Maplewood, a brewery and distillery founder in Chicago, now boasts a chef offering nostalgic American comfort food infused with unexpected Eastern European whimsy. From lazy dumplings and pork butter to unique mushroom pizza with ketchup, Maplewood Lounge in Logan Square provides a distinct culinary experience.
Chef Joanna Janczurewicz’s Culinary Influence
Executive chef Joanna Janczurewicz expanded the kitchen at Maplewood Lounge in 2025, embracing flavors inspired by Polish, Hungarian, and Czech cuisines. Her lazy dumplings, a reinterpretation of Polish kluski leniwe, offer the essence of pierogi in a more convenient form. Prepared with tangy farmer cheese, the dumplings are served in a creamy sauce, accentuated by lemony breadcrumbs.
A bowl of dumplings is prepared at Maplewood Lounge.
Janczurewicz combines bacon fat, peas, dill, cream, and parmesan to create the sauce, finishing with toasted breadcrumbs. Her culinary philosophy reflects adaptability and cultural pride, evident in dishes like pork butter, known as smalec. It’s a silky blend of lard, spices, garlic, onion, and apple, served with pickles and sourdough.
Maplewood Public House Expansion
Maplewood Public House in Glen Ellyn further showcases Janczurewicz’s culinary diversity. The mushroom baguette pizza, inspired by Polish street food zapiekanka, features mushrooms, garlic aioli, and ketchup. Despite initial skepticism, diners find that the ketchup enhances the dish.
Chicken Kiev, a must-have at Maplewood, surprises with tender chicken enveloping garlic herb butter. Inspired by a tip from Poland, Janczurewicz uses a blend of light and dark chicken meat. The potato babka features fried potato cakes with bacon and onion, served with cucumber salad.
Chicken Kiev at Maplewood Lounge.
The Public House offers distinct dishes like the kielbasa plate with grilled sausage and charred cabbage. While some dishes are location-specific, Maplewood promises a range of flavors across its venues.
A Journey Through Flavors and Culinary Heritage
Beyond savory dishes, Maplewood features a strawberry rhubarb parfait for dessert, mixing fruit compote with cheesecake filling and graham crackers. Additionally, Maplewood’s beverages, including nonalcoholic and THC-infused drinks, aim to cater to diverse tastes.
Both venues allow outdoor seating and adopt the industrial loft architecture of breweries. However, systemic service issues imply a need for support to ensure positive first and last impressions.
Maplewood Lounge and Maplewood Public House offer unique dining experiences with delicious comfort food.
Restaurant Details
- Maplewood Lounge: 2717 N. Maplewood Ave., Chicago, IL 60647. Phone: 773-270-1061.
- Maplewood Public House: 486 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Phone: 630-547-2171.
- Website: maplewoodbrew.com
- Hours (Chicago): Monday to Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Hours (Glen Ellyn): Wednesday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Prices: $20 for dumplings, $10 for pork butter, $15 for pizza, $22 for chicken Kiev, $22 for potato babka.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with restrooms on the same level.
- Tribune Rating: Two and a half stars, very good to excellent.
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