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Ingrained
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ingrained
8.0
Ingrained is a small, brightly lit snack shop focused on vegan, gluten-free frozen raw bars and treats made without refined sugar. Open since 2019, it functions as River North’s plant-based dessert stop for bars, peanut butter cups, and coffee that feel nutritionally conscious but still indulgent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double PB Cup Caramel Cookie Bar, Sltty Brownie, Oreo Rocher Ice Cream Bar
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A vegan, gluten-free dessert bar that treats raw, superfood-based sweets like a serious craft.
Who should go: Dessert lovers who want plant-based treats without refined sugar.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings when bar flavors are fully stocked.
What to order: Double PB Cup Caramel Cookie Bar, Oreo Rocher bar, Sltty Brownie.
Insider tip: Flavors sell out; check the day’s bar lineup before settling on just one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby blocks; easiest outside peak evening dining hours. Several paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — gym clothes and jeans are common.
Noise level: Low — small shop with easy conversation and quick in-and-out traffic.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait; brief lines during dessert rushes.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically — quickest selection and best flavor availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — everything is plant-based and vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — core menu is fully vegan, including bars and peanut butter cups.
Gluten-free options: Yes — items are made gluten-free; confirm with staff if you have severe allergies or strict sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure dessert stop — it’s quick, bright, and conversation-friendly, better as a walk-and-talk treat than a long sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating; expect grab-and-go first, with seats available off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — sweet flavors and small portions work well for kids; note limited seating and no dedicated play space.
Best For
Better for: Health-minded desserts that still feel indulgent — especially vegan, gluten-free, and no-refined-sugar treats with rotating bar flavors.
Skip if: You want a full café or dine-in dessert experience with extensive seating or traditional dairy-based pastries.
Ingrained
8.2
Ingrained is a tiny, 100% vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar–free snackery where owner Syd has been turning out frozen superfood bars and nut-butter cups since opening the brick-and-mortar in 2019. River North regulars use it as a healthy dessert and snack stop for post-workout rewards or grab-and-go sweets that still feel indulgent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Slutty Brownie Superfood Bar, Cake Batter Cashew Cup Bar, Peanut Butter Cup Superfood Bar
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A women-owned snack bar focused on fully vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar–free desserts that actually taste like treats.
Who should go: Dessert lovers who still want ingredient transparency.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings when you can chat with staff.
What to order: Slutty Brownie bar, a cake-batter cashew cup, one classic peanut butter cup.
Insider tip: Flavors rotate often, so ask what’s newest or nearly sold out if you want the most in-demand bar of the day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Chicago Ave can be limited; metered street spots nearby, best luck on side streets during weekdays
Dress code: Casual and athleisure-friendly — many guests stop in post-gym or between errands
Noise level: Low — small space with light conversation and short visit flow
Weekend wait: No traditional dinner rush — brief waits only if a line forms for grab-and-go orders
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick in-and-out service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — 100% vegetarian by default
Vegan options: Yes — fully vegan menu across all items
Gluten-free options: Yes — fully gluten-free concept with ingredients clearly labeled
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual meetup or sweet-treat stop rather than a full sit-down date — it’s a tiny grab-and-go shop with limited lingering space.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here. Seating is minimal and most guests take treats to-go, so expect short, stand-up style visits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kid-friendly for quick snack stops, especially for families seeking allergy-conscious treats. Limited seating and small space may be tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Health-forward desserts where ingredients, allergens, and refinement-free baking matter without sacrificing indulgent flavor.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full café experience, long hangout seating, or traditional sugar-heavy pastries.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday4pm - 9pm
Saturday4pm - 9pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm