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    Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    3.7 (26 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Tropical Smoothie Cafe Photos

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    Andy N.

    After working here for two years, I am upset at myself for only now getting the chance to try UIC's Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Sure it's a chain, but their selection is bomb, whether you workout or not. Open throughout the majority of the day, they specialize in LARGE fresh smoothies. They use real fruit in everything and whey protein can be substituted in any beverage. Although each one comes at around $5, the large size means you are able to save at least half for another time. I ordered their Thai Chicken salad today since it's got all the ingredients I enjoy- cilantro, wonton, peanut sauce, you name it. The salad came in a paper container that is easily degradable and was definitely a large portion size. Highly recommend this for anyone wanting to get a healthier option to their everyday routine. Despite it being completely student run, this cafe operates very well and can withstand on its own. I am most definitely eager to return and try more of their sandwiches and flatbread options.

    Yum
    Timothy N.

    When I try their smoothie, I feel the boost of vitamins and minerals surging through my body. Empowering my mind to see through the matrix. Nothing can stop exponential boost of power from these smoothies. I am going to reach Nirvana by drinking fruit. Jokes aside, I do feel my energy level refreshed after coming here. Ever since I try this place I started making my own smoothie at home, because their combinations are tasty. Serving top-notch smoothies after a workout. You can add protein to your shake if you want to. I highly recommend trying one of their greener smoothies. You can't taste if there is kale or spinach because of the sweetness of the fruit. The meals are delicious too. Not the most filling option but a tasty one. I love their chicken pesto. Maybe as a pre-workout it's ok but after a workout; my body craves to consume more calories then they offer. Great place post workout drink. Nothing is more refreshing then blended fruits after working out.

    Mmmmmm......blue lagoon.

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    10 months ago

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    Meghan H.

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    2 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

    I like the chicken pesto flatbread, but it's not very filling. Their smoothies are pretty good.

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    14 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Don't go here you won't be allowed in unless you are student or willing to turn in an ID just to grab a smoothie

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

    The food here is surprisingly good, in large part due to the tasty bread. Smoothies are also yummy.

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    8 years ago

    Best place on campus for a quick bite! Fast service, friendly staff! . .

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    Ask the Community - Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    Review Highlights - Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    The food is super good (get the Buffalo Chicken Wrap) and their selection of smoothies (they can add whey protein for you) after a post workout drink is great.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    4.2(298 reviews)
    0.8 miWest Loop, Near West Side
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    It's been a month since I flew to Chicago and tried this place, but it's absolutely a place you…read morecannot forget. Small spot you could casually pick up food and walk to if you're around downtown. Lots of cheese and sauce with a beautiful baguette to remind you that this place makes pizza too. Dough, cheese, and sauce are what this place really excels in. It's no surprise that they do it well across the board. Out of the sandwiches I tried, the gardinera pairs the best with the Drunken Chicken sandwich. I'm unsure if my hunger pangs were amplifying my experience, but this sandwich was something of legends... The ingredients combo into something a little too unfair to not be distributed to the rest of America. The food really feels special when you have it late night after a really long day of fun. The people are casual and nice and didn't make it awkward to eat there even though the place itself is quite small. Considering cops came in to order here out of all the places around, I can see how anyone could make this their staple spot.

    This one was a huge letdown! Been following known as for a while it was super excited to stop in…read morewhile traveling in Chicago. For starters I arrived at like 10:50 AM, they said they opened at 11. At like 1110 I'm looking around confused thinking maybe I missed something so I started checking their Instagram and see if maybe they had a last-minute closure. That was not the case at all they just opened about 15 minutes late that day for some reason. Once they finally open the doors and we get inside, I take a quick look at the menu in order the chicken Parm sandwich. The sandwich took about 10 minutes to come up. But I can say it was hot and seemed like they just cooked it fresh. I go to sit outside open it up take a bite absolutely zero seasoning Period I mean it has the breading on the chicken but I mean there's no kind of flavor in the breading so I taste this tomato sauce or the marinara that comes on the side that's just straight blended tomatoes, no salt, no sugar no spices no herbs nothing. I leave the food go inside ask for salt they end up giving me a small ramekin of salt. I go out and try seasoned the food so it's at least semi-edible. Unfortunately, top seasoning. Food is not the same as seasoning it along the way when you're prepping the food and so while I did help it a little bit it's still left a lot to be desired. I'm super disappointed that this is my experience because I had high hopes for this restaurant, I really wanted to enjoy a delicious sandwich instead, I received Some hot bland cutlets on bread. I don't know, maybe this is a bad day, maybe their delivery for season and didn't come in from their purveyor. I really don't know the issue. Maybe they got so busy. They forgot to season the food. All I know is at the end of the day. I paid the full price and got none of the seasoning that should've been on the food. Hell, I would've paid a little bit extra for it if I had to. Just highly disappointing because it was hot, the cheese was melted, it had the capability to be such a phenomenal sandwich, but it was really missing some key ingredients. Maybe then, being behind an open late should've been assigned that it was not gonna be their best performance. But after traveling across the country, I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt because we all have bad days unfortunately, the day got worse than just opening a little bit late.

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    4.7(92 reviews)
    6.9 miRavenswood, Lincoln Square

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    This little gem is a must try. My personal favorite is the chicken caesar wrap, but I've been happy…read morewith their sandwiches and burgers. They offer a student and teacher discount during the week, but even without it, the prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. The owner-chef, who previously worked for Eatly, also serves a variety of pasta dishes and gelato. They have a rotating soup menu and seasonal specials. During November, you don't want to miss the thanksgiving sandwich. I'm looking forward to finally trying the gelato this summer.

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    Booths

    Falcon's Handcrafted Sandwiches - Left: Fried Chicken Sandwich Right: Cheeseburger

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    J.P. Graziano Grocery - pizz'amici collaboration (foccacia, porchetta, eggplant caponata, arugula)

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    4.6(768 reviews)
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    Oh JP's has my heart. I live for a good sandwich that always hits the spot, and luckily enough I…read morelive right around the block. Their tuna sandwich is phenomenal and you can customize it with all the good toppings (including their incredible Giardiniera), with a side of the Local Style chips One time I ordered online and arrived too early, so I waited a bit inside and everyone that worked there was so sweet, nice, and funny, and even added in a cannoli for me (which now I'm addicted to them and order every time) You can't go wrong grabbing a sandwich from JP's when you're in the West Loop or making a trip for it specifically!

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    Conte Di Savoia - Italian Sub Sub

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    4.5(360 reviews)
    0.9 miUniversity Village
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    This. Sandwich. Was. Amazing…read more Decided to stop by for a quick sub and I was not disappointed. Walking into the spot reminded me of a spacious deli shop. It was refreshing to come to a deli that didn't have an overwhelming menu. When it was my turn to order, the interaction felt very personable. I ordered a Turkey Pastrami & Provolone sandwich and my girlfriend ordered a Turkey and Provolone (not pictured). The overall assembly of the sandwich was perfect. The bread is sourced from D'Amoto's (IYKYK) ‍. The meat was thinly sliced but they didn't skimp at all. The hot peppers were the star of the show though. Conte will definitely see me again this week! lol

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