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Chapel Street Cafe & Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Chapel Street Cafe & Restaurant
7.8
Chapel Street Cafe & Restaurant is an Australian-influenced all-day spot off Delaware Place, serving coffee drinks, brunch plates, and bistro-style dinners under high ceilings and big windows. It skews more relaxed than the hotel fine dining nearby, pulling in locals for thoughtful breakfast and burger plates after shopping or museum visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chapel Street Breakfast, Glenmore Burger, Melbourne Hot Jam Doughnuts
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: An Aussie-inspired all-day cafe where thoughtful brunch plates and coffee meet a stylish, high-ceilinged room.
Who should go: Brunch and coffee seekers wanting something fresher than a standard hotel cafe.
When to visit: Late morning weekdays or early weekends for shorter waits and calmer energy.
What to order: Chapel Street Breakfast, Glenmore Burger, Melbourne Hot Jam Doughnuts.
Insider tip: Grab a window table if you want natural light and quieter corners for lingering over coffee.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Gold Coast; expect to use nearby paid garages on Delaware/Michigan ($18–$30 for a few hours). No on-site valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — relaxed daytime attire is fine, but many guests lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational during weekdays; brunch peaks can get lively but you can still talk comfortably.
Weekend wait: Usually short — 10–25 minutes without a reservation, longer if overlapping with brunch-to-dinner transition.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief 5–10 minute pause at peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several brunch plates and salads can be ordered vegetarian or are already meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted on request; confirm substitutions with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the bright, stylish room and moderate noise level make it comfortable for conversation without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for weekdays and early hours; for weekend brunch, arriving before peak times or joining the waitlist in advance is safest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids during daytime service; high chairs are limited and the vibe skews calmer than a typical family restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Thoughtful brunch and coffee in a calmer, design-forward space than nearby hotel cafés or tourist-heavy spots.
Skip if: You want late-night energy, large-format group dining, or an extensive vegan/gluten-free menu.
Chapel Street Cafe & Restaurant
7.8
Chicago’s first Australian all-day café in Streeterville runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., shifting from brekkie plates and flat whites to burgers, parmas, and wine at night. It’s a design-forward, hotel-adjacent space that works for casual late dinners when you want something less touristy than Michigan Avenue’s big rooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full Milk Pancakes, Glenmore Burger, Melbourne Hot Jam Doughnuts
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: An Australian roastery-bakery-restaurant that stays open to 11 p.m. with brekkie-by-day and wine bar energy at night.
Who should go: Travelers and locals craving casual, non-chain late-night eats.
When to visit: 8–10 p.m. for quieter, loungey dinners and drinks.
What to order: Full Milk Pancakes, Glenmore Burger, hot jam doughnuts.
Insider tip: Ask for the Aussie-style additions—beets and grilled pineapple—on the Glenmore Burger for a more traditional Down Under build.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking in Streeterville with several paid garages within a 1–3 block walk. Expect garage pricing typical for the neighborhood and minimal curbside availability at night.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are fine; guests often lean slightly polished in the evening.
Noise level: Moderate — music and café chatter but you can generally hold a conversation without raising your voice, especially after 8 p.m.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal or no wait after 8 p.m.; earlier crossover hours (6–8 p.m.) can see short holds of 10–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate traffic; typically no wait outside peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several breakfast and lunch plates plus salads and pastries can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few items and select dishes can be modified; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some GF-friendly choices and substitutions available, though no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed, low-pressure first date — the design-forward café setting feels casual but intentional, and later evening hours are quieter and more conversational than nearby tourist restaurants.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially later in the evening; walk-ins are common. During daytime or early dinner crossover periods, be prepared for a brief wait or to join the list.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly during daytime and early evening with approachable dishes and a casual room; fewer families and a more lounge-style vibe later at night. No dedicated play space or entertainment.
Best For
Better for: Casual late-night meals, lighter café plates, and a non-touristy atmosphere near Michigan Avenue when you want something low-key and affordable.
Skip if: You’re seeking a destination fine-dining experience, large-format group seating, or a bar-centric late-night scene with extended hours past 11 p.m.