Earwax or Oranges? Chicago Cafes know their style.

No worries, they don’t put earwax in your food! The name Earwax and the carnival/hipster atmosphere got me skipping towards the door. Old carnival banners hang on the exposed, brick walls. The menu is mostly vegetarian but they do throw a bone to the carnivores. My favorite, the vegan grilled cheese is thick and full of flavor. Finally a grilled cheese with more than just one slice of soy cheese! It also pairs well with the vegetarian soup of the day. FYI the coffee is bottomless and the chocolate soy milkshakes are a must. In the heart of Wicker Park, Earwax is one of the last remaining bohemian hang outs. BYOB and get crazy! When you go, tell them Coffee Slut sent you. I’ve been in there with plenty of hangovers.

*Vegan and Vegetarian

I like to call this place, cozy-chic. The white, designer chairs provide a simple modern look, while the wooden tables and cafe bar provide a cozy cafe atmosphere. In the winter the fireplace is blazing and promotes any needed conversation. I highly recommend the oatmeal which is topped with fresh blueberries and of course, honey. They even have their own granola factory! So it’s fresh and topped with you choice of fruit. Beware though, on the weekends the lines are out the door. So get there for an early brunch or stop in for a warm cup of coffee.

*Vegetarian options

Handlebar, named after well… the handlebars on a bike. Easy to walk to from the train, but much easier to bike to. You will find bikes parked in the front and back garden area of the restaurant. At night this joint serves Maudit and Hoegarden beer on tap. During the day, brunch begins at 10am. That’s how hipsters like it, start brunch as late as possible to still call it brunch. Ride your bike over and eat in the garden if it’s still warm. If you don’t have a bike, rent one. You’ll fit in.

*Vegetarian options

I come here everyday to get my morning cup of coffee. A small is $2.00 but I’ll pay that anywhere else than Starbucks to get a good cup of joe. Cafe De Luca has an old Italian cafe feel to it. The baristas don’t speak Italian, but I’m sure you could find a cute Wicker Park boy who might.

Contemporary Brunch is their motto and creativity is their specialty. This place brings back memories of Saturday morning serving, lines out the door, and customers wanting fresh squeezed juice and Frushi. It is still very much the same. Orange is known for their sushi imitation, made with fresh fruit rolled into an infused rice, called Frushi. The Pancake Flight, another favorite, are little pancakes with a different topping for various themes that change every week.
The ginger shots cure a hangover, as well as the Green eggs and ham. Their coffee comes from a farm up in Maine owned by a couple of hippies who make orange infused coffee beans. Orange is the only place I know of to sell orange flavored coffee. Mmmmm so delicious.
The wait staff are all mostly artists, so you will never have a dull moment waiting for your food.

Orange has 3 locations. Roscoe Village, Belmont and Clark, and South Loop: on Harrison. New location opening SOON on Fullerton and Belmont

*Vegetarian Options (not vegan)

A cafe during the day and music venue/restaurant at night. Local bands play their acoustic best in a cozy room full of coffee, wine, and music fans. If you’ve had enough coffee for the day (ludicrous) pop open a bottle of wine and relax with friends in the music room. Three rooms make up the restaurant at the Clark and Grace location. The restaurant is a little pricey, but even at night people go in and out of the cafe section for a latte or cappuccino.
At the Devon location (Uptown) music is played there at night as well. The cool thing about this local is the rooftop garden. They are in the process of becoming USDA approved to be the only Organic Certified restaurant in the country!
Music is played 7 days a week at both locations.
Must try the asiago pear and squash puree gnocchi.

*Vegetarian Options

This place has two locations, one in Wicker Park and the other in the South Loop.
I’m a vegetarian but I tried their Eggs Benedict and it is amazing! Their chocolate pancakes are amazing… EAT THEM! They put a ton of sauce over them, but you can get it on the side. You will never have to worry about getting skimpy portions for your money. It is a little pricey, but they give you the glutonous portions you need on a cold winter day. You will leave feeling full and satisfied.