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Beatrix
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Beatrix
8.4
Opened in 2013 by Lettuce Entertain You, Beatrix is an all-day New American café that leans into brunch plates, salads, and a strong bakery and coffee counter. High-volume, steady reviews keep it a default for River North breakfast meetings, solo lunches, and casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy chicken tinga, Smashed avocado toast with poached eggs, Chicken Bebe
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A busy, reliable all-day spot where New American comfort plates meet lighter, health-leaning options.
Who should go: Brunch groups, coffee catch-ups, and casual business meetings.
When to visit: Weekday mornings or early lunches to avoid peak brunch rush.
What to order: Spicy chicken tinga, avocado toast, a pastry from the bakery case.
Insider tip: Use the coffee bar and pastry case for a quick but still sit-down-feeling breakfast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; nearby paid garages and app-based lots are the most reliable option, especially during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — athleisure, jeans, and business-casual attire all feel appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are possible at smaller tables, but peak brunch can feel lively and buzzy.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal wait, though popular brunch-to-dinner crossover hours may see short queues without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Often a short wait during peak business lunch hours, otherwise tables turn steadily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, bowls, and breakfast items can be ordered vegetarian or easily adapted.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a handful of bowls and vegetable-forward plates can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several clearly marked GF-friendly items and staff accustomed to substitutions, though it is not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or low-pressure evening dates — the bright café feel and steady buzz make it comfortable but not overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect waits during peak brunch windows; adding your name early or coming slightly off-peak helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — daytime visits are family-friendly with flexible menus and high chairs available; weekends can be crowded, so earlier seatings are smoother with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable all-day dining, business-casual brunches, lighter health-leaning plates, and a strong bakery and coffee program compared with more dinner-focused River North spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, intimate dinner environment or a chef-driven, special-occasion experience — more upscale restaurants or smaller cafés may fit better.
Beatrix
8.5
Beatrix River North functions as a hybrid coffeehouse, all-day restaurant, and in-house bakery with a prominent pastry and dessert counter. Locals use it for brunch, meetings, and dessert runs where cookies, pies, and cakes sit alongside a full savory menu and specialty coffee program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tall, Dark & Handsome Chocolate Cake, Oh My! Caramel Pie, Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: All-day café with a serious in-house bakery and coffee bar built into a lively dining room.
Who should go: Brunch groups and pastry lovers wanting a sit-down experience.
When to visit: Weekend mornings for brunch or late afternoon for coffee and cake.
What to order: Tall, Dark & Handsome cake, caramel pie slice, lemon pancakes from the brunch menu.
Insider tip: Use the coffee bar pastry case for faster grab-and-go access to cakes and cookies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking; nearby River North garages available at typical downtown rates
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — brunch-comfortable, jeans and sweaters common
Noise level: Moderate — buzzy during brunch but conversation is still manageable
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; evenings are quieter than brunch hours
Weekday lunch: Short wait or seated quickly outside peak noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, grain bowls, pastries, and brunch dishes qualify
Vegan options: Limited — a few bowls and sides; pastries are mostly not vegan
Gluten-free options: Yes — several labeled items and substitutions available, but shared kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or brunch dates — lively but not too loud, with desserts and coffee that make it easy to linger.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays — expect a wait during peak weekend brunch, but the host can place you on a waitlist and the coffee bar helps pass the time.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — welcoming for families, especially at breakfast and lunch; high chairs and kid-friendly menu items are common.
Best For
Better for: Brunch meetups, pastry runs, and coffee-plus-dessert visits where you want both a full menu and a serious bakery counter in one space.
Skip if: You want a quiet, fine-dining environment or a late-night dessert lounge — the vibe is café-buzzy and daytime-forward.
Beatrix
8.7
Beatrix River North is an all-day restaurant and coffee bar where weekday breakfast and weekend brunch lean on comfort food with a healthful twist. Locals use it as a morning meeting spot for eggs, grain bowls, and serious coffee, then return on weekends for lemon pancakes, burritos, and cocktails in a bright, buzzy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Ranchero Breakfast Burrito, Smashed Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A high-volume River North staple blending serious coffee with creative, health-leaning breakfast and brunch plates.
Who should go: Brunch fans wanting stylish but approachable all-day dining.
When to visit: Weekday mornings for calmer service, weekends for full buzz.
What to order: Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Ranchero Breakfast Burrito, avocado toast.
Insider tip: Use the coffee bar for walk-in seating if dining room reservations are tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited street parking in River North with meters — most guests use nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, athleisure, and business-casual are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch; conversational on weekday mornings.
Weekend wait: Typically little to no wait — dinner traffic is lighter than brunch.
Weekday lunch: Short waits or none — small backup during peak noon hours only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several egg dishes, bowls, pancakes, and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls, sides, and customizable items; confirm substitutions with staff.
Gluten-free options: Multiple clearly marked options and GF-adaptable dishes, but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates — bright room, relaxed vibe, and easy conversation. It’s less intimate during peak brunch when the room gets busy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays and early mornings. On weekends, expect a wait — the move is to join the waitlist early or use the coffee bar for quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — welcoming to families during breakfast and brunch, with high chairs available and approachable menu items for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, health-leaning breakfast and brunch with strong coffee, consistent service, and flexible options for dietary preferences.
Skip if: You want a quiet, special-occasion brunch or chef-driven dishes — try a smaller, more intimate spot instead.
Beatrix
8.9
Beatrix in River North functions as an all-day cafe, bakery, and restaurant where brunch leans into light, produce-forward plates alongside richer comfort dishes and strong coffee. Locals treat it as a power-breakfast and weekend brunch standby thanks to its sunny dining room, gluten-conscious menu design, and consistent execution even at high volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Spicy Chicken Tinga Enchilada with Eggs, Shakshouka with house bread
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-volume all-day cafe where brunch balances health-leaning plates and comfort favorites.
Who should go: Brunch groups wanting reliable, lighter-leaning plates and pastries.
When to visit: Weekday mornings or early weekend slots before peak rush.
What to order: Lemon pancakes, shakshouka, spicy chicken tinga enchilada.
Insider tip: Ask about the pastry case and share a seasonal pastry with the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — limited metered street parking and nearby garages along Clark and Hubbard; expect higher rates during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; athleisure and jeans are common, but many guests lean a bit polished for brunch.
Noise level: Moderate and lively during peak brunch; conversation is possible but can get loud at mid-day rush.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait; dinner is calmer than brunch and walk-ins are often accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Short to moderate waits; many tables turn quickly, but prime noon hours may see a brief queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — multiple vegetarian mains, salads, and pastries.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few vegan-leaning bowls and modifiable items; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes — clearly labeled gluten-free and gluten-conscious items with staff accustomed to accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or low-key brunch dates — bright room, upbeat energy, and approachable menu; less ideal if you want a quiet, intimate vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during peak weekend brunch; join the list early or aim for off-peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious layout, flexible menu, and daytime crowd make it family-friendly; best for ages 4+ during non-peak brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, lighter-leaning brunch with coffee, pastries, and health-conscious options that hold up even at high volume.
Skip if: You want a quiet, slow-paced brunch, boozy party brunch energy, or highly experimental chef-driven plates.
Beatrix
8.3
Beatrix River North blends all-day café, bakery, and restaurant into one, serving health-leaning plates, strong coffee, and pastries alongside a solid cocktail list. Its semi-private nooks and buyout-friendly spaces work for breakfasts, showers, and lighter-feeling dinners where the food still feels considered.
Must-Try Dishes:
Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas, Oh My Caramel Pie
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: An all-day café-restaurant hybrid with polished, semi-private corners.
Who should go: Groups wanting lighter, health-leaning menus with cocktails.
When to visit: Weekday brunch or lunch for calmer private events.
What to order: Lemon pancakes, chicken enchiladas, caramel pie.
Insider tip: Morning private events benefit from in-house pastry and coffee program.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. Occasional block-front metered spots may open outside peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine when neat; business-casual is common for events and lunches.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are generally comfortable in semi-private areas; main dining room can be livelier at peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 15–30 min without a reservation during peak hours; faster for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 min pause during office-hour rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, bowls, and veggie-forward mains are regularly available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls/salads and customizable items; ask staff for swaps.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes can be made gluten-free and items are clearly labeled, but not a dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, bright, and comfortable rather than formal, making it better for conversational brunch or coffee-plus-dinner dates than late-night romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for small parties outside peak brunch — but book ahead for weekends or private-event time slots, especially if you want a semi-private nook.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families, especially daytime — flexible seating, approachable menu items, and a calmer weekday brunch/lunch environment work well for school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Daytime gatherings, lighter menus, coffee-and-pastry meetings, and semi-private brunch or shower events where the room feels comfortable and polished without being formal.
Skip if: You want a hushed, special-occasion dinner, late-night energy, or a highly chef-driven tasting menu — look to more formal River North dining rooms instead.
Beatrix
8.5
Beatrix is a neighborhood coffeehouse-restaurant hybrid combining strong coffee, lighter-leaning plates, and bakery cases in a bright River North room. It’s a go-to for laptop-friendly solo lunches, health-conscious teams, and informal client meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chia Seed Pudding, Pot Roast Hash, Tall, Dark & Handsome Chocolate Cake
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: All-day café with serious coffee, lighter plates, and bakery desserts.
Who should go: Health-minded teams and solo diners wanting casual, comfortable lunches.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon for quieter café energy.
What to order: Chia seed pudding, pot roast hash, Tall Dark & Handsome cake.
Insider tip: Aim for earlier tables if you need lower noise for conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; most guests use nearby paid garages along Hubbard/Illinois. No regular valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — workwear and jeans are common; polished but relaxed is appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is generally manageable, though peak brunch and lunch can feel lively.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal wait; this location is busier for brunch than dinner.
Weekday lunch: Short wait during peak business hours; otherwise usually seatable without delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, bowls, and breakfast items are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but present — a few bowls and sides can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items are marked gluten-free or can be modified; staff is accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to casual daytime meetups than romantic dinners — bright, informal, and conversation-friendly but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — weekdays and off-peak hours are usually fine; during brunch or busy lunch, expect a short wait or join the list on arrival.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed café setting with approachable menu items; best for well-behaved kids during daytime rather than crowded brunch rush.
Best For
Better for: Health-leaning plates, coffee program, solo and laptop-friendly lunches, and informal business catch-ups in a bright setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth power lunch, a boozy brunch scene, or a destination dinner with heavier, indulgent dishes.
Beatrix
8.3
Beatrix River North is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant-coffeehouse where a broad menu of salads, bowls, and comfort dishes is clearly marked for gluten-free and special diets, making it one of the most reliable everyday options for gluten-conscious diners in 60654.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smashed Avocado Toast on gluten-free bread, Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Sandwich on gluten-free bun, Ginger Chicken & Kale Salad
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Hotel-adjacent cafe-restaurant with a large, clearly marked gluten-free menu across all dayparts.
Who should go: Gluten-conscious diners wanting flexible, all-day River North meals.
When to visit: Weekday breakfasts and brunches for calmer pacing and service.
What to order: Smashed Avocado Toast, Ginger Chicken & Kale Salad, gluten-free pastries.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for gluten-free bread or buns; staff are used to accommodating celiac-level requests.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly garage and pay-to-park options nearby; limited street parking and busiest during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — athleisure and jeans are common, business-casual is typical on weekdays.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at breakfast and lunch, livelier during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait; dinner is less busy than brunch but small delays are possible without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate wait depending on convention and office traffic; many visits have no wait with a small party.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, bowls, and breakfast items can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several bowls and salads can be modified; confirm substitutions with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items are clearly labeled and can be prepared gluten-free with staff accustomed to strict requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual or daytime dates — the space is bright and relaxed, better for conversation than formality or ambience-driven dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays and later dinners; weekend brunch is the busiest window, so expect a wait or join the list early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — flexible menu, high-chair-friendly seating, and a casual environment; best for toddlers and up during daytime meals.
Best For
Better for: Reliable gluten-friendly labeling, flexible healthy-leaning meals across breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and a comfortable setting for mixed-diet groups.
Skip if: You want a destination dinner, late-night energy, or highly specialized gluten-free baking — other spots may be better fits for those occasions.
Beatrix
8.5
Beatrix’s original River North location functions as an all-day restaurant, coffee bar, and bakery where families can move from pancakes to burgers and salads in one sitting. Parents lean on it for kid-accommodating brunch, vegetarian options, and a room that feels lively without tipping into chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Bebe, Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Oh My! Caramel Pie
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: An all-day neighborhood hub where coffee, bakery, and full meals share the same family-friendly space.
Who should go: Families wanting flexible menus from breakfast through dinner.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner for smoother pacing.
What to order: Chicken Bebe, Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Oh My! Caramel Pie.
Insider tip: Use weekday breakfasts for easier seating with strollers and little kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; paid street parking is limited and nearby garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversation is possible at booths, but peak brunch hours can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you arrive early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though the dining room can fill during office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several salads, bowls, and breakfast items are vegetarian or can be modified.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls and sides can be made vegan with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are marked gluten-free or gluten-free adaptable on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime or brunch meetups than romantic evenings — the bright room and family traffic lean informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect waits at peak brunch; join the waitlist early or aim for off-peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs, flexible menus, and patient pacing make it ideal for toddlers through grade-school ages, especially at brunch and early dinner.
Best For
Better for: Flexible all-day dining with kid-friendly service, lighter options, and a calm-but-lively atmosphere that works for mixed dietary needs.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or a highly specialized menu — consider more formal restaurants or single-focus concepts instead.