stephen r.'s Profile

Friendly, fun authentic Chicago diner experience.

I've lived near this place for over 4 years and have frequented it many times.  I don't know why.  Convenience?
The baked goods are just OK.
The bagels, even though included in their name, are just OK.  
The sandwiches stink.  
Their espresso stinks.  Their cappuccinos are even worse.
Their coffee is blended stronger than average which some will appreciate.
And their service - well, a bunch of indie hipster fall-outs who apparently love their weekly commuter crowd and shun anyone who they can't remember perfectly in their marijuana hazed artsy-fartsy minds.  
Go if you want.  I don't care.  Neither will they.

My wife says "Sir, this steak is well done.  I ordered it medium.  Can you please bring out another."  Waiter says "That is medium.  What? Do you want it medium rare?"
Wife: confused.
Waiter: Accuses of being defensive.

Yeah, Lincoln Parkers - enjoy yourselves.

Great sandwiches, plantaines and service - it's a winner.  If you live in this city, it's these types of unique places that make it worthwhile.

This is the best coffee shop south of Chicago Avenue.  It's setup like a modern Italian coffee bar - lots of white and chrome; stools and a counter to look out the window and my favorite cappuccino around.  Stop in during the morning and get a shot of espresso and watch the city go by for a bit, then head on in to work.  Or come in the afternoon for a refresher and a pastry.
I've never been here for lunch, but the other reviews are inducing me to try it out.

This is a great place to go for seafood dishes!  Indeed!  In fact - you don't even have to order a dish with seafood.  Just order anything and they'll douse it with fish or oyster sauce.  Yum.  Noodles - fish.  Rice!...fish. Beef? -fish! Why must everything reek of 4 day old mackerel?

What a great deal for the money. Great falafel and all the other staples of your classic Chicago middle eastern establishment for a steal.  Plus - they are friendly.

A friend brought us a couple cupcakes from Sarah's a day or two after we had our first cupcakes from Swirlz.  Sarah's wins hands down.

It's nothing special.
I had heard talk of their red velvet cupcakes.  It was just that.  Talk.  Was there any buttermilk in the cake?  Was there any cream cheese in the frosting?  If there was I couldn't taste it.  And in that light, it was not red velvet cake.  It was white cake died red!
If you're in the mood for a good cupcake then go to a good pastry shop not to this overly hyped, trendy excuse for a bakery.
I repeat, if you are into food, skip it.  It's not worth dealing with the parking. Cupcakes are overrated anyway.

Why have I not been here in almost two years?  Completely bizarre.  And, honestly, slightly embarrassing.  
Now, having said that prepare to wait on a weekend.  All in all this is a good sign for a brunch spot.  Especially located where it is on Chicago you know that people are coming for the food and it's not a "roll out of bed in sweat pants with Pi Kap written on the rear in capital letters with your Chad in his big ten t-shirt with matching black northface fleeces" that can be stumbled to no matter the prices or average food (ug, cough T0@st!)
That being said, it's good.  And reasonably priced.  Seriously.  A brunch spot with a one word name is priced well.  I think my tacos bosillos was 7.95. Did I mention it's all Latin American.  Well, the great majority.  The eggs flo, a benedict, is quite tasty as well.  The interior is fun but understated.  I wouldn't recommend kids/babies during the prime hours 9-12 though.  It's a tight fit.  Swing by around 1 for a later meal and you'll enjoy it more.  If you are uncoupled, then be all means, go for the coffee during the wait.  It's Intelligentsia, of course!