Got a stomach bug after eating a chicken salad last week. Anyone else experiencing any symptoms? read more

Just WOW! Such a cozy place. Tried the rosemary hot chocolate and was a little nervous but boy was it delicious. The breakfast tacos were to die for, and I don't remember what my boyfriend ordered but it was also very delicious. We are from out of town or it would be on our rotating list read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely love this restaurant. I don't know why it's taken me so long to write a review as I've been coming here since before I even moved to Chicago. Super friendly family run business in lakeview east. The staff is always so nice and remembers us when we arrive. The chicken enchiladas are to die for, however anything you order on the menu will be great. It's a cozy space but always worth the wait for an amazing brunch or lunch. Also BYOB so you can't beat that. read more

Amazing food with a handful of vegetarian options to choose from. Very cute ambience with friendly waitstaff - definitely worth the short wait to get a table! read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Chilaquiles and Chorizo Hash - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Esencia was the perfect little neighborhood gem to enjoy a filling breakfast before exploring Wrigley Field. My boyfriend and I came in Monday morning and were the only customers inside which make me a little worried initially, but the service was amazing from the start and the food delivered! I ordered the Egg White Omelette (minus the mushrooms...texture issue for me) and it was so fluffy and seasoned perfectly. Sometimes I feel that meals with egg whites get neglected, but that was not the case here. The side of asparagus was cooked perfectly and the salad tossed lightly in balsamic was a great addition. My boyfriend ordered the Chorizo Hash and finished it off. He did say he felt like the side of toast was unnecessary, but I think most people would use it as a vessel for the hash too. The Whole Wheat Pancakes were bomb. Like, they were everything you want in a sweet breakfast dish. The pancakes were a great texture, the fruit was a good mix of blueberries strawberries and bananas, and the granola add the perfect crunch. We definitely went lighter on the maple syrup, but that's just us. Pour away I say! If you're in the area and looking for a good, solid breakfast spot, Esencia is it! read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Egg White Omelette, Chorizo Hash, Whole Wheat Pancakes - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped in for a quick breakfast and had a very pleasant meal! Both inside and outside dining options. I opted inside since there was some construction noise on Broadway. Had a fabulous meal of fruit oatmeal and a side of bacon. Both delicious and 4 bacon strips cooked just right. Latte was good and service was very friendly. I'll be back! read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Pleasant place for breakfast with great food! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is amazing. Want to try everything on the menu! The staff is extremely nice! The place is pretty small, so expect a wait. Their Chilaquiles are amazing. Some of the best on the North Side. It's clean, and so many options to choose from. This place is a must if you love breakfast! read more

Chilaquiles chilaquiles chilaquiles!!!!! Not only are they the most phenomenal chilaquiles you can get, but the service of this community cafe is amazing. My bf ordered a lemon blueberry cake, and since they ran out, they called to ask if we would like the mandarin orange cake instead. Completely understandable and so professional! They deliver our delicious brunch early, with this kind note and even sweeter treats! Please please please order from Essencia because the food is delish and they deserve our support! read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm still trying to figure out how we arrived late morning on a Sunday and got seated outside immediately at this outstanding breakfast spot. I'd recommend that you try this place before it gets out how good and reasonably priced it is. Started off a very enjoyable Father's day here. Since it was my day, per my daughter, I chose to go here, having seen a newspaper article touting the spot. With three diners, we had huevos con chorizo torta--Scrambled eggs with beef chorizo, beans, guacamole, red onions, tomatoes, Chihuahua cheese, chipotle aioli, bolillo bread; Chorizo hash; a breakfast burrito and, I know this is the fourth plate, French toast. The torta which I ordered was perfect! Of course, I was being rewarded by the heavens for being a father, lucking out with a wonderful daughter. Read the description--just very, very good, all with a smooth, tasty combination of ingredients. I had considered the dishes that were ordered by others, but chose not. Each was good (on sampling), but the torta was clearly the way to go, at least that day. The French toast, to have a sweet (you are allowed to have a 4th plate to split sometimes!), was fine--but no different than other restaurants. Also had the Horchata latte--interesting, very sweet, sort of a once in a decade drink for me. Their outdoor café is pleasant and its location is just off the main street which is to say comfortable, relaxed and enjoyable. Good food! Good place! read more

This place is so cute and the perfect place for weekend brunch. It's a small cafe with about 12 tables and huge windows for lots of natural light that are perfect for being distracted by all the dogs walking through Lakeview. There's also a coffee counter with four stools and decadent pastries if you're looking for something easy to go. I came here for brunch with a friend and it was cozy, casual, and fun. The food was amazing and we had a hard time choosing what we wanted off the menu because it all looked too good. I tried the aqua de jamaica which was a bright red hibiscus tea. It was wonderfully light and refreshing. A little sweet for me, but not too overpowering. For food I had the breakfast tacos. It came with three perfectly sized tacos in soft corn tortillas, hot sauce, and I of course added the side of guacamole. The tacos weren't too heavy but left me feeling full and satisfied. I also loved the chorizo egg scramble. My friend had the chorizo hash which came dressed with a beautiful bed of greens, two eggs, and toast or tortillas. It looked amazing, and she said it tasted that way too! This is an excellent find I'd definitely come back to. read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Breakfast tacos with side of guacamole, Aqua de jamaica (red hibiscus tea), and chorizo hash. Everything was delicious! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really like this place and go at least every two weeks. I like to sit inside. I like to sit outside. I like that they put a touch of cinnamon in their coffee and don't usually like flavored coffee. The food is high quality and the people top notch. Its a bit pricey but not more then other places ... when did everything get so expensive in chicago? But if you're gonna pay to eat out, this is a solid pick for quality food in a pleasant atmosphere. read more

The place: It's a hole in the wall kind of place. Unassuming, small. Seats maybe 20 inside, and another dozen outside. They do it well though. Make you feel like it's exactly where you're supposed to be, almost as if you're in their home kitchen. The taste: Everything I've had. Delicious, hit the spot. Their yogurt and fruit bowl is fresh, juicy, light and filling. Most recently I inhaled one of their wraps - I don't remember what was in it, but it only lasted about 7 minutes. (Cut me some slack, I had just come from the gym) My face: Not cheap, but sometimes, it's worth it to pay a little more for quality ingredients and a quality experience, and quality company. I think it came to around $25 a person. She got orange juice. I got coffee. We shared the biscuits and jam. Mmm. Homemade biscuits. Great, now I want brunch. read more

Their chilaquiles? Absolutely delicious! They have a perfectly balanced plate with enough spice but the rice and beans help balance it out. It's very cute and service is fast! read more

My favorite breakfast place. The food is excellent, and the people are wonderful. It's an intimate space, and the patio during nice weather is an extra bonus. read more

My favorite breakfast spot in the city. The chilaquiles are outta site ! The horchata and hibiscus beverages are a bit too sweet for me, but everything else we have had has is fantastic read more

Fantastic brunch spot in the neighborhood and busy here for all the right reasons! Great Mexican inspired menu to spice up typical brunch foods! The service is friendly, interior is bright and clean, and the food is delicious! We ordered the Pesto Sandwich and the Poblano Eggs! The Pesto Sandwich was hearty and delicious! Then bread was perfectly crusty to compliment the yummy Pesto spread and the Savory Canadian bacon. The house potatoes that came as a side was just sooooo amazing like hands down some of the best roasted potatoes we have had! Even the side salad was great with the perfect amount of balsamic vinaigrette and freshness. Every bite of the sandwich was just perfect! The Eggs on the sandwich were cooked sunny side and the yolk just coated the bread so phenomenally! The Poblano Eggs was also a winner! The sunny side Eggs were just amazing and coated the Canadian bacon and House made biscuit so deliciously! The biscuit was hearty, fluffy, and crusty all at the same time. The Poblano cream sauce added so much great flavor to the biscuit and bacon. Once again, the side of potatoes were so amazing as well as with the side salad! read more

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I have walked past this place so many times and finally decided to check out their brunch. So delicious!!! Went around 10am on a Saturday and was able to get the last free table. Highly recommend going at that time as soon after it got a bit busy. The service is great and the food is great. There are so many amazing choices on the menu that it is really hard to choose. I ended up going with the wrap and was really happy about it, jut tasted so fresh. read more

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This was my first time trying this place. I had the pesto chicken sandwich with crunchy potatoes. It was the best I have had in a very long time. I will definitely be back. The sandwich was amazing and the potatoes were perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft in middle. read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Pesto chicken sandwich. Oh my !!! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been here a few times with family and friends! It has now become a staple in my Chicago Brunch spots. I love visiting and eating outside in the summer. The coffee is amazing. I highly recommend getting an oat milk Vanilla Latte. I also absolutely love the Chilaquiles with Verde Salsa! The service is also always amazing and supportive. I highly recommend everyone to go and try it! read more

This place is really cute, friendly service and a nice twist to traditional mexican food. I tried the hibiscus enchilada and they were quite good. The sopes as an appetizer and tried the rice too. These are simple portions not a full meal with the extras includes. I also ordered their house potatoes which I love. I usually tweet my meals as I am a vegetarian and they did accommodate me. Again friendly service cute decor nice location. I only wish they had more veggie options As long as they accommodate me tweeting my meal a little I will come back again and again read more

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Love, Love, Love the food here. I have been a few times and while they are only open for breakfast/brunch they have a great menu of fresh food. The place is small, but they do a good job getting you in. That being said, on the weekends there can be a wait around noon, but it's well worth it. read more

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Stopped by for lunch a random weekday and glad we were able to be seated, given the small area. They do have a walk-up window, which is awesome and will definitely keep in mind for the future. Our server was lovely and helpful. Their coffee is delish, especially with that cinnamon note. I had the huevos rancheros with both red and green sauces - loved the option for both, especially as they were both super yummy. Rice and beans were also fantastic. Boo also really enjoyed his poblano eggs. Great breakfast/lunch spot for sure! read more

One of my 'go to' spots for a dog-friendly outdoor breakfast, lunch, brunch with my pup and a friend or three. Generally tables seat 2-4. Very tasty breakfast options served by friendly staff until 3pm. Coffee options are delicious. Definitely try the cafe con leche, breakfast tacos, and lemon ricotta pancakes. The asparagus scramble wrap is a great option too. read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Dog friendly outdoor seating. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The best place in Chicago. Erica is the best and the food is truly out of this world. Leave your typical chips/salsa mexican restaurant for another day and give esencia a try, you won't regret it. read more

Okay we get it, this urban kitchen is the most POSH establishment on broadway and in the Lakeview area and really does give a good amount of options when it comes to brunch, but staff is amongst the rudest individuals I've ever come across. We walked in and there were at least 5 free tables. Yes it's a small spot but they told we would have a 30 minute wait when there were so many available tables. After about 20 minutes, as the tables stayed empty they then asked if we'd like to sit at the bar, considering the seats were still empty at the other tables we asked if we could be seated there and they said no, they are waiting on people to arrive. This was at 12:10. We wouldn't have stayed longer than 12:30 if the reservations were for then. Also, where can one even reserve? We checked open table and their website and couldn't find where we would be able to make reservations. We sat down finally, and then the waiter/manager said that we couldn't have our own Starbucks and to pour it in a cup. That is when we just picked up and left. I couldn't handle their attitudes and unorganized unwelcoming energy. read more

I liked it! I'd go back! Good food, decent prices! Small quarters but they've got outdoor seating too. Bf thought food needed a little more flavor but I found the food to be clean and tasty. I had the chorizo hash. We had their orange juice which was fresh squeezed, and I need to try the coffee next time. read more

Yuuuum! Can't believe I've walked passed this on a daily and it took me 6 months to try. Breakfast/Brunch is Mexican inspired though the lunch menu wasn't so much as there were plenty of choices that were more American/Italian. I ordered the Milanesa with house potatoes ($11) and my friend ordered the pesto chicken grilled cheese with the chipotle mac & cheese ($11). Both were flavorful and had fresh ingredients (black beans and avocado go so well together!!). Service was on point. This place has probably ~9 tables plus a bar seating with about ~4 seats so it's on the smaller side. Things to note: -On the menu, it straight up says no substitutions or changes. Regardless I tried to get my milanesa on a rosemary ciabatta since that sounded much better than a bolilo and was kindly denied since the waiter explained it's made specifically for a bolilo. And he was right, cause that bread with that sandwich went so well together. -2 cards maximum for split check. read more

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Haven't had one thing from here that wasn't good, but my favorite's are Cubana and Chicken panini. Everything comes with a side you can choose between potato or greens depends on whether you are bulking or a rabbit. The oranges they use to squeeze fresh orange juice and make salmon salad is sooo sweet!! Omg I just love it so much lol I thought it had sugar added to the orange juice till I tried that orange by itself and now i really just don't want to eat any other peasant oranges. They have thanksgiving prix fixe menu and almost always have kids events during halloween. Just a very well rounded restaurant that not only bring good food to the neighborhood but also brings everyone in the neighborhood together. We need more restaurants like this in lakeview. read more

Food was excellent! This is my first time at a Mexican inspired brunch place. I ended up getting their lemon ricotta pancakes which came with an amazing jasmine-ginger syrup rather than the regular old maple syrup and not excessively sweet like most pancakes. I loved it. I also got their side of potatoes which were really good as well. Being the weekend, the place was busy, wait time was said to be 20 mins but ended up being more like 45mins. Service was also slow, but if you are not dying of hunger and not in a hurry, the food is well worth the wait. read more

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One of my favorite brunch spots in Lakeview. Just came in here Sunday for a bite to eat around 10am and found a set at the bar. Atmosphere/service: 4 stars - This is a very cute little cafe with a decent amount of seats and tables but it is very tight. I prefer sitting at the bar where it is spacious. The service is attentive and friendly. Food: 4 stars - can't go wrong with anything on this menu. I would highly recommend the breakfast torta. The bread is flavorful, the onions are a great touch and the eggs are very tasty. I also had some of the fresh apple coffee cake. It was delicious and not too sweet. Drinks: 4 stars - the hot coffee is awesome. They brew it with a bit of cinnamon. The orange juice is also very tasty. read more

Great spot--the food has improved but what make me give it 5 starts is the service by the Hispanic waitress. I forgot her name, but she is authentically polite--not common these days! :) read more

Came here for a work lunch and ate in the patio. They were serving breakfast and lunch - I had the salmon salad and my coworker had the chilaquiles. Both solid healthy-ish meals in an area where that's lacking. Will definitely be back! read more

Beat brunch spot in Chicago! Servers are friendly and food comes out quickly. Definitely recommend trying tbt hibiscus tea.

Very small and hip restaurant with a big surprise! Food was fresh and amazing. Came here for brunch and had to wait about 15 mins for a table. They offer coffee while you wait. Their coffee has a hint of cinnamon which is lovely. I ordered the chorizo hash - one of the best I ever had. It came with a refreshing salad and a tasty biscuit. Portions were just enough and I left satisfied. Staff is friendly but be prepared to wait during busy hours. I advise "getting in line" via Yelp to reduce wait time. Overall a great Mexican influenced brunch spot - now on my list for top brunches! read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Chorizo hash (bottom). Chorizo torta (top) - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am very much in love with this place. Great service and food. It is really small and you might have to wait for a table, but it's definitely worth it. Everything is fresh and very well presented. They don't serve alcohol, so if you are looking for brunch and drinks this is not your place. But I recommend it 100%. read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Huevos con chorizo torta. Comes with a side of (super flavorful) potatoes and greens. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Finally open in Lakeview! Took a long time for the doors to finally open, but it was well worth the wait. Came here for Sunday brunch with a friend and was completely blown away by the food and service. This little gem is family owned, and as our server described the dishes on the menu are what his mother used to make for them growing up. The entres have a slight Mexican influence but are pretty American otherwise. I definitely recommend checking this place out. Try the salmon breakfast sandwich, it was incredible. read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'd like to amend my previous review. Mauricio (the manager) reached out to me, apologized, and invited me back to give esencia another chance. I am quite happy I went back because I've found one of my new all time favorite breakfast spots. The restaurant is located a few blocks from my condo so it's quite convenient. It's on a busy corner packed with people and stores - generally a good location. My girlfriend and I both had the Cafe Con Leche. I'm not sure what's different between this and a Starbucks latte but this is just amazing. Maybe it's the beans, I'm not sure. It's so flavorful and strong. I ordered the Machaca burritos as my entree. Before I could even try them I found myself demolishing the potatoes that came with the dish. Once they were consumed, I made my way to the burritos. So tasty! I believe they were beef, cilantro, onions, eggs and cheese. I thoroughly enjoyed them. I'm super happy that I went to esencia a second time. I'm a firm believer in second chances and they certainly won me over. I'm going on record to say that I'm going to become a regular there and will eventually set the record for most Machaca burritos eaten there. Super highly recommended!!! read more

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This is a very cute mexican-inspired brunch spot. I like going there when I want something slightly healthier for brunch with a bit of a twist. The veggie enchiladas were delicious and the cinnamon coffee is also good read more

Esencia is great for a causal weekend breakfast/brunch. I came in alone on Sunday morning and sat at the countertop. The place was full and there was a waitlist going, but the staff were very attentive. Ordered a coffee and the egg and pesto sandwich, which came with potatoes and greens. The sandwich was so good as were the sides. Would definitely order again! Great service and food worth coming back for! read more

Esencia Urban Kitchen - Egg and Pesto Sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We visited this delightful restaurant in Lakeview with a friend for breakfast. Getting there in between guests, we had to wait about 30 minutes for a table but the wait was really worth the trip. We opted for outside seating and even though it was slightly sultry, the beautiful morning was the perfect partner for the meal to follow. Our friend ordered the pancakes with carmalized bananas. I ordered the eggs with pesto sandwich and my husband chose the eggs benedict. I tasted one of the carmalized bananas on my friends plate and it was incredible. My meal was served as a sandwich and ordered as prepared on the menu. The eggs were cooked slightly over medium so they oozed but didn't run. Pesto is on the bread, which is thick like greek toast, along with bacon cooked just over medium. This allowed the bacon to be chewy and not crunky and was perfect. My husbands EB had a red sauce that was tomatoe-y and wonderful. Both his and mine were served along with fried potatoes and were gently seasoned. You will have a wonderful experience for breakfast if you choose this location. read more

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