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The 3rd Coast

4 star rating
based on 109 reviews

Categories: Wine Bars, American (New)

Neighborhood: Near North Side
1260 N Dearborn St
(between Division St & Goethe St)
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 649-0730
Nearest Transit:

Clark/Division (Red)

Hours:

Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Breakfast, Brunch
Music:
DJ, Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Sat, Sun
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
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109 reviews for The 3rd Coast

Review Highlights   

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"Most importantly, the stuffed french toast is ridiculously good." (in 7 reviews)
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"Of particular note are the Coronation Chicken Salad and the Smoked Turkey…" (in 4 reviews)
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"I've only ever had the scones, never been there for an actual meal." (in 6 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Nicole C.

Elite '09

68

61

Nicole C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/20/2009

Utterly relaxing at night.

A friend and I were looking for a place to chat around 10:30 p.m. on a Thursday night, close to the Clark and Division red line. Having been instantly repelled by the loud, bad music and grinning middle aged suits at "The Lodge", we were delighted to traipse over to 3rd Coast (I hadn't realized it was open that late) and cozy up to a booth in a corner of the restaurant which we had all to ourselves.  Though you're below ground level the windows are tall and  expansive, so you have a great sense being tucked away but still connected to the world outside. The lighting is bright without being harsh and music is tastefully chosen, in the background.

We were both content with our beverages--a Peppermint Schnapps hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and a cocktail I can't remember.We didn't order food but there's plenty of it, as well as a good looking wine list. It would make an ideal option for a lateish dinner when you want something other than diner or fast food.  (They do serve breakfast all day if you have that hankering though.)

I'd been to 3rd Coast for a few Spanish language Meet Up groups and it's served the purpose very well, reasonable sound level, no problem splitting up checks, quick service.

If I lived in the area I could also see this as a great place to go solo to read or work on a project.

In sum: great multipurpose spot.

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Photo of bleu c.

 

20

26

bleu c.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
11/17/2009

This place is such a treat. I especially enjoy the Third Coast for a late breakfast on the weekends. Their coffee is so aromatic and delicious. Wonderful French toast, eggs cooked any way you like them.
The vibe here is actually pretty low key even though it is in a tony section of the Gold Coast. There is always an interesting mix of people here--it seems to be frequented by a good deal of Europeans.
The vintage magazines in front are funky and cool.
I like that this is a place where I can feel equally at ease by myself or with friends. It is just that relaxed.  
Lunch and Dinner has been just okay. They have some nice wines and a decent cheese plate but for that it is just more of a meetup place for me, but if you want to meetup and enjoy your meal definitely check out the Third Coast for yummy breakfast fare and good people watching.

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Photo of Jocelyne L.

 

4

5

Jocelyne L.

Cupertino, CA

5 star rating
9/22/2009

I brunch a lot. I try to eat at a new brunch place every month and every time I do, I always buy a scone. The scone is my yardstick, my Big Mac index if you will on how brunch places compare to one another. To me, omelettes taste the same across different restaurants, but scones can have so many interpretations and ingredients--it's exciting every time I try one!

I've been a fan of scones ever since my mom bought me those triangular-shaped blueberry scones from Safeway when I was a little girl. I think it's safe to say that I've eaten a lot of scones in my lifetime, but never in my life have I come across scones such as the ones from 3rd Coast.

For one thing, these scones are shaped like a dome and are bigger than my fist so they are heartier than most scones out there. The scones come out warm and toasty as if they're arriving straight from the oven. The outside of the scone is hard and dry, which makes you think the scone will be like that on the inside. But, once you break off a piece of the scone, you can see that the inside is soft with huge chunks of fruit and the scone just melts in your mouth. This is exactly how I envisioned the perfect scone to be! Tough as a rock on the outside, but cozy and fluffy on the inside. I think 3rd Coast has only three varieties: raspberry, chocolate chip and blueberry. The chocolate chip scone tastes like a giant butter chocolate chip cookie, which is fine with me. The raspberry scone is a little too tart for my taste, but the blueberry scone is just divine.

I visited Chicago recently and I bought 6 scones to bring back to California. Each scone is $2.50 each, which I think is a bargain when you're paying for a scone the size of a softball. The scones weren't as fresh as they would be if you dined in, but the crumbly, buttery taste was still there. If you ever make a stop in Chicago, you have to try the best scones in the country--I dare you to prove me wrong!

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Photo of C B.

 

5

130

C B.

Omaha, NE

4 star rating
11/5/2009

I liked this place, I had the burger, which was tasty and served on a pretzel roll (totally sold me) and my wife had grilled cheese and soup which were both good.  They had a good selection of beer and wine, I had a Lagunitas IPA I'd never had, it was very good.  We also took dessert back to the hotel, cheesecake was decent.  I'd go again for sure especially if we stay in the neighborhood again.

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Photo of Unity O.

Elite '09

184

154

Unity O.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
Updated - 8/31/2009

I have a love for 3rd coast that spans over 16 years, I have enjoyed many a cup of coffee here as well as a fricking delicious scone.  I enjoy going in the late afternoon because it is not busy at all & you can enjoy some "you" time either reading a book, perusing the paper, or doing work/studying.  You can spend hours here just chilling on some random afternoon.  

I also enjoy the friendliness of the waitstaff, they are not pushy at all.  Nor do they hover over you so that you leave--it is nice.  While I think their food can be a bit pricey the quality is good and the portion sizes are decent.  I have a tendency to simply get some coffee & a scone.  Let me just say here--they have my favorite scones in all of the city.  Served nice & warm with fresh fruit in them and they come with whipped cream & butter (drool!).  

I will say one major downside for me is that they do not offer Splenda as one of their sugar substitutes and that is annoying.  I do not understand why some establishments hold out on that front--so minus a star for that.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    8/31/2008

    I have been going to this place since college & I love it.  It can be easily overlooked when walking… Read more »

Photo of James F.

Elite '09

67

171

James F.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
9/8/2009 3 photos

Went for a group meal with some friends and family. Pretty tasty food, with a nice wine selection.

I got the Cajun Chicken Penne
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
and had it at spicy. Not that spicy or cajuny for this southern californian, but i guess since it was supposed to be more of an alfredo sauce, it was still good. I had a cup of gazpacho soup as the appetizer and it was delicious.

My wife got the ravioli, which might have been one of the day's specials, http://www.yelp.com/bi...
and while it was good, it was, like most ravioli plates, just not quite filling.

One of my friends got a skirt steak i think, but only thought it ok.

Our service was great - answering our questions and getting our food and drinks in a timely manner.  We happened to be sitting next to a growing table of a local spanish club, so got to overhear a group practicing spanish through the whole meal. The only odd thing was that a woman came in and tried to get us to sign a petition to get a candidate on the ballot. Alas for her, 2/3 of us were from out of state. This seemed a bit odd that the restaurant would allow someone to pester the diners. While I'm supportive of the democratic process, hitting up people while they are eating at a restaurant isn't cool.

Good food, nice wine, and a nice upscale neighborhood place to walk over to.

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Photo of Lois A.

 

3

110

Lois A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/11/2009

When I first moved to Chicago I lived in this building and was totally thrilled to have a late night place I could eat at any time I pleased. The french toast is amazing and I love how cozy and dark it is inside. It always feels like I'm hiding out from the city when I'm at 3rd Coast. I was back recently just for some beers and had an excellent time. They have a pretty good selection of drinks and there is a really laid back atmosphere. The waitstaff are always really nice.

I just really, really love places that serve breakfast into the night becauase that is when my mouth starts watering for things like the banana walnut pancakes they serve and the applewood smoked bacon B.L.T. Yum, yum yum!

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Photo of Rob L.

 

0

2

Rob L.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/21/2009

I love 3rd Coast.  It's anything you want it to be.  A coffee house with unlimited refills, a wine bar, late night munchie place, brunch, lunch, dinner, anything!

It's in the heart of the Gold Coast, and one of the few restaurants in the immediate area.  The staff is always friendly and I was pleasantly surprised at their wine knowledge.

Perfect for groups, brunch with the parents, or a nice date night.  The menu is large and orders come out quick.  I always forget about this place, but always happy when we end up going.

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Photo of Claire T.

Elite '09

94

137

Claire T.

Dallas, TX

5 star rating
7/18/2009 1 photo

I just fell in love with The 3rd Coast on my most recent Chicago trip.  It's a cute little place, and I was able to walk there from Hotel Indigo.  I was by myself that night, but didn't feel awkward dining alone.  This place was cool as a cucumber.  The staff was cool (thanks, cute waiter, for that "extra" pour of sangria), the music piped in was cool, and the decor was cool.  

I ordered the turkey brie sandwich on wheat bread with fresh fruit.  The brie was melted just right over the turkey; it didn't separate at all.  The toast was buttered, which I appreciated from a tastebud perspective (not a waistline perspective). They were serving sangria as a special.  It was a carafe of tasty sangria (not too sweet) poured over a glass of diced fresh fruit.  I liked that the fruit was fresh, as a lot of places keep it in the sangria and it gets soggy.

So, The 3rd Coast got me a little tipsy and made me fall in love with it.  I will return on future visits to Chicago.  Since it's open from 7am to midnight, I can go for any meal!

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Photo of Jaime d.

 

4

6

Jaime d.

Oak Park, IL

5 star rating
6/17/2009

It would be easy enough, if not understandable, to mistake 3rd Coast Cafe for a strictly formal Gold Coast posh spot. The atmosphere, not to mention location at the swank intersection of Dearborn and Goethe, are certainly enough to suggest a decidedly high-end experience.

But while 3CC may attract an upper-class clientele, it also provides a surprisingly relaxed, casual atmosphere -- one that may not become apparent until seated.

The menu varies, covering a wide range of entries and appetizers. For those looking for a light meal, the grilled cheese is bar-none the best in Chicago; you'd swear it was grilled in sunshine, not better. Those arriving with a more serious hunger will obviously be looking for something more substantial, which is where the spicy penne pasta with chicken comes in. Add bacon bits for over the top flavor -- provided you don't have a heart condition. And top the whole thing off with a massive, multi-scoop brownie sundae, with non-traditional sundae scoops of mint and coffee ice cream.

Given the quality and portions of their servings, 3rd Coast can come across on the more expensive side. Luckily, every bite is worth it. And you'd be hard pressed to find a more inviting location in the entire Gold Coast.

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Photo of Tara P.

Elite '09

7

100

Tara P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/18/2009

We had a delightful little lunch here on a recent Friday.  My party tried 3 different sandwiches, all tasty: a turkey/brie, a club and a grilled veggie.  I also had a cup of the gazpacho which was the soup of the day - JJ sez dy-no-mite!  Finally, I had a very tasty sidecar, my first of (I hope) many to come.  Service was attentive and everything arrived at our table quickly.  The atmosphere was pleasant, with a great album playing, nice natural light coming in from the street, and a quaint location in the near north area.

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Photo of Sylvia I.

Elite '09

11

108

Sylvia I.

Cary, NC

5 star rating
6/5/2009

Cute little cafe/restaurant.  I came to meet a client here on a Sunday afternoon, and circled the blocks for free street parking...but finally had to pay the meters since the street parking required a permit.  (*Note - meters are getting so expensive in the city!  It's almost up there with SF's meter prices now!)  

I got a vanilla latte (delicious) and my client got a tea. We chatted for about 45 minutes, and when we asked our waiter for the bill, he said it was on the house!  Hm...we were so confused.  He must have got a glimpse of our confused faces, so turned back around and asked if that was 'okay'?  Ha ha.  We said yes (tentatively) ...but still decided to tip him a couple bucks.  

Cute place.  Will have to come back here and try the food given all the good reviews here.

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Photo of Amy E.

 

10

16

Amy E.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
Updated - 4/27/2009

I have already reviewed 3rd Coast but wanted to update since we used them for our Rehearsal Dinner, the night before our wedding.

This was a no brainer for us, we have been going there for over 7 years(as I mentioned in my first review).

We took over the entire top portion and had it set up so that it was more of a buffet. They had a table of tons of foods and apps and people just went up and got as much as they wanted. We also had open wine and beer bar for 2 hours. It was perfect and they were so amazing and gracious to us. There is a little step you have to go up to get to the area we were in and the owner took my grandmother (who is in a wheelchair) in through the back through the kitchen.

It was still open to the public but we hardly realized it and didn't feel as if we were disturbing the rest of the place. They Owners are so accommodating and up for anything!

I plan on throwing more parties there in the future!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    10/28/2008

    I have been going here for almost 7 years. I lived across the street for 2 years and I love it. The… Read more »

Photo of Ted D.

 

46

176

Ted D.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
2/12/2009

I came here for brunch the other afternoon and I definitely did like the place.. However, the service was not all that great.. He never refilled my water, which is super annoying, and not once walked by to ask how our food was.
It is a great little atmosphere, great music, and the workers were definitely chill, but they just need to step up their game a bit.

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Photo of Valerie K.

 

2

1

Valerie K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
2/16/2009

I often come here, as I live in the building, and its warm, cozy ambiance is irresistible during freezing Chicago winters. While this place is not cutting-edge hip by any means and gets really crowded on weekends, the food is great (especially breakfast and lunch). Among my favorites, grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and tomato, crab cake eggs benedict, and a Caesar salad.
Service can be slow on weekend mornings, but still good compared to some other brunch places in the city.

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Photo of Carol J.

Elite '09

353

419

Carol J.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
12/5/2008

I used to Coast excessively when I had friends in the building but they've all moved away....however, I found myself getting suspicious looks from the genteel neighbors while waiting on the corner with boots and fishnets so I ducked into the 3rd Coast the other day and suddenly felt home again.

I forgot how much I loved this little gem on one of the prettiest streets in the Gold Coast.  Always a warm welcome and respite from the cold.  Piping hot drinks in the winter and refreshing cold ones in the summer.  Always room for me and my girls to sit for hours on end, sometimes through entire shifts, and no one says a word.  Just annouce the changing of the guard.  Brunch has turned into dinner more than once here.

This is one of those places that flies quietly under the radar with decent food, great wines, fair prices and a great staff.  I kind of like it that way!

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Photo of Kelly K.

 

2

27

Kelly K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/17/2009

I frequently visit a friend who lives above The 3rd Coast and this place is always packed, so I figured I'd give it a try for brunch one weekend recently.  However, time constraints kept us from sitting down and we unfortunately had to settle with granola bars to go.  Instead, we ordered food to carry out when we returned.  The pizza was great, some of the best non-deep dish around!  It does take a while since they hand roll the dough, but it was worth the wait.  The chicken alfredo was a bit too heavy for me since I don't like cream sauces late at night, but my friend thought it was fantastic.

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Photo of J H.

 

7

232

J H.

Front Range

4 star rating
4/7/2009

This coffee shop is really cozy and so chill. The coffee I used to get in the mornings for a buck. I am not sure if it is still a dollar.
I liked the service and they never rushed you. I wouldn't bother ordering the food -although I only did have a salad-it just looked like something that belonged in a rabbit cage.
The  pastries are good, but go for the coffee, to hang out and have stimulating conversations with your friends, and just relax. This is such a sweet little place-very Chicago and very real.

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Photo of Corby G.

 

0

28

Corby G.

Boise, ID

4 star rating
8/11/2009

Excellent sandwiches and a real old school Chicago feel. We ordered hummus, diablo's beef sandwich and the dutch club. The hummus was average. The diablo's beef was excellent- warm grilled bread, lean and tasty beef. Maybe a bit too salty, but the texture was perfect. The dutch club was the same- freshly grilled, still hot and just the right amount of each ingredient. The diablos beef sandwich came with kind of a jalepeno relish on the side. Temperature wise, it was cold, but very spicy. Not for me, but probably heaven for someone who likes wierd spicy stuff. I would definitely go back. hummus, two sandwiches and tip- $35.

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Photo of Tony R.

 

3

7

Tony R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
2/9/2009

This is by far my favorite restaurant in the city, and here is why: (1) They play awesome music all the time (Kings of Leon, Interpol, Cut Copy), (2) Their food is awesome (Corination Chicken Salad, Homemade Soups, Great Coffee, Cappuccini, etc.), (3) The Staff is super cool, (4) The vibe is very relaxing (It's just a really chill Coffee House).

It's such a stress relief to just go there, and I have probably eaten there 50+ times and brought dozens of people through (all loved it).

Do not hesitate to give third coast a try, you won't regret it.

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Photo of Cully S.

Elite '09

16

54

Cully S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/4/2009

Although I thought it would be difficult to enjoy my key lime pie in the midst of a waiter-vs-patrons argument about about the current financial crisis, it was EASY.  The pie was excellent and these weirdos were so informed and persuasive I couldn't decide whom I was rooting for.

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Photo of Eric M.

Elite '09

11

215

Eric M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
2/9/2009

I give it four stars for what I think it's trying to be - a sort of laid-back coffee shop that I imagine existed in the Vienna of 100 years ago.  If you're expecting a super-hip, modern cafe, you're in the wrong place.  Located on quiet Dearborn Street in the heart of the Gold Coast, this place is usually heavy with studying students and locals in for a bite.  They have coffee, of course, but also a full bar and nicely prepared cafe-type foods.

When I lived a block away, I used to eat there a lot and just chill with something to read and some coffee.  I still like to eat there after doing stuff in Lincoln Park (like after the Air Show) or when I want to just relax and have decent food and good drinks.

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Photo of Liza O.

 

5

38

Liza O.

Miami Beach, FL

4 star rating
12/20/2008

$3 Mimosa special?  Yes, sir, two please!

I really was just going to order food, but then there was a drink special.  And they were yummy mimosas.  I love when wine bars serve mimosas and bellinis... because they don't use the cheapest grossest champagne known to man.  We were happy.

I had blueberry pancakes, which were delish, nice and fluffy.  My friend had an omelet and potatoes, which she also approved of.

Service was decent, though not spectacular.  And the place wasn't too crowded or small.

I'll definitely go again.

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Photo of Ann Y.

Elite '09

20

268

Ann Y.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
6/30/2009

My husband and I stayed at Hotel Indigo and decided to check this place out for breakfast. It was nothing special just decent food. I had eggs with feta and the potatoes O'brien. I wouldn't get the potatoes next time because they were really greasy. My eggs were good though. My husband had the french toast and he said it was good. It was a rather large portion so that was a plus. The coffee drinks looked wonderful and I would like to try it for dinner sometime since they had an impressive wine sepection. If I am in the area, I would return back.

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Photo of Jacie R.

 

8

5

Jacie R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/11/2008

I love this place. And not because its steps from my apartment - which I must admit make it wonderfully convenient on those foggy-headed Sunday mornings - but because it's everything brunch should be. Delicious, cozy, friendly and laid back.

No crowds packed with perfectly put together people that scoff at my baseball cap and comfy pants - aka pajama pants. No snooty servers and overpriced, mediocre concoctions. And definitely no ridiculously long waits. I've never waited more than 15 minutes on a Sunday morning, thanks to the "blink and you'll miss it" location.

The steamed oatmeal with bananas and brown sugar will leave you all warm and fuzzy inside. And the French toast stuffed with bananas, candied walnuts and brie .....well, do I really have to say much more?

Bonus:  this place has a great wine selection, full bar, and live music on Saturday nights.

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Photo of Tom G.

 

5

31

Tom G.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
2/27/2009

I'm so glad I found this place! I live a block away so I'm definitely going to be coming back a lot.

Great food, great service, and the drinks were strong (good if you like that kind of thing!).

Best of all was the atmosphere. Very laid back and they were playing Radiohead, Led Zep, and the Beatles in the background. I'll definitely be back to relax and have some good food

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Photo of K R.

 

2

18

K R.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
2/1/2009

I like going in for a breakfast, lunch or dinner with a book. Sometimes I meet a group there. It's a very comfortable cafe and so close to my place that I think of it often.

The service is spotty, so much so that the only reason I don't go there weekly is the service. The waiter disappears or walks by without seeing the water glass is empty or there is no silver or you stand there at the register while the staff finishes their social conversation.

Don't order martini's. The beer and wine choices are very good. Every meal I've ordered has been delicious and some memorable.

Street parking, 151 or Clark St. bus, garage at Indigo, parking lot at State and Goethe, easy NE walk from Division stop on Red-Line.

They play great Cd's all day long. No matter your age, the feel is terrific. They keep the sound just right, not loud.

If they could get the service fixed I'd give it 6 stars. It could easily be perfect.

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Photo of Vanessa D.

Elite '09

28

158

Vanessa D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/25/2008

I used to come here quite regularly when they were open til 3 or 4AM. But, it seems after the smoking ban they didn't get as much late night foot traffic and thus modified their hours. Oh, well. I still try to stop by whenever I'm in the neighborhood.

This place is a cool place to hang out at any time of day -- for breakfast, for a coffee, for a late night glass of wine. The food is pretty good. It's nothing AMAZING, but it's decent for a cafe.

Chill atmosphere, dim lighting. I recommend this place for just hanging out with a couple friends or if you have to study or read.

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Photo of isa b.

 

24

73

isa b.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
6/11/2009

It was a weekend when I went. Fast service. Very decent food. I went with a toddler (baby) and he made a mess and they were not strict about that. I had eggs, bread, pancakes... It was crowded when I left. I will be back. It reminds me of a NY restaurant, because it has that feel.

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Photo of Misi P.

Elite '09

63

412

Misi P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/19/2008

so, this one is pretty easy to miss.  As a matter of fact, I had no idea what or where it was until my food connoseiur friend decided on it for my birthday breakfast-dinner.  I like this spot more for atmosphere than I do for food - don't get me wrong the breakfast is yummy, but I want to film my next nujazz music video on a cloudy day sitting in the corner sipping a cup of earl grey, waxing poetic about love that can never be.  

Well, that's if I were filming music vids.  The other wonderful thing is that you can buy wine by the bottle to go.  Got to love that.

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Photo of Nicole L.

 

6

41

Nicole L.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
12/3/2008

I went here for dinner recently.  One star for the quiet and cozy atmosphere.  One star for the attentive and friendly service.  Minus three stars for the sketchy, cringe-inducing, cartilage-ridden chicken.

Other reviews seem very positive about brunch so if I try it out I will be sure to (1) avoid any chicken dishes and (2) update my review.

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Photo of Mari K.

Elite '09

53

122

Mari K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/24/2008

french toast + bananas + banana liquer + candied walnuts + brie + whipped cream = party in your mouth!

The stuffed french toast was amazing (especially after we took out the brie.. yeah, it was just a little too weird for me).  It's also super sweet, so make sure you have a cup of coffee or glass of water nearby.  But apparently my friend thought it wasn't sweet enough so he doused it in syrup.. root canal waiting to happen.  My friend ordered the veggie hash, which was surprisingly delicious.  It comes with bits of brocolli and other veggies inside, which almost makes you think you're eating something healthy.  Yummy!! =D

Bonus point: they serve up some great coffee. =)

Service is nothing to complain about.  They don't bug you, they're responsive, and they're quick.

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Photo of Jenny N.

 

2

11

Jenny N.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/12/2009

Found this place on my new iPhone app (lame, but so useful), and decided to give it a try. Loved it!  Good food; I had the lox and bagel and a mimosa. Then I ordered a piece of their homemade key lime pie and let me tell you, it was a little slice of heaven. Would definitely go back to try more things. Prices weren't that bad and surprisingly not very busy for a Saturday morning in the Gold Coast.  Will definitely be back to try their stuffed french toast. The table next to us ordered it and it looked delicious!

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8

23

Anna P.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
2/19/2008

You know how rare it is to find a restaurant that you can take parents to for a early breakfast on a Saturday, your boyfriend to for a boozy Sunday brunch, or alone with a paper on a random Tuesday afternoon?
3rd Coast is all this...It's relaxed, unpretentious, and tasty food. I know, I know it IS located in the Gold Coast, but when 99% percent of us leave our pretensions at the door...Perfect!

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2

23

Jeremy Z.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/8/2008

You can't beat quality ingredients, a well thought out menu, and friendly service.  And the best part is that the prices are decent considering the portion size and deliciousness.

The wait staff is ridiculously friendly and makes you feel like you are at a home away from home.  It is great for breakfast, dinner, dessert, or just drinks.  The chocolate chip pancakes really hit the spot on a Sunday morning!

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12

49

Ruthie H.

Crystal Lake, IL

5 star rating
4/19/2009

My good friend and I decided to go out for a drink to catch up.  We hadn't seen each other in a while, and we wanted to go to a place where we could talk and enjoy some wine.  Places like that are hard to find...especially on a Saturday night.  You're either fighting crowds or yelling over loud music.  The 3rd Coast was the PERFECT place for us.  It was cozy, comfortable, and quiet.  They still play music, but it is really good music kept at a tolerable volume.  The crowd was eclectic; ranging from students on their laptops to groups of 4 or 5 middle-aged friends meeting for a drink.  The prices are SO reasonable.  The service was great.  Our waitress was very respectful of that fact that we were in a good conversation, yet she was still attentive.  The food and drink offerings will please everyone from your friend that doesn't drink (great coffee offerings) to your winos and martini lovers.

I will definitely be returning to 3rd Coast.

P.S.  They serve breakfast all day!

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Elite '09

239

311

danielle C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/9/2007

Fantastic Carry OUT!
  One of my friends stopped by with lunch today... I felt so lucky!!
She brought one of my favorite sandwiches in the world-- the Turkey Brie sandwich from 3rd coast!! Yummy, buttery, toasted bread with melted brie cheese and turkey... I am very full, but just thinking about it makes me want another!!  I always get the fruit salad with it, instead of fries... they do not just stick you with cantaloupe and honeydew, they also have bananas, pineapple, strawberries..

Great desserts too!  the brownies?  Chocolate, rich, and savory..

Happy day!

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Elite '09

497

497

Audrey J.

New York, NY

5 star rating
4/22/2006

Every time I step through the door here, I feel life's problems drain away. The troubles of the day -- the week, even -- just seem trivial as the instrumental jazz softly blankets the room and creates a hazy, just plain relaxing atmosphere. The furniture is sturdy, the bud vases freshly filled, and the original pastels and watercolors hanging on the walls (all tastefully framed and up for sale) add a fresh feel to the space.

The food is very delicious, and today I began the day indulging my absolute gluttonous side with the stuffed French toast (with glazed walnuts, banana, melted brie, and banana liqueur) and a side of bacon (completely delicious, thick slices of deep red meat fried to a perfect non-crunchy solid crisp).  

An added plus: the servers here are very attractive in a Greenwich Village/Chelsea loft artist sort of way. They were also very helpful; when I arrived after they'd stopped serving their brunch menu (through which the stuffed French toast is offered), I asked the server about my getting the stuffed French toast, and he went back and got confirmation from the kitchens that they would be able to make it for me. Wahoo!

Overall, a GREAT little brunch place. I didn't know about its late-night hours, so I'll be sure to add it now to my list of late-night munchies destinations!

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Elite '09

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454

Mark S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/20/2006

Something in Chicago that hasn't changed in the last 15 years!!!

When I was underage, I'd come to Third coast to feel like an adult- great cafe food, coffee drinks, etc.  I remember somehow being impressed that I could sit in a cafe that served alcohol- wine, beer, etc, and play chess!  This was the first place I ever ate a craison.

For whatever reason, I hadn't been to Third Coast in easily over 10 YEARS, so Saturday when I found myself in the area, I had a dilemma- avoid it and continue to imagine it exactly as I remembered, or go and risk being let down by another place corrupted with city growth and "progress."  Was it even still around?

IT WAS!  And it hasn't changed one bit!  I ordered a glass of champagne to celebrate!  The food is still great, the atmosphere is still the same, everything is just right!  I realize now that it's a pretty European feeling cafe, with drinks and simple food/salads to enjoy in addition to coffee and the normal cafe fare.  The place isn't super fancy or new inside, but it's comfortable, and kind of hidden, and just the greatest.  Not perfect- but perfect even in its imperfection, you know?

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5

92

Elizabeth K.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
5/29/2007

Take my word for it ... there is NOTHING more comforting on a snowy afternoon than holing up here for a while over an irish coffee and raspberry scone. (Yes, weird combination. I've accepted it.) A place that meets both of my legal drug needs: coffee AND liquor.

I've only ever had the scones, never been there for an actual meal. Sorry. But the scones are enough. They bake them for you. No, I mean really. They aren't under glass at the counter. You actually have to wait. BECAUSE THEY EFFIN' BAKE YOUR GODDAMN SCONE RIGHT THEN AND THERE. Bake it! Do you get that? BAKE IT. The scone covers a multitude of the sins I've been keeping track of ... the too cool for school service, the priceyness, the fact that it takes forever to get your check when it's time to go. I forgive you, Third Coast, because you have "delicate antique plumbing" in your bathroom, because of your wood panelling, because of those weird gas jet things at the door (heat?) and because of your motherfucking SCONES.

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