Iguana Cafe

First time in Chicago and have been wanting to try an Italian dipped beef sandwich. To my surprise,…read moreI consider this one of the best meals I've had thus far on my trip. Went on a rainy Saturday afternoon with the queue out the door but was moving at a good pace. Staff was friendly and food came out very quickly, a key trait of a well ran establishment. I got the regular beef sandwich with sweet and spicy peppers, and a side of fries. I love that the sandwich was soggy but held itself together, and the flavor was amazing in itself as well. Definitely coming back here when I find myself back in Chicago!

This place turns around orders like there is no tomorrow…read more The Italian beef looks plain but it was so good. Super thin and tender slices of beef. The burger was pretty good but I don't know if it's something I would try again. Good but it's a burger I can get at a burger spot. Fries were good enough. Kids loved it and it was filling but doesn't really stand out. I would come back for the beef sandwich.

March 5, 2024

Keto style double with bacon

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Italian Big Beef

Lizzano

4.0(50 reviews)

Lizzano is a true neighborhood staple--we've ordered from here and stopped in at least 10-15 times…read moresince they opened, and it never misses. The bread is always fresh, the ingredients taste high-quality, and everything just hits. Our go-tos are the Il Carnivoro, Sicilla, Piccante, and the Italino... but honestly, I'd trust anything on the menu at this point. Also, their happy hour is such an underrated gem--Wednesday through Sunday from 5-7pm. They do 50% off Italian boards (perfect for a girls' night) and $9 spritzes. We're heading there this week and already looking forward to it.

The only reason I'm giving it a 4/5 is because for $19 I wish the sandwhich was bigger (or the…read moreprice was lower...). I'm not going to lie... I can't stop thinking about the sandwich I ate here. They have two vegetarian options on their menu and I went with the Modena sandwich. It was perfectly sweet, a little salty and had the most delicious pistachio cream. The focaccia bread it was made on was perfectly chewy as well. I wish they had more sides on their menu so I could try!

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Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna

4.5(274 reviews)

Stunning. Delicious. Magnificent. Zarella 100% lives up to the hype!…read more We got: * spicy vodka pizza * margherita pizza * carbonara pizza * mozzarella sticks Everything was incredible. The pizza is cracker thin, hot, and bursting with flavor. The mozzarella sticks were the best I've ever had - they were thick and cheesy. Our service was amazing too, we were always checked up on and everything came out quick and fresh. The ambiance is stellar, we were seated downstairs in almost a speakeasy type of room. It was dim lit and I loved it! Will 100% be coming here again. I loved it!

Out of the 5 pizza spots I tried this time around in Chicago, Zarella's ended up being my absolute…read morefavorite. We grabbed a reservation for an early Sunday lunch the day before, but the restaurant was pretty empty. Tavern Style Pepperoni (4.75/5): Crust is super crunchy and the tomato sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Pepperoni was uber savory and salty with a good crisp on em. Texturally, everything about this was perfect and you can just tell all the ingredients used were high quality. Mozzarella Sticks (4.5/5): Picture perfect mozzarella sticks. Insane crunch with a good amount of salt on the outside and melty, stretchy cheese when it hits your table. As with the pizza, the tomato in the marinara sauce really shines through.

0.8 mi•River North, Near North Side

The super thin, perfectly cooked crust

Mozzarella sticks

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Mendocino Farms

4.1(40 reviews)

pros: -amazing service!! super friendly staff…read more-clean tables and bathrooms -i ordered the avocado and quinoa superfood ensalada with air fried chicken and it was cooked to perfection -great location! cons: -none

food: good chicken sandwich for the price. would get charged 20+ at other restaurants…read more service: nice staff ambiance: nice outdoor area too

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City Nikki's

4.2(24 reviews)

We were seated in the back on the restaurant which was nice since we were away from some of the…read morelouder tables. Our waitress was very nice and prompt. The tater tots were very crispy and tasty. My only complaint is that the Caesar wrap lettuce wasn't crispy since it was served warm and I just assumed it was going to be served cold and crunchy. It was still good but when I ate it the next day after it was in the fridge it was definitely better. I would definitely go back since it was seasoned well and had a good ratio of lettuce, chicken, and Parmesan.

It was a nice bar for drinks and late night food option. The drinks were phenomenal, the burger was…read morea little bit burnt but overall okay. I really like the staff, they are friendly and fast.

Smashburger

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Gold Coast Market

5.0(25 reviews)

0.9 mi•Near North Side

Great place. Good prices and friendly people. If they don't have what you want, talk to them they…read morewill stock it in the future.

Delicious sandwiches ! Did carry -out x 2 while visiting Chicago ; but very nice , casual area to…read moreeat in

0.8 mi•River North, Near North Side

Fancy Dinner to Go from Gold Coast Market ( btw. Good Smooth Wine! ) @ 71W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL etc.Nice Service. Cool!

Gold Coast Market - Gold Coast Market @ 71W Chicago Ave,Chicago, IL ( Corner Chicago/Clark ) Liquor Beer Wine Tabaco Deli Essential etc.Nice Service. Cool!

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Marley Mellow Mood CBD infused Tea. My Favorite! (25mg CBD) @ Gold Coast Market. 71 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL . One Love! Cool!

Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

3.9(7.4k reviews)

During our stay in this area we need to try the Chicago dog- I know there are highly reviewed and…read morebetter places but I prefer a sit down meal after a day of walking around so we had this in our second night. Ordered from the machine and got the famous meal with two hot dos with everything on it. I also ordered the rigatoni à la vodka and we got some drinks and of course the chocolate cake. It's like a big food hall and you'll wait to get your order called to pick up your food. Utensils and condiments are in the stations so you'll have to get it yourself. Overall we enjoyed the food and experience. The hotdogs are good and my son finished 2 - I tried a few bites but I also loved my pasta - huge service for the price and I get to share it with my son as well. The chocolate cake is not too sweet but really decadent. Must try if you're visiting and staying in the River North area.

We came here around 9pm since it opens late until 1am. The restaurant was still busy with so many…read morecustomers that late. I ordered the food via the tablet and waited in the pick up area for about 15 minutes to pick up our food. There are many tables available inside and upstairs. The cute decorations brought back 90's feeling with neon lights. - Italian beef: they were generous with the beef slices! The flavor was good but it was monotone (just beefy taste). The bread was good and soggy from the juice. For the price, it was worth it because there were lots of beef. - Chicago hot dog: it was good but nothing special. The sausage was good and the bread was soft. The dill pickle, tomato, and peppers tasted fresh and gave a crunch and acidity to the hot dog. - French fries: okay but it wasn't crispy.

0.6 mi•River North, Near North Side

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Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

3.8(72 reviews)

•$

Note to Fairground....The new flavors are trash or the batista has no idea what she is doing…read more.. I'm going with the flavor profiles are garbage...Watermelon Matcha taste like soda mixed with burnt ash...How is this considered watermelon or matcha....cant taste either. And the peach cobbler latte contains zero flavor of peach or a cobbler...Come to find out the peach flavor is supposed to come from the foam...Nope even the foam was flavorless...lol How is Dunking Donuts coffee better than this expensive vomit tasting coffee... You can do better than this Fairgrounds but I will never know because I will never be back...Chicago has an awesome coffee shop every 2 blocks.

We stopped in and a coffee and quick bite for breakfast. The staff was nice and it was super cute…read moreinside! I ordered a hot tahini caramel latte with oatmilk and really really enjoyed it. I ordered the breakfast bowl and didn't really care for it. It was very very spicy (i figured it would be a little spicy but nothing like this) and the flavors didn't mix well in my opinion. It looked good, but I really wish I would've ordered something else.

0.9 mi•Near North Side, River North

Inside

Swee Peach Blossom White (Bb), sweet potato salad

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Gold Coast Cafe

3.9(63 reviews)

Good service. Welcoming staff. Good food. A fave of my friends and family. Really enjoy the…read moreatmosphere.

I have been here before and will definitely keep coming back here for the sweet treat and the…read moredessert. It's always so good and they have a lot of seating late night to sit and yap with friends.

0.8 mi•River North, Near North Side

Gold Coast Cafe. 754 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654 Cool !

Croissant Egg & Cheese with Turkey bacon and hash browns

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Interior

Schneider Deli

4.4(221 reviews)

I had to get food, (particularly chicken soup) for a sick friend of mine who was stuck in a hotel…read morein Chicago and it was very hard to find a place that had chicken soup who would deliver it to the hotel. (I am in Las Vegas ) Unfortunately the delivery service the Deli usually uses quits before 2:30 and so I couldn't get it delivered. I called the Deli to ask if they had a different service and the owner said, he would take it there himself to my sick friend THAT KIND OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IS WHAT WE NEED MORE OF! Small businesses give a damn and I love that this owner was kind enough to go all the way over to the Warwick Allerton to personally deliver her chicken soup and tuna, which by the way she said was absolutely fabulous!! When given an option I will pick a small business over corporate America any day... And this owner just gave me another good reason why. Kudos to a business owner with pride and concern.

I was only in Chicago for 24 hours, just to see the yanks at Wrigley but I was able to bounce into…read moreSchneider Deli for a late breakfast and boy am I glad I did!! I grabbed a pastrami, egg and swiss on a plain bagel.. It was perfection, like they wrote the manual, like I was in midtown manhattan! The bagel was warm and crisp and soft and the pastrami was marbled and rich. There's only about five tables in the place. The staff is friendly. Awesome little deli!

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Eunice's brisket sandwich.

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Naomi L.

Elite 23

261

332

365

3 years ago

For years, I've passed by the Iguana Cafe without ever taking the time to stop in. Recently, my newfound love for coffee and a craving for a crepe led me to this charming spot, and I hurried over with high hopes. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the cafe's beauty - it's a perfect setting for a romantic date night. With my sights set on a Vanilla Latte and a crepe, I couldn't wait to dive in. Upon our arrival, the place was unusually quiet, with just us in attendance. As a newly converted "coffee" drinker, I found the latte to be quite good, although I'm still learning to discern the finer nuances. Now, onto the crepe. I had a specific vision in mind - a delicate spread of Nutella, a scattering of strawberries and bananas, and just a light dusting of powdered sugar. Unfortunately, the execution didn't quite match my expectations. The amount of Nutella applied to the crepe was beyond generous - it felt like they emptied the entire jar onto it. It was overwhelming and ultimately led me to forgo eating the crepe altogether. It was a shame because if prepared as requested, it could have been absolutely fantastic. While I chose not to send it back due to prior commitments, I was disappointed that such a simple order wasn't executed as desired. Crafting a crepe should be a straightforward affair, and I was mildly annoyed that I had to excavate so much Nutella. That said, I did catch a glimpse of their dinner menu, and it looks incredibly enticing. In conclusion, the Iguana Cafe offers a picturesque setting and a menu that holds promise. With a minor hiccup in my order, I'm eager to return and sample their dinner fare, hoping for an experience that matches the cafe's undeniable charm. read more

Jason S.

Elite 26

288

372

719

1 year ago

Tried out Iguana Café on a weekday night with some friends and had a great experience. I'd never been before, but a friend who lives nearby recommended it and I'm glad we stopped in. The atmosphere is unique, kind of a blend between a café and a cozy restaurant. There's bar seating, cafe-style tables, and an overall relaxed but slightly upscale vibe. It feels like the kind of place you could grab a coffee during the day or unwind with drinks and food in the evening. The menu was more extensive than I expected, with a fun European flair lots of options like savory crepes, paninis, wraps, and more. I went with the chicken Caesar wrap, which came pressed almost like a panini, different than your typical wrap, but I liked it a lot. It also came with a side of pasta salad (no extra charge), which was a nice bonus. The whole meal was only $13, which felt like a steal for a sit-down spot in the downtown/River West area. To top it off, they were still running happy hour around 6:30, and I got a Stella for just $4, served in a chilled glass, simple touch, but it made the experience feel just that much better. All in, I spent $17 for a full meal and drink, which is pretty rare these days in Chicago. Overall, I'll definitely be back. The vibe was great, the menu has a lot more to explore (I'm eyeing the savory crepes next time), and the pricing was super reasonable. If you're looking for a relaxed spot with a Euro-inspired menu and good drinks, Iguana Café is worth checking out. read more

Valentina G.

18 years ago

I kept driving by Iguana on my way home from work, and this place was always packed. I decided to go with friends and try it out, I wasn't disappointed. It truly reminded me of a European café. The ambience was warm and inviting. The menu suited everyone's tastes and mood, whether it was the baked pasta, a dessert crepe, or a glass of wine. I had the Venice dessert crepe, it was to die for. The staff was really friendly and on top of things. I will definitely go back again. I am hooked, I have to try the dessert crepes. read more

Ellie G.

10 years ago

This place kills it with how convenient it is, making it the perfect spot for a quick coffee/breakfast, lunch or even late night snack. The menu samples the tastes of many different European countries and is very good for its price --- its nothing extravagant or revolutionary but perfect for a quick meal at any time of the day basically. The staff is always helpful and friendly. It's also a great place for studying or doing work. read more

Paul Z.

1150

108

9 years ago

Unfortunately had sad experience today at this place and found human hair in my crepe. Sadly waitress haven't even apologized about it and with non happy face replaced the order. I've expected that meal will be free since they've done this "mistake" but they've simply included this in our bill which we paid in full and left them good tips. Even after this "good" our gesture they haven't told us good bye. read more

JJ E.

14 years ago

This is literally my favorite place in the entire world to eat. I come here often (like, often enough that each server knows my order by heart) and am always happy as a clam. I opt to create my own crepe and they pile on the prosciutto, white american cheese and romaine lettuce. This is savory goodness at its ooey gooey finest and you need to stop reading this and go eat there now. read more

Andrea W.

248

10 years ago

This is by far my favorite cafe! They have amazing crepes and wraps. And their PASTA! OMG! IT IS SOOOOO GOOD! I've never been to a place before that has made me happy with every single item I have ordered. Everything is delicious. You cannot go wrong with anything here! Iguana thank you for being the greatest European cafe! P.s. They have an actual iguana! Super cool!! read more

Sofo D.

4 years ago

Iguana has always been my go-to restaurant for food and cocktails. The staff are the best - so nice and happy to help. Cocktails always hit the spot. Crepes are fresh and the closest you'll get to Europe's. Perfect spot for date nights, families, and large gatherings. Also, it's a locally owned small business--Doesn't get better. read more

Bobbie H.

13 years ago

You really can't go wrong with the food here. I've been here many times when visiting friends downtown, and I've tried multiple things on the menu. The lattes are ok, but would recommend just doing starbucks before/after. If you don't mind the wait, which I assume is a european thing, it's worth stopping by. read more

dora s.

16 years ago

Iguana is by far my favorite cafe. Great atmosphere. Their food is amazing, but the best thing on the menu is their tirokafteri. It is a feta cheese spread that is served with bread and pita bread. By far the best I have ever tasted. I think everyone should try this place. I love it. read more

Veronica R.

15 years ago

I love this place. The atmosphere is cozy and makes me feel great every time i visit. The owner is always around and the staff are nice and very friendly. The Food is amazing! if you get a chance ask for the brochette! it is a place great inspiration for me. read more

Colleen J.

12 years ago

Nice enough - we had omelettes - I forget to say no mushrooms and the veggie omelette was full of them so didn't eat much of mine. Not alot of GF options - even the potato sides had Gluten. Nice enough - busy - and fast which is what we were looking for. read more

Pizza D.

15 years ago

Love this place, almost don't want to be too positive as it's right in my neighborhood and it's such a hidden gem. Been here about a million times and always great, very reasonable pricing, only possible gripe is the service is at times a little slow. read more

Lori B.

17 years ago

this place has the best crepes ever. Try one with nutella and banana, and you wont stop thinking about it for the rest of the month :) I also love their Pasta Al Forno. It's huge, and so tasty ... And they are open late ! read more

Debbie M.

19 years ago

Ok so the coffee is good, but there is no deal on refills and if you are sitting there paying for wifi I dont 1 refill isnt unreasonable. The food is good and its close to the el. DONT EVEN TRY TO PARK HERE! read more

Gurleen S.

117

6 years ago

One of my favorite places that I never get tired of!I'm absolutely obsessed with their Chicken Pesto Pasta and Brownie A La Mode. The atmosphere of this place is also very cozy and cute. Definitely recommend! read more

Kate S.

10 years ago

Great place. My friend and I stoped here to get some deserts. I found my favourite (oops, I forgot the name), but definitely you need to come and try some. It was my first time and for sure not the last one. read more

Adriana R.

13 years ago

I've been coming here for a while and is always great. I love the atmosphere, music and delicious crepes! I usually come here after work to have a late night chat with friends.one of my favorite places:)) read more

BB z.

18 years ago

Beautiful place nice colors and good food.The coffee is good, but i have to try the crepes they look so good. I tried yesterday a Spartan crepe and it was ass om. i Will have to go back for a dessert one. read more

Ana W.

18 years ago

Love this place! The coffee is delicious, the atmosphere is unique and comforting. I really like the food as well. If you are looking for a good cup of Joe and a different feel, this is a great place! read more

Iguana Cafe - creperies - Updated September 2026

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