- so it's definitely an incentive to keep us coming back. The food is good. Not sure I'm addicted to a menu item yet, like I am the beet bruschetta and breakfast burrito at Lula, but I've never had a bad food experience. The service is actually better than Lula-- no pretention, just hard-working folks trying to pay rent like the rest of us. The only complaint I have is the smoke from the bar. Sorry smokers--- it's nasty so I'll be glad when the smoke-free law takes effect in January.
(4)Anthony B.
Best. Cookie. EVER!! It was amazingly decadent! I'm attempting to write this review without coming across as risqué so here goes. What a morally indefensible dessert to sell! It's easily a full day's worth of calories. And I felt like a debaucherous glutton as I sat there eating it. It's unconscionable. But allow me to point out three facts...it was sweet, it was warm, and the most salient quality-it was gooey. So I murdered it. And in closing this eulogy, it's inane to justify why I ate it. It just reminded me of Christmas morning... And I've tried a couple of the other entrees here. They're nothing special. Come here with a sweet tooth and leave with your head shaking in disbelief. Own up to the skillet cookie and I promise you won't be disappointed.
(4)Barry G.
The burgers we got were decent enough for the price but what shocked us was the desert we got cost as much as the meal?? $9.00 dollars for a cookie and ice cream. Sure it was amazing but the price not so much, at least we know next time... Service seemed okay for mid / late afternoon until it turned into family and babies everywhere... Guess Logan Square has changed... Hence the $9.00 cookie I would check this place out again for the bar probably
(3)Leslie W.
GET THE CREAMY HASH BROWNS. That's all you need. Really. They're so good and I have yet to be able to replicate it in my own kitchen, which is why we keep coming back to Dunlay's. I usually get their fried egg sandwich while my boyfriend usually gets the Benedict. Last time we were there, there was a fried chicken Benedict special which was delicious. I got the french toast once, and while it was good, it wasn't the traditional french toast I was hoping for. We love coming to Dunlay's after church then walking around the farmer's market afterwards.
(4)Amoli P.
I've been to Dunlays twice now. Once for a weeknight dinner and once for a midweek lunch. Based on cuisine alone, Dunlays is good but nothing unique or memorable. However, when you add in the friendly service, the outdoor seating on a beautiful summer day, and the prime Logan Square location, Dunlays becomes a fun little neighborhood joint. My dinner visit was less impressive because it was back during the colder months with no outdoor seating. I remember ordering a salmon entree that was tasty and well prepared but forgettable. I just had a lovely lunch on the patio with my husband and their turkey burger is anything but forgettable. Great Asian inspired flavored patty that was charbroiled to perfection and deliciously moist. Excellent Asian slaw as a topper and the mayo based sauce makes this burger messy to eat but rounds out the burger nicely. My husband ordered the mac n cheese (which was delicious on its own) but after trying a few bites of my burger, just stares longingly at my plate. I got the bacon potato cakes as my side but have to say, despite the rave reviews, I found it a bit bland and boring. My husband liked them more, so maybe I'm in the minority here. The Mac n cheese is one of the better ones I've had. Creamy and saucy and not super oily (relative to other mac n cheeses...make no mistake, it's still as unhealthy as any other Mac n cheese). You can choose two ingredients to mix in and my vegetable-hating husband opted for Italian sausage and bacon. The bacon was eh, and I would have preferred mushrooms or tomatoes. The sausage was genius. And excellent. The beer selection added to our enjoyment and I was happy that the Bell's on tap was the Oberon and my husband went with the Hackershorr (I know that's not spelled correctly but autocorrect isn't helping me out here). We will be back to Dunlays whenever the weather is nice. Looking forward to trying their brunch...and their Wednesday burger and beer special.
(4)Pierre W.
My wife took me to Dunlays on the Square for my birthday. The service from the host to the bartender(Phil[?])...to our waitress Suzie...EVERYONE was FANTASTIC!!!... we went about 3:30pm The crowd was light, so not much noise We had the Lobster Deviled Eggs for the appetizer...delish!!!... but quite "rich"..which I found out later on that night...BUT it tasted GREAT!!!..OK...moving right along..... we had the Short Ribs of Beef...nice and tender... with Green Beans...we had Fried potatoes to accompany our meal. I forgot what they were exactly, but They were tasty, as well. FOR desert!!!!/// the wife had Key Lime Pie that was delish!!... I had a Chocolate Chip cookie with Caramel...and Ice Cream. I'm getting hungry all over again!!!. In short, I hope we return. I enjoyed my experience to the MAX!!!!!
(5)Douglas B.
Dunlay's you are such a good place to go and grab a bite! Wifey and I usually head here for a quick lunch or brunch. I really enjoy coming here, they are very consistent with the food, the staff is friendly and we always get a seat with out waiting. The restaurant gets a good variety of clientele from young brats to big families enjoying a Sunday afternoon. It's in a nice location in Logan Square, right in the heart of things, very hard to miss. There is plenty of street parking and I usually find a spot right away. The staff is very friendly and very attentive even on a busy day. The food is so good. Wifey always orders the vegetarian burger, it has to be her favorite burger so far. She gets it with a side of sweet potato fries, I am going to need to take a bite one day to see what she raves about... but I stick to the meat. We typically go during brunch. I have had their Dunlay omelette which is nice and hearty with delicious sausage and bacon! But usually, I almost always order their Cubano sandwich. Now I know... nothing compares to the original Miami.. blah blah blah... i get it.. BUT who cares! Their sandwich rocks. Its full of yummy ham, roasted pork, pickles cheese mustard.. drippin with porky juices on a toasted roll. It is delicious... my other favorite part about that sandwich is that it comes with these really thing cripsy yum fries! I crave those always. The are just lovely morsels of friedy potato goodness. They have a decent beer selection, this include a nice rotating draft selection. They have plenty of bottles and cans as well. They have a full bar they;ll make what your heart desires but also have a nice small wine list in case you want to go down that route. I usually get a nice draft beer or even their bloody mary which comes with spicy meats, pickle and the best part a miller high life shorty on the side! How cool is that !!? I have to say do it! Head over to Dunlay's enjoy a nice meal, have a good conversation.
(5)Mallory S.
Big Mikes Irish Breakfast is the bomb!!!! + with a pint o Guinness it's the perfect hangover food. The tomatoes were so freakin good and perfectly spiced. The bacon was cut thick and perfectly crispy. My girlfriend really liked the smoked pork hash. Nice smokey flavor and extremely filling. I'd definitely return!
(4)Katie R.
Dear Dunlays, Why, oh why did you change your weightwood salad? The lunch meat chicken has got to go. Bring back the old salad. I used to cravvvvvvvvve the weightwood goodness, and now the sight of the meat makes my skin crawl.
(2)Kaleb B.
Food was great, service was great. Will be going back for sure. The atmosphere was nice and the prices were right.
(5)Rossana B.
I have been to Dunlays on the Square several times now and it has never disappointed; the service is great and the food is very tasty. My husband and I have always been here for Sunday brunch and I always have either the Wrightwood salad or the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, both delicious healthier alternatives. My husband's favorite is the Cubano, he loves this sandwich along with the delicious thin crispy fries that come with it. I do have to say that I enjoy more going to Dunlays in the summer because we can sit outside and people watch right in the heart of Logan Square. Also, the drinks are never a miss, mimosas are awesome!
(4)Mark M.
Had a great brunch at Dunlays at 10am on a Sunday morning. With a nice day, patio doors were open to the front. The farmers market is just around the corner so good energy in the area, but we didn't have to wait for a seat. Loved the French toast and the Dunz omelette. Other food was good also. We'll be back!
(4)Jesse F.
This is an excellent spot for lunch during the week if you want to avoid the annoyances of the hipster clowns that have taken over my beloved Logan Square. I would've given 5 stars, but the afternoon server was condescending when I asked him what kind of sausage they used for a particular item. I know I have a baby face, but I've worked as a chef for almost a decade. Hence, if you throw some smug BS line at me I'll probably call you on it. Also, the place is beautiful on the inside. Gorgeous wood all over the place that screams old school Chicago. Gotta love that. This has been one of my favorite spots for years because of the old-timey ambiance. Sorry for only recently getting around to review it. This Dunlays is definitely worth a visit.
(4)Jackie C.
5 stars for brunch. Great breaky potatoes, bomb bloody Mary's and amazing Mexican skillet! Awesome atmosphere!
(5)B B.
I am surprised I haven't yet left a review for Dunlays. While I lived in Logan Square, this was our go-to brunch and cheeseburger night restaurant. The bloody Marys are outstanding and the service is fun and attentive. But listen, I got married a few weeks ago. My bridesmaid knows how much I love Dunlay's brunch, so she special ordered some monkey bread to-go the morning of the wedding. Either the chef or the general manager met her 2-hours before the restaurant even opened, AND THEN comped the monkey bread because they were so charmed by the order. Oh, she also got a bottle of bloody Mary mix, because it is so good and she knows what's good for her. So that's how I got to eat Dunlay's monkey bread and drink a Dunlay's bloody Mary the morning of my wedding. What wonderful customer service!
(5)Naya D.
Okay. They discontinued the humus. My heart broke a bit. On some happier news, we had an awesome waitress and we definitely enjoyed our chicken sliders! Our waitress went an extra mile when she heard we were sharing the cheeseburger, and asked for the burger to be cut in half for us. That definitely was a small gesture that did show great customer service! Wish the weather was nice to sit outside! Boo!
(4)Jaquie K.
Great service. Deviled eggs are superb and the chicken is out of this world. My husband was sold he didn't get the chicken once he tried mine. Really like this place!
(4)Melissa B.
Good food, good environment, cute little patio outside, pretty nice service. Get the potato mozzarella bacon cakes... with a side of ranch!
(4)James K.
Appetizers came out cold, server wasn't welcoming at all, shortest conversations ever, didn't ask how my food was. Even if the place looks nice, cold food and bad service is a deal breaker.
(2)Elisabeth C.
I'm surprised I have not reviewed Dunlays yet. I've been here quite a few times, all with good experiences. The first time, we came with a Groupon and the waitress was really cool about separating out our drink check from our meal check so we could take advantage of the martini special. The second time was on date night, and my flatbread and his cuban were both very good. Most recently, my mom, myself, and my dog came for brunch. The monkey bread was killer, and so was the Palmer Square omelette. Service was great, and of course it's always wonderful to bring my dog with me.
(4)Josh V.
I've had an amazing experience here and a not so good one, even though I ordered the same thing both times. The last time I came here my food came out at room temperature and it was just bland (fried chicken benedict for those wondering). The service was pretty awful as our table was soaking wet and it took quite a while for our waters to be refilled. The plus? A great beer list. Unless forced I probably won't be here anytime soon.
(2)Tamara P.
A regular at Dunlays, I'm far too often a creature of habit and order my long standing faves. Well now I have two more to add to my list!! Had two appetizers, both for the first time this past week and LOVED them both! First was the Edamame & Cilantro Hummus. This is no ordinary hummus... it was an amazing explosion of freshness (on the coldest day of 2015 to boot!). I have a new favorite hummus, hands down! Creamy, yet mixed with whole edamame beans, with a crisp radish relish on top. Served with warm pita, it is delish! Second was the Buffalo Shrimp. Perfectly sized jumbo shrimp, lightly breaded & bathed in buffalo sauce with just enough kick. The shrimp were really very good, but the cole slaw served with the shrimp was coveted by each of us. Pretty funny to see five adults each vying for bites of it. The menu said it was the Smoke Daddy Cole Slaw, so you know now what's now made my list of places to hit. Seriously, that was some darn good cole slaw! I was reminded tonight to not get too comfortable with the menu anywhere because there are so many fabulous surprises to be explored & enjoyed. Can't wait to have both those dishes again!
(5)Micha N.
This is the kind of place I bring my unadventurous parents to when they're visiting. The food isn't terrible, but it's nothing spectacular.
(3)Dave M.
My girlfriend and I have been here three times. It was stellar the first time and mediocre the second. We thought maybe it was an off day, so we went again. I got a burger which tasted like it had recently unthawed from a long freeze and wasn't seasoned. The server was very unfriendly. I got that "this job is beneath me" vibe from her. We were going to stay and have more drinks bit left after it took the server so long to come back and check on us. It's easy to see why the two restaurants next door are packed and this one isn't. It's in a great location and has a lot of potential, but I don't think I'll be back a fourth time.
(2)Haydee S.
I think this place gets a lot more hype then it needs. I went with a coworker of mine- we like to go on burger dates don't judge us- on Wednesday night for their burger special: $6 burger and fries. I have to say that 1) It doesn't compare by any means to Big Chicks's Buck Burger Night (I WILL NOT TELL YOU WHEN IT IS CAUSE IT GETS PACKED AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE ELSE GOING THERE CAUSE I'M A BONAFIDE JERK...) 2) The burger was...so so. It was good enough to eat and drink to, but it wasn't anything to write to the grandkids about. 3) My waitress...would not look at me, and only at my coworker, whose Latina. I will say that shit made me hella uncomfortable and her service in general was just...sub-par. I take issue with service folks who don't strive to engage with their customers- speaking as someone who worked in the food & service industry for YEARS (read since high school). It was also a real hipster place with dad's with wild beards and moms with bandana's and yoga mats. So...grandma wanted to leave and watch some Netflix at home. With the wine. Like a champ.
(3)Marka C.
This place is my absolute favorite brunch spot. Whether it's to cure a hangover or just a lazy Sunday, this is my number one choice. I usually get the sriracha fried chicken benedict because it is literally always perfect, right down to the potatoes on the side, which are so creamy and wonderful. They also make bloody mary's just how I like them--spicy with lots of olives! I've never had a bad meal here, and usually don't have to wait long for a table. They even have TVs to play games on. I would bring anyone here anytime.
(5)Judy W.
Had the chiliquiles and it was soooo good! The best I have ever had. Mimosas are always great with brunch too! Sometimes they have specials for $3 a glass!
(5)Aaron J.
We came for brunch. Food is amazing. The potatoes are probably the best thing on Earth. I had an omelette that was very good as well. As far as service goes, it's good enough. Prepare to be waited on by people who have been serving brunch to idiots for hours and hours. I'd be ready to leave if I were in their place. Our waitress was very sweet though. All in all, this place isn't very good for anything but brunch, but those potatoes and eggs more than make up for it.
(4)Andrea H.
I love this place. Of all the new trendy spots popping up in Logan, this continues to be a constant go-to for me. AND they can accommodate parties of 6 or so, where as some of the other local spots will be hours and hours of waiting for that size group. The brunch never dissapoints. 3 dollar mimosas on certain days, monkey bread and great omelets. I personally love all of their burgers. The veggie, turkey and regular burgers are delicious. Veggie burger is a personal favorite.
(4)Josue J.
So my kids and I are watching Chicagos Best, when we see this amazing cookie being cooked in an iron skillet topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel. They asked if we can go, I'm in a good mood and it looked delicious, so I tell them if it's not to far. I see they are located in Logan Square, we live in Niles, so it's not so far, but not down the block either. I say lets go and we pack up the car and head off. Keep in mind, my kids are 4,6,8 and it's 7pm, but it looked so good. We get there and I was planning dessert and let's get back home, but now they're hungry, so now we order dinner and I order a drink. Dinner arrives, no drink for me, I ask for my drink again, the waitress blames it on the bartender, 10 minutes later, I ask for my drink again, this time she admits she forgot, I'm thinking strike 2. Dinner is over, NOW ITS TIME FOR THE COOLIE DESSERT. I place the order, she says we are out, I mention we came here specifically for the dessert as we had just seen it on CB. She double checked, they have the cookie, no ice cream, but the can add whip cream, "I guess" the kids were a little disappointed but the whip cream made up for it. They bring out the dessert, and it has no caramel, I guess they ran out of caramel as well. This place would have received a 5 star review if the had ice cream, caramel, and a wait staff that was attentive.
(3)Josh t.
This review is based entirely on Dunlays food. I live off the square and wish we had a simple breakfast/brunch/diner in the area. I gave this place 3 shots and every time a walked away disappointed, which wouldn't be so irritating if they didn't present themselves as upscale, both with their menu and their pricing. Menu descriptions look promising but their chefs just suck. I never met chilaquiles I didn't like until Dunlays. Their offering's are crunchy and dry and their eggs have every time been undercooked. The last time I went I sent the omelet back because it was like eating runny yolks and it came back the exact same way. I'm pretty certain the conversation in the back went "That's how you cook eggs, that idiot doesn't know what a cooked egg is." If you get a sunny side up or poached egg, you want runny yolk. If you order scrambled eggs or an omelet, you want solid eggs. It's pretty simple. The wait-staff is good and the ambiance is that of a standard neighborhood sports-bar pub. If you just want a beer there's no reason not to go, but if you want a meal do not approach.
(2)Rich R.
Bacon, Brussels sprout, and caramelized onion pizza was excellent. Nice outdoor patio. Responsive and personable service staff.
(5)Nicole W.
Utterly mediocre. If you like exchanging money for edible food, this is your spot. Pluses of Dunlays include: - on the square - usually not a huge wait However, there's a reason there's not a wait. Food is often obviously re-warmed, even early on weekend nights. Drink selection is so-so. Prices are pretty Logan Square-standard, slightly too high for what you get. Service is always just ok. The patio is really nice, the extra star is for the lovely flowers. But otherwise, this place just really doesn't stand out in any way. Another place to get a cobb salad and a beer.
(2)Jamil T.
Date night Sunday. Very economical. My fiancee and I were looking to dine on an outdoor patio. Only drawback was the mosquitoes. If they had one of those mosquito repellent lamps, we would've stayed longer and ordered more. Wrote it on the receipt, but my fiancee scribbled it out. So hopefully they get the message on Yelp. We had the braised beef short ribs with green beans and the Amish fried chicken with mashed potatoes. Fried chicken was very light and fluffy. Almost felt like a healthy meal. Short ribs pulled apart with ease. Compliments to the chef. Also, started with calamari. Nice and crisp. Service was phenomenal. Our waitress whom may have also been the hostess, pulling double duty like a a boss. She let us try the Hard Root Beer (10% abv). Too syrupy for our taste unfortunately. Love the concept though. The waitress told us she usually has it with a scoop of ice cream, so definitely recommending this place to my buddy who loves root beer floats. Had the Old Chub scotch ale instead. Appetizer + 2 beverages + 2 entrees. Total bill approximately $50 Will be back with mosquito repellent next time.
(4)Joseph M.
My favorite hamburger in the city without question -- and that includes Kuma's! They have a burger special on Monday nights, which can't be beat. Also, I'm a huge fan of their skillet cookie.
(5)Lizzie E.
Not a huge fan. First time there and was disappointed with my meal. I got the Roasted Chicken. Boyfriend really liked the Chicken Pot Pie, so I'm just thinking I got the wrong menu item. I was expecting the beer cheese to be warmed up, but it seemed like it was just scooped out from a store bought tub. Still good, just meh.
(3)Gaby T.
Came in on Saturday night and sat in their patio. Probably only reason I would be back. I ordered a margarita which was superb. For dinner I ordered the braised beef ragu. My friend had the Asian short ribs. The meat was really tender and flavorful. My pasta on the other hand looked unappetizing and was tasteless. I tried convincing myself just to eat it, as it wasn't awful. But it wasn't good. And at $16 it wasn't worth swallowing. I've had better tasting frozen dinners. So I apologized and sent it back. The waitress didn't like it but she wasn't rude about it either. So I ordered the cheeseburger. It wasn't awful either. But I've had better burgers at red robin. The waitress never came to ask if my food was okay. She just seemed annoyed by us at this point. She didn't ask if we would like another drink either. This is one of those hip places you just want to like. But, it's not consistent. I can't recommend this place and say they have good food. They have some good food. It's hit or miss.
(2)Nick S.
Love this place but the music is so hit or miss! When it's 90s throwback night or awesome classic rock it's great. I even love classic r&b nights, just stay consistent. Often it goes straight epileptic and nonsensical which isn't fun.
(5)Natalie C.
Came here last Sunday with a friend - we had actually been planning to go to Lula's Cafe but the wait was at least 45 minutes and there was no way my empty stomach was going to be able to handle that long of a wait without turning into a bit of a monster (food withdrawal does not bring out my good side). We were seated promptly in their outdoor section (they were very accommodating in that we wanted to sit outside, but in the shade - my friend had poorly decided to wear long pants and didn't want to becoming a sweaty beast during our brunch). Service was good, our food came promptly and our drinks were always filled. We split a starter of the lobster deviled eggs and I ordered the eggs benedict over fried chicken. The lobster deviled eggs (while a bit on the pricier side at $9 for three half eggs) was delissssh and loaded up with lobster, so decent value for what you paid for. My eggs benedict was quite tasty, but definitely benefited from a good dose of sriracha sauce that I heaped on. The cheesy hash browns on the side though - those quelled my hunger demons, VERY tasty. As it is just around the corner from my place, I will definitely be heading back over to sample some other menu items - especially since the weather is finally nice.
(4)Michele S.
Pre-game Saturday night. Fabulous service and very good food, taco trio and the special. Simple decor that I really enjoyed, very vintage, candlelight, great conversation all around, very neighborhood feel. Loved it and would recommend support of this local. I'm not from the neighborhood but will return when I'm in it! Would love to sit outside when the weather allows for it.
(4)Ruben F.
Dunley's has updated their menu a few times since I had the fish tacos 5 years ago. I'm a fan of everything this place is. I'm glad they worked out their menu and found their niche in the neighborhood. Please disregard anything I said in my previous review from 2009. I hope that it has long enough. I genuinely love this place now. Great food. Better drinks and part of the neighborhood.
(4)Grace C.
There are so many great food options just around the corner from this place in Logan Square... this isn't really one of them. The food is passable and the service is fine, but nothing is really that interesting and think the drinks are pretty watered down in my opinion. Speaking about lunch/dinner here and not brunch, will give them the benefit of the doubt and say that I know people who are brunch fans of this place.
(2)Matt K.
Mmmm Fried Chicken. Logan Square spot for when you don't have two hours to wait for a table.
(4)Lauren D.
It was a beautiful Summer morning! The sun was shining brightly and I just finished a 15-mile run with over 75% humidity. I was edacious and narcoleptic. After stopping off at Lula's Cafe and realizing the wait was going to be super long, we decided to give this place, around the corner from Lula's Cafe, a shot. My husband ordered the "Cuban" sandwich. He really liked the bread -- fresh and fluffy and ooey-gooey melted cheese. The sandwich was huge! He said it was very, very good. Four stars. He especially enjoyed the side of hash browns which were creamy and flavorful on the inside with a crunchy exterior. The hash browns, 5 stars. I ordered the Palmer Square omelette with fruit and one piece of wheat toast. It was filled with artichokes, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and creamy goat cheese which made for the perfect amalgamation. The ingredients were obviously excellent quality, and incredibly fresh, which I appreciated. The goat cheese was unevenly distributed (only one side and very little), so this was a disappointment. I was wishing for a bit more goat cheese -- perhaps even a small dollop of the creamy goat cheese on top of my omelette. The fresh fruit contained chunks of sweet pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew, grapes and strawberries. They were perfectly ripe, juicy and sweet. I could tell that this was all organic fruit (: which I appreciated. My meal was worthy of 3.50 stars. I am still debating as to whether or not I should go with 4-stars. Oh well. SERVICE -- Slow. Slow. Slow. Not personable. Cold. Two stars. Our server went "MIA" so we asked another server to please find her. I was really, really thirsty and was drinking tons of water. Fortunately, I had my bottle of water with me so that helped a bit, but, really. Our plates were left on the table for quite a while, empty, before anyone stopped by to clear off the table. We have experienced better. PRICE POINT -- $21.86 (excluding tip) -- Three stars INTERIOR -- The usual -- exposed brick walls, large dark wood bar, light blonde scratched up vintage wood floors, copper bronze ceiling, modern light fixtures. I have seen this cookie-cutter interior once too many times. Nothing really unique. PARKING -- Pay to Park or go to the gravel parking lot (on the corner of Milwaukee Ave) and park there for free (that is, if you can find a spot). Some people clearly opted NOT to "Pay to Park" and ended up with expensive parking tickets in this area. They have an outdoor patio with umbrellas -- not huge -- but a decent size. Nice. Clean. A great spot for people watching. Some customers sitting on the patio brought along their furry companions. It was great to see that dogs are welcomed. It reminded me of Paris, France where you see dogs everywhere -- including inside restaurants. While we were there we saw lots and lots of hipsters, Generation X, Y & Z and a few yuppies -- oh and a few puppies too. The spill-over crowd here comes because they don't want to wait 45 minutes to one hour for a table at Lula's Cafe. I don't think they come here because it is their number one choice. It's more like, "Let's see what else is around the corner. Great. No wait! Let's eat here." Like us, we too, were planning to go to Lula's Cafe, but ended up here instead. My final rating is based on several factors. The slow service from the kitchen (food took a while to arrive). The dirty dishes at our table (from when we finished our meal). The non-personable server who didn't appear to enjoy her job. It was our first time at Dunlays, and it was also our last visit. We make "special" trips to Lula's Cafe, but I cannot say I would make a special trip to this joint. Next time, I will get my ass over to Lula's Cafe super early in the morning when most of the people in this neighborhood are sleeping off their Friday night hang-overs!
(3)Jehan G.
Great service . Berlin was bubbly , friendly and professional . Food was great . Buffalo shrimp a most try . succulent shrimp .. My ribs were so tender and flavorful . Cocktails are great too . Reasonable priced. Great neighborhood restaurant. Come over to Logan square to check this gem out
(5)Chrissy M.
Truly every menu item is worth ordering here at this friendly neighborhood spot. They are great with kids; offering kids eat free from 4:30-6:30 means they are always jumping. The staff are stellar (say hi to Brian at the bar) no matter who is taking care of you. Reasonably priced, great quality, fun atmosphere. I definitely make it more often then I should for my wallet's sake. On the other hand, can't beat the best $5 burger in the city!
(5)