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Birchwood Kitchen
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
2211 W North Ave(between Leavitt St & Bell Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
(773) 276-2100
- Nearest Transit:
-
Damen-o'hare (Blue Line)
Western-o'hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
423 reviews for Birchwood Kitchen
Review Highlights
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"The Grilled Gruyere was fantastic." In 24 reviews -
"Also get the oatmeal butterscotch cookie." In 9 reviews -
"I had the lamb french dip which was very tasty." In 8 reviews
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423 reviews in English
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Review from Alex F.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2012
I have been telling myself I am going to reward Birchwood with a great yelp review for a while, so here goes.
The first thing I have to mention is the service. They are always friendly, they keep the lines moving during crowded brunch times, and they will bring out samples of things if you have been waiting a long time. An example of great service. My wife and I walked in hoping to grab a cup of coffee to go. It turns out they had actually just closed. They sadly broke the news to us and I asked if we could just get coffee to go. They not only poured us coffee, but gave us some free cookies to take with us.
Next, the food. The food is always fresh, tasty and a reasonable price. The brunch is exceptional, while lunch and dinner range from good to great. Note: This is a sandwich/deli type place...not an entree, app, dessert type place.
I have had misses before with the sandwiches, but it is never bad and since the menu changes all the time, there is always something new to try. They even add Burgers to the menu during the weak and I have really enjoyed the onces I have tasted.
Other notables...coffee is great, baked goods are great, ambiance is cosy, chic, and charming with rotating artwork on the exposed brick wall. BYOB, so bring some wine or beer with you.
All in all just a great neighborhood staple that will hopefully be around for many, many years. -
Review from Michael D.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2012
Birchwood Kitchen is located in the Wicker Park neighborhood that is a very trendy area loaded with a large number of restaurants and clubs. This BYOB restaurant features soups, sandwiches, salads, and brunch on the weekends. There is also a bakery on the premises that produces an assortment of breads and pastries. It has a small, charming dining room as well as an enclosed private and attractive outdoor patio adjacent to the rear of the restaurant building. Its menu regularly changes, reflecting the availability of seasonal ingredients. It is somewhat eclectic with a slant on French preparations. Patrons order their food at a counter and the food is subsequently brought by the wait staff to the diners' tables.
On a recent Sunday my wife and I had brunch there for the first time. We entered at about 10:15 a.m., were greeted by a very friendly and informative staff member who explained the dining procedure, and were then seated immediately. (Soon thereafter, the place quickly filled up.) While we were ordering at the counter, we tried a complimentary sample of a freshly baked batch of scones that was very moist and flavorful. My wife ordered the Baked French Toast with strawberries and stuffed with a lemon flavored filling. I ordered the Croque Madame that is a grilled sour dough sandwich filled with ham, gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard, topped with two sunny-side up eggs, and accompanied by a small green salad. Both dishes were very fresh, well prepared, filling, and appetizing. The French toast was extremely tasty and not too sweet. The combination of ingredients in my sandwich worked very well. The ham was succulent, the melted cheese was very tasty, and the mustard provided just the right amount of kick.
The Birchwood Kitchen is a very inviting small neighborhood restaurant and bakery with a comfortable atmosphere. The staff is friendly and shows obvious pleasure and pride in their work, resulting in food that is fresh and delicious. I highly recommend it with a solid four and one-half star rating. -
Review from Amy H.
5/7/2012
What a great brunch spot! The staff was super friendly and accommodating to our large group of seven. They put us out on the patio, which is a cozy, quiet spot. If the weather is nice, I'd recommend sitting outside.
The food and drinks were delicious! The iced chai was amazing, and is highly recommended. Everyone raved about their dishes, and not much was left when we were done. My Croque Vert was pretty much the perfect breakfast sandwich. I also recommend trying one of their baked goods as part of your meal. The oatmeal butterscotch cookie was tasty, especially since it had just come out of the oven.
I have heard great things about their dinner menu, and can't wait to try it out! -
Review from Len S.
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
When liquid meets meat, heat and flavoring you get either overcooked meat or something completely divine. In the case of the Birchwood Kitchen it's the latter. I refer to the incredible and amazing pot roast sandwich. I've had some good stuff between two pieces of bread, but the combination of pot roast, cheese and the other bits and pieces that make this plate just work. Seriously, the pot roast sandwich may be one of my favorite sandwiches ever.
The young woman that helped us make our choices and informed us about how the waiting/ordering/sitting works informed us that the seasonal menu is about to change, so go get the sandwich before it vanishes from the menu until next year.
In addition to the sandwich we feasted on the mushroom gravy and biscuits. Yeah, that's good stuff, really good stuff. The gravy is rich even though it's vegetarian. The flavor of mushrooms come through and stand out as a driving force encouraging you to chop that biscuit to shreds and sop up every drop of that flavorful brown stuff.
I don't think you can go wrong with anything ont he menu including the bacon stuffed sausage which is packed with flavor and grilled till the outside crisps like a deep fried sausage. cutting into it releases a torrent of juices. Yum! -
Review from Jenny Z.
4/22/2012
My husband and I went to Birchwood Kitchen on Saturday and were greeted by a very friendly man who put us on the wait list. He told us to help ourself to water and coffee and take a seat on the sunny patio. It was delightful. When our table came up, we ordered (Spicy Sweet Potato Soup-light, flavorful and delicious, Fritatta Breakfast Sandwich with potatoes and salad-Amazing!!, Mushroom Biscuits and Gravy: WOW, Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookie-addictive and perfect amount of crunch with a soft middle) from the brunch menu and it was fantastic! I couldn't ask for better and fresh food with pretty great prices as well!
The only way I could see our experience improve was Dan at the ordering counter-I found him to be rude and smug. Also, we were told to "help ourself to coffee and water" once we were on the waiting list. This would lead one to believe it would be free. I feel like they should just put up a sign that says "bottomless coffee, $2.95" or something....otherwise you give people the impression that it is free...then charging someone when you see the mug in their hand feels a bit rude. -
Review from Sam M.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2012
Birchwood is one of my go-to spots. I like everything about this place. The staff is incredibly friendly. The menu changes to make use of seasonal ingredients. The food is delicious. The prices are reasonable. Does that cover everything? Yes, it does.
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Review from Michael M.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2012
I don't really get what everyone loves about this place. It is completely fine, but nothing amazing. I have been several times for lunch, and each time I though the ingredients they used were very good and the menu items were creative, but nothing really came together and the items (mostly sandwiches) were disappointing. I decided to come back to try their burgers for dinner, and my experience was pretty much the same--menu that looked great, high-quality ingredients, and just an OK result. Burgers were a bit overcooked, and not especially flavorful or special. It's a comfortable place to sit, but I have also had some odd service at times.
I would probably go back if I needed somewhere in a pinch, but Birchwood is unlikely to be my first choice. I doubt you will get bad food here, but I have never had anything here that wowed me. -
Review from Whitnie E.
Indianapolis, IN
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh my! One of my favorite places to eat when visiting my big sis in the Windy City. I love their sides showcased when you walk in. The place is eclectic, friendly, and you want to try everything on the menu.
The last time I was here, I had the croquet vert. It was so delicious. Grilled sourdough bread, warm gooey cheese, mustard, lots of veggies, and two sunny side eggs on top . I am not even a fan of runny yolks, but they were so delicious on top of that croque. It was served with a side of salad greens with shaved root veggies dressed in a delicious vinaigrette.
My sister got the croquet madame, and she really enjoyed that too. It was very similar to mine, except with ham instead of veggies. My other sister got the breakfast sandwich and it looked good as well. She got a side of chickpea salad and I sampled it. It was cold and crisp and delicious.
My most favorite part of this place is the baristas. They make fantastic cappuccini. I have had a handful of great cappuccini since I studied abroad in Milan, and this one definitely makes the list. I would highly recommend it. -
Review from Sarah P.
Buffalo Grove, IL
4/6/2012
The facts:
Interior is cozy and clean, there is a sunny back patio area, free refill coffee is not the typical watered down taste (I actually drank 3 cups of it), great atmosphere, and the pot roast sandwich was descent. I actually liked the small side salad better than the sandwich. The baguette was fresh and added great texture to the sandwich.
You order and pay at the register, grab your own seats, and wait.
The chocolate chip banana bread and espresso brownie was a-maz-ing. It wasn't overly sweet and tasted great with the coffee.
I would definitely come back just to have their coffee and pastries. Great place to come with friends to chat and catch-up. The workers/owner are super friendly, and came outside several times to check up on me and my friend sitting outside. -
Review from Kensey W.
4/29/2012
this place was amazing. i loved loved it for a casual lunch. got to try the pot roast sandwich and the goat cheese sandwich. the pot roast was tender and juicy, well-flavored but not too salty - just the way it should be. the bread on that was warm and chew too. mmm.
the goat cheese had a delicious chunky paste on it (i'm guessing it was the walnut pesto, but it tasted sweet to me). the pickle beets went perfectly with the creamy goat cheese. my bread was toasted so that it was way too crunchy and it cut my mouth, but i still have to say that i enjoyed it immensely.
sandwiches came with a size-able mixed greens salad that was crispy fresh and had a tangy sauce on it. such a good mix. all for under ten dollars. the people working were super super friendly and helpful. also, check in on foursquare because you can get a free cup of delicious coffee! -
Review from Kari A.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2012
what a great find! delicious assortment of foods. we got the eggplant sandwich special, and the flank steak sandwich. homemade lemonade & iced tea. sat outside in the patio. a perfect lunch. the staff is super friendly and accommodating. grab a table first, and then order at the counter.
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Review from Galina M.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2012
Great brunch place! Limited seating but the turnaround is fairly fast. I really like it that you order at the register and they bring you the meal so you don't have to sit there and wait until waiter comes up to you. Their menu is unique and interesting. Everything is delicious! I had the Madam Croquet and my fiance loves their benedict! I realize their menu changes...but every time i've gone so far, it has not disappointed! very very very good - worth the wait and they serve intelligenstsia coffee!!!!! mmmm
they also have outside seating - the patio in the back!
will come back here again and of course highly recommend it! 3 thumbs up -
Review from ben w.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2012
I am writing about their brunch, that is all I have experienced here. Definitely outside your comfort zone, seat yourself, put an order in at the counter, get your own coffee and wait. Worth it? Yes.
Even though you do it all your self there are plenty of busybodies going around making sure everything is okay and cleaning.
Food is top notch! I had the bacon bread pudding, a bit dry but good with a couple of runny eggs on it.
Coffee is exceptional.
Outdoor patio looks beautiful, get here early for that, it fills up quick.
I ate around 10 am, it was pretty peaceful when I arrived, by the time I left it was packed.
Thinking about going here? Do it!
Thanks for a great breakfast Birchwood! -
Review from Julie R.
Chicago, IL
3/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't think I have enough nice things to write about the Birchwood Kitchen. It's the ultimate comfort restaurant - a wonderful atmosphere, the kindest staff you could ever hope to find, consistently good food, and reasonable prices. Their regular menu (which changes seasonally) is full of delicious and reliable staples, but I find it very difficult to stray from their ever-changing, always delicious specials menu.
As a vegetarian, I have to give a special shout out to the portabello chili. Holy moly. It's as hearty and flavorful as any carnivorous chili out there.
I eat here way too often. Like, waaaay too often. And I've never once left feeling even vaguely dissatisfied. It's like if a teddy bear were a restaurant. I can always turn to the Birchwood Kitchen and know that I'll leave feeling warm and snuggly. -
Review from Abs T.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2012
I like coming here for a casual lunch or dinner.
I have gotten the pot roast sandwich both times I have come here (yes, I know....I'm boring. hehe). The food takes approximately 10 minutes to come out. Birchwood uses fresh ingredients and caters to a semi-sophisticated palate.
I have never brought booze here but it is worth mentioning that it's BYOB. It's actually a very chill vibe in there; never completely crowded.
The staff is friendly and more than happy to answer any questions about the menu. They have daily specials and soups so you can try something new every time you visit. -
Review from Eric B.
Chicago, IL
4/27/2012
Creative menu. Everything was delicious and fresh. We split some grilled gruyere with ham, created our own sandwich with turkey arugula grainy mustard pickled red onions pretzel bread and goat cheese, ginger lemonades, fruit, and a cookie - all for about 27 bucks! The interior was bright, and the kitchen was bustling with activity. Highly recommend. It looks like the menu changes seasonally. Good luck choosing between breakfast and lunch, suppose that's what that bastard brunch was supposed to fix until this place made it hard.
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Review from Marge K.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2012
The Birchwood Kitchen has the kindest, most professional staff in the area. We were given a 30 minute estimate on our wait time for brunch the other week (which pales in comparison to most places in the area) and when we were seated before that time was up, the host offered us two complimentary beverages for our patience. Now that's hospitality!
The space is a bit tight for groups, but perfect for couples. The food was delicious and the service was fast and friendly. That's all I want when I'm hungry for brunch! -
Review from Vanessa R.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2012
They have really awesome Portabella Chili & the corn bread that comes with it has just the right amount of sweet to it!
The grilled Gruyere sandwich is also very good. I added salami to it and it gave it a nice flavor.
I definitely want to go back on a burger night or to try the breakfast! -
Review from lana v.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2012
I wish I lived closer to Birchwood so I can come here for lunch daily. The food is excellent, I have been many times and have tried a lot of different thing, all of which have been excellent. We come here often for brunch, and while it is crowded there is never a huge wait. On several occasions when we did have to wait (less than half hour) they would give us free drinks or desserts, and sometimes they put out samples of different sandwiches/snacks. The menu is very interesting, and the owner changes it up fairly often based on what is in season and what is available. The food is very fresh, and you can tell they use very high quality ingredients in all of their dishes.
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Review from Kaitlin M.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
I am a huge fan! Like I am sitting at my desk trying to figure out what I am going to get for lunch today and... Birchwood's Chickpea Veggie sandwich popped into my head!
The bread was the perfect texture to hold the crunch fresh veggie between the partially pureed chickpea spread. The sour dressing drizzled in the sandwich created the perfect mirage of flavors. The side salad was also scrumptious with fresh beets and house pickled brussel sprouts. YuuummmmmY!
I must say that my friend and I were googling over the food we saw at the tables around us as we were waiting for out meals to come. We both noted the next time we go to get the french toast and the vegetable hash! I cant wait...
There was a line when we showed up but they turn over tables quickly. They have a unique set-up in that you check-in, grab a menu and decide what you want, wait for the hostess to tell you when a table is open, then order your food at the counter, grab your number and wait for tantalizing taste buds pleasure to arrive.
Go and experience it! And indulge... this is a good place to spoil yourself for a meal! -
Review from Khadijah L.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very nice cafe, nice atmosphere, serving metropolis coffee and some of the most delicious looking baked goods!
Amazing menu, although I only sampled the chicken salad sandwich and the biscuits and gravy breakfast.
I liked the chicken salad sandwich but the biscuits and gravy came to my table *cold*.
the biscuit was hard/dense and cold. the gravy was equally cold. too bad it could be really good gravy.. it was a black pepper mushroom gravy.
I hope to come back here again soon to try other things on their menu. I was spying on other people's plates and I think it's worth coming back. -
Review from Kevin W.
2/12/2012
Great pork belly sandwich (more like a pulled pork moist than the traditional slabs of pork belly w layer of fat that I'm used to, but still terrific). The microthin slices of apples complements well. Bread perfect.
Kale soup w sausage was great and hearty, a very homey flavor to it.
Will try their pot roast sandwich or seasonal specials next time here. -
Review from Jeffrey C.
Chicago, IL
3/11/2012
My verbal tendency is to go into a somewhat vulgar tirade.
I'll spare you the voracious and colorful energy.
Everything I've tried has been superior.
TRULY, very well crafted and thoughtfully put together flavors, assemblies and combinations.
I already said superior.
I will mention only one offering specifically-
One thing that brings me to my knees every single time is the Pot-Roast sandwich.
It's simply not funny.
Magnificently balanced flavors throughout the entire sandwich.
For me, this sandwich alone, is a superlative achievement - quite possibly a perfect sandwich.
Again.. it's simply not funny.
Yes, so very many great other offerings to be had, all of which exhibit care-filled execution and fantastic flavors.
I dig the super-simple service.
I like the idea of seasonal offerings and essentially wiping/changing large portions of the menu quarterly...
(Please don't take away the best !@%#ing Pot-Roast (look its even capitalized) sandwich ever... please).
One slight bummer is Winter time dining-in. There is but a single door with no vestibule or additional door, and during winter months when you are sitting down enjoying your hot food, the last thing you want to have happen is some dolt/moron/unconscious/stoned/oblivious(I'm the only person in the world) person, open the door... and then even HOLD the door open for their hipster bros/partner/spouse/pupa-containing-SUV-sized-stro ller to stumble on in. There is no extra space for an additional door, it's understandable- and quite fine.... stupid people just make it a bummer when your food gets cold while they hold the door open and dont see everyone giving them the GLARE to shut the #%$^ing door idiot.
In the end, I only wish the very best for this place. It's great- and so are the staff-folks you have to interact with.
I am looking forward to the next time. -
Review from Jay S.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2012
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Birchwood yet! I've only been here a few dozen times... It's the best spot in the world to have as a restaurant down the street. Fast, great food. Amazingly friendly staff. Everything feels relatively light while still being pretty decadent. Great breads, brunch food, sandwiches. My only wish is that they did brunch every day of the week. Love this spot!
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Review from Shannon L.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/11/2012
I am so incredibly sad that the chick pea sandwich is not on the menu anymore. It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had in my entire life and I used to go out of my way to drive all the way there to get it. I am so so so so sad!!!!!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2012
Wow the chickpea sandwich blew me away. I can't stop thinking about it. It had so much flavor. I am… Read more »
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Review from Jeka M.
2/2/2012
My fellow Yelper friend and I were here last night and were shockingly disappointed. Yes, the staff was very friendly and the vibe is eco-positive, too. That part is great. It's just.. well... the sandwiches / salads we got tasted TOO much like... birchwood?
They were not very flavorful in spite of having curried cauliflower and bonus condiments. The turkey didn't taste like much and we were both left with that "meh" feeling. Cool, low-key vibe, nice service, yay for veggie/vegan friendly items, but not very delicious at all. -
Review from pramod p.
Roselle, IL
4/23/2012
This place is amazing. We walked in to a very busy place, but a super friendly greeter asked us where we wanted to sit, gave us a table number and even moved us to a better table while we waiting. The sandwiches are sinful. Homemade bread, cheeses and chips, they were awesome. Although not very healthy (LOTS of cheese and butter) if you are ready for a splurge it tasted out of this world.
Endless cups of coffee and incredible homemade desserts make this one of my favourite lunch places. Cant wait to try brunch :) Must try. -
Review from Adam K.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
After 380 reviews I will not get detailed.
This is a good place for brunch, different than bongo room, but in the same arena. very intimate space, my friend commented that this place seems like it would be featured on anthony bourdains show or something.
Meats come from local places like paulina meat market which I like. cappucino is good, the blood orange juice is not on the menu but when you order a regular orange juice, they're like" you want a blood orange juice?" Yes. Its good. The food took a little longer than normal but they said sorry it is taking so long and brought out a piece of delish apple cake something with frosting on top that was sublime. Very much appreciate that. Marinated brussel sprouts were amazing. I will be back. Great service. -
Review from Shradha A.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
After reading all the reviews, my girlfriend and I were under the impression that Birchwood Kitchen was something quite special and worth a long hike on a Saturday morning.
Once we got there, the place itself disappointed a little - it was small and cramped. Service was slow. Ordering at the counter was painful because the line was so long because most people were doing take-out. When we eventually got a table, used up every ounce of patience while in line, and finally received our sandwiches, we were already getting testy and the sandwiches weren't 'out of the world' enough to make up for the overall experience.
The people there were very friendly and I can see it being an upscale neighborhood deli, but that's all. -
Review from Laura C.
Chicago, IL
2/3/2012
I am not one to post 1-star reviews. But alas, here we are. I love sandwiches, especially heated-up ones. I love ham and cheddar. I love BYOB's. Why oh why was this so disappointing??!
The the cheddar was a strong white cheese that was totally overpowering. This sounds bad, and my dad makes hams like it's his job so I know how fresh ham tastes, but I had to pull the ham off the sandwich because it was extremely fatty AND it did not taste fresh. This place was a miss, through and through.
I will not go back. -
Review from Peter C.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic!!!!! Grilled cheese sandwich, bacon sausage, baked french toast, oatmeal cookie, and coffee...ALLL FANTASTIC!
Wasn't too impressed with the pot roast sandwich but the people I was with enjoyed it.
You should all GO!! I know I'll be back soon. -
Review from Rachel H.
Updated - 1/9/2012 3 Check-ins Here
After our first brunch at Birchwood, we proceeded to eat here for brunch approximately once a week for the entire rest of the summer and most of the fall. It got a little ridic.
So yeah... as a seasoned Birchwood-Kitchen-eater, I can tell y'all some more things!
FH (previously BF) loves to get the Croque Madame. If you've never been to Paris, that's basically a grilled gruyere and ham sandwich with a fried egg on top. At Birchwood they take it to a new level and use a wicked spicy parisian mustard which is delicious (if not nose-burning). The gruyere is fantastic, clearly some kind of cave-aged magic is happening. I *also* love to get the Croque Mme, however I usually opt to sub out the green salad for the fruit salad to get a little sweetness with my brunch. Seriously, FH orders this like 99% of the time.
For me, I branch out a bit more. I'm still not the biggest fan of the baked french toast. The toast part is great, just moist enough but still firm and flavorful, but the custard! Srsly. They need to reassess the recipe or something; bake it at a lower temp? Fewer eggs in the custard? Bake it for a shorter amount of time? I dunno, but I really hope they read this and change their recipe slightly.
Things that I like: LOVE the belgian waffle. But then again I'm a waffle kind of girl. When I order the waffle, I usually order a side of sausage (ummm... bacon stuffed...) which is tasty, but is a bit tough in texture. I also order randos from the menu which are usually tastilicious.
As of last time we went, though, I instructed FH to physically prevent me from ordering another cappuccino there. Maybe its a personal preference thing, but I find the espresso drinks to be SO bitter, its basically not palatable even with a million sugar packets. The hot chocolate is pretty good. That's the extent to which I've sampled the hot beverage menu. I will try more soon, though, owing to the aforementioned Rachel ban from cappuccino.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/1/2011
BF and I came back to try out brunch. I was expecting it to be super busy, but I guess Saturday is… Read more »
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Review from Pascal M.
1/15/2012
From beginning to end, Birchwood is magnificent.
Birchwood is inviting, friendly, and easy going. I love that you place your order, opposed to ording off a menu. It makes the experience more about the food and who your with, plus it gets you in and out a little quicker.
As you order they have all their racks filled with beautiful pastries and fresh bread. They also change their menu seasonally, while still keeping their staples. It gives you just another reason to go back.
Everything is extremely fresh and made with care. The portions are generous and the prices are unbelievebly low for the quality of food you're getting. The apple cider, their coffee, and juices are all awesome. Any sandwich is a winner, especially the hot ones. Perfect during the Chicago winters.
This is a spot anyone could become a regular at. -
Review from Kristel S.
Manhattan, NY
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had the pleasure of trying Birchwood's new year's brunch menu on Saturday and my lips still quiver from the thought of the french toast.
it's prepared in such a way that half inch rectangular stalks of bread are stacked together with a half inch rectangular stalk of egg on top (or bottom depending on how you see it). No need to add syrup or fuss about it. Just put it all in your mouth as soon as it's set down.
Don't ask people at your table to try it because it will leave you less to eat---even when you're crying about how full you are, it'll be hard to let it go.
Also had some bacon stuffed sausages and I easily gave up my "just eat the meat" philosophy when i'm full--french toast trumps bacon at the Birchwood Kitchen.
Other pros were the friendly staff and the butterscotch cookie.
I'm not sure how I feel about the cafeteria style ordering. Upon entering, you walk up to the counter, grab a menu, order at the counter and pay, then you get assigned a table. I'm generally okay with it, but when you have a larger party of couples where one of the two orders, it can create a huge awkward standing crowd hovering over hungry people... but once you get a table, it's good eats! -
Review from Aurore L.
11/29/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Not all romances start all at once.
Actually- the whole love-at-first-sight thing is a little BS if you really want to know what I think. Love at first sight? Hmmm....rather "lust" at first sight. Unless your name is Snow White, Cinderella or Princess Aurora.
Note: My name is not Aurora.
OK, maybe a bit cynical - especially with the holidays just around the corner but I believe that love slowly builds up. Repeated visits, several tastings, conversations, a couple of embarrassed silences and one day - you realize it's there, and there to stay.
That day happened for me on Black Friday 2011 when I ordered the special sandwich of the day. And to be perfectly honest - as soon as I laid my eyes on the description I knew I would fall: aged Wisconsin goat cheese, curried cauliflower, cilantro, onions, Milwaukee sour dough.
Dare I say perfection?
I do.
Perfectly toasted bread. Not abrasive, not chewy, just riiiiiiiiiiight.
Oozy, gooey cheese. Not a chalky, pasty mess, no, huh-huh. I am not sure what they used but damn that's a mighty tasty one.
Veggies!!! Flavorful ones! And yellow! With a glorious bite!
The side-kick was a nicely dressed salad of beautiful greens. I was so happy that I wanted to get up and sing in the dining room, all of a sudden and out of nowhere like a "Glee" character but I just savored every bite, reluctantly letting my friend take a bite of MY sandwich. And we might have a problem because she loved it just as much as I did.
Uh-oh.
Birchwood for brunch, lunch and dinner. Birchwood for sweet snacks and free coffee refills . Birchwood inside, outside, in winter or in the summer.
Birchwood - forever.Listed in: I would die happy here, Hands on the bun, What's in between?
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Review from Yara M.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2012
I went here for a quick lunch with my friend today, and it was perfect- exactly what you'd want from a lunch! We shared the grilled cheese and the pot roast sandwiches, and both were equally delicious. For dessert, we shared a lemon square and it was scrumptious. Service was prompt, everyone was friendly and it was overall a great experience! Highly recommend.
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Review from Reid B.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2012
Though the wait and confused line can be unpleasant, I always love brunch at Birchwood. Would rate it 5, but I'm not always up for the AM hassle of ordering and getting a table.
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Review from Rabiya K.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2011
A friend and I were seriously overdue for a reunion and I decided we should grab lunch together here. Minutes before leaving, I made the mistake of checking my email and saw an email saying that the results of my board exam were available. This exam consumed months of my life and I had been convinced to this point that I had failed it. In a panicked frenzy, I clicked on the link to get my results. Since thousands of other OCD board takers across the country were all doing the same thing at the same time, the server had crashed. I sat for 30 minutes hitting refresh. At this point I was late for lunch. I called my friend, told her what was up, and she immediately pulled over and started to attempt to check her scores. 30 more minutes of this, and we decided to give up, have lunch, and check afterward when hopefully the website was working again.
We went to lunch and talked about all sorts updates in our lives and gossip. We both enjoyed a delicious cheddar and apple sandwich + soup combo. Slightly too heavy/salty from the buttered bread and cheese combo, but a good and necessary comfort. The menu is full of creative and tasty looking dishes made with mostly local ingredients and I intend to come back and try them. The staff is friendly and our waiter who clearly sensed that we were both not of sound mind at the time was respectful and kind. The service is fast and everything affordable.
Overall, Birchwood was a great distraction; I plan to return and hopefully enjoy it more.
And I actually passed! -
Review from David R.
Updated - 2/24/2012
Not only is Birchwood Kitchen still making phenomenal sandwiches (poached garlic shrimp, yo) and superior chocolate-chip cookies, but they also sell jarred pickled vegetables. I love pickles of all kinds, but these guys take the practice to a higher level. We're talking about cumin carrots and brined brussels sprouts. Two of my favorite vegetables! Beets too, but you can get pickled beets anywhere. Where else have you ever seen pickled carrots and brussels sprouts by the jar? Both are delicious, but make sure to eat them up quickly, because unlike Vlassic, these babies will not last forever. They aren't chock-full of preservatives, of course.
Listed in: Dessert!, A La Card Chicago 2010, Yes! I will pay more than $6…, Top Ten Chocolate-Chip Cookies…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/1/2010
Definitely worth the hype, and the wait. I've been hearing about this place since last summer, and… Read more »
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Review from Ha-ti N.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of the better brunch spots in Wicker Park I'd say. We came in for very late brunch and they accommodated just fine even though they were out of several items! really delicious items! :(
totally cool though, I got the cauliflower quiche and apple cider. my friends got the curry duck sandwich with yogurt sauce -- omg fresh, flavorful.... you know what you are eating at Birchwood. You can just taste pure freshness! The apple cider was very refreshing. The quiche was fluffy and light. I would definitely come back.
The ordering process might just be a little confusing. You have to order at the counter and then sit down and wait.
Friendly employees and great atmosphere. A+ !
