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The Hot Spot - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants American (New) Breakfast & Brunch, American (New) [Edit]
2824 W Armitage Ave(at Mozart St)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood: Logan Square
(773) 276-0115
- Nearest Transit:
-
California-O'Hare (Blue Line)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
96 reviews for The Hot Spot
Review Highlights
"the loganberry pancakes are amazing."
(in 11 reviews)
"Excellent huevos rancheros and breakfast burrito."
(in 8 reviews)
"and did I mention the fantastic breakfast burrito."
(in 26 reviews)
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96 reviews in English
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Review from molly c.
8/4/2009
as a current resident of brooklyn, i have become accustomed to a new york brunch.
basically, passable food and all you can drink screwdrivers or mimosas or bloodys...you get the idea.
hot spot is what i miss about chicago brunch. cute place. good options for brunch and no rush.
i was a bit miffed that they don't take credit cards, but we got past that. -
Review from Amy Elizabeth S.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2007
i have lived around the corner from this place for a year before i knew it existed, and I am sad that I lost that time with Hot Spot. It is one of my favortite breakfast spots in all of Chicago. When I don't feel like waiting an hour for fancy eggs at Lula, I come here... and always leave happy.
I have tried just about everything on the breakfast menu and loved it all! I even took the "honey butter" off my french toast swearing that i never met a "honey butter" that I liked... and I wound up smothering my french toast with it (the waiter told me that they make it there). All the ingredients taste very fresh, the coffee is strong, the food comes out pretty fast, and the food is cheap.
The place is so bright and cheery, it is hard not to be happy in this joint. Plus they are always playing the most bizarre 80's movies... which totally perks me up. -
Review from Amanda H.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2009
Huevos rancheros are good and a perfect portion. The English breakfast tea is mixed with lavender. I love it. I also had a good omelette here once.
I forget about this place until I want breakfast but am too grumpy for brunch crowds - suddenly I remember Hot Spot and how tables are always available and there are fewer strollers than expected. -
Review from LeeAnn T.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2008
YIKES...SEND YOUR FOOD BACK HERE AND YOU GET THE SAME FOOD BACK. I went there with my mom this weekend. She ordered a patty melt and it was the wrong temperature (rare)...she asked for well.
They took the melt back and returned 20 minutes later...yes 20 minutes later with the same exact sandwich. My mom put ketchup on it inbetween the bread...that is how we knew as well as the fact that the meat was stil raw and the plate arrangement was the same. Needless to say my mom ordered another sandwich-the reuben...35 minutes later it came out. The owner served the sandwich since the waiter never came by again in between. (He just glared right through us and past us) The owner did not say a thing...she just dropped the meal off and walked away...how about an appology??? Thanks Hotspot for ruining my sunday experience with my mom... and PS I missed church because of it. -
Review from Erin J.
8/6/2007
I live a 5-minute walk from here, and had never been in the 2+ years I've lived in Logan Square. I decided to go yesterday for brunch with a friend and it was good.
Just good. *shrugs*
I got the corned beef hash, which was as expected, nothing special. He got the breakfast burrito, which was the same. Big portions. We both got coffee, which was nice n strong, but nothing to write home about. The prices were about spot-on with what I expected. The service was a little slow, and when we first got there the person behind the counter ignored us for a few minutes. Finally I just said, "I guess we can just sit at the bar, then," and we bellied up.
I thought the grass wall was cool. I was looking at it awhile, seeing as how there isn't much else to look at in that particular area of the restaurant, and I realize that had to have been painted from the ceiling down. Took a lot of work, and it ended up pretty nice. I didn't mind the yellow on the walls; thought it was more cheery than blazing.
In all, it was fine. I'll probably go back for brunch because it's so close, but I honestly didn't experience anything worth raving about. Maybe next time - I hear those lingonberry pancakes are pretty good...
EDIT - Aaand, 3 stars becomes 2. I went back this morning and while we were seated quickly (in the LOUD back room), after that, we were largely forgotten. After we ordered (he got the breakfast burrito, I got the fruit and cheese plate), we waited about half an hour before our pissy server came back and clambered our plates in front of us and skulked off without a word.
The fruit and cheese plate consists of 2 past-their-prime, un-hulled strawberries, some un-cored green and red apple slices, a few slices of orange, a handful of scattered red grapes (about half were kinda slimy and questionable), 2 slices of toast (the best part, and with ONE jelly packet, lol) and yellow cheese planks and white cheese planks. Guessing mild cheddar on both, though I could be wrong on the white, because it was so mild it didn't taste like anything.
Whatever they put on the green apples - guessing acidulated water, as I could mainly taste lemon and not apple on the granny smiths - had sloshed onto the bottom of the plate, making a distasteful little pool that poisoned the taste of anything else that touched it, and made for drippy, soggy cheese. Yuck. I mentioned this when we paid to the lady up front - guessing owner/manager - and she denied that they soak their apples in anything, which I have to say I'm darned near certain is not true - my tastebuds don't lie. She asked me if I mentioned anything to my server, and I replied no, because we didn't see her but for when she brought the check out (15 minutes after we'd finished). Additionally, the toilet in the front restroom was functioning poorly, and I fixed it.
Disappointing.
EDIT AGAIN, part deux! HOW could I forget? I had also ordered grapefruit juice, and it came to me with a freshly-perished fruit fly on top. YUMMY! Rather than suffer the wrath of the server (if I could ever get her attention), I simply spooned it out and went about my bidness. -
Review from Tony L.
Oak Park, IL
5/16/2007
Another great place by my work. I have been here quite a few times and I have never been disappointed. I have tried the homemade tuna melt, breakfast burrito, 3 topping burger, tuna steak sandwich (tuna melt ownz this, btw), omlettes, and their special chorizo burger. Overall, this place has a great feel and great food. The owner and staff are very friendly. The decor is very nice and cheery. Though, the main focus is on the food.
I usually hit this place during the week at lunchtime and it's pretty calm, but on the weekends, it gets packed. One of my favorites. -
Review from Dimitri S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/7/2007
I really tried to like this place, I did, but.... just, yes. Oh god. Yes.
Coming out of a restaurant saying "Wow. Those were probably the best pancakes I have ever had in my life." happens no more than twice in a lifetime. However, coming out of a restaurant saying (with tears streaming down your face) "That...was the greatest breakfast burrito/pancake meal that I will ever eat." is almost impossible. It's almost unimaginable. Almost...
Let's start with the Logan Berry Pancakes. They were so good I felt like I somehow didn't deserve them. I always thought this was the type of food Martha Stewart serves to her family on Christmas morning, or what you'd order as a snack while spending the night in the Lincoln bedroom. Same goes for the breakfast burrito. Just fantastic.
I may not be Bill Shakespeare, but I wrote a sonnet about to help explain my love for The Hot Spot...
O, how I tremble with fear in my legs,
Admit the sweet taste of sausage and eggs
The layers of awesome t'was cooked to perfection,
Thou art so good, hath a semi-erection
I would stay here forever, in this mother's womb,
Just like the Crypt Keeper never leaves his tomb.
P.S. To some of the folks reviewing on this site (you know who you are, person who sat with me that day and reviewed just below me) you might want to try not reviewing a restaurant for the pens they give you to sign your credit card with. Just sayin'! -
Review from Angela C.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2008
To sum up my visit: Food - Pretty Good, Service - Okay, Decor - Hideous!
The concept of this place perplexes me. Why choose decor that is so bright and in your face yet have food and service are just average? It's like walking into an episode of Twin Peaks. Feels like you are in some small town that's unforgivably quirky and everyone seems to have forgotten how bizzare it is. To boot, the waiter accidentaly threw a balled up piece of paper at me on his missed attempt to throw it into the garbage can. His response was to laugh, asked where it went, then said, "Dude, I've never done anything like that before." I walked out of there feeling like it was a bad dream and disappointed because it's only 2 blocks from my house!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Shawn S.
Chicago, IL
12/16/2007
I've been here a few times and the experience has been up and down. The Reuben is really good, with perfect rye bread. The potatoes were cold. The breakfast burrito rocks. It's huge. You'll want to eat the whole thing, but you'll regret that overstuffed feeling if you try. The coffee is good. Don't like cucumbers, but the cucumber water is pretty good. The last time I went, got the breakfast special which was a couple enchiladas filled with black beans, corn, and summer sausage with two eggs and potatoes. Everything was really good. The scrambled eggs were great, the potatoes were hot, and the enchiladas were tasty. The food arrived almost too quickly as I was reading the paper.
Stacy and the staff have been very friendly. When I told her I was new to the city, she had lots of recommendations for places to go in the neighborhood. This place could be really good, and I'll keep going back to try new things and look for that consistency that would rate more stars.
Be sure to wear your sunglasses walking in. The bright paint on the walls is blinding at times. -
Review from Kyle G.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2009
I think the negative reviews here are more a showing of that the neighborhood is turning into. Huffy puffy people whining about bad coffee? I ate there about 45 minutes ago for one of many times, and good food, cheap. Side of pancakes and a coffee for $5 works for me.
I think people forget that its food, this isn't science. Coffee gets burnt sometimes, who cares. I don't usually expect people to come pamper my every thought. I want food, they sell food. Gimme fooo!
I've had a couple things here and it was all good. Plus its like 3 blocks from my house. I wanna try some of their sandwiches too -
Review from Shana C.
7/30/2007
Oh my YUM.
I'm simply going to list the amazing things Hot Spot offers to it's lucky diners:
1. Cucumber water
2. Bottomless GOOD coffee
3. Perfectly constructed, 2nd most beautiful soy latte I've ever seen.
4. Apple-wood smoked bacon, in thick slices
5. yummy, lightly seasoned, skin on roast potatoes
6. Best breakfast burrito I've EVER eaten
7. Stellar eggs benedict
8. Lovely owner who chats it up with the customers
9. Good prices
10. Outstanding service with a smile
Come here, and bring all your friends. It's one of those rare breakfast spots that isn't too big for it's britches, and will never serve you a meal that is less than solidly delicious.
1 drawback? Blindingly yellow walls. I like the polka dots, but the walls made me feel crazy.Listed in: L. Square: not to be confused…, I Am a Leftover Queen
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Review from Michelle R.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2007
Best breakfast burrito ever!
the loganberry pancakes are amazing!
**I see some people say they are thin, well yes sir Swedish pancakes are more crepe like than bisquick!**
May I suggest go with a friend and get one burrito and one order of loganberry pancakes and share! It's the absolute perfect sweet salty breakfast!
i just have to wake up before 2 on a sundayListed in: Top Restaurants, My Neighborhood
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Review from Zach W.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2006
Without question the best Huevos Rancheros and Breakfast Burrito. The Huevos are served in piping hot skillets that magically make them even more delicious. The cucumber-infused water are a nice compliment to your meal and keeps me very refreshed.
The bright decor here can either help or hinder your day. I suppose it is a function of how bad your head hurts from the previous night. For me, this usually helps and adds to the typically gloomy days of Chicago. The walls are neon green and the staff is wonderful.
I'm always eagerly awaiting my next breakfast there. -
Review from christie a.
Ashland, OR
11/12/2007
Hot Spot was our first breakfast experience here in the chicago area! and i have to say it was pretty good! Paul got the Heuvos Rancheros (YUM!!!!), and i was just in the mood for yogurt and granola.. Paul's meal was wonderful, mine was just Dannon lowfat yogurt *yuk*, i was hoping for somthing more fresh.. but the toast was great! Although i wished that our 'Unlimited" coffee cups had been filled more often, i was very happy with the service. Everyone was so nice and helpful, and when they found out we were new to the City kept back nothing when giving us suggestions on stuff to try in the area.
Gotta love the kind midwesterners.... I've missed you.
Try this place.. we will probably be back to explore more of the menu... you should too! -
Review from Dan R.
Logan Square, Chicago, IL
6/3/2007
One of my friends had a not so great experience here. But I wanted to try it for myself. And I made her go again. And this time it was great.
Honestly, I don't know what she had that made her dislike it the first time. I had eggs benedict and it was quite possibly the best eggs benedict I've ever had. (and I eat a lot.)
Between this place and The Flying Saucer... I will eat breakfast like a king every saturday/sunday (at least until I don't live on the NW side.) Of course, every time I go to a different breakfast place, I feel like I'm cheating on Cozy Corner. -
Review from Monica P.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2009
I feel bad writing this review and like most of you, I've gone here several times. When I first got my job (right across the street) I absolutely fell in love with this place. They had an extensive menu, generous proportions, and very friendly service. Needless to say, that has changed since this economic crisis has come into play.
For example, about a year ago I ordered one of their "make your own omelettes" with ham, cheddar and avocado. It was amazing, filled with almost a whole avocado I would say and even came with 2 pieces of toast. I ordered the same thing about 8 months later (I like to switch up my order every once and awhile) and got about 4 very thin slices of avocado and ONE SLICE of toast. ONE slice? Is this a joke? Come on now, bread really isn't that expensive. The avocado I can understand, but getting one piece of toast is just absurd to me.
I also used to always order the cobb salad, and as most of you probably know, a cobb is quite loaded. But reflecting recent hardships, their salad is a lame cobb salad (i.e. less tomatoes, less avocado, a half hard-boiled egg, etc.) AND they even raised the price from $8.50 to $9! More money for less salad? Umm, we're struggling too Hot Spot, times are hard for everyone.
In addition to that, they have down-graded their menu from about 40+ entrees, to now about 25. So, there isn't very much to choose from. They have raised their prices on all of the entrees too, not just the cobb salad. The staff is still as friendly as always, but sorry, that's just not enough for me.
I hope Hot Spot owner/employees look at yelp regularly, I want them to know they aren't fooling anyone. I want the old Hot Spot back! :( -
Review from Marty X.
Chicago, IL
3/20/2007
Good spot (hot or not). The owner - Stacy - used to work at Wishbone (manager?), where it looks like she learned a thing or two about putting out a good breakfast & lunch. She's still pals with owner Joel Nickson (I know Joel too, great guy with a million fans).
FYI, last time I saw Stacy a month or so ago, she told me Joel GAVE HER AN OVEN (!). We both had a belly laugh on that one, but knowing Joel, it wasn't too surprising. But back to reviewing the HS:
Love it. I've been there many times, sometimes with my sister's two small kids, and everyone had a good time, every time. There's not much else for a higher-end breakfast spot around the Humboldt Park area, so it has that going for it, but it's a good spot wherever it might be. Lots of nice stuff to choose from, from standard breakfast fare to more adventurous takes on Mexican recipes.
Service is always good & friendly; always asking if you need more coffee or water or whatever, but unobtrusive at the same time.
I would actually give them 5 stars but (sorry, Stacy) the green & yellow color schemes (even on the ceiling) almost make me feel like I'm on the verge of having some flashback somehow - a little twitchy on the eyeballs (especially when I'm nursing a Sunday AM hangover). Now that I think of it, maybe that's not a bad thing? -
Review from DUG H.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2008
I really would have liked to have enjoyed The Hot Spot quite a bit more then I did being a sit is less then a block from my bunker of solitude; sadly they where dead seat on making me hate them despite proximity and potential.
First star to drop is for the decor, normally I am not one to be critical of but this place looks just a little bit like the color wheel threw up all over it. It is bright to a degree that I would not recommend stopping in if you have a hang over.
We'll drop another star for service. Over all the staff was nice, attentive and I would even dare to call some of them attractive. Overall I would like to be able to rave about them but they perpetrated what I consider to be an unforgivable sin upon me; namely they served me a 'flavor enhanced' iced tea with no warning that it was not a cool, tasty and refreshing regular iced tea. Sounds petty I know but you try having to choke down a mouth full of mind bendingly wretched minty death when you where expecting the aforementioned cool and refreshing plain iced tea.
Closely related to the service, and costing another star, is the fact that the food came at a rate only slightly faster then the glaciers leveled the great plains oh so many years ago. At times this is a forgivable sin but in this case I have to grip about it because the place was simply just not that busy, there where several open tables the whole time we where there and we are also not talking about kinda slow here, we are taking about sitting around wondering about what you want for you next meal slow.
The food itself when it came was middle of the road to disappointing. I would drop a star for it but I feel I have ravaged them enough at this point and it was not exactly bad, just not that good. Nor was it particularity creative and I found the corned beef hash to be one of the biggest breakfast let downs I have had for a long time, it was all hash and no corned beef; who knows, maybe they ran out. If I could drop a half this would be the spot to do it.
We will -
Review from Sonchoi H.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2009
Eggs benedict was heavenly. But the best part, if you're a tea freak like me, was the English breakfast tea with lavender. *dies* And their potatoes? Awesome.
Best place to rant over ex-gfs and such. I went with an old friend of mine. The service was great, our waiter was extremely friendly. It was a very colorful and nice place. And people were low-key.
This is also a great location for the neighborhood, I love it. -
Review from Chad D.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2007
I went with a few friends, and well, they had more gripes about the place than I did.
We came for breakfast, and while the wait staff were great, the food was not so great.
My friend got the biscuits and gravy and wasn't pleased to find out it was merely one biscuit with gravy on it. His portion with the sides didn't look very filling.
I got the chicken fried steak, and while it was good, needless to say I've had much better at restaurants you'd expect less at.
So, basically, it's getting a 3 stars for poor food, but great service. Maybe your trip there will fare better than mine? -
Review from Andrew P.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2007
A big disappointmemt. Service was glacial and poor. Instead of getting a full ketchup bottle, three barely full bottles were given to us any time we asked for extra ketchup. Water was never refilled.
As for the food: Pancakes were gummy, the potatoes were cold and only partially done. The biscuits and gravy were good, though. Not worth the trip or cost. Go to a greasy spoon. You'll get way better service and food (although you won't be able to revel in your hipness there) -
Review from alexandra k.
IL
11/11/2007
The coffee is strong, the food sometimes comes cold and everything on the menu is "real."
This is an okay place to go if speed of service is not your first concern. I didn't mind it because I was a repeat customer. Bring a friend and get ready for a long talk. I mean wait... -
Review from Iris F.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2008
It's been difficult in preparing to write this review as I've had breakfast hear several times. The last two are making me consider in going else where.
My last experience on a busy Sunday: Our server never placed our order we waited for over 40 minutes. When the food arrived it wasn't to our expectations as before.
My last attempt was 9/14, we had a new server she was nice. Although, never came back to give me more water for a strong cup of tea she served. Our food arrived and it seems like they were cutting back on the corned beef skillet, lots of potatoes though. Eggs were over cooked when I asked for over easy. Any my toast was burned.
Sorry Hot Spot, I've taken many family and suggested your place dozens of times but enough is enough. Makes me wonder.
My bill was $35, which I guess is normal, right? Let's see, French Toast,Corned beef skillet, cup of tea, hot cocoa and a glass of orange juice. -
Review from Morgan C.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2007
How I miss living on California...
Hot Spot used to be THE hot spot for some weekend brunch. Great food, ample portions, reasonable prices. I would have to agree on the paint job: that IS a lot of yellow. Takes "cheery" to a whole new level; a level that it might not have particularly been meant to go.
But I'll cast another vote for the "delicious breakfast burrito" camp. It is. That was always the big draw for me. The GF swore by the granola, which if it's still $3.50, is one of the best breakfast deals around.
Not so much a fan of their (in)famous cucumber water. There has to be a better way to make a name for yourself. Oh well. Just stick to coffee. And yes, it can get loud, especially in the back, and I imagine only louder as more and more families start moving into the neighborhood... -
Review from Tanya M.
Austin, TX
2/25/2008
Great food, ok atmoshpere. its cute in front but i never sit in back, there are no windows back there and they have yellow florescent lighting, ick.
so far everything i've had there is sooo good.
the service is friendly but a bit too slow, if you're in a hurry don't eat here. so far every time i go there they have back to the future playing, kinda makes it feel more like a sunday at home when you were younger and you would flip on basic tv and wgn would be playing this film, which i find kinda comforting.
definitely a great place to get brunch.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jessica C.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2009
From the moment, I walked into the Hot Spot, I knew this was going to be good.
Aside from the fact that I walked in gagging from laughter as my twitchy friend, Imran K. hopped and jumped so dramatically through rain puddles outside, I literally spent the entire time in Hot Spot laughing.
I paused my laughter long enough to inhale some pancakes. They were so good. Imran got the franch toast. also delish.
Loved the decor
Loved the breakfast
Loved the owner
LOVED the prices.
I will be back. -
Review from Lisa F.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2008
I'd forgotten this was just down the street from my place, but I will not make that mistake again, oh no. Maybe my friend and I beat the rush, but we were seated without hesitation at 1pm on a Sunday in the back room. We were very glad that we weren't hungover -- can you imagine having to nurse one next to those amazing walls that are turned up to 11? Someone noted the back room has chalkboards for little kids. Um, we definitely changed tables just so we could doodle on the walls while we chatted and waited for our food.
Our wait was entirely reasonable and the food was very worth it. I had the Loganberry pancakes, which were delicious, and my friend made her own omelette of mozzarella, spinach, and roasted red peppers, which was excellent. We shared back and forth for that perfect sweet and savory mix so essential to the brunch experience.
Service-wise, our waiter was friendly and competent, but we tried to joke around and be fun and he wasn't having much of that, which I think is too bad, especially since towards the end of our meal we were the only customers left in the room. Also, the music was mostly atrocious and from a radio station, so half the meal was spent listening to loud commericials. I despise commercials, and that was almost enough to knock it down another star, but if the food stays this tasty I'll just suck it up. -
Review from Timothy M.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2006
The Hot Spot is boss. And not just because I used to live 2 blocks away.
It's boss because it's got great food for decent prices, with good service, the interior decorating job is awesome, and it is a great addition to the slowly changing area around Armitage & Cali.
The Loganberry pancakes are so GOOD. They give you huge portions too. The other breakfasts are pretty sweet as well, especially considering that this place is battling neighborhood giant Cozy Corner. They hold their own pretty well.
On a theoretical note, I think it's great to see a place try to fit into a neighborhood. The owners of treat could take a cue from this place. -
Review from Jess S.
Chicago, IL
10/17/2006
What a great addition to the neighorhood. We encountered friendly staff and a diverse crowd. T
T
he prices weren't outrageous.
I scarfed down my Loganberry pancakes, let me tell you. I'm dying to go back and sample more.
The only complaint: the back room is EXTREMELY loud. And they could've used one more waitperson for the Sunday brunch rush.
4/8 update: Weekdays they are open till 9 for dinner. And its BYOB! Awesome.Listed in: Its, like, cool to wait in…
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Review from Kaylee T.
Chicago, IL
8/8/2007
I took my mom here with my roommate. We all got the breakfast burrito, and we were varying degrees of satisfied.
The portions were huge, the coffee selection ample, and the service really, really, really great.
I loved this place! I'm sad it's such a trek for me to get down to it because, with prices as good as they are for food as great as they offer, I'd be there all the time.Listed in: The Great Breakfast Project
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Review from Sarah Z.
Chicago, IL
6/8/2008
The best thing about The Hot Spot is the funky, colorful decor. And there were tons of pictures on the wall drawn by kids.
Food is just okay. Standard diner fare and a little on the greasy side. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but I enjoyed my breakfast. The coffee was horrid but that is forgiven since street parking is easy peasy. -
Review from Amy D.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2007
I really love The Hot Spot. Everyone who works there is so nice and cheerful for as early in the morning as my husband and I go there. I've never minded the bright interior paint job, its something different than all the other places we go and it always seems to be a dark or rainy day when we happen to go there, so its nice. I also like the cucumber water, it reminds me of when I used to live in LA and I think its refreshing.
I always order the Logan Berry Pancakes ($7.50), which are the perfect size (not so big that they take up your entire plate, i.e. Toast) so you can actually almost finish them all - my husband helps me out a little of course. They are not overly sweet either, they are made with sour cream, and the wild cranberry sauce (lingonberry) that they come with on the side is really, REALLY good. They also serve great coffee (Caffe Umbria. I'm just not a fan of the house blends Intelligentsia makes for the local restaurants, too acidic for me). Never been here for lunch though as places I covet for breakfast I keep as breakfast-only places (Victory's Banner, Orange, Toast).
I love that Hot Spot is open on Mondays and that they open early, 7am, when most breakfast places in Roscoe Village, Lakeview, and Bucktown/Wicker Park don't open until 8am. It's the perfect place for us when we are up early and ready to eat!
**************
UPDATE 5/8/07:
I just saw this on Metromix and I hope it isn't true!
Starting March 12: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Friday; 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday - Sunday; closed Tuesday -
Review from Nell R.
IL
9/18/2007
I really enjoyed this place. My boyfriend took me here last Saturday for brunch. I had the portabello sandwich, he had the tuna melt. I'm not a big fan of tuna from the can, but he said it was really really good. Mine was good as well.
I liked the decor. It fit the place well.
Our server was nice and bubbly...maybe she had a bit too much coffee. But that's not a complaint, she ws a great server and our coffee and water never ran out. A+, yo. -
Review from Bizzle Z.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2007
Yes, you can definitely get some subpar eats if you show up when they are busy. But usually, DE-Licious!
The best grilled cheese I've ever had. Ham, Tomatoes, 3 cheeses. I even took a picture! Good value. And friendly staff too.
I would recommend trying it out on a weekday. When they aren't swamped, the food is better and you can be seated much more quickly.
Quite strange, but it has proven to be the case for me. -
Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2006
Boss and I went a couple times for b'fast and I had a hard time telling where The Hot Spot ended and Denny's began. This is fine, low key, underwhelming storefront for breakfast. Certainly not worth leaving your hood for (it is a mere 15 minutes by foot from chez moi...but all the same).
Haven't been there for lunch. So I'll keep my pie hole shut on that. -
Review from StVal M.
San Diego, CA
3/31/2011
The Hot Spot closed!?!? This makes me really sad. I used to LOVE going their on a Sunday morning for a tall glass of spa (cucumber) water and an egg sandwich with my friends. The owner was really awesome and always super friendly. Plus, they always had "Finding Nemo" on the TV. I was obsessed with their lighting. :(
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Review from Benjamin B.
Chicago, IL
10/17/2007
I am happy that Hot Spot is in my neighborhood. I have only been here a few times, mostly because I tend to leave my neighborhood when eating out... but the few times that I have been here, I have enjoyed it quite a bit.
The service is always friendly, the food is always solid, and the environment is cozy. Although they need to do something with the lighting in here... on a hazy grey winter day... despite the vibrant colors on the walls... this place feels kind of drab. Overall, this is a great spot for eating so check it out. -
Review from Misse D.
Chicago, IL
11/9/2008
Three of us came here for brunch on a Sunday afternoon around 11AM. There was no wait for a seat luckily, as it was one of the few tables open. The service was outstanding. Our waitress brought us drinks, follow-up milk, and our food very promptly.
I ordered the eggceptionally sandi. It was very, very good. My only complaint is that the menu listed it as "eggs, tomatoes, cheese, and Canadian bacon." When I ordered it, the waitress asked if I wanted it with everything. I said yes as it sounded healthy and tasty. When the sandwich came, there was a super delicious hollandaise type sauce. I ate it because I liked hollandaise sauce but I would have skipped it had I known it was on there. Could you please add that to the description?
The brunch was really cheap- about $10 per person including our drinks. I would definitely recommend. It's not an experience worth traveling to try out but if you are in the neighborhood, I would definitely recommend.
There was a sign up saying the space is available to rent out for parties. The backroom has a chalkboard around the middle of the room on all four walls. I couldn't help but think this would be a great space to throw a children's birthday party. -
Review from Kelly R.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2008
Cute little breakfast spot. The back room has a strip of chalkboard for kids - which is great.
Food was just okay as was the service.
Too bad, because the owner seems really nice and really sweet. -
Review from Nicole C.
Chicago, IL
7/28/2007
Cucumber water.
I've only been here once, and I had awesome food. But when I started drinking the water... I got confused. I didn't actulally know they put cucumbers in the water. I kept drinking it... going "this reminds me of something"
And then I saw the pitcher with the floating slices of cucumber. Duh.
I got a sammich, which came with awesome potatoes. I could have just eaten a plate of those and been happy.
Im not sure why you would complain about the paint or the small TV's. Firstly, you dont go to a food establishment for the TV. So if it happens to have one, thats just extra points. Sure, its small... but unless you need glasses and left them at home, its no problem.
The paint just makes me giggle. I love sitting next to a wall of "grass".
