The Historic Heartland Cafe Still Serving Up Food and Politics
The Heartland Cafe in Roger's Park may well be one of Chicago's most historic restaurants. Opened in 1976 by Michael James and Katy Hogan, two mighty 1960's activists, the Heartland was founded as a place where people of like minds could gather to discuss politics, eat healthy vegetarian food and unite to bring about change.
More a complex than just a restaurant, the Heartland was designed with three rustic parts. A general store, the Buffalo Red Star and Warm Hearts Bar and the large cafe and its screened-in porch. Besides being a place for food and libations, the Heartland became a social center, hosting lectures, political rallies, live musical performances, readings and the setting for "Live From The Heartland" a Saturday radio program on WLUL.
All these things and more continue at The Heartland, making a stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner an experience. Throughout the years, the complex, if you will, has become a rock of the neighborhood. Not much has changed since it opened and it survives in somewhat of a time warp that is quite comforting. Lacking attitude, the ambiance remains Hippie. Rare is it to visit The Heartland and not see half of the customers reading. Still attracting its share of intellectuals, diners can be a mix of young and old, businessmen and artists.
The food is simple and hearty. You won't find exotic fusion entrees nor many of the latest food trends. Everything about the Heartland is down-to-earth and the reason to eat here is mostly about its warmth and casual manner. Photos from more militant times--Katy and Michael's involvement in "Rising Up Angry" (an out-growth of both Students For A Democratic Society, SDS; and the Weathermen) cover the walls. It is always busy and breakfasts are popular. In warm weather it is advised to try and sit in the restaurant's screened-in porch area. Here you can people watch--Rogers Park is a fun mix of cultures--or just relax.
Buffalo Red Star And Warm Hearts Bar is woodsy looking--dark with glowing beer signs, plants and a buffalo head. And the general store remains a place where a shopper can still buy a Mood Ring if not a tie-dyed t-shirt or a peace symbol necklace. Books, those leaning more to the left, abound in the shop.
If you're thinking about dropping by The Heartland, don't hesitate. Visually and spirit-wise there's nothing else quite like it in Chicago. Former Hippie? It will bring back memories. Are you the children of Hippies? It will shed a bit of light on your parent's past and explain where your mom got the large ring that can predict mood.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
