Nostalgic Comfort Food with a Twist at Maplewood Lounge

Maplewood, a renowned brewery and distillery in Chicago, offers a unique culinary experience. Executive chef Joanna Janczurewicz brings nostalgic American comfort food infused with Eastern European influences to the Maplewood Lounge in Logan Square. Originally opened in 2017, the lounge expanded its kitchen under Janczurewicz in 2025.

Eastern European Flavors

The menu showcases a variety of Polish, Hungarian, and Czech dishes. A standout is the lazy dumplings, inspired by Polish kluski leniwe. These dumplings, softer and saucier than traditional pierogi, are served in a sauce reminiscent of Alfredo with lemony breadcrumbs. Using farmer cheese, egg, flour, and butter, the dumplings are crafted and cooked delicately before being tossed in a bacon, pea, and creamy parmesan sauce.

“Traditionally they’re served sweet, but we serve them in almost an Alfredo-ish sauce,” Janczurewicz explained.

Another notable dish is pork butter, known as smalec in Polish. Janczurewicz’s version incorporates spices, garlic, onion, apple, and pork cracklings, served with sourdough bread and crispy pickle spears.

Chef’s Journey

Janczurewicz, a self-taught chef from Dorchester, Boston, has a rich culinary background. She started her career at Perkolator and later became the opening chef at Twisted Hippo. Her journey continued through several renowned establishments, leading to her current role at Maplewood Lounge.

Her chicken Kiev, using Slagel ground chicken, features a mix of light and dark meat for added flavor. A melting garlic herb butter center enhances the dish, served with mashed potatoes and chicken gravy. The potato babka offers deep-fried potato cakes with bacon and onion, accompanied by a fresh tomato and cucumber salad.

Signature Dishes and Ambiance

One dish, the mushroom baguette pizza, features roasted mushrooms with lemon garlic aioli and a hint of ketchup, inspired by Polish street food zapiekanka. Chef Janczurewicz emphasizes the importance of ketchup in the dish.

“I know you asked for no ketchup, but you need to trust me, because the ketchup makes it,” she often tells customers.

Kielbasa dishes, Polish meatballs, and seasonal desserts like the strawberry rhubarb parfait and the Fat Pug brownie sundae are also part of the menu. These offerings are complemented by the venues’ industrial loft aesthetics and capacious dining areas.

Service and Operations

Janczurewicz highlights the need for improved service support, acknowledging talented staff behind the scenes. Despite occasional service issues, the quality of food and the welcoming environment receive positive feedback. Maplewood Lounge in Logan Square offers indoor and outdoor seating, with varying service styles like ordering through QR codes.

Maplewood Lounge and the newly opened Maplewood Public House in Glen Ellyn provide different Eastern European dishes, available during specific operating hours. As noted, the service experience is evolving, and the engaging cuisine reflects the dedication to quality and innovation.