On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, RavenswoodDamen (Brown)
"I crawled out of my yelp hole to rave about Chava. AWESOME space, great seating. Free wifi with no limitations. Yummy clover coffee. I…" read more »
This place is a true gem of old-world Italian culture in a North Side neighborhood that is not traditionally an Italian one (like Jefferson, Edison or Portage Park on the NW Side...)
James, the owner, is as professional as it gets--from the days when being a barista used to mean something. Italian men that would work in this position for a lifetime and were as highly regarded as the doctors and lawers in their villages (if not more so!) This guy remembered me after meeting me only once--that is customer service, my friends.
Espresso served at the counter with a demitasse sugar holder, again, so old-school it hurts. You could take your espresso to a table, but why not stay at the counter and shoot the breeze with the proprietor?
What a clever use of space and artifacts that recall a day long gone...I'm a fan for life! Support this business!
I'm a big fan of Ventrella. Huge. It must be the last cafe in Chicago where people can go to relax over a tasty panino, some nice coffee and perhaps enjoy a quiet conversation. Over the years, the presence of self-important laptop lapdogs in Ventrella has hardly registered on the Sphincter Scale. There are many places to get great coffee in this city, but virtually none left where you can speak above a whisper without having the rosetta blown off your latte by the huffs and sighs from social retards trying to update their Facebook statuses.
The attractive room possesses a comfortable elegance, if you can imagine such a thing. I like the slightly dim interior, the generously-spaced tables and the attractive flourishes (jukebox, fireplace, pressed tin ceiling) that preen more than scream. I really like James, the owner, who mans the place most days. I like the coffee, gelati and Italian sodas.
I really like.
One thing worth highlighting is the fact that your espresso beverage arrives at your table in the company of a tiny amaretto cookie. Now I ask you, is that not elegance incarnate?
The mildly eccentric hours don't bother me at all. As has been mentioned by others, the owner has the right to operate his business however he wishes. In fact, I'm delighted that there are people out there who realise this is still an option.
If your life is not ruled by a portable wireless transceiving thingamagoogy and if you are cognizant of the fact that the universe will not yield to any delusions of self-entitlement, and if you're not averse to being greeted with a smile, then this just might be the place for you.
Ventralla's has a great vibe, and some mean Nutella/Banana panninis. Ventralla himself is the best kind of cranky. I am not a huge dark-roasted coffee fan, which is what he uses. So I avoid the drip coffee. But the espresso drinks are great.
The interior is a great space, whether you are sitting down on a hot summer day, or trying to stay warm.
This is an excellent cafe, all around. It's got a great, authentic, retro atmosphere - from the music to the furniture to the 50s-era fridge, ceiling fan and rotary phone. The coffee is exquisite, the prices are reasonable, the gelato is first-rate, and the owners is a great guy.
I don't typically write reviews, but this place doesn't get the business it deserves and I want to get the word out. Though, admittedly, I like that it's typically quiet here, I'd be really mad if it went out of business.
Give it a try; you won't be disappointed.
So I live about 2 blocks from here, and it is the only coffee shop on my daily path to the El.
However, I rarely if ever go there.
Other reviews are correct - despite the hours being posted on the door, the owner just closes whenever he feels like it. His hours are posted as 10am - 10pm I believe on the weekdays...and if ten a.m. seems late for a coffee joint to open, thats because it is. But get this...I *rarely* ever see him open before noon (pitch black, chairs flipped up), and have often noticed it closed way before ten. Last night, for example, it was closed at 7:20 when I walked by. I suppose Over Easy just next door is to blame. But still. If I plan on meeting a friend at this coffee shop at 8:30 pm and it is frequently closed before then (though....it is clearly advertised open til 10 on the door), that makes me not want to even consider it.
It is often gutted-out empty, was STIFLING HOT in there a week ago (I turned on my heel 3 steps in the door without even ordering anything), and the drinks/meager snacks are only mediocre. The coffee is disgustingly dark, espresso is only meh, and the slim pickings of food that may or may not be available are bland.
Go to the Perfect Cup just a few blocks down, at least you'll know when they actually close.
I used to live in New Orleans. Even though I'm in Chicago now, New Orleans always has my heart and there are things about that city that I constantly long for. One of those things is the neighborhood coffee shops that were always more than just coffee shops.
Ventrella has great coffee and sandwiches, but what I really love about it is that it's so obviously a community hangout. The owner greeted all of the patrons by name. It's the kind of place that you would feel comfortable sitting for a few hours while reading, chatting or working. I felt like I was having coffee in an easygoing friend's living room. I felt welcome. I felt like I had found a home.
Ventrella truly has a laid-back, New Orleans-style heart and soul that I haven't found anywhere else in Chicago.
Great spot - a real "old skool" kinda joint with great (strong!) coffee and paninis. In this era of corporate chains everywhere it is nice to see the real live owner actually running this place making food and making sure everyone's happy. I really can't believe anyone could give this place a "one star" but you can't please everyone - it's five stars all the WAY
I've been here several times and the owner has never been rude so I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers have experienced. The coffee has never disappointed and the paninis (freshly made) and gelato are fantastic. It's a comfortable place, and not on top of each other crowded like in other cafes. It's clean and in a nice neighborhood to walk through across from Winnemac Park. I'm giving a 4 star review because I do wish he'd stick to his posted hours a little better as I'm dying for a panini sometimes after work, but overall it's a great place. I'm looking forward to the winter actually---does he really use the fireplace or is it decorative?
Be wary of the reviews hating Ventrella and its owner. I've been here five or six times and have always found the place charming.
Yeah, I said it: "charming" (nail me to a cross).
You will like this place as well if you modify your expectations. It's true, the owner is known to open late and the service can be laid-back. But the man is not rude or abrasive.
The reason the owner opens his cafe whenever he feels like it is because he is the owner and has the right to do whatever he wants with his business. Buying a six dollar sandwich and a bottle of Coke from a man does not give you the right to put him on a leash.
As for the hours, I speculate that the owner opens around 10:30 or 11 because he is either trying to evoke an "Old World" spirit or simply embodies that bygone era. I'm talking about the olden days, when a cafe proprietor took the time to converse with his public, to build a rapport and such.
A business owner can do worse than to ask you how you're doing.
Also, the layout and menu of this cafe do not suggest "on the go," but "take a seat and stay for a while." Example: There's a fireplace in there with paintings above the mantle.
Nothing about Ventrella has "convenience" written on it, nor should it. Fast food sux. If you want to buy a tumbler of coffee from an underpaid chain employee who contemplates suicide after wiping away her forced smile, you have a few thousand options elsewhere in the city. If you want to sit down and read or do some work while enjoying a sandwich and an espresso or two, this is your place.
As for the menu, I don't dissect sandwiches for review (got better things to do, like shine my shoes). The sandwiches taste great. Veggies, meats, olive oil. Ain't brain surgery.
I stopped in Ventrella during the holidays due to a snow storm ruining my other lunch plans. My friend and I were so happy with our homemade paninis. The atmosphere's relaxing, they play good music, and the owner is super hospitable. I've been back twice since and I highly recommend the Ventrella panini: caprese with giardenera. It's a great neighborhood spot, and it's refreshing to support local businesses, especially with such a nice owner. The coffee is also delish and they serve Coke in a glass bottle if you're a pop drinker.
I'll be seeing you again soon, Ventrella!
I really like Ventrella's. It's cozy atmosphere is decorated with a fireplace and couches and a stack of magazines just begging to be read on a snowy Saturday afternoon.
The icing on the cake is the bathroom. The bathroom is the best public bathroom I've ever been in, and people, I've been in the bathroom at the Signature Room. This one's better. My own bathroom aspires to be as cute as Ventrella's.
I haven't tried the sandwiches, but I've heard good things. Finally, they've got free wifi, good music and a friendly person working the bar. What more could you ask for?
I had a meeting today at Ventrella's with a client for a wedding I'm photographing. I had driven by a million times but had never stopped, although I've always admired the font on the awning. As soon as I walked in, the owner greeted me warmly, and my intuition told me I'd love the place.
After my meeting was over, I decided to hang out for a bit and ordered a Pear and Gorgonzola Panini. It just so happens that a panini grill was the only real appliance that my husband and I had registered for when we got married, so I happen to have high standards when it comes to paninis. I can honestly say that I was not at all disappointed by the pear and gorgonzola combination. Now I can't wait to try the other paninis.
I was also enamored w/ the vintage decor and asked the owner if I could take some photos. From the vintage Wurlitzer jukebox to the beautiful old photographs to bathroom fixtures in the ladies room, I could tell that a lot of thought had gone into creating the atmosphere of this place.
The free wi-fi is an added bonus, my latte was lovely, and I felt perfectly comfortable spending over two hours there today. This place is a gem, the type of establishment I would go out my way to frequent.
Ventrella's is an amazing place. Immediately upon walking in for the first time I knew Id be spending some time hanging out here. The interior is really warm, welcoming, and comfortable. The owner, James, runs the show and serves Lavazza coffee which I love. Usually there's some great music being played in the background,either jazz,blues or radio shows from the 40's and 50's. The desserts here are amazingly decadent and just all around fantastic. Lets not forget though what drew me in in the first place- the free wi-fi. I really cant ask for more out of a neighborhood coffee shop.
When my mother was visiting from Alabama I took her here.She sat down and took a sip of her mocha. Looked around and took Ventrella's in before stating "I really wish there were places like this at home".
Applause, applause.
It's difficult for any small business owner to stick to their vision and principles especially when you only see two other patrons in the room But it's probably because people aren't 'getting it'. He hasn't sacrificed the authenticity and vibe of his coffee shop for more customers and I hope he's rewarded for it.
Ventrella is a place to unwind, chill, relax, read, talk, nap, eat, drink, sip and so much more. Quality food, quality drinks and quality time.
It's not a coffee pit stop at heart so stay, if you can.
OK, all that needs to be said about this place is that they serve affogato. Don't know what that is? Oh its only the most devastatingly sinful, rich, incredible dessert ever. It is a scoop of gelato covered in espresso. I dare you to order the cappuccino flavour and tell me it isnt the best thing you have ever eaten. The bitterness of the espresso tames the sweetness of the gelato in a way that cant be described. You just have to experience it.
Oh they also have awesome paninis too, but really, if affogato is on the menu thats all I am eating for lunch!
My family loves Over Easy (the restaurant next door to Ventrella's) but, since there is always a long wait for a table there, we decided to give Ventrella's a try one day instead and we are so glad that we did. Now we go to Ventrella's all of the time.
The paninis are really delicious and the coffee is great. The atmosphere is relaxed and the owner, although generally pretty aloof and indifferent to your dining experience, somehow still manages to give off a super cool vibe and make you feel (sort of) welcome. Lovingly detached, I would say, and it works.
Not impressed with this place. I live just down the road and have attempted to swing by for a beverage on several occasions. However, in spite of the hours listed on the door, Ventrella seems to only be open when the owner feels like it. The one time I lucked out and got there while it was open, the guy behind the counter stood there chatting on the phone while I waited. And waited. And waited. When it became clear he wasn't too interested in hurrying the conversation, I walked out. Maybe the drinks and food are great, but it looks like I'm never going to find out.
Wow...this place is just a gem. And the sad thing is, I never would've ventured this way if it wasn't for Jim B. picking this as the location for his super cool First Time Homebuyer's Workshop. Now, I am definitely a burger and fries girl, and had no idea how that would translate to the panini department. Well, the owner was the shizz and went through the whole list of paninis w/ me, answering every ridiculous question I had. Of course, since I'm such a health nut I went w/ some banana/chocolate/panini heavenly goodness and a super tasty mocha. That said - the relaxed, chill vibe, the welcoming feel, and the care put into everything I had def makes this a place I would go out of my way for.
We were'nt here long. They allow people waiting for a table at Over Easy to wait in here. We did get coffees though so it wasnt like we were just standing around.
I like this place. I love relaxed atmosphere coffee shops where things are kinda miss matched. I would hang out here for sure if I lived nearby.
My friend ordered a double espresso and even had the choice of paper or porcelain cup! My mocha came in a paper cup which was fine. It was really good. Not sure the type of cocoa used but it was dark and lovely.
I will change my rating if I hang out here again I'm sure but for walking into a place for 10mins it left a good impression. I hope to try more of their offerings next time!
This place is fantastic: Good coffee, beautiful on the inside (hardwood floors, old school ceiling, lots of space), super friendly (and cute) barista, fireplace, good music, free Wi-Fi, reasonable prices...
So why only 4 out of 5 stars? Because no one is here! I really can't believe it. According to teh barista it's because the owner doesn't believe in marketing. Too bad because it would be a shame if this place went out of business.
So if you want to get my rating up to 5 stars, and keep one of the better coffee shops around in business, please come out. It kind of sucks to be working here with only one other person in this huge place.
The food was great; the ingredients were fresh and the paninis were delicious. I recommend the caprese and the nutella/bananas ones. Also the staff was friendly and inviting. I stayed there all day studying and I never felt rushed to leave. I will be a regular. My friend loved it as well. The also have live music once a month or so.
Expectation: Good cafe near home (Lincoln Square)
Greater than: Perfect Cup/Starbucks/Cafe Descartes
Less than: The Grind
Why: Atmosphere can't be beat, lots of space, tasty paninis and gelato, but I slightly prefer the Grind's coffee and bakery selection, especially if I'm alone.
Ventrella's is one of the hard to quantify places that some people just won't get. Let's get the basics out of the way first. It's not the coffee that sets Ventrella's apart, as it's occasionally weaker than I'd like (note: I basically only drink drip coffee, espresso and Americanos, so I have no idea how his milk based drinks are). I wish he stocked a few more bakery options, mainly because it would give me incentive to stay longer. The panini are all very nice, generously portioned and prepared with care, as is the gelato. There are useful practical touches, like the free wi-fi. That's all very well and good, but none of that fully explains the draw for my wife and I.
What stands out is the vibe, wholly and lovingly rendered by the owner, James Ventrella. This is a guy who had a dream, a very specific dream, and made it a reality. Step inside and you'll find a place that's equal parts laid back Italian cafe and ode to 50's culture. Just don't be thinking 'Happy Days'. Think Carl Perkins and classic mid century furniture. The main theme though is 'just relax and take your time'. There is ample space to decompress, read or have a long conversation (Frequently with Ventrella himself). Somehow the place always seems to be awash in the most flattering light, like you're hanging out in a golden memory.
If you appreciate sincerity, a leisurely pace and a strong sense of place, and if you can do without overly manipulated, faddish drinks, I can't recommend Ventrella's enough.
I love everything about this place--the atmosphere, the paninis (oh, my god, that Nutella panini...), the coffee, the music, and the free wi-fi. And in the summertime, when you're really craving ice cream, a little dish of the gelato is the elegant alternative to a huge, sloppy banana split.
The owner is super nice and you can tell he really cares about making this little coffee shop something special. The only minor drawback is that he is nice enough to let people in line for a table at OverEasy wait at Ventrella's, which cuts back on table availability.
One time I went to crappy chain bagel shop and ordered a panino. The person taking my order gave me a sympathetic smile and with a shake of her head replied, "you mean a panini?" No, I did not order several panini, I ordered a panino. Get it? Panino is singular, panini is plural. Please don't correct me when you're wrong. I speak enough L'Italiano to understand, jerk face. Never again will I order a panino from that crappy chain. Truth be told, I haven't eaten there since. They can't even make bagels the right way, how could they possibly know anything about panini?
I could say Ventrella has an amazing atmosphere, friendly service, terrific coffee, delicious food and a cool owner. But the thing that really sold me on this place is that they let me order a panino without giving me any shit.
If I had a sandwich shop, I would want it to be exactly like Ventrella's.
I love everything about this place and the owner's a nice guy.
No place like it. Mid-century aesthetic and working wood fireplace make this more than a coffee stop. And the owner runs the whole show. Lavazza coffee, pastries, paninis (I watched him pull the basil off the plant), and celebrated specialties (banana-nutella sandwich kills). Free-wifi seals the deal.
Some might say it's a little slow, but it's just trying to grow at a reasonable pace for the neighborhood. It's the kind of place you want to have around for good.
The next time you're considering waiting in line for Over Easy (also good, right next door) consider this a worthy audible.
YUM! The paninis are amazing!!! They take forever to make, but are well worth it. I haven't had any coffee from here--just panini, cake (also really good) and some iced tea. If you live in the neighborhood or are hungry and passing through, I highly recommend dropping in.
Walked in stressed and in need of a quick bite before an early afternoon appointment.
The light, the space, the friendly guy behind the counter, the fantastic coffee, and even better panini combined to chill me way out. I walked out a much more calm version of myself. And if that's not a glowing review, I don't know what is. Not only is the grub delicious, but the place actually makes you feel great.
I'll definitely be back. Frequently.
Ventrella's is a traditional cafe, which is to say that it's a nice place to get a little something. They have croissants (plain and filled) and other pastries, a variety of gelato, a few panini of the day, coffee drinks, and Italian sodas, such as limonata, aranciata, and chinotto (a bitter citrus soda).
The feel of the place is very old neighborhood, even though it's a recent addition to the North Damen strip. The long counter is inlaid with marble, there's a restored tin ceiling, and the old dial phone on the wall jangles occasionally. There's both table seating and a leather sofa and chairs in the open, airy space. Service is relaxed, but friendly -- the owner will chat you up as her puts together your order, or you can wait at a table and he'll bring it out.
Would I make a special trip to go to Ventrella's? Probably not. But if you live in the area, or if you're running errands up this way, stop in, have a snack or a drink, and forget about the busy world for a moment or two.
My husband and I LOVE Ventrella's! Now that it's warming up, we will be here more. It's one of our favorite spots in Chicago!
The owner is a great guy, remembers you and makes you feel welcome!
The sandwiches are the best, I swear it's because he makes them with love! My favorites are The Ventrella and The Prosciutto! Amazing and delicious...darn it, I need to go there tomorrow for one, thinking about it is making me hungry.
The perfect spot for lunch or bring the laptop and get some work done!
Oh and yes, the decor is spot on! Vintage without feeling old or cluttered!
I love this place! It's great for working because the wifi is strong (you have to ask for the password, but it's free with purchase) and there are outlets everywhere. The building was built in the 1920's and the owner retained the original wooden floor and tin ceilings. The atmosphere is spacious while still remaining cozy and the large front window and skylight make for plenty of natural light.
There is a small seating area out front which which would be perfect for sitting with coffee and a good book. Inside, in addition to the regular tables, there's a fireplace flanked by a couch and a couple of lounge chairs which would make this a great place to hang out in the winter.
They offer Italian-style coffee and fabulous homemade gelato (the flavors seem to vary daily). I tend to judge ice cream on the quality of the vanilla, and the Tahitian Vanilla gelato was delicious. For savory fare they offer a small variety of Panini (which I haven't tried but they look good), and I believe the selection changes often. They also offer a variety of Italian grocery items (breads, cookies, coffee and Pellegrino) that you can take home.
Street parking in this area isn't too bad, and Ventrella's is a short walk from the Damen el stop on the Brown Line.
I will start by saying I love finding fruit in food where it usually is not found. This little shop has TWO paninis with fruit: the first is pear and gorgonzola and the second is procuitto and green apple. The second practice that makes this place a winner is the salad with orange slices that accompanies every panini. The owner also stocks a nice selection of sodas and there is a vintage juke box with a good music selection.
james ventrella does what he wants!!!!!!!!!!!!
This place has become a quick favorite. I'm in here at least every other day for the espresso, which is nearly always perfect and never bitter. I haven't tried anything else yet, but I'm sure I will soon.
The owner, as others have said, is always extremely personable. My favorite thing about Ventrella's, however--save for the coffee--is the atmosphere. A friend of mine describes it as sparse, but what she calls "sparse," I call "breathing room." It doesn't have the dreaded studded-with-hipsters feel. I hate walking into crowded cafes and settling down to read or write only two feet away from someone and getting the nagging feeling that they're looking over my shoulder or trying to get a peek at what I'm reading. Not here. The furniture is spaced nicely apart. The ceilings are high. The place is inviting and sort of minimal at the same time, which is a hard chord to strike. I have never once walked in and felt unwelcome, which I honestly can't say about any other coffee shop I've ever been to.
I wish it was open later, but the neighborhood's pretty quiet after dark, so that's understandable.
Great place. As others have said - free wifi with password, some of the best coffee I've had in the city, and nice atmosphere. It's a great place to camp out for a few hours and get some work done, with jazz or NPR usually playing in the background. Outlets at almost every table and a strong wifi connection as well.
The owner (and only staff member I've ever seen) is extremely personable and chatty. They also sell ground LavAzza coffee, which is, without question, the best coffee I've ever had. I'm moving a bit further away, but I'll be back here for sure!
This place is a wonderful combination of great ambiance & fabulous coffee & food.
The coffee is a head above most coffee shops this side of the Atlantic. I give credit to the great LaVazza machine they have and to James, the owner/barista/panini-ista behind the counter. He knows how to pull a great shot of espresso and his panini's are made with care.
If you're expecting "fast food" like timing, you'll be disappointed. It will take a few minutes to get your drink and sandwich and that, in my opinion, is how it should be. Sit back, relax and enjoy the music. The food will be worth the wait.
And save room for some gelato!! The pistachio is my fave but I can't imagine you would go wrong with any of the daily selections.
Bored? Grab a book, go to Ventrella's, sit down with a coffee (some of my favorite in the city) and a pear gorgonzola panini (delicious). You'll want to go back again tomorrow.
Frankly, I can't say enough good things about the place. I wandered past it and thought, "I should go there some time," for a good year and a half before I actually bothered stopping in on a friend's recommendation. A lot of people I've taken there have said they did the same thing. And in retrospect, I think I was put off by how cool it looked, like I'd feel out of place there. The great thing: it really is that cool! And there's no need to feel out of place because the owner is a great guy (with pretty awesome music taste...check out the vintage jukebox) and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming (the awesome music is never too loud to enjoy that book I suggested you bring along...and stop by on a cold day to enjoy your coffee by the wood-burning fireplace...amazing).
Wow, This place is awesome. Everything I've tried the other night was delicious and the service is always great. My bottomless coffee rocked my world. The coffee rocks since they use LavAzza coffee. This is some of the best coffee stateside.
As said in early post, the place is calm and delightful. I only wish the place could be open a bit later in the evening. Well maybe in the future. In the meantime get you but over there for a wonderful time.
I was planning on finally stopping by Ventrella's to grab a coffee and hang out. Living a few blocks away for the last 5 years, I've somehow haven't had the chance to stop in. So it's a Sunday morning at around 9am...maybe 9:30'ish. They're fucking closed!!!!??? Oh and the cutsey hours on the door saying they're open in the "AM" pissed me off, considering that they simply weren't open at about three hours past when they should have been open!! What kind of bullshit coffee shop isn't open on arguably, the busiest coffee shop day of the week?! Pretty much unacceptable.
This place is fantastic! I visited Ventrella's for the first time last night with two close friends. One of my friends had heard about this little gem. So we decided to give it a try. First off, you walk in and right away I felt VERY comfortable. Exposed brick walls, fireplace, sofa and chairs and a jukebox. Lots of space, no overly crowded with tables and chairs. They even had outdoor seating available.
I decided to have an ice latte. It was fantastic. They use LavAzza brand of espresso. Which I really enjoy. Ventrella's also serves amazing paninis. I happened to have one that had layers of prosciutto, cheese and thin slices of Granny Smith apples. The combination of flavors was fantastic.
The owner of this place was VERY nice and very personable. Always asking how things were or if we needed anything else. It is such a clam and quiet little place.
The only draw back is they do not have late hours. But I can understand that being in the neighborhood it is in. Not alot of retail. I definitely recommend this place. My friends and I will be back!
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Rogers Park
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Wine Bars
This is a list featuring some of my favorite…
Loading...
