On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Ukrainian VillageMon-Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
"What is going on over here? Ten five star reviews in a row? For that sandwich place on Lincoln, you know the one by the Paulina brown line…" read more »
Loading...
good sandwiches, good prices and fast delivery.
will order from again.
I'll spare y'all most of my sandwich tirade but suffice it to say that I won't pay more than $8 for a sandwich unless white truffles or gold ingots are listed as ingredients. Janik's does not have white truffle or gold ingot priced sandwiches, which is why I smugly walk past Jerry's on my way there [no matter how many people tell me how good their sandwiches are.] I like Janik's and I still go, but I've run into a couple of problems recently.
1. The sandwiches seem to be getting progressively smaller. I'm not a complete miser, but I will not pay 5 dollars for a pulled pork petit four.
2. They keep screwing up my order. Fool me twice, blah blah blah, but I don't wanna be that guy who fingers through his to-go order bitching about how the avocado looks a little skimpy. That's not what I'd actually be saying, but I work in a restaurant, I know how it sounds.
Otherwise, I can vouch for the deliciousness of most of the sandwiches and the unpretentiousness of the space. Even if I secretly grumble about the smallness [have I gone overboard with -ness words yet?] of the sandwich, I'll keep going back because, hey, I'm too lazy to make this stuff at home.
Just got back from a quickie lunch. I had the Mexican chicken sandwich and my bf had the chicken caesar. The Mexichick was pretty good, basically left over shredded chicken parts thrown together in a semi-spicy sauce with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and avocado. Asado de pollo in a sandwich. i found a bone in it but was smart enough to take it out before taking a bite, I realize some have issues with finding bones in their shredded chicken, I however am realistic and understand that sometimes you can't catch every bone in a shredded chicken mess. The chicken caesar was pretty, pretty, pretty good. Food came fast, in and out in under forty five.
To sum it: You could probably make this at home but why not pay some one else to do it?
They also deliver.
I usually litter my posts with F-words but my last review got deleted so I have to learn to be funny without swearing, sad face.
3.5 stars
After numerous failed attempts to check this place out due to them being closed by the time I get off of work on weekdays, I was able to check them out for brunch today.
I heard from someone they had a great pepper and egg sandwich so I decided to go with that along with a bloody mary. The lady at the register was really sweet and pleasant when asking for my ID. There was seating available on the small patio outside so we decided to jump on it. The sandwich was smaller than I expected but was good, but the bloody mary needed a little help. I added some pepper that was on the table as well as tobasco sauce to improve it. The breakfast potatoes were ok also.
They have a pretty cool menu on the wall that you can look at to decide what you want. I saw lots of interesting things that I think will be worth trying. They have a pretty solid beer selection at the register. Good place to check out on my favorite strip in the city.
My requirements for a five-star breakfast experience:
--Lots of coffee. I prefer my own pot on the table, but in its absence, an attentive employee willing to pour more in my cup.
--Egg-y goodness.
--Comfy seating.
Well Janik's got the latter two requirements. My main gripe? The coffee. If you tout yourself as a breakfast place, please please PLEASE give it to me in a mug and bring me a few reefs. I'm begging you. I fully admit, I have an addiction to caffeine, and I'm counting on whichever brunch provider to feed that.
The eggs were tasty. I had the Greek omelet with spinach and feta. Ample ingredients up in here, so I was plenty happy, served with a side of herby potatoes and an English muffin. Love.
Also, the abundance of strawberry jelly (as opposed to its redheaded stepchild "grape jelly"...ugh) was appreciated.
Prices were a little high for having to bus my own table and for the lack of a ceramic mug with reefs with which to feed my need.
However, beer is cheap, there's outdoor seating, prime for people-watching on Division, and the menu is diverse. I imagine I'd be willing to go back when on this stretch of Division (that is eerily similar to Lincoln Park). Parking seemed to be OK for a Saturday, we got a spot a couple blocks away right off Division.
So yeah, it did the trick, but didn't knock my socks off.
(P.S. Reef = refill. Use it. Definitely more fun to say than "refill.")
Let's paint the picture:
You went out last night. You didn't go grocery shopping all week. You don't even have eggs. You live in the neighborhood. You're not looking to dine among girlfriends, you don't want to wait, and you don't want to spend a fortune. You just want some damn eggs and you want to get on with your day.
2 eggs, toast, hash browns, under $5. They will even make them poached for you. Get some coffee and get the hell out of there. Go take a shower, you're a disgrace.
Slut.
Janik's, what a delightful little surprise you were!
I came to Janik's on sheer accident after my plans to study at the Alliance Bakery fell through, and it started to rain. Next thing I knew, I ran to the doorway of Janik's, the only cafe that had open tables on a Saturday morning.
Janik's was my home for at least six hours as I studied, and it didn't really disappoint as a study spot. It had a steady stream of customers to create some background noise, but wasn't overcrowded. I also adore the art you can find here: paintings on plexiglass, for sale by a local artist, as you can see in one of the photos.
I didn't like the Chai for it was too sweet, but I was tempted by their array of food: breakfast, lunch sandwiches, Mexican, etc. They also have daily food specials, a row of Stash teas to choose from and some alcoholic beverages.
After five hours, I finally gave in and bought myself their Belgian waffle special that came with some eggs and bacon. The Belgian waffle was a nice flower, coated with powdered sugar, that hit the spot...for only ~$6. Not bad! The waffle ended up being a lifesaver since my dinner that night in the area was horrible! If it hadn't been for Janik's, I would have gone hungry that day. I don't 'do' hungry. Thanks Janik's!
I seriously cannot stop thinking about Janik's. How have I never been here before? All this wasted time.
I had the Cuban sandwich and it was excellent! I'm dying to go back and try something new!
I loved the decor, they had awesome paintings up by a local artist. Honestly, short and sweet - awesome sandwiches.
Wow. The Mexican Chicken Sandwich is probably one of the best things that's crossed my lips in a really long time.
That sounded dirty.
All kidding aside, this sandwich jem on Division & Damen is ridiculously good. The menu is chock-full of sammiches that sound crazy delicious like crab-cake and Cuban and traditional options like turkey, roast beef and even Polish sausage. You get a few bread options, pick your condiments and cheese and get a hot, oven-toasted sandwich in a jiffy.
I went with the Mexican Chicken sandwich, which is shredded chicken with Mexican spices, lettuce, tomato, avocado and cheddar cheese served on a huge Italian roll. Toasted to perfection, it was one of the most perfect sandwich experiences in recent memory. Add a can of diet Coke and my tab came to less than $7. Not too bad!
I noticed they serve breakfast all day. That's exciting. And I can walk there on a nice day! And the staff that works at Janik's are super friendly! And they serve beer! And I'm obviously way too excited about a sandwich shop, hence all the exclamation marks!
Does it get any better? Methinks no.
Had the Mexican Chicken wrap, it came with spicy chicken, lettuce, cheddar, avocado, tomato, and I added onion. It was pretty good but did not come with a lot of meat.
I'll give this place another shot, perhaps try the Cuban. Hopefully I don't get stiffed on the meat again.
MI PIACE MOLTO JANIK'S CAFE!! E Felipa e la OTTIMA PROPRIETARIA NEL MONDO!!! i cibi sono BUONISSIMI!!! TUTTO FRESCI! Ed anche lei parla l'ITALIANOOOOOOOOO - Grazie mille FELIPA! Il tuo amico MICHELE!
The food is excellent and the service is the BEST!!! You will NOT go wrong at Janik's! Their specials are ALWAYS excellent and their breakfast are DA BEST!
Great atmosphere and always busy! Righfully so!
The food is great, the price is good, the service is exactly what you would want in a cafe: friendly, helpful, courteous.
I like it.
When I first, regularly, started visiting Janik's Cafe, I was getting a sausage omelette with no toast and extra hash browns. That eventually switched to chilaquiles. I have no idea how many times I've enjoyed the chilaquiles here. Sooo much food! Lately, I've tried changing it up a bit.
Though I thought I was eating their delicious french toast, the special was the chicken flautas. When I read that while entering, I was curious. Then, as always, they had a sample dish of it for view at the register. My mind was made.
I grabbed my bottle of Cholula and headed to my table. When my plate landed on my table, I got so excited that I forgot to add hot sauce. This was my first time trying their guac, and it was fantastic. As usual, I was also offered a full pitcher of iced tea, because they know how I like it. Heh.
It doesn't matter how much further I keep moving away from this restaurant, I'll keep venturing right back through their door.
I've been meaning to join Yelp for a long time, simply to review Janik's Cafe. This place receives a… Read more »
We were down here during the Do-Division Festival. The food was very tasty, and a steal compared to the overpriced, overcooked food at the festival.
We had a nacho and egg plate and a salad. Both were fresh and tasty. My wife enjoyed her cold chai tea as well. Best part of the experience was the quick service and friendliness of the staff and owners.
Janik's has an incredible selection of very solid tasting food.
I used to work near here and we'd order ahead and come in to pick up. For as many hundreds of times as we'd gone in there, they always got our order correct. Perfect for business lunches AND they can do lunch boxes for $6.
The food is nominally priced and they have sooo much on the menu. I've never been to a little place like this that had so many menu items that were all delicious... truly, there are no stinkers.
Their food is very fresh and their daily specials are eclectic and delicious... PS- there's no cutoff time for ordering breakfast. :) French toast at 4:30, sure!
They also have a really great ice cream selection that you can get in double or even triple scoops... as you try really hard not to drop it in your coworkers car.
The orders can sometimes take a little bit but it's well worth it for the fresh and delicious, quality food at Janik's.
This place continues to put out some of the best and freshest food out there. I picked up 12 salads for a luncheon recently and nearly every person commented on how fantastic they were and kept asking "where did you get this from ?!!". And yea, we're talking *salad* here, not some glammed up fancy schmancy entree. The Southwest, Greek, and Spinach salads were all great and came w. a ton of fresh veggies on each, ranging from olives, tomatoes, hard boiled egg, peppercini's, bacon, avocado, etc, etc. All included fresh pita bread and choice of dressing.
This place is also much much more than just a soup, salad and sandwich shop...they always put out some interesting and unique specials you'd never find at a typical sub shop such as a pork carnita quesadilla, country fried steak, fish and chips, roasted chicken, et al. Today they had fish tacos that looked great. Every thing they do has a unique touch to it and is definitely a cut above.
Stop in, order take out or do their FREE delivery, just make sure you go and feel good about supporting your local restaurant proprietors!!
Janik's Cafe is yet another pretty fantastic breakfast and sandwich shop on Division's… Read more »
I had Janik's for lunch last Friday, and I was really impressed. It was a breeze to walk in there at Noon, order up my Mexican Chicken sandwich, pay and bounce. Total wait time: about 5-7 minutes.
When I got home I was happy to find a messy (in a good way) and delicious sandwich that was not only HUGE, but also fun to eat in that it was all over the place. It came w/ avocado, lettuce, pico, shredded chicken with a spicy-ish glaze on it, all on a white sub roll. It came w/ a pickle. The bag had an amuzing illustration of a sandwich and said something like, "REALLY AWESOME SANDWICH INSIDE!!" or something... ok, I'm hazy on that part. I just remember chuckling when seeing it.
All in all, Janik's is solid. I feel confident in saying that after only one visit. I'll be back.
I eat sandwiches everyday for lunch and I can honestly say that this is the best sandwich shop in the Wick Park/Bucktown area! I personally recommend the Turkey Reuben, Italian, or Mexican along with the tortilla soup. Come hungry, leave satisfied and happy!
I really need to try this place again because I really don't get the hype. It's eggs, people. Nuthin' fancy either. That said, the price is right and I will definitely go back to see if I can change my first impression.
This place is terrific. The food is fresh and tasty - the service is polite and efficient. The seating is spaced out nicely -- and its family owned.
It's beginning to get more crowded - but it turns over nicely and i have never had to wait for a table. Great artwork on the walls. This is truly a neighborhood gem -- and that's saying a lot in this neighborhood.
One of the better breakfast spots I've been to. Nice selection on menu.
I must have gotten the wrong thing here, because my experience was just so different from the others I'm reading about this place. I got a pasta with garlic and olive oil, and while it was edible, it was nothing I couldn't made a lot better on my own. The pasta was overcooked and it was DRENCHED in olive oil, instead of just being flavored with it. They seem really nice, and I would give this place another try, though I wouldn't ever order a pasta here again. But then again, maybe I wouldn't give them another try- there are a lot of other restaurants in this neighborhood that I already know are guaranteed to be good.
I almost want to give a bad review so this place stays relatively undiscovered. This is a WONDERFUL alternative to the over-crowded, over-trendy, brunch places in Chicago. We were there at prime brunch time (around 11:30 or 12:00) and we found street parking and got a coveted outdoor seat. You order at a counter and they bring you your food. Simple and great! My party of four had the Belgian Waffle special, Crab Cakes Benedict, Sausage Omelet, and Lox Platter. I LOVED the Benedict. The waffle had a great chewy texture, ad the side of potatoes were seasoned to perfection. Looking around at others' plates, I'd like to try the thick french toast and Chilaquiles next time. They also had a long menu of sandwiches and specials. They serve alcohol at an ok price. $5 bloody marys, mimosas, and screwdrivers, as well as a beer selection. I will definitely be going back!
I had a great Greek chicken salad here last week. It was one of the best I have had because it was different (hummus in the center) than what I am used to. I had one of the grapefruit juices and it was mind blowing. I swear they must add sparkling water to the mix. It was yummy. My friend had the tilapia sandwich (sort of a Mexican fish taco on a bun) and she loved it. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Hit up Janik's for breakfast on a Saturday. French Toast breakfast combo was enjoyable alas the coffee was awful. You don't have a waiter, just order at the counter and they bring it out to you. The line at 11:30am wasn't bad but by noon it was ten people deep at the register. Service was fine. If the coffee improves I'll go back.
The Greek omelette was delicious, lots of feta and fresh spinach. Loved the outside sitting area and the fact they're open before 10am.
Janik's is my favorite breakfast/ lunch place in the neighborhood, and maybe in the city. When Wicker Park fills up with stroller pushing moms and dbags on Sunday mornings, Janik's is the perfect place to get brunch without a wait. The menu has everything you could ever want, the bloody marys are delicious. Why wait to eat at an overpriced "brunch" place when you can eat at Janik's?
Love it.
I adore this place! I have only been there for breakfast and a random afternoon here and there to grab a smoothie, but the breakfast food is great (the egg sandwich fills me up until dinner!) and the service is probably the best part. I want to say that its family owned? Whether it is or not, it's a really really friendly staff and its the type of neighborhood spot where you can sit and hang out for hours if you want to!
I highly recommend checking it out...
I really like their vegetable omlette, very tasty and have fresh ingredients! Also they have a delicious(but huge) pulled pork sandwich for lunch that seems old school with a bag of chips and drink.
Not a fan of the egg sandwich though, you can make one at home that tastes just as good, but their omlettes are good! And I love their rye toast!
Staff is pretty quiet but friendly. I have had one bad experience here but other than that it has been great. Fun to go with a couple of people for breakfast or brunch. Very simple and relaxing!
Hipster breakfast mecca. Felt out of place without a beard/gray t-shirt, and being over the seemingly 145lb male weight limit, but then felt comforted by the amazingly delicious and quick food, and solid service. Was in town visiting a friend and found the place on Yelp, and found the (positive) reviews to be spot on.
As a regular visitor to Yelp but non reviewer, I thought now was as good a time as any to throw my hat in the ring of yelpers. What better place to start then Janik's for my first review. While you won't see a review for this place in the pages of Gourmet Magazine or Bon Appetit, it is solid and safe. Everything that I have tried here has been great, cheap and fast. Try a tuna melt or the egg white veggie omelet and you will not be disappointed. It's nice to see a neighborhood place like this do well and continue to keep themselves priced fairly. The staff is also as nice as can be.
I've lived a few blocks from Janik's for about a year now, but only recently started going. I've been for lunch and for breakfast, and both were delicious. I like how cozy it is, and that you walk in, order, sit, and they bring it out for you. For breakfast I went with french toast, eggs, and sausage -- great. There is so much of the menu I need to sample before i move.
Mom & Pop family owned joints like this are the fabric of real America. They serve it up fresh and unpretentious. It is what it is and they doing very well. We need more small restaurants like Janik's and less Chili's and Applebee's. Candice G., thank you. This place is terrific.
Good sandwiches, decent breakfast. It's a nice spot too. I don't know, it's pretty run of the mill and nothing blows me away. It's just your basic somewhat down-to-earth sandwich joint. I'm always relaxed when I'm eating here. Maybe that's why I like it.
I haven't had a sandwich I didn't like from here either, although they're not exactly huge. Then again I eat like a pig so whatever. Breakfast isn't all that great to be honest, but it's never been bad. Prices are fair, service is fast, food is good, never been too crowded either. I'd say give it try if you're in the area, but don't make a special trip just to eat here.
What?!
I'm genuinely surprised. I needed a quick and tasty lunch so I ran out on my lunchbreak and ordered a Mexican Chicken sandwich, based on a few good reviews of the sandwich and across the board good reviews for Janik's. Less than 10 minutes later I was back and my desk and unwrapping a sandwich that was.... the only word I can use is "soggy." Like a sopping wet sponge. I couldn't tell if the ingredients were fresh, good or otherwise. It was just a big, wet mess. Disgusting.
I would like a sandwich shop alternative to Jimmy John's in the neighborhood, but I'm not sure I'm willing to give Janik's another shot.
If Janik's Cafe were a mail-order bride profiled to be sold on a website she would list favorite sexual positions as: ALL including anal, 69, trapeze, butterfly chair and on top of a hot sizzling car hood.
Yes, this place aims to please with such an incredible thoughtful warmth and flavor to everything it does. So simple, yet so well executed.
The menu, the sides, the service, the drink selection, the seating, the lighting, the artwork, the smiles.
If Janik's ever needed insurance or a green card I would so marry this place just to help out;-)
========================
Disclosure: current mood happy and euphoric.
Still under the influence of a great day which included free treats and a 1 hour massage...yaaay me;-)
I agree with Edward. Janik's is a small business that I'm happy to support. I've only been in a few times when I'm in the area, but every time has been memorable. From the good service to the yummy food, Janik's makes me happy (and full). I wish I lived closer :(
Caveat: this is a Pitchfork-style review with anecdotal evidence. I had a lot of time to think about this review while riding the bus today.
GOD, I HATE WICKER PARK!!!
When I first moved to Chicago, all my friends that live or have lived in the city told me that Wicker Park would fit my creative personality. Now, I have to sorta take that as an insult (not really, but still, Wicker Park is as much of an artist's community as Six Flags). I wanted to make a web comic that encapsulates the Wicker Park experience. Each edition would be the same premise (inspired by, ya know, places like Earwax):
Customer walks in to order a sandwich...
Cust: Hi, could I get the California Club and a cup of soup please?
Server: *with obvious suggestion of severe ennui* uuuuuuuuugggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaah, I guess
Cust: Oh, um, gee, sorry to put you out. Can I pay today with my debit card?
Server: *even stronger boredom* uuuuuuuuugggggggghhhhhhhhh.... naaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh, did you, uhhhhhhhhhhhhh, read, uhhhhhhhhhhhh, the sign? Uhhh, sooo boooored!
I've never seen people so painfully bored in my life. I've also never really experienced the inability to get good, no frills or surprises, food. I'm from the south, and we like food that keeps it simple, uses fresh ingredients, and is priced accordingly. I'm sorry, I 'm just not into experimental, artisan-crafted, fusion dishes that are fun-sized and more satisfying to look at than eat (I'm looking at YOU, Las Palmas Restaurant, and your Mexican-French-Intergalactic Fusion Clusterf**k... just make me a quesadilla... Steely Dan Christ!). I enjoy fine food every now and again, but Jeebus, if I want art, I'll take the blue line to Monroe and visit the Art Institute. If I want a sandwich, I want bread, some stuff, cheese, and a satisfying side.
Janik's Cafe takes everything I hate about Wicker Park cuisine and inverses it... giving me a profound sense of hope again! I've eaten there twice this week!
Good, tasty food that's simple: timeless sandwiches, hearty salads, chunky soups, and even Mexican dishes and breakfast food (served all day). I had a warm Chicken Cesar sandwich today for $4.75 that is still keeping me fat and happy at this very moment. You get an awesome, eclectic, but unpretentious meal, and when you throw down a 10 spot, you get change.
Plus, everybody employed there is more than happy to see you because they seem to care about their food and business and appreciate you spending your money there and enjoying the food. I'm a former server, so I know how to provide good service and also what to expect. And Janik's delivers.
It isn't hard - good, uncomplicated, wholesome food that's filling with a choice of different side dishes at a very fair price, coupled with smiles and an inviting atmosphere. I don't know why this concept is lost on the rest of Wicker Park and some of the surrounding area, but since Janik's is a rock in a sea of lameness, I will continue to make a special trip to Damen & Division for my favorite lunch in Chicago.
Nice little sunny shop. might try this again. They even have beer.
Come on. I ordered a Turkey Sandwich to go. So i sat down waited a few minutes as they prepared my sub. Then she said my tuna sandwich was ready.... and I wasn't quite sure what she said, so I asked her "Did you say Tuna or Turkey?" (Oh yeah I hate TUNA! I hate the smell, the taste) She says: "I said Turkey" So I took her word for it and left. Got to work and sure enough its fucking TUNA.
I have been on a crazy reuben kick lately so I grabbed a couple sandwiches togo from Janik's Cafe on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The order was ready really quick. I pretty much called and placed the order and walked right out the door. I only live about 5 minutes away and when I got there the two sandwiches were waiting. The reuben was good, not the best one I have had but decent. If I ever get off this reuben kick I might try something else from Janik's Cafe.
Three courses for $20 on…
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Host a Party at Angelina
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Category: Sandwiches
Chicago, IL
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Being Funny is more important than being Useful or…
One of the best streets in the city! Lots of…
Dishes piled high, empty fridge, rice and beans…
Great places in my hood (on Division and other…
Small Mom & Pop joints that served it up Old…
The fun part of moving: discovering new stuff…
Now you can too! Here ya go, places on Division…
