Cereality - CLOSED

 

17

41

Bee B.

Chicago, IL

I had a bit of extra time before getting a haircut at art and science.  It was cold, and I had no scarf and a hankerin' for some oatmeal.  I walked into an italian coffee shop and asked them if they had oatmeal.  "No," said the man behind the counter, "but there is a place called cereality on sherman, it's a cereal cafe."  "Woah," i replied.  The lady behind the counter noted that she wanted to apply to cereality when it opened, because the "uniform" for employees is pajamas!  Why did I just share this vignette?  Well, if this is how highly OTHER breakfast place's employees speak of cereality, it must be quite the spot.  I ducked out of there fast and headed to cereality, though I must say, the teramisu and cannolis at the italian cafe looked amazing, and obviously, the service was attentive.  

Oh man, that was too many words and I haven't even gotten to cereality!  In any case, all the concoctions at cereality cost 3.99.  This included mixtures of cold cereal, hot cereal, yogurt parfaits, and smoothies.  The set up is very bright and cozy, and they had a contest for kids on who could draw the best Bears cereal box.  I saw a few families, a few college students, and a couple of people appearing to be on a job interview.  

I had an oatmeal called "Blue Heaven," which included blueberries (duh), yogurt, and grape nuts.  It was really delicious and one of the healthier items on the menu.  I felt pretty good about myself :)  I really enjoyed the concept of cereality, and I don't think the prices are too far off.  Oatmeal at any good breakfast restaurant would cost about 4$.  However, I did knock off one point because I think cereality could trick you into thinking you are being healthy, when it seems like you'd be better off getting an ice cream at coldstone across the street that breakfast-ing on some of cereality's creations.  I mean, really, carmel sauce?!  

In any case, head over to cereality.  Didn't your momma tell you breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

15

73

Cheryl L.

Chicago, IL

Cereality gets extra kudos on concept and decor (bright and fun), and loses a little bit on pricing - $3.99 for the starter size bowl, which is 2 scoops of mix'n'match cereals and 2 toppings. You can also order a whole box mixed to order as well, which I like to do, but that's also a lot pricier than going to the store and mixing your own.

Here's some more positives -
- Cereality has a punchcard system, which means for every box size you buy, you get a free bowl size; or for every 8 or 9 bowls you buy you get a free bowl.
- It's a great place to experiment with flavor choices, without paying for several boxes at home.
- You can get certain types of toppings that you would not be able to buy on their own in the grocery store.

Cereality also offers hot cereals as well as snack bars, cookies, etc., and they don't mind if you relax and hang out a while.

This is a great place to take kids, or to bring out your own inner kid.

Cereality also has a location in the Loop in downtown Chicago.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

134

1269

Dee W.

Evanston, IL

The concept was cool but overall, I wasn't very satisfied here.  The decor is nice and bright.  My sister and I both ordered the hot cereal aka oatmeal with lots of stuff on top.  My sister got their chocolate banana mix and I got the banana brown sugar betty oatmeal.  I don't know - the idea of paying $4 for just oatmeal or cereal is just beyond me.

Like I said - the concept is cool but just not something that I will return for.  The service was very friendly and explained what they offer and recommended my sister's chocolate concoction.  We tried their steamed toffee which was really just steamed milk with toffee syrup in it - left a funny aftertaste but was really sweet going down.

Also, I was hoping to see some cool cartoons but instead, I got Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

58

362

Jennifer H.

Los Angeles, CA

I see all the problems of Cereality: it's overpriced. Buy a few boxes of cereal and do this at home.

But if I have plans to go to Cereality, I can spend a good few hours of the day dreaming up what combination I'm going to have. Am I going to go sugar-y or fruit-y? Maybe throw in some bran to be healthy? Or oatmeal? And I'm never dissapointed. It doesn't hurt that usually the people working there are really nice and clearly enjoy what they're doing and give helpful hints about good combinations. My favorite part of Cereality isn't even really a cereal thing-I am obsessed with the make your own parfait! Pick whatever cereal you want and two toppings and yogurt. It's soooo good and usually more filling than a bowl of cereal for the same price. I would absolutely make a stop here. Even if you don't get hooked like me, I promise you'll at least enjoy your meal-how can you not? It's cereal!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

329

1005

Nancy K.

Chicago, IL

Closed July 2007

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

10

90

Andrew C.

Chicago, IL

Being an avid fan of mixing cereals at home, I was excited to check out Cereality despite the mixed reviews.

The price wasn't the problem ($3.99 for cereal + milk topped with toppings such as nuts, fruits, candy, etc.).

The concoction I tried just didn't do it for me.  It was a decent mix, but would be more satisfying if I made this at home instead of going to a cafe to eat this.

Cereality is a novel idea and you should check it out if you're a fan of cereal.  I'm glad I checked it out, but probably won't be back.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

10

Alex W.

Evanston, IL

I had read so much about the Cereality franchise sweeping the nation and was really excited to see one opening up in my neighborhood.  I loved the concept and when I saw the crowds during the first week I thought about opening up my own Cereality.  Then I finally made it to the store...
My friend and I gave the cashier $10 and got two small bowls of cereal in return.  From that moment I knew that this chain would not last.  I had cinnamon toast crunch with Lucky Charms marsh mellows and Blueberries and it was mighty good.  But I would have much rather bought my own FULL BOX OF CEREAL for the same price.  The reason the stores were so successful is the same reason Krispy Kreme's spread like wildfire.  Everyone is anxious to try the new delicious product so the lines and hype surrounding each store opening are huge.  Once people try the product once, though delicious, they decide that it is either too expensive, too fattening etc. to eat on a regular basis and the stores that see such great returns the first few months of business crash and burn.
  Exhibit A?  I walked past Cerality on Sherman last weekend and it was out of business.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review