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Beatrix - Streeterville
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Beatrix - Streeterville
8.6
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Beatrix - Streeterville is an all-day neighborhood restaurant and coffeehouse where bakery cases, vegetable-leaning plates, and comfort classics draw hospital staff, hotel guests, and locals from early breakfast through late dinner. The menu leans on recognizable American dishes with health-conscious twists, plus standout desserts and a serious coffee program. It has become a default choice in Streeterville for reliable, slightly polished everyday dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, Prime Cheeseburger, Mushroom & Quinoa Burger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: An all-day cafe fusing comfort food, lighter plates, and serious coffee.
Who should go: Hospital staff, hotel guests, and locals needing dependable all-day dining.
When to visit: Weekday breakfast or lunch for smoother waits and calmer room.
What to order: Order hot honey fried chicken sandwich, prime cheeseburger, seasonal salad.
Insider tip: If you’re hospital-adjacent, off-peak late afternoon is the easiest time to score a quieter table without a wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; most guests use nearby paid garages or hospital/retail decks within a 2–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and comfortable attire are common, but the room leans slightly polished.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at breakfast and lunch, livelier during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak brunch crossover hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait outside peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, grain bowls, and veggie-leaning entrées are regularly available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls and salads can be modified; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several items are marked or can be prepared gluten-free on request, 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 dinner dates — the space is bright and comfortable, but not especially intimate or hushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect waits during weekend brunch or prime lunch; off-peak hours seat more quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs and flexible menus make it workable for families, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Reliable all-day dining, lighter comfort dishes, coffee and bakery offerings, and business-casual lunches near the medical and hotel corridor.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, special-occasion dinner or chef-driven tasting experience — this is more everyday dining than destination fine dining.
Beatrix - Streeterville
8.7
Beatrix’s Streeterville location treats fries seriously, sending out crisp Kennebec fries that show up alongside burgers, sandwiches, and shared plates. It doubles as a bright all-day restaurant and coffee bar, so fries work as both a snack and a side to more polished plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kennebec Fries with Crispy Lemons, Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich with Fries, Prime Burger with Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A polished all-day café where Kennebec fries get as much care as the mains.
Who should go: Downtown diners wanting serious fries with lighter plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and brunch for easier tables and service.
What to order: Kennebec fries, fried chicken sandwich with fries, prime burger.
Insider tip: Order fries for the table—portions are shareable and reheat reasonably well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot. Street parking in Streeterville is limited and metered; most guests use nearby paid garages or app-based garage partners. Allow extra time during evenings and weekend brunch.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but the vibe leans polished for brunch and business-casual at lunch.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at weekday lunch; can trend lively during weekend brunch and peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation (can be longer during peak convention or tourist weekends).
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly; brief waits of 5–10 minutes at peak business lunch periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, vegetable plates, and sides; fries work as an easy add-on.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls and salads can be modified; confirm dressings and sauces with the server.
Gluten-free options: Many items can be prepared gluten-free on request; ask about dedicated prep and cross-contact, especially with fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or low-pressure evening dates — the bright room and moderate noise make it easy to talk, but it’s more relaxed café-polished than romantic candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common at lunch and off-peak hours. For weekend brunch or prime dinner, a reservation is strongly recommended to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families during daytime and early evenings. High chairs and flexible menu items make it workable for school-age kids; weekends can feel busy and energetic.
Best For
Better for: Polished all-day dining with lighter plates where fries are still treated seriously — especially strong for business lunch, brunch meetups, and groups mixing healthy dishes with sharable sides.
Skip if: You want a late-night scene, deep-fried pub fare, or a specialized fries-only destination — choose a burger bar or gastropub instead.
Beatrix - Streeterville
8.4
Beatrix Streeterville is a Lettuce Entertain You all-day café and restaurant inside Northwestern Memorial’s campus, known for vegetable-forward plates, coffee drinks, and bakery items. The sidewalk seating caters to dogs as much as laptop workers and hospital visitors, making it an unusually polished, pet-friendly option for breakfast through dinner near the Mag Mile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Shakshouka, Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A busy, health-leaning café-restaurant with a dog-friendly sidewalk patio steps from Northwestern and Michigan Avenue.
Who should go: Guests wanting lighter all-day plates with solid coffee and cocktails.
When to visit: Weekday mid-mornings or late afternoons when patio turnover is smoother.
What to order: Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Shakshouka, Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas.
Insider tip: If you’re with a dog, note your patio preference in the reservation and order bakery items at the start—they often sell out before dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking available in the Northwestern campus garages nearby (street parking is limited and can be competitive, especially weekdays). Validation is occasionally offered but not guaranteed — budget for standard garage rates.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — athleisure, jeans, and business-casual office wear are all typical on the patio and indoors.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables, but peak brunch and patio service can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation; patio seating for dogs may add extra wait in peak weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though brief backups occur around hospital shift changes and peak lunch hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, bowls, and breakfast plates are naturally vegetarian or easily modified.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few bowls and sides can be adapted; confirm modifications with your server.
Gluten-free options: Many items are marked GF or gluten-flexible, but preparation occurs in a shared kitchen (cross-contact is possible).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or low-pressure brunch dates — the vibe is relaxed and bright rather than intimate or romantic dinner-focused.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially indoors. For patio seating with a dog or prime brunch times, reservations or arriving early help avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs and flexible menus make it suitable for families, especially earlier in the day. Patio seating is comfortable for strollers and dogs together if space allows.
Best For
Better for: Health-leaning all-day dining with strong coffee, bakery items, and one of the most polished pet-friendly patios near Northwestern and the Mag Mile.
Skip if: You want a quiet, special-occasion dinner, late-night dining, or more adventurous chef-driven cooking — nearby upscale restaurants or dedicated dinner spots will be a better fit.
Beatrix - Streeterville
8.4
Beatrix Streeterville is a high-traffic neighborhood coffeehouse and restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You where "healthy meets delicious" plates share space with an in-house bakery and coffee bar. From lemon pancakes to hot honey fried chicken, it’s a go-to for brunch, flexible daytime meetings, and pre- or post-hospital meals steps from Northwestern.
Must-Try Dishes:
Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, Oh My! Caramel Pie
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A polished all-day cafe blending lighter-leaning comfort food with a serious coffee and pastry program.
Who should go: Brunchers and hospital-area regulars wanting reliable, lighter-feeling plates.
When to visit: Late breakfast or early lunch before peak medical center rush.
What to order: Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, Oh My! Caramel Pie.
Insider tip: Use the coffee bar for a quick visit, then book dining room reservations for peak brunch hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily garage and paid-lot parking in the Northwestern hospital/office complex; street parking is limited and competitive during weekday daytime hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — athleisure, jeans, and work-casual attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at off-peak times, livelier during brunch rush but still workable for small-group conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait, though short delays are possible during peak event weekends.
Weekday lunch: Often a brief wait during medical-center lunch rush; off-peak hours are typically seat-on-arrival.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, bowls, egg dishes, and bakery items can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but present — a few bowls and modifications are possible; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several clearly marked options and many plates can be modified; cross-contamination controls may vary, so ask if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or low-pressure brunch dates — bright, comfortable, and easy to talk, but not ideal if you want a quiet or intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside peak brunch windows; during weekends and late mornings, expect a wait and consider joining the waitlist ahead of arrival when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — staff is accustomed to families and hospital-area visitors; high chairs and simpler food options are available, though space can feel busy during brunch rush.
Best For
Better for: Health-leaning comfort food, strong coffee and bakery program, and flexible all-day dining near the hospital and Mag Mile.
Skip if: You want a quiet, slow-paced dinner destination or a more adventurous, chef-driven menu.
Beatrix - Streeterville
8.3
Beatrix’s Streeterville outpost functions as an all-day cafe, restaurant, and bar built around lighter, market-leaning comfort food and coffee. It’s a go-to for neighborhood brunches, business-friendly lunches, and casual dinners where health-conscious dishes still feel satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enlightened Caesar Salad, Prime Burger, Quinoa Cakes with Poached Eggs
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: An all-day cafe where market-driven comfort food, fresh juices, and coffee share equal billing.
Who should go: Brunchers, office workers, and hotel guests wanting lighter plates.
When to visit: Weekday late mornings or midafternoon to dodge peak brunch lines.
What to order: Enlightened Caesar Salad, Quinoa Cakes with Poached Eggs, Prime Burger.
Insider tip: Use the cafe bakery case for a quick pastry-and-coffee stop when you don’t need full table service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; most guests use nearby paid garages or limited metered street parking — allow extra time during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and athleisure are common, but business-casual fits comfortably at lunch.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at weekday lunch, livelier during weekend brunch but still workable for small-group conversation.
Weekend wait: Generally minimal; short waits possible during peak pre-theater windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly, though larger groups may wait during business lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — multiple salads, bowls, and breakfast plates can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Moderate — several naturally vegan items plus a few dishes that can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Good support — many menu items are labeled or can be prepared gluten-free with substitutions; confirm with staff for strict needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or low-pressure evening dates — relaxed atmosphere, bright room, and lighter plates make it comfortable rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect waits during weekend brunch; putting your name in early or visiting off-peak helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — welcoming to families, especially for brunch and daytime meals; high chairs and space for strollers are typically accommodated.
Best For
Better for: Health-leaning comfort food, all-day flexibility, and a cafe-plus-restaurant setup that works equally well for brunch, casual meetings, and lighter dinners.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, special-occasion dinner or chef-driven tasting menu — nearby fine-dining spots are better suited for that.
Beatrix - Streeterville
8.4
Beatrix’s Streeterville location doubles as an all-day cafe and polished happy hour spot, with a bar that fills on weekdays for wine, cocktails, and snacks. The Lettuce Entertain You operation leans into lighter plates, signature pastries, and a health-leaning menu, so after-work drinks can stay relatively clean without feeling austere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Prime Burger, Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-volume, health-leaning cafe-bar where happy hour skewers lighter plates and approachable cocktails.
Who should go: Teams wanting cocktails with salads, bowls, and solid coffee.
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6 p.m. before the post-conference rush hits.
What to order: Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad, Prime Burger, seasonal cocktail on tap.
Insider tip: Use the bar for walk-in happy hour; dining room waits tend to be longer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking nearby (hotel and public garages within 1–2 blocks); limited street parking and can be difficult during peak hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean polished after work
Noise level: Moderate — bar area can be lively during happy hour, but small groups can still hold a conversation
Weekend wait: 20–45 min without a reservation, longer during convention and hotel peak periods
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; bar and café seating often available for walk-ins
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, bowls, and appetizers are vegetarian or can be modified
Vegan options: Limited but present — 2–3 clearly marked options plus flexible substitutions
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are labeled gluten-free or gluten-free adaptable; confirm with server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first date — the atmosphere is polished but relaxed, with a bar area that feels social without being too loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar and café seating are reliable for walk-ins at happy hour, but larger parties should book ahead during conference weeks.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime and early evenings — staff is accommodating and the menu has approachable options, though the bar gets more adult-focused during peak happy hour.
Best For
Better for: Health-leaning plates, coffee and pastry options, and a lighter cocktail-and-snacks style happy hour compared with heavier bar menus nearby
Skip if: You want a late-night scene, loud party energy, or a value-driven drink special — this is better for polished, casual after-work meetups