Introduction to The Radicle
LOGAN SQUARE — The old Daisies storefront will soon liven up the Milwaukee Avenue stretch once more with a new concept from the restaurant’s acclaimed ownership team.
Concept and Inspiration
Daisies owner and executive chef Joe Frillman is preparing to open The Radicle at 2523 N. Milwaukee Ave., the former home of Daisies that has sat vacant since the restaurant moved a block over and expanded its offerings in 2023. The Radicle will be an all-day cocktail bar and restaurant where coastal Italian drinking culture meets Midwestern flavors and hospitality, and where the energy doesn’t fade after dark, Frillman said in a press release.
Bringing Back Late-Night Culture
“Since COVID, late night culture has really taken a hit in Logan Square,” Frillman said. “We want to be one of the spots on Milwaukee Avenue that’s helping to bring those vibes back to the neighborhood.” Eater Chicago was first to report on the news, and Frillman’s team announced the new spot Tuesday on social media.
Menu and Drinks
The Radicle, which is named after the first root that emerges from a seed, will serve up $10 cocktails crafted by bar manager Nicole Yarovinsky that “run deep in aperitivo drinking culture,” the team said. An aperitivo is a light, pre-dinner drink common in Italian culture. A Sunday Negroni with gin, a Sbagliatto Rossin with campari and rose vermouth and low-proof or non-alcoholic options like Vermouth and soda or a Peach Fizz drink with farm peaches and egg whites will be on the drink menu.
Daisies chef Joe Frillman and pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky. Credit: Provided
Food Menu
The food menu will have more chilled seafood options, a first for the restaurant group, Frillman said. That includes deviled eggs with trout roe, crispy lake perch with whitefish tonnato, and artisanal pizzas topped with everything from fennel sausage to chèvre and summer peaches. There will also be a selection of fried snacks and vegetable-driven dishes that nod to Daisies’ roots, like golden raisin-dressed pepper carpaccio and heirloom tomatoes paired with olive oil-poached albacore tuna.
Opening and Affordability
The Radicle is set to open this fall. Frillman did not reply to a request for additional comment but said in a statement the team is ready to bring some affordability to the local dining scene while offering the community eclectic and fun food and drink pairings. “Whether you’re popping in for happy hour spritz after work, lingering over dinner, or coming by for some strong drinks to end the night, we’re ready for all of it,” he said. “We also recognize how expensive things have gotten and we want to try to make this spot as affordable and fun as we can for everyone by offering some killer prices. Remember when cocktails actually were $10?!”
The dining room at the new Daisies, 2375 N Milwaukee Ave. Credit: Instagram
Background of Daisies
Frillman, an alum of Balena and Perennial Virant, opened Daisies in 2017 with a menu focused on fresh pasta and vegetable-focused dishes. Many of the ingredients used in the restaurant come from Frillman’s brother’s Prairie View farm in Michigan. Daisies celebrates its eighth anniversary this month and has become one of Logan Square’s go-to restaurants. Known for its farm-to-table pasta dishes, it was one of 26 restaurants in North America to receive a Green Michelin star in 2023 and remains the only Green star in Chicago. Daisies was also Eater Chicago’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year.
Conclusion
The Radicle promises to bring a unique blend of coastal Italian and Midwestern flavors to Logan Square, along with a vibrant late-night culture. With its affordable prices and eclectic menu, it’s set to become a hotspot in the neighborhood. Whether you’re a fan of Daisies or just looking for a new spot to try, The Radicle is definitely worth checking out.
FAQs
Q: What is The Radicle?
A: The Radicle is a new all-day cocktail bar and restaurant from the ownership team of Daisies, located at 2523 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Logan Square.
Q: What kind of menu can I expect at The Radicle?
A: The Radicle will serve coastal Italian-inspired drinks and Midwestern flavors, including chilled seafood options, artisanal pizzas, and vegetable-driven dishes.
Q: When is The Radicle set to open?
A: The Radicle is set to open this fall.
Q: What is the pricing like at The Radicle?
A: The Radicle aims to offer affordable prices, with cocktails starting at $10.
Q: Is The Radicle related to Daisies?
A: Yes, The Radicle is a new concept from the ownership team of Daisies, a popular restaurant in Logan Square.
