Stay Café, a new all-day eatery and gourmet coffee with a cocktail concept is set to open its doors later this Fall. Conveniently located in Logan Square, Stay Café will be a neighborhood gathering spot where guests can enjoy Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner with a robust coffee menu – as well as wine, beer and craft cocktails – 7 days a week.
In addition to being an eatery, Stay Café aims to serve as a community hub, where guests can settle into comfortable seating with their laptop and a cup of coffee for virtual work, meet with clients and colleagues over a meal or light snacks
Nick Karounos, the proprietor, continues to diversify his business portfolio with this all-day eatery, which is to be the first of three concepts coming soon as a new neighborhood destination complex adjacent to Concord Music Hall which will include Bad Habit, an inspired elevated cocktail program plus an underground speakeasy, aptly named Smoke & Mirrors to be host to an eclectic array of performing artists. Karounos’ current ventures in hospitality and entertainment includes Radius, Prysm, Concord, Auris Presents & Arc Music Festival and Hide + Seek, which recently opened in the West Loop.
Chef “Taco” Jesse Martinez has created a menu of American fare with a wide range of dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon snacking and dinner. Chef Martinez joins Stay Café after launching his career earning his stripes working under the tutelage of the inspired talent at Sunda, Ema and ZED 451. Chef’s had the experience of working with an array of international cuisines in addition to traditional fare which means guests can expect a blended, creative interpretation of classic dishes and fun unexpected fusions.
Highlights from the Stay Café opening menu will include:
Cajun Omelet: Andouille Sausage, Holy Trinity (Onions, Bell Peppers & Celery), Monterey Jack Cheese, Scallions
Smoked Salmon Benedict with Dill Hollandaise: Poached Eggs, Small House Salad
Balsamic-roasted Strawberry French Toast with Pistachios: Whipped Ricotta, Pistachio Butter
Fried Deviled Egg Cobb Salad: Blackened Chicken Breast, Onion, Avocado, Watercress, Romaine, Bacon, Cherry Tomato, Blue Cheese, Red Wine Vinaigrette
Wisconsin Hot Chicken Sandwich: Cheddar & Jalapeno-dredged Chicken, Garden Ranch, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
Seafood Risotto: Scallop, Shrimp, White Truffle, English Peas, Pea Tendrils
Braised Short Rib: Cauliflower Puree, Herbed Israeli Couscous
Upside-Down Peach Cobbler with Graham Cracker Crumble: Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Powdered Sugar
Stay Café’s beverage program, which includes Brunch Drinks, Craft Cocktails, Wines (by the glass and bottle,) Beers and Hard Seltzers. For Breakfast and Brunch, guests can sip on Mimosas and Bloody Marys as well as Blueberry & Guava Bellinis and Lychee Martinis.
For the après work and dinner hours, Stay Café will be opening with a collection of espresso signature drinks as well. Stay Cafe will also have a “Free-Spirited” elevated menu for those who choose temperance.
The team at Stay Café set out to create a rich coffee and espresso program. In addition to a rich, robust private label drip coffee (available in regular & decaf) caffeine fiends can also get their fix with everything from Cappuccinos, Lattes and Flat Whites to Cortados, Americanos and Macchiatos. The ambition is Stay Cafe to build a modest international menu of interesting options which already included a Mexican Mocha and Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Most espresso and coffee drinks are available iced and a selection of teas will also be served. This coffee program will also be available to-go with online ordering available on the website.
The dining room is flanked by an open-faced brick wall lined with greenery lit from beneath on one side, then a long, sleek coffee bar with high-top seating on the other. Minimalist light fixtures with an industrial feel punctuate the space; a bold work of custom art rounds out the décor.
A sun-drenched lounge area offers comfortable, casual seating where guests can post up with their laptop, wait for their to-go order or hang out until their table is ready.
Stay Café is located at 2045 N. Milwaukee.
