Pleasantly surprised. Limited allergy information on menus, but waitresses knew her stuff. I listed my sensitivities and she was able to recommend a salad and olive oil with vinegar as a dressing. She even listed the ingredients in the salad to be sure I was okay with it. This was very much appreciated! People in my party that ordered other food loved it. Kept hearing good things about the crepes. Others enjoyed ordering hot chocolate in a wine glass. It looked delicious. Wish I was able to grab a picture. I would highly recommend this spot read more

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I walked into this bar needing to use the restroom. There was no sign anywhere saying it was for customers only. Out of respect, I offered the bartender, Maria, a $20 tip just for letting me use the restroom--but she refused, even after I held the money up in plain view of the security camera. It was clear she was on some kind of power trip. A few people, who seemed to be friends of the owner, told me I should just buy a drink first--but again, I was never even given the chance. I wasn't causing trouble, I was trying to be courteous. The way I was treated was completely unnecessary and unprofessional. Won't ever be coming back, and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who values basic decency. Couldn't try the food because the bartender didn't give the opportunity. read more

If you're in the area for a play (like I was) this is a great spot to grab a drink and a casual snack. The service here was amazing, extremely friendly and patient walking us through the menu. The restaurant is nicely decorated and impressively clean. The food here is pretty good and the wings were definitely a standout! Their drinks are also VERY reasonably priced, a glass of Prosecco will only run you $8.50! read more

Bel Ami Lounge - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tremendous service and very welcoming host. It is a bar but the food is delicious and the conversation is stellar. A friend brought me there and it is now a favorite place of mine after having returned myself many times. There are TVs but the volume is not on. Low level lighting and quiet atmosphere make for a great place to bring friends for a drink or nosh while enjoying the simple elegant atmosphere. read more

I've been coming to Bel Ami Lounge for over 20 years. Great food and awesome cocktails. The owners are super friendly and are really passionate about their business. It's my top choice to park with friends and watch a game or sit out on the patio with wifey for a nice cocktail and people watching. read more

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I stumbled onto this gem after Google lied to me about the hours of a competitor. The.prices were pre-Weimar, I paid $12 for two large chicken schnitzel cutlets; a generous order of fries; and a refreshing side salad. The food was delicious and fast and the service was stellar. The owners are articulate and interesting hosts and enhance the experience as such though they are by no means pushy. Overall, a brilliant lunch. I consider myself a regular already. read more

The owner is so sweet! She let us in after our night of karaoke and served us drinks. Literally the sweetest woman ever! The drink menu had lots of variety and the lounge itself was well kept and clean. She says the space can also be used for private events as well. Next time you're in the area, please go visit Anna! read more

Had some time to kill so stopped into #Bel-Ami for a cup of coffee (soooo good, balanced, just delicious), also glad I stayed, found a seat at the bar! They have outdoor seating too, wish it was warmer today. Anna was great at making me feel welcomed, had great suggesting and service was very attentive to everyone. The smoked jerky is so tender. Great place for coffee, brunch, or cocktails!!! Also catch the game if you want!! read more

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Stopped in here after karaoke next door and had a grand time. The hospitality we received and the service was great. 10/10 would recommend this spot! read more

Anna was amazing !! she was truly a delight and a breath of fresh air! the drinks were delicious !! I'll be back!

Great local spot for us European folk! Oana, the bartender is super friendly and makes great food! Order the mici (cevapcici) and her salad! Super tasty! Great place to have some drinks low key, eat some great food, and just relax! read more

Recommend!!!Been going here lately for a cup of cappuccino and mineral water.Cappuccino is great!!! The good thing is there is no smoking allowed which makes huge difference as most European places to retain existing customers will bend the rules. Bar food is good and worth to try. Staff is quick and friendly. Will be visiting again!!! read more

Bel Ami Lounge - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband and I popped in today for lunch, menu was simple, restaurant was clean and well taken care of, coffee and food was fantastic. Restaurant owner was kind and did a very good job preparing the food, as it came out SO fresh. We will be definitely stopping in the future for another bite to eat and a sip of coffee . read more

I love Bel Ami. I usually go with my husband and our group of friends. Sometimes for drinks and sometimes just for coffee. The owner is very nice and greets us whenever he sees us. Anna, Bojana and Kristina are all three great waitresses very fast and always deal with us well. The ambience is great and its just a great place to hang out in general. read more

This is Starbucks but with better coffee and atmosphere. I am not a big coffee drinker but once in a while I go there and chill with my friends while sipping a cup or 2 of hot chocolate. I can't say this is the place you want to be in summer but I think winter comes in Chicago because of places like this so we can enjoy some good coffee and hot chocolate. Pros: Great seating area, friendly staff, good (at least better than Starbucks) coffee and hot chocolate. Cons: Once again, you'll have hard time finding parking if you come here during late afternoon or evening. read more

I go there all the time with my friends. I love the atmosphere, and I love how the waitresses act just the way they do in Europe; they don't take bullshit! I recommend this to any one who wants a relaxing night out with their girlfriends and a vast array of tasty drinks raging from coffee mixes to liquor on the rocks to blended perfections! read more

When visiting Bel-Ami while American, be prepared for the quizzical and bemused looks by the straight up European crowd. My blond haired, blue eyed friend and I were meeting a Bosnian friend, arrived early and were met by the aforementioned looks- not unfriendly, just perhaps puzzled in the way you would look at a sixth grade science fair diorama. However, the service was attentive and the cappuccino that I ordered (one after another, causing my friend to warn of a heart attack) was fantastic. We sat for hours without any pressure to leave and caught up on the requisite girly gossip. Parking was easy, the bill was low, and I'm now caught up on all the goings on of my merry band of misfits. Bonus points for it being next door to Lincoln Karaoke! read more

I love it here. Usually come on a week night, catch some football (premier league) and get a beverage and food depending on my mood. The ambiance is very trendy and the music is amazing. Staff is fantastic- friendly and down to earth. read more

Only came here because we were looking for a late night coffee spot and dessert. I had a hot chocolate for $6 and a tirimisu $6 and they were the worst hot chocolate and tirimisu I have ever had. The hot chocolate was just hot milk with Hershey's chocolate syrup and whipped cream and the tirimisu tasted nothing like tirimisu. I can't even explain what it tasted like... some custard and whipped cream on top of alcohol soaked soggy ladyfingers. 1 star is for our nice and attentive server though. read more

Nice european coffee place with food and liqueur Friendly staff, outside sitting in summer time is great way to spend lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the sun. read more

New and improved this place looks like they did a great job remodeling and making it trendy than what it used to be. LOVE the Chevapi and also love their Palachinki . New and improved I like it a lot, I'll be coming more and more often here read more

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Was looking for a place just to sit and enjoy the night with friends. Stumbled upon this place and it was great. Service was wonderful, the waitress was very sweet. Made excellent cappuccinos hot and iced. I'm only giving it 4 stars because we didn't try the food since we came after kitchen hours. That just means we will go back again to try the food read more

I enjoy coming here once in a while. It's a European cafe, located right next to Hubs on Lincoln Ave. If I'm not mistaken the owner is from Bosnia. They have a cool patio right next to Lincoln. I know it sounds a bit strange considering how busy the street is. But trust me, they somehow made it work. Great for people watching. They also renovated the whole place a while ago. The inside has a bar, plenty of booths and tables, the multiple tv's mostly play sports. I'm not into sports so I don't care. Mostly i come here to get a cappuccino, they make a really good one. They also have good food. I had the omlett which was great, palachinki ( crepes with nutella) with whip cream for dessert . Delicious. They have Cevapi (or is it Chevapi?) which is grilled skinless sausage made from minced meat (sorry don't know what kind). Believe me it tastes good, better than it sounds. Lol. They serve it with Kajmak ,which is something between cream cheese and butter, sooo good ! The waitresses are nice. Place is super clean, and they might have the cleanest bathroom I saw in a while. Street parking only.I would recommend giving it a try. read more

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I'm a big fan of the coffee. They also have tiramisu and crepes that I've tried and they did not disappoint. It's open late! Love the servers, very nice and friendly! read more

Bel Ami Lounge - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time here. Awesome service & people. Owner is from europe, balkans area. Nice guy. Good crew. Classy & clean place with style. I absolutely recommend it!! read more

So, OK, this morning I went and did a load of wash at the local launderette. It was kind of raining, but I needed a few things from the store, so I ignored it and started walking down Lincoln toward THE WORST grocery store in the world: Dominick's. It was early, and, as one of the things on my shopping list was coffee, I had yet to have my fix, so I stopped in @Bel Ami. Walking through the small sitting area outside, I was hopeful -- those 4 or 5 chairs look pretty cozy and inviting... I strolled through the doorway...wait, am I still in the same place? When did I cross the star-trekkian donut hole time/space continuum thingy into this sterile, poorly decorated, European-esque sports bar? Oh well, I'm here. I may as well get a coffee. "What's that you say? You don't have 'coffee'?" I HAVE to get a cappuccino? A Mocha? OK, fuck it -- "I'll have a large Capp." I was then handed a 12 oz to go cup, half full of what tasted not like coffee, but warm steamed milk. For this, I paid 4$! This place sucks. I wish I'd gotten my coffee at 7-11. read more

"This is Starbucks but with better coffee and atmosphere." Ha! Hahahahahahaha. That reviewer kills me. Perception is everything. The best part about this place is the speedy, friendly service and the tables outside, even if ours was in some sort of strange astroturf pit. They have tea and coffee. We had some tea. It was fine. We did not try any food, because I would have never guessed that they serve food. Everyone there was drinking cheap beer and smoking --- INSIDE, and outside. Mostly, this place strikes me as a dive bar. And it would be good for people watching, though I had the distinct impression that looking at people there might be a bit dangerous. Anyway, it's an experience. read more

you find yourself surrounded by hip gorgeous European people, and everything tastes better right away. The owner is always there so you can tell him what you think (try that with Starbuck's) Girls seem to go there on their way to paint the town red, so they don't want to be bothered, and usually aren't. Just sip your Turkish coffee with a cig, feel like million dollars and think of yourself as a care-free American tourist who travels frequently enough to afford sitting for an hour in a cafe rather than running around museums which frankly are as good in Chicago. read more

Full bar. Interesting menu out of eastern europe. Mid-day dining is quiet but the lights and speakers betray what must be an amazing night life. Will update if we return for that scene. read more

A good place to sit and watch your favorite soccer team (CHELSEA) play along. The staffs are very friendly.

I love Bellami! I go there every chance I get for the fries. Absolutely to die for!! This is also somewhere I go with friends for our soccer time. Never too loud and we always seem to have the best wait staff. Pleasant attitudes and smiles all around. This is one of my regular stops. One bad thing about Bellami is that smooking is allowed inside!! read more

The only thing holding up these stars were the fries. Literally some of the best fries I've ever had. The veggie sandwich was great too, but the issue with that was I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich...not the veggie. My friend ordered the Nutella crepes which were delicious! My latte was pretty good, but my friend didn't seem pleased with the cappuccino. On to the service....so this being our first time here, we did not know we has to seat ourselves, but when we walked in confused and asked if we can sit anywhere, the woman was quite rude about it. I decided to not let that bother me. But I do have to say I felt a little judged the entire time. She was good about taking our order and making room on our table when the food came (besides the fact of getting my order wrong). But then there were no refills on water and we had to get up and get our check. Even in bars waitresses are more attentive to their guests, but I guess not at the dive bar/lounge restaurant or whatever you'd like to identify it as. I'd love to come back here! But in hopes of a better experience. read more

Not for yuppie Starbucks lovers. Interior is dark like a bar. No menus. No one greeting you. Definitely felt like an outsider the moment we stepped in. Smelled like cigarette smoke. We actually left without ordering anything because the people there, who appeared to be both patrons and hosts together, looked at us like we didn't belong and didn't offer us the opportunity to order anything. I'm sure it's a lovely place for people who are looking for whatever this is (a European experience, based on other reviews?) but definitely not for joe-schmo Starbucks lover who wants a cute independent coffee shop. They do have a nice outdoor seating area. read more

This is a pretty nice cafe to have a delicious cup of capuccino and a great conversation with friends. I enjoyed sitting here sipping my coffee, which is one of the best I ever tasted, while talking with friends. They allow smoking inside, and because the crowd is mostly European, there is a lot of it. The prices are reasonable, and it's a great alternative of Starbucks, which I go to at times because there are no other cafes around. They should definitely have more cafes like this! read more