The Mayor of The Block, Esam Hani offered a glimpse at his sixth location on the strip that runs from Kedzie up to Diversey along Milwaukee Ave in Logan Square. Saba Italian Bar + Kitchen joins a collection that includes Café Con Leche, The Walk In, Red Star Liquor, The Harding Tavern and The Old Plank , a whisky focused Tex-Mex sports bar opening next week.
The focus here at Saba is modern Italian cuisine in an approachable yet upscale setting. It actually offers a proper date night to compliment movies at Logan Theatre just a block away. Saba is also home to the greatest collection of Soul Summit poster art we’ve ever seen. “We’re showing our age but, we rocked Soul Summit when no one knew about it.” Manager, Miguel Braun. The legendary dance party is in a class by itself. Since 2009 it was always the third Saturday of the month at Double Door in neighboring Wicker Park.
The P+A ( draft Peroni, aperol, orange oil) & Arancini (breaded risotto balls, salted cod + piquillo aioli)
You can expect elevated cocktails and excellent quality of service. The breaded, deep fried Calamari w Calabria peppers and green olives are accented with anchovies to elevate the fish flavor.
Spanish Octopus rests in a bath of bay leaves and red wine vinegar, black pepper and garlic for 45 minutes the char-grilled to perfection, Lemon aioli, garbonzo beans arugula, celery are added for a garnish. It may have been our favourite dish. The crispy outer edge counterbalanced the juicy and succulent inside with every bite.
Chefs Jesus Castillo + Juan Ramirez perfected their craft in spaces like Spaggia, Mia Francesca and RPM Italian before arriving here in Logan Square.
The reconcepting talks began for Saba back in December between GM Miguel Braun and Chef Jesus. Both had a history at Francesca together and saw it expand to 8 locations (they’re over 44 now). Initially Chef was asked to recommend someone for Saba, talks quickly shifted to him deciding to take the role himself.
The team here is dedicated to hand rolled pastas, cannolis and a fantastic Italian Soda program…lets not even begin to discuss the pizzas! Saba’s is legit and worth the visit. With seating for 95, Saba will be open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with brunch on weekends. at 2715 N. Milwaukee Ave.
–Nkosi
Other Notes:
–The P & A is draft Peroni w/ a shot of aperol and orange oil
-50% off wine bottles every Wednesday
-Happy Hour Mon-Fri 5-7p
-Rotating draft options included Metro’s Flywheel ( Avondale) Rev’s Eugene Porter (Logan) and Hopewell’s Czech Pils.. of course the Hopewell Brewing Company is across the street from Saba
-There were two theaters on this block in Logan Square. The Harding Theatre was the largest in the neighborhood (1925-1963) It was the sister of the nearby Congress Theatre. After the Harding Theatre was torn down One of A Kind Hospitality was offered the 1st liquor license and built The Harding Tavern
-The Walk-In next door is a slashie connected to The Red Star Liquor Store. The 1st Annual Princemas (a Christmas season celebration of Prince Music) was a runaway success last year. The 2nd annual party will be held on December 22nd this year.
-Expect The Old Plank to be Logan’s answer to Big Star. Open seating, garage sliding doors, patio in the back, 3$ tacos and whiskey neat with flat screen TVs everywhere.
