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Stay Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Stay Cafe
7.8
Stay Cafe is a bright, modern Logan Square café built around espresso, cocktails, and an all-day breakfast menu that runs from omelets to French toast. It functions as a neighborhood living room, with laptops in the early hours and small groups lingering over brunch plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Early Bird Breakfast Special, Omelet Plate, Breakfast Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Design-forward café where brunch plates meet serious coffee and morning cocktails.
Who should go: Remote workers and brunch groups sharing all-day plates.
When to visit: Early weekdays for space to spread out and work.
What to order: Early bird special, an omelet, and a latte.
Insider tip: Look for weekday specials that bundle coffee with breakfast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking — metered spots on main corridors, easier to find on weekday mornings; can be competitive during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — coffee shop attire and athleisure are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational during weekdays, louder and lively during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the café focuses on daytime and brunch service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief delays during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several omelets, salads, and breakfast plates can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable items and lighter options, but not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some dishes can be modified; confirm bread and toast substitutions with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or coffee-first dates — bright space, relaxed energy, and easy conversation, but it can feel busy during peak brunch hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most visits are walk-in friendly; arrive earlier on weekends to avoid peak brunch waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — high-top seating is limited, but daytime hours, approachable breakfast plates, and a relaxed café environment suit families with older kids or well-behaved toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Remote work mornings, coffee-forward brunch, and lighter breakfast plates in a modern café setting.
Skip if: You want a full-service, boozy brunch with large portions or a true dinner experience — look elsewhere for late-night or special-occasion dining.
Stay Cafe
7.6
Stay Cafe is a modern Logan Square brunch spot with an all-day menu of benedicts, pancakes, and sandwiches served in a lounge-like space. The food is solid rather than destination-level, but it fills a useful niche for neighborhood brunch, laptop time, or a casual meet-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banana Foster French Toast, Cajun Omelet, Smoked Salmon Benedict
Scores:
Value: 5.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Neighborhood cafe with a broad, all-day brunch menu and plenty of seating.
Who should go: Locals wanting convenient brunch without major planning or waits.
When to visit: Weekdays or early weekends to skip peak-hour crowding.
What to order: Banana Foster French Toast, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Cajun Omelet.
Insider tip: Use it as a backup when nearby hot spots are slammed; it’s usually easier to snag a table here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Milwaukee and nearby residential blocks; availability varies and can be tighter during peak weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed daytime attire are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — generally fine for conversation, with busier, livelier energy during peak brunch rush.
Weekend wait: No dinner service — this is primarily a brunch and daytime cafe.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially outside of the noon peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several egg dishes, pancakes, and salads can work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be modifiable, but options are not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some dishes can be adapted; confirm substitutions with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meetup than a romantic first date — it’s relaxed, bright, and low-pressure rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s typically easier to walk in than nearby hotspots, though late-morning weekends may still see short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — open seating, casual service, and a flexible brunch menu suit families, though there aren’t dedicated kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Casual neighborhood brunch, laptop time, and low-stress meetups when nearby destination spots are full.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven dishes, a special-occasion brunch, or a high-energy scene-first experience.
Hours
Monday7am - 2pm
Tuesday7am - 2pm
Wednesday7am - 2pm
Thursday7am - 2pm
Friday7am - 2pm
Saturday7am - 2pm
Sunday7am - 2pm