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Southport Grocery & Cafe
ZipPicks Awards
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
Southport Grocery & Cafe
8.2
Southport Grocery & Cafe is a long-running cafe-market hybrid where from-scratch brunch plates, preserves, and baked goods showcase local farms and producers. Bread pudding pancakes, seasonal hashes, and a grocery stocked with small-batch products make it an anchor for daytime farm-to-table brunch in Lakeview.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bread Pudding Pancakes, Breakfast Sandwich, Chorizo & Eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A cafe-plus-grocery concept where from-scratch brunch and preserved goods highlight local farms and artisan producers.
Who should go: Brunch fans who want creative pancakes, daytime comfort food, and a browseable grocery.
When to visit: Weekday late mornings or early afternoons to sidestep weekend wait times.
What to order: Bread Pudding Pancakes, Breakfast Sandwich, Chorizo & Eggs with a side of hash.
Insider tip: Order a full plate plus a solo bread pudding pancake to share so you can taste the signature dish without overcommitting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby residential blocks; meters on the main strip and spots can be tight during peak brunch hours. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual daytime attire — jeans, sweaters, and brunch-casual outfits are standard.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most weekday times, but can get lively during peak weekend brunch while still generally manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — cafe operates primarily as a daytime/brunch spot and is not a dinner service restaurant.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or short queue, especially outside peak midday rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good vegetarian coverage — several plates can be ordered meat-free, and rotating seasonal specials often include veggie-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but menus lean more egg- and dairy-centric.
Gluten-free options: Selective accommodation — some dishes and sides can be made gluten-free on request, but not a fully dedicated prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime date — it feels cozy, local, and relaxed, especially on weekdays. Weekend peak hours are busier and less intimate, so aim for a late-morning or early-afternoon visit if conversation is the priority.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates primarily as a walk-in brunch café. Expect a wait during weekend prime hours; weekday visits are typically easier with quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly environment with approachable menu items and a relaxed daytime vibe. Best suited for school-age kids and toddlers during earlier hours before peak brunch rush.
Best For
Better for: Daytime farm-to-table brunch with house-made baked goods, preserves, and seasonal comfort dishes in a neighborhood-market setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, reservation-only experience, a full dinner service, or an extensive vegan or gluten-free program.