- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Starfruit
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
1745 W Division St(between Hermitage Ave & Wood St)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
(773) 395-9300
- Nearest Transit:
-
Division (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
198 reviews for Starfruit
Review Highlights
"Mmm kefir, I'm so glad I've found you."
(in 144 reviews)
"...had more than two choices each day, I loved Berry Chill."
(in 33 reviews)
"Plus, unlike fro-yo, kefir is gluten free."
(in 19 reviews)
Loading...
198 reviews in English
-
Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
1/13/2012
It's not everyday that a place can make me really enjoy a flavor that I normally am not a fan of. Now, why on earth would I order something I'm not normally a fan of. Well, the mood struck me, that's why.
I walked in during the snow storm and had a choice between pumpkin spice and vanilla kefir. So, when presented with teh two options, I oddly said pumpkin spice. Sometimes I don't understand why words come out of my mouth. I also got a medium size, so if I didn't like it I was gonna be mad at myself.
Thankfully that didn't happen as I really enjoyed it. I also got some blueberries and strawberries with it. Gotta love it. There was a good amount of it as well. They put a lot of kefir in there, which is great when it's so good.
I'm gonna have to beeline myself over here the next time I'm in the area -
Review from Daniele N.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2011
I think almost everyone knows what Starfruit is , but often I have friends visiting from out of the country asking about it, so I thought it would be interesting to write a review on Yelp.
I just went there a few minutes ago to treat myself with some frozen kefir and today's flavor was vanilla and blueberry. Yumi! I topped it with some toffee and it tasted very good. To the people who never tried kefir, it is valid to know that kefir is different from yogurt.
It is a matter of personal preference, i love Gelatto and i only get frozen kefir when i really want to hold back on the calories ( a small serving without topping is worth about 150 - 180 cal?)
It is a fun way to satisfy your sweet tooth so definitely worth a try! I personally like the place's staff and set up too. :) -
Review from Jen G.
11/13/2011
There is something that needs to be cleared up really fast, and it's this: kefir is NOT fro-yo. It has a different taste and texture. If you are expecting it to be fro-yo, you will be disappointed.
HOWEVER, it is so tart and delicious. It makes fabulous sundaes and even better smoothies. I tend to go through phases, but my most current favorite is definitely The Diva. Tasty and autobiographical. Can't go wrong. Plus, unlike fro-yo, kefir is gluten free. That's pretty awesome for those of us who are (supposed to be...) on restricted diets.
The staff are all really friendly and helpful as well. They will let you taste first so that you can make an informed decision. And when you just don't know what to get, they've got some super yummy suggestions they are always happy to share. -
Review from Tiffany k.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/25/2011
Is someone reading all of my reviews? Because I feel like I am being watched.
Anyway, it seems like the taste of the frozen kefir has improved (yay!) and I am back to being a happy customer. Annie and Raphael were extremely helpful in helping me decide what toppings to get and what flavors to try. Per Annie's suggestion, I tried the pumpkin spice smoothie, and it was SO GOOD. A bit liquidy, but it tasted like an amazing cookie. Raphael also introduced me to the cookie dough toppings. HOW AWESOME.
So the kefir still tastes a bit less tart than the original, but it's closer to kefir now than it was over the summer. Prices are average (i think you'd pay the same if you went for frozen yogurt like Pinkberry or Red Mango). Do you think you guys could hire me as an official taste-tester? That would be awesome.Listed in: Just Desserts
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
6/29/2011
So, I am pretty much confused as to what's been going on here recently. What? NEW FORMULA? Are you… Read more »
-
-
Review from Nari H.
Wheaton, IL
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pros:
- Has a really nice place behind their store to sit and be semi-one with nature (comfortable chairs, waterfall, etc.)
Cons:
- Foodwise it was just OK. I didn't hate it.
- Their store was also very hot the day we visited.
I think if I was in the area again, and didn't have too many healthy dessert options, I'd come to this place again. -
Review from jenna c.
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Only reason they get 3 stars is because it is SOOO expensive. The kefir is delicious and they have a ton of toppings. Just pricey.
If you've got the cash. GOOO! It's a healthy dessert option. -
Review from Molly O.
Updated - 5/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Vanilla kefir is soooooo effing good. So good! My god. Did you know a small serving (before toppings) has only around 100 calories? That's kind of rad. Once you start dumping Milk and Honey granola on the top, well, that's another story...
Lots of punch card deals, yelp check-in deals, and outdoor seating make this place supremely awesome.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
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… Read more »
-
-
Review from Mary ann C.
Oak Park, IL
6/15/2011
Helpful staff....WOW! Walked in. Surrendered Groupon to happy faces in exchange for a giftcard. We were given a speech about the kefir and options (smoothies, parfaits, etc), which thankfully, was useful and BRIEF! These people were very nice!
The soft serve Kefir (vanilla and cherry swirl) was fabulous, and only 100 calories for a small! My two year old was in heaven, and I was thrilled with the affordable and healthy dessert.
This place is great! Can't wait to go back! -
Review from Michael E.
Raleigh, NC
6/25/2011
So our first true Kefir yogurt experience. Brit and I walked down division looking for a cab and strolled in front of this quaint little shop.
Walking in the alley we entered the bright and attractive store. We were immediately welcomed by the staff behind the counter. Once they finished up with the girls in front of us, they started to attend to our needs. As we'd never been in a Starfruit before they walked us through their product. They only have two flavors a day - Vanilla and a daily flavor.
We both elected to go with the Birthday Cake flavor of the day. Brit did a 5oz with mochi and raspberries. I went with the 8oz with no toppings.
I'm not a big FroYo fan because I can't get around the overpowering Lactobacillus flavor - Acetalaldehyde (otherwise known as the tart sour flavor). For me it often washes out the flavors of the added ingredients.
Starfruit cafe's Kefir Yogurt doesn't have that sourness and is refreshing. It reminds me of a yuzu like sorbet. Palate cleansing and delicious. I wish we had these out in Raleigh - I'd have my punch card filled weekly. -
Review from Lucy P.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2011
We bought the groupon for Starfruit, and were taking the dog for a walk so we decided to stop in.
I walked in and said "I've never been here, how does this work" So the nice and really friendly employees explained it to me. Including the guy who told me what every topping was.
I got the original for myself (big mistake)
and the mango for the husband (absolutely delicious)
I got the little kids special on mine...chocolate, sprinkles...pretty much everything a 6 year old would put on it.
I got mochi and strawberries on his.
Maybe I should have steered clear of the "original" flavor as a newbie. IT was...bitter maybe? I didn't like it. Thankfully I had enough crap on mine that if I swirled it all togther, it was better.
The husbands was amazing. I was jealous.
The employees were really really friendly, and cheerful, and didn't look like they hated their job. They had fun talking to customers and each other. They didn't get annoyed that the person behind me asked all the same questions.
I'll go again! (I think I'll ALWAYS get the mochi on mine from now on, and will stay away from the "original"!) -
Review from Nancy B.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2011
It's too bad this place is next to my gym. With the intense heat lately, I've been eating here about every other day. 12 probiotics can't be bad for you, right?
I always get a small vanilla (unless there's cake batter) with mochi & raspberries.
It's a small store positioned in the heart of Wicker Park's Division St. The entrance is actually around the left side through a door in a quaint alleyway.
No complaints here, other than my initial statement!
Try it. -
Review from Paulius N.
Cleveland, OH
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
jamie lee curtis
probiotics abound with
raspberry nipples
Pretty good as this food trend goes. Nice Foursquare check in special. Tart, but festive and lively. Like me.
Carry on. -
Review from Lisa V.
Corte Madera, CA
10/2/2011
Please, please, someone bring Starfruit to Northern California! I am quickly considering their mochi to be a new food group.
-
Review from Sarah R.
Chicago, IL
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've got to be honest. Frozen Kefir is not for me. I enjoy the rich taste and sweet taste of fro yo from Red Mango and Yoberri, but I have to commend the Starfruit staff for being on their game. As soon my group and I arrived I saw that they had a line of employees ready to serve me. I was probably in and out in as little as 30 seconds. They had fresh ingredients, but I wasn't a fan of their granola (had a burnt taste). The only thing I would change about the customer service would be smiles. I did not see one smile in the whole facility while I was there. C'mon people. Fro yo makes people happy. Where are your smiles?
-
Review from Jon L.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2010
I have a great idea for a business: Buy a soft-serve ice cream maker, dump some Kefir in it, hang up a chandelier, buy some breakfast cereal, and open the doors for droves of Chicagoland Trixies to simultaneously satisfy their sweet tooth and their eating disorder.
Well regarded nouvelle frozen yogurt chains like Red Mango and Pinkberry have invested in the development of a delicious product with an enjoyable mouthfeel. Starfruit tackily rides the coattails of such giants while hocking a truly unappealing product. -
Review from Katie P.
Chicago, IL
8/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place! It's so tasty and much more affordable than most of the frozen yogurt rivals. The fruit toppings are always fresh and ripe. The dry toppings are never stale. The employees are totally helpful and friendly. Completely unrelated to this location... the Starfruit stall at the Taste of Chicago saved me after I had a big of the spiciest thing ever... I couldn't stop the burning and my boyfriend spotted the Starfruit location and just saved my butt (actually it saved my burning tongue). Yay, Starfruit!!
-
Review from Hoang L.
11/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
Is it me, or does every fro-yo place taste the same? Since they all taste the same to me, I would have to rate on the service, decor, and price.
Service was okay. Attentive, but no smiles. It was 40 minutes before closing and I think the employees just wanted to go home. Understandable.
I'm sure this place will do very well, but there's something not right about it. Maybe it's the way the room was built, but the acoustics makes it difficult to hear someone talking.
Decor seemed a bit tacky, including the cheap furniture. The entrance door was oddly placed (you have to enter from the side). Door seems cheap; was this a house converted into Starfruit? I would recommend a glass door.
Garage can is small and poorly placed. Plus the flap was tough to open. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal, but this is constructive feedback!
$5 for a small? $1 for the first topping? Seriously?! My dessert cost as much as my dinner at Sultan's Market. I'm hoping Yogurtland comes to the midwest with their 30 cent per ounce deal, or something like that. All I know is when I was in LA, my fro-yo cost me less than $2 (after tax) and had more than enough; I didn't even finish it. This was a couple months ago. Let's move to Cali! -
Review from amanda g.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2011
i've been going here forever. and often. and the new formula is just horrible. it is, as some others described, chalky and blah. it tastes like starfruit is trying to be like all of the other fro-yo places in the city. and that's precisely why i used to love it (because it was different and refreshing). now its creamy and tastes like a chalky, bad version of berry chill or pinkberry.
ugh. so disappointed. -
Review from Kyle H.
5/5/2010
Previously I've only tried the plain Kefir with toppings and found it to be too sour for my rich ice cream and custard tastes. But last night changed my opinion. We were given a sample of the wonderful Strawberry-Banana, as Starfruit offers one blended flavor a day.
Even though that sample was excellent, I went with vanilla topped with raspberries and mango, and it was great! Vanilla adds just enough sweetness to the Kefir. Probiotic bugs, get to it! I've got Immunity!
The evening help was a guy and a girl that were the happiest workers I have ever seen anywhere! So nice, so cheery, just like the bright Starfruit store. With a great outdoor patio, Starfruit is a perfect stop on warm Wicker Park nights.Listed in: Do Me, Division
-
Review from Liz S.
8/18/2010
Someone said to me "don't go there - the frozen yogurt is REALLY tart". Which was about as good of a sales pitch as you could do for me, because I love tart yogurt, and when I found out that they use Kefir, I couldn't wait to try it.
If you don't already know about the benefits of Kefir, it has more enzymes than regular yogurt, and more probiotics to aid in health and digestion. I love using it in smoothies and I love the sharp, bright taste.
I had the regular tart flavor, with cherry granola and a sweet drizzle of caramel on top. YUM. It's less thick than regular frozen yogurt, sort of like ice milk is to regular ice cream - so afterwards you don't get that bloated, milk-stomach feeling that you get after eating other dairy-based desserts.
The menu is super confusing, so just ask a staff member to explain it all to you and make a recommendation. And never fear, if you are not into tart yogurt, they usually have a fruit flavored one that has less of a twang.
The fruit toppings are freshly cut all the time, rather than being pre-cut in the morning and just sitting around all day.
If there is a tastier way to boost your digestive health, I don't know what it is!Listed in: City of Big Shoulders...and…
-
Review from Ashley B.
Yum! I love Kefir! I know some people think its chalky and weird, but I love it. I do suggest getting it in smoothie form. It's more of a cold beverage than it is a creamy milkshake knock-off. As long as you know what you're in for, you'll leave happy!
-
Review from Nick S.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2011
Well this review is long overdue.
During the summer, I like exploring the various neighborhoods in the city. Let's face it, Chicago gets its share of heat. What better way to beat the sweat than enjoy a frozen treat?
Sometimes gelato from my fave spot (Paciugo) can be a little much and I like to opt out for something a little different. A friend once recommended that I try some frozen kefir.
Kefir? Yeah, I was skeptical too.. But I've heard so much about this place that I thought that I'd give it a try. I was totally delighted with what I got.
I walked in, and was immediately greeted by the girl working up front. I told her that I haven't had kefir before and she was super helpful. I had some strawberry kefir with various fruits ontop and I was pleasantly surprised. It has a tartness that I find refreshing and really nice when it's humid out there.
After my first visit, I was sold. -
Review from Matt S.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Frozen kefir!? YES PLEASE! Way better than any of the other trendy yogurt places in town, the somewhat bitter flavor provided by the kefir makes this a much more delicious option than your typical Berry Chill.
While it won't be around for long, if you like holiday seasonal flavors (a la gingerbread latte), stop in and try the pumpkin spice flavor--not my bag, but some may enjoy.
Outside of the flavor difference of kefir vs. yogurt, there isn't much that differentiates Starfruit from its competitors. Options for toppings are the standard fruits, sweets and treats. That said, they do offer Milk and Honey granola which is like cocaine. Cocaine for healthy people. -
Review from molly w.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2010
I should go into the novelty frozen dessert industry. Why? Because apparently it is acceptable to charge $4+ for oddly-flavored frozen concoctions, and then charge up to $1 for a half a spoonful of boxed cereal to top.
Kefir has a strong, sour, very distinctive flavor. I'm surprised that there are as many frozen kefir shops as there are in the city....I would think that most would be turned off by the odd flavor. I guess the "health benefit" is why people return? (You can sell yuppies on anything). Plus the kind they serve here is very icy (compared to creamier Berry Chill which I didn't seem to mind as much).
Either way, $10 for two small cups of weirdly flavored dessert won't make me return. -
Review from kevin c.
Chicago, IL
8/8/2011
Nice and refreshing. Like the toppings. Break from the usual assortment of candy. The strawberry was nice and tart. Overall, very good ice cream alternative.
-
Review from Angie M.
3/20/2009 ROTD 5/12/2009
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.Listed in: You Down With ROTD?
-
Review from Andrea R.
4/10/2008 ROTD 4/20/2008
Well it certainly looks like Chicago has caught on to the yogurt craze that hit the west coast about a year ago...Berry Chill, Yoberri, and now Starfruit all within a month of each other. Now, all we need is some warm weather to go with our yogurt!
Like Rahul I attended Starfruit's pre-opening party where all the yogurt was free. So here's the deal with Starfruit: you can choose between the frozen keifer or the parfait/smoothies. And I went ahead and sampled both of these low fat treats.
First I started with the keifer and gotta admit I wasn't really a fan, but then again I don't think I typically like keifer so why would starfruit be an exception! What I did love was the delicious toppings to choose from- i went with rice krispie treats, red velvet cupcake crumbs from alliance bakery, and reeses. Sounds kind of nauseating as I type away, but seemed like a good idea last night! While the toppings were absolutely delicious they tasted a bit weird to me on this very low fat, natural tasting yogurt so next time I'd probably stick with the healthy stuff (aka: fruit).
However there will be no next time for me and the frozen keifer because I then had a bite of one of their parfaits (unfrozen) and I'm sold on Starfruit! Now, this I like! Not sweet enough for dessert (especially with Alliance Bakery across the street), but if I lived in the area I'd be making this a daily/weekly stop for breakfast. The strawberry flavor was so refreshing, especially when topped with strawberries and milk and honey granola (the best granola in the city).
And the icing on the cake (ahem yogurt) was the fruit in the shape of a (yeah, you guessed it) star at the bottom of my cup. Yep, doesn't take much to impress me...Listed in: Yogurt in Chicago...
-
Review from Reuben H.
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. -
Review from Katie H.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2008
Now I'll probably come off sounding like an uncouth fatty in this review...
"Hey! I want that burger WELL DONE. American cheese, ketchup and miracle whip, extra pickles and bacon. None of that sally crap. And onion rings with cheese sauce"
...but drinking one of Starfruit's kefir smoothies was much more like choking down a Health Elixir than enjoying a tasty beverage.
I know that kefir is a fermented milk drink so obviously it's going to be tangy, but no one wants to have to describe their breakfast treat as "sharp." (this is coming from a girl who loves really sharp cheese too)
Maybe I did just try the wrong flavor - a mean, I probably should have had something a little more straight forward than "Cappuccino with crushed Reese's" but at the time that sounded the yummiest.
I'm awarding them three stars because any less would be cruel. The staff was so ridiculously nice that they gave me my concoction for free when they found out their credit card machine wasn't working. I told them I would return with cash because I felt really bad just taking food off them but they assured me it was totally ok. Aw. And like everyone has said, the shop itself is lovely and bright. If I eventually learn to like this sour drink their flogging, I could see myself hanging around in here.
I will definitely try this place a second time, mostly to leave a big tip to compensate for today, but also to try a different (probably fruity) flavor.
EDIT 4/23/08 - One more star for you Starfruit! I tried a pomegranate smoothie with blueberries and it was really good. I mean, don't come here expecting frozen custard yumminess but the fruit combos are quite nice and refreshing. Plus, the people who work here are indeed total peaches. -
Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
4/11/2008
It's frozen dairy madness all up in Chicago. All of a sudden the "healthy" dessert gods smiled upon us, and plopped down several new shops for our enjoyment, exclaiming "the Midwest deserves good treats, too!" Ok, so maybe that's not EXACTLY how it went down, but you get the gist.
Starfruit is the newest in a line of them...good location at Division/Wood. Bright/cheery spot with friendly staff. Well run and organized...
They make all of their creations out of Kefir, a superpowered yogurt concoction with lots of live and active cultures. Personally, I don't need to get my dessert with health benefits, but if it tastes good...then ok I'll check it out :) So Andrea W and I skipped over for their pre grand opening...
Frozen, parfait or smoothie. Variety is the spice of life, so I tried both the frozen (not a fan, too ice crunchy) and the parfait (much better, like a breakfast thing). The toppings are great...lots to choose from, baked stuff from Alliance, M&H granola, etc.
Might take a few times to warm up to it...but I think its worth checking out. And they stick a little sliced starfruit in the bottom of the cup...nice touch :) -
Review from Brett D.
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.Listed in: Sweet Like Me.
-
Review from Tina B.
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?Listed in: The Northside South - Stuff…
-
Review from Andre W.
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.Listed in: Who's Hood? Dre's Former Hood!, My Division, Sweets!, Overrated!!!
-
Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2008
How do you justify and explain the benefits of an icy texture in a yogurt category known for its smoothness? Call it healthier than the competition. And hope that people are willing to sacrifice texture and flavor for health.
Don't get me wrong - I love probiotic bacteria laden snacks as much as the next person. Hell, I'm a devotee. But if you are going to charge me over $5 for a medium-sized dish and a topping, that frozen kefir better be damn smooth...with relatively little ice.
One of the reasons Starfruit's frozen kefir (made from Lifeway's Kefir* product) is icy is that is doesn't have the stabilizers, milk fat and added protein found in the 'sour' & healthy frozen treats popularized by the west coast-based Korean chains like Pinkberry. It is very simple - healthy, yes - and as a result, very icy.
If you are looking for a transcendent frozen yogurt experience, you aren't going to get it here. What you will get is a tasty, tangy, icy treat that will relieve whatever ails your tummy.
And sometimes, a nice tummy soother is really all you need.
________________________
Kefir: A cultured milk product usually consumed as a beverage. Origins are widely disputed, although some believe it originated in the Caucasus Mountains. What is cultured milk? Milk that has been soured by the introduction of friendly bacteria that, among other things, help digestion. -
Review from Jelena Z.
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! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Chicago, IL
4/10/2008
I went to a pre-opening Party here last night and WOW...this place is great. They have frozen yogurt, parfaits, and smoothies in a variety of flavors. They also have a plethora of toppings....every fruit imaginable and then the traditional sweet toppings. It is very airy and chandeliers hang from the ceiling! Starfruit certainly lets you eat your frozen yogurt in style!
If you are looking for a place that serves frozen yogurt and it cooler and healthier than...say...a Baskin Robbins...then Starfruit is the place for you! -
Review from Becky W.
Chicago, IL
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! -
Review from Paul K.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2008
I did actually go to the pre-grand opening whatever it was, on an invite from my friend. Needless to say, I was not impressed.
I've read some of the other reviews, and it seems like people mention the yogurt craze but haven't really had any experience with it. To be honest? I didn't think I was hooked by this yogurt craze at all, until I went to Starfruit. Why, you ask? Because Starfruit made me want to eat Pinkberry. That's all I could think of as I tried various items. I couldn't help it. I tried to be objective, but all it made me crave was Pinkberry. I didn't think Pinkberry had that much of an effect on me, but when you're eating an inferior product, I guess the difference makes itself known that much more.
Part of the problem is probably that I'm not too familiar with "kefir." Let's just say, I'm unimpressed. What I kept hearing was how it was "healthy" and blah blah blah. I'm sorry, healthy or not, it just doesn't TASTE all that great. And when it comes to treats and desserts, isn't it really more about the damn TASTE? You're eating a treat out of this little cup, I don't think health is that big of a concern, and it really shouldn't be.
I went around and asked the staff as well as the guests that were there. No one had tried Red Mango or Pinkberry, so no one knew of what the standard of comparison actually was. There are a million Red Mango and Pinkberry wannabes, and it looks like they're getting the jump here in Chicago.
I don't see it being successful. It'll attract the people that sacrifice taste over whatever generic reason they eat, which is very un-Chicagoan (since we don't seem to prioritize health when it comes to eating), like all the vegans and vegetarians that are popping up lately. But anyone who actually likes to eat food and indulge in what actually tastes good will be sorely disappointed.
Until Red Mango or Pinkberry shows up, I'm just going down the way to Margie's Candies. Or even Wendy's down the street for a Frosty. It's better. I'm never going back to Starfruit. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2008
I LOVE good yogurt. No, not Dannon or Yoplait...I like Kefir and Fage. Despite my knowledge of fancy yogurt, I'm not really hip to the frozen yogurt scene. I have to say this first experience was a positive. The frozen Kefir was a little bit tangy, and my selected topping of blackberries complemented that taste perfectly. I'll definitely be back when the thermometer rises!
One thing I particularly didn't like - and I know it's a weird complaint - is the spoons. They've got this weird texture to them. It's almost....chalky. You know how most plastic spoons are smooth? These aren't. I didn't enjoy the texture of the spoon, and thus it affected my enjoyment of the fro-yo. Hopefully they'll get some different spoons at some point. -
Review from Charlene G.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2010
Starfruit's super-tart frozen kefir is an acquired taste... but warning: once "acquired" it quickly becomes an addiction. There's just something about that sour taste that makes you want more of that sour taste.
I recommend mango (always fresh) and mochi (chewy Japanese rice candy) on vanilla kefir. The toppings add just enough sweetness, but help you maintain that virtuous "I'm not eating ice-cream...really" feeling.
