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Uncommon Ground
Master Critic Reviews (11 Lists)
Uncommon Ground
8.2
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
A long-running Lakeview all-day spot that plays strongest in brunch and brewery-adjacent comfort lanes. Order best by anchoring with a Benedict or scramble and one sweet-leaning plate for the table, keeping the meal tight and consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict, Farmers Market Scramble, Stuffed French Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: An all-day Lakeview staple where the brunch bench is the safest bet.
Who should go: Brunch groups and easygoing all-day diners
When to visit: Morning to early afternoon for brunch rhythm
What to order: Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict, Farmers Market Scramble, Stuffed French Toast
Insider tip: Split one sweet plate after one savory main per person.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark and nearby side streets; fills quickly on weekends, easier on weekday mornings.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sweaters, athleisure all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak brunch but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—dinner is less of the draw; brunch waits are the real factor.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian scrambles, Benedicts, and grain-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—plant-forward bowls and modified plates are possible.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options and substitutions available, but not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime dates—casual, welcoming, and low-pressure with plenty to talk about over brunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays or early mornings; weekends after 10am often mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, with approachable menu options and a relaxed vibe suited for kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, unfussy brunch with broad appeal—great for groups, families, and repeat neighborhood visits.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, intimate brunch or a destination-level, chef-driven experience.
Uncommon Ground
8.2
A long-running neighborhood café-bar with a real weekend-brunch pull and the kind of volume that signals repeatability. The menu is broad, but it lands best when you keep the order tight around brunch plates and a simple drink lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Biscuits and gravy, Mimosas
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-traffic neighborhood institution with reliable weekend brunch.
Who should go: Brunch groups who want options
When to visit: Early weekend brunch for easier seating
What to order: Chilaquiles, biscuits and gravy, one round of mimosas
Insider tip: Pick two standout plates for the table instead of ordering across categories.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Clark and nearby side streets; can be competitive during weekend brunch. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are common, but brunch dresses and polished weekend wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch — conversation is easy at off-peak times, louder when full.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for brunch without a reservation during peak weekend hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most weekdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian-friendly brunch plates and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable dishes, but not a fully vegan-forward menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options and substitutions available; cross-contamination is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a daytime or brunch date — the vibe is upbeat and welcoming, though peak hours can feel busy rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Arriving right when brunch service starts or visiting on a weekday improves your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common at brunch, with familiar breakfast options that work well for kids, though it’s busiest late morning.
Best For
Better for: Large brunch groups, patio dining, and a lively neighborhood scene with consistent execution.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate brunch or a tightly focused, chef-driven menu — smaller cafés may suit that better.
Uncommon Ground
8.2
A long-running Lakeview cafe-bar where brunch works best when you aim for their savory, sauce-and-texture plates and keep the rest simple. It’s a good pick for groups because the menu has range, but it rewards ordering decisively rather than building a table-wide sampler.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Salmon Eggs Benedict, Mimosa flight
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A neighborhood institution that stays solid for brunch plates and patio hangs.
Who should go: Brunch groups that want options
When to visit: Weekday lunch-brunch hours for calmer service
What to order: Chilaquiles, salmon eggs benedict, mimosa flight
Insider tip: Pick one signature plate per person—skip the side-heavy add-on spiral.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Wrigleyville is limited and competitive, especially on weekends and event days. Metered spots exist on nearby side streets; allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and clean sneakers are fine, but many diners lean polished-casual, especially for brunch and patio seating.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Conversation is easy at off-peak times, but weekend brunch can get energetic, especially indoors.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for brunch hours without a reservation, longer during peak weekends or Cubs home games
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait during late morning or early afternoon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian-friendly brunch plates and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-forward options and modifications work, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options and substitutions available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime dates. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with enough energy to avoid awkward quiet moments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early brunch hours. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early or are flexible with patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime brunch hours. The space and menu work for families, though it skews more adult later in the day.
Best For
Better for: Group brunches, patio hangs, and savory brunch plates with sauces and structure rather than novelty-driven dishes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate brunch or a highly specialized menu — smaller cafés or more focused brunch spots may suit you better.
Uncommon Ground
8.0
A long-running Lakeview all-day spot that leans into farm-to-table comfort and an easy patio rhythm that works well with dogs. Come hungry for brunch or a casual dinner, order cleanly, and treat the live-music energy as part of the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Sweet potato fries, Organic beer flight
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Dog-friendly patio plus an all-day menu that’s strongest at brunch.
Who should go: Brunch crews and patio diners with a dog
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early weeknight dinner
What to order: Chilaquiles, sweet potato fries, organic beer
Insider tip: Sit outside and keep the order tight—one main each, one shareable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark and side streets; can be tight during brunch and live-music nights. Allow extra time or plan to walk a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, sweaters, and daytime dresses all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate during regular service; louder during live music, especially indoors.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you’re flexible on patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian mains and brunch options are always available.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—several dishes can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free options and substitutions are clearly marked.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a daytime or early-evening date. The patio and brunch energy feel relaxed and low-pressure, though live-music nights can be louder and less intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, particularly on weekdays or if you’re open to sitting outside. Weekend brunch is the toughest window—arrive early or expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu and casual atmosphere work well for families, especially during brunch and daytime hours.
Best For
Better for: Dog-friendly brunches, farm-to-table comfort food, and patio hangs with a lively but approachable neighborhood vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or a tightly focused, chef-driven menu—this is more about comfort, community, and atmosphere.
Uncommon Ground
8.0
An all-day Lakeview staple that blends farm-leaning comfort with a lively, hangable room. It shines most when you commit to the brunch lane or a straightforward dinner lane—one main each and one shareable keeps it feeling easy. The crowd energy reads social without tipping into chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Sweet potato fries, Seasonal brunch special
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: All-day comfort with a brunch-first sweet spot and lively energy.
Who should go: Brunch crews and casual date pairs
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early weeknight dinner
What to order: Chilaquiles, sweet potato fries, seasonal brunch special
Insider tip: Keep the order tight—one main each, one shareable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak brunch hours. Metered spots usually turn over mid-morning.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans, clean sneakers, and relaxed brunch fits all feel appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—lively and social, but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian-friendly mains and brunch options.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified, but not a fully vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free adjustments available on select dishes; ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's casual, welcoming, and energetic without being overwhelming, which keeps things relaxed and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early brunch hours, but weekend brunch fills quickly—arriving before peak time helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during daytime hours, especially brunch, though the vibe skews more adult and social in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: All-day flexibility—brunch, casual meetings, or an easy dinner with a lively crowd and outdoor seating when weather cooperates.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or a strictly chef-driven fine-dining experience—this is more about energy and approachability.
Uncommon Ground
8.3
A long-running Lakeview all-day restaurant built around organic and locally sourced ingredients, with a menu that works best when you commit to a clear lane—brunch comfort or a straightforward dinner plate. The room stays lively without tipping into chaos, and the patio seasons turn it into an easy, repeatable neighborhood move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Salmon Eggs Benedict, Carrot cake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Organic-first, locally sourced cooking with a true all-day neighborhood rhythm.
Who should go: Brunch crews and casual date pairs
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early weeknight dinner
What to order: Chilaquiles, Salmon Eggs Benedict, carrot cake
Insider tip: If the patio is your goal, book ahead in peak season.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but competitive during brunch and evenings. Allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans are common, but clean sneakers or boots and a neat top fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively and social, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during patio season or live music nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple clearly marked vegetarian mains and brunch dishes.
Vegan options: Yes — several vegan-friendly plates and modifiable options.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free options available; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — relaxed but polished, with enough energy to feel lively without being distracting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but weekends and patio season are much easier with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — welcoming to kids, especially during daytime hours, with flexible menu options.
Best For
Better for: Reliable organic sourcing, dietary flexibility, and an all-day menu that works equally well for brunch or a low-key dinner.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate fine-dining experience or a late-night scene with heavy cocktails.
Uncommon Ground
7.8
A long-running Lakeview/Wrigleyville all-day restaurant with two private dining rooms and flexible menus for groups. It’s at its best when you pick a clear direction—brunch comfort or a straightforward dinner plate—so the pacing stays smooth and the table feels coordinated.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Pumpkin Ravioli, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Two private dining rooms with menus that flex across diets and budgets.
Who should go: Groups needing private space with broad menu range
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or earlier weekend brunch
What to order: Chilaquiles, pumpkin ravioli, bacon wrapped meatloaf
Insider tip: Commit the group to one meal lane (brunch or dinner) for better flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding blocks; availability drops after 6pm on weekends. CTA Brown Line (Southport/Addison) is a reliable alternative.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are fine; tidy daytime looks for brunch, slightly more polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to converse in private rooms; main dining room gets livelier during brunch and live-music windows.
Weekend wait: 30–45 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple clearly marked vegetarian dishes across brunch and dinner.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several plant-forward options with light modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free choices available; inform the server for accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, daytime first meet or a low-pressure dinner. It’s comfortable and welcoming, though not intimate or dimly lit.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and early evenings. Weekends—especially brunch—are smoother with a reservation, particularly for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcoming to families with flexible menus and daytime-friendly energy. Best with kids earlier in the day before crowds build.
Best For
Better for: Private dining flexibility, diet-inclusive menus, and coordinating groups across brunch or dinner without friction.
Skip if: You want a quiet, candlelit date-night vibe or a chef-driven, high-impact menu—consider more intimate or upscale options instead.
Uncommon Ground
8.2
A long-running all-day neighborhood restaurant that works best for business lunches when you keep the order focused—brunch comfort or a straightforward lunch plate, not menu sprawl. The room stays lively but functional, and the menu’s breadth makes it easy to satisfy mixed preferences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Salmon Eggs Benedict, Carrot cake
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: All-day flexibility that still feels like a real sit-down lunch.
Who should go: Mixed-diet teams and low-stress meetings
When to visit: Weekday late morning to early afternoon
What to order: Chilaquiles, eggs benedict, carrot cake
Insider tip: Keep the table in one lane (brunch or lunch) for faster pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby side streets; availability is usually manageable mid-day but tightens in the evening.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sweaters are common, no need to dress up for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate — lively room, but conversation is easy at lunch with normal speaking volume.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple clearly labeled vegetarian dishes across breakfast and lunch.
Vegan options: Yes — several plant-based options, though not a separate vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free dishes and substitutions are available; staff is familiar with requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for daytime or casual first dates — the atmosphere is friendly and comfortable, though more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — weekday lunches are usually walk-in friendly; weekends are easier earlier in the day.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, with high chairs and approachable menu options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable business lunches with mixed diets, flexible ordering, and a relaxed but professional neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You need a quiet, polished power-lunch setting or a tight, chef-driven menu with a sharper culinary focus.
Uncommon Ground
8.4
An all-day Lakeview anchor that’s especially strong for an early-evening reset when you want food that feels intentional alongside a real beer list. The move is to treat happy hour as a light meal—one handheld or shareable, one drink—then decide if you’re staying for a full dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Helen's Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Pumpkin Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Organic-leaning menu with a true beer program built for repeat visits.
Who should go: After-work crews who want food with their drinks
When to visit: Weekday happy hour, then stay if the vibe fits
What to order: Fish tacos; Helen’s chicken sandwich; pumpkin ravioli
Insider tip: Order one shareable first, then commit to mains if you’re staying.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm, especially weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sweaters, and workwear all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during happy hour but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several clearly vegetarian mains and small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few dishes can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — relaxed, welcoming, and not overly loud, with enough menu range to keep things comfortable without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during happy hour or early evening; later dinner hours are hit-or-miss without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes earlier in the day and early evening — families fit in comfortably before the after-work crowd peaks.
Best For
Better for: A balanced happy hour that pairs thoughtful food with a serious beer list rather than just discounted drinks.
Skip if: You want a late-night scene, high-energy bar vibe, or ultra-cheap drink specials.
Uncommon Ground
7.7
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Brunch Bliss Spots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
A long-running Lakeview/Wrigleyville full-service spot that’s not fully vegan, but does offer clearly marked vegan options alongside its brewery-and-brunch identity. For vegan dining here, it works best when you stay in their vegan-labeled lane—salads and mains that don’t rely on substitutions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Superfood Caesar, Organic Tofu Scramble, Vegan Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Brewpub-brunch energy with a real, labeled vegan track.
Who should go: Mixed-diet groups that need vegan choices
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner
What to order: Vegan superfood caesar, tofu scramble, vegan chicken sandwich
Insider tip: Order from the VG-marked items to avoid slow substitutions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and competitive near Wrigley Field, especially evenings and game days.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are common, brunch attire fits easily.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch and evenings; easier conversation off-peak.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game days.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple clearly labeled vegetarian options across brunch and dinner.
Vegan options: Limited but clear – a small set of VG-marked dishes that work best without substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly options available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime or early-evening date than an intimate dinner—lively energy and space keep things relaxed but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during weekdays or early hours; weekends and game days strongly favor reservations or off-peak timing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—brunch especially works for families, with space for strollers and approachable menu options.
Best For
Better for: Mixed-diet groups who want vegan options without committing to a fully vegan restaurant, plus brunch and beer garden vibes.
Skip if: You’re seeking a fully vegan menu, quiet dining, or a focused plant-based culinary experience—dedicated vegan spots deliver better depth.
Uncommon Ground
8.2
A long-running Lakeview all-day spot where vegetarian eating works best when you stay in their vegetable-forward lane—salads, grain bowls, and brunch plates that don’t rely on heavy substitutions. It’s built for groups and lingering meals, with a menu that holds up under steady neighborhood volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles (vegetarian build), Apple walnut blue cheese salad, Carrot cake
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: All-day neighborhood mainstay where veg-forward orders stay dependable.
Who should go: Mixed-diet groups needing vegetarian wins
When to visit: Brunch or early dinner to avoid rush
What to order: Chilaquiles (veg), big salad, carrot cake
Insider tip: Order veg-forward dishes that don’t require swaps—timing stays cleaner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark and nearby side streets; can be tight during brunch and evening hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational during weekday meals, louder during weekend brunch and live music nights.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on event or music nights
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong veg-forward menu with multiple reliable mains and brunch plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can work or be lightly adjusted, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, especially salads and bowls; cross-contact possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, daytime or brunch date than a quiet, intimate dinner — the space is welcoming but not especially hushed or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or early dinners; weekends and brunch are much easier with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual atmosphere, flexible menu, and space that works well for families, especially during daytime hours.
Best For
Better for: Lingering brunches, group-friendly meals, and vegetarian diners who want dependable options without a niche or strict menu.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale vegetarian destination or a fully vegan-focused kitchen with tight execution.