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Pura Belleza Coffee & Art - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Breakfast & Brunch, Art Galleries [Edit]
2161 N Western Ave(between Shakespeare Ave & Palmer St)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhoods: Logan Square, Bucktown
(773) 276-1146
- Nearest Transit:
-
Western-O'Hare (Blue Line)
California-O'Hare (Blue Line)
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Carol K. said: "Calming, although not serene. Delicious, but not pretentious. Friendly but not overbearing service. I don't know if I was still in the "zen moment" of the dance class I went to before eating here or what, but Kingsbury Street Cafe…" read more »
90 reviews for Pura Belleza Coffee & Art
Review Highlights
"I fell head over heels with the stuffed french toast."
(in 6 reviews)
"The cafe con leche is super yummy."
(in 6 reviews)
"Breakfast wrap + chai tea latte = Heaven."
(in 5 reviews)
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90 reviews in English
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Review from Paul H.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2010
I've only ordered delivery........
awesome Breakfast-Burrito....
Cant eat dairy...they make it work, even with their smoothies...soy milk to the rescue!
I have ordered delivery from here for breakfast at least 30 times, and never a problem. I do order through grub-hub.....might solve your problems (previous posts).
Boy i get soooo excited on my days off, waking, walking to the computer, and ordering from this place. Soooo goooood.
Soy Berry smoothie...extra berries....best thing I have ever tasted. -
Review from Nichole C.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2010
I really wanted to like this place, it's the closest breakfast to my house. The food was ok and the service was amiable but poor.
The waitress really didn't understand English, I asked for my eggs poached and they came fried, we were served toast instead of pancakes but since it wasn't actually toasted you'd have to call it just bread, we had to ask twice for butter and they don't refill your coffee.
I might be back but only due to proximity. -
Review from Christopher P.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2010
I've ordered delivery from this place three times now, and apparently this is all after a management change so my criticism might be a little unfounded since I have no way of comparing it to the old regime, but I found this place to be a little bit of a let down.
I had heard that Pura Belleza was THE PLACE to go to for a nice breakfast, and while I did find the stuffed french toast to be delicious (I've had it twice, once with with the orange marmalade cream and another with the strawberry mascarpone), everything else that I've ordered was a bit underwhelming.
I've tried a burger which was smashed when it arrived at my house, an omelette which was undercooked and covered in a nasty sort of sour cream, and their recommended Turkey on Fire sandwich which was bland and lacking in the "fire" department. Delivery is slow too.
I will most likely not order from this place again... but it makes me wonder what a delight this joint was when it was still under it's orignal owner's control... -
Review from Chris L.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2010
I have only been there about three times, and had no idea that they changed management until now. It explains why our breakfast experience was so dreadful last weekend.
My wife ordered the chilaquiles, and I ordered a breakfast croissant, unsure whether she heard me or not, i said it again. An hour and half later (and after my wife went up and reminded the waitress that we are still waiting), two croissants showed up on our table. I asked the waitress why are there two croissants, and she snapped back "You said it twice!"
Apparently, they lost our order and just thought we're happy to hang out there indefinitely. On top of that, they still got the order wrong. I just can't believe the incompetency. -
Review from Brad R.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2010
I absolutely loved Pura Belleza. I live in the neighborhood, and for the past three years I've eaten there at least once a week. The breakfast wrap was absolutely delicious, as was the chicken torta, the mexican burger and the chilaquilas. The best part of the experience was always chatting with the owners Rudi and Monica, two genuinely wonderful people whose kindness and culinary talent defined Pura Belleza.
As of March 2010, something has happened, and neither Rudi and Monica nor any of their staff are involved with the cafe anymore. I cannot recommend this place under its new ownership. Keep in mind that any reviews you read pre-March 2010 are reviews of the Rudi and Monica days, when it was a real gem. -
Review from Sam G.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2010
We went there for breakfast this morning, and the place had changed. We go there for our favorite chilaquiles and cubano espresso. It seemed like the new management had no clue as to what was going on. After getting our watery latte and not-very-cubano espresso gave us what we thought was a preview of what was to come, we cancelled the rest of our order.
My girlfriend and I are sad to have seen such a gem of mexican cuisine change to a cheap pearl.
To the previous owners: If you are planning to open somewhere else, let us know. We will be there. -
Review from Began T.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2010
I've been here twice; the first was decent enough (and inexpensive enough) to warrant a second go, but the second trip was a terrible nightmare. The most recent venture we got coffee (when we asked for Chai), undercooked pancakes (straight-up runny batter in the middle) and a completely mushy and oily tex-mex skillet that left my stomach churning. The end bill came up to over twenty dollars, but we were in such a rush to leave we didn't even argue about it. Hands down the worst breakfast place we've ever been to. Ever.
They should consider just selling the art, since that was the only aspect of the place that had any quality. -
Review from Tanya M.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2010
I ordered breakfast here for delivery, which showed up about an hour and 15 minutes later. Wrong order!
I called the restaurant and they said they'd replace it. Cool. The delivery guy returned about 45 minutes later with the correct dish.
I checked the order to make sure it was right this time. He then asked for the 1st box back!!! What the hell are they going to do with it?? Just seemed really strange, but I gave it back since I wasn't going to eat it. I hope no on else gets served the food that was incorrectly delivered to me!
My boyfriend finished his meal by that time and said it was just "average diner food, not good". He got the steak fajita skillet, so I guess this isn't the place to go for that.
My stuffed french toast with Nutella was decent, big portion too (4 full slices of Texas style toast). Probably would even like it normally, but not worth the 2 hour wait.
Wish I'd read the reviews within the last week with the new ownership before ordering! -
Review from Sam S.
River Forest, IL
6/1/2009
Pronunciation: 'Poo-ra Buh'yezza
Type of Business: Breakfast/brunch/lunch haven nestled inside a bright space full of interesting collection of artworks and handicrafts
First Impression: Charming
Impression After 27 Visits: Charming
Number of Tables: 4 and sufficient
Parking: Plenty on Western and sidestreets
Don't Miss: Breakfast wrap, breakfast croissant, vege omelet, paninis
Must-Have Drinks: Freshly squeezed OJ, freshly made coffee - per cup, mind you
Looking Forward To: Expanded smoothie menu
Occasional Eye Candy: Well-behaved canine faithfully sitting on the sidewalk while his/her owner is enjoying a breakfast wrap and freshly squeezed OJ inside
Extremely Jealous Of: Their gigantic OJ juicer
Conclusion: An oasis in the desert of the Western strip -
Review from kim w.
Kansas City, MO
2/20/2007
One of Chicago's BEST KEPT SECRETS.
If you've been to authentic Mexico or imagine visiting ever in your live-long life, do yourself a favor and plant yourself firmly within the heart of Purabelleza: Have a seat on the couch.
This place is tiny, full of genuine character, brimming with charm.
The owners are precious people, pleased to see new faces in their shop, and extremely appreciative of your local-business support.
The coffee/espresso drinks are perfect.
Every sandwich and salad I've enjoyed here has been well made -nearly 'crafted', plentiful by portion, savory, and slim by price.
The traditional art displayed across the room removes you from the bustle of outdoor bumper-to-bumper Western Ave and invites you to explore region-specific handiworks, mostly straight out of Oaxaca on to those Purabelleza shelves.
It is a great spot to study/read, and they've a great stash of Mexico books if you're in need of immediate learning materials. Oddly, always someone there asks me if I speak Spanish. I do not -horrific but true, and now I wish I could speak Spanish so much so in fact, I've considered hiring a tutor and meeting only at Purabelleza for intensive language sessions. (Maybe an exaggeration, but the sentiment is the same.)
Purabelleza has a very simple setting. No need to be complex. It is all about quality and comfort.
I've seen a sturdy handful of regulars, locals...and skeletons.
I like skeletons. Plenty of 'em tucked here and there amongst bright cheerful colors and the lovely crafts.
A reminder: The coffee is good. Really good.
Great hot chocolate too!
Check it out. Please do.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Brad C.
Chicago, IL
10/28/2007
I am always on the lookout for a new place to get a cup of coffee and I have seen this place in the passing a few times.
Over the weekend while running some errands, the finance and I decided to grab a drink togo. I went with a regular coffee, which was very tasty. She ended up getting a chai latte and wouldn't stop going on about how good it was. No Oregon chai mix here, this is real chai tea with the tea leaves still at the bottom of the cup. The owners were super nice and the food menu looked really tasty (too bad we had just eaten breakfast). They have a bunch of art / craft items you can buy along with candles and some bath soaps. I'll be back for sure for coffee and I absolutely will be getting a chai for the finance as well.Listed in: Chicago Coffee
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Review from Helena B.
4/25/2009
I am so delighted that this place is in my neighborhood! I wandered in today mainly to get out of the rain and was immediately blissed out.
As you head back to the counter to order, you pass walls covered in Mexican art and handicrafts and a display case full of jewelry. Everything appears to be for sale, so take some time to browse.
The food menu is quite extensive - salads, sandwiches, wraps, assorted Mexican staples. I ordered the spinach quesadilla and took a seat by the window. The food arrived at my table a short while later looking fresh and delicious. The crowning glory, however, was the house-made guacamole. Thick, chunky, and full of onions - just the way I like it.
All the people working today couldn't have been nicer - they were exactly the kind of people you'd want your money supporting.
The whole time I was there I couldn't stop thinking about how I couldn't wait to take my mom and sister here. My mom's not a coffee drinker, but they had plenty of other drinks she'd enjoy (including 2 kinds of Mexican hot chocolate!). -
Review from Miss B.
Chicago, IL
7/3/2009
Wow!! This place is AMAZING. They're one of the few places in my area that delivers breakfast until 3pm. That's pretty awesome. Food is great for the prices.
On top of that, I accidentally over tipped the delivery guy by $8 and he actually CAME BACK AND RETURNED THE MONEY. If THAT isn't absolutely amazing customer service then I don't know what is. I am still in shock.
A++++ in my book. -
Review from Rebecca T.
Marina del Rey, CA
10/10/2007
Hidden gem alert!!! I was looking for a place to camp out and read before meeting a friend at the movie theater at 6:30pm, and came across this place.
It's old-school, traditional Mexican charm in here; I was instantly welcomed and there was hand made pottery and jewelry on display also for sale. I had a turkey panini with spinach, tomato, and provolone on perfectly crunchy bread - it was $7 but HUGE! The lovely woman brought it to my table and offered me chips. I asked if I could get something healthier, and she brought me back a generous bowl of red and green grapes. It was perfect.
They also have free wireless - check it out. I'm so glad I did! :) -
Review from Brittany C.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2009
Breakfast with a side of Rueben? Why not!
Have you ever been in that weekend quandary where you and your roommate/significant other/spouse/mom would like to break the fast with different meals? You want breakfast. They want lunch. What to DO? Yes, brunch is a remedy, but what if you don't want to leave the comfort of your own bed/couch/trailer? Do you order from the bakery or the deli? Do you need to actually get out of bed and shower to go to the swanky brunch places down the street?
La Pura Belleza is the answer. Breakfast items (pancakes, omelets, skillets) comingle with lunch favorites like burgers and a variety of sandwiches. Even some quesadillas thrown in for good measure.
It gets better. How could it possibly, you ask? By delivering hot (or cold, if iced is you choice) coffee right to your front door.
The food I've had has all been good and abundant for the price. I have even been known to order both my breakfast and dinner so I don't even need to think about food on lazy Sundays when hunger arise again! I know, it's a genius plan...
I cannot tell you what the place looks like or even really WHERE it is. But while laying in bed with a latte and pancakes, the view is excellent.
And the delivery boy---I'll have side of that as well. -
Review from Debbye C.
La Grange, IL
9/22/2010
I thought parking was going to be a problem but I found plenty. Food and coffee were delicious.
Definitely will go back when I'm in the area! -
Review from Todd-Sara S.
Chicago, IL
8/13/2008
Pura Belleza is the type of cozy little nook that you always wanted in your neighborhood to hang out at; I offer my highest recommendations for everyone to enjoy peace and good food and drink at this establishment. The owners are always friendly and you'd swear they were long time friends with everyone that comes in. The coffee is great, the tea selection is wonderful, and the breakfast wrap is one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten wrapped in a tortilla.
Generally, sitting inside Pura Belleza transports me to a blue-skied, white sand beach, exotic location and I entirely forget that I'm actually sitting in Chicago on Western Avenue. -TS -
Review from Jess S.
Chicago, IL
12/20/2009
I honestly don't have anything original to add. Except I LOVED my breakfast burrito. And if I lived closer, I'd go more often.
Cute place, neighborhoody, very limited seating, reliable quality. -
Review from Mike S.
Alexandria, VA
8/16/2007
I've walked by this place on my way to work nearly every day since I moved to the neighborhood a few weeks ago, so today I decided to try it out for lunch.
The store looks minuscule from the outside, but is actually quite deep with a good amount of little tables to sit at, along with one pretty comfy sofa. There are a few magazines around to read, if you don't have your own material on you. On both walls are shelves displaying arts, crafts, and jewelry, and in the back is the counter where you can order food. Protip: pay attention to the chalkboards, as they have some tasty items on them that aren't on the paper menu.
Although the sandwich I ordered (artichoke, sun-dried tomato, goat cheese) took a rather long time to come up, it was very well-made and the flavors balanced themselves nicely. I really liked how the herbal kick to the goat cheese kept the sun-dry restrained. They also appear to have a selection of muffins and brownies, for dessert.
The guy behind the counter was incredibly friendly, and actually engaged me in conversation while ringing me up. I only got takeout today, but I can see myself returning in the future with a good book and a few spare hours to kill. -
Review from Phil T.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2009
It was only a week or so before we were to leave the neighborhood that we began to appreciate Pura Belleza. They have fresh, flavorful food for reasonable prices, including a strong delivery menu, and excellent drinks. I loved the Fruit blend smoothie--perfectly refreshing on a hot day.
The art there is also worth checking out. Lots of colorful figurines, ceramics, and handcrafts. Fun place. We'll for sure stop by again when we're in the neighborhood. -
Review from Kim V.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/3/2010
Okay so it's under new management - I still had a STELLAR breakfast there today. I just don't see why anyone is giving them 1 star! Was there some sort of drama that has instigated a backlash against the new owners? Because, they seemed lovely.
As for the food/service: The coffee was as good as always (although they were out of my beloved Chai Tea for a latte...sniff). My breakfast burrito was outstanding, my husband's eggs with steak and beans were AMAZING, and the staff was really friendly! The owner even came over to make sure we were enjoying our meal and again asked if were pleased when we were paying.
Overall, it's a cute neighborhood place that I wish I lived within walking distance of.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/2/2009
Oh my gosh -- their Chai Tea Lattes are out of this world. If you're used to the starbucks kinds,… Read more »
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Review from Robin W.
12/3/2009
The breakfast burrito is money! The chipotle sauce definitely makes the burrito! Everyone who works here is super friendly - definitely is a mom-and-pop atmosphere... tiny with only 5 tables... kitchsy Latino knickknacks for sale all over the place.
And best of all... if you are too lazy (hungover, still drunk, naked) they DELIVER BREAKFAST! Just get dressed before they arrive...Listed in: More eggs!, Logan Square is where it's at!
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Review from Tiffany S.
Oakland, CA
11/28/2008
This place is sooo great! I love that it's so close to me! I will be back again and again.
The coffee is good. The food is good. And big portions for very decent prices. The workers are sooo nice. There's lots of interesting art, trinkets, and even plants to look at. Very cozy atmosphere. Music's not loud. Good for studying, working, reading, breakfast, lunch, brunch, snack, to-go... go there now. Free wifi. -
Review from Rodolfo C.
Chicago, IL
9/13/2010
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!
This place is pathetic. The service is nice but the quality and handling of this food is an embarrassment to all establishments.
First and foremost, the service is acceptable. Only the waitress, manager and cook are on hand.
The menu is overdone for such a small establishment and the decorations are subpar.
I can say that the cuban cafe con leche was the only acceptable feature at this poorly constructed excuse that was a brunch setting.
My girlfriend ordered the pancake special (3 pancakes, 2 scrambled eggs and 3 slices of bacon).
The eggs were fried in excessive oil and the bacon is MICROWAVED! MICROWAVED BACON... This is ridiculous! It speaks volumes towards the quality of there food. The pancakes were ok, too distracted by the sides to really care.
My platter was a complete disaster... I ordered the angus beef burger with hashbrowns. I received less than two ounces of hash that were so burnt and thinned out that I could see through the plate! The chipotle mexican burger was just as bad. Their variation of caramelized onions, roasted poblano peppers and angus beef includes burnt onions, charred peppers and ruined black meat patties. Their buns were purchased in an 8 pk from the generic aldi brand... This is their interpretation of good food. Pathetic.
The waitress noticed my dissatisfaction and asked me what was wrong... I was too upset to tell her at the moment so I fliped the bun and showed her my charred goodness.
She took the plate back and showed it to the manager... She had a passive interest in it. No wonder we where the ONLY two people in the place at noon on a saturday.
As I payed I was given an apology and told that next time I should tell them immediately upon arrival of food. I am AMAZED that they would allow such poor quality to leave their kitchen.
The manager and owner are at fault... Poor quality ingredients...
Greasy eggs, microwaved bacon, burnt onions, charred peppers and carbonized meat. No thank you.
This place is pathetic. -
Review from Rick J.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2009
The best breakfast you can get in Chicago, the end.
It's difficult to really gush about Pura because the restaurant itself is so unassuming. It's small, but there are usually only one or two other tables occupied at any time. There aren't really any dedicated servers, the staff just comes out to help you when they see you sitting. Despite this, the service is always attentive and fast. It gives the restaurant a very laid-back feeling.
But can I talk about the food, forever? Everything I've ever had at Pura Belleza has been fantastic, every single ingredient. I mean, literally. I usually get the breakfast croissant, and it's shocking how good eggs, bacon, cheese and croissant can be. LEVELS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN, YOU GUYS. It couldn't possibly taste fresher. The wraps are fantastic, as well. Just walk in and throw a dart at the menu, for real.
Now I am going to write an entire paragraph about fruit cups. Fruit cups are typically the greatest waste of money at restaurants - you can pay three dollars for a plate of old melon slices and some soggy strawberries if you're lucky. It's a shame, because obviously fruit is pretty wonderful. BUT I HAVE GREAT NEWS, CITIZENS. Pura Belleza serves the greatest fruit cups of all time. The fruit is cut fresh when you order it, and it's all good stuff - instead of cheap melons, you get a ton of berries, kiwi, banana, ugh I am freaking out. You can get an order of this for about $5, but you can get a side for $1. ONE DOLLAR. FUCK.
I don't even have time to talk about the superior coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice, because I am about to vomit from excitement remembering how great this place is. Bye. -
Review from jenise r.
Berwyn, IL
12/18/2009
So low key. I loved the space and the feel of the place.
I came here on a Sunday after work, the place has only about 5 or 6 tables and as soon as I walked in there was only one available. It was meant to be.
I wasn't sure what to do. Sit, stand and wait or walk up to the counter. Since i decided to walk up to the counter but not after I put my coat on one of the seat, just in case. I was tol to have a seat and menus were brought and I ordered a cafe con leche. The cafe was delicious and I ended up ordering the huevos Mexican without jalepenos and a side of refried beans. The meal consisted of eggs made with green and red peppers, onions and tomatoes. I remember how fresh the veggies tasted. It also came with 3 quesadillas, half an avocado and a tomatillo sauce I believe. Everything was just as I wanted.
The place was simple and there was Mexican art and jewelry for sale.
It's a small place so there was only one waiter. He apologized a few times for not noticing us when we were ready and when we needed our check but it wasn't a big deal to me. The food was good so I was happy. -
Review from J G.
Oak Park, IL
11/30/2008
+Great little breakfast, brunch, lunch spot! A little on the small side, but then I don't eat in a lot-I do a lot of take out. Great breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and coffee. Very low key and the owners are always so friendly! Good food for a good price.
- If you're driving parking is so-so. -
Review from Kristina F.
Hoboken, NJ
1/3/2010 3 photos
What a great find this place is! A yummy breakfast, very friendly people and lots of fun Mexican art to look at on the wall. It was hard to pick from the menu, but I went with a traditional continental breakfast and my fiancé had the sausage biscuit.
My gingerbread soy latte was perfectly spiced and had fresh nutmeg sprinkled on top. The french toast was thick and fluffy and the sausage had a really nice flavor. A little greasy, but that's how it's supposed to be, right?
Having breakfast here was the perfect start to the day. If we lived in Chicago, we'd be regulars for sure! -
Review from Sara B.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2009
This place really is a hidden gem...the Boyfriend has been living around the corner for a few years and he and i just checked it out Sunday.
The food: Very good! He got huevos rancheros which came in a green sauce instead of a red you normally see and re-fried black beans. He was impressed and happily full. I got the basic 2 egg breakfast. They forgot the hash browns but bent over backwards to make everything right when the error was discovered. :-)
The drinks: Also very good! He got the coffee with cream & it was yummy. A word I usually don't use for coffee. I am finding myself more fickle with coffee the more I drink it. I got a nice Chai Masala tea and the cup was large and the tea excellent strength and flavor. We also split some of their fresh squeezed OJ for a nice little treat.
The place is small but I love the feel of it. The art around gives the place a distinct mark in little coffee/breakfast joints...all for the better. The staff was amazing too and made the experience really great.
We will be back...many more times! -
Review from Jaye J.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2010
Mr J and I stop in here about once a month or so. No real reason for the infrequent visits, we just have a lot of options around here, so we get distracted. Apparently the place is under new management, so my review is based on the last year or so of coming and really enjoying the food and service. I have only been one time since the new mgt - so we'll see if the quality changes. I thought things were different when we went today, but I didnt realize it was a full change of ownership.
Love the food here. Good hearty sandwiches, great coffee, the best bread pudding I've ever had - it's like crack to me (not on the menu when I went in today-boo)
Mr J had an oatmeal and date smoothie that was really good. When Mr J didnt specify a choice of dairy, they asked for him - I like that. He got a portabella sandwich with roasted red pepper that was delicious and a side of macaroni salad - that was surprisingly good.
I had a delicious Mexican tuna salad torta with avocado. I don't know what made it difference form any other tuna salad sandwich on regular white toast, but it was a very good one. NOt too much mayo and nice crisp lettuce.
The service was outstanding (though the kitchen seemed a bit slow, but nothing unreasonable) and we waited for our meal in a bright, cheery fun atmosphere. We somehow never tried any of the breakfasts, so we will have to get to those soon. A great little sandwich spot and really good coffee and tea selection. -
Review from RJ H.
Portland, OR
2/3/2009
This review is difficult for me to write, as I have enjoyed coming to Pura Belleza for a couple years now. I should've written this entry a long time ago...
It is all but impossible to pinpoint a solitary attribute that makes this family-owned restaurant the special establishment it is. At first glance, there's nothing particularly striking about Pura Belleza. It's an inviting, modest storefront with some plants, a comfortable seating area, lots of color, and a handful of tables with chairs. The room sends out a domestic ambience, almost always quiet, and rarely crowded. The walls and displays are decorated with artwork from Central America (all available for purchase), in keeping with the mostly Mexican-influenced dishes on their well-executed menu. Most importantly, management keeps the space very clean. Half of the kitchen is in open view, and I always notice how impeccably tidy they make a point of keeping it. You can tell this business is cared for and cleaned daily. Bravo!
After my many visits there, Pura easily rose to the top of my list of all-time neighborhood-favorites in Chicago. My ex-boyfriend lived close by this stretch of Western between Fullerton and North, so theirs quickly became our number one establishment in Bucktown for lunchtime treats, breakfast, and coffee. I think we told everyone about it. The pastries are yummy, and they have in-cred-i-ble coffee!
Every item is made fresh to order, so some things take more time than others, but it's well worth the wait, always. The kitchen uses top-notch ingredients, obvious from the quality, and the prices can't be beat. The owners are a lovely couple -- very accommodating and welcoming. Good people.
Bottom line: These folks do it right. With much attention to detail, this modest little restaurant is driven by its orderly kitchen and solid products. Just one of Chicago's many neighborhood joints, striving for superiority. And they have found it. Pura Belleza is the kind of business you won't regret spending money at. I give them five very enthusiastic stars! -
Review from Grace L.
New York, NY
11/18/2009
Best thing to get is the $6 Breakfast Wrap. I applaud the obvious yet surprisingly unpopular practice of mixing the ingredients together before wrapping them up in the tortilla, so you get an even mix of fluffy eggs, cheese and beans in each bite.
It may be better to get it to-go on weekends. They have about four tables and not much standing room, so you may have to last an awkward 20 or 30 minutes of hovering over other people's tables in order to procure one of your own.Listed in: Cheap
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Review from Mike D.
Logan Square, Chicago, IL
1/31/2010
I'm hooked on their breakfast burrito. I usually order delivery from here and the breakfast burrito feeds me twice (the chipotle sauce with the breakfast burrito is yummy - don't skip it!).
Speaking of delivery, the food always shows up hot and in less than an hour. -
Review from love s.
Chicago, IL
12/2/2008
I've seen this nice little spot from afar and finally got around to checking it out! Pura Belleza is a great spot surrounded by colorful decorations of artisanal Mexican-themed knick knacks! And they've got a long list of sandwiches to wet your appetite!!
Friendly and fast service?? Check!
Veggies sandwiches?? Check!
Breakfast menu?? Check!
Coffee?? Check!
I just caught the review of the chai tea being homemade. With the cold weather making me consume mass amounts of hot drinks, this is on my list to try on my next visit!! -
Review from Dave S.
Chicago, IL
11/16/2009
Me and a buddy were headed to Cornerstone Cafe and got lazy and went here, as it's directly across the street from us.
This place is really small and there was barely anyone in there, but it took a while to get out food.
The wait was worth it though, The french toast was brilliant. super good.
Lot of weird arts and crafts, they have a pretty sweet painted donkey statue I had my eyes on the whole meal.
it's really cute and decently price. -
Review from annette f.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2009
This place was totally adorable and delish. Really tiny, maybe 5 tables but so cozy and colorful with all of the great art all around. Hubsters had the spicy hot chocolate and chorizo omelette and I had a cafe con leche and french toast with nutella (nectar of the gods). Our bill was like 20 bucks and worth every dime. Looks like they did plenty of order out and delivery business.
We'll be back for sure. -
Review from Tiff H.
Chicago, IL
12/20/2009
All you need to know
--Freshly squeezed orange juice....it is the best thing ever!
--Spicy tuna torta....delicious, delicious, delicious. The tuna, the avo, the bread...just phenomenal.
--Their breakfast burrito is delightful.
--Food is always fresh and the service is always polite.
Only complaint...the place is very small and you may have to wait for a bit for a table on the weekends. (However, I live within walking distance so I'll be happy to get my stuff to go.) And! The hours are a bit strange...I would love to get a sandwich or something for dinner but by the time I walk past after work, it's always closed.
There's not much you can say about this place...just a cute great brunch/lunch place that usually gets overlooked on Western. A true neighborhood gem.Listed in: Neighborhood Delights...
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Review from seth p.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 12/19/2009
This is, absolutely, the most beautiful breakfast food I have ever seen.
Without being cutesy at all.
This is the best, freshest, green tomatillo sauce I've ever had. And it's also my first time seeing huevos rancheros with green sauce instead of red.
There are two problems with this place:
1) They give you too much food for the money.
2) It's so fresh and good that you'll finish it all.Listed in: Near Northwest Side, Breakfast
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/13/2009
I am really impressed.
Decor is Pilsen style, like Cafe Jumping Bean with infinitely better food.… Read more »
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Review from Temi C.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2009
Pura Belleza offers unexpected freshness and quality. It's by no means upscale, but the items don't leave you with that greasy diner food coma. It's relatively cheap for the quality that you're getting. They offer Boar's head meats and cheeses on their sandwiches.
I like the Western Wrap better than the Breakfast Wrap. They are both big enough for 2 meals! The pancakes are nice and fluffy and the cafe con leche hits the spot. Skip the hashbrowns here.
It's not my favorite breakfast place, but it's a great for something low-key. -
Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2009
Pura Belleza makes me happy. I have both visited their restaurant (which is also an adorable little shop with jewelry and knickknacks, some cultural and some just cute) and had them delivery to me. I can promise that the stuffed french toast is utterly delicious, the scrambled eggs are tasty, the coffee is good and so is the hot chocolate, and that this place leaves everything around it glowing with happiness. Or at least, it leaves me glowing with happiness.
I prefer to order from them not because those who run Pura Belleza aren't wonderful people but because there is still the occasional language barrier and the first time I went in there was a mix up as to which filling I wanted in my stuffed french toast (there are three, I wanted orange marmalade cream and got nutella). Even so, the situation was quickly remedied and we continued to have a lovely time here.
As I said, the people here ARE wonderful and I'm always happy when I go here. Which, come to think of it, should be more often.
