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Starfruit

3.5 star rating
based on 145 reviews

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Wicker Park
1745 W Division St
(between Hermitage Ave & Wood St)
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 328-2900
Nearest Transit:

Division (Blue)

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

145 reviews for Starfruit

Review Highlights   

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"It's frozen kefir, super tasty, and delicious." (in 34 reviews)
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"The place is cute, and you can't compare this with Berry Chill." (in 26 reviews)
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"I was glad to see milk and honey granola and famous cereals as topping…" (in 5 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Molly O.

Elite '09

64

200

Molly O.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/8/2009

I looove kefir, so I was stoked to stop by on this 70 degree November day and have my first taste of the frozen kind. I must have gotten the most winning-est employees, as they walked my bf and I through their this is how we do it spiel and still helped after I looked at them with my *blink* *blink* face.

Yummy, delicious, tart kefir. yum yum yum.

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Photo of Amanda H.

Elite '09

81

241

Amanda H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/4/2009

The first time I came to Starfruit, I was surprised by how much I enjoy frozen kefir. First, I dislike yogurt. Second, I love gelato. I thought it would be a poor stand-in for my beloved gelato. I was prepared to reject it. But instead, I loved it. The tanginess of the original flavor is perfect with pineapple and blueberry, which are my preferred toppings. I'd had Berry Chill previously and loved it, but after eating Starfruit, I prefer the latter. In fact, it's almost ruined icecream for me because icecream is so heavy and cloyingly sweet in comparison. It still hasn't ruined gelato, though...

Oh, as for the four stars: half the time, the service is really awful. Some of the employees act as though it's a chore to get up to come to the counter and serve you. The lazier employees also can't seem to figure out how to put the toppings on in a way that they don't fall off when you try to eat them.

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Photo of Arlene M.

 

6

24

Arlene M.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/28/2009

Okay so here's the deal.

I went there on a thursday nite, i had no intent on going there i was just waiting for my friend to meet me down the street, he told me 8:30, then told me 9:30. sheesh! Goood thing the place was open til about eleven or so.

Anyway, 7 mins or so before walking into this place first 5 minutes was dedicated to glancing in the window as i was walking, looking for the door then realized the window was on the other side. I was definitely a virgin to Kefir. I've never had it in the liquid form, cheese form nor in the frozen form.

The two people there broke down Kefir to me.

Missy and Stephen were totally helpful. Knowledgeable about their product.

I've had every frozen yogurt within Chicago, from Yogen Fruz, Red Mango, Berry Chill.

All these places have cereal, fruit, candy and mochi
but each of these places are unique in their own way as well

Yogen Fruz is innovative with their equipment.
Red mango is very simplistic and sweet.
And Berry Chill is... more advertised and more endorsed?

What STARFRUIT has to offer is a product more healthy than just frozen yogurt.

This place has to offer Kefir in many ways i feel like one should try it out.

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Photo of Genevieve C.

 

1

12

Genevieve C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/24/2009

I loooove frozen kefir and would take it over ice cream any day.  Never thought I'd say THAT.  

Don't knock this place just 'cause you don't like kefir.  That's like giving an ice cream parlor one star because you're lactose intolerant.  It's not the establishment's fault, and it's not anyone else's problem.

Service is...strange, and that's where the one missing star comes in.  Some nights you'll get the sweetest and most friendly, competent staff.  Other nights, you may get anti-socialites who look like they'd rather be anywhere else than doling out pastel probiotics.  But I think the company has been working to improve this.  

The portions are bigger than Berry Chill's, and the product is fresher and tangier.  Give this place a chance--I really think they're on an upward spiral.

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Photo of Sarah W.

Elite '09

20

87

Sarah W.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
9/7/2009

A few sips.. hmmmm..
A few more sips.. ok.
A few more sips.. hey, this is good!

Thus is the gradual mental process going into trying a kefir smoothie.

The flavor of the day was pomegranate and I chose to add in pieces of pineapple to my drink. The combo was lovely, and it is all natural and a good for you treat!

I'm sure I'll be back again, but I wasn't too impressed with the service. The two employees just weren't very friendly. There were people who were just leaving that they were all smiley and nice to, but once we were the only two people in there, and they almost looked bored. They went through the whole here's-how-it-works schpiel, but both had an exterior as frosty as their frozen yogurt! Treat your customers equally, please.

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Photo of Sae K.

 

1

17

Sae K.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
9/9/2009

I'm sorry, but if I'm going to treat myself to a tasty, cold indulgence, I want it be TASTY.  And Kefir just isn't.  

After a disappointing dinner at Bob San with some friends, we wanted to console ourselves with some late night frozen yogurt.  We walked over to Starfruit in the drizzling rain to find the place virtually empty.  

The workers behind the counter seemed almost comatose and bored.  However, they were nice enough to give us samples since none of us had ever tried Kefir before.  Of course, we were too polite to walk away after receiving free samples, so we did our part to help boost the economy and each bought 6 dollars worth of Kefir.

How to describe the taste?  Let's see...if you take frozen yogurt and let it ferment until it gets really sour (assuming, of course, that yogurt ferments), you pretty much have replicated the taste of Kefir.

None of us liked our mounds of inedible iciness, and we actually couldn't stop laughing at how horrible the bottomless bowls of kefir tasted (not inside the establishment, of course...we aren't that heartless).   The laughter softened the blow of our botched attempt at redeeming our night of culinary disappointment.

Yes, the Kefir lovers of the world may unite, but I for one will stay far, far away from Starfruit.

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Photo of Terri M.

Elite '09

16

113

Terri M.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
Updated - 7/23/2009

The place is empty on a beautiful, warm summer evening (around 6:30 pm).  What's wrong with this picture?  Good thing I was specifically looking to get something from there and actually took a closer look inside because it looked like they were closed.  And the sign in their window said closed even though according to their posted hours, they weren't.  But there were two people behind the counter. So we go in and I mention to them that their sign  hasn't been turned to "open."  They say thanks, but they don't go over to change it right away.  Ok, whatever.

So I try to order and they tell me they have vanilla and cherry, even though I'm pretty sure they meant original and pomegranate, which is what's on their sign.  I ask for clarification and am told that the original is kind of like vanilla.  Huh?  Is it original or is it vanilla?  They offer me a taste.  It tastes like original--plain kefir-- which is what I wanted, so I order a medium with 3 toppings: coconut, almonds, and blackberries.  It was good, and I appreciate that they have toasted coconut, but why did it cost more than $6.00?!  

I'm glad t he place is here, and I like their product, but everything else about my experience here this time was really bizarre.  Seems like they need to get their stuff together.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    6/12/2008

    I am of the opinion that Red Mango is far superior to Pinkberry, but given that neither can be found… Read more »

Photo of Andre W.

Elite '09

169

299

Andre W.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
6/19/2009

I stopped in last night after my usual Moonshine outings. Been wondering what this place is like and I have also seen pretty good reviews for it.

Got the cherry parfait with fruity pebbles and cheerios. It was pretty good.
It sort of reminds me of Berry Chill in a way. The inside interior was pretty nice and fruity

The staff did not greet us, but greeted the peeps that walked in behind us. The peeps behind me walked back out the door, we actually bought something.

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Photo of Deirdre T.

 

15

36

Deirdre T.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
8/30/2009

A plethora of toppings, it's healthy, open late, and they have a punch card. yea!

The only confusing part is that the entry is on the left side of the building and the door is a doozey.  This definitely isn't ice cream.  It's different and I love it!  Who knew probiotics could be so delicious

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Photo of Nana h.

Elite '09

35

349

Nana h.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/13/2009

While I really enjoyed my sunday treat, I extremely disliked their round about way of ordering and the service. It didnt make sense, and it sort of annoyed me enough to not go back :(

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Photo of Reuben H.

Elite '09

117

140

Reuben H.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
5/27/2009

I will give this place... What are the kiddies calling it these days? Props? Yes, PROPS, for offering the alternative to "standard" or normal or whatever you want to call every other type of frozen yogurt.

I get it- kefir is different. Kefir is supposed to be really good for you. Freezing kefir is supposed to be a wonderful way of using it in order to enjoy frozen yogurt. To me though- it just isn't very good at what I was looking for- which is to say: TASTE.

I guess it is just a bit too- well- yogurty for my liking.

I like the rich flavors of gelato and frozen custard. Yogurt usually is just too tangy for me- and the kefir made it so much more tart than what I find palatable.  Maybe they could lace it up with more sugar to sweeten it up.  Would that get rid of that cultured tartness?  Probably not.

Oh- and the consistency is not to my liking either.  Once again- not creamy enough for me.

The day we went, the flavor was peach, but I really couldn't decipher peach at all. Just that sharp taste of kefir.

Blech...

They do get an extra star though for having some of the freshest, most flavorful blueberries I have ever had. Plus their topping selection might just be bountiful enough to mask most of that kefir funk.

I say try it out though, even just once- maybe kefir just isn't MY thing.

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Photo of Jelena Z.

Elite '09

1109

565

Jelena Z.

Oak Park, IL

4 star rating
5/22/2009

If you don't like kefir, you're not going to like Starfruit... mkay? Not even a distant cousin to ice cream. Taste buds: plan accordingly.

Whew... now that we have that out of the way... I love Starfruit. Zero guilt with tons of health benefits... something about live cultures I hear :) Good for digestion? I'll take a medium. The blueberry flavor with fresh mango made my day a bit sweeter.

A more generous portion for the price than other yogurt shoppes. And free wi-fi with outdoor seating!

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Photo of Brian G.

Elite '09

48

63

Brian G.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
6/27/2009

The kefir here isn't the bee's knees, and I really couldn't tell you the difference between kefir and yogurt. A dude tried to explain how the frozen kefir here was better for me than the yogurt at other shoppes, but I kept reminding myself that I didn't come for health but for taste! The toppings are mostly what you'd expect at one of these yogurt/kefir joints that have popped up all over. They do offer Goji berries, but putting Goji berries on your kefir would make it taste like a cup of frozen mandrill's knee-pit greaze. No good, mang.

While my kefir wasn't spectacular at Starfruit, I gotta say the staff was great. They glibly went on and on about how disgusting Goji berries are--antioxidants be damned!--and liberally doled out free samples. Not only that but they took pictures of us while we ate our pedestrian-at-best treats! Hey, that's service! Thanxxxx!

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Photo of Virginia T.

Elite '09

47

279

Virginia T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/17/2009

I love Kefir so when I was in the neighborhood last week I decided to check out Starfruit.

The sign in the window indicated the flavor of the day was strawberry. Having never been there we had NO CLUE how to order or what to order and looked to the employees for some guidance. There were three ladies there but only after them staring and me saying "nope, still not ready-we have no idea" did one of them step up and suggest the frozen option maybe with a topping. That was my only complaint-a little more guidance would have been nice.

I agree with the other reviewers, if you don't like kefir or frozen yogurt you won't like this. It's not rich, buttery and creamy-it's tangy, not overly sweet, and the flavor is subtle. The topping selection is great and seemed fresh-I suggest getting a topping if this is your first foray into (frozen) kefir.

We ended up with a medium strawberry/plain swirl with Milk & Honey granola on it, opting to enjoy it on the lovely patio. I thought it was super tasty, unique, and while our medium "sundae" was $6.50 the TWO of us could hardly finish it, so the value isn't that bad IMHO either.

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Photo of Josh L.

 

0

12

Josh L.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
9/13/2009

I haven't had Kefir before so maybe my expectations were just too far off, but I was hoping for something more like red mango or yogen fruz. I got Starfruits original with blueberries and cap'n crunch (among my standard repertoire of toppings for fro-yo) and, really, the toppings were the only thing keeping me from throwing the whole thing away. that and the $6 i paid. there wasn't a whole lot of flavour and it was just too icy.

maybe i should've gotten a smoothie since it looks like other reviews rave about it. maybe Starfruit is actually intending to focus on a different product than red mango, yogen fruz, or yoberri and so maybe it's not a fair comparison, but if that's the case I think they need to make that a little more clear. as it stands, it's not differentiated so I'm expecting to eat fro-yo that's tasty - slightly tart, slightly sweet - and refreshing. i was pretty disappointed.

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Photo of Angie M.

Elite '09

216

346

Angie M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/20/2009

Yesterday sucked.  I had to wear a hairnet during my employee meetings at a food additive plant.  When I left I smelled strongly of a combination of garlic and fruit.  I had to sit in crazy traffic on the Eisenhower.  And because I turned off my heat when we had that awesome 72 degree day, my apartment felt like a frozen tundra thanks to the drop in temperatures.

But guess what?  I've come to find that Starfruit makes everything all better.

I love that there's a 30 minute standing zone on Division right in front of Starfruit so you don't have to hunt around for parking.  I love that the cute, hipstery guys that work there are chatty and friendly.  I love that the store is bright, clean and welcoming.  But most of all, I love the frozen delights from Starfruit.

Sure, flavor selection is limited (they only have one flavor other than vanilla every day), but who cares?  The frosty kefir treat allows you to indulge in dessert without feeling too guilty.  Why, you ask?  Because like it's Berry Chill and Pinkberry sisters, Starfruit is the low-cal answer to ice cream.  And with lots of yummy toppings like fresh fruit, yogurt chips and, okay, sugary cereals, m&ms and cookies, your tastebuds will be dancing with pleasure.  Seriously.

So I left Starfruit with a bag full of treats for my girlfriends and me.... oh yes.  And a smile on my face.  All better.

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Photo of Christina P.

Elite '09

29

95

Christina P.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
4/29/2009

Ah, Starfruit. These long winter months have kept my craving for anything ice cold at bay... but now that spring has sprung, my addiction to you has also returned!

Starfruit is the perfect treat day or night. It's healthy. It's cold. It fits in the plam of your hand. Seriously, it's amazing.

Topings are fresh and plentiful. Staff is friendly and knowledgable. And, they are open fairly late - so put down your fork full of creme brulee at a restaurant - and hit up Starfruit for a lovely treat!

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Photo of Becky W.

Elite '09

139

122

Becky W.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/13/2009

Kefir is tart. I like tart things. I'm loving the not-too-sweet creamy goodness.

Just eat this. And if you don't like tart, then don't! But its the pretty awesome. Probably habit forming even.  I had cherry-vanilla swirl with coconut and chocolate sprinkles on top. heaven!

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Photo of Melissa M.

Elite '09

313

117

Melissa M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
4/25/2009

Last summer I became highly addicted to Star Fruit's frozen keifer.  So addicted that it was not uncommon for me to make 2 trips in one day -- it didn't help that you can get Milk & Honey's housemade granola as a topping.  

I really can't comment on the other toppings as I've always stuck to my old favorite -- the granola.

I did stray once and get one of the smoothies -- but I didn't much care for it.  I would stick to the frozen keifer.  It's good for you, healthy and absolutely delicious!

I haven't been for a while but am now craving it like crazy. I think a Sunday afternoon visit is in order.

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Photo of S. M.

 

13

380

S. M.

Naperville, IL

3 star rating
5/15/2009

I have been on a frozen yogurt tour of late to try all the different types I can (call it an obsession), so while in Wicker Park of late I had to add Starfruit to my list. This is frozen kefir, which I've never eaten in its non-frozen form, but here I found it very refreshing. I keep seeing the words "sour" and "tangy" used to describe it in reviews, and I wouldn't say it's either of those; rather, "palate-cleansing" comes to mind.

I got the plain variety (there was sign confusion with that from the get-go; despite their printed sign saying that they had plain and pomegranate flavors, the girl at the register said their flavors that day were plain and blueberry. Might want to cover up that sign!) and topped it with some of the fruit toppings, strawberry and coconut, but the same girl loaded them on in such a way that the coconut scattered everywhere and I lost some strawberries at my table. Sigh. (Quite a departure from my careful Red Mango employees, who place each berry around the rim with the precision of a Zen monk raking a gravel path.)

I did enjoy the taste: tarter and more refreshing than some of the other types of froyo out there. It's not for everyone, I'm sure, but variety is the spice rack of life.

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Photo of michaelia f.

Elite '09

86

72

michaelia f.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/3/2009

I have to admit, I was skeptical about frozen kefir at first. I just couldn't imagine it tasting very good.  But I live down the block from Starfruit, so when they had a free promo, I stopped in.

I got the pomegranate kefir and chose mango as my topping.  Yum.  The kefir is a little icy and tangy, and I think any sweet fruit topping would be great with it.  I tried my friend's pomegranate with chocolate chips, but I didn't like how the chocolate chips froze from being on top of the kefir.  

I love sweets, and it's nice to have a place where I can get something that's pretty healthy in between all my bakery visits.

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Photo of Tari T.

 

10

16

Tari T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/13/2009

Yes!  Frozen kefir :)  Very cute store, healthy topping options.  Cute courtyard with fountain in back to sit and relax at with your treat or tables outfront to watch the tiny doggie parade on Division.

This is a happy place.

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Photo of Michael S.

Elite '09

28

144

Michael S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/7/2009

Frozen kefir? Well it's definitely tangier than your normal fro-yo, but quite delicious! So I've been to other places like this such as Berry Chill and Red Mango and I have to say that Starfruit is just as good as these places.

Had the strawberry with mochi and banana... sooo good! It's located right across from Alliance Bakery so if you want to have something a little healthier than baked goods definately try the place out!

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Photo of Devin K.

 

1

5

Devin K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/12/2009

I only just tried this place after walking past it everyday for over a year, and am saddened to think of all the frozen kefir I have missed in that time.  This product is great.  So healthy, so delicious and pretty versatile.  I left out the fifth star for two reasons: 1. it's rather expensive ($3.30 for a small twist with no toppings), and 2. Their nutritional information is confusing.  They give you the fat, calorie, protein, and carb information per ounce, but then when I asked the women working there she wasn't sure how many ounces were in each size. Still, it's really good for you, and a great alternative to other sweet treats.
The people who work here are incredibly nice (the women who didn't know the size amounts was super apologetic and I bet next time I go in there, she'll know) and full of suggestions.
If you can't find me this summer, this is where I'll be.

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Photo of kenny t.

 

0

6

kenny t.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
10/10/2009

Ok what the hell is this kefir s**t? It tastes so bad. I guess if its good for you then ok?? Dunno - I don't eat food to get healthier or really watch what I eat at all, but isn't actual froyo "good for you" as well? I put them both in the same category. Basically, it takes like watery half frozen ice with a little bit of flavoring. Any froyo place in chicago is better. I suggest Yoberri on Halsted and Diversey, then Red Mango on Clark and Diversey and lastly Berry Chill. All before Starfruit. I gave it 2 stars because if there was no other desserts to eat, I'd eat there. Its just that I know a lot better desserts in the same category. Also the extra star is for the people. They're nice and helpful and will let you try their flavors. Not the workers fault that kefir isn't good.

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Photo of Martha C.

Elite '09

85

133

Martha C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/27/2009

On a warm day I love to treat myself to something cold and yummy. While I love ice cream I always feel guilty after eating it because it is SO not good for you. Because I wanted something low in calories and fat I checked out what frozen yogurt was closest to my abode and found Starfruit. While I have been there once before, its been a long time. I have to say, I forgot how amazing it is! The yogurt is light with a tart and sweet flavor. Also, another thing that I noticed is that both times I have visited Starfruit it has been spotless. I have to say, I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!

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Photo of Andrew Y.

Elite '09

5

76

Andrew Y.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
5/7/2009

i dont really know what frozen kefir is..but i dont really like it..im not going to give it a 1 star..because apparently a lot of people do like it.  I do like the concept that you can put whatever you want in it..but berry chill is a million times better...

i think you have to develop a taste for frozen kefir which i havent yet, but this place is in a hot location in in wicker park and on a hot day you can find a ton of people here...you can get a ton of different fresh fruits in your kefir and they even have a couple of different flavors..at the end of the day..i will not be back unless they change their name to chocolate covered starfruit..yeaaaaa..

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Photo of Virginie B.

 

1

9

Virginie B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/27/2009

I am a big fan of this place. The staff is friendly, quick & efficient.
I am hoping that the business is good for them so they stay in our neighborhood.
Of course you have to enjoy REAL yogurt to be able to like this place.
Healthy choice all over...
Thank you guys!

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Photo of Matt L.

Elite '09

261

218

Matt L.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
Updated - 6/10/2009

Ok, I am updating this, but not because I all-of-a-sudden love their froyo now. In fact, I've been back a bunch of times and rarely enjoy it. I'm here to shout out to Lifeway's insanely good product, LaFruta [TM]. It's Kefir for people that speak Spanish, and they have Pina Colada flavor. It's the got dang shet!!! I got it at Cermak Produce's.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    4/14/2008

    How was I not invited to the pre grand opening party? Very poor form on their part, as I am not only… Read more »

Photo of Janet K.

 

15

16

Janet K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
4/16/2009

So frozen kefir does sound strange, but when you need a healthy bite (as long as you don't get candy toppings) it is a great treat. Fresh mangoes berries and other delicious fruit - YUM!

Also, super friendly staff that threw in a few chocolate chips for me so I could get my 3pm chocolate fix.

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Photo of Elaine C.

Elite '09

73

207

Elaine C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
2/10/2009

It's basically another Pinkberry knock off with a twist: it's Kefir. I love Kefir because both of my parents are Russian and I've been drinking/eating (slurping?) it since I was a little girl. Now while its delicious, healthy and interesting, it's still f'n expensive. Just as expensive as Pinkberry. It's OK as a once in a while treat, and I understand why they have to charge so much to survive a CHI winter. But seriously, we used to get a big bottle of it for like $1.50. It's not Kobe beef or nothin'.

But, I'm here to save you some trouble. Those little fluffy white balls are mochi. They are delicious. Get them on top of your frozen kefir. You can thank me later by taking me out to get Starfruit.

(In case you were interested, my go-to flavor is mochi, carob chips, and whatever fresh fruit looks good that day--often raspberries. Also since I worked at a yogurt shop when I was 15 to pay for my first car, I feel like I should share with you this wisdom: cold shit + candy = frozen candy. Eating frozen skittles is painful. And the colors run and don't look appetizing. Gummi bears are delicious but no so much frozen, either.)

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Photo of Tina B.

Elite '09

272

491

Tina B.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
8/25/2008

Why does this cost more than Berry Chill AND Red Mango?  
Is it because it's kefir?
Because I can buy a quart of kefir cheaper than a trip to this place and that is, um, I'm gonna say unwarranted.  My cup was more than $7!  It's the economy stupid, stupid starfruit...

I had to keep reminding myself, as a pushed on through my way too icy, not at all creamy enough, squiggle turd of froyo - er, frokef (?) - that I was doing something to maybe keep colon cancer at bay.  Not exactly an "I Scream for Ice Cream" type of vibe.

They also win the award for "Most Wasted Use of a Flat Screen TV," for the one on the wall that just has a never changing screen with the word "Starfruit" on it.  Duh. I know.  I'm HERE already.

The staff was also too short, slightly bitchy in giving my their kefir spiel.  And when they told me that the yogurt that I probably usually eat "with the fruit on the bottom" was more solid than liquid, I was just like, "Damn Starfruit chick, you don't even know me or my yogurt consumption habits."  Oh no! Don't ever get all uppity with a NorCal gal about yogurt eating!  I come from Yogurtstan bitch, I could give you a lecture.  "Fruit on the bottom" my damn ass....

Would I buy it again? Probably not.  Would I eat it again? Yeah, if somebody else was treating.  Drive to get there? Why?

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Photo of Dylan D.

Elite '09

170

192

Dylan D.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/18/2009

I like kefir, so I like Starfruit. I have tried the other fro-yo places and this stuff is better. I do not like the tart, lemony flavor of the fro-yo stuff so this gets my vote. The blueberries were perfect, the bananas were good and Fruity Pebbles topped it off. I did feel incredibly full after eating a medium size and next time will go with a small. Price was in-line with all the other places and the 30min standing zone in front is more than enough time to order and eat.

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Photo of Srushti S.

 

0

2

Srushti S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/31/2009

This place is awesome! It's within walking distance of where I live, and is great if you're looking for a healthy, low calorie dessert, without feeling the guilt of something like Cold Stone!

Their items are delicious, yet nutritious! They have enough toppings which is good. They have from M&MMs to a variety of fruit, which pleases kids and adults.

They staff is...debatable. I once accidently spilt my kefir, and they cleaned it up right away, and replaced it with for no cost!

The guy who did that was nice, but the female staff are not the friendliest. They are quite impatient, and act as if you are causing them some sort of  inconvenience by ordering, and want you to order right away, even if you're the only person in the shop!

But, whatever, I try to ignore that and enjoy my treat!

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Photo of Shradha A.

Elite '09

79

462

Shradha A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/15/2009

I didn't really like frozen yogurt that much, but I really liked their pomegranate flavored frozen kefir. I also liked their toppings, especially the fresh mangoes. They can do parfaits and smoothies too - I like options.

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Photo of Brett D.

Elite '09

638

530

Brett D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/2/2008

Another cog in the Pinkberry craze wheel Starfruit at least attempts to seek out it's own niche in being not only calorie conscious but healthier for you too. With the benefits of a Kefir-based product it has probiotic immune system enhancers and promotes gastrointestinal health. I was half expecting to have lightsabers pop out of my butt while consuming my small crazy concoction, but when that didn't happen I definitely felt disappointment over relief. But I digress...

I can see where the flavor of the Kefir may be a turn off for some. It's definitely sour, very reminiscent of the taste of plain, original Dannon yogurt (no, not even the vanilla kind). They get adventurous by offering one daily flavor in addition to the plain (why not more flavors???) and yesterdays was blueberry which gave just the right hint of sweetness and flavor to the otherwise bland original.

Go crazy with your toppings; they vary from fresh fruit and kiddie cereals to rice krispy treats and granola from our local Milk & Honey bakery. A tip from me: make sure you have some sort of sweet addition with your toppings if you're looking to satisfy a dessert craving. The low-cal kefir is sacrifice enough... go for some cookie crisp or red velvet cupcake pieces. Feeling adventurous? Try the Japanese mochi balls as an addition. Delicious.    

A bright and happy vibe with helpful hipster boys behind the counter wrap up the Starfruit package nicely. I'm not sure if the 'fro-yo' craze is back again and here to stay, but I'm going to take my licks this summer any way while I can get 'em.

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Elite '09

211

347

Luan N.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
8/22/2008

After Mana, Amish S. and I walked across the street for dessert.  I guess I'm not ready for kefir.  I may be able to manage kefir as a beverage because I like lassi, but as frozen yogurt???  I just couldn't enjoy it because as a dessert it was too sour for me.  I got the small vanilla/peach mix, and I don't know what I was thinking but I got the cookie crisp cereal topping.  I wished I ordered fruit topping.  But, I felt a little ripped off paying an additional $1 for a handful of cereal topping with a total bill of $4.30.  Amish ordered the small vanilla with white choc toppings.    
I hate wasting food, but Amish and I couldn't finish it and threw away half of it.  My stomach was hurting on the drive back.  It felt like the cultures from the yogurt were battling for territory with my enteric bacteria!

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53

105

Kris W.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
8/2/2008

You know what?  Giving this place 1 star because you don't like Kefir is ridiculous.  That's like giving a sushi place 1 star and saying something like "ew, raw fish is gross."  That's not a helpful review.  

I think this place rocks.  The yogurt is really delicious and its also super good for you.  My favorite toppings are granola and mochi balls.  If you haven't had mochi balls before, you should really try them.  The staff will give you a few to try if you want, but they're way better on the yogurt then by themselves.  

** There is a secret place behind the store that has some chairs, etc.  It's a nice place to eat your yogurt if your looking for something quieter than the Division sidewalk.  Beware of rats though!

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Elite '09

141

134

Isla E.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
9/27/2008

The plain yogurt is really good. The cherry tasted artificial. I haven't tried any other flavors. I also have no other yogurt experience to compare to (other than TCBY in 1992) so this review may be revised in the future.

There's an impatient woman that works there. I was pondering toppings and she was not having it. I'm not sure why she was in such a rush, there wasn't a line forming behind me. I'm not bitter about it or anything, sometimes I get impatient at work, too, but she was rude about the somewhat sorta long time I was taking deciding on a topping. I wasn't even asking her for samples. I don't get it.

If she reads this review, I want her to know I would be willing to hug it out with her. I can empathize with the impatient b!%@# in all people. Perhaps I can do both you and her a favor and suggest the Japanese mochi balls as a topping. They are exotic and they taste good. Brazilian goji berries, I think they harden up and shrivel when placed on something cold like fro-yo, so its not a texturally appealing mouth feel. Plus, I don't know if the Brazilian kind has the same antioxidant benefits as the kind grown in the Himalayas. So definitely Japanese mochi balls, and if you want a second topping, that's up to you, but I would hurry up deciding.

Its clean and the other guy behind the counter was nice. There is outdoor seating if you are so inclined.

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48

95

Luca C.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
3/23/2009

Proof that kefir is best served NOT FROZEN. Gross.

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