Small, cozy space with bright sunlight and wood tables creates a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Music stays chill and unobtrusive, making it suitable for working or relaxing. Known for authentic Vietnamese food with consistently flavorful pho and banh mi sandwiches.
Authentic Vietnamese food comes out quickly and tastes amazing. Beef pho stands out as wonderful and satisfying on chilly days.
Vietnamese iced coffee stands out with its rich flavor and sweetness that feels like a little dessert. It offers a fantastic alternative to typical iced coffees from major chains.
"The pho here has the best, most flavorful broth."
"I found the food to be fresh and delicious."
"I thought the iced coffee was like a little dessert."
Good to know
Parking is hard to find, with metered parking except on Sundays and a garage costing $3 for 2 hours.
The total cost is $24 USD, with $17 for beef pho and $6-7 for spring rolls.
They charge $10 for a sandwich and don't skimp on the meat.
Cozy cafe with comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere offers a casual vibe and beautiful, clean interior. It attracts those seeking a quiet spot with healthy, high-quality food at reasonable prices.
Food comes out well seasoned and delicious with a reasonable price tag. Staff serve dishes that are consistently very good and satisfying.
Spanish latte stands out with a wonderful flavor and works well hot or iced. Coffee here ranks among the best in Downtown, with lattes that taste great and deliver consistent quality.
Good to know
The restaurant offers a student discount as of October 27, 2025.
The Bite has a loyalty card program for frequent customers.
Portions are generous, and prices are fair.
Cozy space offers authentic Egyptian cuisine with simple, elegant decor and 90s Arabic music setting a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The vibe feels like a family home, making it ideal for casual meals or dates. The dining area is clean and spacious, enhancing the comfortable experience.
Food here offers authentic Egyptian flavors with dishes that taste absolutely incredible. The menu features delicious Middle Eastern cuisine that stands out for its genuine and rich taste.
Arabic coffee stands out with rich, authentic flavors. Turkish coffee here is strong and well-prepared, offering a distinctive taste experience.
Good to know
The prices at Cairo Kebab are very reasonable for the portion sizes.
Parking is conveniently located across the street for just $3.
Cairo Kebab is a halal restaurant, catering to dietary restrictions.
Italian deli with classic checkerboard floors and a tin pan ceiling creates an old school cool vibe. Atmosphere feels like a step back in time to a neighborhood shop with rich, authentic character. Sandwiches stand out as some of the best, complementing the genuine, nostalgic setting.
An extensive selection of hard-to-find imported Italian regional food stands out here. The Italian deli offers amazing sandwiches and frozen food at good prices with consistently great taste.
Espresso here has a perfect taste without too much bitterness and feels very authentic to Italian style. The coffee pairs well with gelato and biscotti, creating a classic Italian combo.
Good to know
Prices are very reasonable compared to other sandwich shops in the area.
The deli has about four tables available for dining.
Expect a busy atmosphere during peak lunch hours.
Coffee shop with cute, colorful decor and board games available for play creates a cozy, fun vibe. Seating includes a relaxing couch area and outlets for convenience. Ambient music plays softly, making it a good spot for casual hangouts.
Variety of foods and drinks reflect Hong Kong flavors. Friendly staff serve amazing food that tastes delicious.
Unique drinks feature balanced espresso shots that avoid bitterness. Options include Ube Cream Latte, Dark brown sugar latte with extra shot, and HK milk tea with a hint of matcha. Thick, sweetened cream tops some lattes, adding contrast to the strong coffee base.
Good to know
OverLay closes at 7:30 pm.
Street parking is available, but it can be tough due to the main street location.
There is a 15-minute loading zone nearby for quick stops.
Small breakfast spot offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a pet-friendly patio that feels secluded and peaceful. The vibe stays laid-back and homey, attracting those looking for a quiet place to enjoy morning meals. Attention to detail shows in the comforting food and friendly service.
Food comes out quickly and stays consistently great over time. Sweet potato hash browns stand out as a delicious choice with fantastic flavor and quality.
Strong and smooth coffee stands out here. Roasting hits the mark for a perfectly roasted and tasty cup.
Good to know
Parking costs $3 for 2 hours nearby.
The steak and eggs cost under $17.
The avocado toast costs $16.
Suites combine modern design with spacious layouts and quiet, soundproof rooms. Views include city skyline and Italian garden, enhancing a calm atmosphere. Neighborhood buzzes with diverse culture and vibrant food options, creating a lively yet safe environment.
Many food options exist within walking distance, including an Italian deli known for local products. Surrounding eateries offer mostly junk food, but some unique choices appear.
Kitchen includes gourmet coffee and local roasted beans. Coffee is fantastic and pairs well with the cozy setup featuring cookware and spices.
Good to know
Parking is limited, but ride-sharing services are affordable and convenient.
The hotel is within a 5-minute walk to UIC and RUSH.
There are two L stations within walking distance for easy city access.
Coffee shop offers a cozy atmosphere with a warm, laidback vibe and a wonderful color palette. Space often feels crammed full of people, creating a lively yet comfortable setting. It suits quiet daytime visits and casual meetups near campus.
Food comes fresh to order with generally very good quality. Some items like turkey sausage and potatoes can be disappointing, with issues like soggy bacon and burnt potatoes noted.
Coffee here has a great taste with a legendary espresso and a wide selection including Italian sodas. Lattes and vanilla cappuccinos stand out, and staff help find drinks for all tastes.
Good to know
The cafe is closed on Mondays and has early closing hours.
Demitasse Cafe is a short walk from the UIC campus.
The cafe offers soy options, but availability may vary.
Cozy cafe with avant-garde decor and a bright, clean interior creates a relaxed atmosphere ideal for working or quiet moments. Wide variety of pastries, cakes, and beverages attract pastry and coffee lovers. The space offers a Parisian vibe amidst a bustling neighborhood.
Food features high quality and delicious flavors. Highlights include yuzu bread and mushroom onion pastry.
Excellent coffee includes americanos and a vanilla latte with ice. Iced drinks like the caramel Frappuccino stand out alongside a wide variety of pastries and cakes.
Good to know
They offer a wide variety of desserts, savory baked goods, and beverages.
Free wifi is available for customers who want to work on their devices.
Many pastries are warm when served, enhancing the experience.
Cozy bakery with Italian decor and a quiet, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of small cafes in Italy. Fresh ingredients support a wide selection of traditional pastries enjoyed in a simple, homey setting. Soft music adds to the warm, comforting vibe throughout visits.
Excellent selection of food pairs with delicious coffee at the bakery. The overall quality of food consistently rates above typical fast food and bakery standards.
Coffee here stands out with salted caramel cannoli cappuccino, a unique offering not found elsewhere. Prices stay low with options like two lattes and a croissant for $14, while quality stays high with top quality coffee and occasional extras like a free espresso shot.
Good to know
Expect to pay a premium for high-quality, fresh ingredients.
The bakery offers a variety of pastries, including King Cakes during Mardi Gras.
Bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards.
Cafe combines gallery-like simplicity with cozy, plush furniture and unique artwork. Atmosphere is calm and inviting with soft lighting and potted plants, suitable for studying or meetings. Plenty of seating and outlets everywhere support work and collaboration.
Food comes out hot and flavorful with options for vegetarian and vegan diets. Coffee and dishes both stand out for their great taste.
Coffee here features shade-grown beans with a natural brightness balanced by creamy, subtly nutty oat milk. The Cubano Latte stands out as smooth and flavorful, while the cold brew offers a crisp, great flavor.
Good to know
The cafe offers a student discount; ask for it when ordering.
Expect a wait during busy times, especially on weekends.
The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options.