Longman & Eagle, a Logan Square staple known for its hearty bar fare, has undergone a subtle but notable transformation under the leadership of new executive chef Alex Swieton. Since taking over the kitchen in August 2025, Swieton has introduced a stronger emphasis on vegetable-driven dishes, while maintaining some of the restaurant’s signature meat-centric offerings.

Established in 2010 by partners affiliated with the live music venue Empty Bottle, Longman & Eagle has built a reputation for boldly crafted dishes such as wild boar sloppy Joes, double smashburgers, and roasted bone marrow served with optional whiskey pairings. The venue also features a six-room inn above the restaurant, catering to late-night crowds seeking both food and lodging. The restaurant’s original identity combined robust flavors with a lively atmosphere, earning it Michelin recognition over the years.

Swieton said the restaurant has retained its familiar spirit but evolved in ways that reflect her culinary philosophy. “It’s the same, but different,” she said, describing her vision for the kitchen. Under her leadership, Longman & Eagle has recently been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, highlighting establishments that offer exceptional food at a moderate price. Swieton remarked that this award aligns with her goal of creating well-crafted dishes for everyday diners.

While several well-known menu items remain, including the wild boar sloppy Joe and bone marrow, Swieton is particularly focused on elevating vegetable preparations with complexity and care. One standout is a cucumber salad that pairs raw and grilled cucumbers with pickled fennel and a green melon vinaigrette, topped by a smooth basil crème fraîche. “That’s maybe one of my favorite things I’ve ever made,” she said, signaling a shift toward inventive plant-based offerings without abandoning the restaurant’s hearty roots.

Longman & Eagle’s commitment to sourcing from local farms supports this vegetable-forward approach, helping to reassure diners concerned about food safety amid ongoing issues like cyclospora contamination. The evolving menu reflects an effort to balance tradition with innovation, sustaining the gastropub’s appeal for both longtime patrons and new visitors seeking creative cuisine in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.