I highly enjoyed this! We went for Open House Chicago (nice tour of the facilities and all the green initiatives, including solar power and sustainable lighting). Having been to the Uptown location, which wasn't especially memorable, I wasn't sure what to expect here. IT. WAS. DELICIOUS. Usually not one to order the same thing as my tablemates (it's more fun to share dishes), neither of us could turn down the fried chicken and bacon waffles. Yes, you read that correctly, moist and flavorful fried boneless chicken and waffles with BACON COOKED INTO THEM. Add the sweet but tangy cayenne syrup and this was to die for (literally, I was worried about my heart health afterwords). The fresh squeezed OJ was good and my basil lemonade was refreshing. The Inspiration model of teaching students to run the kitchen is really great. I am looking forward to going back for the meatloaf sandwich. read more

This place is a hidden gem. Not only do you feel great about supporting their mission through your patronage, but you also get really good food and lovely customer service. My friends and I got there right before they closed and they were gracious enough to wait on us. I had the impossible burger and it was delicious and well served. I'd recommend this place for anyone who wants to have a chill lunch or a bright breakfast, and it served as a quiet place to catch up with friends. read more

YES and YES. BYOB, fun, chill and the nicest people. Parking is super easy. Hit up the conservatory when you are done. The menu is short, but done well. Price is amazing. We will go back. read more

I've been back a few times since I wrote my first review and am a bit less enthused. The quality of some items has been a bit uneven. For example, the brisket was great the first time my husband got it, but rubbery the second. Also they serve their jar spreads with stale crackers that look like they came out the back of someone's cupboard. The pear salad was overwhelmingly sweet and the shrimp and grits were just OK. The catfish po boy, gumbo and banana bread pudding are superb. But I'm a little more reserved about Inspiration Kitchens than I was before. It is still the best restaurant in Garfield Park that I've been to, in terms of ambience. read more

Had A lunch Meeting @ Inspiration Kitchens. My BURGER WAS delicious ! I loved THE Brie CHEESE And bacon . The Pretzel Roll WAS. tasty too! I had Already Eaten most of the pickled Squash before I Realized they WERE Garnish for the BURGER! Crab CAKE Appetizer WAS decent. The basil Infused lemonade was awesome!!! unfortunately I WAS too full to Apprecia te the scrumptious Louisiana crunch CAKE. read more

Inspiration Kitchens - One tasty burger with brie cheese, bacon, carmelized onions on a pretzel roll with pickled squash and sweet potato chips! - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ate here for brunch today. I wasn't sure what to expect, but we were looking to try something new out that was close. This place is great! Let's start with the food. I tried the brunch buffet. Usually when you're dealing with buffets, the food suffers. Considering when we went, they only had a few tables, but the buffet was fresh. I saw several of the cooks bring out fresh food to replenish when I was eating. The shrimp grits was very good. I haven't had it like it was prepared which was almost like a quiche. The chicken and waffles were very good especially with the spicy syrup. I'd love to go back with friends to try this place out for dinner. I can't also help but review this place because it's a great service for the area. The fact that they do free training for transitional people is really a fantastic thing. Even your tip goes to help people that need meals. I love the idea of this place, and the fact that the food was fantastic makes it even better. Check this place out! I feel like it's a little gem that no one knows about that everyone should. Get some great food, and help a worthy cause. read more

I was shocked to know what our whole meal cost $33. We ordered watermelon salad, heirloom tomato and corn salad, fried chicken sandwich, green tomato BLT and two types of fruit tea. They were all incredible! The waiter and waitress were also attentive, although the waitress didn't look so happy, but maybe it was just the day. They had an open kitchen so we could easily see how the chef and his sous chef prepared the food. They were friendly and I even took a picture of them. I don't want to write a super long review, so if you are curious about how the restaurant and the food looks like, read my blog post: http://vietnamesefoodie.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-culinary-trip-in-chicago.html Will be back definitely! read more

There is nothing bad about this place at all. Cause, commitment, and excellence in food is no exception I always go for the Shrimp and grits. This has to be the Yummisest dish in the Chi hands down! I would have Shrimp and grits three times a day if i could The pulled pork / Po-boy is an excellent option as well. Please support Inspiration kitchen you will not regret it! read more

Not to be missed and perfectly paired with the conservatory. The shrimp and grits and quinoa burger are absolutely mandatory. The staff is amazing. Wonderful and beautiful. read more

Inspiration Kitchens - Shrimp and grits. I die happy. - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here on a whim after work and wasn't sure what to expect. Ambiance was nice and employees very friendly. The food is very good. I had the goat cheese as an app and was delighted with the sauce they use. Ended up asking for more bread and totally wiped the dish clean! The shrimp and grits is polenta style grits which was the first time I've had it. It was very tasty and had a great blend of flavors. I would definitely order it again! Definitely recommending this place and I like the concept as well of inspiration kitchens. I'll be back with coworkers and girlfriend. read more

Inspiration Kitchens - Amazing shrimp and grits a++ - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is my favorite place to eat in the whole city. Delicious food, fabulous staff, and an inspiring (ahem) organization. PLEASE bring back the sweet potato bread pudding. I love the rotating menu, really I do. But I am begging for that one to come back and, while I'm at it, please don't ever let the quinoa burger go away. Really, I don't order dessert. Ever. Sort of as a rule. I'm not really someone who needs the sweet bite at the end. But that bread pudding makes me want to die it's so delicious. read more

Great food and generous portions. Food is prepared by "students in our culinary training program working to start a new career in their lives". read more

Fine Dining Urban Oasis. Organic Chicken, Locally grown vegetables (20 feet from the front door) , Composting. Here is a restaurant that is doing it right from top to bottom. Every menu item is carefully constructed with purpose behind each ingredient. The Braised Pork Melts in your mouth. The Cayenne Agave Lemonade touches all the right spots on your tongue. The Bourbon soaked rice pudding makes a perfect appetizer or dessert. The staff shine with gratitude and make this more than just a restaurant, but a dining experience to share with friends in a wonderful setting overlooking Chicago's historic East Garfield Park. Inspiration Kitchens is a non for profit organization that trains men and women returning to life from the justice system. Providing free training in the Culinary Arts and job placement assistance, Inspiration Kitchens ignites the flame of cooking, and preparing food as art, in the hearts of those that may need it the most. TIP Well - all tips are donated to feed hungry families. read more

I would first like to say I have lived in the east Garfield park Neighborhood for 17 years now and I was elated to find out that a cafe had moved in and become my new neighbor. I visited this place about two weeks ago with my girl friend. We absolutely loved the decor of the cafe it was very modern and fresh. And this is where the positive things stop. We came in around lunch time and we're seated very quickly. For appetizers we wanted to order frog legs and gumbo. My friend asked the waiter what frog legs tasted like to which he responded "frog legs." Ok. So we order the two appetizers anyway. They took about 30 minutes to come out. The frog legs we're burnt and the gumbo broth had a clear , chicken stock consistency and was extremely bland. For our meal we ordered the meatloaf and pan seared chicken sandwich. After about an hour of waiting our waiter comes up to us and ask us did we want any dessert. We explained to him that we hadn't received our meal. He appeared shocked and looked toward the Kitchen window and saw that our food had been sitting there the whole time. The food. The meatloaf was extremely sweet and had a vary airy texture to it almost as if it had filler in it.the chicken sandwich was covered in a very sweet sauce as well and smushed between very thick and hard bread. Because he wasn't being attentive to us the waiter did apologize and offered us a free dessert which was delicious. We choose the small apple pies with molasses ice cream. All in all, horrible service, food was horrible. I also don't understand how a business that says they serve southern cuisine can't get gumbo right. Go figure. read more

Great well prepared, creative food served by cheerful waitresses. I loved my quiche and salad and my friends raved about their banana French toast in peanut butter batter and frittata. The chess pie with finished with was delectable as was the hot apple cider. Reasonable prices and free parking adjacent to the restaurant. Right by Garfield Park Conservatory. read more

Don't be put off by the "diverse" neighborhood of Garfield Park. Inspiration Kitchens has their own parking lot, and safety shouldn't be a concern. The proximity of the restaurant to the people they are helping only makes the good work they are doing that much more palpable. I ordered the pork tenderloin with molasses glaze, served with collard greens and a baked sweet potato. At $12, this was the most expensive item on the menu, and I would have happily paid twice that based on the food quality. The pork was cooked with just a tinge of pink; the molasses glaze was yummy, filled with small strips of apple. The collards were delicious with an acidic bite, a flavor I've never quite tasted before in collard greens. And the sweet potato was baked, seasoned, and sectioned perfectly. The portions were great. I cannot stress enough how good (fruity and sweet) the bruschetta was! Order it for your appetizer, and you wont be disappointed. read more

Wow! Amazing food, i had the gymb and chicken and waffles. I over ordered, but it was good. I will be back, i love this neighborhood and the conservatory. read more

Inspiration Kitchens - Gumbo was soo yummy! - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I attended a party here so I can't comment on the prices, but the roasted butternut squash and greens "risotto" was really nice, as was the polenta. They also had very nice tea mixes. My only complaint is how loud it felt inside, even with just normal conversation and laughter. Maybe my ears are just sensitive, but it was a huge relief to step out into the desolation after a couple of hours of delicious food here. read more

I was there last Thursday for lunch with a friend and had not been in awhile. The service was good and the food well plated and tasty. But what is going on with the neglected garden and the empty flower containers that flank the entry to the restaurant? Not inviting - but the interior is attractive. The organization provides a wonderful service for changing lives for the better. Hope when I return the garden and entry reflect that purpose... read more

A group of about 12-13 of us enjoyed a catered dinner in one of Inspiration Kitchens' private rooms. As a whole the dining experience was pretty good! Memorable dishes: -Cheddar biscuits -Parsnip pureed soup -Crispy brussels sprouts (On the website it is on the Uptown location's menu and not this one, but we definitely had it.) I could seriously have made an entire meal out of those three items, they were fantastic (especially the brussels sprouts!) Wow, the spellcheck just made me realize for the first time that brussels has an 's' at the end.Thanks yelp. read more

Very nice space, with good service and reasonably priced meals. For being so close to the conservatory, you can walk in at almost any time and be seated right away. The buttermilk pancakes are my favorite brunch item to order. The grilled cheese was too cheesy for my taste (I know that sounds silly). Not too noisy, a great place to take parents. read more

I love supporting this place. I grew up a few blocks away and this is a wonderful place to have in the neighborhood. Every time I come I have a great meal and great service. Everyone one the staff are always polite and attentive and the young chefs in the kitchen are wonderful to watch! #westside read more

This place is great! We went here right after seeing the Garfield park conservatory and got brunch. The lemon- ricotta pancake special was sublime! And the quinoa veggie burger was amazing! I love that this place benefits working poor families read more

See all

The French toast was so good, soft on the inside and very tasty. One of the best and the fried chicken was tender and crunchy. What I love most about this place is that its a non profit that reaches out to help people in need. The service is great. If you happen to be at the Garfield Conservatory, this place is worth checking out! You'll get great food and will be helping the community. read more

The concept is wonderful as well as the food. We went to brunch and the food was great. The service was great also. Come, enjoy the food, and know your money is going to a great cause. read more

Great food, and you're helping those who are less fortunate. How can you beat that? Don't forget to try the bacon-wrapped dates!

100% recommend this place! Everything from the architecture to decor to food to service can be summed up in one word: excellence. The service was friendly and fun to talk to and get to know. We got the basil lemonade and it was incredible, one of the most refreshing tastes I've ever experienced. The food portions were generous and reasonably priced. We will be back! read more

Two words: Quinoa Burger. OMG. We went here for brunch with some friends last weekend and had a great time. Everyone loved their food and I knew from reading up on some reviews that the quinoa burger came highly recommended. It did not disappoint. We had a great leisurely meal and we felt the service was top-notch. Although, I am not sure why they were out of coffee mugs the day we went (we had to have paper cups instead)-but other than that, everything was fantastic. Can't wait to go back and try more dishes! read more

I dropped in for a late Lunch. Simple & clean decor. The menu was creative and my cray fish roll taste great. The customer service was exceptional and really affordable. Can't wait to go back for the amazing brunch I keep reading about. Walk off your food at the Garfield conservatory afterwards. read more

Inspiration Kitchens - Great food, exceptional customer service and a great cause. - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Quinoa burger was probably the best veggie burger I have ever had. It was definitely made with quality ingredients, a thick patty on a bun with delicious grilled tomatoes and greens. The price was good at $8. The decor was surprisingly good, beautifully designed, modern finishes, cloth napkins, quality silverware, and spotlessly clean. It is a quite and peaceful setting, and has a healthy and appealing menu. The service was ok, a bit slow and dispassionate until I complemented the food, then the interaction was very engaging. At 12:30 on a Saturday the restaurant was about 1/3 full but there were no spots left in the small parking lot. I parked nearby on the street, which is under the EL tracks. I would definitely go again and bring others, especially if I was going to the Garfield Conservatory or Garfield Park, which is immediately across the street. I would not wander into the residential neighborhood which is behind the restaurant. read more

This is a spectacular place!!! The ambience is nice and the staff is attentive. The food was great.

My friend and I had lunch after a visit to Monet's Garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory. It's just a short walk down Lake Street. It was a gorgeous Saturday, but the cafe was deserted. We were the only lunch diners during our visit - maybe because of the pandemic. The cafe is SPOTLESS! I've never been in a cleaner restaurant. The waiter was friendly and, at our request, explained the history and purpose of the cafe. They are a community organization which prepares people to work in the restaurant industry. We had the warm spinach dip with pita crisps followed by gumbo. Both were absolutely delicious. Normally, they're open for dinner and Sunday brunch but they only offer lunch during Covid19. It's a gem! I highly recommend both the food and the mission. read more

Great mission, awesome food. Highly recommend!

Please!!! Please!!! Please bring back the shrimp and grits, It was my absolute favorite. I recommended so many people because not many people sell it. I live near Lake and miss going to get them. read more

We went for brunch...and while it's not near Lincoln Park, the 15 minute drive was way faster than our usual wait when we go to Yolk, etc. Though we had a reservation, we could have just dropped in since there wasn't a wait...(10 am) I had the PoBoy (with the chips) and it was a great pick! I also tried my wife's bacon waffles with cayenne syrup...that was also good, but I don't know if I would have enjoyed a full order...especially when I had my PoBoy in front of me and I was craving fish! The place is nicely done, clean, and there is even an additional family bathroom..."very ni-iiice..." So, why not 5 stars? Well, the food was really good, but not amazing...plus, the menu is rather limited...for this place to become a regular hangout, there would have to either more selection or a frequent update of their menu. Since I definitely plan on returning, I will update my review and mention whether or not the menu changed... read more

Inspiration Kitchen is incredible for so many reasons. The mission, the food, the service - it's all, well, inspirational. I've volunteered at their uptown cafe for a year now, but hadn't visited a kitchen until just this weekend. I came in for Sunday Brunch and was blown away. I was weary of the location at first, but in hindsight, unjustifiably so. It's steps from the Conservatory green line stop, and offers plenty of parking right outside the door. And once you get in the door, you couldn't tell the difference from any other trendy brunch spot in the city. As for the food itself - the brunch rivals some of Chicago's best - Yolk, Orange, Bongo Room, etc. I had the Chicken, Bacon & Waffles with cayenne syrup, and may never be able to return to Chicken and Waffles sans bacon and cayenne. I'll be attempting to recreate it at home, but already know it's an impossible task to recreate it so well. Needless to say, I'll be back. read more

Looking for place to host an event (bridal shower, birthday party, etc)? This is it. The food is great, budget friendly, prompt service and all for a good cause. read more

Inspiration Kitchens - Smorgasbord of food: chicken, flatbread, smoked salmon, salad, mac, shrimp n' grits - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I can not wait to go back! I had the pancakes and bacon with the coffee. Those pancakes were amazing and fluffy!!! The bacon was delish! Can't wait to take my husband there for the Valentine's Day Prix Fixe menu. read more

Seriously good food. In the service is excellent as well. Inspiration Kitchens could give a lot of restaurants a run for their money! Try the Shrimp and Grits as well as the Shrimp Po Boy. Both are very good! read more

Just tried this place for the first time today. Gumbo was good and crispy chicken sandwich was outstanding! Food was fresh and delivered with a smile. Will definitely be returning more often for lunch since I work in the neighborhood. read more