Siete Azul to Open in Logan Square Late October

Owner Luis Zendejas is launching a new coastal Mexican restaurant in the former Chicago Diner space.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted illustration of a single patterned ceramic plate on a wooden table, evoking coastal Mexican culinary tradition.
Operator Luis Zendejas will launch coastal Mexican restaurant Siete Azul in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood at the end of October 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Coastal Mexican restaurant Siete Azul is set to open its doors in Logan Square at the end of October 2026. The new establishment will occupy the former space previously held by the Chicago Diner.

Why it matters

The opening represents a new venture for operator Luis Zendejas, who aims to bridge his background in business and the culinary arts through this coastal-inspired concept.

The restaurant space features 70 seats and a 10-seat bar area. Ingredients include empanada de camarón wrappers crafted with blue corn masa from Masienda.

The players

Luis Zendejas

He is the 24-year-old owner and operator of Siete Azul who graduated from DePaul in 2023.

555 Design

This firm is responsible for the interior design of the new restaurant space.

Las Islas Marias

This is a 16-year-old family restaurant where Zendejas serves as an equal partner.

The details

Designed by 555 Design, the restaurant emphasizes coastal Mexican cuisine. The owner, Luis Zendejas, brings experience as an equal partner in the 16-year-old restaurant Las Islas Marias.

Timeline

  1. Luis Zendejas graduated from DePaul in 2023.

  2. Siete Azul is scheduled to open at the end of October 2026.

  3. Liquor license approval is anticipated by mid-November 2026.

Culture Shift

The site marks a transition following the closure of the Chicago Diner. This project follows a trend of new culinary ventures revitalizing legacy commercial real estate within Chicago neighborhoods.

Residents of Logan Square can expect a new coastal Mexican dining option to join the local restaurant rotation by the end of the month. Patrons should note that full bar service is contingent upon a liquor license expected in mid-November.

The takeaway

Zendejas brings professional experience from a legacy family business to this new project. Local diners should monitor the establishment's social channels for updates regarding the anticipated mid-November liquor service.

What happens next

A liquor license for the restaurant is expected to be granted by mid-November 2026.

Further reading

Discover more new restaurant openings across the region in the Chicago Dining Out section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Eater Chicago.

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