It took us awhile to actually find out where the Little Branch Cafe was at (1251 S. Prairie), but we've always read about it and we're intrigued enough to repetitively seek it out. Honestly thought it's not the easiest place to find unless you live in one of the Museum Campus high rises. Anyway, the map above should clear up any confusion, so for those of you who want to find it...go there!Anyway, we went for a dinner on a nice spring Friday night and weren't sure what type of experience was awaiting us. Was it going to be busy? closed? good? weird? You get the idea, we didn't know what to expect.
Upon entering the quiet and dimly lit cafe, we were greeted by a nice man who told us to sit wherever we wanted. The place was pretty much empty besides one other couple and we're pretty sure they were friends of the waiter. Regardless, the place was cozy and they had some good music on, so we were fine.
We quickly ordered some drinks. One of the drinks we had was called a "Liason" which consisted of vodka, cava and fresh strawberries. It was good, but nothing amazing. I personally ordered a beer and as expected that was cold and lovely (how can cold beer be bad?).Since we were practically the only people in the place the service as you could imagine was excellent and quick. So again we ordered dinner quickly. We ordered the "Crispy Grilled Cheese" and the special which was some spicy shrimp dish with noodles (sort of an Asian style dish). The grilled cheese was very good according to the person who ate it and the special shrimp dish was excellent (although a little over priced for the size of the portion in my opinion). All in all the food was good and we will most likely will warant a return visit.
The cafe recently added the dinner menu/hours to the mix, so that could explain the lack of people inside but we imagine during breakfast and lunch the place is a little more lively and busy. Anyway, check out the cafe for dinner and let us know your thoughts on the place.
Do they have good breakfast and lunch items?
(Image from littlebranchcafe.com)
12 comments:
Love their brunch. Great Monte Cristo and French Toast.
We tried to go for breakfast once, but it was packed, so we opted to go to dinner instead. Their mac and cheese is awesome, as is the gelato.
I went there for a wrap party after one of the PDNA film shows. Seems like a nice place, and definitely worth a visit, even if it is for a glass of wine before dinner elsewhere.
We're at Little Branch four or five times a week. The dinner is brilliant (grilled cheese fried in crushed cheez-its!) and the brunch is very good too. Simple, nice atmosphere, just as you say. You're right that it's usually much busier during the day, when there are a lot of coffee-shop types on laptops and people getting sandwiches.
One thing I wish they would improve: their outdoor seating. It's attractive enough, modern-looking blocks of wood for both tables and chairs. But there are no umbrellas, and the seats aren't comfortable for very long, so it's not a good option even on beautiful days. The sun is in your eyes, and you're basically sitting on a stool.
I have loved this place since it opened, great atmosphere for breakfast/brunch as an alternative to the delicious, though crowded, Yolk & Bongo Room. They have great coffee and lattes if you just want to stop in for a drink, but I would try out the blueberry french toast. It keeps me coming back to this place. Little Branch's only downside is it's somewhat expensive in comparison to the places mentioned above, though you won't have to wait 45 minutes to be seated.
Good food but owners attitude seems to be: "Eat and GTFO". No lingering at your table or you will get the stink-eye.
I went here and got grilled cheese and soup and loved it! Will go back for sure. I went later on a week night and didn't seem to have a GTFO issue - but they weren't very busy at all. Good place - people should certainly give it a try!
love their food (try the breakfast burrito). However, i do have to agree w/ david. We didn't get the GTFO vibe, but instead the: "i'm not going to acknowledge that you are standing there waiting for service vibe" (must have been our kids they didn't want around). great menu, though!
Been here only once, had a pretty tasty turkey sandwich (with sauerkraut on it I believe) that was a little on the pricey side but still good.
Nice to see LBC getting some good press. Great place to have a quiet breakfast or something later in the day. Big fan of the Breakfast Burrito.
I've been there a few times for lunch since I've moved to the South Loop last year. Never crowded. I love it everything I've tried. And thought it was very kid-friendly.
I adore their brunches. Amazing food!
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