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So the first thing you notice when you walk in is that there's a rather large area behind the...
More 2 years ago
So the first thing you notice when you walk in is that there's a rather large area behind the counter where you place your order. That's not because the barista need room to run. It's because there are bags and bags of fresh-roasted beans there. I've been known to go miles out of my way to get a cup at this place. There's lots of people I know that do the same thing, so you get a nice mix of Loyola students and other folks that come here strictly for the brew. Delicious, and it'll keep you awake for your travels back south.
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My friends and I found the place accidentally while we were walking around the neighborhood. The...
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My friends and I found the place accidentally while we were walking around the neighborhood. The baristas were very knowledgeable. My favorite was an iced cappuccino with added homemade simple syrup. The place itself was very cozy and filled with locals. It felt like a home away from home. Grazie mille.
Pros: coffee
Cons: expensive sandwiches
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Pauline's Inc
Category:
Local Favorite
1754 W Balmoral Ave
Chicago,
Illinois 60640
Trying to be a traveller (and NOT a tourist) makes me seek out these neighborhood spots when I...
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Trying to be a traveller (and NOT a tourist) makes me seek out these neighborhood spots when I travel. And this is quite literally a neighborhood spot. After getting off the 22-Clark St. bus and heading west, I thought that there couldn't be restaurant here...it's all residential neighborhood. But out of the tree-lined streets is a small commercial lot and a diner -- Pauline's. I first read about this place while seeking out breakfast places in Chicago on chowhound.com.
Paulines is a small place with great food. We went on a Saturday morning, but got there around 8:30 or 9:00am. The place was only half full (it was full and line was just beginning to form when we left.) The coffee was out of this world. I must have told my wife, "This is the best coffee" at least half a dozen times.
We both ordered the eggs, potatoes and meat plate. Everything was terrific. I can see why this is a popular spot. Waitress Maria had no problem substituting a biscuit for toast for my wife. (She seemed to know a lot of people that came in, as if they were regulars.)
This seems to be a 100% locals place (which I love when I find them...it's like I'm getting in on the 'real' Chicago.) I couldn't pick out any other tourists (although my wife and I probably stuck out like a sore thumb!) There are lots of poor reviews on this site related to service. We had a great experience and looking at the other folks in the restaurant, they were having a good experience, too. Maybe the trick is getting there before the crowd. If the service were really that poor, I wouldn't expect lines out the door every weekend as others have attested to.
We took the northbound 22-Clark St. bus all the way from out hotel in river north, however it's probably much faster to take a red-line train and catch the 22 further up (like at Belmont or Addison.) But the bus ride up Clark was great and we enjoyed all the neighborhoods we traversed through. Being a Saturday, there were many street markets setup selling food and flowers, another bonus.
Pros: Food, neighborhood joint
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Pick Me Up Cafe
Category:
Breakfast Restaurants
3408 N Clark St
Chicago,
Illinois 60657
This place is open 24 hours on weekends (and 3:00 a.m. during the week), and it's definitely the...
More 1 year ago
This place is open 24 hours on weekends (and 3:00 a.m. during the week), and it's definitely the best bet for late-night dining if you're a vegetarian. The beer selection is ample, and the coffee is great. The mochas look like a piece of art! The decor is funky and the booths are comfortable, and the service has been friendly and helpful every time I've dined here.
Pros: funky decor, vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, good value, open late (24 hours on weekends)
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Cafe Selmare
Category:
Local Favorite
4729 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago,
Illinois 60625
This place remains the most consistent & reasonable restaurant in the neighborhood. Whether...
More 11 months ago
This place remains the most consistent & reasonable restaurant in the neighborhood. Whether you prefer simple foods or more complex tastes, Cafe Salmare sets the standard for consistency. Their baked goods are excellent & are beloved by my family. You won't be disappointed!
Pros: Excellent Food, service & ambience
Cons: none
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Oak Tree Restaurant
Category:
Local Favorite
900 N Michigan Ave 6th Fl
Chicago,
Illinois 60611
(312) 985-0176
I had an wonderful dining experience at Oak Tree! A few girlfriends and I needed a bite to eat...
More 2 months ago
I had an wonderful dining experience at Oak Tree! A few girlfriends and I needed a bite to eat after an intense day of shopping. We were so impressed with the amazing design of the Oak Tree we decided to stop there after finishing up at the 900 Shops location. The view of the water was breathtaking. Our food was amazing; I had an excellent salad and a fresh piece of bread to compliment it. The girls and I are already talking about going back!
Pros: Excellent food "with a view"
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I've been to Nookies several times, always with someone from out of town, and everyone I take...
More 1 year ago
I've been to Nookies several times, always with someone from out of town, and everyone I take wants to go back. I love this restaurant. Their CranApple pancakes are the bomb. The Southwestern omelette is also very good. I enjoy the numerous vegetarian options on the menu, and the staff is extremely friendly (and good-lookin'). Their prices are reasonable, and their food has never been less than delicious! I highly recommend a visit!
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Filter
Category:
Local Favorite
1585 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago,
Illinois 60622
Filter was the most awesome-ist place. The bank that now reside in its place was soooo unnecessary...
More 2 years ago
Filter was the most awesome-ist place. The bank that now reside in its place was soooo unnecessary and completely out of place in that area.
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This is the first review I've ever written and I felt compelled to do so because it does not...
More 3 months ago
This is the first review I've ever written and I felt compelled to do so because it does not deserve such negativity. My roommate and I stumbled in here after going to Abbey Brown Soap Artisan and were pleasantly surprised. There is a large selection of drinks to choose from and a decent selection of food. I have a sweet tooth so I only really remember there being a small variety of baked goods and fruit (good, ripe, and cheap!).
It no longer smells like cigarettes. I would assume that that comes from someone in either the middle or back patio area. Yes, there are two outdoor seating areas. Perhaps there is/was a neighbor or a customer who smokes/ed outside, I have no idea.
In terms of drinks, I enjoyed my coffee drink and my roommates tea was also tasty (I don't mean to start a fight, but doesn't Starbucks burn their coffee? People still love them for some reason. Plus, if it is burned, tell the barista and he'll make you another cup. Mistakes are made at times, and that one has an especially easy fix).
If you want a nice place to chat over a cup of tea or coffee or scones, this is a great place to do it. There are comfy chairs and various seating arrangements to make you feel at home. The decor is modern, but in bear-hug kind of way -- nothing stark or hospital room cold. There are also lots of wall outlets to plug a laptop into, and free wifi. I didn't have a computer or a willingness to get shocked to test whether or not the outlets had juice, though, but their placement makes me think that they would.
And in regards to another post: I also think it is rude to assume that just because you frequent an establishment that they somehow owe you something. Perhaps I'm an old-fashioned 26-year-old because I can't go into a McDonald's without buying a small fry in order to use the bathroom or else I feel like I'm stealing. Certain coffee shops and other small independent shops hardly get enough business to stay afloat as is. If you think they're a good enough place to sit down and have a chat, reward them for their good work with a, perhaps small, purchase. Otherwise people will think that they can go wherever they want without paying for anything. Although I do agree that the conversation should have been handled away from patrons and in a kinder manner. I hope that they owner knows that that behavior is bad for business.
Our barista was attentive, friendly, and on top of things. As of now, I highly recommend this place, but I'll let you know if I go back and have a bad time.
Pros: Cheap prices, great food & ambiance, lots of A/C outlets
Cons: Parking is tough
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I love this place for the neighborhood. We needed somewhere like this, that wasn't starbucks. It's...
More 1 year ago
I love this place for the neighborhood. We needed somewhere like this, that wasn't starbucks. It's very relaxing, great to meet up with friends, prices are reasonable, the staff is very friendly, it is very clean, the sandwiches are great, I could go on. There is only one thing I could suggest ... larges are not large enough. Thats it, otherwise I'd highly recommend this little spot to anyone in the area.
Pros: Free WiFi, clean, friendly, ambience, parking is easy, service, specials
Cons: I could take a larger, large drink.
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