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Siete Azul to Open in Logan Square This October

The new Mexican seafood restaurant will occupy the former site of The Chicago Diner on Milwaukee Avenue.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector illustration of a seafood plate on a table near a window, representing a new restaurant opening.
Founder Luis Zendejas will open his new Mexican seafood restaurant, Siete Azul, in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood this October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Owner Luis Zendejas plans to open Siete Azul in Logan Square later in October 2026. The new restaurant replaces the former Chicago Diner storefront at 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Why it matters

The venture marks a career pivot for the 24-year-old founder, who aims to broaden local perceptions of Mexican cuisine through coastal-inspired dishes. The menu draws on family traditions and travel-inspired recipes.

Siete Azul will operate from 4-10 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and from 4-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The business is currently BYOB until a liquor license is expected to be approved next month.

The players

Luis Zendejas

He is the 24-year-old entrepreneur and owner behind the new Siete Azul restaurant.

Las Islas Marias

This established restaurant in Wheeling has served the community for 16 years.

The Chicago Diner

This business previously occupied the storefront at 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave. until December 2025.

The details

Luis Zendejas remodeled the space and hired a staff with experience at other Mexican restaurants in Chicago. The establishment focuses on showcasing coastal Mexican cuisine to diners in the Logan Square area.

Timeline

  1. The Chicago Diner closed at the location in December 2025.

  2. Luis Zendejas signed the building lease in May 2026.

  3. Siete Azul is scheduled to open in October 2026.

  4. Liquor license approval is expected in November 2026.

Culture Shift

The emergence of Siete Azul reflects a broader societal shift toward specialized, regional culinary experiences over generalized dining concepts. This evolution mirrors a trend of younger entrepreneurs moving away from corporate paths to preserve and modernize traditional family food practices.

Logan Square residents can visit the new space starting in late October 2026 during its evening operating hours. Because the restaurant is currently BYOB, guests should plan to bring their own beverages until the liquor license is finalized in November.

The takeaway

Diners visiting the new Logan Square establishment should note the specific evening-only operating schedule. The restaurant currently operates as a BYOB location until the expected liquor license approval next month.

Further reading

For more on the local food scene, see the latest updates in Dining Out.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.

Live Poll

Do you feel new restaurant openings generally improve the character of your neighborhood?