Inside the Bungalow by Middle Brow Menu: What We Ordered (And Loved)
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really worth ordering off the Bungalow by Middle Brow menu, you’re not alone. Tucked into a cozy corner of Chicago’s West Armitage Avenue, this local favorite has built a cult following—thanks to its sourdough tavern pizza, seasonal small plates, and rotating house brews.
I’d been meaning to visit for months after reading glowing reviews and seeing beautiful, rustic food photos all over Instagram. I finally made it last weekend—and let’s just say, I now fully understand the hype.
Here’s a look inside the Bungalow by Middle Brow menu, what we ordered, and what I’d get again in a heartbeat.
The Menu First Impressions
When we sat down at our small wooden table, the first thing I noticed was how simple and handwritten everything felt. The menu was written on a large chalkboard behind the bar and passed around as a small printed sheet with warm-toned typography that matched the space—unpretentious, thoughtful, and seasonal.
Our server, Jamie, was immediately welcoming and walked us through what was new that week. “The marinated beans are back,” they said with a grin. “People wait all year for them.”
We knew we’d have to try those—and, of course, a pizza. Maybe two.
What We Ordered (And Why We Loved It)
Here’s a breakdown of everything we tried from the Bungalow by Middle Brow menu, including honest notes on flavor, portion size, and pricing.
Tavern-Style Pizza
Price: $17
Verdict: Must-order. No questions asked.
Their pizza is why most people come here—and rightly so. It’s a square-cut, tavern-style pie with a sourdough crust that walks the perfect line between crispy and chewy. Ours was topped with crushed tomato, house mozzarella, garlic confit, and fresh basil. The sauce was bright and slightly acidic, the cheese perfectly blistered, and the crust had that fermented tang that told me they don’t mess around with shortcuts.
It’s the kind of pizza that makes you slow down and appreciate each bite.
Pro Tip: Don’t share if you’re starving. One pizza could feed two light eaters or one hungry person easily.
Crispy Potatoes with Garlic Aioli
Price: $8
Verdict: Unexpected MVP of the night
I wasn’t planning to order these until Jamie said they were the most ordered side on the menu—and now I get it. The potatoes were roasted until shatteringly crisp and served with a garlicky aioli that was creamy but not too rich. It was the kind of thing you keep going back to between bites of everything else.
Also: They’re fantastic with a cold beer.
Marinated Beans with Ricotta
Price: $9
Verdict: A comforting surprise
This dish deserves more attention. Served cold with fresh herbs, lemon zest, olive oil, and a generous smear of whipped ricotta, it was bright, tangy, and satisfying. A great option if you’re vegetarian or want something lighter to balance out the pizza.
It reminded me of something you’d find at a small farmhouse restaurant in the Italian countryside—simple, seasonal, and deeply satisfying.
House Saison Beer
Price: $7
Verdict: Light, floral, and well-balanced
Middle Brow’s saisons are brewed on-site, and you can taste the care that goes into them. This one had a subtle funk, a hint of lemon, and a dry finish. It played really well with the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the ricotta.
What We Didn’t Order (But Will Next Time)
We were tempted by the sourdough bread plate, the mushroom pizza, and one of the darker beers on tap. We also saw someone order the house Caesar salad, and it looked stunning—anchovy-heavy with a mountain of parmesan on top.
Next visit, I’m going for the bread and the mushroom pie. Guaranteed.
Price Breakdown & Value
We spent about $44 before tax for:
- One pizza
- One side
- One appetizer
- One beer
The portion sizes were generous and everything felt like it was made with care—from scratch. It’s not a cheap eats place, but it’s also not trying to be. You’re paying for quality ingredients, great execution, and an environment that invites you to slow down and enjoy your meal.
Also worth noting: Service is included, so you don’t have to calculate a tip. It’s built into the pricing, and the staff are paid fairly (and it shows in how they treat guests).
Aesthetic Bonus: Food Presentation & Vibe
The food isn’t plated like fine dining, but it has its own charm—rustic, handmade, inviting. Everything came out on mismatched trays and handmade ceramics. The potatoes were served in a small cast-iron dish. The pizza came on a metal tray lined with parchment paper. It all felt cozy and authentic.
The lighting in the dining room is warm, slightly dim, and perfect for dinner photos. I took a few overhead shots (shared below!) and didn’t even need to edit them to make the food look good.
Final Thoughts: Our Favorites Ranked
- Tavern Pizza – 10/10, absolutely lives up to the hype
- Crispy Potatoes – Would return for these alone
- Marinated Beans – Bright and thoughtful, a great share plate
- House Saison – Light and versatile, even for non-beer drinkers
Quick Menu Snapshot
| Dish | Flavor Notes | Price |
| Tavern Pizza | Tangy, crispy, sourdough | $17 |
| Crispy Potatoes | Salty, garlicky, crunchy | $8 |
| Marinated Beans | Bright, lemony, herby | $9 |
| House Saison Beer | Floral, funky, dry | $7 |
Planning a Visit? Here’s What to Know
If you’re thinking about heading over for your first visit, I also put together a full breakdown of the space, atmosphere, and what to expect when you walk in the door.
Read our first-timer’s guide to Bungalow by Middle Brow here — it covers everything from vibes to tips on when to go.
📍 Location: 2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL
🕒 Best Time to Go: Weeknights before 6:30pm or Sunday brunch
🍕 Menu Highlights: Tavern pizza, seasonal vegetables, in-house beer
📲 Menu Link: View the Bungalow by Middle Brow menu
Have you explored the Bungalow by Middle Brow menu yet? Drop your go-to order in the comments—or tag us in your pizza pics @middle__brow!