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LooseLeaf Lounge
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Coffee & Tea, Music Venues [Edit]
2915 N Broadway(between Oakdale Ave & Surf St)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 348-7881
- Nearest Transit:
-
Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 10 pm
Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 9 am - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
113 reviews for LooseLeaf Lounge
Review Highlights
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113 reviews in English
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Review from Tim P.
Chicago, IL
This might be the best neighborhood lounge I've ever had the pleasure of frequenting. Their teas are the best in the business (their Chai Latte will blow your mind), and the sandwiches are just what I need to fuel an afternoon.
Given that I work from home, I often spend hours at a time at Loose Leaf Lounge. They have free wi-ifi, amazing staff, and great people that hang here (I've made several friends and business connections as a result of this place). -
Review from Amy X.
yummy yummy vegan sandwich in my tummy. warm vegetables, crusty bread, some sort of gooey pesto aioli-like sauce -- and a side of MORE VEGETABLES!! seriously, props to any place that offers veggies as a side to a sandwich rather than the ubiquitous option of potato chips. looseleaf offers a nice selection of vegan and vegetarian sandwiches, but there are also sandwiches with meat for the carnivores out there too.
this place offers yelp deals AND check-in offers. if you ask nicely, they'll even apply those retroactively... ssh! small-ish seating area, so you'll have to time your visit correctly in order to grab a prime seat. great for a quick bite and some free wifi. -
Review from Jack M.
If only I could live closer!
Very nice cashier / barista, good jasmine tea, crazy good sandwiches (get the vegan classic, I'm not vegan but I'll dabble dabble for it). -
Review from Nicole G.
Chicago, IL
This place has everything you want in an adorable coffee shop to sit around and read a book, study, or apply for jobs (in this economy!).
But wait, does it have coffee? I actually can't remember! Who cares, the tea is amazing.
Can't wait to try the food after reading these reviews. Plus the owner and staff are all super nice. The prices are very reasonable. I don't know of a better spot in the city! -
Review from Nektaria R.
Chicago, IL
Cozy and art filled lounge. Nice place to chill, surf the web, have some tea, have a snack, look up and coming artists' work. Relax. Read the paper. Watch the people walk by. Do whatever makes you feel like exclaiming "ahhhh".
Try the Almond Joi dessert tea. It's decadent for tea. -
Review from Martha B.
Naperville, IL
Had a great experience at a tea tasting with one of the owners. He was very knowledgable about all sorts of teas and very open about his business - we discussed everything from Japanese tea legends, where the Lounge sources their tea, and the story of how they signed their lease. Tasted some really unique and delicious teas in a great, cozy atmosphere.
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Review from Shelly S.
Chicago, IL
So now that I've been a regular here for a while I guess I should my rating. This place has become one of my favorite spots to come to get work done or to just meet a friend for tea. The staff is always friendly and helpful when I decide to change things up and try something new.
I love the neighborhood vibe, the great internet, and the good background music.
In the summer their patio is definitely a great spot to have a sweet, summery iced tea and people watch (and for the record, they still have their patio tables out into November for those random days when it is nice enough to sit outside).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2011
I've become sort of a regular here and with good reason! The staff is always friendly and although… Read more »
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1/4/2011
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Review from Irina G.
Chicago, IL
Was debating between Intelligentsia, Noble Tree, and Starbucks when I walked just past the dry cleaners and found LooseLeaf. Decided to give something new a try in my area and now I think I'm in love. I think this may be my new hidden secret spot, although with this swimmingly positive review, I hope that not TOO many people go lol. It definitely got a bit more populated the longer I sat here, but still not the party atmosphere of Intelligentsia or Starbucks around the corner.
Plenty of outlets.
Free and GOOD wifi.
I even found a free tea coupon and got the Rooibos Afrikanna tea w/ honey which was effen phenomenal.
They've got specials EVERYDAY.
Sandwiches made with Red Hen Bakery bread (also down Diversey, and they bake their bread fresh daily). I ordered the black forest ham & cheese panini which came with carrots and celery sticks, totally fresh ingredients and only $5 bucks.
Also, let me mention that the service was fantastic, the quality of tea and food was immaculate, and the atmosphere was incredibly relaxed. Even the music had the perfect vibe, was not too quiet or too loud. This place just gets it. And they get it right.
LooseLeaf Lounge - you've got me hooked. :) -
Review from Tristan C.
Chicago, IL
Only thing stopping this from getting the 5th star is that I have only been once. I think it will grow to a 5-star after a few more visits!
The vege options are awesome - great to find a place so local catering to the veg market. Their seitan sandwich is phenomenal. The chocolate tea i had was fantastic too. -
Review from Laura S.
Chicago, IL
LooseLeaf became my go-to place as a grad student who needed to get out of the apartment. While I still avoided the scones and some of the other baked goods, which are hit-or-miss, I can happily say that any service issues have been eradicated. Bonus points for the free wi-fi, excellent music choices, and open mic nights!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/9/2009
I really did like the place, but the service left much to be desired. I came in with my visiting mum… Read more »
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10/9/2009
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Review from Taufiq H.
Chicago, IL
Very cute place.
Can buy my oolong tea here @ reasonable price -
Review from Papa D.
Chicago, IL
Love this place! Their food and desserts are great. In the past my daughter and I would come here for lunch and then spends time playing their games. Now that she is in school all day, I mainly get their delicious teas to go when I am running around the neighborhood doing errands. They also make the most delicious hot chocolate - Intelligencia and Starbucks don't compare.
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Review from Julianne C.
Chicago, IL
I had a bagel and Irish breakfast tea and both were great.
The people working there are friendly and helpful. They have a lot of options, and a nice atmosphere.
I highly recommend this location. -
Review from Kathleen R.
Minneapolis, MN
I picked this shop due to the yelp reviews and comments and am completely happy with my choice. I needed somewhere to work for 8 hrs while in town and this place is great!
They are extremely nice and accommodating. I asked the dude if it was weird that I have been here all day and instead of confirming this commended my choice to start with tea and move on to coffee. The food is good and inexpensive: I had a grilled cheese with spinach (added on) & tomato for $4. They have daily specials on both beverage and food.
All in all, I definitely recommend coming here. Great staff, food, beverages and tunes. Oh and some attractive people sitting around on their respective computers also helps.
Cheers! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Los Angeles, CA
I got here around 730 and it was completely empty. The staff was friendly and nice. I ordered the pesto grilled cheese with mozzarella and sundried tomatoes on wheat bread with veggies, not chips all for 5 bucks.
The sandwich was mediocre. I expected the cheese to be melted since it was a grilled cheese, but the mozzarella wasnt melted throughout the sandwich. The bread in the middle was soggy for some reason. The veggies on the side which were celery and carrots were fresh.
I REALLY wanted to like this place, so im gonna definitely try it again. I have hope.
as for studying environment, its a great place. -
Review from Ryan R.
Chicago, IL
I like what they do. Great little place with great sandwich prices. More of a tea place than a coffee place though since they only have one kind of coffee and no Mocha.
Great atmosphere, great music, all in all its a great place to sit down with some tea and a laptop. -
Review from Cristene M.
Chicago, IL
I'm in love with a sandwich, its name is Vegan Ground Seitan. It was love at first bite - a perfect combination of Uptons ground seitan, avocado, red peppers, tomato, Vegenaise, and Daiya cheese served on soft and tasty pumpernickel bread. You can find this tasty sandwich at Looseleaf Lounge, a place that now offers several tasty vegan sandwiches - if you haven't been to LL, you should go immediately.
PS - This is a small café so seating is limited. They also carry vegan cookies and other baked items too.Listed in: Vegan Friendly Chicago
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Review from Lisa K.
Chicago, IL
Best little lounge in the neighborhood. Their food is good, the coffee and tea are top notch, the prices are beyond reasonable, and the service is quick and friendly. Its a great place to go to catch up with a friend or just get some work done out of the office. I heart LooseLeaf Lounge.
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Review from Kimberly K.
Chicago, IL
Great little tea and coffee shop. I haven't had the food there, but the atmosphere, service, and tea selection is top notch! I wish I lived closer. I'd be there all the time.
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Review from Lynn N.
Chicago, IL
There's something so oddly satisfying about walking in, being greeted with a warm smile, and asked if I want "the usual" (an African Rooibos with milk and honey). Every now and then, small talk ensues and I'm caught off guard when they remember that I'm a teacher and ask if I have a lot of grading to do. Yeah, I'm a dork, but you know you want this feeling too! :)
Echoing what everyone has already said, they have...
Free WiFi
Local art on the walls
Small, painted tables that are usually free
A pretty solid pesto chicken sandwich
Light, tasty soups
Indie tunes playing in the background
Street parking that's generally not too bad during weekday nights -
Review from Nick P.
Chicago, IL
Came here after finding this place on Yelp. It had a lot of great reviews, so I thought I would try it out.
LooseLeaf has an amazing collection of teas - the three drinks I've had were all fantastic. I definitely suggest the Maui Mate. It was the suggestion from the person working the counter and I was pleasantly surprised.
This is a great place to work and study. They keep their music at a normal volume (compared to some shops - I'm looking at you, Starbucks et. al), the employees are very nice and the atmosphere is very chill.
Food-wise, they have some great vegan entrees along with regular sandwiches. I had the chorizo wrap. The flavor was very good and the food came quickly.
Finally, their prices for tea are very affordable. You'll be able to get two drinks here for what you would normally pay at Starbucks - good reason enough to support them!
If you are looking for parking, the street rates in the area are $1.50 and there are plenty of posts for racking your bike.
I would definitely recommend LooseLeaf. I'll definitely be visiting often. -
Review from Kelly S.
Nice tea selection. I wasn't nuts about the fact that if you want sweetener, they sweeten it for you before they bring it out. Nice comfy sofa.
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Review from Bekah L.
Chicago, IL
My boyfriend and I decided to check this place out after walking by one day and reading the rave reviews, though we were less than impressed. We must have experienced a fluke of a day, but it was the most awkward cafe experience of my life. And trust me, I'm a master for creating awkward situations.
My boyfriend and I walked in on a Tues night with intent to chill and get some grub and tea, but after walking into dead silence we opted for some teas to go. Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting a ruckus upon arrival. Unless a band is playing, a noisy cafe is far from ideal. But we gotta set the mood, yeah? The fella working there was cool, laid back, and attentive and the atmosphere seemed like it could have been pretty decent, had it not been for the absolute silence. I didn't hear one peep (not a clearing of the throat, a turning of pages, nothin') out of any of the 8 people seemingly enjoying themselves. I totally understand when working/reading/writing you don't want a lot of hoopla going on around you, but how 'bout a little relaxing background tunage?... I found myself whispering my order, until I realized how ridiculous I sounded and raised my voice to normal human decibels... Perhaps broken speakers or a request for no music? Who knows, but it was strange nonetheless.
On a more positive note, the teas were delicious. Mint Chai and a combination of Cranberry Orange and Moroccan Mint. They were splendidly steeped and were the perfect temperature for immediate gingerly sippage. Hot, but not scolding.
Chances are, I'll be reassessing my review after another visit. I've been searching for the perfect Chicago cafe/lounge to live up to the high standards of my upstate New York and ATX coffee shops and I really wanted to enjoy the place, but unfortunately for now I can't give more than 3 stars. -
Review from Bonita G.
Chicago, IL
It is a very cozy tea shop. Food and tea were both good.
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Review from Georgia K.
Chicago, IL
Do you like small, independently owned coffee shops? Free wi-fi? Good music? Great tea selections? Fresh, tasty food? A chill vibe? Friendly employees who make you feel at home? Then you'll LOVE this place!
I'm a firm believer in having a neighborhood coffee shop (a neighborhood bar, too!), and Looseleaf is mine. I've been going here since they opened and have spent hours studying, reading, surfing the net, and chillin' here.
Their tea is great-- my favorite is the GOP (Ginger Orange Peach, not Grand Old Party!). The sandwiches and salads are tasty (my standbys are the chicken pesto and the ham & cheese). They serve really good, local coffee (Metropolis). Lester and Philip, the owners, are super friendly and helpful.
What more can a person ask for? -
Review from Joy W.
Chicago, IL
Yes! A coffee shop in my 'hood where I can do work! The coffee is splendid, and the food is really, really yummy-- and also astoundingly cheap for this area. I tried the pesto grilled cheese, which has provolone and sun dried tomatoes (and pesto), and also the eggplant sandwich, which was chock-full of veggies and the taste of the sourdough bread is somehow the perfect tang to add to eggplant. Who knew? The Del Sol wrap was also really good for breakfast. The chairs are mostly comfy, and the music tends to be unobtrusive indie pop. Great for chilling and reading. So glad I found this place.
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
I'm with Aise. This is an excellent place.
The food is homemade and you can tell. Today I had tomato basil soup with a portobello sandwich, and an excellent cup of coffee.
It was perfect. And, the service is excellent. They even cared what I thought, noting I was someone they'd not seen in there before, and they were right.
I'm going back soon. It's walking distance to my house, and worth the walk.
Great discovery. -
Review from Whitney B.
Chicago, IL
Who needs Starbucks when you can get a better quality drink while also supporting a local business? This shop is great. The employees are always helpful and nice. The atmosphere is great inside, as well. Plenty of seating options, whether you want a table, or a comfy chair. They also offer pastries and food, including some vegan options. Changing local artwork on the walls. There is also live music, so if you are an artist and want to do a performance, or you want to check out some local music, step in and check it out. Especially for First Fridays. Nothing but good things to say about Loose Leaf.
Now that the weather is warming in, stop in for a Pina Colada Iced Tea! -
Review from Julie U.
Lakeview, Chicago, IL
This place is awesome. The sandwiches are De-Lish, but its the berry tea that keeps me coming back. There's great local art on the walls, and it just feels like you're at a good friend's place. My favorite spot is the comfy chairs on the little ledge by the window.
The people are pretty awesome too. Avoid the big name places, and visit a real neighborly place. -
Review from Rajiv H.
Chicago, IL
I've been a few times now, and liked the tea I had each time. I'm not a coffee drinker. I'm not even a tea drinker, but given a choice between the two I'm going tea every single time. LooseLeaf Lounge is a small and cool little indy cafe with a great location on Broadway. It seems they get quite a few regulars, but they didn't make me feel out of place like so many other places with regulars seem to try to do.
I've tried the Chocolate Indulgence, Moroccan Mint, and CocoMint teas (see the trend here?) all of which were really excellent and pretty cheap for a nice big cup.
Chicago needs more nice little places like LooseLeaf: decent beverage selection, nice tasting products, nice chill vibe. I like. -
Review from Aise W.
So, if you read the original review below, you'd remember the people I mentioned being in the cafe on their first date. I thought it was cute, and even though I tried my best not to eavesdrop, it was pretty hard not to. They were right by where I was sitting and weren't exactly speaking low. What does that have to do with why I'm writing an update? Patience, grasshopper!!!
Upon eavesdropping on the first date couple, I realized that in spite of the girl's jabberwocky ramblings and annoying shrill laugh, her date seemed quite adamant about seeing her again. It was at this moment that I was utterly convinced Loose Leaf Lounge either was including some transcendental "get-the-2nd-date" elixir in their teas or the cafe itself was a wondrous "get-the-2nd-date" charm. Anyway it went, I filed this useful knowledge away for an opportune time.
It was only but a week later that I was able to put my theory to the test when I was charged with picking a spot in the city for a first date with a suburbanite.
Suburbanite date:"I don't really know places in the city, so what do you think would be a-
Me:"Loose Leaf Lounge!"
Suburbanite date:"Oh, that was quick. LoL."
Me:"Heeeeeeeee."
The tea, again, was great. However, I felt I checked their website thoroughly before going and didn't see that there would be any performances that Friday night. There were and kind of made it hard for us to converse, so we didn't stay long. I think this is the standard for Friday nights regardless of it being on the site or not. So keep that in mind.
Now, was my theory correct? Hmmmn, four dates in and neither of us has tired of the other's existence. I'll leave that judgment up to you. :-)Listed in: Tea for me!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2010
If this place were bigger, LooseLeaf Lounge would be the tea version of Central Perk. You either get… Read more »
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9/19/2010
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Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
I don't get. I really don't. Their tea selection is probably a B+, they have lovely sandwiches, the staff seems friendly, the location is good, but I just can't bring myself to really love this place. It seems wrong. It seems like a place I should really enjoy visiting. But I don't.
Maybe it's the fact that the place is that creepy kind of quiet, where none of the other patrons talk and you feel like your voice is echoing off the walls. That always turns me off of a place.
Or, possibly, it could be the fact that I kind of feel like I'm sipping tea in a storage unit when I go here. I think that they're doing that mixed furnishings things that is both economically and environmentally friendly. I know it's hip to do these days. And I don't really want my tea shop to be stuffy or cookie-cutter. But the furnishings are all a little too worn, a little too dirty to feel like they went vintaging for the stuff and I wonder whose couch (or park bench?) I'm sitting on.
I feel bad not wanting to go here more often. The food is tasty and the drinks are warm and no one has been rude to me, though service is sometimes a little slow. But something about Loose Leaf just doesn't jive with me. -
Review from Matt L.
Chicago, IL
Hands down, the best coffee-tea shop/cafe in Chicago imho. I've been to them all. It has a great food selection, great coffee and tea, amazing study environment and interesting artwork. Very chill place.
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Review from Gaurav P.
The LooseLeaf Lounge (LLL) was a calm and peaceful beginning to a busy day filled with work and some fun foodstuff activities in Chi-town.
It was a bit difficult to find initially even though we has GPS, and parking was a bit challenging as well, but all well worth it once we arrived. This place is great for heterosexual dudes, as the first thing I noticed when I walked in was that all the customers were Female albeit having their heads buried in to their pretentious white Macbook Pro laptops; whom weren't too concerned about the patrons walking in and out. They were all focused on stalking their friends' on their Facebook mini-feed happenings of the day. I said good morning in general, but got no response from the LLL facebook chicas...so much for this arrogant New Yorker trying to be a nice friendly tourist in Chi-town LOL!
The inside is quite large with ample seating including a cute little table for 2 in the front window which is 3 steps up thus perched higher than the rest of the seating. So of course, I went for this table...combine this with LLL's prime location on N. Broadway, makes for a great place for you to people stalk, N. Broadway style.
We ordered a few teas and a cranberry/raisin scone which were quite good but not the best teas I've ever had. One was iced (passion fruit black tea) and one was hot (genmaicha green)...
If we were hungrier, they have quite a large selection of veggie friendly foodstuff options and for you carnivores out there, you'll be happy too.
If I'm in chi-town and in the area, I'll definitely stop by again but next time I may try to hit up a different tea place... -
Review from Zach P.
Chicago, IL
Seriously the best place to go to for tea in the city.
I've been here a few times with one of my closest friends, and it's lack of easy wi-fi, it's friendly employees and it's awesome tea is the reason we keep coming back. Their sandwiches are always really good, fresh and filling. Monday nights are the best because there are very little people there and so it's quiet. Plus, they usually play awesome music.
All in all, one of the best places in the city. -
Review from Kenny T.
Chicago, IL
The vegan sandwich is one of the best in town -- and doesn't even have any fake meats or cheese. How they pulled this off tasting so good, I don't know but I love it!
The owner is real down to earth and so is the place. I haven't tried any of the tea yet, since I'm not a big tea or coffee guy, but one of these days... -
Review from Bella M.
Chicago, IL
What's that you say, fellow Americans, you prefer your morning buzz come from a leaves instead of beans? Then fear not! Loose Leaf Lounge has you covered.
First off, they have the most MAGNIFICENT variety of teas north of Fullerton, otherwise you'd have to go all the way down to the Bourgeois Pig Cafe ( but that's another review).
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Plus, the vibe of this place is totally a cozy, unique, only-in-this-neighborhood nonchalant attitude with all this cool local art hanging on the walls (that changes every now and again). I haven't checked out all the spoken word or live music nights but from the snippets i've heard it's pretty solid (I know I have to do that very soon).
AND, the sandwiches are fabulous!!!!!
Which is perfect for those days when I don't feel like being in my apartment but I want to do nothing else but read for 3 hours but don't feel like spending a lot of $$$.
Overall? RUN, DON'T WALK, TO LOOSE LEAF LOUNGE RIGHT NOW!! -
Review from Susie C.
Chicago, IL
Favorite spot in the neighborhood. Always comfortable. Always high quality food and tea. Not expensive. Nice music selections, usually satellite radio.
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Review from Lauren H.
Chicago, IL
This place is quickly becoming my favorite "spot". The staff is warm and friendly...even in the early morning. I love their "Simpleton" breakfast sandwich! But more than that I have grown to truly adore the Metropolis coffee they serve. All around great place with good service and delicious products.
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Review from Johnny T.
Up until today, each time I passed this place, I was in a tug-of-war battle with the #36 bus. The stop is outside the cafe and the bus almost never comes. I walk there, stand, scowl (at the non-coming bus), look inside (LL -- and think, "How sad that no one's in there."), turn back to look for the bus, scowl, and start walking north (many times getting to my destination before a bus ever came). Today, I went inside the Looseleaf and I am glad I did so.
I like the word play in the name. Does it refer to paper/writing/school/studying? Or, does it apply to the tiny little tea leaves in Tetley tea? In any case, the words work. I sat down on the park bench just below the window nook seating, took out my lap top, started to do some work, got wise, and ordered food. This isn't a restaurant; it's a tea joint. That said, the food and service are pretty good. I ordered a tuna sandwich and a tall Thai Iced Tea. The sandwich came with choice of chips or veggies (carrots and celery). Much to my doctor's chagrin, I went with the chips. I really need to start doing *some* sort of physical activity. Sigh.
The tea was yummy. I love the two-tone look of it and the sweet taste is just sweet enough to satisfy but not so sweet as to not allow you to finish it. A large is $2. The sandwich came on a nice-sized dinner plate with a good quantity of chips (plain). The sandwich was tuna on thick multi-grain, cheese and veggies. A substantial sandwich with some sort of health appeal. I can dig it.
As warmer weather promises to come on the horizon, I can see myself coming back here for some Thai Iced Tea, some sort of healthy-ish nosh, wi-fi, and an online to-do list. Thankfully, the #36 will have nothing to do with the visit.
P.S. I never saw one come during my stay at the LL L. One day, CTA...Listed in: Who Are The People In Your…, I Get My Kicks On Bus #36, Tea Hee
