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Prairie Bread Kitchen
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants Sandwiches Bakeries, Sandwiches [Edit]
103 N Marion St(between North Blvd & Lake St)
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 445-1234
- Nearest Transit:
-
Harlem-Green (Green Line)
Oak Park-Green (Green Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 5:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for Prairie Bread Kitchen
Review Highlights
"Now serving Intelligentsia coffee."
(in 6 reviews)
"...big sweets fan, but would love to try the Lemon Pound Cake."
(in 3 reviews)
"...coffee (Intelligentsia) and the baked goods are delicious."
(in 4 reviews)
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Maureen M.
Western Springs, IL
1/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
This is one of my favorite places to buy bread. I've tried most of their breads and haven't been disappointed yet.
My new discovery here is their sandwiches. I like the fact that you fill out the paper with all the delicious ingredients you want on your sandwich. Was happy to find out that Smoked Gouda is one of the cheese options for the sandwiches.
Of course I had to try the cookies here. Quite good, my favorite dessert treat here is the ruggelach. Can't go wrong with anything you choose.
The staff is quite friendly. I haven't had a bad experience yet and that is why I keep coming back. -
Review from Cintya P.
12/12/2011 1 photo
I've grown to really like this place. Not for their coffee or sandwiches to be exact, but just for the fact that's a comforting spot to grab some lunch with friends. I just came back from Prairie Bread Kitchen and remembered I've been forgetting to write a review.
I got a cup of their chili and a latte. Mind I say, the latte had a perfect foamy top to it! I was very pleased that the barista was able to make 2% milk for me because I really did not want skim or whole milk. Also, the chili was hearty and seasoned just right and was the perfect serving and piping hot!
Every time I come here I get the best service! This place is really a great asset to the neighborhood, especially if you tire of Panera. -
Review from Renita M.
11/22/2011
Monday, 4:30 pm.
I had last eaten around noon -- a banana -- and my tummy was rumbling. I also wanted a place to sit and chill for a little while. Thanks to Yelp, I knew Prairie Bread Kitchen wasn't too far from where I'd parked. Onward!
It's a pretty simple place -- counter, tables, bar seating facing out to Marion St., with the fresh smell of bread in the air and bread-related quotes on the wall. I had a cafe au lait and the Greek veggie sandwich.
The cafe au lait was made with Intelligensia -- awesome. The sandwich bread was soft and fresh and the veggies were just right. They did fall out kind of easily but I guess that's the downside of a veggie sandwich. It came with Ruffles. That's one tiny nitpick ... if I'm going to eat potato chips I'd rather have good ones (say, Kettle or popchips).
The space is light, bright, smells awesome and is right next to the Metra/El tracks ... can't get much better than that.
Just a note, though ... I don't care how awesome your perfectly roasted coffee beans from your hipster coffee company are, dude, you are preventing a customer from ordering with your blather so stop trying to persuade the poor barista/register lady to switch companies. At least wait until I've ordered. Sheesh. -
Review from Virginia M.
Oak Park, IL
10/22/2011
YUM YUM YUM!!
FRESH!! Everything here is soooo good!
We come here every week for lunch! Salad, soup, sandwich, pastry...can't go wrong! Cafe is great too!
Very affordable prices! Very friendly service!
Def our favorite spot for lunch in OP!! -
Review from Shigeru O.
Oak Park, IL
10/13/2011
I stopped by this place to get an Italian bread yesterday. Baked daily, very fresh and great taste.
However, I had to drop two stars. The reason - I asked the girl to slice the bread. She didn't put gloves on after touching money with her hands. Bad moves... -
Review from Tamar D.
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
We stopped in here, which is at the base of the Red Line in Oak Park. The baked goods were yummo; we enjoyed the oat bar, and the mini muffins. I tried the quiche in the morning, which was fairly bland, but it hit the I-need-something-warm breakfast spot.
The folks in there are super nice and there were a number of regulars that showed up during both of our visits.
They also keep out samples to taste, and I have to say the cherry danish was delicious. Warmed, and next to coffee in your mouth, and it would be divine. -
Review from Liz W.
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another great lunch spot in Oak Park. They don't have a crazy huge menu, just some simple sandwiches and soups that rotate daily. I've tried their cajun chicken panini. It was super cheesy and kind of reminded me of a grilled cheese sandwich. Ive also had their smoked turkey sandwich and chilli. The chilli was awesome. Filled with flavor and not huge chunks of pepper and onions. You can get half a sandwich with soup for about $7, but if you get a full sandwich with soup it can easily cost over $10. My office also orders their pastries and cookies. Everything I've tried has been delicious.
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Review from Kristin S.
Western Springs, IL
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty consistent with being good. I usually get a turkey sandwich, very plain, but good. Of course the bread is fresh and delicious. This time I had the tomato basil soup in a bread bowl (sourdough) and it was wonderful! Highly recommended-- it has a bit of cream in it, which makes it rather yummy!
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Review from Sarah R.
Forest Park, IL
10/2/2011
Great for: coffee, bread, cookies, sandwiches. Have never really been impressed by their soups. I'm not sure what it is about my luck, but I've never received the poor service other reviewers have mentioned. Maybe it's because I don't show up at closing time?
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Review from Maria C.
6/18/2011
I've eaten here a few times during the week for lunch and each time, the food has been really delicious. They've got fantastic salads and the sandwiches hit the spot, too. I've also sampled their brownies and those are amazing, too. The food is fresh and healthy and tasty. Price is on par with a Panera.
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Review from Cristina T.
Riverside, IL
6/12/2011
I love this place! Been here a few times for salads/sandwiches or just for a cup of coffee. They serve Intelligentsia, which I love. The pastry case is to die for as is the bread. A nice place to hang out and relax-not once have I felt rushed. Service is friendly and fast. Will be back here many times to come!
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Review from Monique M.
River Forest, IL
2/15/2011
My mom and I went here to get cinnamon rolls.
They were absolutely delicious. Very tasty and soft, best I've ever had. Really nice atmosphere and very friendly staff. -
Review from Laine K.
5/30/2011
So I can't speak to the bread part of this business, however, the service, the coffee and a good amount of the sweet goods are fantastic. That's right people I'm writing another "fantastic" heavy review. I love the service. They are always patient with my indecisiveness and make great suggestions. One day I flip-flopped back and forth on what level of creaminess my latte should be and the response was priceless: "Just go all in and get the whole milk; it's Sunday! Live a little!" So I love the apricot biscotti and the crispy little short-breads! They have saved me from my growling tummy on more that one occasion. I need to head back and try the bread. There's not an extensive selection though. The only problem i have with this place is that it is a long ways from my current home....... I need to move. :)
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Review from Peter B.
Oak Park, IL
12/29/2010
Good soups, tasty and well-seasoned. The portions are really small, though. Their bowls are more on the order of cups. How about making those cups a bit bigger, PBK? Maybe they have? I haven't been in a few months, and I see that they are under new management? Hopefully they have not changed the recipe for their Lemon Pound Cake. It is awesome. The icing tastes like pure lemon. Wonderful!
The girls who work at the counter are very friendly and will remember you if you visit more than once or twice. It feels like a nice, small town, homey place. -
Review from Jelena Z.
1/13/2010
Oooh, Prairie Bread Kitchen, I like you!
Very clean, bright (lots of natural light with windows facing the street) and sparkly coffee shop/bakery. They do sandwiches, soups, a variety of baked goods including muffins and cookies and of course, fresh baked breads! I only had a regular latte but the cookies were definitely begging for adoption by my tempted stomach!
They serve Intelligentsia coffee (my fave!) and the counter staff is a delight. Free wi-fi, too! -
Review from Kelly S.
Chicago, IL
4/26/2009
We stopped in here today for a late lunch. The place was really quiet and 45 minutes til closing. The girls at the counter were friendly enough though not overly welcoming. It was obviously near the end of their shift.
We both ordered the soup and sandwich combos. Approx $7.00 each. 1/2 Sandwich and a Bowl of Soup.
Real turkey here boys and girls! Not the slimey perfectly round stuff ya find at other sandwich joints. And the bread... 7 grain baked fresh on site. Lots of veggie topping options to chose from. All making for the PERFECT sandwich.
The soups were both excellent as well. Mushroom Barley Beef... real beef chunks and loaded with veggies. Tomato Bisque... creamy tomato goodness.
One very large peanut butter cookie to end this sweet meal. Glorious texture and flavor. The perfect marriage of chewy and crunchy.
Unfortunately, it was raining this afternoon or we would have enjoyed the outdoor seating.
* Now serving Intelligentsia coffee!
** Free WiFi.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Rhonda G.
Updated - 5/16/2009
No breakfast, the next meal is hours away...help!
Stopped in here for a quick little snack to get my energy levels back to normal. One Apple walnut muffin and steaming cup of java later and i'm back to normal.
well, my version of normal.
Need a boost before you hop on the el? get it here.Listed in: Oak Park, Breakfast of cheapskates...I…, COFFEE, TEA, and Me
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/6/2008
So I usually go here for a muffin or coffee every now and then but today I thought I would branch… Read more »
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Review from Cher M.
5/8/2009
This is the place that keeps me upright most mornings. They serve Intelligentsia Coffee, and a LARGE one of those (dark, no sugar, no cream) combined with a scone (pretty much any kind is delicious, although I'm thinking of adopting the Cherry Almond one as my own and bringing it -and all of its relatives- to my home...and then devouring them) and my morning is off to a pretty good start for $4.34
Service is QUICK even when the line in almost out the door. I've never (knock on wood) been late for my train even when I'm cutting it super close, i.e. 3 minutes or less. The staff starts to recognize you after a few days, and most mornings I don't even have to say what I want, they have it for me before I can even ask.
I've never had lunch here, but I drag every single person who visits me here for breakfast. Much better coffee than Starbucks (down the street) and more convenient for people like me who can't remember to set up their coffee maker at night *sigh* -
Review from Tim G.
Riverside, IL
12/8/2010
Tasty sandwiches, great muffins, good coffee, and quick service.
I typically come here when I want a quick breakfast out. The coffee never disappoints, but isn't the best I've ever had (Cafe Velite/Cupcake Royale in Seattle).
The cinnamon rolls are interesting. My wife's not a fan, but I am. They seem to have quite a bit of honey in them and some of it is carmelized. They're not overly sweet like most. They're different and I like it.
The muffins are also worth mention. The zucchini muffin is a favorite, but chocolate and the others are good too.
Sandwiches are whatever you want them to be. They can be bland and boring, or tasty and complex. It's like making a sandwich at home, but having a much wider variety of ingredients available. Pair them with a hot cup of soup for a nice wintertime lunch. -
Review from Taylor B.
Glen Ellyn, IL
10/14/2010
Prairie Bread Kitchen is everything good about Oak Park. Awesome, friendly staff. Ridiculously tasty breads. Delicious pastries. And, Intelligentsia coffees, which are amazing.
Do not miss their Cranberry Orange scones, Cinnamon Indulgence bread, Lemon Pound Cake, or Raisin Brioche! -
Review from Katherine K.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2009
Are there state laws governing the closing time of soup and sandwich places? (ie like liquor laws?) My family and I walked in at 5:15 (closing time is 5:30 on Saturdays, I believe) and I could not believe how the employees acted towards us...
I ordered a potato soup (it was wonderful) and was given my choice of bread (natch) however when I opened the bag, the bread was wrong, but I was tired and wanted my hot soup and didn't want to deal with going back to the counter and standing in line for the right slice of bread.
The others I was with ordered bottled drinks and 2 sandwiches (one being a simple PB&J). The staff then started making snarky comments about making sandwiches at closing time. Huh? The door was not locked when we arrived, so what did you think we were coming in for?
At 5:30 out rolled the vacuum cleaner, and Bob Marley at a very high volume! Much like a bar that might turn it's lights on and music off to lure you out, these girls wanted us out!!! I get that it's closing time, but this type of service makes one never want to return.
C'mon management, have a talk with your staff! -
Review from April P.
Brookfield, IL
I love the Prairie Bread Kitchen. It is open and light and cheerful. The great big windows are a nice touch. I'm used to coffee houses having a dark atmosphere which is cozy in the wintertime, but not what I'm looking for in the summer. Also, they have wireless. That is always a huge plus : )
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Review from Sherry Y.
Urbana, IL
5/18/2011
Adore this place. On a corner location, super homey feel. You can see into the kitchen from the front counter to watch them bake bread. They even have a little library for the kiddies, to keep them busy during lunch play dates. Decoration is very cutesy and its a nice place to take kids if you're a parent. Intelligentsia coffee served here. Love the sourdough soup bowls and their signature chili for a late fall lunch. Everything in the bakery is top notch, though, especially the lemon bars. Try out everything, you'll be rewarded. ^ ^
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Review from Joan K.
Bloomingdale, IL
3/26/2011
Bread... Yes.... Pastries... Yes, Soups... Yes.... Sandwich, ummm... Naw. Roast beef sandwich, the beef was that awful stuff that Arby's pass off as beef. Yuk.
The chives and blue cheese bread was wonderful. I wanted a loaf to go, but understandably, they were sold out. Italian bread was wonderful. Squash soup was good as well.
Stick with the breads/pastries..you'll be happy. -
Review from Tracey M.
6/30/2008
The first four stars is for the food and service I received. The fifth is for the extra thought the person helping me had by offering to wrap-up half my sandwich for later since I had mentioned I really just hungry enough for half a sandwich. I'm a big fan of sourdough bread and theirs passed with flying colors.
I will definitely go back for another sandwich - or maybe possibly one of their many baked goods and a smoothie! -
Review from Tim C.
Oak Park, IL
3/30/2011
The food, cookies, pastries, and of course the bread are all top notch. The location is great and the interior is warm and inviting. However, the best feature of Prairie Bread is the service! In particular if you are fortunate enough to meet Dana and Abby you are in for a treat. In fact, I became a daily customer after Dana started working here (I followed her here after Lido's Café closed)
Try the Tomato Herb bread and the Espresso and Cappuccinos' are great too. -
Review from Sam S.
River Forest, IL
2/3/2008
Really good scones, esp in the morning when they're fresh out of the oven (what isn't!). They close at 3:30 on Sunday but the owner let us stay till 4 without throwing us strange looks at all. Wish they stayed open later.
They don't make baguette which is a shame! -
Review from Tina M.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2010
Had a latte that tasted like water with a little bit of chocolate. I was really disappointed.
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Review from Janet E.
3/7/2010
I've only tried two items from here and both were delicious! I had the chocolate expresso cupcake (no frosting for those that like cupcakes). The cake was very moist and kept its moisture, despite sitting in my bag for almost the entire day half eaten. I also bought an entire loaf of banana bread. They offer to slice the bread for you, but in my opinion, the bread dries out faster if you have it pre-sliced. The bread was delicious! Very moist. Prices here are very reasonably cheap and staff was very willing to help. Just an FYI, they do not take AMEX here.
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Review from Edward H.
Chicago, IL
5/27/2006
If only this place was closer to home or work! Prairie has some mucho tasty goodies all freshly baked, coffee done right, and various soups and sandwiches that can put Panera to shame. I'm completely hooked on the crack cocaine that they label as apple bread.
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Review from Rachel F.
Oak Park, IL
11/19/2008
This is my closet bakery/coffeeshop. It's a convenient location as it is right next to the el and metra train stations. I like it and have been there many times but sometimes I feel like I go there because there's no real competition. It is definitely overpriced. Also there is not enough variety in the bakery selection. I recommend it but there are definitely better choices out there.
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Review from Tina C.
Oak Park, IL
10/8/2009
This place doesn't even deserve my review. The staff is soooooo RUDE. The coffee was really horrible. It's small, and the menu is nothing to brag about. Please don't waste your time going here.....
Listed in: Worst places to eat around…
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Review from Disa J.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2009
I had a delicious raspberry 'pie' cookie. Fantastic. This is a near perfect bakery just off the end of the Green line at Harlem. They have Intelligentsia and plenty of goodies. The sandwiches are always made with fresh ingredients. Interesting soups or chili combine for a great soup and sandwich lunch in Oak Park. If the WiFi worked really well, I'd add 1/2 star in the commentary here. They advertise it and I've been unable to use it since last year. I'm a fan of the delectable goodies.
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Review from Lindsey A.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2010
The most amazing, soft, buttery, sweet, delicious cookies this mouth has ever tasted. Bread freshly baked by the loaf or slice. Homemade soups and chowders served with or without A-OK sandwiches (that are better if dunked in said soup) or even greater! -- get it in a bread bowl and trim the edges off for dunking purposes. Love the coffee in the morning with a pecan roll. There's not a bad word to be had about this place.
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Review from Annie S.
Oak Park, IL
4/17/2006
Wow! I was so surprised to find this on here! I work here and it is a great little bakery. All the breads are so fresh and really delicious. The sandwiches are made the way you order it on your choice of daily bread. They also have a great selection of muffins, cookies, and scones made everyday. Also, they have a espresso bar with any coffee drink you can think of. Its a great spot.
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Review from Becky S.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2007
Love this place. Everything is delicious, and it's not outrageously priced (although it's not cheap, either). I wish they had a bit more variety, but better to do a few things very well than a lot of things mediocre-ly.
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Review from Colleen B.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2008
I go there almost every week to get a cup of soup for lunch. Super cheap, very tasty, and comes with a big piece of the best bread I've ever had. Their cookies and pound cake and such rules, too. The staff is very friendly, but sometimes things are a little slow. I've told my whole office about this place and now they go there too. yum yum.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Oak Park, IL
Updated - 8/4/2008
The soups are quite salty and very thick. The service has gone down in the past few months with the people behind the counter getting things wrong. Honey Mustard is NOT a substitute for Dijon. You need to be too specific when you order. When you ask for soup and sandwich to go, I often get soup and HALF a sandwich. Either someone behind the counter is getting rude and trying to make a comment or they just don't pay attention to what you want. I say go 1 block south and eat at the Cheese Market!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2008
Staff is supper friendly and leave you to your own business. Very refreshing in this age. I do… Read more »
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Review from Ethel M.
Chicagoland, IL
Updated - 7/10/2010
Under new management? Uh oh.
I went with my friend and selected an apricot biscotti which tasted yuck. It wasn't biscotti. It was like a banana- shaped undercooked over-funked up scone.
I asked the server-who looked to be the younger sister of this wonderfully cheerful awesome customer service skilled African-American girl who USED to work there- what I should do and this little person gave me lip. I mean like, exCUSE me what did you say? sort of attitude.
I thought wow. How many people I have brought to this place only to encounter attitude from this little person.
I traded for an actual lemon poppy score which wasn't very good either. My friend and I talked about how, because you don't eat this stuff every day it's got to be good.
I'm bumming.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/21/2010
I love this place. Coffee is good. Staff is nice. And you can go there and get yourself a slice of… Read more »
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Review from Regina D.
Oak Park, IL
2/5/2010
My son and I visit the bakery for our weekly treat of Cinnamon Indulgence. Lately, I've been trying the other fresh baked breads, such as the Amber Waves Whole Grain and Spinach Feta Cheese, which is to die for. I'm sure the Intelligentsia coffee is great, but I'm a tea lover..so bags are ok, but I prefer loose leaf. Not a big sweets fan, but would love to try the Lemon Pound Cake. The space and lighting is tasteful. The art displayed on the walls helps strike up conversations with strangers and the staff has been great. I live only two blocks away, which makes it a great neighborhood eatery.
