First Time at Bungalow by Middle Brow? Here’s What to Expect

It’s not every day you walk into a brewery that feels like your friend’s living room—if your friend were an architect with a love for good pizza and great beer.

Nestled along West Armitage Avenue in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, Bungalow by Middle Brow is more than just a brewery or a pizza joint. It’s a space with soul—casual yet deliberate, communal yet deeply personal. If you’ve heard the buzz or scrolled through a few five-star Yelp pages and wondered what it’s actually like to spend an evening there, you’re in the right place.

Here’s everything I learned from my very first visit to Bungalow by Middle Brow, plus what I wish I had known before walking in.

The Vibe: A Brewery That Feels Like a Living Room

I arrived just before 6 PM on a breezy Friday evening. The soft glow of the “Middle Brow” sign pulled me in like a beacon. Stepping through the front door, I was immediately greeted by warm wood tones, a scattering of plants, communal tables, and the unmistakable scent of fresh-baked crust.

This place doesn’t scream “brewery” in the traditional industrial sense. There’s no sterile metal, no blaring TVs. Instead, there’s intimacy—handwritten menus on chalkboards, low lighting, and a layout that encourages conversation. The staff moved like they belonged there, like this wasn’t just a job but a lifestyle.

“It’s like the brewery version of a cozy indie bookstore,” my friend said—and honestly, she wasn’t wrong.

Even as the evening wore on and more people arrived, the energy never felt chaotic. Think: murmured laughter, clinking glasses, and pizza trays being passed from hand to hand.

The Menu: Pizza First, But So Much More

Let’s get right to it—the bungalow by middle brow menu is small but mighty, and every dish we tried felt intentional.

We started with a classic: the tavern-style pizza. This is not your greasy slice-next-door kind of pizza. It’s a Chicago tradition reimagined: a crisp, square-cut crust with just the right amount of chew, topped with vibrant tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. The crust had that fermented tang that only a place obsessed with sourdough could pull off.

From the Middle Brow menu, we also ordered:

• Marinated Beans & Ricotta – Surprisingly comforting. Creamy, bright, and the kind of appetizer you wish came in a main-course size.
• Crispy Potatoes with Garlic Aioli – A must-order. Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, served with a garlicky aioli that made us want to lick the plate.
• House Saison Beer – Light, floral, slightly funky. It paired beautifully with everything on the table.

What stood out wasn’t just the flavor—it was how balanced everything felt. The portions were generous enough to share, the ingredients were clearly fresh, and nothing was overly salty or showy.

Tip: If you’re vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, the staff is more than happy to guide you through the menu. Everything is clearly labeled, and they know their stuff.

The Staff: Friendly, Knowledgeable, Not Overbearing

I love places where the staff doesn’t just recite a menu—they tell a story. Our server, Jamie, not only walked us through the daily specials but also shared which beers were brewed on-site and which ingredients came from their urban garden.

When we asked about the pizza crust, Jamie lit up. “It’s fermented for a full day and then cold-proofed overnight. It’s a labor of love,” they explained.

That small moment of passion—unscripted, genuine—added to the experience. You don’t get that kind of exchange through a food delivery app or a slick PR statement. It felt like being let in on a secret.

Crowd & Atmosphere: Laid-Back But Not Lacking Energy

Bungalow by Middle Brow attracts a mix of locals, foodies, and creatives. On the night we visited, there was a young couple on a date, a group of friends in their late 30s doing a beer flight, and even a couple with a toddler sharing a corner table.

If you’re going for the first time, aim for a weekday evening before 6:30 PM. By 7, the place is lively (but not loud), and you might need to wait for a table. Reservations are available through Resy, though walk-ins are welcome and often seated quickly.

There’s a back patio, too—simple but charming, with string lights and wooden benches. I peeked out there around 8:30, and it felt like a secret garden buzzing with conversation and clinking pint glasses.

A Few Things You Should Know Before You Go

• It’s family-friendly. Don’t be surprised to see a toddler dancing to a Fleetwood Mac playlist or sipping juice next to a couple with IPAs.
• Tipping is built in. The service fee is included in the bill, which takes the guesswork out of gratuity.
• They bake their own bread. If you visit during brunch, get the toast. Just trust me.
• Beer nerds, rejoice. There’s a rotating list of in-house brews, including saisons, pale ales, and experimental pours you won’t find anywhere else.

Bungalow by Middle Brow Reviews: What Others Are Saying

Don’t just take my word for it—here’s what locals and travelers alike are saying:

“One of the best pizzas I’ve ever had, and I live in Chicago. That’s saying something.” – Yelp Review

“Warm, intentional space with amazing staff and some of the most inventive sour beers around.” – TripAdvisor

“Felt more like a home than a restaurant. I didn’t want to leave.” – Google Review

There’s a consistent theme in these bungalow by middle brow reviews: people don’t just like the food, they feel something when they’re there. And in today’s crowded food scene, that emotional connection is rare.

Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. In fact, I already made a reservation for next weekend.

Bungalow by Middle Brow is one of those places that understands hospitality in the truest sense. It’s not just about filling your stomach—it’s about making you feel at home while doing it.

Whether you’re into craft beer, design-forward spaces, or just looking for the best pizza in Chicago that hasn’t sold its soul to Instagram, this place delivers.

Quick Guide for First-Timers

📍 Address: 2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL
🕒 When to Go: Weeknights before 6:30 PM or weekend brunch
🍕 Must-Try: Tavern Pizza, Marinated Beans, House Saison
📲 Reservations: Resy link
🗣️ What Locals Say: “Like dining in your dream bungalow—but with better bread.”

Have you been to Bungalow by Middle Brow? What did you order—and would you go back?
👇 Drop your review in the comments or tag us in your photos @middle__brow!