Places we love: gretel

Nestled in the heart of Chicago, Gretel stands as a beacon for food enthusiasts ready to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey. This vibrant restaurant, known for its inventive menu that artfully combines seasonal ingredients and global influences, is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience that tantalizes the senses.

A Whimsical Atmosphere

Stepping into Gretel, guests are greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that blends modern elegance with a touch of whimsy. The decor features a soothing palette of earthy tones, complemented by artistic lighting fixtures that create a cozy yet sophisticated dining space. Whether you're seated at a table for two or a large gathering, Gretel's atmosphere makes it the perfect backdrop for everything from a romantic dinner to a lively celebration.

The Culinary Journey

At the heart of Gretel’s appeal is its carefully crafted menu. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing seasonal, local ingredients, allowing the flavors to shine through in every dish. The culinary team, led by a passionate chef, is known for their commitment to creativity, resulting in a menu that evolves with the seasons — ensuring every visit offers something new and exciting.

Must-Try Dishes

Some standout dishes have become favorites among patrons. The Roasted Beet Salad, adorned with creamy goat cheese and sprinkled with hazelnuts, is a delightful start to any meal, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

For main courses, the Saffron Risotto is a crowd pleaser, its creamy consistency infused with the rich, aromatic flavors of saffron, and accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Meanwhile, meat lovers will revel in the perfectly seared Duck Breast, served with a fruit reduction sauce that enhances the dish’s savory notes with a touch of sweetness.

Decadent Desserts

No meal at Gretel would be complete without indulging in dessert. The Chocolate Tart, with its rich, velvety filling and a hint of sea salt, is a heavenly way to conclude the dining experience. Pairing it with a scoop of house-made ice cream takes your taste experience to another level entirely.

Impeccable Service

Beyond the food, the service at Gretel is second to none. The staff is attentive yet unobtrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and eager to recommend wine pairings that complement your meal perfectly. This exceptional level of service enhances the overall dining experience, ensuring that guests feel valued and well taken care of.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a night out with friends, or simply looking to indulge in excellent food, Gretel offers a versatile space and menu that caters to all. The restaurant also features a carefully curated selection of wines and craft cocktails that pair beautifully with the dishes, elevating the entire dining experience.

A Chicago Must-Visit

In a city brimming with dining options, Gretel stands out not just for its food, but for the entire experience it offers. It invites each guest to explore a world of flavors and create lasting memories, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

As you plan your next outing, consider making a reservation at Gretel. Dive into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure that showcases the best of what Chicago's dining scene has to offer. You’ll leave with a satisfied palate and a desire to return — and that’s the hallmark of a truly great restaurant.

Visit Gretel Today!

Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Check out Gretel's official website for the latest menu updates, special events, and to make your reservation. Your taste buds will thank you! Gretel is located at 2833 W. Armitage Ave - Chicago - 60647 - http://www.GretelChicago.com

Leave a Review

I’ll keep this post short and to the point. If you like your haircuts, please leave us a good review on Google and Yelp. 

Why? Besides your good reviews being rewarding for everyone at the shop, they help more people find out about us. After all, if you like your cut, don’t you want other guys to like their cuts too?

By leaving reviews, Google will know we are an active business that provides good service, and we’ll move up the search rankings. If you have any experience running a website, you know how much of a difference being on the first page of results is, and how much better it is to be the first or second result. 

So if you like your cut, please leave a 5 star review for us on Google and Yelp. Each review helps. In return, we will happily provide you with another good haircut and a beer the next time you’re in the shop.

Book your holiday haircut

The title pretty much says it all. If you want to look your best for the holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or any holiday you celebrate — now is the best time to book. 

Not tomorrow. Not next week. Now. Why now? Isn’t it too early to worry about mid-November?

Well, as you can imagine, when everyone wants to look good for the holidays at the same exact time, the shop can get busy. Very busy. So busy, in fact, that we cannot guarantee you a haircut if you do not book it this far in advance. 

Now, if you procrastinate on your Christmas shopping I can’t help you. But booking a haircut is infinitely easier than shopping for your office white elephant gift exchange. As of today, October 31, there is plenty of availability remaining for everyone who wants a haircut for the holiday season. But as we approach Thanksgiving, and then Christmas, the shop will not have the capacity to take those last minute shoppers, if you know what I mean. 

So while you’re here, go ahead and book your next haircut. We’ll see you soon.

Joe Caccavella Sr. Retires After 56 Years at Joe’s Barbershop Chicago

Chicago, IL – After 56 years of dedicated service, Joe Caccavella Sr., founder of Joe’s Barbershop in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood has officially retired. Since opening in 1968, Joe Sr. has become a neighborhood icon, shaping the lives of his clients and his community with the same precision he applied to every haircut.

Joe’s Barbershop has always been a family affair. In 2010 Joe’s son, Joe Caccavella Jr., a third-generation barber, took over the day-to-day operations, continuing the family legacy while bringing a modern edge to the shop. Under Joe Jr.’s leadership, the shop has maintained its reputation as one of Logan Square’s most trusted barbershops, staying true to the traditional techniques his father perfected over decades.

“Running this shop has been my life’s work, and seeing my son carry it on makes my retirement all the more meaningful,” says Joe Sr. “The barbershop is in great hands with Joe Jr., and I know he’ll keep the legacy going strong.”

As Joe Sr. steps away from the chair, the shop remains fully operational, offering the same high-quality services customers have trusted for over half a century.

For more info or to book your next haircut visit EST1968.

Places we love: alarmist Brewing

Do you ever walk in somewhere and just know it will be good? A place where the beer flows, the bartenders and brewers are friendly, and the atmosphere puts you at ease. 

Alarmist Brewery on the northwest side hits all of those notes, and then some. I started stopping in a few years ago when I would ride around town, and after a while I became a regular. And for good reason: their beer is some of the best in the city. Don’t take my word for it. Their hazy Le Jus was the first ever hazy to win gold at the Great American Beer Festival back in 2018. And their pale ale Pantsless won bronze in 2020. 

Alarmist is more than just beer. They whip up one of my favorite Old Fashioneds and do other cocktails, too. They also often set up a projector to watch the Bears and other sports, and in good weather their outdoor patio is one of the best around. 

Fortunately for everyone, Alarmist and their award-winning beers are often available in the shop’s beer fridge. Book your next cut now — and enjoy some Alarmist on us.

Guest barber alert

We don’t host a lot of guest barbers at the shop, but pretty soon we will have a very special one. 

For one day only — October 10 — guest barber Natalie Roybal will be in the shop for haircuts and beard trims. 

Natalie is a friend of the shop. She’s been in business for 16 years and is based out of Denver, Colorado. She helped open Dark Rose Club, one of the best and well known barber shops in Denver. This is a great opportunity to get a haircut by one of the best barbers I know.

Natalie will be here for only one day. Book your cuts now!

Places we love: Four moon tavern

One of my favorite neighborhoods is actually not necessarily close to the shop: Roscoe Village. Located just north of Belmont Avenue and sandwiched between Western, Ashland, and Addison, Roscoe is a tight spot packed with a ton of good businesses and things to do on a Saturday night. 

One of those places is, without a doubt, Four Moon Tavern on the corner of Wolcott and Roscoe — pretty much right in the middle of the neighborhood. 

Four Moon is the quintessential Chicago corner bar: it is pretty tucked away, doesn’t usually get a lot of traffic from outside the neighborhood, and has a kickass beer and food menu. 

Inside, the bar sports wood-paneled walls, a long wooden bar filled with seating, a few tables, a backroom with more places to sit, and a pool table available to use for a few quarters. Knick-knacks line the walls and a good sound system keeps things moving with music picks from the bartenders. Two TVs are tucked into the corners to catch the game, but most people aren’t there to tune in. In warm weather an outdoor patio is available, too. 

I already mentioned the menu, and as far as corner bars go, this has to be one of the best. Tap beers rotate around local offerings, but two of my favorites are mainstays: Lagunitas IPA, and BBK, from the Wisconsin Brewing Company. Even if nothing else is hitting the spot these two always do. The bottle and can list has something for everyone, too, with everything from Belgians to Hamms (and Schlitz) represented. 

The food punches above its weight, too. Three items I would highly recommend are the meatloaf, nachos, and the reuben sandwich. The fries, which are always served in a huge mound, really pull things together and could be a meal in their own right if that’s how you want to play it. Sunday brunch is also a smart play —  the bagel and lox is one of the best around. 

Now that the weather is cooling off, if you find yourself in Roscoe Village on a cool Saturday evening, Four Moon is more than worth seeking out. You won’t regret it — and you may even become a regular. 

Four Moon Tavern
1847 W. Roscoe Street
Chicago, IL 60657

Places we love: o’shaughnessy’s public house

Joe’s might be located in Logan Square, but that hasn’t stopped me from exploring other parts of town for a good drink and a bite to eat on my days off. 

One of my favorite spots is O’Shaughnessy’s Public House up in Ravenswood. From the outside it looks like a simple Irish pub, and inside it is not much different. 

But what sets O'Shaughnessy's apart is great food, stiff drinks, and friendly service. The Guinness is poured right every time and Old Fashioneds are made exactly how I like them. 

Next time you’re in, I would recommend you try the Irish Barber sandwich, named for yours truly after many, many visits. Here’s how they describe it:

Joe Jr from Joe’s Barbershop took his favorite item and made it better! Dare to try it!

Rashers, black and white puddings, bangers, grilled onions, grilled tomato, mustard aioli, and an over easy egg on white bread. Served with breakfast potatoes or Fries.

Sounds good, right? The next time you’re in the mood for an Irish pub that knows what it’s doing, you know where to go. 

O’Shaughnessy’s Public House
4557 N Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640

Places we love: the bob inn

Here is a new series we’re going to run at the shop: the barbers will recommend places for our clientele. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked by a customer “what’s a good place to grab lunch?” or “where can I get a drink around here?”

So, starting here, I am going to recommend places that we all love at the shop and believe that you will love, too. 

Why can you trust us? Well, we see a lot of different people in the shop. We talk to them and we know where they prefer to eat, drink, and have a good time. We know our way around town, too, and we can recommend a spot for any occasion. 

Here is the first recommendation: the Bob Inn. 

We love the Bob Inn for a lot of reasons, but none more than this: it is about two feet from the shop. Never underestimate a bar that is so close to a barbershop. 

The Bob Inn opened in 1945 and has been a neighborhood fixture ever since. Now, don’t get me wrong, the Bob Inn is not a special bar. It is not even a particularly great bar. 

But it is the kind of bar that can only really exist in Logan Square at the corner of Rockwell and Fullerton. What I mean is that it is a neighborhood spot: everyone is friendly, and even if you don’t know names, you know faces. It is a cozy spot that is very lived in, and very authentic. If you’ve been searching for a quintessential Chicago dive bar, you’ve found your spot.

The Bob Inn is a welcoming watering hole where you can easily kill an afternoon or an evening (or even a whole day). And rarely for North Side bars, the Bob Inn is firmly a White Sox bar. 

So the next time you are in the shop for a cut, walk a few doors down and grab a cold one at the Bob Inn. Tell them Joe sent you — they’ll know who you mean. 

Sixty8 has everything you need

For a long time at the shop we would outsource our grooming and styling products. Everything from pomade to aftershave was someone else’s product. There is nothing wrong with that -- I know a lot of good shops that use high end products -- but it just wasn’t our style. 

So beginning in 2013 I started working with laboratories to develop the shop’s own line of hair and grooming products. And to pay respect to our history, I named it Sixty8 after the year my dad opened the shop.

What makes Sixty8 special? For starters, it is made right here in America. Our products have no added scents, no unneeded chemicals, and no ingredient that doesn’t work. In short: no BS. 

A lot of guys who come through the shop like to use pomade, so we made a light hold and a heavy hold. Both are water-based, which means they come out easy, and will keep you looking good all day. And for the traditionalist, rockabilly types, we also offer a petroleum-based pomade. 

A lot of guys also have beards and need to maintain them. For them, we offer beard oil (unscented of course) and two aftershaves that will be familiar to anyone who has been in the shop: green citrus and bay rum. For those who do take it all off, we offer old-school single blade razors, also made in the USA, and shave oil. 

The next time you come into the shop looking for grooming products, give Sixty8 a shot. You won’t regret it.

By appointment only

If you’ve been coming to the shop for a while, you know that we used to be strictly first-come, first-serve. Back then, if you asked me about making an appointment, I was adamant that would never happen and the shop would stick to tradition and accept walk-ins. Business was good and appointments just didn’t make sense. 

Then Covid happened. 

When the pandemic hit the shop was forced to close, like pretty much every other business out there. For obvious reasons, when things reopened guys were hesitant to come in. Business definitely took a hit, and to make things worse, it was unpredictable. 

Eventually we switched to an appointment system. We are never going back. I’ve definitely had to eat my words from before the pandemic, but appointments are here to stay. They offer more predictability for both barbers and customers and as a result, the peaks and valleys of business that are natural in barbershops are smoothed out a little. 

We’ve made it easy to make an appointment, too. Just follow this link. You’ll be able to see which barber is available and when, and pick what kind of cut you want (or a shave). The system asks for your credit card information, but you will not be charged unless you are a no-show. 

Walk-ins are still welcome, of course. We could never fully do away with that system. But if you want to guarantee your cut on your schedule — make an appointment.

Chicago’s Award winning barbershop

Back in 1968 when Joe Sr. opened the barbershop in Logan Square, accolades and awards were never on his mind. He believed in great haircuts at reasonable prices and creating the best shop in the neighborhood. But being in business for more than half a century generally means you’re doing something right.

The service and quality we are known for have been around since Day One, and it’s still true today. When I took over the shop Joe’s began to be recognized for the top-notch service we have always provided. 

Between 2010 and 2016 Joe’s won Best of Chicago honors every year from the Chicago Reader. In 2012, Details Magazine named Joe’s one of the best barbershops in America. For our 50th anniversary in 2018 the City Council passed a commemorative ordinance recognizing the shop. In 2020, the shop was featured on the cover of the book Baberbshops of America - Then and Now by photographer Rob Hammer. 

Obviously these awards are nice, but we don’t wear them on our sleeves. But they recognize something important: that Joe’s provides quality cuts you can rely on. And we’ve been doing it for over 55 years.

Shop talk

If you’ve been coming to the shop for a while you’ve probably got your cut memorized: “5 on top, 3 on the sides, and make it work together.” Maybe your barber knows your cut too, and he just asks if you want your usual.

But if you are new to the shop, or new to barbers in general, learning some basic barbering terms will go a long way towards getting the haircut you want every single time. 

Here are a few to get you started:

• Taper: When hair gradually changes length as it goes from the side of your head down to the end of your hairline. 

• Square or round neckline: exactly as it sounds like. We usually do rounded necklines, but if you want a square one let us know. 

• Clipper numbers: The higher the number, the less hair the clippers will take off. The scale runs from 1-8 and denotes eighths of an inch per number. So, a 2 will take off a quarter inch, a 5 will take off five-eighths of an inch, and so on. If you are not sure what number to start with — ask your barber! Our shop motto is “you can’t put it back on, but you can always take more off.” 

• Fade: A tighter taper that transitions from longer to shorter in less space. We don’t do fades, so please do not ask for one. 

• High and tight: Short on the top and shaved down the sides and back. 

• Ivy League: One of the most old school cuts, right up there with a buzz cut. Hair is kept short but just long enough to part. 

• Hippie Killer: A shop speciality. You know the long mops that guys grew out during Covid? When it’s time for those — or any long hair — to come off, we call it a Hippie Killer.

Every cut comes with an old fashioned straight razor neck shave, complete with a hot towel. 

Knowing these terms will help you tell your barber exactly what you want and you can leave looking your best. 

A barber’s old fashioned

Did you know that each barber here at the shop can cut up to 10 guys’ hair — sometimes more — every day? With each cut taking almost an hour, that’s a lot of work. 

After a long day on our feet it’s nice to sit back, relax, and have a strong Old Fashioned to help reset for the next shift.

Here is my personal recipe that I like to kick back with after closing up for the night. Most Old Fashioneds use bourbon, and that’s totally fine as far as that goes. 

But for me, when I’m at home and want a quick drink that I know is going to be good, I go for rye. The hotter flavor keeps the drink alive a little longer than bourbon. It also does a good job reminding you that you’re drinking a cocktail. 

I prefer High West rye, but go with whatever tastes good to you (or whatever you have available). I also like to measure my bitters and simple syrup with a bar spoon to make it consistent. But as with a lot of things, build your cocktail to taste. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 oz rye 

1 dash bitters 

1 dash simple syrup

½ oz water

Add the simple syrup and water first, then add the bitters and stir together until everything is dissolved. Add the rye last. Serve on the rocks. 

Cheers. 

Logan square’s barbershop

Chicago is a big city with a lot of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has several barbershops — including Logan Square, where we have been in business since 1968. 

Yes, Joe’s Barbershop Chicago has been around for more than 55 years, cutting hair for generations of men in Logan Square. Our little shop was established by (and named after) Joe Caccavella all those years ago, and well before Logan Square became the neighborhood it is today. 

As with a lot of the most important things in life, Joe’s comes down to family. From 1968 to 2010 Joe, Sr. ran the shop on his own (with the assistance of the other barbers he hired, of course). But in 2010, Joe Caccavella, Jr. earned his barber license and joined the shop full time. A few years later he purchased the shop from his father, keeping it in the family for a long time to come. 

But just because Joe, Sr. transferred ownership doesn’t mean he isn’t still around. Quite the opposite: he still takes walk-in customers four days a week in the same chair he has used since 1968.

Why is any of this important? Family run businesses are getting more rare these days, and 55 year old family run businesses are even rarer. Practically none of the businesses that were open in Logan Square when Joe’s opened are still around. But Joe’s is — and it is still in the family. 

That kind of institutional knowledge, longevity, and assurance of a job done the right way is extremely valuable when it comes to something as personal as your appearance. 

All of this is a long way of saying one thing: Joe’s Barbershop is Logan Square’s original, family-owned, barbershop. Stop in and see the difference for yourself.

how to maintain your hair cut

One of the questions we get the most at the shop is how often guys should come in to maintain their cuts, and we always have the same recommendation: six weeks. Anything longer than six weeks and the cut that you left happy with last time will look like a mop, and anything shorter just isn’t worth it. Like a medium rare steak, six weeks between cuts is the sweet spot to stay on top of your game.

Hair grows faster than you think, no matter how much or how little of it you have. In barber school (and the internet), they emphasize that hair can grow as much as 1 / 8 of an inch per week, or half an inch per month. So in six weeks your hair is growing back almost one full inch — which is more noticeable than you think, too. And if you wait eight weeks to come back for a cut, almost two months, your hair will grow back at least a full inch or more. 

But it’s not just the hair on top of your head growing back. It’s your sideburns, neck line, taper, and part. Everything needs to be maintained regularly to look your best. 

We understand that Covid made a lot of guys lose the motivation to get regular cuts. After all, if you’re working at home most of the time why bother to see us more than you need to?

But at Joe’s Barbershop Chicago, our philosophy is one everyone can relate to: “look good, feel good.” And it’s true, isn’t it? Who doesn’t feel better walking out with a fresh, professional cut? 

Making a habit of maintaining your cut will help you look cleaner — and feel better in the process, too. 

In the next post, we’ll talk about how to communicate with your barber to make sure you get the cut you want — and avoid something you don’t. 

In the meantime, book your next haircut at Joe’s here.