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Just Indulge
Categories: Food Desserts Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Food Coffee & Tea Desserts, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1755 W North Ave(between Hermitage Ave & Wood St)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
(773) 486-6680
- Nearest Transit:
-
Damen-O'Hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
92 reviews for Just Indulge
Review Highlights
"A custard place that also sells chocolate treats."
(in 52 reviews)
"The free wi-fi is a plus, but the consistently outstanding..."
(in 7 reviews)
"...vanilla custard, bananas and pieces of peanut butter cups."
(in 4 reviews)
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92 reviews in English
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Review from Dana J.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2011
Went last night after particularly bad meal and was pleasantly surprised by the great customer service and atmosphere.
The owner was very sweet and took the time to explain what everything was. I got the soy oreo ice cream and it was delicious. My friends got a few different things and no one had a complaint, just lots of "mmmmmm's"
We came in right at closing, but they kept the lights on for us until we had finished the last bite. I will definitely be returning and recommending this place to everyone I know. -
Review from Jenny A.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
I found out about Just Indulge while searching for an ice cream shop near my workplace. Seemed like a good place to try, even tho I'm not a huge custard fan, unless its homemade.
Inside seems cute. A little cluttered, but clean and comfortable. Friendly staff, not too crowded. I really only came in for the desserts, so I went in and ordered a gelato sundae.
Here begins the let-down. (This was my first visit and it was so disappointing I don't even remember the sundae flavour I ordered!) The sundae came out in an overly large, too-shallow clear plastic to-go dish that more resembled a take-out container lid than a dish. The spoon was very flimsy and actually made eating the custard difficult. Not to be too bitchy about it, but it ties into the entire experience.
THe sundae was HUGE with a disproportionate amount of custard to toppings. WHo can eat 2/3 pint of vanilla custard if there's just a sprinkle of toppings? The custard itself was not so great. Like I said, not a huge fan of custard, but I've had some I liked and this tasted almost chalky. Maybe not frozen properly? Not sure but it made it even harder to eat.
And the toppings just made me sad. I mean, its called "Just Indulge" right? So WHY oh why is the fudge sauce like some corn syrup based slurry reminiscent of the Smucker's available at every grocery store in the city? THat was very disappointing.
BUT I like to give benefit of the doubt so I just tried them again today. THis time I tried a sundae with ice cream instead. Butter pecan. It was bad. The ice cream was slimy, and the pecans like tiny pieces of rubber. Same dish, same flimsy spoon, same skimpy drizzle of run-of-the-mill fudge sauce, same gigantic portion that I can't possibly finish... Sigh.
I don't even want to try anything else. I'm left to doubt that anything is made from scratch here, or if it is, it is not made with care. I really want to support my local businesses and if I find myself in need of a coffee, I would step in probably. But for desserts they're right out. Sorry, Just Indulge. You're not indulgent, you're just generic. -
Review from Mishelle O.
Brooklyn, NY
8/27/2011
The best frozen dessert I ever had was at Just Indulge. It was a day that the frozen custard special was coconut, so I had a "Concrete" with half coconut, half chocolate, with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. So delicious and decadent! They also have great sundaes, candies and other dessert-type goodies. I don't think it's worth getting the breakfast dishes- the bagel with egg had chopped up hard boiled eggs instead of fried or scrambled, and the mac n' cheese tasted like straight Kraft. But it is so worth the frozen custard!
The location is great and the interior cute. It is usually less busy than other spots in the area that have tables, coffee, and wifi. This may be because it's just outside of the more popular hipster-congregation areas, or, it may be...that one of the women who works there (or is it the owner?) talks extremely loud at all times, always. She seems to be very friendly and personable, but unfortunately the constant full-volume talking is really uninviting and distracting. -
Review from Brandon V.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a Groupon laying around for months for Just Indulge, and finally got around to making my way over there recently.
I can't really complain about much on my particular visit, since I basically got two ice creams for free with the Groupon, but if I were in a situation where I was paying, I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here again. And maybe that's my number one complaint - it's just out of the way for me - as well as very little nearby parking available. I had to walk three blocks from my car.
Also in terms of the pricing, it's just about the same overpriced stuff as every other ice cream shop in town, without much special going on. If you live within a few blocks, go for it. Otherwise, there's probably a better place nearby. -
Review from Sarah R.
Chicago, IL
12/8/2011
I love this place! The staff here is AMAZING! So nice, so helpful. The atmosphere is nice and open. Good coffee and food too. The reason I give this place only 4 stars instead of 5 is that it's more on the expensive side as far as coffee shops in the area.
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Review from Taryn T.
8/6/2011
First and most importantly, a big THANK YOU to the tall, muscular, and incredibly hot blond-haired man who for some reason chose to work on his laptop for hours at this ice cream shop. I enjoyed undressing you with my eyes twenty times over while my friends and I sipped root beer floats and played Boggle.
Um, other than that? The floats were great - big and filling and topped with plenty of cream vanilla ice cream. I'd definitely get the regular vs the large, because even that is a lot to handle.
Also loved that they had comfy well-loved easy chairs and board games, which the girlfriends and I took full advantage of.
Oh, and that hot dude. Had he asked for my number I would have given this place five stars.Listed in: Dessertgasm, Wicker Park Wandering
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Review from Jennifer C.
Chicago, IL
11/26/2011
Great customer service. The owner is very friendly. The custard is great but the breakfast sandwiches leave something to be desired. They were dry and somewhat flavorless. I would go back though.
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Review from Gina S.
Chocolate, CUSTARD, Coffee!
All I saw was "custard". What makes custard so darn good? It's notably richer, smoother and super creamy compared to any other frozen dairy treats out there, ice cream & frozen yogurt specifically. The addition of egg and heavier cream gives it it's unique flavor and richness.
I have a slight obsession for custard, so I bee-lined it to Indulge to...well, indulge of course. I blame it on my Wisconsin roots, home of the best frozen custards ever (see my reviews for Kopp's and Oscar's).
Two choices, chocolate or vanilla. Then I had the option to concrete it with a mix. I went with a chocolate base with cookie dough. It was presented more like a sundae. Scoop of custard topped with cookie dough bits, no concrete blending process...but they still called it a "concrete".
First bite impression = this cannot be custard! While the flavor was super rich chocolate, the texture was NOT super creamy. Looking more closely at my "custard" covered spoon, I could see little ice crystals. Custard never has an iciness to it EVER...false advertising there.
2 stars because I was pretty disappointed with my "concrete custard"...two words they failed to deliver on. Not what I expected to receive at all. I should have gone for frozen yogurt farther West, down North Avenue. -
Review from Kyle H.
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just Indulge gets high marks for unique bakery and sweets. I had the chocoloate covered rice crispie bar and it was as big as a blackboard eraser. Decadence! (That made me think of "Dead Can Dance"...sidetracked.)
The space at Just Indulge and service is somewhat lacking. Are they trying to be modern and spare, or comfy (with couches and chairs strewn about)? J.I. is confused. It just doesn't feel very inviting to me. Good for when you're in the neighborhood, and your Sweet Tooth is leading you by a leash. -
Review from Ryan L.
Chicago, IL
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I sometimes swing in here after a run in the mornings. The place is nice but just very bland. They didn't try to hard on anything which I guess is the Bucktown way. The food is average, but the sweets are great and the coffee is good. I like stopping by because its a relaxing place to think, although this past time when I was in there it was like 85 degrees.
Come for the sweets, the coffee and to unwind. You will enjoy it. -
Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
3/11/2011
I was actually really surprised by Just Indulge. Having seen the storefront during frequent trips to meet my girlfriend after work, it seemed cute but a little...something. And the website really doesn't do this place justice.
I'll admit it, I'm a bit of a snob. I like fancy things. I have (annoyingly) high standards and tend to assume most places won't meet them. But with half an hour to kill before an interview and nowhere to go, I stopped in to grab a drink.
What's this? Loose leaf tea? Soy ice cream options? Tasty, if a little melty, vanilla frozen custard? A variety of surprise sandwiches? Chocolates? Coffee? This place is too good to be true, if a little overwhelming. Plus, the music was pleasant, the atmosphere laid back and friendly, and the prices pretty darned reasonable.
I'm really glad I finally got around to checking this place out because appearances can be deceiving. I'll admit it, Just Indulge, I was wrong about you. -
Review from Tita P.
4/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
One thing that I like about my job is the fact that I can work from home. The only problem is I am not that good working from home. I find chores and activities to do around the house. So, where do I go when I need to get some work done??
Just Indulge!
Sure I could talk about how yummy the sweets are but I really only partake in coffee, free wi-fi and the occasional milk chocolate turtle :-) The staff is very friendly and the environment is cozy yet spacious and a great environment to spend a few hours when you need to "work from home" -
Review from Anthony P.
Chicago, IL
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
A Groupon brought me to this place, and their friendly servers and extensive menu will get me to return.
The menu has something no matter what your sweet tooth is after. All sorts of frozen yogurt and ice cream creations, along with coffee treats, smoothies, popcorn, and even some breakfast and lunch items.
I ended up deciding on a White Chocolate Mocha, along with a rice crispy treat dipped in chocolate; pretty decadent, if I may say.
Lastly, we go to enjoy our treats with free wifi at a corner table with a nice view of the people going by. Definitely plan on returning sometime. -
Review from Susan S.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2011
My first visit to Just Indulge was today and it will be my last. Mainly, it's just this simple, the counter girl was OBLIVIOUS to DECENT MANNERS/COMMON COURTESY and it was "all about her." She should be fired.
First, I had a Groupon and asked some questions about it that were barely answered. This is a chance to smile, sell, and offer suggestions, I'd think if hiring a person for the front of the house. When ordering, she scanned my 2 Groupons and goofed the order 3 times, having to rescan and ring me up again. The total I was ultimately charged was about a dollar more than the original two totals, but I went ahead and paid it (over the Groupon) just to make it quicker and easier. She shrugged and didn't offer to redo or adjust the new total, didn't apologize for the delay, and only said, "this Groupon stuff hasn't been working."
Now, I was extremely patient and nice up to now. She put my ice cream in a bag prior to ringing me up 3x, then retrieved my two cupcakes later, and took another customer's order without saying anything to me. I had a sandwich coming and she chose to wait on someone else!!!
She was preparing the other customer's order and my sandwich at the same time, retiring to the back of the store out of view. Then, she approached with a bag and pounced it on the counter, walking to back of the store again, without saying a word! Was this order mine? The other customers? Could she please complete my order! My ice cream is melting!
After waiting for her to return (it took a few minutes), I asked if this was the turkey wrap and was it my order. She said "yes." No apology. I had looked into the bag and it had no napkin, utensils or possible side. Then I asked, "Does a side come with the sandwich?" She said, "Huh?" and I clarified if a side order automatically comes with the turkey wrap, under the lunch menu. "No" she replied.
I then asked for a receipt, and she refused to give me one. "I'll just take a receipt for what I paid on top of the Groupon", I told her. She still refused and held up a basket with receipts stapled to all the Groupons from other customers. "This is what we do with the receipts," she stated, offering no other explanation or willingness to give me a copy. No please, no thank you, no sorry for the delay, no thank you for your patience ever offered.
"OK, forget it. THANK YOU," I said in a snarky manner, I must admit, on my way out of the store. The girl replied, "THANK YOU, HAVE A NICE DAY," in a more snarky, snotty manner. I was furious, and now, feel compelled to write. Owners of Just Indulge, are you reading this? Please fire this girl, as she just doesn't know how to act in public or treat a customer. The above story should illustrate why. -
Review from Kathleen C.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2011
They are SO nice in here!
I've really only had coffee and an occasional cookie here, but I have to say that the service at Just Indulge is super. Everyone who works here is super nice and friendly. This spot is the epitomy of service with a smile! the coffee is tasty and reasonably priced.
Thanks for such a refreshing attitude! -
Review from Melissa M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/5/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love love love the soy ice cream! The shakes are sometimes spotty, but that is because they aren't the easiest to blend. Some of the employees are good sports about it, but some you can tell really don't want to blend those shakes. I guess I can understand that. However, there is one person that works there that never smiles and doesn't seem to even want to serve anything on the menu. That's the only reason I docked off one start. Everyone else there is pretty great :)
Also, the internet doesn't always work. Just a tip for those who are wanting a wi-fi spot.Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/22/2010
One of the few places I can find wonderfully delicious soy ice cream!
I wouldn't recommend the milk… Read more »
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Review from Dee R.
Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
8/28/2010
So I've been working in the neighborhood for 2 years now and never thought to patronize this place, mostly because of the appearance of the facade and its very contemporary style for a Pastry, Coffee, Custard, and Ice cream shop. But one day a few weeks ago I was craving a coffee and had enough of the extremely unfriendly folks at the Gallery Cafe across the street, would it kill them to smile every once in awhile??!!?? Anything had to be better than the lack of customer service. One day I made my way across the street to Just Indulge.
WOW, I truly wish I had not judged a book by its cover for the past 2 years, shame on me. I'll admit when I'm wrong, no problem.
Talk about the friendly, happy staff!!! They don't have to be nice, they don't have to smile, they don't even have to offer you a taste of their first batch of Custard that morning but they do!!! And in this day and age when Customer Service just doesn't matter to a business anymore, you have to applaud them for just doing their job with such a good disposition. The guy behind the counter gives great Customer Service and smiles often. Thank you!
I've now been coming in once a week now. The custard is really good but I try not to eat it for dietary reasons. :) The coffee is also very good, all the candies and cookies and cupcakes and caramel popcorn look so good. I was tempted once and got the Carrot Cake cupcake, very moist and tasty. (What? I'm not perfect, I get tempeted)
As for the decor, it is a little too contemporary for me but it was very comfortable. It's nice and quiet and there is always seating inside and outside. I would really love to see a slight overhaul on the decor, maybe a much better, cozier and friendlier version of that place across the street. :)
Keep up the good work, think about re-branding some. More people need to know you for who you really are.
This is a must when you're in the area! -
Review from Laura F.
Chicago, IL
3/14/2011
Yay!
A quiet fort of solitude, insulated from hipsters and pretentious college kids with ironically large glasses.
Good coffee. Delicious other things. -
Review from Hillary E.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2010
I was in the neighborhood earlier than I planned on being so I needed a nice, warm place to hang out for about half an hour. I don't drink coffee so I never know what to order at a coffee shop (the bag of hot chocolate, a scone/bagel that I can buy six at a grocery store for the price of one here?) - and then I saw they had custard. Atypical yes - but good none the less.
The person behind the cash register was very nice and explained some of the options - I asked if I could have half chocolate and half vanilla- which she accomadated without making the "I wish you weren't here to trouble me" look on her face. I sat on one of the couches and munched away- only a few other people were here but they were working on their laptops. I would stop by here again because they're super relaxed and don't seem to mind if you park here for a couple (or more) hours. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Washington, DC
7/28/2010
I haven't had any of the sweet treats at Just Indulge, but I LOVE the coffee. The kind people working the register are always incredibly nice and attentive. I live in the neighborhood and will choose this place over Starbucks any day.
I plan to try the custard one of these days. It looks great, and they have a soy cappuccino oreo option. That sounds positively delightful. -
Review from Chris w.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2011
you guys are awesome.
Love the popcorn, love the custard.
LOVE THE STAFF -
Review from laela l.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2011
Custard (preferably with marshmallow and strawberries). Huge portions. Signs advertising the menu options that rhyme. Couches. Agave nectar. That is all.
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Review from Jinna H.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2010
I got a concrete mixer with Reece's cups.
Awesome.
And the guy behind the counter was very, very friendly. The place isn't really packed, so I got in and out quick. -
Review from Eric M.
5/10/2011
I loves me some frozen custard. It's the fatter cousin of frozen yogurt. Just Indulge also has a great selection of other frozen treats as well as baked goods.
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Review from serious f.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2010
got the specialty concrete mixer, which is frozen custard with preset mixins. It was called "Extravagance" which from the website is described as "vanilla custard blended with strawberries and rasberries". "rasberries" roflll anyway we also added banana as a mixin and it was 60 cents more.
it was pretty delicious but ive been craving frozen yogurt with mixins for awhile now since like..spring break this year in california. so this hit my mix-in craving.
also sampled one of their no sugar added ice creams and it was GOOD. if i ever go diabetic i might start going here more. -
Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2008
[ Woman of indeterminate age is seen driving in a small, silver automobile. We see her exit the highway at Ashland, not her usual spot.]
Lindley [on phone]
Yeah...I'm really having a craving for custard. What? Yeah. I'm going to check it out now.
[cuts back to exterior view of car Vehicle passes by several main thoroughfares....Grand, Chicago, Augusta, Division...and finally turns west on North Ave]
Lindley [still on phone]
Yeah, I'm almost there. Parking isn't the easiest around here. Wish me luck. [hangs up phone]
[Lindley waits at stoplight in her car. She appears agitated and is mouthing obscenities. She finally manages to park car and walks quickly toward the entrance of a shop. There is a prominent sign in modern font: JUST INDULGE]
Just indulge Staffer #1
HI!
Just Indulge Staffer #2
Do you know what you want?
Lindley
[Looks at the menu. Squints a little] uh yeah. I'd like a DOUBLE chocolate custard with 'chocolate sprinkles' [she winces a little as she hates calling jimmies 'chocolate sprinkles' and wishes that everyone spoke Massachusetts-ese].
Just Indulge Staffer #1
OK! That's be $4.20.
[At that moment, Just Indulge Staffer #2 returns with the scoop plus a paltry amount of sprinkles].
Lindley
Uh, would you mind an extra scoop of sprinkles? There's not too much there.
Just Indulge Staffer #1
No Problem!!!
[After saying thank you, Lindley returns to her car with the custard. Turning the key, she listens to NPR as she digs into her custard].
Lindley
Good Gravy!
[She picks up phone and dials a number]
Lindley
Oh you are so coming here with me next time. Soooo good. The chocolate actually tasted like chocolate. And the texture? Man! I just saw the delivery truck dropping off their milk, too. They make it there. Dang. I can't wait until summer so that I have an excuse to eat this every day.
[She drives off into the sunset, making sure she has hung up the phone before putting her car into gear. Lindley doesn't want a ticket]. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2008
Harry Carey once asked "would you eat the moon if it were made out of spareribs?". Instead I ask "would you eat the moon if it were made out of Just Indulge's custard?" Because then, my friends, the answer would be Awww, hell yeah!
Words are just impossible to describe how delicious this stuff is. Soft, silky, creamy, it's like liquid love down your throat (no, not THAT kind of liquid love, get your mind out of the gutter). The best part (or worst, depending on your dietary status), are the number of "Mix-ins" you can get, along with fresh, to-die-for popcorn and all kinds of coffee drinks. Intelligensia - they arent playing!
Just a warning, though, you will be addicted. Who needs spareribs when you have this stuff!Listed in: Gimme a D! Gimme an E! Gimme…
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Review from Brad C.
Chicago, IL
Just Indulge is finally open. I am a sucker for a new coffee place, so when I saw they were open this afternoon I had to stop in.
The coffee they serve is intelligencia, which is nice. My fiance got a mocha which she said was really good. We did get a few different chocolates to go also, they were ok but nothing awesome. The prices of the chocolates are listed by the pound, but you can just get a a few pieces if you wanted. I'm sure business is going to pick up in the summer because they do offer a nice selection of custard. I'll have to try the custard myself when it warms up.
I really think they need to open before 11 am and try and get some of the people on there way to work. I don't think they are going to hurt Gallery Cafe business at all since they are more of a dessert / ice cream shop and they don't have much other food.Listed in: Chicago Coffee
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Review from Whitney S.
Chicago, IL
6/7/2008
I'm just not a fan. Maybe it's because I live about two feet from Scooter's, I just can't help but compare. So I ordered the vanilla with oreo, pretty basic, but blah. I couldn't even finish it. The custard just wasn't very creamy, it was more runny/watery than anything.
I'm sticking with the other custard joint in the city, I'd rather spend the extra couple cents and enjoy my sweets.
Maybe I'll come back to try the popcorn and candy? -
Review from David R.
4/30/2009
Disappointment #1 of the day was Hot Doug's being closed. Disappointment #2 was Scooter's being closed. Having set my heart on custard, a quick Yelp search pointed me to this place. It was either this or a place in Pilsen that hadn't had any reviews since 2007.
The custard just isn't as good as Scooter's. Now, anything tastes decent when you dress it up with almonds and M&Ms, as I did here. But the custard itself is thin and not creamy, and not as sweet and flavorful as Scooter's. It's kind of like the Bud Light of custard.
I don't like the space either: it tries too hard to be slick and hip, and it's too cavernous and cold to be welcoming to sit down. Actually, they have very few seats anyway. However, they have a great leather armchair in which I could easily fall asleep. I should have stolen it.
The clerk could have used some lessons in smiling, but she was wearing a low-cut shirt, so I just looked at that instead. -
Review from Whitney B.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2008
A customer where I work mentioned this new place called Just Indulge, and how good it was, so I had to stop when my friend and I stumbled across it randomly today.
I love the sort of loft feel with the exposed air vents, and lots of stainless steel. When we entered, we were greeted by two nice girls working, and when they found out it was our first time in, they immediately offered us samples of the custard. I'm not really sure what I expected it to be like, and it was good, but very rich. I'm not sure I could eat more than a spoonful at a time. There were many tempting items on the menu, but I decided to go with a Peach smoothie since we hadn't eaten yet and I didn't want to just eat chocolates or a sundae (as tasty as they probably are).
The two girls were very attentive and friendly and on top of everything.
My roommate ordered the caramel/cheese popcorn mix, and I'm not normally a fan of flavored popcorn, but it was pretty freaking good. My peach smoothie took a bit longer to be ready, but it was worth the wait. Probably hands down one of the best smoothies I have ever had. I will be back for another next time I am in the area. -
Review from Sarah C.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2008
ZOMG, this place is divine.
Points awarded for:
* superior customer service
* chocolate pretzels
* cute self-serve water tank with paper cups
* location
* decor
* AMAZING CUSTARD.
I will be returning very soon, as I have no willpower.
I predict long lines this summer. -
Review from Jess S.
Chicago, IL
3/10/2008
Frozen custard around the corner from my house? Yes please! Frozen custard aside, theres a myriad of other treats, and they serve Intelligentsia.
Support local businesses! -
Review from Christina P.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2009
Walking by Just Indulge today made me thirst for summer 09 & fantasize about walking around Wicker Park with too many shopping bags in one hand and Just Indulge custard in another.
This place is just great. Friendly staff. Great selection of indulgences (wink, wink)
My ownly complaint is the limited seating - wish they could accomodate more people.
Regardless, the name says it all. Just Indulge!Listed in: Picker Wark
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
1/8/2009
I could have done without George Benson's "Breezin," which I od'd on 33 years ago when I graduated high school: 1976. Could they come up with nothing a little more contemporary?
The leather chair was really comfortable.
The lone counter girl was slow and friendly.
The coffee was coffee. -
Review from Jessica K.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2009
Never judge a book by it's cover.
Rather, in this case, never judge a food/beverage establishment by it's exterior. I've walked by this place many times not thinking much of it because of it's plain look. But then I stepped inside..
Inside I admit, it's not pretty or very eye catching. But it is kind of cute.. very simple..
As an avid coffee drinker, I can proclaim that this place serves good coffee. And the barista, a friendly Asian dude, knows a lot about coffee which is always very much appreciated.
I admit, I have yet to try their pastries for I only come here to take advantage of their free internet, good music selection and quiet ambiance. But, I've noticed a hefty amount of regulars who visit this joint for their ice cream and cupcakes. Apparently they have a sugar free option for health nuts out there (love ya'll, cyber high five!) which is pretty "sweet". HAHAH..
They cater too so if you need a fancy shmancy cake or something, stop by. I've taken a look through their "cake book" and their creations seem pretty cool. Compared to Lovely Bakery down the street, it's cheaper too.
A few pluses in bullet form:
-Staff is nice. Not as pretentious like most of the cafe located in WP.
-Great music selection. Well if you're into that indie rock stuff.
-They brew Intelligentsia
-Never packed so finding a seat to work on stuff for a an hour or two is not that difficult.
-Outdoor seating
-They have a walk up window.. kind of like a drive through except for walkers.
-Large selection for chocolate lovers
Negatives
-If you intend on staying for a while you might want to bring a seat cushion. But this goes for any cafe..
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Review from Stephanie F.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2008
The owners here are amazing! They hire good and very friendly help behind the counter as well.
Honestly, Cap made our night. She and her sister own the place, as I understand, and she'll recommend anything to you with utmost experience. This means from choosing a custard to which Dave Matthews concert DVD to watch.
I also went in alone one afternoon and enjoyed some Chai and free wi-fi (though I think the wi-fi was provided by the Gallery Cafe across the street). I think this is a new homebase for me to sit and write in between daily activites. -
Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I thought the custard was ok. We ordered the chocolate banana peanut butter custard, mint chocolate chip soy ice cream, and no sugar added caramel ice cream. Everything was ok. I could not finish my ice cream though, they were just not creamy enough. Maybe I am spoiled by Scooters & Oberweis, but I expected better products from a store specializing in custard ice cream.
The real reason I feel like this restaurant deserve 2 stars is due to the fact that I saw their display case for pastries. They sold COSTCO muffins for almost $2 each! And their signature red velvet cup cakes look EXACTLY like the ones from the famous Weber bakery, they even cost the same ($2.75 each). I don't think any coffee shop deserve points for camouflaging store bought food as their own . -
Review from Chad H.
Chicago, IL
5/5/2008
Came here after hearing recommendations from both a friend and an acquaintance, and I'm certainly glad I heeded their advice. In my mind, there are a number of reasons to like an independently owned establishment in the Chicago area:
1. The food, the food, the food
2. Service
3. Atmosphere
4. Location
5. Support of Community
The variety of treats offered here lives up to the store's namesake: custard, chocolates, gourmet popcorn, and even Intelligensia coffee. Not a bad bite in the bunch (no stale popcorn, either).
This is not food that requires a ton of prep time, so you can bet it'll come out fast (and if you're coming here after dinner, waiting is the last thing you want to do). The staffer that handled our order did her job well, and did it happily...what else do you need?
The decor is far nicer than you'd expect a custard shop to house, not to mention it's clean & spacious. Just the right spot to relax & take in the scenery.
...And did I mention it's on an active street corner in Wicker Park (but not so active you can't get in there)? Prime real estate, friends, and I hear some outdoor tables are on the way...just in time for summer.
Lastly, Chicago folks take care of their independently owned businesses. This is a place that will earn your trust and your business, will fit into the Wicker Park vibe, and is worth frequenting regularly.
Did I mention their sweet treats are delicious? Yes, it's worth mentioning twice...go find out for yourself. -
Review from Ellen H.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2008
What what?!? A custard place that also sells chocolate treats!?! I had to stop in after dinner last night to check out the scene. This stuff is good. Really good. Way to go with the mix-ins available for the custard too.
I grew up in St. Louis and there's this famous custard place there called Ted Drewes -- the most unforgettable custard you'll ever have in your life. While Just Indulge isn't quite the same caliber, it's definitely a nice second
We had the chocolate concrete with fresh banana mixed in...so good. We also couldn't resist testing out a milk chocolate covered pretzel and a couple white chocolate covered oreos. While they were nothing too out-of-this-world insane, they certainly sealed the deal on satisfying our sweet teeth.
My recommendation would be to give it a whirl and see for yourself.
