Milk & Honey Cafe
1920 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60622
Milk & Honey Cafe Menu
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Breakfast
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Sandwiches
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Sides
Healthy Meal suggestions for Milk & Honey Cafe
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Breakfast
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Sandwiches
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Sides
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Address :
1920 W Division St
Chicago, IL, 60622 - Phone (773) 395-9434
- Website https://www.milkandhoneycafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast, Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Gina S.
I came back for lunch here and got a crab cake sandwich and WOW. I literally licked my fingers afterward, even though I had just petted a labrador retriever outside. Minus one point still for a bee problem? There were a significant enough amount of bees in the outdoor seating area that myself, my group, and another pair had to move inside. Coming back for lunch soon!
(4)George M.
Everyone knows the food here is spectacular. Nothing else needs to be said. Don't think twice. Stop in and EAT and feel better. If it's warm and the outdoor patio is empty grab a seat and enjoy.
(5)Anli C.
The service here is confusing. Get in line, order, and find yourself a seat. Okay I get it. But after waited for over 20 minutes, our order just magically disappeared. It's nice of the waitress to bring us a bowl of fruits for the inconvenience, but it'll be much nicer if the fruits were fresh. All service chaos aside, the orange brioche and blueberry pancake we ordered were just mediocre. Three stars it is.
(3)Ed J.
This place definitely grew on me, i like the sugar donuts, and i like that they open early enough for me to be able to go before work. Their granola is decent, coffee is great. Customer service is ok. Nice patio.
(3)Jessica S.
My experience here was limited to a tasty latte flavored with cardamom rose water syrup (get this!). The space was light and airy, complete with a fireplace for wintertime coziness and a pleasant swath of sidewalk seating. I didn't order brunch, but the menu items were intriguing (a coconut fresh toast particularly caught my eye). But, I can absolutely see where Sarah S. is coming from with her comment: "If only the feminists who serve you weren't so ANGRY!" The one drawback that I encountered during my, again very limited, time spent at Milk & Honey.
(4)Amy R.
I was heading to get my haircut at the Winchester Club across the street and with plenty of time before my 11am appointment, decided to swing in to Milk & Honey for a quick late breakfast. The menu is not enormous, but it covers enough bases that there's something for everyone. I was feeling sweet, so I got the waffle (flavor of the day was banana pecan!) I also ordered a side of their chicken sausage just to try, and a large cardamom rose water latte. The gal who took my order was friendly, helpful, and polite. I got my silverware, found a table, and waited. Another equally lovely young woman came and brought me my latte, which was scalding hot and impossible to try at first, which was difficult because it smelled SO GOOD. After a short wait, my food arrived. The waffle was bright and fresh smelling and adorably adorned with banana slices, pecan bits, and powdered sugar. My chicken sausage was two links of delish, slightly spicy, mega flavorful goodness. It was cooked exactly right, and had that characteristic snap upon biting into it. I drizzled syrup all over my waffle and dove in. It too, was absolutely delightful. Light, crisp, fluffy on the inside. I was stuffed when I finished my meal. Then when I returned to my latte, I learned cardamom rose water is approximately the MOST DELICIOUS FLAVOR on the planet. Where does one find such a syrup and purchase it?! All of my coffees will taste completely inferior until I can return. The menu isn't exactly revolutionary or crazy, and I didn't have to fight the weekend crowd, but I adored Milk & Honey, and will happily return for fresh, simple brunch served fast, and accompanied by amazing rose water lattes. Amazing.
(4)Soo K.
The restaurant is so adorable! Presentation amazing! Staff sweet and helpful. Food taste, ok. I got the waffles and a side of 2 scrambled eggs and Matt got the burrito, and they were all good, nothing special. They open up doors and windows, great spot for outdoor dining or to enjoy the weather. Visit my blog for more!
(3)Stacey L.
Milk & Honey is...fine. The space was cuter and the food prettier than the food's actual taste deserves. I had the orange brioche french toast and it was decent but if I hadn't read orange on the menu I'd have no idea that was supposed to be a flavor. The portion was gigantic, but since the dish was kind of whatever I wasn't pumped that I had leftovers. My friend got the bagel & lox - not my jam, but I did try a bite and everything was fresh and crunchy. His girlfriend got the huevos rancheros - the cheese on top looked incredibly tasty, and it's enough to feed two people, but there was a watery pool of liquid at the bottom of the bowl that just didn't look appetizing at all. There's nothing wrong with Milk & Honey per se, but I just wasn't that impressed. I do still kind of want to try their citrus & lavender sandwich cookies, though. I can't help but be an eternal optimist.
(3)Melanie W.
What a great place! We enjoyed the best Mojito in town, high quality tapas and last, but not least a wonderful service from Steve, who not only loves, but owns his job. We would and will definitely come back.
(5)Olivia P.
Got a chai latte. Pretty good. The barista seemed like she was a little tired but she was still very quick and made the drinks really well.
(4)Stoo P.
We were staying in Chicago as part of our honeymoon trip and staying with a couple through AriBnB just off W. Division. They told us that this place was good so we thought we would check it out. It was Brunch time and on a Sunday too and it was incredibly busy which could only be a good thing really. We ordered Huevos Rancho and a Panini and they were both amazing. Really good non-greasy food which we were very thankful for. I can't comment on how well this place operate any other time of the day as it was our only visit but we can definitely recommend the brunch if that's what you are looking for.
(4)John G.
This place is great. Friend of mine in Chicago recommended it for a quick brunch and fell in love immediately. Came back a 2nd time with a gal who enjoyed it just as much. Parking is street so be warned around the time we came for Brunch (11:30ish) can be a lil hard to find close spots (luckily we walked living close by). Place was booming but luckily didn't take too long to order and be shown our seats after ordering from the line. For myself I ordered the Panini with scrambled egg, bacon, cheddar and tomato. Damn good might I say. Lady ordered Orange Brioche French Toast. that comes topped w/ toasted almonds, toasted walnuts and brown sugar . Now that thing was bliss on a plate! *Drool. Being motivated by her selection I decided to add on the Buttermilk granola pancake flavor du jour. At that time the flavor was strawberries and pecans. Add some powdered sugar and you got MMMMMM written all over it. There was not one thing we ordered that left me disappointed. Scenery was a cozy coffee shop esque place with out door and indoor seating to fit your mood and the weather. Service was adequate no complaints. Environment was enjoyable. If youre looking a a good breakfast/brunch in the city, you'll be satisfied selecting this place. I intend to go again. If only it were 24hrs opened aaaah but a boy can only dream. Cheers!
(5)Amanda C.
Twice I've been here and twice I was a happy camper. It's a busy place but they have great, fresh food. I do think it's a little pricy but the quality of food and area your in, its expected. I had the carrot curry soup and half sandwich (portabello). The soup was delicious!! Really didn't know what to expect but I was glad when I tasted it!!! The sandwich was great, I made a poor choice in getting something with goat cheese which was my fault but the sun dried tomato and portobello was a nice combo. My friend really enjoyed her chicken sandwich. My mom ordered a roast beef sandwich which she dogged (she's not a huge eater, so I was surprised when she ate the whole sandwich). We shared a carrot cake for dessert. It was yummy but again, pricy. I like the overall feel of the place- very warm. We got to sit by the fireplace which was nice on a chilly day.
(4)David C.
After walking by this place several times, the stars finally aligned and we came here for brunch at around noon on a Saturday. It seemed a little bit disorganized when we entered. We looked around for someone to help explain to us what the ordering process was (find a table, then order? Get assigned a table, then order? Order, then find a table?) and a hostess finally found us, gave us a number, and have a suggestion of where we might sit. She was definitely friendliest out of any of the service we received here. We ordered at a counter and the woman who took our order could not have seemed less enthused to have to take our order/interact with us at all. Honestly, she made me feel like I was being a nuisance or inconveniencing her for placing an order. Sorry you work at a restaurant and I'm here to pay! We seated ourselves and waited for our food. While waiting, I observed that there really isn't any interesting theme or decor here. Somehow, the whole place felt kind of drab, unenthusiastic, and uninspired to me--just like the staff who work here. Kind of off putting for me. The food arrived and I did enjoy my selection of huevos rancheros. It wasn't outstanding, but the portion size was really big. I can't complain about that! We also split a Nutella hot chocolate and I noted that even though it was good, it didn't really taste much like Nutella. As we ate, we noticed that the tables to our left and right were similarly nonplussed about their experience. Overall, I would probably come back for the food because there were a lot of other menu items that looked good.
(2)Dana B.
It was a beautiful day so we opted for the patio. We ordered and the hostess was in a terrible mood. She seem flustered and the wait staff never acknowledged our presence. The food was luke warm like it had sat there and people that came after us received their food before we did. Despite the service the food was fairly decent. Catch it on a less busy day.
(3)Lauren M.
Can't say enough good things about milk & honey. It's become a part of my weekend routine. Always fresh, always tasty. Depending on my mood I'll either get the yogurt and granola or the Amish chicken.
(5)Lindsay M.
This is an excellent brunch spot in Wicker Park. Their menu features sweet and savory breakfast plates and a great variety of sandwiches. Today I had the portobello and goat cheese sandwich as a wrap with a side salad. Love that they don't up charge for healthy choices! My friend had the Huevos rancheros which we were told is the most popular item. Mine was fantastic - perfect amount of goat cheese so it didn't over power the mushroom. It also was stuffed with roasted red peppers that added some nice crunchy texture. Hers was good, just basic she said. They have a pleasant cafe beverage menu and of course mimosas. The blood orange mimosa was our choice. And a good choice it was. It is a fairly busy brunch spot. Although the quaintness is what makes it so special, you often have to wait for a table. Schedule some wait time into your schedule. Their outdoor patio is pretty small - it was going to be a 30 min wait to sit outside so we just ate inside. The pricing is right - breakfast for under $10 with drinks for under $20. The only reason they lost a star for me is that their process is confusing. When you walk in (you must have your whole party there) you'll put your name in for a table, maybe get seated or put on a wait list, then go to the counter to place your order, sit down and your food will be delivered to you. No one comes by to check on you. No one tells you whether or not you are to clear your own plates. And they don't tell you that water is self service - would be good to know as you can't see it on the bar from behind the counter. All of which we figured out - but would have been nice to have instruction.
(4)Yabi C.
If you are an eat-in customer, behold! Milk and Honey is a close to perfect place to eat without producing too much waste. From an eco viewpoint: Positives: All of Milk and Honey's food is served on washable dish ware with silverware. They serve butter in a small dish that is also reusable. Their baked goods are behind glass, instead of encased in plastic wrap, and they have a recycling bin. Negatives: As far as eating in, their coffee counter could be updated. Milk and Honey should offer large containers containing the drink fixins instead of the hundreds of single serving sugar options they provide. Besides that, the cafe used white paper napkins, and serves them automatically with everything that comes out of the kitchen. For their to-go containers, they offer recyclable plastic. Please consider switching a few of your practices to more sustainable, less wasteful products. There are many new more responsible containers to use as to-go containers, recycled paper napkins, and sugars can be served from a large package instead of a ton of single serving bags. I look forward to seeing your company change for the better! Your neighborhood will appreciate it!
(2)Rachel B.
Love the outdoor dining option for breakfast. The wait was relatively short, given it was a busy Sunday morning. Food came out quick and if you're starving, you can grab a pastry while you wait. They have plenty of vegetarian options. I also limit my dairy intake. I got the panini and omitted the bacon and cheese and added avocado. It was decent, but bland (not their fault).
(4)Katharine T.
Had brunch with a friend, wish I had been more impressed. Cafe style, sort of. Order and pay at counter, hostess assigns you a number and a table. Food then brought out to you. Because of this you don't really get any wait service to speak of. When our food arrived my friend asked for hot sauce but we were told to go get it ourselves up at the counter. Fine but annoying. The glass my mimosa was served in was dirty and had lip prints on it, when I told a staff member to please get me a clean glass they looked at me like I was a complete idiot. So the service isn't great. Might as well just have this be a full on cafe where you pick your food up at the counter too when your number is called since the staff clearly don't want to bring you hot sauce or take care of a dirty dish they bring to you, or refill your water or check on you .... Food is beyond mediocre. I had the portobello, pepper and goat cheese on grilled ciabatta. The portobello was way way over seasoned with dried thyme. That is a strong herb and basically ruins a dish every time it's over used. I picked my sandwich apart and barely ate it. Without the thyme the sandwich would have been fine. The house chips served with it were unimaginative and without salt. Friend ordered a plate of scrambled eggs and a side of chicken sausage. She loves the sausage, I thought it was OK, but pretty under seasoned. She basically didn't eat her eggs. The mimosas were not bad, not great. Considering this is a $20 cab ride out of my way I would never go here again. Maybe other food items are better. If service was a little friendlier and I lived in the area, I might try them 1 more time. But since I don't live nearby I'll never go back and based on my experience cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(2)Jake C.
This place never disappoints. The sandwiches are always excellent. They make a good latte too. I love the patio in the summer.
(5)Kateryna G.
This place is across the street from my apartment, so I've been a few times, usually when I'm in a hurry to go anywhere else. My go to is their huevos rancheros, which are very heavy, so it's a good choice after a night of heavy drinking. The rest of the menu is fairly mediocre. I've had their crab cake sandwich before, which was bland, and their tuna melt was more of a tuna sandwich, since the cheese wasn't melted at all and the abundance of tomatoes made the entire thing too soggy. Your every meal there also comes with a side of bad attitude as the workers at Milk&Honey don't seem interested in working there. Overall: an okay place for brunch, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there because of bad service and average menu
(3)Alexis K.
I want to love this place so much! But as someone who works from home often, and is always looking for a change of scenery to work, not having wifi is just a big no-no. Why did they make the decision not to have it, I wonder? While this is a restaurant in some elements (has a kitchen, serves full breakfast menu items and lunch menu items) it is a seat yourself, take a number, CAFÉ. Not a full service restaurant. So while maybe their intent is to have it be a place where people come just to eat, calling it a café is a little misleading. I thought it would be more of an espresso and coffee place, with obviously wifi. That being said it is really cute and the menu items look tasty. Unfortunately, my laptop, latte and myself are packing up and leaving ;( Please get wifi milk and honey? I want to love you!
(2)Gemma C.
I had high expectations of M&H but was sorely disappointed. The service was ok but the food was BAD. We ordered the Grilled Panini with Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Cheddar and Tomato. What we got was a lukewarm sandwich of which the bread had only been shown a heat source (it went nowhere near a grill) with ONE slice of bacon and two giant pieces of uncooked, straight-from-the-refrigerator, watery tomato. Blergh. The scrambled egg was ok and the cheddar unmemorable. Needless to say neither of us finished it. That combined with a weak, lukewarm cappuccino which took ages to come, really did not make for a nice breakfast. I would have complained and asked for my money back but it was so chaotic in there, I just couldn't face trying to track down a member of staff. And to top it off? We order two sliced of quiche to go when we ordering/paying as they looked nice. We got home and the pastry underneath was raw. Not just under-cooked, RAW. Of course they went straight in the trash. After ending up hungry, without lunch and nearly $40 poorer we won't be going here again
(1)Jason P.
Great place for breakfast! French toast is amazing, but so is everything else I've had there. There can be a wait but the line moves fairly fast!
(5)Michael V.
Went on a Wednesday morning with a friend, no problem getting our order placed and seated right away. We shared the speciality pancakes of the day (ricotta cheese and blueberries) and the breakfast panini. Pancakes were really good! The ricotta cheese was surprisingly a great topping. The blueberries were few and far between though and kind of an after thought. They should have been put in the batter. Panini was really good but it's definitely something you could make at home. Good place! Good food and nice outdoor seating for the summer. Tips: water is self serve and you order at the counter before getting a table. Just read the signs by the counter if you're confused.
(4)Farhad S.
Just moved in to the area and could not be happier to find this place. Great service, delicious food and very affordable. 2 adults and a baby with drinks- $30. Not bad at all
(5)Ammir G.
This place is alright. It's more of a to go place. The way it works is that you stand in line at a cash register, order what you want and then either wait to the side or go sit down somewhere and they bring it to you. We ordered the pancakes and orange brioche Fenwick toast. The pancakes were good, the looked like they were buttermilk pancakes, which was nice. I was satisfied with what I got. However, the orange brioche French toast was very dry. It's usually covered in sliced almonds, I wasn't a fan of that. Other than that this wasn't too special. If you are after French toast, I would recommend "JAM" by Logan square. They had the best French toast I've ever had. There was also another place called "toast" which also looked promising.
(3)Shirley W.
Very clean and cute cafe. I came here with a friend Sunday afternoon. You order and they give you a number and just take a seat. They will bring the food to you. It could get a little crowded, so carry out wouldn't be a bad idea. I got their crab cake with chipotle sauce. Their chips are home made I think so I enjoyed that. My friend got a turkey Ruben and it was filled with meat, he was happy. They serve intelligentsia coffee which is my favorite coffee type of coffee! They also have some cute desserts. I spent about $13, my meal and latte. I would totally come back. There are paid street parking and free street parking.
(5)Chris C.
Great brunch spot and I am honestly surprised that they do not have more stars. Lots of young families so get there early. Very cute vibe and the huevos ranchero casserole is incredible. Def recommend it!
(4)Marco R.
Milk and honey used to be amazing. My meal was terrible. The black berms were from a can. My eggs were almost powdery, as if made by someone with no experience scrambling eggs.. and the chicken sausage, nearly inedible. This was a weekend and perhaps there is weekend chef who is not as competent. I was severely disappointed.
(2)Danielle R.
I've given Milk & Honey multiple chances to win me over and it sadly falls short each time! It's really too bad because it has a great name, location, and potential! On my first trip I met a work colleague here for a working lunch and, aside from the somewhat high price of our meal, enjoyed the food. The ambiance was nice and, as I said above, it's in an incredible location! They even have nice outdoor seating in warm weather. On my second trip here I ordered lunch and a coffee drink before settling in to get some work done... not so much! Unfortunately I didn't realize that this cafe/coffee shop does not offer wifi to their patrons which is a bit odd. Secondly, the service has been subpar on both occasions with a slight feeling of passive anger in the employees. The nicest person during both trips was the kitchen runner who brought my food! (I'm so sorry that my questions about what is in a drink that has no description is ruining your day!) Overall, this won't be a place I'll stop into again. I'm sure there are other more friendly, tasty, and wifi-providing cafes nearby that I can frequent.
(2)Eric L.
It's a hip breakfast cafe with a limited menu. The brioche french toast was pleasant, but I wish they had a few more menu options from which to choose. The single person serving and taking orders can be overwhelmed at peak times.
(3)Christopher T.
Really awesome vibe and service but not wowed by the food, not disappointed though either. Got the crab cake on baguette. It came out really presentable. Not enough seasoning and the crab cake absorbed too much oil. Just a notch too bland. Even the chips needed salt or pepper. Good menu overall but the crab cake isn't special.
(3)Andrew C.
My friends and I went here for brunch today. The weather was beautiful and we wanted to eat outside, so we called in advance to ask if an outdoor table was available. Someone told us that they had available outdoor seating, and to come over. When we arrived, we were told that there would be a fifteen minute wait on outdoor seating. No big deal...we'd wait. They suggested we place our orders and pay beforehand to save time. After waiting ten minutes, a host told us that they were no longer seating customers outdoors because it was going to rain. We had already spent money so we couldn't leave. The weather was still beautiful so we wanted to chance it. We asked the host if we could speak to the owner. The owner came out and told us that "their radar" said that it was definitely going to rain and there was nothing she could do. She wasn't sympathetic to the fact that someone told us that she would seat us outdoors only ten minutes earlier. Sure enough, during the hour and a half that we ate at the restaurant (plus for several hours afterwards) it did not rain a drop. Don't go to this place. We felt bamboozled into eating there. The food was somewhere eating bad and mediocre (huevos rancheros were gross, the sandwiches were fine). A server spilled orange juice on me and said "at least it wasn't coffee". Anyway, I rarely write reviews on Yelp and I must admit I find it annoying when people give negative reviews for service alone, but these were exceptional circumstances. Sure, the food is palatable. But the service is bad. Everyone seemed irritated to interact with us from the start. If you don't want to run the risk of having your afternoon completely ruined, I'd steer clear of Milk and Honey.
(1)Myranda Z.
Always great food and a friendly staff. One of my favorite spots. Outside seating wonderful. Coffee perfect.
(5)Dana O.
Love this place. The food is so fresh and made to order. Awesome coffee and I have yet to order something I don't like.
(5)Claire S.
Planning on going back soon to try the savory sandwiches. Boyfriend had the orange brioche french toast, and I had the toffee banana waffle and a coffee. Orange brioche french toast looked amazing--I have never seen brioche slices that large! It was really sweet and slightly tangy (and crunchy from the almonds), but most of the crust seemed inedible to me. My waffle was good--there were bananas in the waffle batter and on top of the waffle, and the toffee pieces on top melded well with the bananas. The coffee was delicious and there were free refills. We were a little confused about the ordering/seating because it was our first time there. I think I was supposed to let a server know we were there, but I ordered our meal at a counter. I guess I'm still confused. The place is clean, well-lit, and you can get your own refills on coffee or water whenever you like. 1/2 star docked for the crust that seemed burned on the french toast, and 1/2 star docked for my confusion with ordering/seating. If you like a sweet and simple brunch, check Milk & Honey out!
(4)Sarah S.
If only the feminists who serve you weren't so ANGRY! I'm a feminist. I like lunch/brunch sandwiches. All things considered, this experience should go off without a hitch! Food is very good and coffee is good. Would recommend carrying it out over eating inside (to avoid contact with the service).
(4)Syretta H.
I wanted to really like this place, I've passed it on numerous occasions on my way to KChula which is down the street. I always see people waiting in line and I've always said to myself, "Self, I need to try this place"....and yesterday I did.... After a failed attempt to eat at another popular restaurant (long story), I ended up at Milk & Honey, remembering my note to self above. We got there right before breakfast ended, so my mom ordered the breakfast panini. My daughter and I ordered lunch- me, the crab cake sandwich and my daughter the grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was bomb.com . I should have ordered that...because that crab cake sandwich was spicy and flavorless. I didn't even finish one half of the sandwich. Best thing about this place were the huge chocolate chip cookies. Also, try the oatmeal, cherry and toffee cookie...to die for and totally worth the $2.42.
(2)Marybelle L.
The food was beyond delicious! We shared many plates and not a single complaint! The (amish) chicken sandwich with blue cheese and roasted tomatoes was exceptional. The chicken was tender, the bread was perfect. BLTs can often be humdrum, but this one was amazing, The bread was nice and thin... the thick delectable bacon made the sandwich. Oh...and this may sound crazy but the pickles are the best I'd ever had. Dill .... but a bit sweet, not bread and butter sweet.... just right in the middle. PERFECT! Loved every bit of our meal. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Customer I.
I've been here several times for coffee and other treats. Came here this time for a light lunch on my brother's birthday. Food was OK. Server had a total attitude. Service matters to me and if you can't get it together to be friendly and polite then you can count us out.
(2)Andrew B.
Submediocre breakfast/lunch cafe: don't see how it stays open with so many better options around. First of all, they stop serving breakfast food at 12:00, which is strange for a cafe like this. Nevertheless, I ordered a BLT and soup with a latte to drink. The latte was nothing special, pretty watery and definitely wouldn't get me back if I were just passing by and needed a quick caffeing hit. The BLT was more like an LT: there were two little slice of bacon on it with three giant tomato silces and a tree-full of lettuce. The potato chips on the size were a bit burnt tasting and unsalted. Black bean soup was actually the best food item I had. Overall, I was wholly unimpressed. This would be an OK place to duck into if you live or happen to find your self in the immediate vicinity and a giant hailstorm has knocked out the power to all of the other area restaurants except Milk and Honey, but don't go out of your way to try Milk and Honey cafe.
(2)Kate K.
If you're looking for a chicken sandwich, look no further. Their grilled Amish chicken sammie is one of the best I've ever eaten. The ciabatta bread is always crisp, yet full of moisture at the same time. If I lived in Wicker Park, I'd eat there 5 times a week.
(5)Teresa C.
I love the sandwiches here and their potato chips! It's a great place for brunch, and I have not experienced bad customer service described in other reviews (been here at least 5 times now). My favorite is the House Made Herb-Crusted Roast Beef (With lettuce, tomato and radish slaw on toasted ciabatta), but I also love ordering from their specials menu (on a chalkboard on the wall right above the cash register). I have yet to venture beyond sandwiches (other than a quinoa salad), so I can't speak to the rest of the menu. I also love the way Milk & Honey is decorated and set-up. There are a vase with flowers on every table, and overall, it's seems like a friendly neighborhood cafe!
(4)Jae Z.
We walked a few minutes prior to 2:30 on a Saturday. Recognizing they were nearing the end of their brunch service, I asked for a side of grits, figuring this wouldn't be too complicated. 'We are no longer serving brunch,' I was told. It'd be nice if this place actually committed to their posted times.
(1)Jessica P.
A really cute little breakfast/brunch place. I went in the afternoon on a Friday and it wasn't crowded at all, but I could see why the weekend mornings would be a tight squeeze. The place is tiny but airy. My ham and harvati on a pretzel bun was delicious, and my friend had only good things to say about her spicy black bean burger. We definitely want to go back for breakfast, as their breakfast menu looked much more fun than their limited lunch menu. They have a patio area for the warmer months which looked nice. Prices were reasonable and it's in a really cute area of Wicker Park. Check it out if you're in the area, but like some other reviews said, I would only go slightly out of my way to eat here.
(4)David T.
Today, May 28, 2015 I stood in the cafe (next to the place where one would order) and was completely ignored. The hostess looked me right in the face and said nothing to me. I'm not saying that it's because I am a black man but it's curious because I was the only person of color in the establishment at the time. It's a real shame to leave a place feel g like you have been a victim of what I call "quiet racism" in a neighborhood I have lived in my entire life. Ironically that means that I have been in the neighborhood longer than Milk and Honey Cafe has been. What a way to start the day... with sadness. Thanks Milk and Honey Cafe for reminding me of the type of world we still live in.
(1)Kyle P.
Close to a 5. Love the breakfast baked Mexican thing it is fantastic. The breakfast sandwich is just OK and I don't like the dog park outside seating area. Seriously people leave your dog at home when eating in public. Not sure why you would want to bring your little kids and a dog to breakfast. Seems very selfish to me but whatever right
(4)Mari Y.
Not only does it have a cute and intriguing breakfast-y name, the origins of Milk and Honey make you want to visit everyday to support your local business. The sandwiches on the main board don't change but the specials behind the long line to the order counter do. I've been to Milk and Honey several times and had the pleasure of sampling a number of their sandwiches. Now, if only their customer service was as good as their sandwiches. I dunno if the people taking the orders behind the counter are perennially stressed out/tired/running around crazybusy but their consistent stank attitude almost makes me want to get out of line and deal with the 10 page menu at Jerry's deli. Good homemade chips, ultra hot pickles.
(3)Daniel R.
Delicious breakfast food! I've been here twice and eaten the huevos rancheros both times. The ingredients are so flavorful, I don't know what kind of black beans they use, but they have a full black bean flavor that the stuff I use at home doesn't hold a candle to. Oh, and the pastries, my god the pastries!!
(5)Briana S.
Great Place to get a healthy breakfast been there once & I will definitely be back! Great customer service also, I love the vibe I got here they were playing Erica Badu Album very calming & mellow little dim but the sun from the beautiful day helped :)
(5)AJ N.
Stopped by here recently with my mother for a weekend lunch. Overall, I was fairly impressed. It's in an area on Division that's been gentrified a LOT in the last ten years. The menu very much reflects this (lots of complicated sandwiches that sound shi-shi but are actually pretty straight forward), but I was surprised at how reasonably priced everything was. The Mother and I each had a sandwich and warm drink, and I had a large bowl of soup, and it shook out to under $25. Which, for the area, is surprisingly decent. I will say the food was also quite good. It seemed fresh and everything was made to order. I also quite like that they have a water station near the register so that you can get as much as you want, whenever you want, with as much (or little) ice as you'd like. It's a small thing but something that made my dining experience better. I'd definitely go back! Especially for a drink and a read next to the fireplace.
(4)Casey S.
I live a 2 minute walk from here and come frequently. I've been at least 10 times. My roommate likes it a lot and I used to go through the menu trying something new never really finding anything that wowed me. Until last week. Their avocado sandwich is amazing. It is so good. The smoked gouda is so flavorful. They put ample avocado on, the bread is spot on and the mustard, delicious. The chips that come with it are great as well. I've always loved the atmosphere and now that I have found my dish here they have won me over. I recommend this place and if you like avocado, definitely try the avocado sandwich.
(4)Brian N.
Among brunch places, I wouldn't say this one is the best in town but it's definitely a place that has a little something for everyone. It's a good neighborhood spot but not a place that I would drive across town for. Enjoyed the huevos rancheros which are served in a layered casserole dish. Nice comfort brunch. The winner here is the outdoor dining space in the summer time, which is really nice.
(3)Katherine K.
There aren't too many exclusive breakfast joints in the Wicker Park area so this place really corners the breakfast market. The ambience is great and it's always crowded. The food is great and very reasonably priced. Long lines on the weekends. The service is adequate and the staff generally is not very friendly and accommodating. I once went in the afternoon well after they stopped serving oatmeal. I wasn't feeling well and needed to eat something easy and asked if I could purchase the dry oatmeal they sell and eat it there since I was w a friend who wanted to eat there. The staff said they no longer serve oatmeal and she wouldn't be able to pour hot water into the oatmeal for me. Another time I went with my Korean friend and we were talking to each other and there was a couple in front of us one of who was Asian. We weren't talking to them at all. After I placed my order the staff asked me if we were together pointing to the Asian guy and I said no. And she asked me two more times as if I didn't understand her. She stopped when my friend asked loudly if it was because we were Asian.
(3)Melissa C.
Churro waffles were the best waffle I ever had. Hot with a cinnamon topping. Coffee was good. OJ cup a bit small. Hubby had BLT. He said it was good but the bacon was thin although the menu said thick bacon. Anyway we will return many many times. Delicious, quick, AND cheap!
(5)Jessica M.
I EASILY fall head over heels for petite cafes. Milk & Honey is not an exception. Drinks, entrees, and specials are neatly scribbled on chalkboards. Tiny tables for two are systematically aligned alongside the counter. There isn't much room for frolicking but it will do for a quiet Thursday morning. The M&H concept is that you order your food at the counter, pay, grab your number, and seat yourself wherever you please. The two of us had a small coffee, hot chocolate with whipped cream, grilled panini, and house-made waffles. It was approximately $10 per person. My grilled panini was 1.5 inches thick with melted cheese, scrambled eggs, tomato, and bacon strips. The bread was perfectly toasted and the sandwich was served hot. It was simplicity at its best and I was very pleased. The house-made chips served to the side were lightly salted. It was a delightful compliment to the sandwich. This would be the go-to place if you just want a non-McD quick and solid bite. If you're looking for a more glamorous and unique experience, you might want to be elsewhere. M&H does the best at keeping it simple.
(4)Kelli J.
I stop in fairly regularly for coffee and a pastry. Each and every morning the unfriendliness of the people working behind the counter surprises me. I know it's busy and early but would it be that hard to crack a smile?! Treats are tasty but it totally lacks the friendly neighborhood vibe I expect.
(3)Jamie B.
Smoked salmon plate hasn't been as good last couple of visits. Lack of cream cheese, not too much salmon, onions sliced wayyy too thick. Wish they'd switch to Metropolis coffee. Intelligentsia isn't my cup of tea. Would have to agree with the other reviewers that the people who work here don't seem very happy. Don't think I'll be back for a while.
(2)Lindsay S.
If I could give this place 0.5 stars or 0 stars, I would. I have really tried to like Milk & Honey. Really, I have. I have come here several times over the past 3 years hoping that I'll have a better experience than last time. The food is okay but they don't offer many gluten-free options...is it that hard to have gluten-free bread on hand for the Celiacs' in the world? But the major reason this place is so awful is the service. The staff could not make you feel more uncomfortable or like you are completely inconveniencing them. My friend wanted a sweet treat and a latte here the other day even though I tried to convince her that we should go to Alliance Bakery. I lost the battle and after she ordered (I refused to order anything) she whispered, "What's wrong with these people? No one smiles and they seem mad at us." Yep. Nailed it. It's how it always is. The tall older blonde woman with glasses took my friend's order and seriously was beyond unfriendly - she always seems to be though. And the other girl had a straight line on her face where a smile or upper lip corners could curve up a bit. She looked miserable in her eyes and entire face. Milk & Honey, shame on you and how you treat your customers. How do people still eat here? I am not one to enjoy writing bad reviews but this just had to be done.
(1)Daniela V.
I went to milk and honey because I was craving ham so bad. I walked in and ordered a ham and cheese sandwich. The sandwich was pretty good but an hour after I ate it I got very gassy. I didn't feel well so I headed home on the division bus. I thought I could squeak out a fart without anyone knowing. The next thing I know my butt turned into a diarrhea Corn Tommy gun. My sundress had corn holes in it. But the sandwich was okay
(2)Vandana P.
I've been here a few times went this morning with my family , my son got the plain pancakes from the kids menu they were nice and fluffy, my husband got the tuna melt it was good. I ordered the huevos ranchero not good!! its watery and no flavor if you want this dish go to a Mexican restaurant, I would recommend the pastry's and sandwiches you can't go wrong with that.
(3)Tina S.
Jesus Christ, do yourself a favor and eat here already!!! Unless you are one of the fortunate one like yours truly who has. Multiple times. "But why eat here, Tina?" You might ask. Let me put it in a format similar to another form of social media you might be familiar with...a Buzzfeed-like list. 1. The food is delicious. You like French Toast? Wait until you try the Orange Brioche French Toast. It is fluffy, sweet, dripping with butter and even better covered in maple syrup. Minds blown. 2. Their food is fresh. They have specials that rotate. Quiche? Heavenly. Huevos Rancheros? Bomb. Breakfast Burrito Bowl? So much yummy goodness. Seriously. 3. Not super hungry? That's crazy talk, but no problem. Order a scone, a granola bar, a croissant, or another small but equally delicious item, grab some coffee or tea and enjoy yourself. 4. You order at a counter so you don't have the waitstaff hovering over you. I'm not finished with my 8,000 calorie, mouth watering breakfast. Gosh! You can take your time and enjoy your meal. 5. You want more coffee? Help yourself! It's self serve. 6. Water is too. Less wasteful. 7. It's in a great part of the city. Division Street is really bumpin. Make a day of it and wander up and down, check out the local establishments. 8. It's almost always packed. So if that's not reason enough to go there, I don't know what is!
(5)Jennifer T.
I'm surprised at all of the low reviews. I'm a very discerning eater, and there are a few dishes in particular at Milk and Honey that are just spectacular. I usually get the food as carryout, so no comment on the service. The smoked salmon bagel is delicious. The fresh, delicate flavors balance well and you get an enormous amount of food - bagel, cream cheese, salmon, cucumber, tomato, onion, capers. My partner usually gets the ham and havarti or turkey reuben, both which I highly recommend.
(5)Shan D.
Great spot for a relatively inexpensive and filling brunch. Had the huevos rancheros which were delicious. Great for coffee and hanging out on a lazy afternoon.
(5)Monica J.
Coffee and granola are excellent here. They use Intelligentsia beans, which is delicious but their beverages are MUCH cheaper than the same beverages at Intelligentsia. In addition, they have their own syrups that they make, which change based on the season. I recommend their pumpkin coconut one, which is only available in the Fall and Winter. They have a stamp card as well so you do get rewarded for coming there (free beverage after about nine purchased drinks). Their desserts always look tasty, too, but since I don;t eat egg, I always have to pass. The place is great, though, for a delicious cup of coffee, a chill breakfast, a sweet treat, or a light lunch. Kudos to Milk & Honey! Cute outdoor seating in summer, as well :)
(5)Anne T.
I adore just about everything Milk + Honey has to offer. The café is located in a really quaint section of Wicker Park that is near a lot of other great restaurants. I apologize, I went a while back and forgot the name so am just now posting my review. Hopefully everything is still as delicious as before. We went for a late lunch on a weekday. I was impressed by how crowded the place was. I had a gazpacho and mango cupcake. The gazpacho was elegant and fresh. I liked that it was minimalistic. My mango cupcake was absolutely divine. It had the perfect cream to cake ratio. I also liked how smooth the frosting was. It tasted like a really high-end buttercream made by slowly melting in sugar rather than powdered sugar that often makes a frosting more grainy. My friend had the crab cake with chipotle mayo sandwich. Tried a bite of hers and it was superb. Definitely plan to go back at try their breakfast!
(5)Klo J.
I call this place 'sad face cafe' because all the workers are MISERABLE! Apparently, it trickles down from the top because the manager clearly hates dealing with humans. It's a shame because the food is delightful, but the 'tude is far from it! PS: The cinnamon rolls are the best in town.
(2)Aletta J.
Stopped here before the Sound of Music as we have finicky eaters in the group and I thought this could work. My finicky friend and I ordered chicken and waffles (sans chipotle syrup) and the scrambled egg pannini. Both were so-so. The chicken strips were the sizes of fried clams. I expected to get a full-sized leg or at least a full-sized tender. It was dry and chewy. The waffle, however was malty and good. The pannini was ok, something I could have made at home. Wish they would have put a creative spin on mustard or aoli to make the flavor pop. The mother in law had the orange brioche french toast. Looked delicious and it was HUGE. As for service, I concur with the previous posters. The line was moving fast, but they all seemed aggravated that we were there. Service with a smile or at least cordial attitude would have made this a better place. Not returning anytime soon. We made our way to Glazed and Infused after our breakfast and got our goodies for after the show.
(3)Colleen M.
My 13 yr old daughter & I frequent Milk & Honey because it's close and the food is good. The service, however, is always lousy. Placing your order feels like you're asking them to do you a favor. We stopped in during this week and really wanted to get breakfast. They stop serving breakfast at 12:00. By the time we got to the register to order, it was 12:03. The woman at the register absolutely refused to allow us to order breakfast food, she said it just couldn't be done. Really? THREE lousy minutes? Which, if the people in front of us could've stopped haggling, we could have made it. For the prices they charge, they can and should be a little nicer to the customers.
(2)Tim R.
So many great brunch options on Division. Milk & Honey is not one. While waiting for a table we weren't asked if we wanted to sit outside and instead were seated next to the bathroom . When we asked if we could relocate to either of the two free tables outside we were told that our order had already been placed and that the hostess was in the process of seating two groups that came after us there. Translation: "it's too much work for me to accommodate you so I prefer not to" 20 minutes later we got our food, but no drinks which we had to go to the counter and ask about before they were finally brought. No one apologized. No one asked how our subpar food was. I couldn't help but notice the sign on the wall that said something to the order of "please eat faster and don't spend too long talking, so we can maximize table turnover". That seems to be the motto of this place, good thing they ask you to tip before you get to experience any of their wonderful service.
(1)Stephanie L.
Stopped in here after my detox at the Red Square. We sat outside on a beautiful day. It was gorge. I love a nice patio. The black bean burger was good, but it was lacking a little flavor. The hummus wrap was great. I would have liked some condiments but there were none. And no one came and checked on us after they brought our food. I was too lazy to get up and go back in. Overall, it was a pretty good place to grab a bite. It is a little pricey, but what do you expect. It has that organic-y, locally grown, etc feel...ya know what I mean??
(4)Kent P.
Medium quality, overpriced, sort of rude service. Wouldn't go back, but it was Meh-OK. My breakfast sandwich was two pieces of toast, a scrambled egg, and tomato. BBBBBBBORRRRING. Also, the Huevos were too hot to eat for like 10 minutes.
(2)Tyson H.
A Wicker Park staple, this place is great! Great food, great coffee, and a great location located right off Division street nestled amongst several large bars and other restaurants. If there was anything negative to say, it's that this place is too popular - there is a constant stream of people rain or shine, especially for weekend brunch. The cafe-style of service makes it informal and quaint.
(5)Alexandria T.
I can't believe I have never reviewed Milk & Honey. It is super close to my place, so when I'm actually home for lunch, I often grab a sandwich or salad from Milk & Honey. I know that it is a popular breakfast spot, but I most often go for lunch. On my most recent visit yesterday, I got the breakfast panini without bacon, and they subbed avocado for no extra charge. It's always nice when a restaurant accommodates non-meat eaters. It's a pretty standard breakfast sandwich, but I love that they put tomatoes on it. The caprese sandwich is offered seasonally in the summer and is always tasty. My favorite sandwich is the avocado and smoked Gouda. It sounds really simple, but it is delicious. They recently added a beet and goat cheese sandwich which is also really good. House made chips come with all sandwiches, but you can also sub a side salad. I will continue to go back to Milk & Honey for the quality of their food.
(4)Rebecca N.
Good, but I am not running back. It is a cute, small cafe. Not a ton of breakfast options. I got the egg sandwich. The sourdough bread was good, but besides that nothing special. Wish it came with potatoes instead of chips. Really good drinks. The line was very short and we didn't wait for a table so that part was good!
(3)Casey F.
I've been here several times and I've always enjoyed it. I love the outdoor patio space, and the fact that its dog friendly. This place is always packed, but that isn't their fault. It's just really good. You order at the counter and they bring the food out to your table when it's ready. Service is always really quick (once you can actually order and find a table) and I love the coffee and chai lattes. The food is great, especially for the price. The waffles, french toast and pancakes I've sampled have all been stellar. Oatmeal is good but not comparably as good as the other items I have had, but who could expect it to be. If you are going for a weekend breakfast, go early!
(4)Norma C.
I went in and the line was to the door which was awkward for ppl in the back bc it's sort of small but I mean it was lunch hour. I was third in line and waited and waited til the cashier was done chatting up her lesbian friend couple. Finally it was my turn! It was my first time in and I found it odd that the sandwiches aren't named or numbered so I said to the cashier (who had now changed from the chatty one previously mentioned) I'm not sure how to order because I don't see the name but I want the avocado Gouda cheese... (I listed ingredients) Cashier lady was serving major sass!!! "Well then we'll call it the avocado sandwich are you ordering anything else" (No and I'm sorry?) My overall impression after eating this at home is there's 4 girls behind the counter serving sass but I have hope for the first one who didn't help me bc she seemed like the only person smiling at customers. There's one guy bussing tables and handing out to go orders, he was friendly. The sandwich was nothing special in fact I could make it myself at home it was just lettuce tomato avocado mustard and multigrain. The potato chis are that wet paper bag color bc of all the oil and have no salt... They are flavorless and I wish I had asked for fruit instead. I won't be going back. I'm just not into bland sandwiches wet chips or girls giving me attitude bc I don't want to name every ingredient in my sandwich. The star is for the pickle that came w my sandwich, so good!
(1)Nina G.
Delicious brunch food- 5 stars for the huevos rancheros and their coffee is always amazing. This place is a cute, cozy brunch spot in Wicker Park that is absolutely worth trying. On the weekend they can be a little crowded but they do a great job moving people through (without rushing you) and so wait times are not astronomical.
(4)Coleen K.
Adore this place so much. Great upbeat cafe, always playing happy music and the staff is very friendly. I love that their specials change daily; there's always something new and fun to try. I LOVE their quiche, some of the best I've found in Chicago. In the summertime, their outdoor seating is clutch. They also have big french doors opening the restaurant up to the sidewalk for some nice indoor-outdoor dining. Prices are pretty good too! All in all, I'm willing to travel to this neighborhood just for a bite to eat!
(5)Tanmaye B.
Great spot for brunch in Wicker Park! A cozy cafe-style interior (bonus points for the fireplace on a cold Chicago morning!) and pay-at-the-counter service. Seating was a bit tight, but not really a big problem. The food was delicious.. we ordered the orange brioche french toast and the huevos rancheros. The french toast was great.. nice big portions, and the orange flavor was balanced just right! The huevos rancheros was definitely the highlight; it was served in a big ramekin - the combination of beans, cheese, tortillas, eggs, and the chipotle sauce on the side made for a really savory and filling combination! Didn't get to try the yummy-looking bakery items or the impressive sandwich selection, will have to come back for those!
(4)Caeleigh R.
This place is so cute! It's way bigger than what you would expect when you're looking at it from the outside and has quite a bit of seating. Their menu is pretty big for a cafe and their breakfast choices looked really yummy. I was with my mom on our weekly coffee date and so we decided to split a chicken breast sandwich (I don't remember the name) and a small order of the caprese salad. The sandwich was good and they even split the sandwich and chips onto two plates because they knew it was for both my mom and I. How awesome is that?? My mom loved her mocha latte and I enjoyed my Chai. We will be back!
(5)Ashley S.
This is a nice neighborhood spot. The staff is super nice and the food is delicious. I have only dined here for breakfast but everything I have had has been prepared and presented well. I take a lot of my out of town visitors here because the cafe is deigned well and is exactly what you look for in a city cafe.
(4)Hannah H.
This has a soft place in my heart as my family and I have been coming here for years - our favorites include the Orange Brioche French Toast (with toppings of toasted almonds and maple syrup; it is quite delicious and the orange flavor is not too overwhelming); Huevos Rancheros (an individual mini-casserole-style with scrambled egg, black beans, salsa picante, corn tortillas, Monterrey jack and cheddar cheeses (only served on Saturday/Sunday)); the Buttermilk Granola Pancakes (with flavor du jour - whatever the flavor of the day is); their house made Herb-Crusted Roast Beef (with lettuce, tomato, and radish slaw on a grilled ciabatta); and, Thick-Cut Bacon sandwich (with romaine lettuce, tomato, mayo, all on a toasted Italian bread). This place can get crazy on the weekends with huge lines in this Wicker Park neighborhood, but if you get a table in this very sunny, lit-up room, it's some solid brunch foods. +Orange Brioche French Toast +Herb-Croasted Roast Beef sandwich +Thick-Cut Bacon sandwich +Huevos Rancheros
(4)Julius H.
Food is ok, service is very poor. Went for the first time last week, didn't know to order then sit myself, so the cashier seemed quite irritated. Didn't meet one friendly staff member. Wasn't sure if this was the norm until I checked the reviews on here and had my wife go on her own and have an even worse experience. Will never return. Too many good brunches in the neighborhood to give my business to a place that clearly doesn't care.
(1)Autumn H.
This place is ok for breakfast but the sit down experience is often cramped and noisy. I'd rather just grab my coffee and pastry to go. Other than that it's just not the best breakfast spot. With so many good ones out there it's worth it to go down the street for something better. Its ok I'm just not impressed.
(3)Bree M.
We went for Sunday brunch at 9am. We did not wait and there were tables available. We noticed after 30 minutes there was a line to the door and no available seating- Definitely go earlier! The panini was good, but nothing outrageous that I must have again. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. It seemed very clean and the staff was quick to remove a finished plates from the table. I will go again for a casual brunch or a coffee. FYI: This is a cash only establishment.
(4)Mrs. H.
I decided to stop through here as a friend met me for lunch so we gave it a try on a whim. I wasn't super hungry, so I ordered the Brussels Sprouts salad. It was just okay...no wow-factor. Unfortunately, I found hair (yes, HAIR) in my food and brought it to the attention of the girl who initially took our order; she was nearby cleaning a table. I explicitly said, "I'd like to make you aware that there's hair in my salad." She said, "Oh really? Where is it?" And leaned in closer to inspect the hair on my fork. She said "OK," mumbled something else, and then walked off. I sat there for a minute thinking she would come back and offer me something else or discard it all together. I saw her briefly talk to other girl working (perhaps the manager?) and she went back to work. Seeing she had no intentions of returning, I approached her with my plate and she seemed irritated. I asked her if they were going to do something about the salad. To my surprise, she said, "I was confused because you just brought it to my attention and it looked like you were still eating." *wide eyed* I assured her I was done and asked for my money back. She discarded it and gave me cash for the total. The other girl at the register (assumed manager?) asked her if she took the salad from me (as if I wanted the salad AND my money...no thanks, just give me my money back). Not once did this person directly acknowledge me standing in front of her at the counter; it was as if I wasn't even there. The girl giving me my money back reiterated her confusion stating, "Well usually, people just ask for something else on the menu or their money back." USUALLY?! So this is a repeat offense? *gags* I suppose that because I didn't ASK her to take the salad she decided not to do so nor bother to apologize for the lack of sanitary decency! I wasn't given the chance to ask, which is beside the point, because she walked off so quickly. It seemed as if she was full of excuses and finger-pointing. Her attitude was that of someone who doesn't want my business. Too bad I didn't read some of the other Yelp reviews before I went; it seems like customer service isn't their thing. I won't be back.
(1)Mary Kate N.
Yummy! I had a very delicious and reasonably-priced sandwich with avocado and gouda. Loved the friendly ambiance and atmosphere!
(4)Katie W.
Granola with yogurt and fresh fruit was the best! Organic Hojicha Green tea was refreshing too. Such a cute place for brunch with a friend or a good book! There is outdoor seating too - be sure to order at the counter first though.
(4)Steph U.
Server was upset bc I asked her to ring me up bc I was in a hurry and the first server was making my drink. The upset one then complained to the original server right in front of me...don't think I'll be back. The first server was nice, but the second server really made me feel uncomfortable. Originally came here bc I was tired and wanted something before work, but left with a bad taste in my mouth, both literally and figuratively.
(1)Amanda M.
This place rocks. The girls that work here are super sweet. I eat here all of the time. Highly reccomend!
(5)Jeffrey C.
Milk & Honey is one of those cute little places for women who lunch, yuppies who brunch, and families just looking for a good heaping of food. It even has the cutesy-friendly moniker to boot. It's a smallish, crowded joint. Service is counter, and the menu is posted on the big board behind the cash register. The Yelp "Review Highlights" is a sufficient palette highlighting the best of Milk & Honey. The fiance and I went with 2 of the 3: the famous granola and the top-rated huevos rancheros. I did long for a bite of the orange brioche french toast, but went savory over sweet. Next time. The huevos rancheros were dynamite, served casserole style in a medium-sized ramekin. It's available on weekends only, with a healthy scoop of eggs, black beans, tortilla strips, and cheese. It's accompanied by a sauce that tastes more like a New Orleans-style remoulade rather than traditional salsa. It's also delicious and filling. The granola was likewise very good. It came in a large bowl, sitting on a bed of yogurt and accompanied with some fresh fruit. The granola bites were spectacular and quite flavorful. I can see why they've started selling it retail. However, the dried fruit was a little too tough to chew and a bit overwhelming, with the fresh fruit already in the bowl. A dining compatriot picked the turkey reuben, which looked tasty as well and satisfied his hunger pangs. Prices are solid, in the $6-$9 range. Gazing at the drink menu can set you back some. There's fresh-squeezed OJ or grapefruit juice that'll run you $3, as well as Intelligentsia coffee product. Since ordering is counter, you can save some money without the obligatory full-service tip.
(4)Jeremy N.
I am a big fan of Milk & Honey. The huevos rancheros baked egg dish for brunch is one of my favorite brunch dishes anywhere in Chicago. Have tried several of their french toast variations and have never been let down. They always seem to have at least one savory pancake or other similar option and have been curious to try but never pulled the trigger. Their bakery/pastry assortment will make you drool. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the layout. When you walk in you place your order after standing in line. I feel like this would make sense if the place wasn't so busy, but every time we have been here there is a huge line, people can barely get inside, the staff can't squeeze by the people in the line... i feel like whatever they are saving by not just having regular servers gets lost due to all the confusion and stress.
(4)Shari H.
My favorite spot in Wicker Park! I absolutely love this place. It is a hidden neighborhood gem. I love that it has that neighborhood feel but it also looks like a hip cafe. The staff is always lovely and they are also dog friendly which I think is amazing! I've sat inside as well as at their outside patio. It is a bit small so it may not be for you if you are in a large group but they will try to accommodate you. I've tried the tuna on a panini, chipotle pasta, breakfast sandwich and buttermilk granola pancakes with cherry. I've also tried the lavender cookies for dessert as well as the ice cream sandwich. I love the ice cream sandwich because it is not your typical ice cream sandwich. I tried the blueberry on lavender cookies and also the vanilla bean on graham cracker cookies. Both were to die for! You MUST try this place! :-)
(5)Anthony V.
Dainty "hipster vibed" cafe with a cute, sustainable menu to match. Be it the Vampire Weekend tracks playing throughout the cafe, paired with the inked up staff recommending the Amish chicken sandwich and desserts made from local ingredients off their "bio" menu, I'll go ahead and tip my hat to this establishment. This kind of place backs up my predisposed opinion that hipsters are good for the world of food. I ended up ordering the Amish chicken which was boffo. The blue cheese paired with juicy chicken and panini pressed toasted bread definitely hit the lunch time spot. The outdoor dining area extends out with the same new age feel the division street presents. So if you like to wear rolled up jeans with fedoras or just feel like going green for lunch , check out Milk & Honey.
(4)Mary H.
I would probably have given this place two or three stars if I hadn't found a HUGE beetle in my food right as I was finishing my meal. So disgusting. As other reviews have mentioned, the staff is really unfriendly. They were rude when we were getting seated, as we weren't aware of the "order before you sit" rule they have here. I was under the impression it was a more of a suggestion since no one explained it to us. The hostess was super snippy with us for having not yet ordered when our table was ready. You should be giving new patrons some instructions before rolling your eyes at them. Then to find a huge bug in my meal? It was obviously not a good experience. The server gave me a refund, but the whole exchange was gross and awkward. She literally put the money down on the table, said "...so sorry" and ran away. Everyone at my table had sampled my dish, so I felt like they should have done more than just refunded my meal (down to the exact penny mind you) as this is a really disgusting and hopefully uncommon experience. Considering the quality of other brunch places in this area, I will be taking my business elsewhere.
(1)I J.
Came here for a drink and asked for less ice, it kind of seemed to me like that was a big deal for the barista.
(2)Sera I.
The heuvos rancheros are phenomenal! Seriously the best thing here. Love love this place - can't for wrong with any of the bfast items .
(5)Monica M.
Walked into this place looking for coffee and was pleasantly surprised by the lovely atmosphere! decided to stay and try the food. I had the Amish chicken sandwich- which was very tasty! you get lots of chicken and the blue cheese and bacon combo never disappoints. The curried sweet potato soup had warmth and depth of flavor- I loved it! Finished off with a cappuccino, which wasn't the best I've had, but definitely solid. Service was welcoming and friendly, prices were reasonable. I will definitely be back to try breakfast!
(4)Allen B.
Milk & Honey. What a clever name for a wonderful place. Food is great and they serve it piping hot. A fantastic selection of eats for breakfast and brunch, so make sure you go in there having an idea of what you would like grub on. It gets fairly crowded during certain times, however, every time I've visited I've been lucky enough to beat the rush. Only miniscule complaint I have is that the place is a tad small. But I'm sure to get a bigger place around the Division area would cost a grip & a half, so it is what it is and I definitely understand the restaurant's size. Go there. Enjoy it. Then Yelp it afterwards.
(4)Darla J.
Sunday 12:45 - line almost out the door. We ordered and were given our number. We made our coffee. We found a little spot to hover that felt only somewhat in the way. Were surprised to be seated quickly. The ordering/seating process is confusing if you've never been there and I'm glad my friend was familiar with the nontraditional routine. Food comes out within a few minutes. Friend ordered the Orange Brioche French Toast. Looked and Tasted fantastic. I ordered the black-bean burger. Plate looked good. I attempted to cut my burger in half and the entire "burger" oozed apart. I'm talking black bean mush coming out of my kaiser roll in all directions. We ask one of the bussers to send a server over. Woman walks to an empty table next to us and addresses us from afar. Nice. I question whether my "burger" is cooked properly, showing her my mush on a bun. She responds with "It's a veggie burger, It's not going to firm up like meat does" I'm quite familiar with the differences between meat and veggie burgers, but thanks for that clarification. So I ask if this mush is normal, to which she assures me it is. So this is how you make and serve black bean burgers here? Yes Yes, she says "I usually remove the bun and just eat it like a patty" which makes no sense - there's nothing patty about this. Okay, I say, I've just never seen a black bean burger like this. Trust me, She says, it will taste amazing. Okay fine. I'm open to trying just about anything once. And if this is how they serve it, this is how they serve it, right? Woman is obviously not interested in either my line of questioning nor my enjoyment of the food. She promptly walks away from the table she was talking at us from. I taste the veggie mush and kaiser roll with my fork -- picking this concoction up and biting into it was not an option. Tastes okay. Not amazing. Standard black-bean something taste. Friend thought I should send the plate back. I wasn't in the mood to haggle or wait around for another plate of food. I also didn't feel like calling woman over for another round of what-are-you-annoying-me-with-now service. I ate about half the burger mush in the form of a dip for my side of chips. Hey, I can be creative with food too! Woman walked by our table twice. Woman was right across counter from me as friend got a refill on coffee. You would think woman may have caught my eye and asked -how was it, as in a I-told-you-so manner. To which I would have responded that it was honestly the worst black bean burger I've every had, but thank you for following up. Instead woman ignored me. The 2nd star comes from friends Orange Brioche. My food was terrible. If the server was more interested in my dining experience I probably could have walked out knowing to order something else next time but otherwise feeling just fine about the place. With the number of options in that neighborhood, poor service is unacceptable. And I wouldn't recommend the black bean burger. Unless you want to eat it as a chip dip.
(2)Eric P.
Great food and great service. The women that run this establishment are super organized. It's counter service and when busy they will work to find seating for you. If you're one of those people who insists on claiming a seat prior to ordering (you know who you are) this place ain't for you. Anyway, one of my favorites in Wicker Park. If you read the negative reviews you'll see people complaining about a lot of petty stuff.
(5)Mauro R.
After walking for a couple hours in Ukrainian Village and east Village in a day where the temperature was in the 20's, my leather shoes didn't help much and my feet were literally freezing. It was time to get inside, somewhere, anywhere. We see this place and walk in. It was pretty busy, unpretentious, but...warm. My wife enjoyed a large, and well done hot chocolate, I had the chamomile tea as I was trying to get my body out of his numb status, but we didn't eat, I don't think I was able to move my mouth that much on that arctic day. Anyway, the little we had, the tea and the chocolate were very good, my tea had pieces of chamomile flowers in the tea bag not the regular tea powder. Hot and tasty, good service, it was a nice refuge from the cold, so it deserved a little review.
(3)Lynn M.
So nice to sit out on the patio on a nice day! A group of us got iced chai, iced coffee, and iced peach tea... All delicious! Can't beat the atmosphere, and excited to try the yummy looking food next time.
(4)Sean S.
The casserole-style huevos rancheros are excellently flavored despite the simple ingredients...the low cost will keep me coming back for breakfast next time I visit Chicago.
(4)Christina S.
There really isn't anything truly unique or very interesting with the food offerings of Milk and Honey, but the staff is friendly and the place is comfortable and cute. The owners really care about and appears to give back to the community, which I admire and respect. I honestly wouldn't venture out of my way to visit this place but it's a great quick casual place for simple breakfast and lunch if you live in the area or happen to be passing through.
(3)Michael G.
We were there on a warm and beautiful day for Sunday brunch. It was really a pretty good experience. We had the migas specials and I enjoyed everything about it. The latte could have been hotter, but it was tasty. We arrived about 10 or so, and it was very crowded, we waited in line for about 15 minutes. When we left at noon, the line was well out of the store. We know this area of Chicago pretty well, so we'll be back. I'd love to try a daily lunch.
(4)Magda M.
Just went there for lunch- their leak soup was delish! Reminded me of my mom's soups. I also got pa grilled eggplant wrap and it was gigantic and of course delicioso. I like that they have that little sink and you get your own water, it's cute and very useful to me since I drink a lot of it and sometimes the waiters don't fill my glass often enough. Oh did I mention it was only $10?
(4)Dan T.
Sooooo - I went there again! Why? Why keep I forgetting that it is a disappointing experience? Espresso is bitter and burnt, Chai Lattes are watery and bland and the cookies are so flavourless that even my 9 year old son won't finish his chocolate chip cookie. On a positive note: they have a nice fireplace and sandwiches are good. Hopefully writing a yelp review will help me remember not to come here again!
(2)Spencer Z.
I absolutely love Milk & Honey's food. I lived only a few blocks away from here for about 2 years and it was my go-to breakfast spot in the neighborhood. I have to applaud them for being one of the only places to ever brew Intelligentsia coffee correctly. Even more, their pancakes du jour are ALWAYS to die for. Service is quick, but you will probably have to wait a while for a table if you go on the weekend. Unfortunately, though, since I moved out of the neighborhood, Milk & Honey is almost always full of moms with strollers the size of mini coopers. This restaurant used to be quaint and charming, but now it is just stressful to maneuver through. It's too darn bad that Wicker Park / North Ukranian Village has become so yuppie.
(3)Jeff W.
This place is trying a bit too hard to be something that it is not. Menu very limited, taste is just ok, service was purposefully non-existent. My buddy made the mistake of asking for silverware when the food was served. The cashier/ order taker cooly pointed to where we needed to get up and get it ourselves. She did this maneuver, amazingly, without speaking, lest she waste her valuable syllables on a couple of wandering rookies who made the mistake of interrupting her thoughts green tea and unicorns. If the food and atmosphere was note worthy one could tolerate such insolence. As it stands it is a neighborhood coffee shop lacking both charm and spirit. My buddies bloody Mary was stellar which bumps it up from 1 star to 2. Sent from my iPad
(2)Sas C.
I loved the Almond milk latte I had...glad to have an alternative to the soy! I am a coffee lover...and kudos for a wonderful breakfast. Food was top notch. It was great that they aloud us to mix it up a little by choosing a couple sides to create our dish and it was great.
(4)Jennifer C.
{3.5 STARS} Came here on a Saturday morning with one other person. The hostess said the wait would be 20 mins but we were able to sit down pretty quickly. Probably didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes. I ordered the {HUEVOS RANCHEROS} and my friend ordered the {APPLE CINNAMON WAFFLE} with a side of {BACON} -I had high hopes for the {HUEVOS RANCHEROS} but in my opinion they were only okay. I wish they had some tortillas on top instead of all baked in so you got a little bit of the crunch factor, it wasn't bad but I would pass next time. The {APPLE CINNAMON WAFFLE} on the other hand was mighty tasty, it was a perfect combination and not to sweet. The side of {BACON} seems a little sad, they give plenty of it but the bacon strips are thin and weak looking! :) I'd come back again, in a small group -the baked goods looks really amazing will have to try those next time.
(3)Rebecca R.
I came here on a Sunday afternoon with two other first-timers. It was a little warm, but we were glad to have the option to sit casually outside at one of their umbrella tables. After hearing the hype of this place, I was surprised to see that you order and pay for your meal before finding a place to sit down. The coffee was delicious and served in huge cups. My iced coffee was rich and delicious and the look on my two peeps face was of satisfaction over their huge cups of hot coffee. Two of us ordered the egg panini and one ordered the bagles and lox with a side of scrambled eggs. I was bummed that both the special of the day and the huevos rancheros were out by the time I arrived, but I was very happy after my first bite of the breakfast panini. Everyone was satisfied and I plan to go back soon! So much more to try and my first experience was successful enough to go back!
(4)Denice D.
Good brunch place. Skip the pastries and go for menu items. Bagel and lox is amazing! Iced coffee is great and bottomless so it's a deal if your there for a while.
(4)Eddy V.
My friend Megan and I go a few months without seeing each other, so it was a delight that we decided to meet up at Milk & Honey for a late Sunday brunch. I'm all for brunch foods, so this place was heaven and here's why: Arriving: We arrived close to 1pm on a sunny Sunday afternoon. It was my first time dining at Milk & Honey, so I had no idea what to expect. I was surprised to find a long line extending from the counter to the door. Instead of ordering at your table, you order everything at the counter (including coffee and drinks), then they give you a number, seat you when a table becomes available, and bring the food out right away. It was a bit unconventional, but I didn't mind. Food: I ordered the Orange Brioche French Toast with Almonds and Maple Syrup - it was heaven in my mouth. Two large slices of bread covered in magic with a hint of orange and with the crunchiness of the almonds made it one of the best french toasts I've ever had. When I've ordered french toast at other places, it's usually soggy. This was not the case at M&H - it was soft, yet toasted. Service: Although we did not have a waiter, there was a host walking around making sure everything was being enjoyed. We were unsure if the coffee refills were complimentary, so when we asked he politely grabbed our cups and gave us more. He was very friendly. In short, the wait CAN be a bit long, but ti's definitely worth it. It's inexpensive, DELICIOUS, and a great place for a nice brunch. I highly recommend it.
(5)Ide C.
Food was good. I had orange flavor French toast. Small place. Get on line to order and pay, then they gv u # and find you. Family friendly. Decent prices and they save on salaries since it's DIY. Bacon was good. Ditto coffee.
(4)Cat G.
Love the food as well as the ambiance of the place. Had the huevos rancheros the first time I came, and had a hankering to return for the orange brioche French toast. I must have overhyped it in my mind though, I found it to be kind of disappointing compared to what I was hoping for. The huevos rancheros were awesome, though, and my mom and sister had the caprese sandwich and the avocado/smoked gouda/mustard sandwiches respectively. Both of those were great - and I don't even usually like mustard. Overall, a pretty solid place, and if I lived closer, I'd be there more often.
(4)Greg A.
Good food, over priced, but what I disliked the most was the placement of the menu which is located behind the counter off to the side. So you get to the counter and the cashier says what can I get you? Well I don't know yet because I can't see the menu! You wonder why the line is so long.
(3)Paul S.
Well, crap, blueberry ginger home made donuts? How am I supposed to ignore that and eat healthy? I say no more. Take my money. Five stars.
(5)Magen R.
Milk & Honey was good, but not great. We walked in and ordered and were seated pretty quickly. I had the Turkey Reuben and others at my table enjoyed the Huevos Rancheros and the Breakfast Panini. The huevos rancheros looked delicious and made me wish I like eggs. My Turkey Panini was good. Our food came very quickly and the service was fine. I think the reason I give Milk & Honey 3/5 stars is that it's just not my kind of place. I think brunch should be a relaxing and enjoyable mood. The moment you walk into Milk & Honey you are rushed to order as there is a crowd of people in line. They also make you get your own coffee, water, silverware, napkins, etc. Part of the enjoyment of brunch is being served. They also have a sign on the wall encouraging patrons NOT to take their time on the weekends so other people can sit down. There's nothing wrong with Milk & Honey but it's just not my kind of place.
(3)Kris R.
i totes see what the hype is about. i brought my out-of-town guests here for some brunchy-brunch. it's one-a those, go-to-the-counter-to-order-then-find-a-place-to-Âsit kinda joint. we only had to wait less than 10 min for a table to open up. grab your eatin' tools, napkins, and free water by the bar. we all split the f*ckin' french toast (orange, brioche bread with almond slices), a piece of strata (bacon, green onion, crack), and the huevos rancheros casserole thing (mexican breakfast in a bowl covered with cheese). my favorite was the strata - it was small, but it was only $4. the toast was kick ass, and the casserole was okay, kinda runny. oh! and the chicken sausage. mmmm in my mouth. i'd love to come here again. i'm just not a huge fan of waiting in line for brunch. i mean, i'm already tired, so i'd rather wait in bed than in line. know what i say??
(4)Ryann F.
Perhaps it is odd that I am finally getting around to writing my review for Milk & Honey Cafe, almost four months after I moved from Chicago to New York. Nonetheless, my love for this place must be shared. Eat the huevos rancheros. I don't care if you're a sweet brunch eater -get a pastry on the side. I promise you won't regret it. The space is cute, quaint, charming, and full of light. Enjoy it!
(4)Margarita C.
I have been a loyal customer for 1 year now. My husband actually took me here the day we got engaged and we had the Amish chicken sandwich. Ever since I have had one almost everyday :). The staff is so welcoming. This place is awesome!!! Ohh and the granola bars and banana bread are amazing. If you want some good coffee and fresh food don't hesitate to stop in!!! You won't regret it.
(5)Ariel L.
I think this place does almost everything right. The only thing i don't love about it is the hipster attitude i get sometimes. Occasionally when i come in, the people behind the counter just act like they couldn't give a shit. They don't smile at you and seem annoyed to be taking your order or answering your questions. I have no idea what the deal is. I have noticed that the place seems to be entirely staffed by women. Maybe that has something to do with it. I have heard that women that are in close proximity tend to get on the same menstrual cycles. Perhaps i am just coming in at the wrong time off month. I'm not trying to be a misogynist, i'm just searching for a reasonable answer. Back to the biddness... They have an excellent selection of sweets (cookies, cupcakes, etc), food (breakfast and lunch) and drinks. Their cup cakes go well with the fresh Intelligentsia coffee they carry. Have a mini cupcake if you feel guilty. Its small enough that the calories can't really put a dent in your diet. If you are there for breakfast, go with the breakfast sandwich or breakfast burrito. You won't go wrong in either case. The lunch menu has about a dozen or so sandwiches and a few salads. I like the crab cake sandwich and the pastrami sandwich. Yesterday they had a tomato soup with kale and sausage that was outstanding also. Seating is first come first serve. Walk up to the counter, place your order, get a number, and then find a table. I like their system. You have to have your full party their though. You can't hold seats for multiple extra people. Again, i think thats OK. Keeps the line moving and the tables open. And on a nice day they have a sweet outdoor seating area on division. Pick up some of their home made granola also. Goes great with yogurt in the morning for breakfast.
(4)Patrick K.
A Great Breakfast at Milk and Honey. This casual cafe is has a wide selection of choices for a quick bite to eat in Wicker Park. I had the granola with yogurt and fresh fruit. A great way to start of the morning, highly recommend. My girlfriend has a breakfast burrito that was very tasty. They also had pastry goods. Milk and Honey is a GOOD VALUE and QUAINT place for breakfast or lunch.
(4)Adam D.
After years of return visits, despite the tude you get at the register, I'm done with this place. My family came to visit and we wanted to take them here for some good eats. I dropped off the wife and folks to order for us and grab a seat while i found parking and within three minutes after they found a seat, and were looking at the menu, a woman came up and said your whole party has to be here in order for you to reserve this table and you need to have already ordered. My wife said she was ready and was literally on her way to order but she said no, the whole party must be here so you need to leave because we need the table. My wife told her I was parking and they had just sat down for a few minutes. She didn't care and told my family to leave. My parents are in their 60's for crying out loud. What kind of crazy, rude people work here?! I mean shit. My poor grade school librarian of a mother was kicked out of a restaurant! She wears pink all the time with her cute little crocs. Do you think she's a trouble maker or a line cutter or something?! Ridiculous. Fine. You can take your homemade lemonade and over priced self-righteous sandwich and shove it. I'm going to Jerry's. Which is right next door. And has better sandwiches. And nicer people. Milk and Honey, you suck.
(1)Justine L.
I remember walking by this place when I was in middle school and my dad saying to me "this is your kind of place, right?". Why yes, yes it is! I never ate here until a few months ago, and it was just what I imagined back in the day. I love the concept and feel of Milk & Honey. Casual, warm, airy colors and lofty looking though it's sooo tightly filled with hungry people. Mmm, makes me warm inside! I had the lox on an everything bagel. Out of all the lox I've ever eaten - Walker Brothers, random places, made by me, Europe - this was def the best. Maybe I was extra hungry, but every bite was what I would dream my lox to be. Salmon and capers were fresh, bagel had great texture, tomatoes/onions/cucumbers were sliced at the perfect thickness and cream cheese was delightfully fluffy and onion/scallion infused. I also got a chai tea latte. It was wonderfully rich and served in a cute, oversized mug. Note- cute mug, not practical. I like my coffee drinks extra hot, so unfortunately this cute mug didn't do the job. My husband had the huevos rancheros casserole. It looked so good while standing in line, watching other people eat it... but then it didn't taste as amazing as it looked. I thought it'd be a very bold dish, but it was actually rather bland. Surprise for a southwest-styled item. Overall, my lox were amazing, the rest was okay. The place was beautiful but crowded. I want to go back to try more (bc it's soo cute!). Though the breakfast menu isn't that extensive, they do have a lot of specialty drinks, sandwiches and pastries.
(3)Andrew F.
Pros: Great coffee, some of the best pancakes I've ever had (Buttermilk-Granola Pancakes with Flavor Du Jour- it was almond something), cool interior Cons: If I am nursing a hangover, kids running around everywhere does some harm Overall: A cool place I would go to again for breakfast/brunch
(4)Dave H.
Good food but a bit over-hyped, I like the idea of Milk and Honey more than I actually like Milk and Honey
(3)Evelina L.
I have heard friends rave about this place, so we finally decided to check it out this past weekend...and....don't tell anyone....ssshhhhhhhh Ok, I will reveal a little secret - birchwood kitchen is soooooo much better. But, its a secret, so don't tell anyone...I don't want to wait for my table there :) We had the biscuit special and the lox and bagel, which were both good (especially the perfect bagel), but not great. We will have to give this place 1 more chance and try the huevos rancheros very soon, but....shhhhhhh....birchwood kitchen has so many more creative and yummy options. Very similar concept, cheaper and less crowded with a beautiful back patio, not sitting on a major street... You didn't hear it from me....
(3)Rose G.
I want to love Milk and Honey. The lines are out the door, and the decor is beautiful. The food is pretty good for standard cafe fare. But the staff at this place are so rude and so consisten in their rudeness, that I just can't take it anymore. It does not seem to be hurting business any, but several of the young, hipster women who work the register are snotty as can be, seem pained to take my order, and totally unhelpful when the following things happened; There was cheese on my salad. I'm allergic to cheese, and had said so when ordering. There was hair on my food. We were double charged for an item. On each occasion on the last three visits, one of these things happened, I asked the server for some help and got the blank, icky, passive aggressive stare. I felt like I should apologize for wanting food without hair in it, or for only wanting to pay for my salad once. For a neighborhood place, these people are not very neighborly. It's too bad.
(2)Keke W.
This place was pretty good. I had the pancake special of the day along with the chicken sausage. I will be back. There was a long line but the wait was relatively fast.
(5)Alex D.
Really enjoy this place for brunch on weekend mornings. Always a bit of a line, and their seating system is a bit odd the first time you get there, but the food is excellent. In particular the huevos rancheros casserole style is probably the best I've had. Also worth mention is the beet salad and the chai latte. When I need a break from the huevos, which is rare, I recommend the toasted bagel with salmon, onions and capers - always a treat. Even better when seating outdoors is open, during the warmer months.
(4)Mark K.
This place is a great quick-stop. The food is good, but relatively unremarkable. That said, it serves a nice spot as a quick stop for sandwiches and breakfast-like items. I've had the reuben, the smoked salmon breakfast dish, the orange brioche french toast, and the avocado sandwich. These were all pretty good, but they wouldn't cause me to go out of my way to eat here. The orange brioche french toast sounds better than it is; I found it french toast with a little bit of an adjustment. The space is small, so brunch on the weekend is very crowded, and there's usually some kind of wait. If you can go during the week, especially during the day, this is a wonderful place for a quick pick-me-up. I also liked their coffee.
(4)Amanda C.
One of the few brunches I've had in Chicago, Milk and Honey was much as I expected: busy. Really, really busy. So busy in fact, that to be able to order and sit down in under 45 minutes, we ended up eating outside on a 45 degree day. It was sunny, so I didn't mind too much, but our limbs were a little frozen by the end. Just the whole order at the counter set up threw me off a little bit, and seemed chaotic with people having ordered with no place to sit. Another thing that threw me was the woman taking our order, who impatiently told everyone in my party (with an eye roll) to move along after we had ordered...even the person who had been here many times and knew the drill. She seemed very much in her own world of getting people through the line, but I don't think you're ever too busy to be polite. Especially to paying customers. This, combined with getting your own drinks and silverware, made the prices seem a little high. I got the famous granola with yogurt and fruit and found it to be...eh. There were no chunks or nuts in the granola and there was hardly any fruit in my bowl. The vanilla tea I got was nice, but the lady who served it to me was again, impatient and rude. Something redeeming was the amazing (second hand knowledge here) huevos rancheros and insanely tasty looking bacon. It was great to be at brunch with friends I don't see often, but I don't think I'd come back to Milk and Honey the next time I'm in Chicago.
(2)M C.
Chicken tortilla soup was awesome and so was the caprese panini. The atmosphere is friendly, hipster and family friendly as well - would take friends, family and out of town guests here for brunch/lunch. Their granola, although I didn't try it this visit, I hear is outstanding. It is a place where they take your order at the counter, then bring it to your table. Casual service was friendly and they cleaned the vacated tables very quickly. Nice outdoor seating on the sidewalk of Division and located near several other bars.
(4)Seth F.
I bookmarked this place to review a while ago and the first line of my "notes and tips" was, "I don't get it". I think at the time it enjoyed a much higher rating, because the 3.5 it currently has seems more or less appropriate. They make decently good food, but nothing amazing and the ordering/seating process is annoying. Lines in the summer stretch outside the door, and the food is definitely not worth any amount of waiting time, especially with so many options nearby.
(3)Lola R.
This place did the trick for a vegetarian sandwich and a nice cup of coffee. Their homemade chips are less cooked but they were really good. I got a pickle with my sandwich too and they offer free refills on coffee while you're there. I had the avocado sandwich. Next time I want to try their breakfast smoked salmon sandwich. Nice ambiance. Cute. My sandwich and coffee cost me about ten bucks but it was worth it. Heyyo they do breakfast cocktails, wine and beer for those who like the sauce too.
(5)Bilbo B.
Their avocado sandwich (no cheese) and a side-salad is one of my favorite lunches. When it's busy it's kind of confusing getting a table since you actually order at the counter first, they give you a number, then you see if you can get a table. That's the biggest problem there.
(4)Claire G.
I finally got around to trying this place last weekend. I give it 4 out of 5 nroms. It is a solid breakfast/brunch/lunch place in Bucktown. I had the breakfast sandwich, which was large and in charge. Took up most of my plate! Scrambled eggs, cheddar, bacon, spinach, & tomato on a hearty sourdough bread. The bread was toasted and substantial enough so that the sammich didn't fall apart. Sloppy breakfast sammiches are one of my pet peeves, so good on you, Milk & Honey. I also got a Nutella bread pudding, which my dining companions dug into, because omg Nutella, how can a person resist, amiright? Both my brunch buddies got the bagles with creamed cheese and smoked salmon, which were enormous and filled with hearty Jew-food goodness. The only meh was the chips they served on the side of my sammy. I think the oil that they fried them in wasn't hot enough and the potato slices soaked up too much. Yick. Left those behind. It was crowded on a Saturday at 11:30, but we were able to order and sit fairly quickly. I also picked up a bag of blueberry and pecan granola, which was just about the best decision I made all week. Lawdy that is some goooooood granola. My husband wolfed down a big bowl of it for breakfast the next day and crowned me Wife of the Year for my purchase. Prices were reasonable, and even though it's not in my 'hood, I'd make a trip to go back. Also, I just found out that they sell their granola at Beans & Bagles, so everything's coming up Claire!!
(4)Jeff G.
Love this place. Very light breakfast options, amazing lattes, oh, and its super cheap and fast! We come here a lot, and every time its a delicious meal. Only thing is, you pay first and grab a table. When you pay, they ask for a tip...before any service is rendered. Milk and Honey - do you not know how tips work?! its a big pet peeve of mine when places expect a tip, regardless of the level of service. Edit: Service and food quality has gone significantly downhill in the past year. They have always split the lines into a "eat in" and "take out" line, but only have one register. So when you do a take out order you skip the line, but everyone else give you looks like youre being a jerk, and you end up not ordering your food any faster. Its very awkward and uncomfortable. Additionally, the lattes they have been making as of late are ALWAYS burned - like worse than Starbucks. I've complained (very nicely, of course), and they have remade them for me, with the same result. This place isn't worth the trip anymore. Especially after today when they screwed up my order, told me they wouldn't charge me the difference for it, but then demanded the extra difference they said they would comp. Maybe if they add another register, retrain their staff and fix their espresso machine I'll give it another shot, but as of right now Milk and Honey is a no go.
(2)Deanna G.
Cute place with a great patio. Smaller menu than I was expecting originally, however my to go is the tuna melt. Delicious and not too salty or dry. Can be quite busy during peak lunch times.
(3)Cameron E.
Love the vibe; love their soups(!); Turkey Reuben is fantastic and go to them often enough to recommend them without hesitation.
(5)Anne H.
absolutely love this place! had the buffalo potato's and a smoked turkey and avocado wrap! hit the spot! everyone needs to try this place!
(5)Dorotka K.
Lovely little cafe in Wicker Park. Lots of healthy food options and a nice tea selection. I came here for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cafe was busy, but the host snagged a table for us while we waited in line to order. Food was delivered to our table promptly when we finally got a chance to sit down. Clean relaxing space perfect for a lazy Sunday lunch.
(4)Lois A.
My boyfriend and I were cold and wet from a morning down at the Printers Row book fair when we decided to come here for lunch. It was busy but there was only one person ahead of us in line and seating was no problem. We orded the wild mushroom and parmesan soup with truffle oil, a crabcake sandwich and an avocado sandwich and decided to share everything. The crabcake sandwich was great! The crabcakes were huge and it had a nice spicy bite to it. I'd add some honey to it if I was making it myself for a bit of sweetness to mix with the chipotle but I will add honey to everything if given the chance. The soup was so yummy and so what we needed after the cold morning. The avocado sandwich was good but a little lacking. The cracked mustard on it tasted great when I tasted it but my sandwich could have used a bit more. There was just so much avocado that it kind of overpowered the other flavors. I ended up spooning a little of my soup onto the sandwich to give it some zip and then I was happy. We'll definitely be back. It's only a few blocks away from where we live and any crabcake sandwich that good will always have a place in my heart.
(3)Christmas D.
During my first visit here a couple years ago I ordered this amazing smoked trout salad sandwich with apples on pumpernickel. I haven't seen that sandwich since. I crave that sandwich. But I have been in here several times since then (hoping for the sandwich) and, of all the things I've ordered, have NEVER had anything bad from Milk & Honey. The menu appears to have a few staple-sandwiches, some seasonal offerings, and then the sides/salad, baked goods and specials seems to change pretty frequently, if not daily. Because of this, every time I go in there it's like the first time all over again and it takes me FOREVER to figure out what to order. Little joints like this do well to have a relatively small selection of offerings that are done REALLY well. Milk & Honey seems to be all about this M.O. I haven't had breakfast/brunch here, but the menu is short & sweet, covers the basics, and - from what I hear - does these very well, too. Slightly pricey as far as "cafes" go but the quality, freshness and creativity with the food is worth EVERY extra penny. This place ALMOST makes me wish I lived in WP. Almost.
(5)Janna V.
i really like milk and honey. Their food is wholesome and good. If it wasn't so busy I would go much more often. I'm surprised to hear about people getting bad service. I think that a lot of people walk in with "restaurant service" on the brain. But Milk and Honey is a counter service establishment so I do not expect a bunch of people fawning all over me and kissing my ass (i mean...it would be a nice touch...but that's a whole other subject) its a dog friendly place and they always have lots and lots of umbrellas. I've never waited more than 15 min for an outside table so I'm pretty happy with that. Although I like to go when it isn't as busy. granola, huevos rancheros, and the iced tea or coffee are must haves!
(4)Dane K.
I held off on writing a review of this place thinking "I didn't get it" and maybe I just hadn't gone there enough to understand why there's so much raving about this place or to be considered cool by them... but then I realized after reading the reviews, it's just the workers that are jackasses... Yet somehow there's still always a crowd of people who *appear* to be regulars here filling this place every morning (lack of better options? --little else is open in the morning on weekdays I guess)... I went there once specifically for the home-made granola that TimeOut raved about. It was about $5.50 for the only size available.... which was just way too much in size and money as far as I'm concerned. The granola/yogurt parfait wasn't too much more exciting than the $1 variety McDonald's sells, even if it is homemade. It was granola, some granny smith apples, and yogurt. Having spent so much on it, I tried to force it down, but couldn't even finish it, which is a rarity for me. It . It was easily about twice as much food as what someone should consume for breakfast. I hesitate to give them 3 stars even, but their chai is among the best. Though sometimes half the cup is filled with foamy milk and I feel ripped off...
(3)tatyana o.
Best home-made dill pickles this side of Atlantic. Period.
(4)Jon C.
this will always have a 5 star rating in my heart because i took the love of my life here for our first date. i don't remember what i got for food, but i remember the date being like an interview, where i was approached with, "so....tell me about yourself." anyways - food was great and it's a cool atmosphere. it is an operational manager's dream, the way they have you order your food in line and then seat you as soon as you complete your order. short wait for food as well.
(5)Carolyn R.
I call Shenanigans on this place! Gotta agree with Aise W. on this one: "I don't understand the hype and certainly won't be contributing to it." I used to live less then a block away for many years and they have been screwed up from Day One. The only reason I went more than once is that I figured that I must have remembered it wrong and it could not possibly be as bad as I had remembered it. And every visit subsequent I just proved myself right over and over again. They made a pretty good BLT, and the coffee was good, but on balance it was not enough to make me go back after I moved out of the 'hood. Like almost all the other posters I have got to say that the staff is atrocious. I ain't paying close to $10 for a sandwich with a big side of attitude. You're not all that, my friend. I feel bad for the Mexican guys in the back who are busting their humps while the white girls up front are busy ignoring customers and practicing their affectations. It made me appreciate dear departed Leo's down the street all the more. The staff might have been a little freaky and stoned, and the place kept irregular hours, but they were what a breakfast place in East Village *should* be.
(1)Colin L.
Just okay with somewhat mundane service. The food was plain and the bacon was overcooked and took awhile. Overall, it was uninteresting food with unpleasant people.
(2)Becca H.
Love Milk & Honey!!! Prepare to wait in line if you go during peak hours, such as weekend brunch. My favorites are the tuna melt, the hummus/ mushroom/ spinach/ feta wrap, breakfast panini, and the breakfast burrito special. All of their bakery items always look delicious. They also have really great coffee and friendly service. They also offer cocktails such as Bloody Marys and Mimosas and different types of beer and wine. I highly suggest it. It's a weekend brunch favorite for my room mates and I!
(5)Pam N.
I was wandering around in the area (wig-shopping and post-officing!) one Saturday afternoon, when I got really, really hungry. It was that weird time of day, between brunch & lunch. Brunch places were closing up and lunch places were not quite open yet! Luckily, I stumbled across Milk & Honey. I had a sandwich (it was like 2:30pm, so no breakfast) and a Bloody Mary. The sandwich was perfect! But the Bloody Mary was truly, unexpectedly, outstanding. mmmmm Cheese, sausage, pickles, olives and..what is that, homemade giardinara? YES PLEASE Plus, b/c it was the afternoon the place was almost deserted so I didn't have to wait, and I got to sit right in the sun. I'll be coming back.
(5)kelly c.
Um..... (crickets) M&H has been so hyped up. I've tried to go numerous times, but have always found the long wait outweigh my desire to eat there. Well, I finally went, and was, sadly, completely unimpressed. There are a fair amount of lunch sandwiches, but like 7 breakfast options. There are also no breakfast potatoes, which I just find un-American. The breakfast panini comes with potato chips, but there are no hash browns, or anything like that. Ok, hash browns aren't so exciting, but nothing on their menu really was either. A lot of kids come here. And I'm fine with the stroller shuffle, and I get that kids are messy. But the table I was sat at clearly had a baby there prior to our seating. There was milk and cereal and general messiness all around the floor surrounding our table. I'd say I have an unusually high tolerance for filth, too, but in this case I was rather put off. But back to the beginning of my experience with M&H. They have you wait in line to order and a hostess finds a table for you to sit at either before or after you order, depending on when the tables become available. I've only experienced this system of seating at two other places - Xoco and Smoque. I think this system works very well at the aforementioned establishments, but at M&H I found it to be somehow obnoxious. I feel like when people go to Xoco or Smoque, they get their food, chow down and get out. If you have a coffee for brunch, I suspect you'll stay awhile and take your time, which leads to a back up of tables and many people who have ordered but are not yet seated and thusly have no where to really stand. In this case, it seems to be a really inefficient system. Actually, Xoco doesn't let you order until a table has been allocated. Perhaps you should take some notes from them, M&H. The coffee. To go it's cheap, but it's more expensive if you're eating in. That was just unfortunate, because I couldn't wait to get out of this crowded mess of a brunch restaurant, so I didn't even drink half a cup! Oh, Milk & Honey, I might be back, but probably not.
(2)Gaurang B.
I would rank it as the best breakfast place so far. Avocado, smoked gouda sandwich- truly delicious! Even spinach wrap was good.. Sometimes it takes long time because of crowd though. I wish they had more space..
(4)Brent W.
So it's mad libs crazy busy during peak time hours and if you try to go on the weekends, you're nuts and just asking for a headache. Myself? I do lunch. Carryout. Maybe once a month. I get the Turkey Reuben with their homemade chips. It's never disappointing and is consistent and predictable as the sun rising in the east (good taste that is). Great baked goods too. Oh, and the granola. But that's been brought up ad nauseam in these reviews so i'll let the granola pros prattle on and on about its unique, kitchy goodness.
(4)Anna T.
LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! One of my favorite places for Breakfast and/or Lunch! I have been going to Milk & Honey for over a year now. ( I work in the area) Everytime I have been there I have never been disappointed. I highly recommend the Breakfast Burrito. They always have a pancake special also! People should aware that at peak hours, M&H gets really crowd. Dont let this completely shy you away. The line and service moves pretty quickly during peak hours. During the summer there is outdoor seating. It is a small place, so groups of more that 4 might want to consider somewhere else. Lastly, please note if you are craving some of their amazing bake goods... there is another Milk & Honey Bakery under the blue line by the Damen/Milwaukee/North Six way!
(5)Kristen S.
I got here early, so I cannot speak to the lines which appear towards 10/10:30 in the morning. But I understand why the lines exist - this place is quick, affordable, adorable, and DELISH! Here are Milk & Honey, you place your order, get a table number, hope a table opens up, sit, and your food is delivered. Similar to the Noodles & Co. model... unfortunately, there isn't the space enough to support the crowds among the tables. My one and only complaint though. The coffee is great - I had an espresso (mocha, to be exact). And it lasted me and I really enjoyed the flavor. You are going to get Intelligentsia coffee here, top notch! The food is excellent - there is an egg casserole on the weekends that looks divine. My friend had it and i know it is something that my husband would love, so I cannot wait to take him back to have it. I had the oatmeal with dried cherries & walnuts with a side of scrambled eggs and it was wonderful. A million stars for the servers - my friend and I stayed to chat while drinking our espresso and the server was so gracious to let us stay. She even found us another table. I was very impressed.
(4)Robin W.
sorry haters, but milk and honey wins for offering home made, natural, and locally produced products. I know I can't afford to eat here often, and god knows I'm not patient enough to handle the weekend crowds, but I say that the granola is fantastic and the portobello sammich is the best I've ever had. I think my favorite thing about the place is that you pay at the counter before you get the food...take a number and sit until it gets set in front of you....no waiting for the bill, calculating tip, etc...its over when you're done eating. And for christs sake, if you hate hipsters and faux hawks, move out of wicker park....certainly don't eat brunch there! p.s. take out *is* fast.
(4)Sarah M.
I've been to Milk & Honey about 8 times and in those 8 times I have learned these things: 1.) Stick with the BLT for lunch. I've tried about 4 other lunch items (about half, or more than half the menu), and everything else is not good.) The BLT is great though. And I like the homemade chips. 2.) The coffee's good 3.) It's really crowded 4.) Despite being really crowded, the service is fast and somehow there's always a seat, however you will be touching elbows with the table next to you. 5.) It's self-serve as far as silverware, napkins, ketchup and other fixin's, and coffee refills (free!) I like this, a lot. Now if only I can defeat the evil force that somehow always makes it so that I get there at 12:05pm (5 minutes after they stop serving breakfast).
(4)M v.
I went for my usual Breakfast Burrito yesterday and it just was not good. Not much (if any) Chipotle Sour Cream, very crunchy bitter lettuce, nearly whole cherry tomatos. I'm not a big complainer at restaurants, but I was so upset and disappointed in what I was served, I walked over to the counter to talk with someone. One of the owners was on her way in and when I explained about how bad it was and how my breakfast was basically ruined by this event - I was told that I need to specify that I don't want large cherry tomatos in a Breakfast Burrito (I mean, seriously, how is that even a menu option to begin with? Just because they are fresher does not mean that they belong in a Burrito; too big, ruins the flavor balance, texture, etc.). As I had met a business associate there (who was still with me) and was heading downtown directly after, I rushed out pretty dazed that customer service was handled like that. The more I thought about it, the more disappointed I became in Milk and Honey. For a place I live across the street from and frequent at least half of the week to have served me something I was UNHAPPY with and not at least have offered my money back or another burrito, made per their usual standards, the next time I came back - is ridiculous. I am truly disappointed (I can't stress this enough) in them. Wicker Park isn't lacking in restaurants specializing in seriously delicious breakfasts, but I loved Milk and Honey. Unfortunately, after that treatment I'm not going to be able to bring myself to eat there for breakfast ever again. No customer deserves to be served food that is not up to par and then be given the brush off. Shameful.
(2)Philip B.
Great staff. Modest beer selection. Great food! Also, good music playing. I was in there today (not the first visit) and while waiting for my take away lunch, I heard some Belle & Sebastian and Built to Spill! Thumbs up!
(4)Nikki M.
Because I work just across the street, there are plenty of days where milk&honey is my breakfast & lunch. They brew Intelligensia coffee, which gets me through too-early weekend morning shifts. And the girls that work inside are wonderful. Try the yogurt parfait with their signature cafe granola or the portabello and goat cheese sandwich (a fall/winter regular).
(5)Carolina P.
I love this place. I love the people that work here. The menu is small but everything is delicious. My favorite breakfast item is the salmon bagel its glorious. For lunch I like the avocado sandwich, if you are a pickle their pickles are just right. So here's how it works follow the signs if you want you food to go get in that line. If you're going to stay get in that line. After you order you'll grab your utensils and napkins. Also there is water and glasses towards the back of the restaurant. It gets pretty packed on the weekends and I get annoyed with people that don't know the system but I'm working on that.
(5)Vivian Y.
It's a bit overrated. Go early to avoid lines. For this restaurant, early means before 9am because all the mommy's and daddy's are already up when their kids start screaming at 6am and they head out to breakfast at Milk & Honey.
(3)Kyung P.
Loved it! After an early morning shopping extravaganza (see Sara Jane review), fellow yelper Isabella W. suggested brunch at Milk and Honey! She talked up the huevos rancheros so much that all 3 of us ended up getting it! Normally, I'm a stickler for everyone ordering something different for variety, but I let it slide this time. It's only offered on the weekends, and it was layers and layers of baked yumminess! One complaint was that there were way too many beans on the bottom - but beans are good for you! I love how efficiently they operate too - they give you a number, you go up to the counter and order, wait for a table, and shortly after you're seated, they bring you the food! This is definitely how I would run a restaurant during busy brunchtime! What an awesome way to minimize waiting time for everyone! I hope to be back to try the breakfast sandwiches, french toast, and granola!
(4)Sarah L.
This is plain and simple a fabulous place for breakfast. The set up is the counter order, take a number and find a seat. As annoying as it can sometimes feel to wait in line, order then sit, this place is worth it. A solid bakery plus cafe, this place serves Intelligentsia coffee, has amazing breakfast items like waffles, pancakes, kick ass granola and even breakfast specials I sampled a mouth watering almond, chocolate chip, ricotta coffee cake as a prelude to my granola and yogurt breakfast. I remembered seeing something like fig and walnut pancakes or some crazy combo like that when I was there. Family/kid friendly, bright, casual atmosphere. Would go back in a heartbeat to sample more from their menu. Toronto is missing a breakfast/brunch/bakery place like this. Milk and honey cafe would do a killing here.
(4)Simone G.
Oatmeal. Coffee. Beautiful people. Fabulous food. Bring a book or someone whom you actually want to talk to because the wait is insane.
(4)Bridget S.
I love that I can go here on weekdays. I've had ONE weekend experience and wasn't a fan. Not worth all of the "scuse me"s from hectic, hungover hipsters and demanding yuppies. The food is consistently good (I'm partial to the ham sammich). Service is just fine. Not the cheapest lunch in the neighborhood but this cute, clean, well-established joint is a perk for a girl like me.
(4)Shelly W.
One of my fav brunch spots. Hardly ever a wait and their huevos rancheros are beyond amazing. Cheesy, black bean, egg goodness!!!
(5)Caitlin S.
If you have not been, I insist you go this weekend. The menu is not overwhelming and their items could satisfy any appetite. I live in Lincoln Park and find myself making the trek over to Wicker Park to eat at this gem. I like everything about this place (except maybe the line on weekends) And honestly if a breakfast/brunch place is not crowded on a weekend morning, how good can it actually be. Please go and try the Huevos Rancheros. Actually try whatever, but just go you won't regret it.
(5)WP L.
Good Food!! Some may not like the order first and then sit style but they have the system down and its usually very fast. Their homemade chips are very good.
(4)Kali M.
They know how to do coffee, and they know how to do food - however, there is a distinct difference between their two locations and the customer service that is offered. On Division St. you might enjoy breakfast or lunch (if you can stand the crowd & the wait), but don't count on friendliness or smiles. Apparently they're too 'cool' for that. I would suggest just getting it to go, or better yet, take the scenic route over to the Damen Ave. location (right across from the Blue Line stop) - for the best of everything. There, they smile, and greet you, and treat you with the respect you should be treated with - as a paying customer! Perhaps they haven't had time to train the service industry employees at the Division St. spot - we can only hope they get on that, sooner than later!!! and folks, if you don't like your job - Q U I T - just stop taking it out on the paying customers!
(3)Jason V.
i am strictly referring to the turkey reuben. i have been eating here for ten years, and although i wish other aspects of their menu would change, i am thrilled that they have not changed this sandwich. it has never once disappointed. worth driving across town to get. i prefer the thousand island on the side, but what do i know.
(5)Amy J.
So my fiance and I called Milk & Honey at about 9:30 on a Sunday to see if there was a wait for 4- expecting some hour long BS or more, I was shocked to hear "no wait." Since we had a car that day we zipped on over, parked easily and got right in- we just beat the rush. I had the famed granola with yogurt and fruit. It is just as delicious as I hoped, I'm not typically one to order a granola breakfast but was very happy. I did have to have a side of bacon too :) I was eyeing the croissants and definitely want to try one of those next time- they appeared to be that perfect balance of crispy/chewy/golden. YUM! Definitely want to go back to try a few other things.
(4)Jen P.
i love anything on a pretzel bun! food was really tasty and i appreciated the great service. decor inside is so cute and warm...i'd love to go back soon!
(4)Anna A.
the age old question: is the staff at milk and honey so rude because the customers are jerks, or are the clientele jerks in response to the rudeness of the staff? i had taken a long hiatus from this place, having witnessed an altercation between staff and customer nearly every time i ate there. i am pretty easy to please, and keep my special requests to a minimum, so i never had a run-in, but you could cut the passive-aggressive tension with a knife. i caved and brought two out-of-town friends here for brunch/lunch today, and had just finished explaining to them that the food is great, but it's hard to enjoy because the staff there go out of their way to be rude. no sooner spoken, i got into an argument with one of their employees, the substance of which was so banal, it was mind-boggling we were even arguing over it. i actually raised my voice at her because i felt she was never going to stop arguing otherwise. it was an altogether unpleasant eating experience that not even their fantastic huevos rancheros could save. i guess i have to conclude that the staff (and management) spends so much time making rules and saying no to special requests that the customers just want to feel like they have some control over their experience. so it turns ugly. and i turned into that ugly jerk customer no one wants to be around. i don't want to be treated the way i was treated, nor feel compelled to act the way i acted, so i think i'll just have to let the yummy food be enjoyed by others who can stand the bad vibes that permeate the place. the one exception was the very nice hostess. i hope that job works out for her, but i have a feeling she's just too nice to stick around.
(1)Anna G.
About bourgeois brunch: just when you think you've had every possible kind of pancake/omelet/panlette/omcake, another one comes along and changes you forever. Kind of like love. I know my fancy brunch food, and Milk & Honey had the best goddamn pancakes I've ever eaten. They were banana-granola-honey, and I will name my firstborn after them. This is super high praise *especially* since: 1). It's crowded and confusing and you will have to wait. That's part of living the weekend brunch dream in the city. 2). You have to sit close to other people. This would be okay, except when you are talking ad nauseum about your neurotic insecurities and/or shit about other people, as I find my friends and I are wont to do these days. 3). It's medium expensive. Like 8 dollars for fancy pancakes? Maybe you don't care. I don't know. (I wouldn't recommend the strata unless you are a huge strataphile.)
(4)Marti G.
THE BEST FRENCH TOAST EVER!! with the almonds on the side for me -- best bread, it's thick and cooked to perfection -- i am so in love with this place....you order and then sit down, they bring you the food -- it's so cute -- the place is full of local families, kids, babies, friends -- the have fresh pastries, salads etc. They open for breakfast at 7am and stop serving it at 12pm -- my husband had the panini and he enjoyed that. But seriously the french toast is SO GOOD!
(5)Sonya X.
Milk and Honey is an all time favorite brunch spot of mine, and thankfully it is so close to my house! I have loved everything that I tired there, my favorite being the huevos rancheros that are only available on the weekends! I was here earlier today with one of my fellow yelping buddies she had the huevos rancheros and I had the Pancakes du jour. We both had fresh grapefruit juice to drink- and wished the glasses were a little bigger! I think the way the restaurant is run is awesome- you order your food, pay and then get seated. So by the time you get seated you wait for your food, eat and then go! You don't have to wait around for the check and getting change..etc.
(5)Stan W.
O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D. Why is this place always so crowded? The granola is very tasty but more like Garrett's caramel corn than granola, which is supposed to be healthy for you. People, if you soak your granola in butter of course its gonna taste good - enjoy those 20g's of saturated fat to start off your day! The people at the counter have an attitude problem too. Maybe its because the line's too long. I guess I can sympathize - if I was working there, knew my food was OK but not really that good, but every clown with their stroller and screaming baby wanted to line up to get in my face every morning I'd probably develop an attitude problem too. A ginormous crowd for a very weak breakfast menu. Lunch here was OK I guess, I might come back for that as the crowd isn't as bad. I just don't get it.
(2)Nathan A.
I like the idea Milk and Honey, but it just falls a bit short. The food selection is fine, but I'm a fan of more traditional breakfast entrees. Where's my scrambled eggs with bacon, hash browns and toast? The closest is ordering all of the sides together. The coffee was really great though. I'm sure this is the biggest complaint - the way they seat you at Milk and Honey just doesn't work right. You have to order and pay for your food before you are seated, get your own water and condiments and wait for your name to be called to sit down. It made me really nervous that I wouldn't get my food while it's still hot or even be seated at all. Also, realizing I needed cream and sugar and having to get up and fight through the crowd to reach the counter to retrieve the items is very frustrating. Please start the traditional process of seating people and ordering food! Don't even try to go here on a Sunday morning for brunch. You'll be waiting a good 45 min in a crowded space. Not the worst place, but by far not the best in Chicago.
(3)Tyler B.
Ahhh friday off and lunch on the patio with a great friend. Sunny day sitting under the umbrella and drinking chilled pellegrino. Soothing my hungover belly with a ham and caraway sandwich on a pretzel bun. Can't think of finer things in life. It was a good day. I don't get over to Milk and Honey that often but wish i did. Food is always excellent- prices are superb for what you get, i don't know why one would complain about price. Good times.
(4)Mary Lee G.
I must say that I might be adding one star to my review purely because I got to sit next to the fireplace (oh fireplaces how you seduce me and mess up my yelp reviews so). Even so, this place is great! First, I am extremely picky about my lattes, most times I don't even order them in a restaurant because they never taste that great, but this was as good as I've had in any coffee shop ever. Second, even though I had read all about how to order and sit I was still totally confused when I walked in. Everyone there was super nice and helpful and never made us feel stupid. Third...the food! My friend Annie ordered the pancakes du jour and I got the truly amazing avocado and romaine sandwich. The avocado was really ripe and fresh so it didn't come sliding out of the sandwich in one piece making it impossible to eat, yeah. Also I really like these little places where you end up basically sitting next to strangers. We met a really cute couple and got to talk to to them about our favorite brunch spots. I just think that it's neat and serves of a reminder that most people in this city are truly nice and fun to talk to.
(5)Jen B.
On a recent visit to wicker park, my husband and i stopped at the Milk and Honey Cafe. We stopped by in the early afternoon and the place was slammed. Being somewhat intimidated, we turned around and walked out. However, after visiting a few more stores we decided to head back and give it another shot and im glad we did. I had the Avocado, Smoked Gouda, Romaine and Tomato with Cracked Mustard and Turkey on Multigrain Bread. I love avocado and if you do too, you should definitely get this sandwhich. My husband got the Smoked Turkey Reuben with Sauerkraut, Swiss and Dressing on Rye and he was happy. If i lived in Chicago, Id definitely venture to this Cafe often, especially after visiting the Handmade Renegade store next door. Seems like a great spot to hang out and chat with some friends.
(4)A W.
I can say the only things I liked about this cafe' were the pendant lights from IKea. The set-up for ordering is annoying and the food was awful. When I asked questions about things on the menu I was given rushed unhelpful responses accompanied with an attitude. If it weren't for the person with me, I would have turned around and walked out right then. I wished I would have done just that when I started eating my food. It was bland and unimaginative. I would have done better with breakfast at McDonald's drive-thru. I don't understand the hype and certainly won't be contributing to it.
(1)Heather R.
Eh, I could take it or leave it. The menu is pretty simple, yet the food is not consistent or anything special. There are definitely a lot of other better brunch spots, but if you're in the neighborhood and want something quick, it's a safe bet. I do like the bright ambiance and the patio seating of this cafe, but the ordering process has a tendency to be a nightmare.
(2)Mots M.
We are new to the hood and were recommended Milk & Honey for the huevos rancheros and the other good food. The place is really cute for sure and I hear that the food is pretty good too. That being said, it's not super lactose intolerant friendly which was a bummer. They couldn't make eggs without milk and there were only a couple of things on the menu that I could eat. I thought I'd be good after seeing vegan treats in the display case earlier that week. Bring your lactaid.
(3)C Fabulou s.
One star for the food, which is on the right side of mediocre. One star for the fabulous lavender cookies. You heard, lavender, which turns out is a part of the peppermint family and it plays so nicely on your palette after a meal. Minus 3 stars for the service - horrible. The layout in general is pretty bad, you order at the counter then hope and pray for a table, the line is usually out the door, which i could deal with if after waiting in that line i didn't have to deal with this: counter chick: whadayawant? me: um... (looking at the menu that is posted on the wall and NOT visible when you're in line) counter chick: seriously? just pick something, everything is good. me (seeking any sign of humor on her face and finding none): ok, i'll take the huevos rancheros. counter chick: great. (eyes rolled) NEXT! So, counter chick, sorry I didn't know the rules of making your day a little easier, but that's not why i went there and its definitely why i won't be going back. UPDATE: i heard the blonde counter chick is actually the OWNER! For shame...
(2)Luke S.
A pleasant yupster coffee shop. Friendly staff, and a pleasant room with an independent (but not alternative) vibe.
(4)Nancy K.
I've been to Milk & Honey a few times. My last two visits have been disappointing. The second to last time I went with two friends. The hostess was space-y but nice. She was so cryptic about where to seat us. She seemed so conflicted on if we should sit inside or outside and it turned into this back-and-forth between her and us. We just wanted to be seated wherever there was space. During that same visit a friend had ordered a beverage with his meal but the girl that took the order never told him it was self-serve. It wasn't until after we were all served our meal and after my friend asked "where's my drink?" that they told him "it's self-serve." The last time I went there was it was a couple minutes after the breakfast menu ended but since the small sign next listing "breakfast burrito" was still propped up on the pastry display I figured it was safe to still order something. Boy was I wrong. It turns out the staff forgot to take the sign down. I was hoping they would oblige since they forgot to take it down and because it was just a few minutes past noon but they wouldn't budge. I was very surprised and disappointed they weren't accommodating. I ended up ordering the chicken sandwich. I felt that the chicken sandwich was over seasoned and very heavy plus there wasn't enough blue cheese. The bread, however, was divine as always. I highly recommend their coffee. My boyfriend and I love it! It's so bold and flavorful plus it's served in a really nice, big mug.
(2)Tara D.
As a regular (because of location), I think milk and honey has quality stuff but is a tad bit overpriced for the portions of their food. However, it could be a lot worse... as you can see by other places in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area. Some of their specials are to die for - others are a miss. You can get any sandwich as a wrap - which I recommend. I've had so many things on the menu - my one thing to say is that their take on some mexican food is a miss (except the juevos rancheros, which are really, really good). I honestly feel as though you could make most of their stuff yourself. But that's just what it is - simple food with attention to flavor. Get the caprese as a side - it's very spicy but perfect. I love the interior and I love their whole atmosphere and look.
(4)Eliot J.
i've been coming to this place pretty regularly for about three years, ever since i moved to the bucktown/wicker park area. and, in fact, since i've moved to wicker park proper about a year ago, i come here twice a week on average. the quality of the food here is reliably high, with quite a variety of option. there's vegetarian option, american-style fare, lots of drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), plenty of desserts, and even a rick bayless-informed cereal for sale to-go. all of it is good and i really can't say i've had a bad dish here. service is very quick, too. just for kicks, i did a "find search" in my web browser on the front page of milk & honey's yelp page, which probably holds about 15 to 20 of their most recent reviews. i am not surprised to find 6 instances of the word "rude" within these first listings. the cashier staff at milk & honey very often are rude. it is rude not to make eye contact with your customers (especially when you charge $12 for a scone and a bowl of yogurt & granola). it is rude to not smile at your customers at least once out of every twenty visits. it is rude not to acknowledge your customers when they thank you for their change and your service. and it's rude to cut someone off with a "is that it?" after they've ordered a dish but before they've ordered a beverage. while the place likely has the luxury of being rude towards its guests precisely because of the quality of their product (and, as a result, a reliable and consistent stream of revenue), their intense impatience is transparent. ridiculously busy on the weekends. in fact, pretty busy all the time. best bet is to go between noon and 3/4pm (when they close).
(4)Kathy L.
first time there on a recommendation. had the turkey ruben which was very good. not dry like I've had at other places. only could eat half as portion size was large. good value. the chips are wonderful too!
(4)anna D.
I come here so often.... so I can't believe I haven't written a review yet! You can find me here just about every Saturday AM. I just can't get enough. The menu is pretty limited but what they do they do it well! When you first walk in and see the massive line don't be discouraged! The wait usually isn't as long as you think it's going to be. Wait it out and you'll be glad you did. Once you stick your fork into the cheesy, melty, top layer of the Huevos Rancheros (my standby AND it's vegetarian for when I'm in an anti-meat mood, which is often) you'll be glad you stuck around. And what is that dipping sauce they serve with it? It's probably glorified sour cream but I have dreams about it. My boyfriend (who is the biggest carnivore ever) is obsessed with the Huevos Rancheros too--it's that good. Place your order and get a coffee to sip on while you wait...you'll be seated before you know it. I promise, once you eat their delicious food you'll forget all about the hectic lines and find yourself right back there the next week. Get a glass of OJ too--some of the best I've had!
(5)Vera J.
The Milk and Honey Cafe Poem: The Milk and Honey Cafe Has frequently made my day I work at 826 But on the way need a fix A bagel with herb cream cheese A coffee with sugar please I'm happy all morning through So guess where I'm going to When lunch time has rolled around M&H is where I'm found! The salads are quite divine (just check out the Brussel sprout kind!) But even better than that The SOUPS are what makes me fat I can't get enough! I'll eat till it's hard to get back on my feet! On weekdays this place is fly On weekends I wouldn't try to go anytime after 9 Because EVERYONE'S out to dine And rightfully so, because They've heard about all the buzz The Huevos Rancheros? Hot damn! The orange french toast? Grand slam! The breakfast burrito's quite fine and can be accompanied by wine So get off your duff today and head to this super cafe!
(5)Amanda O.
This is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch. They have some interesting places on the menu, and wonderful desserts! My only complaint is that it is sort of a self serve. A waiter brings you your food, but you have to wait in line to order. The line can be kind of long. However, I will say that it was worth the wait. The food was delicious! I will definitely go back. I would say it's a better place in the summer though since they have a nice sidewalk cafe.
(4)Corinne M.
I heard a lot of hype about Milk and Honey, and when I went I wasn't disappointed. The line was efficient, the food was really good (shared huevos rancheros and the fruit and yogurt with a buddy). The coffee was tasty and the price was really really reasonable. The cafe is cute and pleasant and I particularly got a kick out of having a tiny little cupcake for dessert at the take out counter. Recommend this place and I'll be back.
(4)Sarah W.
Cute nearby diner with a lot of charm. My boyfriend and I came here for breakfast early Sunday morning and nabbed a good people-watching spot outside. My first impression, the hostess seemed very personable and all the employees were very gracious. Small bit that caught my attention, but for coffee they offered every sugar/sugar substitute possible, which I feel just shows attention to detail in trying to please customers. The only reason I note this is because I got to try that new PureVia sweetener (that uses stevia, an entirely plant-based 0-cal sweetener), and I've never seen it anywhere but stores before. ANYWAYS, side note. As my friends may already know, I have a "thing" for french toast. Of course, I had no choice but to order the Toasted Almond Orange French toast. Presentation scored high marks- it looked mouth-watering! I love french toast on brioche as well, and these were indeed made from that fluffy, sweet bread. However, I have to say they went a little overboard on the toasted almonds. Also, I wanted the batter of the french toast itself to be a little bit sweeter than it was. The syrup gave a nice flavor, but there's something about the sweetness of french toast when someone gets it just right... Now don't get me wrong, the french toast was still great.. but I seek pan-fried perfection! :-) I will certainly be back to try more on the menu and to spend another lazy morning with a big ceramic mug of bottomless coffee out on their terrace!
(4)Andrea H.
Milk & Honey Cafe in Wicker Park has a bit of a Brooklyn feel to it - you must wait your turn and then sit thisclose to hip, young people while enjoying delicious coffee and slightly eclectic dishes. Friends and I ventured out on a Saturday morning for their famed Huevos Rancheros, decidedly their most well-known dish. We waited in a line inside the cafe for nearly 20 minutes, but it gave us time to deliberate our order and drool over the dishes that came out from their open kitchen. The hostess was very patient, but the "please stand in single file" line was a bit testing after the tenth reminder. Decor was modern; Le Klint pendants contrasted nicely with exposed brick and hardwood floors. When we were finally seated, our lattes came out relatively quickly. I had the chai latte, perfectly sweetened and balanced with creamy frothy whole milk. Milk & Honey cafe served their own house blend of coffee created by Intelligentsia; slightly burned and would be better served hand-pressed. The Huevos Rancheros were hearty, and had a stick-to-your-ribs goodness while remaining delicately spicy. Orange Brioche French Toast was eggy, buttery, and fluffy; their house special orange poppyseed pancakes were also very fluffy. Overall the dishes were well done and delicious; even the garnishes were tasty. The little scoops of butter were extra creamy. Syrup was not overly sweet and served in a glass oil dispenser. We left Milk & Honey cafe thoroughly satisfied. :)
(4)K. T.
The huevos rancheros was filling and delectable! My boyfriend had the smoked salmon bagel, which included a generous portion of the fish and delicious chive cream cheese. There seems to be a lot of complaints about the service, but given that you don't get table service that means you get to leave less tip and you get seated faster. And the fewer items on the menu means that Milk & Honey can keep their prices low (less inventory to stock) and the kitchen can work faster to make your food (fewer dishes to juggle). I actually enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the cafe on Sunday morning; it really added to my experience and reminded me of an European coffee house or market. I was catching up with an old friend so we didn't even notice that the wait.
(5)Brian S.
I hear that this place has a line around the corner on the weekends, and I believe it! This is a great place, filled with cool, stylish, hipsters and very friendly and organized staff. While waiting in line, they ask if "that table over there is good" and then hold it with your order number, smart! The food, ummmmm, umm yummy! Hello?! Why are you reading this, get over there already (unless you are mobile and right outside of course), geez!
(5)Ali R.
This place is TOTALLY overrated. Why is there a line out the door on weekends? What is this amateur hour? Give me something I can use! Go to McDonalds the waitstaff will probably give you less stink eye and it's the same quality food.
(1)Erin C.
Two words: huevos rancheros. Only served on weekends, but they are soooo good. The casserole dish they come in is huge and my friends and I could barely finish our food. The day we were there, it looked like everyone was ordering the huevos which tells you just how good they are. I would come back and wait in the long line every weekend for these. I've been here just two other times (why oh why since I live nearby). Once I got the pancakes of the day which had fruit and granola on top. Tasty! The pancake selection usually sounds really good, but those damn huevos are so tempting. The other time I came in here was just stopping by and I grabbed a chocolate chip muffin. I was kind of disappointed in the baked good as it was way too dense and I felt full after barely getting through half of it. Another disappointment - the mimosas. After paying $6, where was the champagne? This place is almost always crowded, but the food is good and well-priced. Just don't get the mimosas or bloody marys. Not impressive.
(4)Jeff N.
I am reluctant to try and make this place any more popular than it already is. Tried it based on recent article about their Orange Brioche french toast. I had those and spouse had the Pancakes dejour with peach compote. Both were super and will certainly insure our return soon.
(5)Url R.
This is a toddler friendly place, although a bit crowded. I would have given three stars but the kid friendliness of this place bumps it up a star. The wife, kid and I had a good early breakfast here before heading to the Garfield conservatory. The Orange French Toast was okay, but not amazing as others have described it. The dish that stood out was my wife's Huevos Rancheros. They serve it in a small casserole dish and all of the flavors blend well together.
(4)Chaz A.
yes, it's expensive. i don't care. i don't pay for it. Orange brioche was bitter and delicious with a mere hint of orange. They have boylan's soda. win. love it 5*
(5)L N.
Milk and honey is great for dining in or grabbing something to go.. I love their coffee and the granola is some of the best around. You can buy it by the bag and take home. The weekend lines can look a little intimidating, but it always moves very efficiently.
(5)dan s.
The definition of "Stuff White People Like" I'm White and I like :) (especially carrying out on the weekend to avoid the lines)
(5)Patricia K.
Much like many of the restaurants on Division street, the sidewalk in front allows for ample seating during the warm summer months. I have been to Milk and Honey on a few occasions for brunch. After a long night of drinking, their food was a balancing and delicious follow-up in the late morning hours. I usually order their orange brioche french toast. The toasted almonds are a great addition to my favorite breakfast food. I like the counter service idea. Instead of doing the dance with a waiter, you can get your order in and find seating. Some may not like this idea and if you don't, you may want to avoid M&H. However, for those of us that want to slink in during our 11am hangover haze, its ideal.
(4)Jen T.
Seriously, I love love love their chicken sandwich between 2 crispy pieces of fresh toasted bread, lettuce, tomatoe and chipolte mayo...to me that's the final prize on the sandwich! It always comes with homemade chips that are lightly salted. To die for iced latte's and a cute patio or indoor seating. You do have to wait in line and order, take a number and then your food will be served. It's self service for your water and utensils, but works for me!
(5)Johann D.
My friend Alisa and her best friend Robyn took me to M & H for brunch my last morning in Chicago back in April. Boy talk about a popular joint...nevermind that the place was small...only about 15 or so strategically placed tables inside...but boy was it worth the wait. Be sure to have a healthy appetite when you come cause the portions are great. From what I understand you can't go wrong on anything you choose from the menu. I wish I took photos of what we ordered..it looked and tasted great. A must go place if you're ever on Division and looking for a great breakfast or brunch place.
(4)Sherye S.
I always get the yogurt and granola it is a nice light breakfast to start the day. Very cute place and friendly staff. They sell their granola As well. I probably should have purchased it. I could most likely eat it by itself every morning and be happy :P
(5)Andrew K.
M&H, How have I not reviewed you? You are my neighbor and favorite lunch place, yet I have seemed to overlooked you. You always offer quality, fresh food....and although the menu doesn't change I still manage to frequent you and commend myself afterwards. Yes, you can get crowded, but if you go at the right times that line that seems scary, goes by quickly. And on the weekend I can get the amazing huevos rancheros in the little bowl. Again, sorry I missed you, I will be back shortly to get the chicken BLT and rectify the situation.
(5)Preeti B.
Food was great, service wasn't the best- but its probably because this place is tiny and always packed.
(4)Dave R.
Not really that impressed, and not sure why so many people rave about this place: - Huevos Rancheros overdoes it on the picante; making it impossible to enjoy with a runny nose. -The coffee was alright, but nothing to write home about. - Seating arrangements are confusing. -They take your name only when your full party is there, so you can't actually stand in line to order your food. You just have to kind of stand off to the side and constantly answer "no, we're not in line." -After you order your food at the counter, you have to stand off to the side (again) and wait for a table to open up. -When you finally get seated, a waitress brings out your drinks and then your food. -You can't sit too long after you finish eating because you get constant glares from the waitstaff and people waiting for a table. -Finally, nobody smiles there! Why not make it a sit down place already with a real wait staff? -You could sit down at your leisure rather than wait in line. -Wait staff would make more money off of tips.
(2)Melissa H.
Milk & Honey is the place to go for breakfast when you want something other than bacon & eggs....and sandwiches with a twist.....and cool side dishes like kale or beet salad......and the most awesome Granola I've ever had! The Granola is so good you can now find it in your nearest Whole Foods market. They should serve all of their entrees with a little side of granola.......or on the table next to the salt n pepper. It does get crowded especially on a nice day, so go early!
(4)Tara V.
Oh Milk & Honey, I would love you so if only you were a little more polite. I love the food. The granola is truly fantastic. But the overall atmosphere here is lacking. Don't get me wrong, I have zero problem with waiting in line for a yummy brunch. But I do not like all the hovering over those already seated that tends to happen here. There isn't really a way to get around the hovering as the tables are nearly right up to the counter. Kind of kills the charm for me that I wanted to see in this place. Service also lends little in way of adding charm. But, that said, it really is a yummy brunch even if it is loud and people might be hovering over you while you eat. I still go here; I just go prepared and buy a bag of granola to enjoy at home.
(3)A B.
Wow - great breakfast! I had the orange brioche French toast, my husband had the huevos rancheros. Their french toast is outstanding, right down to the low-viscosity, pure maple syrup. I tried my husband's huevos - really excellent. They serve them in a souffle dish, a mix of black beans, onions, peppers, scrambled eggs and cheese. I think there might be some tortilla in there, too. The wait was about 15 minutes when we went (on Sunday morning), but I like the efficient way they deal with the long lines: you wait in line to order at the counter, and while you're waiting, you get a number. After you order, you collect your silverware and napkins, and you are seated at the first available table. By the time you're seated, it's almost time for your food, so even though you wait a bit (and really, it's so busy, how could you expect anything else?), it doesn't feel like that long a wait.
(5)Megan W.
OK First, you gotta try really hard to get there before 9am if you go on the weekend for breakfast. I know--it's pretty early. Trust me though...you will totally end up with a choice shady table outside if you get there in/around 9am. I had the lox and my boyfriend had the french toast. The food is solid. Not totally amazing, but good enough to get me going back. Our bill was pretty small--less than $30. We both got coffee with our meal--as well as a big ol' bottle of pelligrino. That was the icing on the cake I must say. If you go, split a big bottle of pelligrino with the person you go with. Umm, there were lots of pigeons outside, but the staff tried really hard to keep them out of the seating area (it really didn't bug me too much) I took two stars away because I gotta get my lazy ass up early to get a seat--and also because it does seem habitually crowded. Not just regular crowded...stroller crowded. I love little kids but...not so much when I want to get a good hangover fixing breakfast in me.
(3)Evann G.
All I've really had here are cupcakes, so maybe this is not a fair review to write at this time. Still, here I am writing it. The cupcakes: Good, not great. That is my official stance as a cupcake connoisseur. Root beer cupcake? Tastes exactly like root beer. Not bad, but very VERY weird. Chocolate cherry cupcake was pretty good, but not great. Red velvet cupcake is my favorite so far, but not as good as other versions I've had at other bakeries. Oh, the chocolate mint cookie was pretty good too. Clearly, I'm not too passionate about anything, but maybe if I went there for lunch I would be... I'll have to put that on my To-Do List.
(3)lana v.
Terrible experience-stay away! This place is small and always crowded, I have been meaning to go for a while and finally made it to lunch. They do not serve breakfast past noon, and only have sandwiches and a couple salads available. The service here was probably one of the worst I have ever had, I felt like I was a huge inconvenience to everyone that was working there. The lady taking the order and the lady assigning us a table were not only unfriendly but rude! I asked the lady that was assigning tables if they had any kids options, and I was told "when its your turn you can ask the cashier to suggest something". I asked the cashier who had no clue, and finally pointed at a giant bowl of fruit salad and said you can do a side of fruit and yogurt, I said ok. After waiting almost 20 minutes we got our two sandwiches and yogurt, there was no side of fruit, but rather 2 slivers of strawberry mixed into the yogurt. I managed to flag down one of the guys bringing out food and told him I ordered a side of fruit and a yogurt for my child, he said he will look into it and came back saying "sorry, this is the fruit and yogurt, nothing we can do about it". Whatever...annoying as it is clearly not what I was told when ordering. My husband and I both got the wrap on special, neither of us are picky eaters and almost never complain. This wrap was absolutely inedible. There were weird mushy pieces of squash with a couple of other overcooked vegetables and goat cheese. It was one of the blandest things I have ever tried, and the consistency made me want to barf. Overall I recommend everyone stay away from this place as the food and service were absolutely terrible. Maybe the breakfast is better but I will never be back based on the terrible service.
(1)Colleen J.
I just went here today for lunch. I had been here once before, quite a while ago. I must say it's great to sit outside here on a warm sunny day. I had a sandwich with romaine, avacado, smoked gouda, and mustard. It was pretty good, but not great. I wanted to indulge on one of their cupcakes but resisted the urge. The decor is clean and fresh. You order at the counter first and then wait at your table with a number for your food. So there is only minimal wait service--they bring your food and then bus it when you're done. Overall, it was okay to good, but not great. It's worth a try to form your own opinion.
(3)Lexie M.
This is all based off of the dumb broad working behind the counter. I don't know who but someone was messing up the whole operation back there. I'm going to start from the beginning. It started out as a fun Sunday breakfast adventure. Having never been there before but hearing good things, the bf and I decided to give it a whirl. First of all it's total chaos in there on a Sunday morning. There's a line for God knows what reason. To put your name in? To put your order in? No one knew for sure. We finally got to the front of the line and ordered two coffees, two unmemorable entrees, and a side of turkey sausage (a.k.a. turdey suckage) We asked for one of the coffees to-go but to the lady behind the counter took it to mean "I'll take your money and pretend you never ordered it" After some words were exchanged and some major 'tude thrown our way we finally got some decent coffee. Not worth the effort.
(2)Briana J.
I liked this place but I was not crazy about it. I went with a few friends on a Tuesday afternoon...it was not busy but the weight for our food was still about 15-20 minutes. The pesto pasta was very very tasty, and very very bad for me! Chuck full O'cheese and pine nuts...you should try it! The Roast Beef Sandwich I had was just alright...there was really no taste to it....I would skip it. I was also a little disappointed with the dessert selections. Oh and be careful with the water glasses...the first one I picked was covered in lip gloss and the second one was dirty as well. The workers were friendly though!
(3)Emily M.
It's unfortunate that I cannot give Milk & Honey Cafe more stars as their food is excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming, however the staff behind the counter has been sooo unpleasant every time I've gone I am in no hurry to return
(3)Eric S.
I eat breakfast here at least once a week, although this is mainly do to the close proximity to my front door. That said, I find Milk and Honey exceptional, great food at a decent price and refreshing atmosphere. The cafe has a short but masterful menu of well executed contemporary American breakfast and lunch standards. The chalkboard menu is always punctuated with seasonal, weekly, and daily specials, which is nice to see from such an affordable establishment. The seasonal cocktails and daily special pancakes are always sure things, as well as the specialty pastries and casseroles served for weekend brunch. The Milk and Honey Granola which you might recognize from the shelves of your local Whole Foods has no equal and is a true under appreciated gem. The service is minimal, fast, and sweet. The cafe keeps down costs by playing down table side service and encouraging self-busing. Although some might see this as a negative, I've found the approach allows a non-invasive casual atmosphere which is lost on most nosheries. Seating can be tight and become scarce over the weekend, expect to wait at least fifteen minutes minimum for seating on a Sunday. As a whole, this popular Cafe could teach a few things to most breakfast and lunch joints. Well worth a look if you happen to be in the neighborhood, or even a couple of neighborhoods over.
(3)Audrey J.
The brunch was very good, and the light and airy feel of the place was a definite plus on an early (okay okay, not so early) weekend morning. The menu is super affordably priced, and the service quick on their feet. In terms of food/service/setup, this place reminded me of that old faithful "Crepevine" back in SF. I 100% did NOT understand why they chose that layout, though, because the line to order food will inevitably reach out to the end of the wall, which *OOPS!* is the door. TOTAL traffic jam. NOT cool. Also, super crowded seating made me think my coat was in constant danger of a spilled orange juice. Also, don't fool yourself into thinking this is a health-nut's paradise! Sure, the "house-made granola" and "buttermilk-granola pancakes" sound hippy dippy, but trust me, the huevos rancheros casserole, while savory and delicious, is seriously a heart attack in a bowl.
(3)Meg Z.
Went for Sunday brunch, and even though it was crazy busy, the staff was still friendly and did not let their frustrations show. Its a tad pricey, but the portions are huge and will certainly fill you up. The menu is small but varied and everything my party got was filling and delicious! It gets four stars rather than five though, because i got the weakest bloody mary ever! I tried spicing it up with sriracha and tabasco and pepper to no avail. Stick to the food, its delicious, but this is not the place to get a little hair of the dog.
(4)Christina S.
I love me some milk and honey. Everytime i go it is tasty tasty. Yeah, sure there is a long line. and yeah, sure there are yuppies in abundance. but the food is delish and worth it, imo. and it is so cute in there too, esp with the fire place and all. If crowds bother you, try going during the week. way better. however, their pastries are def lacking. I'd head down to alliance or Letizias down the street for a better sweet treat.
(5)Alaina F.
This one is really hard to rate. The ambience is pretty darn cute and the food is good, however, the service kind of sucks. I do not like the way they seat you/take your food orders. You wait in a line, order your food and then sit down. It is confusing and rushed. I did enjoy my chilaquiles very much though, but i highly doubt they are healthy in any way. and parking blows over here.
(3)Lindsay L.
I am a sucker for weekend brunch, and I always request to go here when I visit my friend who lives in Wicker Park..... very much an MMMMM breakfast. Great coffee, and the panini breakfast sandwich is excellent. The only downside is the layout of the restuarant. They make you wait in the corner where the waiters have to walk through and you feel very much in the way. That said, at least you get to order right away, so your food is being made while you wait!
(5)Andrew C.
This place does breakfast really well - food is interesting, portions are big, prices are reasonable. Indeed for food, I give it 3 stars. What I really dislike about Milk & Honey is the war of all against all for a table. Granted, that hasn't stopped me from eating here rather frequently in the past. However, as a recent experience demonstrated vividly to me, when their lack of a seating system collides with the crowds of awful, awful people that throng this place at peak hours, it takes forever to get a table, and when you finally get one, the wait and the awfulness of the crowd have pretty much spoiled everything.
(2)Zsiberian N.
Absolute neighborhood favorite with great menu and atmosphere, fairly quick to-go turn around. They have yet to surprise me with something super original, but it's a safe bet for quick meet up or lazy weekend afternoon.
(3)Parisa S.
OMG 126 reviews already? Damn, I'm definitely late to the party. So there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said. Food rocks, service is friendly, get the burrito thing - it's amazing. Oh, but the wait sucks. No surprise, given the 126 reviews... Go to M&H. You're guaranteed a great brunch.
(5)Whitney S.
TERRIBLE service. For the amount of traffic this place gets during breakfast and lunchtime, they should really rethink the ordering sequence. Also, ordered a beer, and couldn't even have it until I waited 15 minutes for a table. Very disorganized and staff is somewhat unfriendly. On the upside, all of the sandwiches sound good, unfortunately didn't taste as good as I had hoped. Best pickles I've ever had in my life--seriously.
(3)Ry W.
I head to Milk and Honey about twice a week for lunch and or coffee. Though the food is great, the owner and a few of the staff are cold. They know by now that I am regular, when I smile and say hi they are very unwelcoming. Enough to the point where I am now going elsewhere for lunch and coffee. When I pay $27 for 2 sandwiches and 2 soups, just shoot me a smile once and a while and a thank you. There is one girl there, short brown hair with bangs, who is super sweet and nice!
(3)A S.
Even though it can get pretty crowded here, they have a pretty good way of handling the chaos and getting you to a table without totally stressing you out. I love their drinks and the food was great, too.
(4)jamie k.
Oh how I wish this place was a bit more efficient... I think it has really good food, I think it's a bit expensive and when Jerry's opens it's sandwich shop a few doors down it could be interesting. This morning I was so frustrated, as I stopped in for ice coffee on the go...there was only one girl working, she was serving the table, working the register and multiple other tasks...she looks totally sweet and as if she totally loves her job...but after standing there 10 minutes with only one person ahead of me, watching multiple bus's go by - I had to leave and ran into Alliance. Sorry Milk & Honey...
(3)Stove P.
This place is a dream! My friend and I strolled over here on a pleasantly warm Friday afternoon. As my friend pointed out, it seemed like we were on vacation. The weather was beautiful, everyone was out walking their dogs, sitting outside of restaurants, and generally in an easy-going mood. The wrath of winter had FINALLY settled, and everyone took advantage of it that day. Milk and Honey was just the place to bask in the day's delight. Entering the restaurant, I was set on ordering French toast, but they had stopped serving breakfast already. But that was okay! The avocado sandwich made up for it a million times! Oh my god, my first bite into this veggie treasure was pure bliss. I put the sandwich down and just stared at it in disbelief. What had I just eaten?!!! Let me give you some insight into my usual behavior. I'm comatose most of the time, hardly excited by anything. It's torturous, really. So not only was this sandwich a gift to my stomach, but my mental health as well. This must have been made by a true sandwich god. Let me tell you what was in this--avocado, smoked GOOOOOOUDA cheese, Roma tomatoes, cracked mustard (still don't know what it is, but I'm pretty sure I love it), cucumbers, and all sandwiched between multigrain bread. I've never told a sandwich I loved it before, but everything was different that day. I gave my friend a piece of my sandwich and she gave me some of her salad. Oh what a meal. We were completely enamored by this quaint little cafe. The service was terrific. The cashier was soooo pretty. I don't remember her name, but her face was beautiful. You must try it! Oh please just go here now!!
(5)Melanie B.
THIS IS MAINLY A REVIEW ON MILK & HONEY'S CHOCOLATE CROISSANT! okay. i haven't dined in milk & honey and i've never ordered anything but a croissant. however, being a croissant connoisseure, i have to review the chocolate croissant here. it's definitely the best one i've had in chicago. the dark chocolate is perfectly melted yet chewy (since it's cooled after being melted) and the outside is crunchy and flakey while the inside is buttery soft. yay, milk & honey! however, i have had the almond croissant as well, and while it was very good, alliance (right down the street) makes a better almond croissant (and a decent chocolate croissant as well). i agree that the line out the door on weekends is tres annoying, esp. considering that we always go in just for the croissant... still, all of the brunchy food looks amazing. i eye it when i'm standing in line (in crowd, really) waiting to get to the register. honestly, the staff isn't super nice either. but the chocolate croissant... yes. the croissant gets 4 stars, but the overall experience is only 3.
(3)Erin R.
The process of ordering food is stressful, due to the general snottiness of the staff, but once the order has been filled, Milk & Honey glows with delicious. It's basically like Weiner's Circle, but manned by eye-rolling hipster transplants in lieu of black swearing Chicago natives. If you can get past the counter without suffering a bad-attitude-related nervous breakdown, highly recommended.
(3)Sarah H.
There has got to be a better way?! Stopped in here for brunch on a Saturday morning.. and I realize that one is usually going to have to wait for their brunch on a Saturday morning. But Milk and Honey just seemed so disorganized.. and their system for getting people seated just seemed so wrong. I spent most of my wait trying to reconfigure their process into a more efficient way. Ok so maybe I'm just a control freak.. who knows. I'm really not a fan of the fact that they rush you into ordering off the board right as you walk in the door.. After I made a rash decision I must have changed my mind as to what I wanted four times. The food was good though. I had a a bagel and lox and it was delicious.. I probably would have gone ahead and gotten something to go along with it if I had more time to peruse the menu!
(3)Steven C.
I often look at all the people waiting in line at Milk & Honey on the weekends, and then look down the street at all the places within a 2 minute walk that have open tables. And I think to myself: what is it about this place that keeps people coming back, over and over, to stand in a long line so they can have brunch at a place where the selection isn't really unusual? I mean - they serve French toast, pancakes and oatmeal. Is it really THAT much better than every other place in the neighborhood - or the city, for that matter? I guess it is. I eat at or carry out from Milk & Honey all the time. Their yogurt and granola is so good, and I have had it so many times, that if I have one of those yogurt parfait cups from Starbucks or anywhere else now I wonder what they did to screw it up. They have good French toast and pancakes, good huevos rancheros, and a collection of fabulous sandwiches. Their potato chips suck, but hey - noplace is perfect, and you don't have to eat them. I love the atmosphere on a weekday morning when it's not crowded and I can enjoy the sunny space -- or, in the winter, the sunlit room + the fireplace. I don't love all the strollers, but maybe I will one day if I ever have children of my own to push around and into restaurants.
(4)Kelly R.
I came here thinking this was more of a brunch spot that would have a lot of breakfast-type options, but they actually have a much larger sandwich menu. Which is fine, just not exactly what I was expecting. However, the food is delicious and very reasonably priced and I like the set up a lot better than that of other city brunch spots where you fight through a crowd to get your name in, then hang on the sidewalk for an hour before you're seated. You actually go up to the counter, order, pay and get a number... then the food arrives soon after you're seated which is nice and you don't have to mess with the bill after the meal. We only waited maybe 15 minutes on a Saturday around 1... not too bad. So anyway, the food --- I ended up getting an egg/cheddar/tomato sandwich which was really good, but like I said, one of the few egg options on the menu. Also split the pancakes which were GREAT! All of the sandwiches I saw looked delectable too, but I'll have to go back to try those another time.
(4)Kristine B.
Had late lunch here on sunny saturday (before it was rediculous hot) - and had the avocado sandwich but added turkey. DELISH! The wait wasn't too long - we realized we were here about half hour before closing, so maybe thats why? The lemonade was good and got an iced coffee to go. Got to spend some time on the patio, but there were a lot of pigeons on this random day, so it wasn't QUITE as enjoyable - but that definately wasn't their fault. I would come back for sammys for sure!
(4)Janette L.
Good strong coffee and reasonable prices for brunch. Abbreviated menu (for brunch) but the sandwiches sounded better - I may have to check this place out for lunch! I would recommend the Huevos Rancheros (only on the weekends) but you should be prepared they are pretty heavy handed with the black beans. The side of sauce is what made this dish in my opinion. All together it was very flavorful. Breakfast panini was ok but nothing really special - not as much flavor but I guess I should not have expected that much from a bacon/egg/cheese sandwich. Overall, I thought the place was pretty okay (sorry, I don't think it lived up to all the hype) and a recommendation would be to get the coffee to-go. I revel in that first cup of coffee after a late night out and waiting the 30 minutes to get seated for my coffee was making me antsy.
(3)Morgan O.
I walked into this restaurant with a whole lot of build-up from friends so maybe that's not entirely fair, but I was expecting more. The dishes were a little "average" but the prices are reasonable. I would say I like the ambiance and feel of the place. It's a nice breakfast place to pop into once in a while but definitely nothing memorable. A-OK Milk & Honey.
(3)Kathleen A.
Milk and Honey makes me feel all warm inside, and in a good way. Breakfast Panini's-GENIUS. That's all I've had here, they serve it with their kettle potato chips, and I usually get a chai latte or mocha along with it. YUM. I also have tried the bloody mary's here. I do not like bloodys usually but they do them right here. The one thing I hate though is the setup of the place. It is so tiny, and while waiting for a table to open up, I felt like I was in everyone's way standing in the middle of the place. This place needs to be bigger!
(4)Coco C.
Back when I was a city girl and too lazy to make my own coffee before work, Milk and Honey was a daily stop for me. It was also the main place I would take out-of-town visitors for weekend brunch/lunch - these things had as much to do with the fact that I love me some Milk and Honey and that it was a block away from my apartment. My personal faves here are the scrambled egg-bacon-cheese sandwich and the roast beef sandwich (though *sometimes* the roast beast is a wee bit too much on the rare side for me...). Oh, and the scones! Get here early for fresh scones - coffee shop scones are usually horrible pieces of shit, but these things are fan-freaking-tastic. Seriously! They are a wee bit on the pricey side, and if you go anytime after 9 am on weekends you will have to deal with endless crowds of Wicker Park yuppies with babies (or young yuppies with their visiting parents), so it's better to go during the week or get your food to go.
(4)Dave S.
I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast here. I had Huevos Rancheros, which are only available on the weekends unfortunately. They had a good taste to them. I don't like overpowering spiciness and these were perfect for my taste buds to really savor. I had a side of bacon which was ultra crispy, just the way I like it. I was able to taste Lara's Orange Brioche French Toast, which was also very good. The place is very open but was very cramped as it is not all that big and it was very crowded. There were a lot of people mulling around waiting for a table to open up which made it seem even more cramped. Were were very lucky to get a spot by the large front windows. On a cold winter morning the sunshine felt really nice shining in on me. The menu is very limited and the only things that really caught my eye was the French Toast and the Huevos Rancheros. They do not look to cater to the masses. They do what they do very well. They do have a good selection of sandwiches also. I will be back for more and more, hopefully at a less busier time of day.
(4)Micky M.
Try the huevos rancheros.
(4)Amy L.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!! I think I may have had the best breakfast of my life this past weekend. I had the pancakes which were apple cinnamon I believe with the granola...they were to die for and I felt like they were somewhat healthy. My sister had the huevos rancheros which were phenomenal. If you are in a hurry this wouldn't be the place to go, but if you want a leisurely brunch and don't mind waiting this is your place!! They really have the waiting system down though....you are put on a list for a table and then wait in line to order...by the time you order your table is pretty much ready for you to sit and your food comes soon after...like clockwork!
(5)Angie T.
there's not much better than steamed cider on a cold rainy day. thankfully we walked into the cozy milk & honey to soothe than craving. i had ham (an absurd amount of ham) and guierre on pretzel loaf which was definitely big enough to share. it was decent, but nothing i would order again. however, the homemade chips it came with i did not especially care for...and for me to say that about chips, they couldnt have been very good. but they had a cozy fire and didnt mind us girls sitting around chatting for a couple hours. the staff was friendly and helpful and the menu was on chalkboards. a lovely touch. it was cute. i might go back. but i wont be heading west just for a milk & honey visit.
(3)Lindsay S.
The best brunch place in the city hands down. The huevos rancheros on weekend are the way to go. My boyfriend usually gets the lox plate which at other places could easily be 12 bucks but here is only 6.75. Can't get much cheaper than that as this quality. Nothing is more expensive than 6.75 and for the quality and value, this is where its at. Also, I get anxiety about places that you order first and then have to wait around for a table. But Milk and Honey has a system where you order and then wait for your table number to be called. Woohoo for Milk and Honey, for their excellent food and service.
(5)Breea J.
Milk & Honey is one of my favorite brunch spots in Chicago. Even though the line is usually out the door on the weekends you are usually at a table and eating within 30 minutes which is a lot better than most good brunch places in the city! I wish there were more places like this in the city.
(4)Purnima M.
Milk and Honey, you will always have a special place in my heart. How many mid-day meals I've enjoyed at your table by the window, looking out at the milling Wicker Park crowds, up at the funky white light fixture, and around at the other happy, satified customers wolfing down your scrumptious offerings! And all those tempting baked goods in the glass cases up front, each making me go back for "just one more thing" even when I knew I shouldn't. You started what has now become an official addiction I have with brunching my way through Chicago. And even if I don't visit as often anymore, know that every time I pass your store front, I can't help but smile.
(4)Gretchen V.
I recently revisited Milk & Honey after it fell off my radar for some reason. Anyway, I was not disappointed. A friend and I split the huevos rancheros and granola with yogurt & fruit. Now usually I think granola is overrated and that it's pointless to buy granola in a restaurant when I can easily have it at home with little to no effort, but my friend really wanted to try it so I didn't say anything. Milk & Honey proved me wrong here! The granola is very very good, and filling, and the yogurt is also awesome. I have to say I wasn't blown away by the huevos rancheros, but the granola made up for it. We also had fresh squeezed OJ (so good) and cafe au laits, which were made very well. They do have a nice spread of alcoholic drinks available as well - I can't wait to try their bloody marys and mimosas. I suggest going early or late on the weekends (avoid the 10-11 a.m. crowd) if you don't want to wait. The place is small, so waiting for a table is kind of awkward, but not awkward enough to make me stay away.
(4)Michelle R.
DO NOT GO HERE ON A WEEKEND! I will never go back to this place. I didn't mind waiting an hour. But the staff was rude. The food was bad. Not a good experience.
(1)Clarissa S.
I went here while visiting my sister in the middle of summer and the cold drinks were a wonderful respite from the nasty heat. Adorable little joint with great service to boot!
(5)Carolynne M.
The ONLY reason to come here is for the granola. Sure, you can buy it in bags to go, but wouldnt you rather get a nice big bowl served to you with ultra creamy vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit? It is heaven... truly!
(5)Alexis H.
For all of you who thought Milk and Honey was all about coffee and tea (myself included), whoa, we were way wrong. Milk and Honey is not only a little coffee house, it also serves delicious, amazing food. I recently went for brunch with a friend - I had the breakfast sandwich, which had scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon & tomato and was served with homemade chips all for a measly $6.25. My friend had the huevos rancheros, which Milk and Honey serves casserole style, and it looked amazing. Actually, every dish that I saw come out of the kitchen looked amazing! Milk and Honey also serves a wide variety of sandwiches all for around $7 from 10AM-close (which is 4 or 5 PM depending on the day). Don't let the long line out the door for weekend brunch throw you off. It moves faster than you'd think. Just order when you get to the counter, and by the time the hostess has found a seat for you your food will hit the table fresh out of the kitchen. Just a one star loss for the tiny space, which is not a good combination with the brunch crowds on Division.
(4)Lisa F.
Milk & Honey Cafe is great for the reasons you expect in a groovy brunch place. Awesome food, THIS CLOSE seating to your fellow citizens, and not a bad wait ever (I don't think 30 mins is bad). If you aren't terribly hungry get the oatmeal. It is so fabulous you will wish you were hungrier/had more room/wore stretchy pants. If you are hungry then go for it. Get those pancakes, or perhaps the french toast. The only complaint is the system of ordering. I have been here many times and even though I know it well, it grates on me. It has a Seinfeld Soup Nazi kind of feel. If you don't know, you don't know. And if there is a really long line then you have to shuffle along like you are 1st grader waiting to cram into the auditorium. Single file please! All they're missing is the rope we all hold on to so we don't lose our places. Even not hungover, it annoys me. I soothe my irritation with a bloody mary. I am, after all, a nice Maryland girl.
(4)Jen G.
Great selection--healthy and yummy in some cases, and I enjoyed the efficiency of ordering and paying and having someone bring it out to you. If you get here before 10 on the weekends, you should be good to go. The OJ is great and I love that they have Pelligrino. I agree with the posters that commended the oatmeal. The bagel sandwich is also delicious and could feed two people. I am not a huge fans of such close quarters, but it works here. Don't talk about anything juicy--or anything you don't want others to hear!
(4)Jed L.
To my friend's amazement (and since it was the day after Christmas) we were able to walk right in and snag a table with no issues. My friend, who is a Chicago native, highly recommended this place for breakfast. I'm really glad I had the chance to eat here. I ordered strictly off of what my friend recommended, and didn't even look at the menu. He suggested I try the Huevos Rancheros - EXCELLENT! This was THE best version of this dish I have ever had. It was also the most interesting one in presentation. I've never had Huevos Rancheros casserole style, and I won't have them any other way now! Yea, it was that good. I also love the fact that pretty much everything is self-service as far as coffee and water. It's very pleasant to not be waited on sometimes.
(4)Mary I.
Went here with 2 friends for a Saturday brunch. It's a small cafe with an outside sitting area w/ umbrellas which is nice! We had the pancakes w/ nectarines on top and the huevos rancheros? They both were pretty scrumptous. And for the price was totally well worth it. The entrees are about $7 for brunch. Will definitely come back again!
(4)Hillary D.
Super small menu. Pretty standard stuff. Nothing fancy. Boring egg, bacon, tomato, cheddar panini...served with (get this) potato chips! Ick. Not something I want to eat for breakfast. Also had the chocolate and strawberry pancakes which were tasty but not exceptional. My boyfriend and I felt like we could have easily made this breakfast at home.
(2)Kristen F.
I've been checking out places in Wicker Park since I might decide to move there and my oh my do I really like Milk and Honey. I had the Chicken Lime and Orzo soup and I would die to have the recipe. I also split a sandwich with a friend. It was their in house Roast Beef and you know what? There are 1,000 ways to screw up Roast Beef but Milk and Honey did NOT screw this one up. It was the most delicious sandwich I have had in a long time. I saw this advertisement for a Special Five Course Dinner they're having on April 14th for 85 dollars a person and I am seriously considering going, it looks absolutely delicious.
(4)Linda T.
M&H is a neighborhood gem. I have been there so many times I can't count, and due to laziness on my part, sometimes 2 meals a day. I highly recommend their granola/yogurt. oatmeal, OJ, BLT, salads in the case, pretty much any special salad or soup they have, the list of my faves would be too long. Someone else mentioned their soggy pickles, they are soggy, loaded with garlic, and fantastic! It's not a place to get Vlasic, they're fresh, and I believe homemade. Anyway, love this place. If I could change one thing, I would never stand in line and okay 2 things, secondly, I could bring my dog in, but the latter is a Chicago law, however they are very dog friendly :)
(4)Josh M.
One of my favorite place for breakfast/brunch. Weekends can get very busy, especially when it is warm outside. Sometimes the line can be very long and the self service aspect a little annoying. The food is great and the atmosphere in the space is very light and energetic. Highly recommended. Oatmeal with dried cherries, walnuts, brown sugar....very good. Heuvos Rancheros is great.
(5)missallfun H.
the food is always great but I cant stand the staff. They all look miserable and not wanting to be there. Im not sure why they cant smile, be nice, fake a thank you. They are always busy which I get but the owner really should whip them into shape. Unless the staff gets the attitude from them. I guess the lavender cookies are enough to forgo some friendly service. I cant wait for the competition to move in and teach them a lesson on friendly service, they should be ecstatic that they are allways busy and making soooo much loot.
(3)Andrew S.
If you're looking for a place to see and be seen in an up and coming area, this is it. However if your looking for a great place to have a good lunch over conversation with friends, forget it. I visited Mike & Honey a few weeks ago for Sunday brunch and was rather disappointed. The wait was quite long and the food was only passable. I had the Tomato, Mozzerella & Basil sandwich and felt that I could have made a better one at home in five minutes. Even the others at my table had rather lackluster feelings on their food. What was really bad was the level of sound in the place. Conversation was almost impossible. They really, really should throw up some sound dampening somewhere, even if it's artistic...there are companies that specialize in that sort of thing after all. So yes, there were beautiful, trendy people streaming in and out, but the rest was "meh" at best. - Andrew
(2)Mister S.
I've never understood the fascination some people have with waiting in line for up to an hour on a Sunday morning to get brunch. Milk and Honey has good food. I've had breakfast and lunch there. But nothing was amazing. It's crowded, and they have a very strange seating system where you wait in line, get a number while in line, order food at a counter, and then get a table. The waitresses are rushing around frantically trying to organize seating, all while calling out numbers. Basically, it's the hustle and bustle I look forward to avoiding on the weekends.
(3)Tiff B.
The food is ok, the service is rushed and borderline bad. I understand that the place gets crowded and has limited space, but I've been there several times now and have never been welcomed warmly or appreciated. It's like they're herding cattle in that place and they especially don't like people with small children or babies in strollers. I don't have either, but I felt for the moms that came in with strollers or carriers and were basically told there was no room for them in the restaurant. Regarding the food, it's good, but nothing that you can't find at any number of restaurants in the area. Some of their baked goods are delicious and are worth getting for takeout. Dining in is only recommended during their down times, whenever that is exactly, I'm not sure.
(3)Aaron S.
My girlfriend and I visited Milk and Honey on a recent roadtrip from Nashville to Chicago. Honestly it was a delicious brunch on a Saturday morning. She got the orange brioche French toast, while I ordered the pankcakes. They were tasty, fresh, and worth every penny. If I can nitpick just a little there was a huge line, but it was Saturday, and their "table numbering" system was a little confusing. But definetly worth a visit.
(4)Zac K.
Menu is awesome and while some might argue not huge- spot on! Huevos Rancheros ROCK! The pancake of the weekend is usually pretty darn tasty too. This joint can get crowded at times, so keep that in mind, but if you go early enough and score a table, you're set for success! Cozy place with a mixture of everything which is reflective of the neighborhood itself. I have never had a bad breakfast here- always delish- thanks for M & H for making my mornings a bit sweeter - ok, corny I know, it's the advertising in me
(5)Elle N.
If you're in the neighborhood and want breakfast, lunch or a cup of fancy coffee, this is a good bet. The food is quite good and the decor is light and relaxing. The food, while super yummy, is limited - there's a small menu and it barely ever changes, so while I really like their food it's also easy to get sick of it after a handful of visits due to the lack of variety. It also gets crazy busy during peak breakfast and lunch hours, when you'll often find the line out the door, and there's always at least 3 mammoth strollers taking up a lot of space. In the summer, there's an outdoor dining area, so that helps a bit. Overall, I'd say it's worth trying at least once if you're in the area. But I wouldn't go too out of my way to get here.
(3)Brandon B.
I have to say that the food here is great: unique combinations of ingredients, different type of menu but with all the basics, nice little store. There is something that annoys me about the total experience that takes away from the 5 star rating that is probably mostly a personal thing: something about the combo of the crowdedness (could barely move in my seat), the crowd (sudden appearance of a roomfull of young white married couples between 20-30 +/- kids, all looking pretty rich-like), the polished granola-ness of the look. But who can slam good food.
(4)A S.
The food here is decent, at best. To be honest, there are a few great items, but the vast majority of the food is fair (if my rating was on the food alone it would get a 3). The service is awful. The staff is unfriendly and always seem very busy, unwilling to proactively help. No one smiles either. ever. Here is the icing on the cake: my meal the other morning was $17 and change. I paid with a $20 and the girl at the counter put my change in the tip jar!? In no way did I give her any impression to do so. I wanted to take my coffee to go, and it took me 4 minutes to make eye contact with someone behind the counter to even look at me.
(2)Tricia F.
Possibly one of my favorite places from breakfast in the city. You really can't go wrong with any of the breakfast items, especially the amazing (and rotating menu of) pancakes and the breakfast panini sandwich...eggs, bacon, Cheddar and tomato. AWESOME. It's rather thick...probably about 4 eggs, and is served with baked potato chips. (little less than $7). They serve Intelligentsia "Milk & Honey" blend coffee and make great espresso drinks. Fresh squeezed juice as well. The staff is usually pretty dry, rather down-to-business, except for a tall woman with dark hair and skin, who is ALWAYS smiling and wonderfully friendly. Pretty quick service. You're guaranteed to have to wait in line for a table...sometimes longer in the winter when the outdoor patio is closed. The restaurant is also a pretty tight squeeze, so taking those two aspects into consideration...make sure you're in the mood to deal with it.
(4)Patti B.
I admit, I dragged my boyfriend here because the name drew me in. The cafe is so cute! It was definitely packed and there was a big line (probably didn't help that the Renegade Craft Fair was going on ;-)) so we opted for take-out. They make a killer avocado sandwich and pack a pickle to go with a bag of homemade chips (hardly salted, so I liked them, but my boyfriend didn't). I'm definitely coming back! ** Update: 5/17/08 ** We finally came back for another day in Bucktown and decided to eat in this time. I don't know what the big fuss is about the line and the crowd because we didn't wait long (even though it was 11:30am) and got a great table with room enough for us to stretch out and not bump into anyone. Given that you order before being seated and collect your own silverware, I don't know what kind of sit down service people are expecting. We were just happy that our food arrived promptly and tasted good - we split the avocado sandwich again and the pancakes of the day (buttermilk with nuts, mm!), and my hazelnut latte was delicious.
(4)Leigh K.
I went here last weekend with Kris Williams. My eyes tend to be bigger than my stomach most times. I order whatever looks good even if they don't pair perfectly. On Saturday, I ordered the Avocado + Smoked Gouda sandwich with no mustard. As many other Yelpers before me have said, this is one tasty sandwich. I also ordered a salad special they had which was spinach with melted goat cheese drizzled on top. It sounded dreamy and tasted pretty delicious but the melted goat cheese had a gritty texture that appeared when I was chewing it. It kind of weirded me out, but yeah, it tasted good. I have to go against the Yelp grain and agree with Baji K, the chips were not good. They are thick and kettle-cooked and they sure look appealing, but when it came down to it, they were tasteless. Kris Williams agreed, but I joked with her that when I brought them home, Zachary would love them (he did). I sampled the huevos rancheros and the yogurt and granola Kris got. They were pretty good, but I wasn't blown away. There are already so many great breakfast spots in our neck of the woods that I don't feel like waiting in a line if it's not Toast or Bongo Room. Both of those restaurants have proved themselves to me time and time again, but Milk & Honey Cafe, you haven't won me over. Also, what compels Milk & Honey to stay in this awkward skinny space that is always packed on weekends?
(3)Marisa M.
As I was only in Chicago for a few days, I was a little reluctant to head to Milk & Honey for lunch over my usual favorites. However, this spot won me over instantly and would easily be somewhere that I would frequent if I still lived in town. My friend and I ordered our sandwiches from the counter and were directed toward a great window side table. We swapped sandwich halves so I got to try both the ham and havarti on a pretzel roll and the avocado and gouda on multigrain bread. Both were great. I was expecting the heavily favor the ham, but the avocado sandwich was probably my favorite of the two. They also have a great outdoor patio which would have been the place to sit had it not been 95 degrees outside.
(4)Zach W.
Laura R. is so right! The avocado sandwich is wonderful. The key avocado, avocado and more avocado! Also making this a great sandwich is the smoky gouda. It's a rarity that gouda is smoked enough to be punchy, this was and it added terrific flavor to the sandwich. In the summer months it's great to eat lunch here because of their spacious sidewalk seating. Of course this is true for most spots on Division. Not sure why other neighborhoods didn't adapt the WIDE sidewalks. This might be my biggest gripe about Chicago on the whole.
(4)Kate S.
There's not a lot I can add to the reviews of the food at Milk & Honey Cafe: it's great, from the dried cherry and walnut oatmeal and amazing huevos rancheros to the incredible lunchtime sandwiches and salads. Anyone who wants to judge the decor can easily do so themselves by checking out pictures online. So I won't rehash that. One word of advice: If you want to go for a weekend brunch, go before 11. I live across the street and every weekend I watch the lines that back up around noon. I'm not a patient person, so I make sure I get in around 9:30 so I get a table right away. And one complaint: The hours. Why, oh why, do they close so early? It would make me so happy if I could drop in after work and pick up an easy sandwich for dinner. Bah.
(5)sandra h.
I loved the brunch at Milk & Honey. I had the special pancakes with apples and granola - they were very good. My husband had the humongous orange scented brioche french toast with almonds - he loved it. The cafe mocha may have been the best I've ever had. They are well known for their granola and we took home a bag to give it a try.
(5)Candice M.
I don't know if there's a better place to go for lunch. The best tuna salad panini-type sandwich I have EVER had! And my friend loved her roast beef sandwich as well. If I lived in Chicago, I would go here all the time. It was amazing!
(5)Jason L.
Super crowded on weekends but they have this BLT sandwich on grilled bread that rocks. It's definitely worth the wait.
(4)J. N.
The place your own order concept stresses me out and my food just wasn't that good. My boyfriend had eaten breakfast here once and never stopped talking about it. We tried to stop in a few times but it was always so crowded we didn't want to wait. A couple weeks ago we drove by and it seemed pretty slow - we jumped at the chance to eat lunch there. I ordered the Avocado, Smoked Gouda, Romaine and Tomato with Cracked Mustard on Mulligan Bread. It sounded so good, I was super excited. When I received it I was very disappointed. The cracked mustard was very harsh and did not compliment the buttery avocado. The cheese and bread were okay, but together I thought it was a bitter, bland mess. I was very disappointed with the bland chips also. My boyfriend ordered the Grilled Pastrami and Swiss with Horseradish-Mustard Spread on Dark Rye. His first bit a huge fatty piece fell from his lips and disgusted me. Granted, we understand Pastrami is a naturally fatty meat.... This was insane. He picked most of the fat off and let it in a mound on the plate. He was very disappointed and agreed the chips were awful. The lemon tart was, however, delicious. The atmosphere was pleasent, but the order at the counter and get your own water was frustrating... especially when you want to sit outside. This place is hyped a lot and I don't get what all the fuss is about. There are so many other places in the area I would rather eat - very disappointing.
(2)Holly F.
Yes yes yes! On the other hand, THIS is where the goods are in Chicago! Sunday brunch in the sun, by an open window, Milk & Honey's version of Huevos Rancheros (oh Yes! Yes yes!) steaming before my tearing eyes and anticipating lips, fluffy French Toast and wonderful underful coffee - Yes Yes Yes! And in Wicker Park, it couldn't be better. It's the bester.
(5)heather s.
I really like coming here for a weekday breakfast, but it is to be avoided on the weekends. It's hard to walk in without tripping over all the strollers strewn about. I'm not sure why this place attracts so many parents (and I don't judge you, breeders, the problem is the enormity of your strollers). The breakfast menu is great (french toast and huevos rancheros are standouts), and soups are usually good, but I've never had one of their lunch selections that I would order again.
(3)Joscelyn M.
Sooo tiny, I hate going in winter so I don't have to wait outside in the cold. The food is very yummy - the pancake special is always incredible, as is the breakfast casserole, all the sandwiches and the quiches. My only complaint is that you can't get egg whites or do any substitutions, but I understand - it can't be perfect!
(3)Ryan G.
I am giving this place one star for someone like me. I like big breakfast where they have many choices ....Milk and honey does not have omlettes or Sausage. This is a major yuppy overpriced undersized hangout that I personally do not enjoy... Not a place for me, although I did go with a 2 girls and they did like it...
(2)Evangeline L.
I heart Milk and Honey Cafe. Yes, its crowded (especially on weekends) and yes its a bit hipster but man, the food is good. I always get the same thing...BLT sandwich (YUM) and tomato mozzarella salad. Both are scrumptious. Beware of the wait on weekends but if you don't mind reading the paper while you wait...its sure worth it. My only gripe is the not so fabulous potato chips they serve with the sandwiches. They are rather tasteless but whatever, who needs the extra calories anyway?
(4)Tom W.
I saw a listing in one of the Chicago tourism magazines for this restaurant and I expected really good things. However, I was a little disappointed. The staff was friendly and they were all decked out in their comfortable clothes with bandanas in their hair. Good look. The place was very relaxing and it had a good aura. I had the pastrami on rye today. I have to say, I was not impressed. The bread was burnt and crunchy. Also, the pastrami was really fatty and it didn't appear to be cooked all the way through. I had to pick off the fatty part of the individual strips of pastrami in order to eat the rest of the sandwich. Gross, yes. But, it had to be done. I'm giving this place two stars because of the sandwich. The environment was nice but I don't see myself going back anytime soon.
(2)Michelle F.
Milk and Honey brunch is fabulous, but be prepared to wait it out on the weekends. I love their huevos rancheros, which is only served on the weekends, unfortunately. Their food is fresh and delicious and their yogurt and granola is outstanding. I am a fan of their blueberry pecan granola. However, I am not a fan of their potato chips. They have no flavor and aren't worth the calories. Besides that, I would get over there, order a giant coffee to go with your yogurt and granola and enjoy watching hipsters interact with each other, which can be totally amusing within itself.
(4)Gretchen O.
When I first moved to Chicago my aunt gave me a gift certificate to this place, and I was very grateful. The food is amazing, and the menu changes regularly. Their salads are wonderful, their sandwiches are enough to satisfy any appetite, and the side dishes are fresh and varied. The major flaw is space - people wait in a line at the register to order, then go to their seats. Usually the line is long enough to restrict people from seeing what's on the menu and from getting to their table. When it's crowded, things get a little mercenary. Still, it's worth it! At the very least, it's worth waiting until things are less crowded.
(4)Tiffany K.
Although my coffee was slightly burnt, their food selection is great. It's a cute cafe, but not one that you can hang out in. Nevertheless, I wish it were open later and was bigger!
(4)Sooyon H.
I ordered a sandwich from here which was just okay. I'll have to get one of their breakfast items and come earlier next time. I have tried their home-made granola on a separate occasion, which was a really great mixture and perfect for a light and healthy breakfast item with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries or some other fruit.
(3)Jerry W.
My wife, oldest daughter, oldest son and I have been here several times. This place is just so cute. With all the references to milk bottles in their decorations. The place is small, but that seems typical for a Chicago place. It was very crowded on the days we went. I guess I would be surprised if it wasn't corwded. The food and service are truly outstanding. It is very clean inside. The food was really good. They have some excellent specials, the only bad thing is that the next time they probably won't have the excellent special you just ate. The staff was very friendly. It was priced right for the food you received. I know the next time we are in the Wicker Park area we will be heading back.
(4)Char Y.
Very impressed with the food actually. I thought it would be another over priced breakfast in the city, but it was above and beyond my expectations The granola was good, the french toast was great, and sandwiches were really fresh and yummy. Definitely recommend it!
(3)Bonnie G.
I have some mixed feelings rating this place 4 stars due to some issues that I will lay out right away-when I was first trying to order, another woman who was leaving kept interrupting me and talking to the woman working the counter when I was trying to ask questions about combinations, dairy content, etc. I found her behaviour rather unprofessional, and something about the way the woman at the counter was acting made me thing this blonde woman may have been the cook/co-owner/someone higher up. Please, whoever you were, it was def. NOT a good first impression. Your rude behavior was so disruptive that I almost turned around and left. If I was so damn hungry and knew the city better I would have. Secondly, the vegetarian options were mostly dairy based, and being lactose-intolerant, I made do, but adding some non-cheese based options in the future would be appreciated. BUT... -The decor was amazing-minimalist, bright by the open windows, goregous simple set up. A cross b/w a museum cafeteria and a bistro. -The food...was damn good. And I thought reasonably priced. I had wine, a warmed up ricotta tart, beets with sweet potatos and a tomato soup served with toasted bread. - The service, other than that first woman, was extremely friendly and sweet and really efficient. I was so hungry I wasn't making sense, and the counter woman was humorous...and good at deliverin the yummies to my table. When I think about a review, I think if I would recommend this place to others for the rating, and for this place? Yeah, actually I would. I wouldn't go miles out of the way, but if in the neighborhood and want a great lunch/brunch on a weekday? It would be a perfect choice.
(4)andy b.
Although the food is ok...i always leave this place pissed off. I dont know if its the screaming kids, or the rude staff, or the long lines or the crowded rushed atmosphere. I cant pinpoint it, and i dont want to . i have been here many times thinking that i was too harsh, and i can say one thing. It is consistent. Consistenly BAD.
(1)zamboni z.
So yummy for brunch on a lazy weekend day - with the weather turning nice, you and your pooch can grab a table outside.... we had a bit of a wait the Sunday we went, but it was expected and not outrageous. Coffee is really good, We had a bit of everything from the menu - the french toast looked awesome, and I can vouch for the huevos rancheros - del-ish. I got mini cupcakes for the table and a nice way to finish off a very nice lazy Sunday. Looking forward to another trip back soon
(4)Caroline T.
My absolute favorite lunch, brunch, breakfast cafe in the city. With a long list of unique sandwich choices that make it difficult for me to decide or breakfast egg dishes if I am feeling that- exactly what i expect for a weekend brunch cozy, moderately priced, in and out, incredible pastries- specifically the carrot cake. I recommend the grilled chicken and bacon sandwich for that right kind of full. All of the breakfast options are great. I just think its perfect. Unfortunately I do not live walking distance to Milk and Honey but want to move closer so I can go more often.
(5)amanda g.
i absolutely love this place. i would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a really good brunch place. max and i have been here a handful of times and it has never disappointed. i would highly suggest the pancake special (it changes daily i believe). i am a huge pancake person and theirs are just perfect. i hate pancakes when they are very light and airy or chalky (like biscuik) and these are the exact opposite. they are very dense and just plain delicious. my favorite pancake combo so far was cranberry, almond, granola. these featured the famous milk and honey granola on top - which is very yummy. ok, maybe you're wondering if there's anything good BESIDES the pancakes. answer is yes. between max and i, we've tried the orange brioche french toast, the huevos rancheros, and the breakfast panini. all were great. of those, the breakfast panini i'd say was the least interesting. kind of just a breakfast sandwich you could make yourself. but still very good. and max, who's more of a savory breakfast guy would tell you the huevos rancheros are amazing. also, bonus: they serve intelligentsia coffee note: this place is very popular so expect there to be a line out the door. but don't be discouraged. it goes faster than you would think. and their hostess is great. she is very nice and super organized. she'll give you a number while you wait in line. you order at the counter and usually by the time you're done ordering or a minute or two later she has found a seat for you. longest we've waited (and we go usually at prime times - sat and sun mid morning) is about 25 min. bottom line - go there!
(5)Jasmine J.
This morning we had a really tasty, inexpensive breakfast at Milk and Honey. We'd never been there before, but we'll definitely be back. I had the breakfast panini and my boyfriend had the oatmeal with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon. Everything was great. It was a little funny that the girl poured the "freshly squeezed orange juice" from a sealed gallon jug, but who cares? I loved it and, Diane S., I ain't white.
(5)Kim J.
I seem to be going against the grain here, but I really thought this place was just "ok". Not horrible, but definitely nothing memorable and definitely nothing I'd go out of my way for again. A friend and I stopped in at about 2pm on a Sunday. There was no line, so we stepped up and placed an order. I had a chicken sandwich with bacon, tomato, pesto, and blue cheese. And it was really just "meh". The chicken was a bit rubbery and tasteless and the bread was soggy. The tomato slices were huge and overwhelmed the sandwich, so I ended up taking them off completely. And the chips - they're greasy and tasteless. My friend and I looked at each other, wondering where the salt was. The space is cute, and the staff was friendly, but I just don't see myself going out of my way to go there. I really wanted to like this place, too.
(2)Alejandra P.
I lived in the neighborhood until 3 weeks ago, went there on a regular basis until I asked myself, " why do I pay to be mistreated?" These people are truly the rudest I have encountered. They obviously don't like children, they dont like to answer questions about there food or menu. The food however, is good, and changes on a regular basis. There are two people their, that are very nice, one being the latino bus boy, and the other a young lady with long dark hair. But for them, I would be giving 1 star. In my opinion Janiks, down the street is a MUCH, better option.
(2)Josh J.
The granola is famous for good reason - order a parfait and you'll understand. Just great! Other than that, they have great breakfeast and great sandwiches. Haven't (yet) been impressed with soups. Outdoor patio is one of my favorites. Try to come in the summer.
(5)Kim S.
If I were to open a coffee/breakfast shop, it'd look something like this place. The food is fresh, the decor clean and simple, and the staff were friendly. Came here with my brother and we had an ample sunday morning...sunday paper and french toast...how can you go wrong?? There were a lot of babies and some stroller hurdling was required, but once you're settled you won't want to leave.
(5)Amanda M.
A smoked salmon bagel and glass of fresh squeezed orange juice is one of my weekend/hang-over musts! I have had bites of my friend's granola, huevos rancheros and breakfast paninis (served with a side of chips, surprisingly a perfect breakfast side!) all which have thoroughly impressed me. The only thing I would not recommend is the homemade granola bars, kinda hard to eat and tasted a bit gross. Again though, definitely get a glass of the o.j. despite the high price (something like $2.75 for a glass), you will be pleased. And the line goes fast despite its looks. Promise.
(5)Julia H.
busy, busy, busy. almost always. it can be quite a wait on the weekends, but well worth it. the ingredients are very fresh and all the dishes are prepared from scratch and with love. I had the crabcake sandwich with chipotle mayo and shredded lettuce on baguette bread. The crabcake was a bit dry, but very very tasty. The homemade potato chips are perfectly crunchy and not too salty. I really enjoy the atmosphere of this place. Sunlight tends to filter in spreading across the tables, and there are always fresh flowers in little vases. The Milk n Honey granola is to DIE FOR. I eat mine with soymilk.
(4)Happy Mama M.
We went on a weekday. I have been told that the weekend brunch is to die for, but all I can say is the weekday food is good- not spectacular. Worth the stop though!
(3)Ryan H.
Revised: Has gone significantly downhill in the last year or so. The food hasn't seemed as fresh either, don't know what's caused that. In all honesty, it has made me feel ill the last 3 times I've been here. Used to be a regular but not anymore sadly. Staff/service is still great so I'll keep the 3 stars.
(3)Janie S.
Milk and Honey is the ideal breakfast fare. I love how you go up and order your food, so by the time you get your table, your meal is beautifully prepared and its so fresh. I love food and to me, it's about the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Not only do they make their own granola-its perfectly toasted, but to have it with fresh fruit and yogurt. I've tried a few of their brunch items and just can't get enough, I can say everything is delicious. Everyone who works there is really friendly and they serve you so quickly but give you enough space to let you enjoy the moment. Everything is delicious but you have to get the granola, or get a bag to take home. It's absolutely wonderful!
(5)G. S.
Excellent food, excellent service, excellent prices -- what every business strives for!! The space is bright, well-designed & decorated, and has a relaxed feel. It is clearly a favorite with the locals. Don't let the lines turn you away either -- the service is efficient and you'll place your order sooner than you'd expect. A great place to grab brunch with a friend or two. I'll be back soon!
(5)Aaron W.
We go here way too often because it's right down the street from our place, but they consistently deliver great food and coffee. Some of my favorites are the huevos rancheros, egg panini, turkey reuben, and the grilled chicken sandwich on ciabatta. My wife loves the egg panini with avo instead of bacon and the avo-gouda-veggie sandwich. Get a bag of granola to bring home with you too!
(4)Drea S.
We had such high expectations, and we were so hungry! Sunday morning, tight corner table, screaming kids that were so close to us you could almost say they sat with us, and the Huevos Rancheros everyone raves about? Picture this, a giant soup looking dish where the cheese was melted at one time and is now luke warm and hard - the first layer on top is also luke warm, the beans have created a water layer - yum, do I have you hungry now? Not to mention the bean layer is cold, that's right, cold. Thinking this must have been a mistake, we nicely asked them to heat it up. 15 minutes later, and at this point I thought they made a fresh one, the same one came back to us, and nothing changed. Still cold, still hard cheese on top. We politely left, can't say we will ever return. Cute place, but that was about it.
(2)joann h.
There are a million great places to eat in the wicker park/bucktown area, but few provide quality gourmet sandwiches that you can order on a whim and take somewhere else to enjoy. It seems like everywhere to eat in the city requires you to sit down and order to get something good. Here you can order a sandwich and take it home to enjoy in under ten minutes. Also I like that it is an order and then sit down type of place. You don't have to wait for a waitress to eventually show up to take your order, you wait in line, order and then sit down. Again in under ten minutes its brought to you to enjoy. Fabulous food and quick service, great for breakfast, lunch or a quick meal on the go!
(5)Madelyn H.
i went here with my good friend from san francisco (a fellow food lover), and we really enjoyed it. a highlight was the casserole-style huevos rancheros. what a great idea. i think i had the pancakes with some sort of fruit, but i can't remember now so it must not have made too much of an impression. i do remember liking it though. i'm bummed i didn't try the granola now that i read all of the reviews, but there's always next time. must eat: huevos rancheros
(4)Charlene S.
The hubs and I have been here several times. Love love love the yogurt and granola. The hubs loves the egg breakfast sandwich. But I went in there last week and was intrigued by the nutella scone. I ordered it and it took some self control not to scarf it down on my walk home. Actually the real reason i couldn't enjoy it was because I was carrying a coffee, my keys and holding up an umbrella. I really did hold myself back and enjoyed this throughout the day. I begrudgingly shared with my husband. I went in today looking for the scone. It wasn't there. I was again intrigued by the roasted corn and polenta donut. I was taking a long walk with my daughter who was eagerly watching while seated on my chest in we carrier. Again it took some self control to not eat it over my daughter and spill more crumbs on her hair. Nice and sweet with the interesting texture of the roasted corn. The polenta was subtle but maybe added the crumbly texture to it. Delicious. I did save a bite for the hubs. But only a bite!
(4)Michael D.
The Milk and Honey Café is located in a restaurant row area on Division Street. It has a medium- sized indoor dining room, a street-side outdoor patio, and a bakery on the premises. The décor is undistinguished. Patrons order their food at a counter and the food is subsequently brought by the wait staff to the diners' tables. A variety of sandwiches, scones/cakes, and a limited selection of breakfast dishes is offered. Being on the lookout for new good eateries and based on the number of favorable online reviews regarding this restaurant, my wife and I thought that we would give it a try for brunch. So on a recent warm Sunday morning, we visited this place. We arrived at about 10:45 a.m. at which time the outdoor patio was almost filled and the indoor dining room was about 70% occupied. We joined a short line waiting to place their orders at the counter. While waiting we were approached by an employee who arranged for us to take an indoor table. He gave us a number and then placed a card bearing our number in a holder on the table. Subsequently, we placed our order that consisted of the pannini breakfast sandwich for my wife and the huevos rancheros for me. Because of the questions that I asked at the counter, it was obvious that we were first-time customers. However, the woman taking our order did not volunteer any information regarding the ordering and serving procedures or obtaining coffee, water, and utensils. Moreover, she was brusque and impatient, but after awhile I figured out everything. Shortly after seating ourselves, our food was served. I was surprised with the rapidity of the preparation, which should have been a red flag concerning the quality of the food. Sure enough, it was awful! The pannini sandwich filling was soggy and contained bland scrambled eggs, limp bacon, distasteful cheese, and insipid tomato slices. Worse, my huevos rancheros was simply lousy. It was baked in a casserole bowl that had a glop of overcooked inedible cheese on top. The inside was extremely dry and the ingredients (eggs, black beans, and tortilla strips) were bland and unappetizing. Consequently, we left most of the food on our plates. I am guessing that our food, particularly the huevos rancheros, was not prepared to order but rather made in advance and then somehow warmed up. Whatever the case, due to the unpleasant service and bad food, we will not be coming back.
(1)Kori E.
YUM! We came here for breakfast Saturday morning and we were so happy we decided to venture over to Division street. We were given a number and told it would be about 20 minutes for a table, fast forward 3 minutes and we had a table outside before we had even ordered! Awesome! We split the Orange French Toast and the Huevos Rancheros and both were delicious. I have definitely never had huevos the way it was served here, but it was a great idea with the tortilla chips, black beans, tomatoes/onions topped with scrambled eggs and cheese then baked. The Orange french toast was equally as delish with slivered almonds on top. It was not overly sweet, which I thought it might be. The fresh squeezed orange juice was just right, I usually water down my juices, but there was no need for that here. I would love to check out their lunch menu next.
(4)Erin A.
came here with a group of moms, with strollers and babies for early afternoon lunch on a weekday. staff was friendly and we were able to snag a table by the window. definitely got busier as we got closer to lunch rush. delicious food- will defiantly be back
(4)Jen D.
I will title this "DOWNHILL". I have always loved the exceptional quality of the food at Milk n Honey with sometimes interesting daily menu twists. That said I stopped in the other morning for breakfast - went with the special of breakfast burrito. Not much of a special given it's on the board every other day but that said it was STILL super lame. That much practice and you can't make a decent breakfast burrito. In Chicago?!? What the what. NO FLAVOR. Black beans were plain - no kick, no jalapeño, no cilantro ... some weird lettuce and tons of cheese like that's going to make it better. Yuk. Funny too she refused my request for egg whites b/c the eggs had already been beaten. That is a quote. baaahahaaaaa! No doubt they had, how about you use the 3 in the refrigerator not yet beaten?? Not like I asked for a discount or she had a line. It was like 10:15AM on a week day. The topper though is that I asked about their new "special" coffee infused with Thai flavoring and almond/coconut milk. SPECIFICALLY asked if it was made from fresh ingredients. She says yes annoyed by my question (though I can't get annoyed my food server is a total B) and that's not even true - ITS FROM A BOTTLE. It was totally lame and sugary. Later she asked me how I liked it ... I tell her and ask again if it was a syrup and she says finally well "Yes it's from a bottle but the bottle is fresh soooo...". That is quite a liberty being taken. Simple lesson: When ingredients come pre-mixed in a bottle they are NOT fresh. And then she has the balls to confirm it is sugar free without looking. Thank you I'll check that against my insulin levels ... who is hiring these morons?? AND THE WHOLE TIME at the counter THE OWNER IS STANDING THERE listening. Doesn't say a word. I'll have my $15.00 brunch elsewhere next time. ps. If anyone there ever asks me ever again to bring my number to the table while my hands are full and they can see me trying to negotiate bring all my sh@$@#$ out there I'm going to punch them in the jugular. What is wrong with being nice at that place??????
(2)Joey B.
Perfect mimosa and late brecky on a Saturday after working until 4am. Yum. So good and service is super efficient and on it!
(5)Gina S.
It's a hustling bustling breakfast cafe for sure. We arrived during the weekend brunch rush. We were greeted right away and given a number that was placed on the table that would soon be ours. We stood in line, for a short wait, while we decided what would breakfast be today. Placed our orders with the number on our table, paid, got our beverages and took our seats until breakfast was served. I went with the breakfast panini; eggs, bacon and cheese (I went bacon-less). My breakfast sandwich came with chips...not the usual breakfast company for an egg sandwich...fruit maybe? My friend went with a granola, yogurt and fruit bowl. Everything was fine. The tables are super close together. Dined and dashed on to a day of shopping after getting and egg-cellent start to the day.
(3)Lori M.
House-made Granola, Vanilla Yogurt and Fresh Fruit. Get it. Delicious! And then, get their House-made Waffle. Bring a book, relax, enjoy!
(4)Jen S.
This neighborhood cafe is super friendly and only slightly hipster. It is very clean, spacious and modern. The breakfast menu is really carb heavy and there aren't really light or healthy options. The lunch menu looked AWESOME!!! Really creative and fresh sandwiches on great bakery bread.
(4)Kathleen C.
I dream of the caprese sandwich..... I have been to lunch/brunch here more times than I can count - usually for lunch, a few times for brunch. I have always been extremely happy with the quality and freshness of the food. It's true, if you are here during the middle of the lunch rush, you might have to wait a bit, but I have to say, the staff at Milk & Honey is extremely accommodating and typically, they manage to squeeze everyone in (especially in the summer when the outdoor space is open). Everything I have tried has been delicious. The above-mentioned caprese sandwich is fabulous. I've also had many of the other sandwiches and I haven't been disappointed. Baked goods are also fresh and tasty. For brunch, I've tried a few items - all good! Top that off with a nice mimosa, and it's a super spot for a weekend brunch.
(4)Shradha A.
Really good food -- especially french toast! The pancakes weren't too bad either but the egg sandwich is highly recommended! Cute and warm atmosphere! Ordering in line at the counter can get me a little impatient. And it gets crowded to go get the cutlery and pick up the food from the counter. If you want to add anything to your order, you need to stand in line yet again.
(4)Matt M.
This is one of those places you can go to and stare at the menu for 10 mins and then just pick whatever you're staring at when it's your turn to order. But, never fear, because unless your tastebuds are dead, you won't be disappointed. The sandwiches are the perfect size and you always get a side of homemade chips.. which are an explosion of chip goodness... in your mouth.. not on your plate. If great food doesn't do it for you how about trendy music and hipster waitresses? NO?... just the food huh. They also have the best cappuccino I have EVER HAD! Get it. In closing, try it.
(4)Jeff R.
I have never been much of a brunch person, but maybe that's because I was going to the wrong places or they were too far away. I have a feeling that is about to change, now that we live within walking distance to numerous great brunch/breakfast spots. Last weekend we explored Milk & Honey Cafe, a cute place we noticed walking home from the Boundary. It was noon and a crowded time to try to get a table anywhere. Luckily the weather was changing and they let us sit outside without any wait. The menu is great with lots of items I want to try for breakfast or lunch. I was in a sweet mood but was completely swayed by the huevos rancheros that seemed to be on every table. It's only served on the weekend and they do it "Casserole-Style" - something I've never seen before. Erica opted for the delicious orange brioche french toast. Jean and Jim did lunch with a portabella panini and crab cake sandwich respectively. I also added a side of turkey sausage and bacon . I enjoyed the huevos rancheros, especially with addition hot sauce. There's plenty of fun and filling flavors with scrambled Eggs, Black Beans, Salsa Picante, Tortillas, Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese. I would recommend it to egg fans and anyone with a sizable appetite. Next time around I'm going with something sweet (pancakes, french toast, waffles, etc.) because my two bites of the Orange Brioche French Toast (with Toasted Almonds and Pure Maple Syrup) was awesome. The bacon and turkey sausage were solid, as well as our deliciously refreshing mimosas to start the meal. I didn't love the sandwiches at the table, but maybe I was just in a breakfast mood (though I think the breakfast menu has more enticing options). I'm thrilled to have a fun cafe/brunch spot so close (AND they serve beer & wine). There's plenty of new spots to try out but it never hurts to have good one in your back pocket. I'm sure to be back.
(4)Nathan F.
I'm a huge fan of this place for breakfast and brunch. It's become more popular, so don't be surprised to see a substantial wait on weekends. Over the course of about a year and a half, I've probably tried more than half of their menu and not found a bad item yet. General gestalt -- egg-based recipes are killer, as are the pastries. Brunch Highlights - Brioche French Toast -- Super fluffy & a bit rich; it's a slice of paradise Huevos Rancheros -- not up to New Mexico standards by itself, but a really fresh pico and a creamy, spicy sauce nicely top it off Breakfast Burrito - Again, not a southwest contender, but a fresh combo of beans and pico without ending up sloppy or greasy like most Chocolate Croissant -- yes, I could just eat this for breakfast; it rocks For pastries, you could literally close your eyes and pick anything. My favorite is their cranberry muffin, which is moist without being too buttery. Lastly, gotta get the coffee. They have their own Intelligentsia blend and unlimited mug refills -- so good you'll pee yourself in no time. Service -- When it's really crowded, the staff can get a bit pushy about managing the line. It's a hipster neighborhood. Don't expect fireworks for enthusiasm, but they aren't jerks.
(4)Adriana L.
my hummus wrap was amazing the girl working was mean to the cooks so it made me sad coffee was watery dont recommend but my friends soy vanilla latte was delish if you still have some room left definitely try and apple cider cupcake soo good i would try it if i were you
(3)Johnny T.
Yowie! That smarts! Yes, I enjoyed the food but it's pretty expensive for what you get. A lemonade, sandwich (pretty small in size; a few bites per half) and a tart ran me $14+. This ain't cheap eatin'. That said, once you get over the sticker shock, the food is pretty tasty. The inside space is surprisingly accommodating but do yourself a favor and come here at off hours. Trying to get a table during peak time can be trying. They don't reserve tables and your entire party must be present before you can be seated. At least, that was my experience. If this is an outlier, please, let me know. The ingredients are fresh but I'd have to say that I enjoyed the sweet more than the savory. It wasn't as though my sandwich was bad. It was just small(er) in size, sort of uninspired and unevenly built (one half had the lionshare of ingredients; the other half was bread). So...4 stars? The tart. Man, forget about all the savory noise and go straight for the baked goods. Whoever the pastry chef is...you're awesome. My mixed berry tart was packed with blue, black, rasp and strawberries, their natural juice, topped by a buttery shell and covered with lightly flecked granulated sugar. With every bite, it became clear to me that should I come back, I should go straight for dessert. It's pretty bright and shiny place. I don't know, however, that I would rush back. Last time I was there, I was sitting outside on the patio. It was a typical Chicago day, so there were gusts of wind that would pick up every once and a while. One particular gust lifted the 'please wait to be seated' sign and brained my buddy. The damn thing put a knot on his head. Everyone around asked him how he was and was pretty shocked. Annoyed, I moved the sign where it couldn't attack anyone. A worker came outside to ask if it struck anyone. We replied it did. She replied, 'sorry' and went back inside. I know it was an act of God but, for Pete's sake, give the man a cookie or something. He was injured on your property by your property. Her nonchalant attitude about the matter was troubling. Enough so that it would give me pause to return.
(4)Heather C.
Another amazing breakfast spot in the neighborhood! We love the huevos rancheros and that we can bring our dog with us to eat!!
(5)Michael S.
Okay.. 2nd round.. Didn't make it in time for breakfast (a little sad considering it's only a 10 minute walk from my place) and had to go with lunch. Must say though that I think I love their sandwiches! Started it off with a cream of asparagus soup just to be different.. it was actually really good and I am not one to salivate at the mouth when I hear the word asparagus. Also tried some of my gf's tomato-basil soup with fresh mozarella... That was REALLY GOOD!! Then the sandwiches: I had the crabcake with chipotle mayo and shredded lettuce on baguette and gf has the smoked turkey reuben with sauerkraut, swiss and dressing on rye.. yes I copied it just now from the menu.. ^_^ ... We split the sandwiches so we could each try some and although I don't like swiss, I really liked the reuben.. my crabcake sandwich was even better!! When they said spicy they meant it, but it wasn't anything extreme.. it was just the right amount of kick.. oh and the chips were homestyle and good as well.. Also had the bloody mary and a fresh lemonade.. lemonade was just right with it's lemon to water to sugar ratio and my bloody mary was really good too.. One thing though.. pickles had a hot and sour taste to it.. not bad.. just different..
(4)Patty T.
Quaint little place! Milk & Honey offers some delectable breakfast options. I stopped here during the Renegade Art fair in Wicker Park, and was pleasantly surprised. The food was cheap (around $6-$10) for your standard breakfast (waffles, eggs, etc.) and was really, really good. I had the huevos rancheros (which were baked and topped with a cheesy/tortilla crust) and to die for! My friends had a salad and waffles - both of which also looked great. Although the food is very good (and very reasonably priced), the menu was very limited. The service was also mediocre. You order/pay at the register prior to eating - and once you sit down that's it. Good luck getting water, etc. I'd definitely come back with friends for an cute, easy breakfast - but wouldn't take guests here due to the lack of service and pressure to leave as soon as you're finished eating.
(3)Tish N.
I had a late lunch with my friend and her family. I had the grilled pastrami sandwich (it came with their own chips and a pickle). The food was fresh and tasty. It seemed a little pricey to me, it was really nice to eat outside and enjoy my food. I think I'll go back to try the lavender cookies.
(3)Rachel W.
I have always avoided coming here for brunch bc it's tiny inside, but figured in the freezing rain we'd be okay...not so, the place was PACKED. We were quoted a 40 minute wait but the food that was coming out looked so good....and milk n honey always delivers. So we stayed, were given a a number, and incredibly people came and went and we were seated w/in 15 minutes, our drinks came immediately, and our food not too long after. The walk up and order system can be annoying, but they seem to have it down; nothing was messed up w/our order and it came quickly. To the food. The sandwiches are killer...blt, smoked gouda avocado, rueben, homemade potato chips. Great salads, homemade lemonade, yummy pre-cooked gourmet foods to take away. This morning we went w/the 'huevos rancheros casserole style' w/a side of avocado...phenomenal. Almost ever table had someone w/this dish. This place can get crowded, but it's well worth the wait. Make sure you grab a lavender-lemon cookie to go.
(5)Julie B.
When you move out of your comfortable neighborhood, you quickly realize the wonderful little gems that you miss!!! This is one of those little neighborhood gems. I recommend if you go to eat in, then go early....especially on a week-end or do as I did and carry out. I ordered two sandwiches to go: Turkey Reuben and the Tuna Melt. The Turkey Reuben was delicious however the tuna melt was dry, way more cheese than a mouse requires and super soggy. Friendly and helpful staff, you will wait a bit for your food but most of it is worth a little wait. Be aware, if you eat in, you will wait in a very long line to order....just in case, you have been warned. Great neighborhood joint but not as great as I remembered....parking is on the street and most of that area has permit parking.
(3)Brett F.
Wow. Look at all you little yelpers enamored with Milk & Honey. Pray tell, what am I missing?????? I went there on Saturday morning and was greeted by a huge clusterfu*k line. I expect lines anywhere in Chicago around brunch hours, those are just the breaks... but when people are constantly bumping you and squeezing themselves into a tiny space where they don't fit it just promotes aggravation and bad attitudes. Two things I don't really prefer with my breakfast. Apparently the Milk & Honey system is that you order your food, pay and tip (if you're using plastic) all before they'll give you a number for your table. Hmmm... tip BEFORE I'm even served or try the food? Seems a little assbackwards don't it?! So I make my way up to the ordering station and menu (finally!) and I immediately feel hurried to order and make a decision. A tapping pen and searing eyes can do that to me. I guess it should not have been hard as they only have 6 choices on the menu, so I went with the Huevos Rancheros casserole style and made my way back outside to wait. Again. Another 30 minutes later, I'm finally in my seat and here comes the food!!! The bff had the Orange Brioche French Toast... ehhhh it was alright. Nothing spectacular but substantial breakfast fare and it beats an Egg McMuffin I guess. The Huevos were actually really good, pretty much the best thing on their menu I assume. Our waitress never came back to check on us and the whole experience felt very cafeteria-ish. I'm placing my bets that off hours and weekdays would yield a better and much less stressful experience. Oh and plus 1 star for the homemade granola, it looked and smelled divine!!
(3)David B.
Running late to work in the AM, said I'd be there in 20 for carry-out. Turned out to be 50. Even so, my sandwich was ready to munch when I arrived. And the pickles are DOPE.
(5)Chris C.
I love going to Milk and Honey because of the great atmosphere, mushroom truffle oil soup and their chai tea lattes. They have a small breakfast menu, but the stuff is great. I'm also a big fan of their turkey reuben with cole slaw. I drool just thinking of the place... I was a little disappointed in my last trip (I got the waffle du jour--waffle with chicken sausage topped with red peppers and onion) because there wasn't much too it. Most everything you get from Milk and Honey is over the top with yumminess, but there was hardly anything to these waffles--maybe a few ounces of topping and a couple of bites of chicken sausage. But rest assured this isn't a normal occurrence at Milk and Honey. I love it!
(4)Laura K.
Why is every employee at this place a miserable, mush-mouthed, angry, middle-aged woman with permanent stink eye and a creepy smirk???? I gave this place three separate opportunities and got the same awful vibe from 3 different women. Creepy. Not going back. and that's too bad because the food is pretty good.
(2)Maura S.
I was surprised by the amount of spice! my caprese salad had, but it was yummy nonetheless, and reasonably priced.
(4)Bobby C.
Great BLT, a roast beef sandwich that was somewhat lacking, and what is likely the best croissant I'll ever have the privilege of eating. BLT was full of salty goodness, and not lacking mayo, which is clutch. Croissant was nutello filled. Dark, but not burnt on the edges, and crispy all the way around. Top Notch. Docked one star 'cause the hipster staff couldn't give less of a shiz that I was there.
(4)Jovim V.
The misses and I usually eat cereal for breakfast. She isn't really fond of breakfast foods - but we decided to have a Chicago Nerdy Touristy Day (parks, museums), so we kicked it off by walking to Milk & Honey Cafe. The place was packed, almost out the door. We waited about 20 minutes. This place had cool waffles but we decided to go with the sandwiches and this carrot cake. I liked the sandwich. The chips served with it was decent at best. I had a Moscato which woke me up. The ambiance is cool, awesome staff, cool interior, decent food. Overall a fun experience in the morning.
(4)Mahsa T.
This place is as cute as a button--just like its name. Good coffee served in a nice large ceramic cup. I love it when a place uses real dishes instead of disposable ones. Great oatmeal with walnuts and dried cherries--though I could have used a little more brown sugar. The giant pancakes on the table next to us looked delicious. Cozy little place to read the paper and enjoy a slow breakfast.
(4)Christine K.
Been here several times, but never for breakfast as there has always been a line out the door that I don't want to deal with. (breakfast must be good though!). I usually come for lunch on an off weekday. Their crabcake sandwich is a bit on the mushy side but the flavors are good. I appreciate the spicy kick at the end. Roast Beef sandwich was just alright though. This place is a great neighborhood breakfast/lunch joint with a decent number of sandwich and juice choices. I like the cozy decor and the nice staff.
(3)Stephanie H.
I went here for the first time the other weekend, Saturday afternoon, for lunch while my mom was visiting. We were able to sit outside...that was great! I wasn't sure how the ordering / seating 'process' worked, the hostess explained to me...but seemed annoyed. The girl behind the counter that took our order was very friendly...I had the chicken sandwich (really good...but messy) and my mom a wrap. The bloody mary's were good! great garnish a plus. I thought it was a little pricey for what it was, almost $40 for 2 meals, 2 drinks. It was enjoyable, the brunch menu looked good, I'd like to go back to give that a try.
(4)bill s.
I must say, I went in here with a bit of a bad disposition. My outlook was bad right off the bat because I had made assumptions about the place the second that we walked in the door. I guess I'm used to regular Booth type Restaurants, family Restaurants I guess you would call them, so when I go to City type places like this I get a bit Claustrophobic. It was very packed in there and it was a bit hard to get things because you have to grab your own silverware, water, coffee, and napkins. That said, I will say everyone was very polite and they all let me through every time I had to get up from the table to get something. It just was a bit awkward. When the food came, I changed my entire outlook of the place. It sounded weird on the menu to me, but once it was served and I ate, it was so delicious. I was highly impressed. It's very worth it. I recommend Milk & Honey Cafe to anyone and everyone! The food is very unique and awesome. I enjoyed every single last bite. Not to mention the service was very pleasant to boot.
(4)Isabella W.
I absolutely love the brunch here. Came here around noon on a Saturday to the heart of the hustling and bustling (which I do not mind); I feel the husting adds character to the place. I had the huevos rancheros, served "casserole style", as well as a soy latte, and they were both extremely delicious. My huevos rancheros stayed warm and hot the whole time and everything - from the salsa picante, to the black beans were distincly flavored. The coffee was also made extremely well, which is hard to find - the foam was perfect for a latte (unlike foam-less lattes I get at other cafes.. e.g. starbucks), and I believe they use Intelligentsia coffee. My husband and friend both had the orange brioche french toast with toasted almonds. I must say, that before I came here, my husband and I both loved the stuffed french toast at Toast, but after coming here, the french toast (although not stuffed), was so yummy - extremely flavorful, just moist enough. I'll definitely be back to try the granola and panini, and everything else!
(4)Brian B.
I've gotta say - this is one of the best "healthy" breakfast places I've been to in a long time. Went w/ my girlfriend today and everything was great. We were both super hungry and ordered the yogurt / granola, oatmeal, chicken sausage and (this is the best part) a children's sized order of the pancakes dujour - oh and of course coffee (I do like the help yourself refills and water on tap w/ lemons...) Placing your order at the counter was a bit strange and different, but really worked out and I can see why they do it. The people taking orders were neither super friendly or mean at all - just very efficient at getting people in and out and were nice to us. I can see how it would be crazy there on the weekends though... Can't wait to go back!
(5)marisa s.
it's hard to make a decision at milk+honey...there so many good options between the sandwiches, omelets, scones, muffins... cute and tiny, with outdoor seating in the summer. it's a great brunch spot, but you will be eating right next to randos basically, and expect the line to order food to be pretty long.
(4)K.M. C.
Just got back from brunch...my tummy is very happy. We (3 of us + infant) went on a bank holiday Monday to line up with the others awaiting their breakfast feast. The blackboard menus of breakfast, lunch, and coffee drinks are pretty straightforward so we knew what to order right away: French toast, chicken sausage, huevos rancheros, house made granola/yogurt, coffee, and OJ. Drinks are picked up at the counter then you're seated or wait for a table, our wait was only 10 mins. Once seated, I noticed the hustle and bustle of the place so go elsewhere if you're looking for a quiet spot (or there's outdoor seating). French toast: 2 slices but huge and soooo moist w/a hint of orange! yum! Huevos rancheros came in a souffle dish, amazingly filling and Ioved the spicy spread on the side, more than enough to share. Granola was caramelized sweet and also w/a hint of orange and the yogurt had chunks of apple and strawberry in it. I'm not giving 5 stars only because the menu is small (no eggs benedict, hash browns).
(4)naomi S.
I've gone to Milk and Honey over the past 5 yrs and the service/ food has gotten progressively worse over the years-- today was the last straw... The coffee stunk, the milk they served my son was warm ( should be cold??) they used processed cheese in eggs (tasted like craft!) And the service is just plain rude.... They swiped my debit card and said it was rejected (wrong!!) The manager wasn't swiping it the correct way!! Called my bank and the said everything was fine, I ask her to re- swipe the card and she gives me this look and says " I can't just keep helping you" "I'll do it one more time" she swipes it the correct way and it goes through... Miracle!! Every time I go in there the service is soooo bad ( only nice person in there is the bus boy) and they are not willing to accommodate any type of food request as far as allergies go--- like asking for salad dressing on the side will entirely block the creativity of their kitchen! P.s I'd skip their fruit salad... Lady next to us said it was rotten/ rancid.... Wishing that there was a great/ family friendly breakfast place in wicker park....
(2)Jennifer H.
Cute space -- bright with lots of natural light, wood floors, comfortable table layouts. I ha a very good hot chocolate there, and a tasty breakfast sandwich. The orange brioche french toast (I stole a bite from a friend's plate) was good, and the huevos rancheros were great, too. Even though it's a great little joint, I probably won't make special trips here (I live in Lincoln Square) b/c M. Henry in Andersonville is much closer to me. The food here is good but not oh-my-god-I-must-wait-in-line.
(4)Gfiddy F.
This place is perfect for all sorts of breakfast and lunch needs.
(5)Kerry D.
All my friends love this place...I'm not sold. I've had a few of the sandwiches- not bad, but not the best--the beet salad was awesome. An umbrella blew over and knocked me in the nose, tossed off my sunglasses and hurt like hell... I went in to tell them- because the other umbrella's were swaying like crazy--and they gave me a cookie- which was nice. I went back again, the umbrellas were weighed down and the food was fine. My friend's egg sandwich looked really good- my BLT was ok, guess it depends on what you order.
(2)Kate L.
UPDATE Alright...since having moved within a couple blocks of Milk & Honey, I must say that I do frequent it multiple times throughout the week, and it has grown on me. While the same old menu for sandwiches & brunch still disappoints (I like at least a little variety in my life), the pastries & desserts here are some of the best available on this side of town. Back when the pumpkin donuts were in season, they were at times, my reason for waking up in the morning. (Before you start thinking how sad it is that a donut could provide a reason for getting up, let me just say that these are the best donuts ever. My co-workers confirmed this.) --- I keep wanting to like this place more than I do. I guess there's enough decent things about it to keep me coming back, but I'm always hoping for more. Mostly what disappoints me is the brunch: the lack of options, the never-changing menu, the food itself. It's all fairly decent, but not really very good or interesting. I think I just want them to infuse their brunch menu with a bit of the creativity that their baked goods seem to have sometimes. Last time I went I had some type of spiced cinnamon pear bundt cake. This was the most redeeming part of the visit, it was tasty, and a bit unique. The coffee is always decent as well. Eh, you could certainly do worse.
(4)Joe W.
I consider myself a breakfast aficionado--my favorite meal of the day--and Milk and Honey beat my probably crappy home-made hashbrowns, waffles, eggs, and pancakes to a pulp. Serving some curious breakfasts I hadn't tried before, I ordered the smoked salmon and bagel with some coffee. The food was great, and the coffee was Intelligentsia (enough said). People were rummaging around for seats like bats out of hell, but once you get in line you get seated quickly enough. Nothing to whine and moan about, Yelpers.
(5)shirley m.
3.5 stars for this one. I must not have the same taste buds as everyone else because I really wanted to be wowed after reading all the reviews. Ever since one of my co workers brought me some of homemade oatmeal with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar I have been on a quest to find a place that makes oatmeal just like hers. At first glance the restaurant is really cute, you walk up to the counter and order then grab a seat. Serveral breakfast items to choose from in the glass case, scone, donuts, pound cakes etc all home made. Rotating specials written on the board behind the cashier. I ordered the oatmeal and cornmeal blueberry waffle. My sister had the scrambled egg panini with bacon. Oatmeal arrive with dried cherries on top, and a small pitcher or milk (very thoughtful) I personally like my oatmeal slow cooked so it thickens, M&HC oatmeal did not have the thick goey consistancy that I was searching for. Overall the taste was good esp with the dried cherries mixed in for sweetness. Cornmeal Blueberry waffle was made well (done on the outside and soft on the inside) but there was a large amount of compote in the center of the waffle covering the butter which completly melted the butter. Scrambled egg panini was nicely toasted on the outside and the eggs were very fluffy . Will return for the bakery items and cup of tea but until then my quest for the best oatmeal continues.......
(3)Benson B.
Great for a weekend brunch if your willing to wait in the long lines. The last couple of times I have eaten here I have had the Oatmeal, which is amazing. They have pretty good sandwiches too.
(4)Russell C.
We just had our first visit to Milk and Honey. It was profoundly disappointing. Starting with a curt and officious order taker at the counter, we felt like they were in a hurry for us to eat and leave. We were seated by the side door (freezing). The quiche was dry and not anything special. We had to bus our own table and there is a sign asking you to continue your conversation at the bar as soon as you are done eating. Overall experience: B-. We will not return, ever.
(1)Chris R.
Every Sunday morning I go to Milk and Honey with a massive headache, exacerbated by the cacophony of crying babies and miscellaneous needy yuppie consumer noises that great you when you walk past the people standing in line, people who may not know they aren't waiting to get into the Boundary. It's important to remain stoic while people cut in line. Once in awhile I'll raise my head from the elitist newspaper I read to pan across the cafe and wonder if it's possible to be 30 and interesting. Hipsters? I haven't seen a hipster in Milk and Honey since 2006--before they frowned upon people who sit and read on the weekends. Yup, read it on the wall for yourself. It might as well say "go to Alliance!" It's worth putting up with for the granola yogurt. The girls who work there are generally nice too.
(3)Nancy H.
Yum! Such a cozy little place that feels even cozier because of how packed it gets on weekends. It's kind of fast food style in the sense that you line up to order and pay for your food at the counter, grab your own utensils, when there is seating you'll get seated (my girl friend and I waited maybe 20 minutes at noon on a Saturday), and they bring your food out when it's ready. I tried the huevos rancheros (which is only offered on weekends) and pancakes du jour (blueberries on top). The huevos rancheros seemed to be the most popular dish ordered. It is served casserole style: black beans, pico de gallo, scrambled eggs, all baked with a cheesy crust on top. Both entrees were delicous; fresh and healthy tasting. It doesn't seem food here is weighed down by sauces or fat. Portions are also just right for the prices ($6-8 for most). Sandwiches are served daily after 10 AM, and brunch on weekends goes until 2 PM. There are also a limited number of bakery items they sell. The only drawback is the lack of space for the herds of people who come in and have to wait for a seat. You'll get a lot of hungry people in line eyeing you jealously while you're stuffing your face.
(4)Manj B.
This place is nothing special. When I called them before going, whoever picked up the phone was extremely rude and seemed like she was doing me a favor answering my question. When we got there, there was a long line out the door - in the hot sun, which didn't make us like the place any better. When we were finally seated and got our food, I wan't wow'd by anything - where it would make me want to put up with the rude servers and long lines. The caprese sandwich is the worst I've ever had, but the pancakes, french toast and juevos rancheros were good. Overall my experience was just mediocre. I have no desire to go back. It's not worth all the hype.
(1)Michelle R.
Amazing sandwiches & yummy homemade chips (among many other goodies). They're always super busy in the summer because of their great outdoor seating but if you're lucky enough to snag a seat it's a great place to hang & grab lunch.
(5)Noah B.
Favorite breakfast spot in Chicago. The salmon on a wheat bagel is amazing and the granola is incredible. The staff is always friendly regardless of how early they have to be there every morning. They kick out the jams pretty well to from their iPods. I had a great breakfast rocking out to Queen and George Michael one morning. The pancakes are wonderful. Great coffee as well.
(5)Allison B.
I love this cute, modern, and generally GOOD coffee place. After half and half recently closed, this is my new hangout. It is bright, clean, with great coffee (SF hazelnut latte skim). I love the waitstaff...friendly and super cheerful (but not in an annoying cheerleader way). It also grabbed a great location, right across the street from the damen blueline EL. Lovely!
(5)Mary H.
My roomies' and my favorite neighborhood breakfast place! I am completely obsessed with their breakfast paninis (excellent answer to a mean hangover) and orange brioche french toast. The staff is always friendly and efficient, especially with a line stretching out the door! Love it!
(5)Nikki L.
I waited too long for some average food. Not very impressed with menu and staff wasn't too friendly or attentive. The menu is confusing and I don't like that you order your food ahead of time then have to get your own utensils and drinks before you sit down...not a place I'd ever go back to.
(1)Paul H.
the granola is amazing, even out of the restaurant. the granola in the place, served with fruit and yogurt, is quite solid too. sure, the place is packed for breakfast but what do you want? it's delicious and a small restaurant so they handle it the best they can. if you don't want a wait, get up early! otherwise just wait your 10 minutes and enjoy a little friendly conversation, or get on the list and check out renegade handmade next door.
(4)Katie H.
I think I'm jumping the gun a little with this review as I've never actually had proper food here. This review is solely about Milk & Honey as a coffee shop... just sos ya know, right? After weeks of playing Letizia's Roulette (will my coffee be lukewarm or hot? will it be full of grinds or smooth? will it be the size I paid for?) I finally realized that Milk & Honey has a coffee counter and it's only a very short walk down a creepy alley away for me! Rejoice. I've never had to wait much, they have TimeOut on sale, coffee has thus far been exemplary and the pumpkin donut I had this morning was tits. From now on I will gladly take the 20 second run down the alley, ignoring all the dumpster-diving bums I might pass, for my morning coffee.
(4)Ryan B.
I sometimes hike down to Milk & Honey on my lunch break and usually regret it just a little cause it's a block or two too far to get my order in, eat, and get back in enough time to not feel uncomfortably bloated and still be a good punctual employee. With that said, I have had some great sandwiches and salads here. I enjoy specials and they're usually running three interesting concoctions. It's quite busting around lunch hour but they seem to work through the line of people pretty well. They've got ourdoor seating as well as in door and have an efficient little system of getting you sat, fed, and out of there in a timely fashion. They cater nicely to the "to go" crowd and, despite running around like 3 yr olds due to the general busy-ness of the place, the staff is nice if they have a second to chat.
(4)Jackie o P.
This neighborhood (and this stretch of Division in particular) has gotten way overcrowded with double wide strollers and huge dogs so I rarely venture that direction anymore. My mother in law was in town this weekend though so I thought I'd make an exception and visit Milk & Honey. While I don't care for the haphazard line out the door system, I loved everything else, mainly the MAGNIFICENT eggs. The eggs were delicate and perfectly textured for my taste. I honestly can't think of any other place with better eggs. They serve Intelligentsia coffee too, bonus! Earlier is better on the weekends. I haven't been on a week day but I imagine this place is probably five stars without the weekend brunch crowd.
(4)Laura R.
All the food I've had here has been very yummy but the standouts are definitely the avocado sandwich (the creaminess and heartiness has made it my hangover staple, I call ahead and pick one up to avoid the wait) and their home-made granola. The wait for brunch can vary a lot, but it's almost always 10 minutes at the very least. I would say milk and honey has the second-best brunch in bucktown after toast (bongo room is not on my list just because I can't stomach the wait).
(5)melissa g.
MmMmMmMmmm the homemade granola first thing on a Saturday morning with yogurt... oh so yummie.
(4)Tina F.
I think the food is mostly mediocre and we probably wouldn't go there but its near where we live. They never change the menu either so it gets really boring. If you go there, the best bets are the yogurt and granola, the huevos rancheros and their baked goods. The reason I am only giving them 2 stars rather than 3 is that the staff is sullen and unpleasant. A better attitude would go a long way.
(2)Lindsey S.
This is a great little breakfast spot. Their menu is awesome and makes it really difficult to choose just one thing. I ended up getting their orange french toast and it was delicious. My friend ordered their pancake special and we were all a little surprised at how tiny the pancakes were - they were silver dollar-sized and there were only three of them - but other than that I enjoyed my meal here. I liked that the inside was very light and airy, although the lack of a designated area for people to sit/stand while waiting for their tables meant that there was somewhat of a crowd around our table while we were eating, which was slightly annoying. All in all I liked it and definitely want to come back to try their sandwiches.
(4)A.S. V.
I came here for breakfast and was sorely disappointed. It's like when you come craving eggs and french toast and all you get is a continental breakfast. Lame. I hear the sandwiches are good, so if I've ever in the hood for lunch I'll try it.
(3)larry w.
Always a safe bet for good sandwiches. great people watching...
(4)Julie A.
This place was across from our B&B on our recent trip to Chicago. We coudn't get enough of the orange brioche french toast with almonds. Also, love the outdoor seating area. Tasty hot cocoa, and for my last meal in Chicago I ordered the avocado & smoked gouda sandwich. It came with fresh lettuce &tomato, some killer cracked mustard, an awesome deli pickle and chips. LOVED IT.
(4)Tim Z.
Great great breakfast/brunch stop. The French toast is a favorite, so is the oatmeal. Add to that the huge cups of coffee, and you're good to go. So why four stars then? Well, the crowd... if you go on the weekends anywhere past 10, you'll find yourself in a line the second you walk in the door. Even so, its worth the wait.
(4)Christine L.
Basically, the only negative comment I could give this place is that there is always a wait... very good for them and it should tell you that their food is absolutely delicous all the time. A leisurely breakfast at one of the outdoor tables is a pretty ideal morning. Great coffee, location, dog friendly patio, and the most satisfying breakfast. The portions are pretty large and the food is not usually on the light side but it is worth it. Also, the salad and soup specials that change weekly never dissappoint! If you ever see the jerk chicken salad or the panzanella salad up on the special board, I highly recommend it! And of course, the granola is fabulous and it seem s they have added a couple new blends including a low-fat version and a chocolate.
(5)bill r.
Had lunch here yesterday. Nice. Our sandwiches were good. The food at neighboring tables looked good. The sweets in the dessert case looked really really good (I'm on a diet). Pleasant dining room, but I wish they cranked up the air conditioning a bit. I also wish they had more salads to choose from at lunch time. They seem to be 90% sandwiches, 10% salads. Looking forward to going back for breakfast. Finally, the prices were quite reasonable and I like the age range of the clientele ranging from infant to senior.
(4)Joe V.
Ok I'll admit I only wanted to go because I saw it on "Check Please". My food was very good, I had the french toast, and the proportions were huge! Great value for your money. My only complaint is that it's too cramped, I felt like I sitting on top of the people next to me.
(3)Jerri M.
The environment kills this place! The food is tasty yet it's very difficult to get over the self-service aspect and the noise. I went there early last Sunday, and the place was teaming with kids! Add to that the yapping dog that was sitting right outside the door and the too-loud (and bad) music, and you've got the perfect recipe for a miserable experience. If you want a relaxing atmosphere or a just place where you can hold a conversation over your meal, this is not the place to go! If you have kids, a loud dog, or want some techno with your breakfast, hit it.
(1)Matt D.
definitely good...possibly worth the wait on the weekend... i won't lie, i don't dig the wait in line thing...just take my name down so i can go do something else for a while instead of standing in line and losing my mind watching over people eat delicious food on a beautiful patio while i'm hungry as shit... sammies are actually better than the almighty brunch in my opinion...each one i've had has been fresh, delicious, and the perfect size... the big draw is the brunch...the orange french toast is amazing if you like fruity french toast, i don't really...the huevos rancheros in the earthware bowl is excellent, definitely the brunch highlight since everyone around me always seems to have it...
(4)olivia p.
warning: breakfast ends promptly at noon, although i personally think breakfast should be served all day shared the grilled portabello and crabcake sandwiches. the ingredients in the portabello sandwich were really good and fresh. had a hard time keeping the sandwich together which was a little annoying, but still good overall. the crabcake was a let down. was on the dry side and felt like it would've been better just as a crabcake itself instead of stuck between two pieces of bread. i love my carbs, but that seemed like overkill. will definitely come back to try breakfast.
(3)Patrick F.
Milk & Honey has a nice, bright atmosphere. The food is delicious - from sandwiches to salads to breakfast to desserts. The service isn't always the most outgoing/friendly, but it hardly detracts from the experience. Keep in mind that they are only open until the late afternoon - so dinner is not an option.
(5)Amy M.
Not impressed with this place. We mistakingly came across this place because we couldn't find a different breakfast place (turns out we needed to go one block futher) so we settled for this place since it looked good because there is ALWAYS a line out the door. Ill agree with another reviewer, the people who work there are snotty. There are NO exceptions to their menu -- you like all that comes with your meal or you need to order something else (allergies are no exception to the rule!). Their seating situation always seems to be worse than what it is. There were at least 3 dirty tables that the staff let sit there for a good 10-15 min. NO WONDER IT WAS TAKING US FOREVER TO GET SEATED! The food was mediocur... overpriced in my opinion.
(2)Lauren C.
I don't think this place is worth all of the hype and lines, but I live around the corner and depend on it for fresh, yummy food when my belly is empty on the weekends. I'm normally an adventurous eater but stick to my faves at Milk & Honey. I can't get enough of the avocado sandwich, and I'm not even a vegetarian. Whatever sandwich you get, make sure it involves their cracked mustard. I'm not a mustard person but seriously it's the best. If I'm starving, I'll get the crab-cake sandwich. It's pretty heavy and greasy, but it hits the spot! I'm not a huge sweet breakfast person, but on my birthday I treated myself to some banana toffee pancakes and they were as decadent and awesome as they sound. Try the granola bars!
(4)Eva J.
Yes, this place is very delicious. And even more crowded. That's probably because it's very delicious. Don't go with a big group on the weekend though, you'll wait for a week. Hey, all of you half empty places on Division, have you ever wondered why you are half empty and there is always a mob in front of Milk & Honey? Maybe you should think about that.
(4)B K.
I've been to Milk and Honey twice for brunch. I love that you can pay in advance, so you can sit and chat as long as you like and not have to worry about paying for the bill. The food was excellent as well. Yes the line is long, and it's tough to get a seat, but that's the case almost anywhere you go when it's lovely outside. So why the three stars? There's this hostess. I didn't catch her name, but she had dark brown, long, frizzy hair. I was in line with a friend, and noticed a table open up outside. As is usual strategy when this situation occured, I gave my friend the order, and went to hold the table. This particular hostess quickly intercepted me, and wagged her finger, saying "I don't think so. There's a waiting list". Now I understand that in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood sometimes manners and tact can be checked at the door, but to have some 18 year old hostess chastizing me in front of the entire patronage of the cafe was downright embarassing. Shame on her. My recommendation: Go here, enjoy the charming experience, avoid the nasty condescending hostess.
(3)Katherine S.
my favorite neighborhood brunch/lunch destination. juevos rancheros on the weekends are delicious, their avocado sandwich is also great. their cupcakes are also good - lessor known, but yummy :)
(4)Margaret B.
Ditto on the avocado sandwich. Yum! Everything is super fresh and the atmosphere is casual yet cool. A good option for amazing sandwiches and great brunch as well.
(5)Zachary A.
First off my service ruled. Let me say right off. The food was good, but lacked heart. Seemed like the Martha versions of the same culinary knowledge and pretense as the Bongo room, but unfortunately also the lame lack of pure MEANING behind the dishes. Frankly, the 15 year old tejano who gives me onion rings at BK adds more relevance to my meal than M&H did.
(3)Rebekah K.
My sandwich was fantastic. It was SO good. I still think about that sandwich. I wish it was open hours that are more convenient for me, because my god, their food is good. When you think about the sandwich, (AND the incredible fruit salad) months later you know it is quality grub. The fruit salad was this perfect combination of sweet and sour with chunks of pineapples and ripe strawberries, but there were tons of marionberries, blackberries, and raspberries. I took it home and ate it by little bits for a few days, and mourned when it was gone. Like the reviewer before me I also had the avocado, gouda cheese, tomato, and lettuce sandwich on multigrain bread but I did have the mustard, and it was DELICIOUS. It was fresh! It was unlike any other mustard I have ever had, with a very clean bright flavor. My mouth is WATERING as I sit here describing it! The bread was crusty and firm, but not hard or stale. The entire sandwich was just perfect, unquestionable quality. It is seriously one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. The avocado was also perfectly ripened; firm but not mushy, bright avocado green combined with solid creamy yellow. I was SO impressed with this meal! My latte was good, but nothing stood out about it. How could it next to the sandwich and fruit salad? Latte, Sandwich, and large fruit salad came out to $17.. but worth *every* penny.
(5)Ilina K.
Great for brunch and lunch any day of the week. Gets a little crowded on the weekend, but only because the food is insane. Great drinks selection and their paninis are mouth-watering. Their bright interior makes you feel wholesome and warm inside. I love this place. The only downer is the setup with the line building right outside the door through the seating area, and the space runs tight. Worth the wait, best brunch on Division.
(5)lauren p.
I. Love. This. Place. The sandwiches are fresh and tasty with some interesting choices to break up the typical lunchtime monotony. I usually go between the avacado/gouda and the tomato/basil/mozzarella, both of which are delicious. And while I find it disappointing in the winter, I do like the fact that they only serve the tomato sandwich in the summer, when tomatoes are in season. The counter girls are always friendly, even when the place is packed, and they don't mind if you substitute or change things (I've had both the ham/havarti on pretzel and the grilled capicola with turkey instead, and I was ordering yogurt and granola way before it was even on the menu!). A friend and I often go and split a sandwich and each get a cup of soup, which makes for a hearty meal. The sandwiches are a bit pricey, but the portions make up for it- I recently took my mom here for lunch and she (a native Manhattanite) was shocked at the size of her roast beef sandwich. I think the sweets are hit or miss- I had a really yummy coconut macadamia bar the other day that was awesome, but I've been less impressed with the coffee cake. Yes, it's typically packed with a line out the door (on weekends at least) but the line usually moves pretty quickly and they have a system that actually seems to work. If you plan ahead, and don't go when you're starving, you'll be okay.
(5)Sarah N.
Throughly enjoyed my lunch at Milk & Honey the other day. The atmosphere is clean, bright, and informal, cute but not overly sweet. You order at the counter, seat yourself, and wait until the staff brings you your food. The menu items are written on large black boards behind the counter. My avocado, gouda cheese, tomato, and lettuce sandwich on multigrain bread with reduced balsamic was incredibly satisfying. (Note: I substituted mustard with balsamic vinegar, which was absolutely delicious) The sandwhich came with thicker than average potato chips. I am normally not a fan of potato chips, but these were extremely flavorful and not too greasy. My friend had a mixed green salad with rasberries, goat cheese, and slivered almonds, which she really enjoyed as well. Both items were perfect meals to eat on a hot summer day. There is a very good selection of sandwiches at Milk& Honey, as well as breakfast food and special daily salads. I will certainly be returning sometime soon.
(5)ness y.
newbies to Milk & Honey may find it mildly daunting - it's quite hectic in there. that is no reason not to go though! follow these simple tips, repeat, and before long you'll get the flow without the fluster: 1. after avoiding anyone trying to exit as you open the door to enter, pause, look both ways for oncoming traffic, and then proceed to any empty spot about 5 feet from the doorway. 2. wait for a host(ess) to ask how many are in your party and take a number-place-holder-thingy. 3. turn to your left to review the chalk board menus, scan seated diners' plates, peek into the salad refrigerator, and then stand in the line behind the cash register/order-taker person (often 4 groups deep, leaving you just where you started at #1). 4. watch your elbows as other patrons and servers maneuver through the line with cups of coffee and plates of food... all while your stummy grumbles and you change your mind about what you want to order 3x. 5. be ready to order as your turn approaches. 6. place your order and pay. 7. turn to your right, make a quick left, and gather utensils and glasses of water. coffee (intelly), tea, and juice will be served to you as you hang out near the open kitchen and salivate some more. 8. when the host(ess) calls your number, follow and sit at your assigned table with cups, glass, and utensils in hand. visibly place your number-place-holder-thingy on your table. 9. server will bring your food and take the number-place-holder-thingy. 10. eat and enjoy!
(5)Mike D.
I highly recommend the luncheon salad with goat cheese and I believe bacon wrapped dates, I had that fixed with some of their grilled chicken. Great breakfast pancake variety and some outstanding coffee varieties. I can eat solo there, have a business get together or bring someone special. Relax and enjoy.
(5)calivanilla c.
A friend introduced me to Milk & Honey this past weekend - what a cute and quaint place! Service was friendly & personable. My dish (orange brioche french toast with almonds, mmmmmmmm) was well, mmmmmm. :) And the decor was clean, fresh, and stylish, but in understated fashion (doesn't scream, look at me! look at me!, more like, hello!). I would highly recommend venturing out to this part of the neighborhood to check out the cafe & other upcoming boutiques/food joints.
(4)Always Right C.
Run of the mill. Okay - but nothing to write home about.
(3)Clare K.
the food was good, but i don't dig the whole "self service" vibe...esp since they don't tell you that you are expected to pick up your own OJ and then you forget you don't have it until halfway through. at least TELL me it's there & i don't mind, ok? maybe i would have been told if the girl who took my order were not such a RAGING BITCH. cheer up, buttercup it's not that bad...or actually maybe you are pissed because you have such a bad haircut. etiher way-i don't need your crap on sunday morning--just my OJ, thanks. i also ordered something to go and had the pleasure of her taking my order for the 2nd time. and it was no better than the 1st. the pancakes were good and the huevos rancheros looked amazing. i totally wished i had gotten those. but my friend's scrambled eggs definitely had a weird texture to them...like breakfast buffet eggs where they are baked in a huge pan and sit there for awhile. they tasted real, but felt fake in your mouth. weird. all in all-glad i checked it out because of the hype, but i won't be back.
(3)Amanda M.
Delicious! I am in awe of their portobello and goat cheese panini. And their carry-out is mighty quick. This place gets hoppin' so I like to order ahead and eat my 'wich at the park instead of waiting for a table.
(5)Ryan P.
Deelicious! I always get a granola, turkey rueben, and an iced soy latte. One of my fav brunch places.
(4)Kate G.
This place is busy on Saturday mornings! You walk into this packed (but truly nice green) dining room to a very long line. We stood in line and a hostess got us set with a table and then you continue standing to wait to place your order while our table sat empty. I just really wanted to sit down so we could have fun, engaging conversation instead of that awkward, "So...long wait....look what they're eating...etc." kind of thing. Maybe it's me that is awkward,,,who knows. That was the only thing I did not like. But then we ordered really good Intelligentsia iced coffees and headed to a cozy outside table. The sandwiches were so tasty and satisfying--- from what I saw I am pretty sure you would not go wrong with any of them. I had an avocado sandwich and I think my boyfriend had a turkey reuben...nice crispy chips, a good pickle and a good start to our day.
(4)M S.
This is the way to do brunch...no OTT hype, no insane waiting times, very low-key! The food was good - we had french toast and the smoked salmon bagel. Loved the atmosphere and friendly staff. Very nice mix of patrons too, looked like it had some regulars just enjoying their breakfast and morning newspaper.
(5)Dan M.
Overall good food for lunch and breakfast. Prices are reasonable. All the lunch sandwiches are good. If you are there on the weekend definitely get the huevos rancheros(they only serve it Sat & Sun).
(4)Shannon F.
Milk and Honey is a great brunch spot in Wicker Park. I would have to say the ambiance and diverse menu offerings are the biggest draw - you can get anything from pancakes, to beer to vegan black bean soup to a steak panini. The baked goods are great and the coffee is suberb. You order at the counter and the prices are very reasonable, but there are a few drawbacks. This place can get super crowded during peak weekend brunch hours and since this is a fairly small space it can be hard to get a table. Also, the staff could be friendlier but the great prices and food, wide array of offerings and inviting atmosphere make it worthwhile. Another added bonus is the long and well priced drink menu. Mimosas, blood Marys and other traditional afternoon cocktails are served along with beer and wine. All in all, I am a fan of Milk and Honey and think it is a great addition to the Wicker Park neighborhood!
(5)Joe T.
Review is for lunch only - I have yet to try the weekend brunch. This is a bourgie little cafe that has some excellent sandwiches with some unique combinations of meat/cheese/bread. My choice was a ham and havarti on a pretzel roll. The meat was plentiful, and the chips were extremely tasty. I mean it - loved those chips.There is a nice selection of Boylan's and Pellegrino sodas. I also found wireless access there. My only complaint was that I couldn't find any free reading (Timeout Chicago, the Tribune, and the other papers there were all for sale). Looking forward to checking out the brunch there soon.
(4)Angela B.
I really liked the food here. I had the heuvos ranchero I usually am a pancake person but I heard good things about this egg dish soI thought I'd give it a try. I am glad I did it was one of the best egg dishes I have ever had. The granola and yogurt was good too. The seating was a little bit to cozy for me. However if you like to eavesdrop it might be a good place for you. All and all a great local place that I cant wait to eat at again.
(4)Catherine S.
We really like this place. The best time to go is before 10 on the weekends and when there is nice weather. The outdoor seating fills up quick and it is great to grab a spot and people watch. Don't be too scared of the line - it usually goes fast. Everyone that works here is nice and things run very smoothly. Both breakfast and lunch are good and I find the prices very accurate to the amount and quality of food and the atmosphere. Kid Friendly - Definitely. Although small inside, there are always children. In the warmer months you can see strollers lined up outside and in the winter, surprisingly, strollers will fit inside! They have an abundant amount of high chairs and the staff are friendly with assisting. The background noise is at or above my sons - so it works out perfectly.
(5)chris c.
i'm a fan. good smoke salmon plate (very generous w/smoke salmon portion) baked goods are good but disappointed w/donuts.
(3)Dorothy B.
This is a gread, laid-back brunch spot. You stand in line to order and pay and then take your seat and wait for the staff to bring it to you. Although it's always crowded, I've only ever had to wait for a seat when I wanted to sit outside. The smoked salmon bagel and pancakes are both perfection, but the crab cake sandwich is pretty bland and too thick. That's all I've tried so far, but their entire menu looks yummy and filled with interesting choices. The coffee is delicious - a requirement for any brunch spot (Intellegentsia).
(5)noel c.
it's a short walk from my house and i enjoy the coffee and food options... but after just a few experiences at this joint, i think i'm over it. the wait to get inside paired with the rude cashier and the overwhelming amount of baby strollers overpowered my experience. chicago brunch is too good to waste on so-so places.
(3)Misse D.
A fantastic place for brunch. I've only ordered sandwiches because they are so tempting. It's fills quickly, but nothing like the Bongo Room.
(4)Emily P.
Although Milk & Honey certainly doesn't need my props, I have to give them anyway...it's just THAT tasty. But I think my favorite part about frequenting M&H is that regardless of how crazy it gets (it's always a full house during brunch), the staff maintains the most kind and collective disposition; nothing seems to frazzle them. They handle the masses effortlessly. So even though the wait is never less than 45 minutes on a Sunday afternoon and I'm crammed shoulder-to-shoulder with people on either side of me, I'll take it. And did I mention that the Huevos Rancheros & Breakfast Sandwich are DELICIOUS?
(5)RD E.
all of our food was good...but the staff needs to ditch their attitude as well as the ridiculous ordering process. i went here for a relaxing breakfast...not to follow a bunch of dumb rules
(3)Arjun C.
Nice little brunchy/sandwichy place on Division. Crabcake sandwich is tasty and they have a nice beer selection. The kind of place you might find in say, Madison or some other posh college town. I like it, and it could be a wonderful place to kick back if the crowds weren't such a pain. No food is worth that kind of wait. Other good eats are to be had in a much faster time. Five stars minus one for intolerable waits (good for them, though!)
(4)Mark M.
This place has that elusive independent coffee house feel, but with some rather tasty food to go with it. I love going there for breakfast. Try their orange brioche french toast, or the pancakes du jour. Just try to get there early... they get packed VERY quickly.
(5)ali a.
Very cute sandwich/salad place in the bucktown neighborhood. Although i've only been there once, I would definitely go back. I had a hot turkey sandwich which was delicious. They also have some other different selections which sounded great to me. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime.
(4)Jeremy M.
The breakfast deserves 3.5 stars. Really good food, nothing exceptional, better than average. Though I was hoping for a little more excitement from the Huevos Rancheros. Service at the Division location is what killed the rating. Apparently all your party must be there before you get your "number card" sat on a table, even if you've ordered and paid. At least that is what we were told, after all the tables were taken from people behind us still in line. From this point the staff simply became more and more rude to us. Unfortunate really. There are plenty of exceptional places to eat in this city with a lot smaller list of rules and guidelines, not to mention quite a bit more tolerable staff. UPDATE: The granola is exceptional, and can be purchased from some local grocers. Still can't bring myself back in the Division location, maybe I will give the Damen store a try.
(3)Olia H.
The wait is so worth it. We waited in the cold for forty minutes for a table, but it was worth it. I had the crab cake sandwich and we ordered the almond french toast for the table. Wow describes it correctly. It was so good I just wanted to eat more and more, sadly because of the generous portions that was not a possibility.
(4)dan l.
This spot is very unassuming but is definitely one of my favorites in the city. The place is quaint but very comfortable. The menu is a bit limited, but hits everything across the spectrum of sweets, eggs, healthy stuff, etc. I am still amazed that they keep their prices so low - nothing above $6.75 and the portions are huge. Everything is very fresh, and the coffee, etc. is very good (Intelligentsia). As with all the other good spots, it does get crowded on the weekends. But they use an interesting system - you order when you get there, take a number, and then whey they call you, you sit and they serve you pretty much immediately. I like this, as it ensures those who are sitting are eating, rather than each table sitting for 10-15 min to order and wait for food to arrive. Bottom line - this place never disappoints. Check it out, but don't too many of you go at once cuz I need you to save some space for me!
(5)Megaterium I.
Been here twice-both time, excellent dishes and friendly service. First time snagged a table outside on a gorgeous day, great BLT so 5 stars. Today waited for a half hour to be seated by yuppies and screaming kids, but wonderful vegetarian chili and the tastiest apple cider ever, so 3 or 4 stars. I'll be back, just earlier in the day-it's good food and a great choice when it's warm for their outdoor seating.
(4)J L.
Really cute joint. Clean and bright, come here for a great sandwich. I like the breakfast panini, perfect for breakfast on the go. Grab a side salad for lunch. Reasonable prices ($3-8) and quick service.
(4)Jim E.
Came here on the weekend to meet some new people. I find myself impressed with the neighborhood in general and enjoyed Milk and Honey very much. It was very busy around 11am, but the line moved very quickly. The menu contains 20 or so dishes and I tried the Orange Brioche French Toast with Toasted Almonds and Pure Maple Syrup. The portions are well sized; larger than normal, but not so much as to leave you feeling gorged. Prices were very low considering the size and quality of the dishes. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to try out a new brunch location
(4)Zoe L.
love this place! not a whole lot of seating, but the swivel stools they do have are right next to a big window, so it's great ppl-watching if you manage to snag a seat. if all the seats are full, take your treat to the park next door and watch a bare-handed soccer game or sit by the fountain. i've only tried the cookies here, but they're ALL good: choc. chip; choc. chip + cherry; choc. coookie w/marshmallow & peanut butter chips. also fresh-squeezed oj and grapefruit juice. service is friendly; just a great, happy place.
(4)Kristin W.
I can not get enough of Milk and Honey. If ever moved out of Chicago this would be the number one thing I would miss. I go here about once a week and have had pretty much everything on the menu. Might I suggest there scrumptious pancakes and the huevos rancheros is amazing. I actually hate eggs, but I definitely made an exception after trying this dish. I suggest getting there early, the place opens up at 8am, anytime after that plan on waiting in line for 30 mins-1 hr. I have viewed other reviews and some people complain about the staff. I think it is quite interesting because I've never had one complaint. I highly recommend this to anyone.
(5)Mrs. F.
My husband and I went there last weekend on a Saturday afternoon, after the annoying crowds began thinning out and we could hear ourselves talk without a baby crying next to us. We thought we were going to be able to enjoy our meal. We ordered the day's special salad, a cup of soup, and a couple of iced teas. As soon as the busboy put the plates down on our table, we could see that the salad leaves were brown and wilty. We dug around the plate to see if it was just a "few leaves" but it was all. We normally don't like to send food back, but we had to, it was inedible. They obliged and offered for us to order something else. But we are watching our diets and thought that salad was the "healthier" option so we just asked for new salads. They brought back 2 "new" salads, and this time only HALF of the lettuce was brown, as opposed to ALL, the first time. We ate our soup and bread and left the salad alone. We paid almost $30 for the whole meal. We will probably never go back there again (we used to go at least 2-3 times a month and saw how things were changing from when they first opened to now...definitely declining, food-wise). At least the staff is friendly enough. But we did find our new place for brunch: LULA CAFE. For now, they have the BEST BRUNCH EVER.
(2)Rory B.
what's not to love about 12 dollar sandwiches served with sneers from total bitches? also going there for brunch is the best because every time i want another glass of orange juice or a mimosa i get to get up and stand in line again, and they aren't usually very happy to see me buy more shit from them... i am also a huge fan of the twenty everpresent screaming babies they have installed to help bring kick my hangover up a notch. the chips are good.
(5)Urszula H.
Great cozy place. The staff is so friendly here. The breakfast pastries are amazing, and not just for breakfast. This is one of my favorite stops when shopping on Division.
(4)Bobby H.
It's grown on me. My wife is a "regular" who would eat here every morning if she could. As a matter of fact, we went through a period of time when we actually did have a healthy stock of their yummy granola in our kitchen for easy access. We usually eat here for weekend brunch. The egg panini sandwich is really good, as long as it's made fresh. I feel like on busier mornings, the quality of the food suffers, but it's still very good. I've more recently been on a huevos kick. They only make it for weekend brunch. it's more of a southwestern egg casserole with srambled eggs, black beans, onions, cilantro topped with tortilla chips and cheese. a creamy sour cream based sauce comes on the side, and I like to pour on tobasc0. The coffee is good (i think its intelligentsia), and I've always found the employees friendly. For first time visitors, you basically wait in line to place an order. while youre waiting your turn, one of the hostesses gives you a number for your table. After you order and pay at the register, someone brings you your food. The whole seating/ordering situation is the only reason why I didnt give them 5 stars. Oh, they also have a dog water bowl out front, which Waila, our pup always appreciates. I have noticed that over the years, the breakfasts are getting more and more crowded, but the popularity is well deserved.
(4)Doc C.
Absolutely love this place- wish I lived in Chicago so I could go there at least once a week! A couple of my friends and I met there to catch up over lunch. They had the quiche (and loved it), and I had the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which was very good. Was not thrilled with their potato chips, however (too thick, no salt, no flavor). The BEST chai tea latte I've ever had! The atmosphere was great- lots of light comes into the restaurant making it a very pleasant space. It was fairly busy, but not too noisy- we were there chatting for over 2 hours and no one bothered us! Decent prices as well- you get what you pay for! Overall, great experience, can't wait to go back!
(4)Liliana S.
I got some food from here last week for lunch. Had a turkey sandwich on a toasted multigrained bread with havarati cheese, tomato, lettuce and some type of sauce, which I cant recall the name, and it was absolutely delicious. I loved the chips. It was probably one of the best sandwiches I have eaten in a long time. Very filling as well.
(4)a w.
A good place to get a gourmet salad or sandwhich. Its a good lunch stop..but not really a great place for breakfast or dinner. The service here is just okay. But the food is really good, so I guess a little bit of poor service can be tolerated!
(3)Betsy C.
For me it is a close race between Milk and Honey, and Goddess and the Grocer. This week Milk and Honey is winning! I forget the name of the sandwich i get but it is loaded with avocado and some mustard that I can't find anywhere else. The homemade chips are delicious and the ambiance is super cute. Just thinking about this place makes me smile. Oh and last time i ventured off from my fave sandwich and got a special salad with pomegranate seeds in it- this salad alone put Milk and Honey way ahead of Goddess and The Grocer...it was incredible.
(5)Gregory A.
Perfect brunch, almost a requirement for my out-of-town visitors. They serve excellent food in a clean & open atmosphere.
(5)Mark P.
Huevos rancheros casserole was fantastic. Liked that your order is taken on arrival, so your food is ready by the time a table opens up. Will return to try their sandwiches and paninis.
(5)M M.
nice little place...good coffee ...I'll definitely return.
(3)Blah B.
So I stopped by this place for coffee one day on my way to work. Had seen it so many times and was curious bout it!! Honestly the coffee wasn't good much less great, but I plan to come back and maybe try the food?!! Who knows I might be surprised!!!
(1)Adam K.
hands down the best breakfast place on division. if you like savory - get the panini, huevos or salmon plate. if you like it sweet - look no farther than the french toast. i'm addicted to the coffee and make it there every week just to buy a pound to drink at home.
(4)David D.
I like Milk and Honey quite a bit. I just wish it was open later. The crab cake sandwich is great! I also like the avocado sandwich. I wish they had other options for a side dish rather than potato chips. But this place is very warm and pleasant inside.
(4)Ann L.
love this place! i always look forward to coming here. i've only been for breakfast and desperately need to try their lunch. i haven't had anything that i didn't like. the inside is warm and cozy and everyone is friendly. i couldn't believe how reasonably priced it was. i can always count on great food, whether it's a large breakfast or a croissant on the go. delicious!
(5)Miss O.
you know it's hard for me to give any breakfast place 5 stars. milk and honey is a solid 4 star establishment. this place was super busy during the summer when i went. i ordered a very traditional sandwich. it was good. the place is cute and kind of reminds me of tartine in SF - minus the to-die-for croissants. this is a fun place to go for brunch.
(4)gregory j.
best coffee in area, great granola yogurt combo, all sammy's are worthy. the girls are nice to me, chill out rory.
(4)Gina P.
this place offers solidly good food in a very enjoyable atmosphere for a fair price. i love the staff, too. not your usual cooler-than-thou situation. i eagerly await the special of the day and think that the pastries are quite tasty. i highly recommend the gouda/avocado sandwich, which reminds me of california (sniff).
(4)Stephanie M.
I've been here 3 times, each time ordering something different, and every time it has been delicious. The prices are very reasonable too. The only drawback would be crowdedness, but if you can stand waiting for a table, then its ok. Or,...take it to go. I don't like being surrounded by toddlers and babies, so if you're like me, try to get a table away from them or...take your food to go like I said before :) I've tried the pancakes of the day....big portion, fresh tasting. I've had the smoked salmon plate which I think is the best bang for your buck. It comes with chive cream cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, capers, onions, and a warm toasty bagel! The hot chocolate is rich and frothy, and I think it was February when it arrived with a pink heart marshmallow and chocolate sauce drizzle on top. The a la carte chicken sausage is flavorful....kinda sweet tasting. I haven't tried any baked goods there but they look nice in the bakery case. What else? I had a chicken sandwich there....nice crusty bread,...the chicken didn't taste like the grill, and it came with chips. I will be back a fourth time. And more.
(5)One T.
I stopped in for breakfast a couple times and though I wasn't extremely dissatisfied I wasn't extremely excited either. It was just there, so to speak. There are plenty of other great breakfast spots so I'd probably try those out before returning here again.
(3)joaquin d.
the only downside to milk & honey is how busy it gets on the weekend. i haven't tried anything i haven't loved... the orange brioche french toast is especially delicious. upscale but not snooty, nor too expensive.
(5)Ivanka B.
Agreed that it takes awhile and is a bit pricey but I do love their roast beast with radish slaw deliciousness. Pickles have a funky flavor but they grow on you - the homemade potato chips, unfortunately do not. Last time my sammich meat was a bit tough and not its usual pinkish self :-( I also tried an almond croissant which was highly disappointing Service is sometimes kinda clipped, borderline rude but if you love roast beast - best one yet!
(3)Cheese M.
I've had brunch here twice. Long lines but both times i've been there managed to get a seat right within a few minutes of ordering. Looks like it's already been said but the huevos rancheros are amazing. Lox platter very good too.
(4)Andrea R.
I've been gaga for their granola for a long time now, but as I mentioned in my previous review the rest of their food has failed to impress. However, I came here on a recent Sunday morning for breakfast and discovered their uh-mazing huevos rancheros. May just be the best huevos rancheros I've had yet. Yes, quite a bold statement! I liked it so much that I tried to go back with my fabulous colleagues a few days later, but it turned out they only serve the huevos rancheros on the weekends. Noooo! Based on that and the looong wait we decided to make our way down the street for yummy sandwiches at Jerry's instead. I may pop in during the week for some of their delish granola, but probably will hold out for the weekends so I can enjoy the huevos rancheros. Unless of course Milk & Honey wants to start putting it on their weekday menu cause you can never have too much of a good thing!
(4)Jane K.
I came here with some friends for brunch this weekend. The place was busy! I was kinda set off at first because the guys who had been working there did not explain how the seating situation works. It is a little different here. You first arrive you order your food at the register and then you are seated and the food arrives. The food was great! We had ordered: Huevos Rancheros- super yummy Orange Brioche French Toast- my second favorite House-Made Waffle House-Made Granola-this is great! they make this themselves... greatly recommand
(4)Kevin W.
Nice chique cafe. They have many unique breakfast items with fresh sandwiches and pastries. I ordered a chicken sandwich with a lemon bar, plus a ginger ale. The sourdough bread was lightly toasted with fresh riped tomatoes and tender chicken and some aioli sauce. Very well done. The lemon bar was homemade and also well done. And even though they don't "make" the bottled soda, it was a great choice to have on a summer afternoon. Milk would have been a bad choice. haha The place had a good open feel with lots of their items on chalk boards and their baked goods laid out in front by the cash register. Nice place, good outside seating when the weather permits. My friend is in love with their pickles, she weird.
(4)Marco A.
Great service..outstanding coffee... grew up in this neighborhood .. was taken aback by the 'Gentrification"...Solid breakfast....I was speechless....
(5)Alex L.
Delicious wholesome food. Huevos rancheros were delicious (baked in a bowl) and the blueberry oatmeal had fresh sweet blueberries, toasted almonds and was perfectly sweetened.
(5)William M.
Great coffee and juice. Nice seating area. But.... We only got pastries and they were disappointing. Way too much butter!
(3)Scott C.
Milk and Honey is a hip little brunch place on Division. When coming here you may want to plan for a little extra time to find parking as it's a bit difficult to find nearby the restaurant. When you order - it's at the counter when you walk in - then you are given a number and a seat in the restaurant. Your food is then brought out to you when ready. Another note is that you need to pick up your silverware, napkins, etc. from the counter before getting seated. I noticed that the first couple of items that I picked up were either dirty or had fuzz on them. The food itself was pretty good - two of us had the breakfast burrito which was tasty and filled with egg, tomato and black beans. It could have used a bit more salsa but having some Tabasco helped. The other person had the waffle of the day which was good as well. For the food Milk and Honey is worth the trip - the service is OK and I'd agree with other reviews where the lunch counter approach is a bit informal and takes away from the ambiance of the place.
(2)Scott Z.
Fantastic cafe with great menu. Went there today and enjoyed the smoked salmon while my friend had one of the salads. The service was friendly, the food was fresh, the seating was comfortable. The salmon was freakin amazing. Highly recommended, I have been back here multiple times this year.
(5)Rocky S.
This is the ideal neighborhood place. Its lowkey, yet friendly and cozy. I have gone on weekdays early where u can see many young parents having breakfast with their kids, I have gone toward lunchtime where you can see students studying. I've even had business meetings there for coffee with a client.The food is all great. Anything with eggs there is delish, and their baked goods are handmade and under-rated in my opinion compared to some bakeries I have been to. The fresh sandwiches rule. Check it out.
(5)Anna E.
It's a little expensive and almost always busy, but it's always good. I've had a variety of breakfast specials in a crock, but my favorite is their lox/bagel. I know, not a lot of cooking going on there, but they give you a huge portion of lox with tomatoes, cucumber, capers and red onion. So good! And the ingredients have always been fresh. Definitely a good staple.
(4)Megan S.
Food was pretty good but the staff and owner were incredibly rude wouldn't go back. Places like this are a dime a dozen in the city they should have better attitudes its easy to go somewhere else.
(2)B J.
Cute little spot in friendly WP. Nice staff. Cozy fireplace. Good food and delicious teas and coffee. Great spot to relax and read or catch up with an old friend.
(4)Kellie W.
I've only been to Milk and Honey once, and I left feeling ambivalent. The ambiance was adequate, the food, a breakfast sandwich, was generally portioned but just O.K., taste-wise. The service was brisk, I wouldn't classify it as friendly, or necessarily rude either. The coffee and tea, however, were very, very good.
(3)Natalie B.
Best French toast in the world! The coffee and oj are great too.
(5)Bill T.
Went on a Sunday morning around 10 AM, waited about 15 minutes for seats for two. Ordered: Coffee, brioche french toast, huevos rancheros, and granola Definitely order: Huevos rancheros, french toast, and coffee. This was probably one of my favourite brunch experiences, I'm definitely a fan! Coffee: This was pretty good coffee. I was a little disappointed when they poured the cup from the thermos, but it was still very fresh (hard to not be fresh given how many customers they were having). The coffee had a bold aroma, and a hint of fruits and hazelnut flavour. The more I drank it, the more I liked it. In the end, I bought a 1 lb bag to bring back with me. I think it would turn out particularly well brewed in my French press ;) Brioche french toast: This was probably the best French toast I have ever had (haven't had many sweet brunch dishes in the past). The loafs were soft, fluffy and rich with eggs, it's exactly what you would expect eating a thick slice of brioche bread. The eggs on the bottom was slightly crispy, and went extremely well with the flavours of the bread. Spread the top with the whipped butter ball, drizzle the whole thing with viscous syrup, and dip every bite in the crunchy shaved almonds: it was the definition of comfort food. I particularly loved the crust of the bread, it was slightly chewy and full of flavours. Just thinking about it makes me want to have it. A French toast done right! Huevos rancheros: This Mexican omelette was freaking delicious. The cheese was perfectly broiled on top and slightly chewy (probably low-fat cheese), then a layer of mixed veggies, then a thick layer of fluffy eggs, finally, on the very bottom a layer of black beans. Needless to say, everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. My only complaint with this dish is that the beans at the bottom were somewhat one-dimensional; I would have loved some mushrooms mixed with the beans. Oh, almost forgot about the sauce. The store makes their own chipotle mayo dipping sauce. Because the sauce was chilled, it was wonderful to dab a little bit of the sauce to cool off a forkful of wonderful food. Granola Another simple yet well-executed dish. The yogurt was creamy and had a hint of sweetness; the oats were nicely toasted and mixed (they sell them packaged as well); the raisins and granny smith apple bits gave it some much needed acidity and balance. Still a tad too sweet for me, but I liked it nonetheless.
(4)Adalgisa H.
We love Milk & Honey's food specially their french toast and their fresh OJ! Also I do have to say that their granola is amazing, not only it is yummy but it is also a great value compare to other granola bags. My only complaint is that the staff and overall experience is just okay and could be much better. Something that drives me absolutely insane, and I am sure it drives other guests insane, is how they handle dirty dishes. Instead of picking them up and taking them directly to the back they keep these dirty black plastic containers on the restaurant floor for all their guests to see and hear! The staff makes and absolutely loud noise every time they throw the dishes into the containers so you find yourself startle every time they throw the dishes in those containers. So of you are okay with a not so peaceful breakfast/brunch this is your place. Oh and moms, beware that if you plan to go grab breakfast/brunch with your baby while he/she naps forget about your baby sleeping like one. This place is loud specially when they throw the dishes in those dirty black containers right in front of you! :P
(4)Kent S.
It's a good thing that I came here with my iPod or I just might have jabbed my knife into the throats of several children while dining here today. The quality of ingredients shine throughout their dishes. The huevos rancheros make for one glorious breakfast. That was for today. Last time I was here I went the grilled panini and the time before that I had the orange brioche french toast. Though I wouldn't say that I'm 100% behind my 5 star review, I owe it to them to do so. I push the bottomless, self-serve iced tea to the max. Normally, I have no fewer than 6 glasses per visit. And, the last time I was here, I can't say that I didn't leave with a free roll of toilet paper. In my defense, I carry my own bottle of Cholula in my bag. So I'm at least not abusing the free condiments.
(5)Russ M.
Good place, order at the counter and they bring out your food. I found this to be very common in Chicago, doesn't anyone do sit down breakfast anymore!?!? Food was good, menu leans to the healthy, granola types which is good for a break from the usual vacation eating !
(3)Jeff K.
Went with my girlfriend on an early Saturday afternoon, and the place was full. Apparently that is why the girl behind the counter acted as if we were lepers when we took a few extra moments to decide on our meals. I had buttery but heavy pancakes. My girlfriend had slightly soggy french toast. Maybe we ordered the wrong items, or maybe this place is just not our speed (for breakfast I would go to the Golden Apple on Lincoln and Wellington over this place any day.) Milk & Honey = sour staff and unremarkable breakfast. Hope you have a better experience.
(1)Annette J.
Thanks to the wonderful shops on Division I actually find myself in this area quite a bit on the weekends which means brunch at Milk & Honey is inevitable. And what a delightful inevitability! Everything I've had here has been great. From a really tasty array of rotating baked goods to the juevos rancheros. Brunch at Milk & Honey is just great. Despite such a great menu and daily pancake special I usually find myself ordering the orange brioche French toast. What can I say? I'm a sucker for brioche. And this French toast is out of this world good. A nice hint of orange topped with tasty toasted almond slivers and maple syrup? My idea of a good time! Also the portion is HUGE. You may be inclined to split it but for around $6 bucks an order you may want to hoard it all yourself so you can take the leftovers home. Pop it in a toaster to crisp it back up and you have a great second meal. Occasionally I make it a little too late for breakfast and I order myself a sandwich instead. The sandwiches are awesome. Tasty bread choices and a variety of fillers. Not to mention house made potato chips on the side. YUM! Their granola is also wonderful. They sell at a number of retail locations in Chicago but you can also buy the bags right there in the shop. A variety of flavors and even a reduced fat option means there's something for everyone in the granola department. They have a few cocktails on the menu should you want a beverage with your meal (the boozy lemonade is a favorite of mine) and their plain old unsweetened ice tea is one of my favorites in the city. A nice sized outdoor seating area is also available for people watching on a warm summer day. A few months ago they extended their hours to include a dinner service. I haven't tried it yet but I'm anxious to give it a go!
(4)Ellen M.
I was hoping for breakfast, but alas, it was 12:01. No problem...they made me an excellent grilled vegetable salad with tahini dressing, plus some tomato basil soup. It was just how I love it - pretty well pureed, but not Andy Warhol smooth. Listen: you give me good soup, any culinary disappointment I've experienced in the past three months is wiped away. I'm good for another twelve weeks.
(4)Maram K.
I'm really sad to not have liked this place. The environment was very nice and it seemed like it had delicious food (I mean, it looked fantastic). I came here with my sister early morning before the crowd and we got our order in and a table. It became busy super fast (lots of STROLLERS, omg, kill me now) and when we got our food, I was so disappointed. It was bland and nothing special. I had some-type of pancake and it was a bit dry. I don't know if I was expecting too much since I was hoping to go here for sometime. Sis had the huevos rancheros and they were okay, but nothing different from other breakfast places. It was also a bit pricey. I finished my food and was hungry again rather quickly. Coffee was good at least.
(2)Christina L.
I truly love coming here, sitting outside enjoying the view of division or inside cozy by the fireplace.. The food is always great and I love the tea selection.. The granola is deadly and delicious.. However, this does not justify how terribly rude the staff is (except the bus boys- they are sweet as pie).. The staff at the counter is cocky, rude, extremely full of themselves and as far from hospitable as possible.. I've even had one of the girls roll her eyes at me.. Really? and it's not just one- it's every single counter person I've encountered.. I'm here atleast once or twice a week, one would think they'd show customers, especially loyal customers a little gratitude.. Unfortunately several of my friends and clients have had similar experiences.. They all need to just breathe it out.. Whatever is bothering you, close your eyes and take a nice deep uujayi breathe...
(2)Alice C.
BACKGROUND: I came here for one last Chicago brunch with my cousins before they move out of the country... *tear*. LIKES: - Huevos rancheros on the menu for the win! It comes casserole style though, which was interesting. It was actually pretty flavorful, and I didn't have to add any salt or seasoning. (Just hot sauce, but that's expected...) I think the only thing that could have improved this was adding chorizo. - Huge cups of coffee. Anyone who supplies caffeine in bulk is a friend of mine. - Side of bacon was $2.75 I think? BUT THERE WERE 5 PIECES, AT LEAST! Epic WIN. - I stole a few of the home made chips from my cousin's panini plate -- mmm! Not too greasy, either, which I've found to be the norm with most home made chips. - Cute decor, really clean too! GRIPES: - No egg white or Egg Beater substitutions for the huevos rancheros. I realize this is about as ironic as getting a Diet Coke with a Big Mac, but I am just used to getting egg whites since high cholesterol runs in my family, and I'm not ready to give up cheese yet... - Getting seated was a bit disorganized, so I could see how this place could become a clown show if it were really crowded. --- There are other cool things on the menu that I want to try, like orange brioche french toast and tuscan onion soup with parmesan croutons, so obviously, I'll have to come back! And PRO TIP - They only serve the huevos rancheros on weekends.
(4)Mayra H.
So this was another of my MIni-me & I's sunday explorations. So the only thing i didn't like was that i didn't realize you serve your own utensils and your own coffee, water, etc. (that was our first time there) beyond that i thought the food was really good. We had to try the french toast since it had such good reviews & it didn't disappoint. It was warm and toasted just enough to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside- it also had a hint of orange. Mini-me loved her breakfast sandwich.
(4)Liz O.
I've been here a few times (inside, outside, weekend, weekday, etc.). And I have not been crazy impressed. The food is good. But the set up is just weird. It's like they can't decide if they want to be sit-down or counter service. And frankly, due to that confusion they do a poor job of taking care of patrons. Just be counter service or sit down. Then serving costumers is easy. I've never had bad food. But given all the amazing other brunch places in the 'hood, it's not worth it to come here, and certainly not worth the wait.
(2)Aubrey T.
I went here hoping to get some good breakfast food. I was disappointed. I had the pancakes with carrot, granola, and cranberry. The pancakes wouldve been good if they were made properly and had more spices or something. By far the worst flavored pancakes ive ever had. The granola on top was a little burnt which made the pancakes even nastier. Try sweet maple leaf cafe (or something like that) in the UIC area. They know how to make a pancake. Mister had plain pancakes which were very thick and doughy. the food was so disgusting we could not finish....and we always finish. The scrambled eggs are baked and not made to order. So my nasty pancakes arrived with mushy cold eggs. Gross. will not go here again.
(1)Holly O.
i WANT to like this place. I want to love it, in fact. And their food is good - their decor/ambience - adorable. But the service sucks. I've been there 4 times now - and I get more disappointed each time. To be fair - I'm picky. I work in the restaurant industry. But service does matter! And my problem is not with the wait-to-be-seated part of things. My problem is not that it's crowded and that you and your friends might have to squeeze in amongst strangers once you finally get a seat. My problem is not with the get-your-own-utensils-and-water part of things - in fact, I think THAT part is genius. My problem is that the people behind the counter are not warm OR friendly - and don't really seem to want to make it a good experience for you. What a missed opportunity! This place could be perfect. My rating covers the dates of July 09 - Oct 09, so maybe this is just a lull in good service happening, but it's certainly impacting the business I am giving them (or not, as the case may be). I WILL say their oatmeal is delicious, their french toast is IMPRESSIVE, and their huevos rancheros, also good. I love, too, that they have quality grapefruit juice. Please Milk & Honey - let's work on the hospitality culture. I WANT to love you.
(2)Anna D.
I've been coming to Milk & Honey since they opened. One of my favorite places for brunch! Milk & Honey has some very delicious plates that I frequently catch myself craving. After trying the entire brunch menu, the Breakfast Panini and Huevos Rancheros have prevailed as my two favorites. The pancake recipe intermittently changes so there are yummy pancakes to try every season. Also, I am no granola connoisseur but their product is one of the best I've ever tried. One star deducted because the quality has decreased over the years. While I am not certain whether the fresh squeezed orange juice was always fresh squeezed, I am certain they now pour Costco's Valencia orange juice for three dollars a cup. Service may vary from day to day. But from my personal experience, the waitresses have been nice and accommodating. Milk & Honey is small and often crowded. Yet the waitresses are able to promptly seat guests and get food out pretty quickly. Even on the busiest weekends, the wait never exceeds half an hour. Overall, a hip place for brunch. A touch more expensive than the traditional brunch joint but worth the price and wait!
(4)Dana M.
One of my favorite spots to go for meeting a friend for a light yummy lunch! I like the Avocado, Smoked Gouda, Romaine and Tomato sandwich here.
(3)Sadat A.
Great food horrible horrible staff and manager. It sucks giving this place only 2 stars, because there food is some of the best on Division, when waking up hung over on Sunday and Saturday mornings. I lived next door to this place for a couple of years and recently moved to another area in the city. The staff is friendly ONLY to certain types of people. I feel that all of times Ive been there I've been treated different from everyone else. It got to the point with me just sending my girlfriend inside to order, and I would wait outside. I wont say more but you catch my drift. Don't forget this is just my opinion. Not urban friendly, but hipster, yuppie friendly. Great food - bad owners. Will not go back .
(2)Candice G.
The food takes a long time, is kind of pricey, and the ordering system is extremely stressful but I have to give the 4 stars based on the food. I'm not a huge fan of their desserts but that's what Letizia's down the street is for. There's always a line, whether you're picking up food to go or ordering to eat in for but they have lovely outdoor seating area in the warmer months and they serve a small but quality selection of drinks (of the alcoholic sort) to kick back and sip on whilst you wait. Their sandwiches are pricey but oh, so amazing. My partner in crime and I used to order 2 different sandwiches each time so we could each eat half of the other persons and argue over which of the sandwiches was the best food we'd ever tasted in our entire lives. It's a nice little brunch spot and a good treat once a month for a quick-splurge on lunch. PS- don't order the soups... they'll be delicious but even the large is thimble sized and not a very good value.
(4)Allison V.
I met a friend here for lunch. Cute and quaint. Tight seating with the tables and you need to wait in line which is right next to the tables. It was not a comfortable feeling for me while I was waiting to order or the customers sitting at the table. The lemonade is fantastic. There are a number of menu boards so it takes a few minutes to get yourself familiar with your surroundings and the procedure. Tables are first come first serve. Staff was super friendly. I had the Grilled Chicken with Bacon, Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomatoes and Bleu Cheese Spread on Ciabatta which was served with house made potato chips and a pickle. The sandwich was very good. The serving of chips was on the skimpy side and the pickle, was small. Make sure you like to sit next to others eating....like I said the space is on the small side. Bike parking out front.
(3)Katy S.
Milk and Honey has a very nice menu and is a cool cafe; however, the service was not good. The staff seemed annoyed to be taking my order. I was with a large group out to lunch from work. Despite telling them we needed to be back fairly quickly, they refused to bring plates out as they were ready and scolded us that we should have called ahead. I was disappointed.
(2)Brad C.
Ok there is a a lot of hype for this place and I guess for good reason. It is super tasty! I went early on one of the coldest days of the winter around 10am and there was still a wait of about 20 minute for a table. I did find the ordering before you sit down a little strange but it worked out. For breakfast I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, which had scrambled eggs, black beans, and cheese topped with tortillas and salsa all put together in a casserole dish. I am a huge fan of savory breakfast items and this hit the spot! Next time I might just get some things for take away and avoid the wait for the table. All the pastry items are great and very tasty coffee. With great food, good coffee and a friendly staff, I can see why Milk & Honey is always packed on the weekend.
(4)Peter D.
Firstly, this place is very good, and I am hopelessly addicted to their granola. However, I could not have a single entree on their breakfast menu when I went in there today because I'm allergic to dairy products. The problem was, instead of being accommodating (all I asked was if the could fry me a couple of eggs on the grill real quick without milk mixed in them) their response was that they can't vary at all from the menu, blah, blah blah. So I ended up with 2 hard boiled eggs, chicken sausage and toast. I own a business myself, and this is not good customer service in my opinion. I'm not going to be back until they make more of an effort than that, because they are making it pretty clear that they obviously don't want my business that badly.
(2)David S.
Offer very few items.
(3)Stephanie W.
Meh. Thoroughly mediocre. Milk and Honey has their system down to an art - you line up, look at a menu, place your order, and then loiter around with a number. The hostess seats you sometime between when you order and when your food arrives, and there's a posted sign asking patrons to kindly give up their tables as soon as they're done eating on the weekends because the small restaurant gets so busy. I get it, but I wasn't impressed by how unfriendly they were. The menu had a number of delicious-sounding things on it, though I wasn't particularly hungry and stuck with a bagel (mediocre), which still wasn't cheap. My friend's eggs looked good but not great and were also pretty expensive. I would consider coming back to Milk and Honey if I lived in the neighborhood, but I won't go out of my way.
(3)Louis G.
This is one of my all time favorite spots for a solid breakfast/brunch. The orange brioche french toast and chicken sausages are a great combo. The coffee is outstanding. I can't say much about the huevos rancheros; it just doesn't taste as good as others I've had in the city but to each his own. They are often bpretty busy but the staff is nice and we love to come here often when we can't think of a new place to try out and just want a great meal.
(5)Tom N.
nothing is wrong with this place. just it's very mediocre. very uninspired. my brother and i agreed nothing on the menu looked terribly interesting. so i had the caprese sandwich and coffee. my brother had a chicken club. his homemade chips were tasteless (like cardboard, he said, but i've never eaten cardboard). my sandwich had all of the right ingredients. but nothing popped. very plain-jane. and perhaps that is exactly what you (and my brother's roommate's ex) like. not for me (especially not in this neighborhood).
(2)Tammy M.
This is a great little spot if you just want to grab a quick bite to eat during the week, however I don't think that they should consider themselves a brunch place. You walk in, place your order at the counter and then you are given a number and a place to sit. Which I really appreciate that they don't make you fend for yourself when it comes to finding a seat. The food was really good and I'm more than satisfied with that! I was just expecting brunch with Mimosa's. When it was actually just extended hours for breakfast and the ability to order Huevos Rancheros. I would definitely go back, just not for weekend brunch.
(3)Steve M.
This food is bangin. SOLID breakfast fare, great pressed sandwiches, and yummy iced coffee. Ordering at the counter when it's crowded can be a real painus in the anus, but the ladies behind the counter are friendly with their customers. Plus, they have cool tattoos. Never sat outside, but it's something I'd like to do before the weather gets too cold.
(4)Juliet H.
Hands down my favorite breakfast/brunch place in the city. I've tired of waiting 45 minutes to an hour for breakfast at the Bongo Room. We are always seated within 5 to 10 minutes at Milk & Honey. It is efficient as a cafeteria but you feel like you are an European cafe. Everything is homemade, made with top-notch ingredients, from the homemade garlic pickles to the potato chips to the granola bars. The carrot cake is delectable, as are their pancakes. They are always willing to create a kid's size portion of pancakes for our son. If you are looking for a satisfying, healthy weekend breakfast spot without the wait, try Milk & Honey.
(5)Lisa S.
sooo there were a many things on the menu that i wanted to get! I finally narrowed it down to the house-made granola, vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit and the whole wheat wrap with hummus, feta, spinach, grilled eggplant, pickled red onion (without the red onion). I chose the wrap... I think i should have gone with the granola. I don't want to give milk and honey a bad review because i made a bad choice. I loved the atmosphere, eating outside on the sidewalk, and self service, get your own drinks dealio. I did not love the grilled eggplant. it was slimy. i will go back.
(3)Crissy K.
Love, love, love this place. It is about as pricey as you would expect for a yuppie cafe, though, so I am glad i don't live in the city, or I would go broke just coming here all the time. First of all, it is so cute, it's ridiculous. Even when it's crowded, the ambience is light, and even though you know it's packed, it doesn't FEEL packed. Somehow, they've got everything spaced out just right. Then there's the food (which is also cute). I've gone for both breakfast and lunch and loved both. Even though I am not really a french toast person, there was something irresistible sounding about the orange brioche french toast, and it really was delectable: sweet, but not overly so, with a welcome touch of something different, though (despite the name) I wouldn't call it citrus. The side of chicken sausage was reasonably priced and was enough to share. For lunch, I tried the crabcake sandwich. The sandwich was large and very savory, so again, I would definitely recommend sharing. I really liked how they used some kind of thin batter layer to keep the crabcake together: While it didn't necessarily look nice from the outside, it definitely helped to keep things a little neat as I bit into the sandwich! Oh, yeah, I love their granola. I live out of state but mail order it ALL THE TIME, as it is absolutely the best granola I have ever had. The blueberry walnut is my favorite, but they are ALL good. Service was really great both times I visited, both at peak and non-peak dining hours. The cashier was friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Marizza R.
I was really impressed by this little quaint spot. I can honestly say that everything was fresh. My mimosa, my turkey avocado sandwich and the nommy potato chips (freshly pulled from the fryer), superb. I left with a homemade, au natural Granola bar that was my filler meal for breakfast and lunch the following day. I am a fan of Milk & Honey and recommend that you stop in and grab a bite! Phenom!
(4)Melissa R.
I am actually ashamed that I have not yet written a review for one of my favorite eateries in the entire Chicago area. Shame on me. Milk & Honey is fantastic. I would say the big winner is their lunch menu, but I'm also a fan of the brunch. For brunch they have a pretty small menu, but they have something in all the regular categories (pancakes, bagels, eggs, french toast, etc.). However, what really steals the show in my mind is the yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola...so simple yet perfectly delivered here. It doesn't hurt that their granola is well known throughout Chicago and sold all over the place. Do I have some at home too? You betcha! The lunch menu is really where you can't go wrong. No matter what type of sandwich you like, there will be one (if not many) on the menu that will make you happy. My favorites are Ham and Havarti (hello pretzel roll!), Veggie, and Crabcake (ginormous). They all come with homemade potato chips and a delicious pickle. The restaurant itself is bright, airy, and has tons of natural light with simple decor. They also have a great patio out front that has tons of seating and plenty of people watching. The service is always good, never bad but not necessarily super warm and fuzzy. The prices are great, especially considering the quality and quantity that you get. I am a huge supporter and go here at least once a month...even though it is nowhere near my place. Totally worth each and every trip.
(5)Andre W.
After reading all the reviews and hearing the hype, I thought this place would make me give up Moonshine's brunch. NOT!!!!! I walked in and the line was to the door: Understandable! They did not offer us menus, so we had to look at the chalkboard where everything was written. I was hurried to order so I ordered something very basic (eggs & chicken sausage). My girl ordered the French toast with toasted almonds which was delicious. The girl who took my credit card seemed upset when I asked for a copy of the reciept (why wasn't it just given to me). The girl who was seating everyone seemed to have everything in order and was very patient with some of the attitude she was getting from the irritated customers waiting on seating. The fresh OJ was very good and my dish, eventhough very basic, was ok. We had to get our own silverware, napkins and to-go box. I thought it was funny we had to pay before we sat down and got our food. I guess they do that to keep you there and you won't be so fast to leave if they are taking too long to seat you Don't know if I will try this place again. When it comes to brunch on Division, Moonshine still runs the bingo!
(2)Jason H.
The place is ideal for brunch. If you don't have a waiting time they are very efficient about the food. Order at the counter and they bring the food to you fresh and fast. Atmosphere is a little busy but quite cozy. Perfect for a quick brunch. It is true the Huevos Rancheros are quite delish. Its cheap and comes in a huge bowl. mmmmm... FYI: The rush on the weekend we went started around 10AM. They open at 8.
(4)Elaine C.
Milk & Honey is my go-to place for brunch. I live nearby and always take people here when they are in town or I am having a lazy Sunday. Granted, I haven't been since its been cold so it might be a lot more difficult to get seated without the outdoor seating. 1-Its really quality food at a really reasonable price 2-The portions are gigantic 3-It's very neighborhoodly 4-The dishes are always fresh and interesting flavor combos. 5-The ambience is way cool. Old dishware, jars of honey, nice people. Love it here!
(5)Kayla B.
My roommate and I eat here at least once a week. Even though we live super close, we would travel from any point in the city to make it here. Everything is always delicious and the staff is friendly. Getting a table is nearly impossible on the weekend, so be prepared to stand around or get it to go.
(5)Brie Y.
Well, I just got to milk and honey, all the umbrellas and patio was set up with water outside along with the door open so I walked in. The girl was very rude saying they were not open and I had to leave, I asked if I can just wait inside an not order since it was 645 am and already 95 degrees outside, she said that's not allowed. Too bad I am having a business meeting otherwise I would have taken my money elsewhere. The last time I was in there they weren't too friendly either, maybe it's a wicker park thing!
(1)Annie W.
There are definitely better brunches in the city but M&H is good for something quick. Their star is the huevos rancheros. Unfortunately their baked items (cookies) and pancakes (we got the oatmeal) are pretty bland and dry. Service is fine, nothing mind-blowing. You line up to order your food and pay before sitting down at a designated table that the servers save for you.
(3)Richie D.
This just so happens to be one of those reviews that can be short and sweet due to its Yelp popularity. I'm sure you could find all my thoughts somewhere within those other 250+ reviews... But if not, I'll leave my Yelp footprint anyway: -Their ordering/seating process is "supposed" to be and look organized but just isn't. -On a weekend day for brunch, get there early, early, early, even before the crowd who left the bars before 12 am. -The silverware, napkins, water, iced tea, sugar and honey are all self-serve. I do give compliments to the two flavored ice teas. -Their Orange Brioche French Toast with Toasted Almonds sounds better than it actually is. I found it to have no orange hint and a bit dry requiring me to drench it in syrup. Quantity is not always equal to quality in this instance. -Prices are very reasonable. -The interior is pretty blah other than having different colored walls. Although the extra set of doors that every customer who arrives stares at for a millisecond to see if it's the entrance, are probably nice during the summertime. And said.
(3)Kristin R.
I have dos palabras para ustedes: HUEVOS RANCHEROS. Seriously dude, the huevos rancheros are to die for!! My one complaint about this place is that you have to order at the counter and then just stand there until a table becomes available. I personally prefer to be waited on, and found it a little stressful that we all ordered and then had to just chill there, lurking over this poor table while they were trying to enjoy their own huevos rancheros! Also, we were meeting a friend so it didn't really work right because we ordered, they were late, then we ended up getting our food before they even ordered. I think typically the staff tries to time everything out, so the fact that we were served so far in advance was a mistake they apologized for, but it was still annoying. They had really good coffee as well. I ordered a vanilla latte and enjoyed every ounce of it. They don't have a TON of selection, nor did it seem they had your typical bacon, eggs and toast variety. If you did want that, you would have had to order a bunch of sides. That = pure lameness. Luckily, the huevos rancheros had my name on it and I would come back here for brunch so long as I got here before the crowds started up, just to avoid the wait. Also, a long time ago I bought some cinnamon donuts here, which were also pretty bomb. Highly recommend those little sweet nuggets. Other than that...oh they had a nice outdoor seating area as well. Too bad we are about to enter the blistering cold months here in Chicago, but I'll have to put this on my to do list for when the weather starts to cheer up a bit.
(4)Annie N.
Maybe I'm a fat ass? but let me just start out by saying I think their portion could have been a little bit bigger. I got the Panini with Scramble eggs, bacon, cheddar and tomatoes, and I left a big hungry. Never happened before with me and brunch. But maybe, just maybe, Milk and Honey was trying to send me a message about my brunching habit - overly greasy harsh-brown and bacon and extra toasts and 3 egg omelet, and coffee with err.... you know, 4 half and half please! Ok so not maybe, I am a fat ass. So thank you, Milk and Honey, for not only a tasty breakfast sandwich with great ambiance but also a friendly nicely done message. The inside was simple but yet so perfect! We sat near the fireplace once in the winter and we did not want to leave (despite the angry looks from other customers wanting our spots). I have been here various times and they NEVER failed to impress me. It gets crowded, and you order the food at the counter, then they will bring it out for you. They have very sufficient staffs, hence the wait is never more than 20 minutes, and I have only been here on weekends. Good coffee as well. I tried their Huevos Rancheros once and it was very tasty, but from now on, I will stick with the sausages... i meant granola and yogurt for brunch!
(4)Paula L.
I've gone by this place a dozens time and finally tried it. My boyfriend & I each had the crabcake sandwich. It's wasn't the best and it wasn't the worst. I was very disappointed in the cookie/cakes/brownie/cupcake counter. Everything looked incredible, but the glass door to the dessert case was left wide open. There were bugs flying in & out. I don't understand why some restaurants do that. The outdoor seating area is nice, but there are a bunch of places up & down Division that have outdoor seating. I'll visit one of those places before coming back here.
(3)Heidi S.
Delicious food: Butternut squash lasagne and a blood orange mimosa. You can't ever go wrong with the special there. Casual atmosphere, amazing food!
(5)Colleen R.
The food deserves four stars, but this place is outta control. It seems to have become a favorite of parents who think discipline stifles their kid's self-esteem. I don't mind stepping around a stroller or two, but come on. It is never the right time to listen to someone else's kid scream its lungs out, but especially not on a Sunday morning before I've ingested any coffee. I know this isn't technically Milk and Honey's fault, but the clientele they tend to attract is worth noting. There's also no structure to the ordering process. They seem to have twenty people behind the counter, but no hostess directing people where to wait. The counter service seems to throw some people for a loop, especially when they get busy and there's just a mass of people standing in the middle of the dining room waiting to order. If you think of this place as a coffee shop with delicious food and coffee, you're not likely to be disappointed. Relaxing brunch, though, it ain't.
(3)Pab Y.
Don't bother to go to this place! Service is sub par! They make you stand in line to order and then sit you in very small tables and expect YOU to grab your own coffee, silverware, etc....On top of this, the staff is very rude, and they seem to have NO motivation to treat you well. When I was there it was like 40 degrees outside and they decided the keep the door open because the owner (an old lady) said it was too hot close to the kitchen - meanwhile, I and a few other people that were sitting close to the door were freezing! I asked several employees including the owner to close the darn door but they REFUSED to do so! And to top it off, food was mediocre. Don't bother to try this place, just go one block east to Prasino - what a difference!
(1)Jamie M.
YES! This is the spot for granola in CHI! Cozy fireplace, excellent staff, out of control food- best breakfast & lunch in WP!
(5)Loran S.
Went here for the first time this past weekend. Had the huevos rancheros and pecan banana waffles. Both were terrific! They have tons of vegetarian options, which is a huge plus for me. While I know half of the appeal is the small and low-key setting, the tables were teeny-tiny, and it felt a little cramped. I'm sure if I had sat outside on the patio my whole experience would have been different. Don't let the cramped feel stop you from eating there though--it was superb!
(4)Ela G.
Ymmm, you surprised me last weekend Milk and Honey....I thought surely my moodiness at Owen and Engine's decision to no longer serve brunch on Saturdays would make every subsequent attempt at a good morning futile. Thankfully upon instructions that the wait was only about 15 minutes, I proceeded to Division toute suite! 20 minutes later, I was ordered and patiently sitting at my lovely indoor table. Last time I visited, the Huevos Rancheros in their own individual casserole dish were, GASP, sold out! To my happiness, they were still plentiful so we ordered one and the Belgian Waffle with berries and whip cream... the Huevos Rancheros are delicious, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. The waffle was good, but I enjoy a crispy outside soft inside waffle, and this one was more chewy, gummy. Despite the gumminess, the berries and ample whip cream and butter made things a-ok. This plus the giant cups of coffee, and I was a happy camper.
(4)betsy b.
This place rocks for breakfast. The french toast, oatmeal, pancakes and huevos rancheros are all superb. I came today for lunch for the first time and it didn't disappoint. The only sucky thing about this place is the ordering and then waiting for a table bit....it gets crowded so sometimes it's annoying and confusing. The people that work here aren't the friendliest so beware...they act like you should be thanking them for letting you eat there. They just all seem to have sour looks on their faces and they seem put out when you ask questions.....but the food is good so I can ignore the snots.
(3)Crystal P.
Whoa!!! I haven't written a truly bad review in a long time... But I was inspired by brunch today to do just that.... So Me and the boyf walked in for breakfast. We were half greeted by the counter woman and then interrupted by an another employee 2 times before ordering. The cashier slammed down our # and we walked to our seat... cold and strange it left a bad taste in my mouth.... and so did the food. I got the crab cake sammie... it tasted bland and like it had been heated (mayo bread lettuce and all) in a microwave. As a matter of fact I am 99% sure that it was... the chips were flavorless and the pickle was just a soggy cucumber. I will not be back... I will stick to buying the granola from whole foods...
(1)Joe O.
Great place for breakfast. Hearty baked goods and a HUGE cup of coffee. Street parking is free and accessible. Kind of a faux hippie atmosphere but the food is good enough where it can be overlooked.
(4)Annie G.
Dear Milk and Honey, I love you. No they don't have a huge menu but they are amazing at what they do. I've gone here many times and I've never had a bad sandwich, event he ruben was tasty and I usually hate sauerkraut. No,this place isn't cheap but even Panera has sandwiches that run 7 bucks and up. The service is fast and the employees are always friendly. Fortunately I've never had a problem finding a table, either.
(4)Jackie S.
Overall good food. Is usually extremely crowded on the weekends which can lead to long waits. On a few occassions, food has been a bit on the cold side. I still enjoy it though - and will probably keep coming back.
(3)Annie G.
Milk & Honey in my tummy right now. And it feels good. Oy! What a b*tch this winter was to keep me from you for so long. Reasons why I go to M&H again and again... - Intelligensia coffee is fresh and hot and always what the mind and body needs in the morning - Delicious breakfast or brunch for two under $20 in hipsterville, USA -- deal! - Simple, solid menu never disappoints. While I'm rarely ever able to not order the Huevoes Rancheros (skip the chipotle lard and dump hot sauce on it!), the few times I've strayed I've been very happy - Consistency. My lord, I love knowing what to expect and having my expectations always met - to-go goodies for mid-afternoon snack: please, do yourself a favor and get the 3.5 oz of Kale to go. So. Good. Beets also good. Cracked mustard Brussels sprouts just so-so Helpful tips: - a summer weekend morning here is a meeting of the hummer strollers. beware of the young urban family; they all seem to converge here - the huevoes rancheros (which are my fave) and casseroles are pre-made....it's way this place can be do efficient so don't be cryin' when you can's substitute something
(4)Matt S.
In a city known for its brunch, M&H doesn't disappoint. The menu is simple, THANK GOD! There is NOTHING that I hate more than opening a menu to be treated to five pages of options. I'm looking at you, Cheesecake Factory/Grand Lux! M&H has selected 5-6 entrees that it does well and that's what it offers. There is always a seasonal pancake and waffle, but their standards are an egg sandwich and juevos rancheros (casserole style). You CANNOT leave this place without trying the juevos--they're by far the best option on the menu and are served in their own mini-crocks with a side of crème fresh. Do it.
(4)Justin B.
went at JUST the right time before it got really busy I had the huevos rancheros a la casserole (PHENOMANAL, must try, since its only on sat/sun) the sauce it comes with perfectly accentuates the dish...and their chicken sausage is verrry tasty. definitely a return to spot
(5)Heather K.
Milk and honey, pouring down like money... Why I love you? A. Whenever I eat here I have Beck in my head for the rest of the day. B. Your carrot cake is delish. C. Your Beer is cheap. d. HUEVOS RANCHEROS E. Coffee and Ice tea are tasty and your water station is inviting. I don't feel lame for just "sticking with water". F. Nifty Chairs. H. Awesome specials. 1. Yesterday I had the Mango + Jerk Chicken salad with fried plantains and a creamy dill and cucumber dressing. I. TURKEY REUBEN - Best around! Why I sometimes go elsewhere? A. I don't like the "wait in line to place your order and then awkwardly stand around until a table is free" style of dining. B. Dirty Bathroom... C. Snobby host that snipped yesterday when my neighbor asked for a to-go box and when I asked where the silverware was located. I know we all have bad days and it sucks you had to work on president's day but is it so hard to say it with a smile?
(4)Audre L.
Small dining room for about 30. Great to grab a bite with a friend, Not good for large parties. Love the self serve water station and coffee refills. This place reminds me of something you'd see in NYC. You order at the counter, get a number, sit, and they bring the food out to you. No waiter service. Had the Orange Brioche French toast, and it was delectable. Hip place
(5)Jaime S.
Pros: Affordable and plenty of food. Not too many options on the menu, so not overwhelming. Easy to find street parking Orange Brioche French Toast + Huevos Rancheros---I Die. Don't have to wait for more than 30 mins for a table on the weekends... Cons: Line of people waiting makes everyone very aware that this is not the place to stew over your breakfast. Not good for groups.
(4)Nikkie H.
Yummy. I was hesitant to go to Milk & Honey mainly because I was in no mood to wait forever to eat brunch? But I'm glad I did. Had the breakfast panini (tasty) and the huevos rancheros (holy cow, delish). The only beefs, waiting in line and ordering food before seated. My friend and I were also confused by how to tip. Do you put money in the jar by the cash register or do you leave it at the table? I imagine you could do either, but we went for the tip jar :)
(4)Angelica M.
Milk and Honey! Bring your out-of-towners here if they want to feel city-like. Totally yuppie-central, love when the patio opens up and there is more seating. I've only ever had the breakfast menu-items here. The Huevos Rancheros: The perfect combination of beans, tomatoes, yummy eggs with a layer of cheese on top in a ramekin. It's actually a large portion when you puncture the golden cheese baked on top! I can share this with my boyfriend and get a side of something else and be perfectly satisfied for breakfast. Totally my default here! The Egg Panini Sammich; My mom gets this every time, again: they do something with the scrambled eggs here that makes them delectable and a good consistency. The Yogurt and Granola: Homemade Granola is delicious, I just kind of felt weird that the fruit was pre-mixed into the yogurt. Maybe it's just personal preference and It is March, so the fresh fruit isn't as yummy as during the summer, but i feel that they could just put the fruit on the side instead of me guessing what I'm eating (I think it was apples?) Overall, great for weekend brunch!!
(4)David L.
Awesome coffee and pickles! Those two things don't usually go together but they certainly do at Milk and Honey. As my "across the street" coffee place I have been going to Milk and Honey since it opened. I've gotten my morning coffee from just about every place through out the Wicker Park / Bucktown area. For some reason no one brews their Intelligensia quite as well as they do here. Plus a medium for under $2 w/ tax...well that just makes me feel a lot better than the plus $2 cup at Starbucks. I'm a fan of the sandwiches as well. The roast beef sandwich and the crap cakes are always great. But the best part about their sandwiches are the pickles. I'm not a huge pickle fan normally. I'll eat them but not go out of my way for them. But the Milk and Honey pickles are something else. These homemade pickles have a little more spice and zest than a normal pickle. As far as I'm concerned it's the best pickle ever.
(5)Willie B.
For those of you that think Bongo Room is worth waiting 3 hours to be seated, this review is not for you. I used to go to Bongo Room but it's just not worth the wait. Instead, try Milk and Honey. The food is just as good and the menu is more extensive and changes almost daily. Everything here tastes like it is local and fresh and you never have a long wait to get in. This is hands down my favorite brunch spot in wicker park.
(4)John L.
I ordered carry out there yesterday. When I went to pick it up, I stood under the sign that says "carry out," and nothing happened. The people behind the counter ignored me while they waited on customers who had cut in front of me. Finally, one of them relented and said slowly, "What do you want?" in a manner suggesting she thought she was speaking to either a psychopath or someone who was just learning English. Next time, hold the snippiness. Oh, wait, there won't be a next time.
(1)Chris S.
Hands down my favorite brunch spot in the city. Be sure to try the huevos rancheros. It is an exquisite culinary experience. Relaxing and wonderful ambiance. Friendly service.
(5)Tiff H.
What did Mommy always tell you to do when you were about to embark on a 3 mile obstacle course? "Make sure you eat breakfast so you have energy!" So, on the one day of all my twenty-five years of living I felt genuine fear, I joined my fellow Warrior Dash companions for breakfast at Milk & Honey. On the menu with what I was convinced may be my last meal (not to exaggerate but my stomach was really flip flopping too much to eat...I can never not eat!): -Compari + Grapejuice: Fantastic and so refreshing. However, it did nothing to calm my nerves. -Lox & Bagels: Awesome, and I think I clogged one my arteries by eating the entire huge side of home made cream cheese they gave me. (I know...smart, before embarking on a 3 mile run.) I ended up paying around $18ish with a 20% tip. Kind of pricey but I've been back once since and I know I'll be back again. Side note: They won't make you the Lox and Bagels 7 minutes past the time their breakfast ends. I've tried. :(
(4)Kate W.
This place is pretty good. I'd rather they had table service though. Instead, you wait in line to order and then get a table. They bring the food to your table then. To me, if you're going to bring food to a table you can go to the table to take an order and hand out menus. I had the smoked turkey reuben. It was good but there wasn't anything really special about it. Just a sandwich. It came with homemade chips which again were good but not anything special. If I were in the neighborhood and wanted a quick bite I'd go there again, but I wouldn't make a special trip.
(3)Jax L.
healthy + delicious + fresh! my girlfriend and i went to chicago for vacation last winter and we traveled in the snow from our hotel in rosemont to come here- a grand total of 3 visits! we love this place- we wanted to bring you home with us- you should expand and have a location in southern california! we went here for brunch during all 3 visit: here were what we ordered + strongly recommend you try! 1. stacks of peach pancakes 2. salmon + cucumber + cream cheese bagel 3. homemade granola yogurt + fresh fruits 4. the mexican omelette thing 5. cappuccino [they make the cute lil heart swirl for you, its so cute!] the only downside was the wait, we heard its always busy, but its worth the wait. wait time could range from 30-90mins, depends on your luck. but even though its busy, service is great and they make sure you get everything you need without rushing you out.
(5)Barney G.
A bit overpriced for what you get. Food is average, but fresh cooked hot food is your best bet. Stay away from the pastries which can be good if fresh but it's regular practice to sell day old baked goods at overpriced fresh baked prices! As for service a few employees are nice but generally service is lackluster.
(2)Jennifer D.
Coffee is good. Brunch is great. Homemade chips rock. The Milk & Honey granola is seriously the best ever. Service is sometimes good, sometimes so-so, but the food always more than makes up for it, seriously.
(4)Julie H.
The last time I went to Milk & Honey was the last time I will ever go to Milk & Honey. I ordered my usual, the granola, except I asked for the granola separate from the yogurt (like in two different bowls - not a difficult request to accommodate, in my opinion), as well as a side of milk. It may sound weird, but I like to have a little granola with yogurt and a little granola with milk. Needless to say, it did not come out the way I asked. When I finally flagged down the hostess (after failing to get the attention of anyone behind the counter), she said "that's the way the granola comes, and if you want some milk, you can get it yourself." That is a direct quote. I was stunned. I should have walked out. No one has ever been so rude to me in a restaurant before. I promise you, I will never go back there again. Milk & Honey, you suck. I'm getting fired up just thinking about it. I need to go smoke a bowl to calm myself down...
(1)JR W.
I've had huevos rancheros done a bunch of ways. M&H comes baked in a ramekin. There's something comforting about it visually. Overall, I really liked the no fuss atmosphere, the good value for the money (unless you order juice, which is always overpriced anywhere you go), and the freshness of the ingredients. Also, not having to wait more than 5 minutes made this trip worthwhile. Otherwise, waiting for brunch makes me uber grumpy.
(4)Candice R.
I was here a couple of weekends ago for breakfast. On a Sunday morning around 11 am, this place was not as busy as I expected. There were twice as many lunch options on the menu as there were breakfast choices, so it took us a few minutes to decide. I overheard the cashier (there are no servers here) tell the person in front of me that the heuvos rancheros were to die for. I have a mission to find the best heuvos ever. I've found one version, at a place called Honey's Sit n' Eat in Philly. Naturally, since I've yet to find heuvos nirvana in my hometown, I jumped on it. I should also say that I'm not a fan of order first, then be seated mindset. I feel that's a fast food truc, something that's not worthy of a restaurant. Also, if there's no server waiting on you, how will they know if you liked your meal? That was exactly the problem. My heuvos ranchers were ok, but boring for sure. If I had have used the chipotle mayo/salsa served on the side, it would not have been worth the 6 or so bucks. Definitely not to die for, or even to get a paper cut for. But they didn't know that, since there is no one to ask "how is everything?". My boyfriend's goat cheese portobella sandwich was very tasty, and I deemed Milk & Honey to be a perfect fit for a quick lunch and a cup of coffee, but not somewhere I would go for breakfast again.
(2)Debra R.
This is one of my favorite brunch spots. I love the Orange Brioche French Toast and Huevos Rancheros. Although there are a lot of other tasty items on the menu and everything looks super yummy and really good quality - not a greasy spoon joint. Make sure to have some time to wait in line if you are going during the rush (around noon) and I wouldn't go with more than 4 people as there is not a ton of seating. It is also semi self-serve so don't expect fancy service. I don't mind it though - I would rather get my own water and pay less for my meal. ;)
(4)Shaun S.
Dropped in here for lunch after a doc appt with my wife. After some initial confusion on my part only, we ordered, another brief bit of confusion trying to find the beverages.... (note: annoyed the order taker...gee sorry, guess I'll pass on the tip!) After that, all was good, nice sandwich, the Turkey Rueben, wife had the BLT. Nice homemade pickle and chips too. Parking kinda sucked...but it's the city, what should I really expect?
(3)Joe T.
I came for breakfast, but made an unfortunate game-time decision and opted for a sandwich instead. Big mistake -- the huevos rancheros were taunting me at every turn with their cheesy goodness. I will definitely be getting that the next time I visit this place. Don't get me wrong, though, the crab cake sandwich was a fine sandwich--a solid spicy mayo and soft baguette with some tasty homemade potato chips, but the huevos rancheros is definitely the signature dish at this joint judging from the sheer number of them circulating (and aside from the Orange Brioche French Toast if you're in the mood for sweet). Rookie mistake on my part. Like other posters below, for such a small place, I am impressed with the Japanese-style efficiency with which they move folks down the line. On an early Saturday afternoon, the line may look daunting, but honestly only waited about 20 minutes or so to be seated--which is acceptable for a place a small as this. Also, be prepared to peruse the menu on the wall (or grab one by the cash register) as you won't be sitting down while a waitress takes your order (a slap in the face of the aforementioned efficiency).
(4)Anne M.
I have only been to the location on Damen near the Blue Line stop, never the larger store on Division. I have been here several times, and always have been impressed with what I have ordered. The banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting kind of changed my life. And turned me onto peanut butter frosting, which if you have never tried...you must. As soon as possible. Breakfast sandwiches are great. Simple, fresh, very tasty. Good selection of baked goods, light sandwich menu, but all seemingly good choices.
(4)Marie S.
My girlfriends and I have been on a "best breakfast burrito in Chicago" mission, and thus far Milk & Honey is at the top of the list. To be honest, I haven't tried much else here, but I'm not really interested in trying anything else because their breakfast burrito is so darn good! The ambiance in this place is great - it's casual and comfortable, and the coffee is bottomless...which is always a huge plus. The food is fast, and the burrito always comes with homemade potato fries. Yummm. I will be a regular visitor as long as they continue to make those burritos!
(5)Abby H.
Good for kids: The info on Yelp says no, but every time I've been here there have been lots of kids, mostly babies and toddlers. So I would say it definitely IS good for kids. Plenty of high chairs available. Limited space though, so watch out for those giant strollers. I'm giving 3 stars because the last couple of times I've been here the place has really disappointed. The huevos rancheros were rubbery and seemed pretty obviously microwaved. The waffle was lukewarm and rubbery. The fruit was soggy, as though it had been sitting around for a while. Nothing seemed fresh. I also question their ingredients. They don't use anything organic, not even milk. The "all natural granola" IS delicious, but again it's just all-natural (which it should be, considering it's granola) but not organic. Not that Milk and Honey is obligated to go organic or anything, but they do project a kind of progressive, all-natural, moneyed-hipster vibe that can lull you into thinking that you're getting something you're not. It's really just average, conventional food (except for the really good granola!) in a charming location and space. Which, sometimes and maybe even often, is just fine and good enough.
(3)Tim W.
Good patio. Love the huevos rancheros and a quality cup of coffee. Patio is pet friendly.
(4)Michelle L.
It's been said on other reviews but I'll say it again anyways, the ordering process is odd, you go up to a counter, try to quickly figure out what you want, order and then stand around waiting for a table. It's a bit of a cluster... But, the patio is nice (on a warm day) and the food is okay. I thought the menu was a bit limited, so I ended up just having the granola and yogurt which was actually quite good, but a friend's breakfast didn't look so appetizing. I was hugely disappointed in the coffee, if you sit outside there's a thermos for refills and the coffee in this thermos is like a watered down version of folgers, YUK. I don't think I'll ever be back.
(2)Laura G.
Very cute cafe with fresh ingredients and tasty food! We got there on a warm Sunday morning, and the place was packed. You wait in line (we probably waited around 30 minutes), place your order, and then wait for a table again. We ordered the huevos rancheros, lox and bagel, and special egg empanadas. Everything was good, but nothing was great. The huevos rancheros were baked in a casserole dish, and while creative, I got bored of the blurred flavors after multiple bites. The lox tasted fresh, and it was overall an enjoyable experience. However, with all of the great breakfast places in Chicago, I will not be running back!
(3)Adam R.
I really enjoy when I invest the time to come here. Thus far I have had the opportunity to try their huevos rancheros, peach pancakes, and their veggie sandwich. The food is always amazing! The staff is always so friendly. The vibe inside the restaurant always makes me feel as if I am apart of the Ukraine Village Community. I always wish my stomach was bigger so I could finish their huge portions
(4)J P.
We love this place! Have been coming here for years and they never disappoint. It has the charm of a diner with the hustle and bustle of the wait staff and the cozy atmosphere of a chic urban cafe. Our faves are the lox platter (one of the more ample ones in the city - and for a great price!) and the huevous rancheros (best hangover cure out there). The al fresco seating provides great people-watching in the summer. Perfect place for catching up with friends or a breakfast date. Highly recommend!
(4)Laura C.
I have been twice with friends for brunch on the weekend, so of course it was busy. I don't mind waiting for a table if there is a little area, and you are not hovering over people or constantly having to move out of the way for people. But this is not the case here! They should just give servers sections like any other normal restaurant. But, on to the food... the huevos rancheros look good but are boring tasting. The panini's are good, but not amazing. The restaurant looks so cute and promising, but I don't think I'll be heading back.
(2)Janine G.
Good salads and sandwiches, albeit a bit overpriced. The real bummer is the unfriendly and rude service I have experienced time and time again here. I just paid $15 for a sandwich and some lemonade, no need for an attitude.
(2)Joel C.
A friend had recommended this place for breakfast and had to check it out. Real cute place with chalkboard signage and a nice outdoor seating area. It can get really packed and hard to find a seat at certain hours of the day but the line moves rather quickly for people just grabbing something to go. No waiter service, just order at the counter and take a seat and someone will bring it out to you. Don't expect much of a selection to choose from on breakfast items. They usually have a pancake special, a breakfast special and the usual bagels, granola and panini breakfast sandwich. Don't get me wrong they are all good! I got the special pancake of the day which was a coconut mango pancake. It was good, but a bit too nutty for me. I should have gotten the breakfast burrito since it looked really good when it came out of the kitchen. The granola is homemade and its awesome and you can buy some to go. Oh, they don't serve potatoes...your meal will come with potato chips instead. One thing I did not like was the scrambled eggs. They had a weird texture and you can tell it came from a carton. Best thing...the coffee!!! Had a naturally sweet flavor to it and what's nice is that you can buy the coffee to take home with you. I wish they had whole beans though since I only use a french press. Great local neighborhood stop!
(3)Tricia G.
One of the best low key breakfast/sandwich places! They have an amazing yogurt parfait with their own home made granola! They have a really good french toast if you don't mind gaining a few extra pounds, but it isn't overwhelmingly sweet either! Really great baked items and super sandwiches! Try it out!
(5)Harrison E.
If you have ever been to Greydog Cafe in NYC, then this place is for you; good service, inspiring eats, friendly all around, and good energy. The one interior design snafu I didn't like, was the pale yellow paint on the walls. Should be a pale orange---think color psychology for
(4)Nicole G.
Love it, love it, love it! I just moved to the Wicker Park neighborhood after living in Lake Merritt Oakland for two years, and was very spoiled on fresh veggies and high quality food. Needless to say, I feel like Milk and Honey has a very Bay Area feel to it. I have to admit I have eaten here 3 time in the last month. The sandwiches are awesome, and are served with homemade (i think) chips and a spiced pickle spear. The breakfast is incredible too. The prices are right for the quality food you get.
(5)Christine W.
Solid food, fantastic coffee, convenient location. But....... However, I'm sorry M & H, but I'm bored and irritated. I've been coming to your cafe for 3 years now and its the same small selection. On top of that, you've hired one or two rude servers who have actually inspired me to forfeit my spot in line and leave 2 times in the last year. If you weren't located so close and didn't serve the number one hangover cure (huevos rancheros) I wouldn't keep coming back for the abuse. I'm sorry, but I've replaced you with the Birchwood Kitchen on North- they've taken your concept and done it better with a wider menu and better service.
(3)Megan B.
If I was ever to open a restaurant, I would make it like Milk and Honey. It is such an efficient operation. Yes, you do have to stand it line to order, but this allows valuable tables to be turned over quickly. After ordering, you can leisurely sit and enjoy coffee while awaiting your food to be brought to your table. And once finished, you can leave as soon as you please - no having to flag down a waitress to pay. I suspect Milk and Honey is able to charge very reasonable prices for fresh, quality food, yet still make a profit, because they don't have to pay for extra staff like a hostess or multiple waitresses. And they know their nitch - breakfast and lunch - very well instead of trying to do everything. I am not gaga over any particular menu item, but everything I've had is solid. Plus their chai late is more flavorful than Starbucks. Because I work during the weekdays and often avoid popular brunch places on the weekends, I don't go often, but I still recommend Milk and Honey to others.
(4)Terence O.
The food is mediocre. They have a very limited menu. And the staff/management is as pretentious as you can get. I can't understand why there's a line out the door.
(1)Andy F.
I think of this place as coffee and quick breakfast. But the lunch was excellent. Had a top notch tuna melt and will be back for more. No wifi though.
(4)T B.
Charming little place with both outdoor and indoor seating. They are efficient and get your order taken and food out to you quickly. Had the beet, goat cheese and spinach sandwich on multigrain bread. It was served nice and warm, though I was sort of over the beet by the second half of the sammich. Like my sandwich, the potato chips were beautiful and cooked perfectly, though could've used more spices to pump up the flavor. Lady who took my order was nice and was happy to explain the menu to me as it was my first time in. They had a really cute little outside area I ate it. Will return!
(4)Pebbles R.
Quite possibly the best french toast ever.ever.ever. I'm not delighted with the whole serve yourself deal, but it is what it is.
(4)Tonia O.
Adorable. I really enjoyed this place, however I didn't get a chance to stay long as they were closing in 15minutes. The cafe hours need to be updated in order to drive business in more accurately or not give people the feeling of being rushed once you start banging pots and pans around. I ordered a simple chai latte and my friend had rhubarb coffee cake. Both tasty. I would be interested in trying some other items out on this menu.
(3)Mande B.
Before I get crucified for the low rating, let me start with saying that I'm writing based on my experience as one of the many people with food allergies in this city. In Short... DO NOT EAT HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD ALLERGIES! Food is PRE-MADE and there are no substitutions or changes to what's on the menu. In Detail... I've been wanting to go here for a long time and finally made it over there this Saturday with my sister. I am allergic to both wheat and milk, so before waiting in the 40 minute line I checked the menu posted in the window to see if there's anything I could order... Huevos Rancheros, perfect! When we got up to the register, they informed us that everything was pre-made and only heated up, so there are no special requests (ie. no cheese or milk). It turns out the only thing I could have on the menu was a plate of Spinach with two quarter-sized dollops of goat cheese and 3 dried figs... yeah, that's exactly what my hungover stomach was wanting... NOT!!! (Forgive me for the early 90s reference, it's Monday and I'm still pissed.) On one hand, the yummy looking casserole style Huevos Rancheros looked divine... but on the other, knowing it's PRE-MADE and not fresh makes it very disappointingly average. Three words of advise to Milk & Honey... 1) Make a note on your menu that there are no changes allowed. 2) At least keep a couple eggs on stock so that someone with food allergies doesn't have to eat spinach for breakfast. 3) Your Intelligensia blend is fabulous, so please don't ever get rid of it! (That's why you at least got the 1 star.)
(1)Cara C.
I find myself wandering in for a cookie and ending up getting a pickle and a cookie. It's a weird combination, I realize. The pickles are just THAT GOOD.
(4)Tuyen N.
The sound of Milk & Honey never really appealed to me until I saw their summer hour's dinner menu which included Chicken & Waffles. Now that's a combo me likey likey. During the summer, they open till 8pm with a limited dinner menu. While I really wanted to have the Chicken & Waffle, I haven't gained the trust of Milk & Honey yet to let them toy with one of my favorite dishes. So I started with something rather basic: the lamb and feta burger. I had to take my food to-go so there are a couple disadvantages about that other than my food not being hot. About the burger: served on a pretzel-ish bun (loved that part) with grilled red peppers (yummy- sweet) a huge hunk of lamb and feta with an olive spread. The bun was moist from the juices from my walk home so you should def. eat it there. My biggest complaint was that the meat was unbearably salty. The burger is served with their chips and a pickle spear for about $8. I didn't like my burger but while I was there, I did check out their menu and would definitely come back to try some of their other sandwiches and maybe even the Chicken & Waffles.
(3)Alex F.
I'm not a big fan of sandwich shops, but this place was a notch above the standard sandwich fare in chi. The sandwiches have interesting ingredients, and they get props for selling beer too. This is a great option if you're in the area. Staff was very friendly too.
(4)rebecca c.
Awesome Sammys and coffee
(4)Amanda H.
I have never had anything here I haven't loved. Great sandwiches, soup, breakfast items, and desserts (to die for)! This place gets a little busy on the weekends, but definitely worth the wait!
(5)Anne Marie J.
Finally went for brunch because Labor Day was considered part of the weekend :) Loooooooved the brunch items. The french toast was deliciously battered, served with extra sweet syrup and topped with crunchy almonds. Perfect - much better than my recent adventure with Lula Cafe and also $4 cheaper (can you tell I'm still upset?) The Mexican egg dish was also great - perfect amount of cheese melted on the top and paired with excellent spicy sour cream - we were spooning that sour cream into our mouths. Yummy! They really need to work on their customer service. Every time I'm there, the people taking the orders are so grumpy. If you don't like your job, LEAVE!
(4)Leslie B.
My boyfriend and I stopped by Milk & Honey Cafe Sunday morning for breakfast. We were super excited as we love trying new places. Unfortunately, this visit left us extremely disappointed. The food wasn't good at all. This is a hard review for me to give as breakfast food is usually hard to mess up. But here is my option... I ordered the orange brioche french toast and he had the granola pancakes flavor of the day nectarine. Both came out looking amazing and with a huge scoop of butter melting on top. This is where the beauty ended. The brioche was already SUPER buttery so the additional butter made it almost sickening. I added some syrup, but it was difficult to find the flavor of maple with out almost drinking the syrup. The pancakes on the other had were super dry and the granola had a strange crunch that tasted like stale nuts. Lots of butter and syrup were needed to make them remotely moist. The "flavor of the day" only meant some nectarine slices were placed on top. Sorry Milk & Honey Cafe, but we won't be back. All we are left with are achy stomachs.
(1)Poof A.
This place is the sister establishment of one of my fave coffee spots, Cippolina Cafe, which automatically earns it extra points in my book. A beautiful, sunny space that feels calm even when it's busy (and on weekends, it. is. busy.) The coffee is delicious (no surprise there, hi Cippolina!) and the food is simple but tasty and satisfying. I've been here for both brunch and lunch and I have to admit *sacrilege alert* that I kind of prefer the lunch. There's just something about those sandwiches that is so so lovely- and great for vegetarians too! I always appreciate a place that recognizes a sandwich doesn't have to contain cold cuts. I've checked it out for brunch, too, and enjoyed the cosy atmosphere even more. BB had the orange french toast (with a side of sausage, of course!) and was a fan- I had a taste and it wasn't too sweet even for this anti-sweet bruncher. I was a bit of a harder sell- I don't like to get brunch items that I can easily make myself, but I'm also not fiending for sugar at 10 am (remind me again why brunch is my favourite meal?) So the brekkie burrito never tends to draw me in. I got the egg and cheese sandwich and while it was satisfying, it was nothing special. I prefer to wait for lunch on this one..mmmmmm...
(4)Justin G.
Probably one of the best brunch places in town. I loved the orange brioche french toast or the omelette sandwich things. Definitely high quality food. If it is the weekend, expect a line.
(5)Sara E.
Glorious. This is what a cute cafe should be. I went for breakfast and shared an order of the orange brioche french toast and the huevos rancheros with my sister, and it was delicious, made from quality ingredients. The coffee is served in big mugs, and the staff was friendly. I was expecting table service, but you order at the counter and your food is brought to you. I'm okay with it - the food and atmosphere made up for it.
(5)Melissa M.
Milk and Honey is a great brunch place (love that there is outdoor seating in the warm weather months). I agree with Rachel that the walk up and ordering system is a bit annoying -- but the food makes up for this in spades. I highly recommend their granola. It's ridiculously good. So good that they've started selling it at Whole Foods! It comes in different flavors too (Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice). You can also get it as a topping on your keifer down the street at Star Fruit. I highly recommend Milk and Honey. It can get really crowded on the weekends, so maybe try to go during the week.
(3)Eric L.
eh, popular, but just because everyone loves brunch.
(3)Jourdan S.
Best soup in the hood. sandwiches are bangin too
(4)K W.
This place is constantly good! Yes is crowded at peak times, but if you go for a late lunch you there is no wait. Good lattes, egg dishes, salads and sandwiches! I have been there many times over the years and I have always enjoyed it. You order at the counter and the service is fine. Note to new mom's don't try to bring in your fancy stroller because it gets too crowded! I made the mistake and waited until my little ones could actually sit at a table to allow them to return. Great place to meet friends for lunch and seriously the food is always good. Oh...the cupcakes are yummy too
(5)Brittany B.
If I lived in Chicago I'd be here all the time! It almost deserves 5 stars, but it was really busy, and the waitstaff seemed kind of pissed while taking our orders. Other than that... their smoked salmon bagel is my new favorite breakfast! Why I haven't tried this delicious combination yet, I don't know, but theirs was especially good. Complete with dill cream cheese, capers, red onions, and tomatoes, this was a bagel sandwich not to forget. Quality smoked salmon too. I really want to re-create this one at home when I get the chance.
(4)James M.
The format was interesting and seemed to fit the place well (order at counter then wait for table) but I'm not sure how well they handle crowds. From what I hear I was lucky to not eat at a particularly busy time. Went for a breakfast dish and tried the Huevos Rancheros from a friend's recommendation. Always an interesting choice because everyplace in the city makes them differently. At milk&honey, it's a casserole style. The eggs, salsa, onions, black beans, are all mixed together with cheese baked in a thick oozy layer on top. Can't go wrong with cheese right? Also got a taste of their pancakes which tasted as good as they looked. This place has a good reputation, and I'm inclined to agree with the crowd on this one.
(4)V K.
My first visit was about 2 years ago. I ordered breakfast to go for me and my mom while she was recovering at the hospital down the street. I got some sort of orange french toast or something. All i remember is that it left a good impression on me. It was also the first time I tried their homemade granola. I started buying their granola at whole foods after that. It's good, good for you, and good to support local businesses when possible. I ate there again last month and it was one of the best brunch dining experiences I've had. It was a beautiful summer morning and they were busy as usual. I waited about 20 min in line (out the door), the staff were polite, the food was delicious, and atmosphere was relaxing. From my experiences so far, i have nothing negative to say about Milk & Honey.
(5)Jamila J.
Super cute but they are suffering from a seious identity crisis. "Am I a take out or a sit down joint?" It's was OKAY, but be forwarned, nothing is sweet and we were served overcooked waffles twice. Eek!
(3)Henry B.
Love this brunch spot. I was very surprised to see that it had lower ratings than other nearby places. Great coffee, great pancakes, great sandwiches. I really enjoyed the huevos rancheros when I had it. Actually, I have yet to be disappointed by anything that I have ordered here. And to top it off, the service is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is very cozy. The only complaint I can make is that there is often a long(ish) queue at the weekend -- in my eyes a good sign, but potentially annoying when you are starving for your first bite of food for the day.
(5)John H.
Waiting in line is a bore, food was excellent, but took too long to get to our table. Sun is too bright on the window tables early in the morning and the flys were killing us. Can't they do something about it? The food was excellent and the place is just a joy. All said i will still go there, but I wish they would attend to the details better. Maybe a shade on the window and bigger umbrellas to cover all the tables outside.
(4)michaelia f.
I don't understand the appeal of this place. There's always a line, even early in the morning--people love this place. But I don't get it. I've been here twice now, once for breakfast and once for lunch. When I see a line out the door at a restaurant I've never been too, I get excited, because they must be doing something right to get so many people to love them that much so they would be willing to wait in a long line for food. My boyfriend and I came in for breakfast one weekend morning at about 9:30. The line was long but hadn't stretched outside yet, so we figured we were in good shape. It's cute inside, brightly lit, warm and inviting. We looked at what most other people seemed to be ordering and chose based on that. Maybe that was our mistake? We decided to split the huevos rancheros and the smoked salmon bagel plate. We ordered, gathered our "supplies" from the counter, and sat down. Food arrived about 15 minutes later, except for the bagel. That came out about 5 minutes after the rest of the food. A minor annoyance, but I'd rather let the food speak for the restaurant. The smoked salmon plate was good, if rather expected. But the huevos rancheros, they were bland and boring--they tasted like someone's 75 year-old midwestern raised grandmother had devised the recipe. I want spice--hell, I'll settle for just taste in a batch of huevos rancheros--but these had none. I don't like to judge a place based on just one trip, because sometimes the problems on the first occasion can be solved just by ordering differently. So we came back for lunch, to give Milk and Honey a chance to redeem itself. We decided on the avocado sandwich and the BLT. The avocado sandwich was good, but the BLT was served with bacon so limp the bread got soft from the grease. I just don't get it.
(2)Kate F.
Milk and Honey deserves four stars for food and one star for service. I had brunch there a few days ago and I still cannot get over the lack of hospitality by the counter staff. I asked a few questions about the menu and was treated as if I was a huge inconvenience! I could possibly understand this if it was busy, but it was a slow weekday morning and there was no line! I absolutely adore the food, but I don't know if I can justify supporting an establishment that allows their staff to speak rudely to guests. It actually spoiled my otherwise delicious meal. Note to management: Please hire staff that can at least appear to enjoy their jobs. A smile or even a pleasant expression goes a long way in conveying hospitality. Grimaces, frowns and glares should be 86'ed when dealing with the average guest.
(3)billy s.
PICKLES!! PICKLES!!! MORE PICKLES!!!! GOD I LOVE THEIR PICKLES!!! I love them so much I bought 2 dozen to take home and delight myself with giggles at home. mmmmmmmmm. Best B.L.T. I have had in a long time. Did I mention the PICKLES are the best thing in the world ? They must be covered in drugs. I want more. If I had to nit-pick anything, it would be the slight wait at the door -- no worries though, it is worth the wait!! mmm, pickles.
(5)Jackie W.
If you're okay with not much legroom and a little bit of noise, the breakfast/brunch at Milk and Honey will do you fine. The food is so yummy and the portions so generous I almost hate to complain about the setup and the service. I've eaten here several times - most recently, when dear hubby took grandma, the kidlet and me out for Mother's Day brunch. Everyone at our table was delighted with his or her food: my husband and his bagels-and-lox, Grandma and the huevos rancheros casserole, and the kiddo ate up all of her eggs and sausage. M&H's orange brioche French toast -- my personal fave -- is moist without being all like I HAS MILK AND EGGS LET ME SHOW YOU IT, and it is ever so fluffy. All that said, the scene there on the weekends is kind of nuts. The tables are very close together and you have to stand in line to place your order. If you're seated near said line while you eat, you run the risk of getting elbowed and your food gawked at - a HUGE pet peeve of mine. It's a jostle to get to the restroom, and woe is the customer who has an extra bag or a stroller because there is seriously like nowhere to put them. The restaurant has high chairs but otherwise M&H may be too noisy and crowded for the more active child.
(3)Natalka K.
I recently went to Milk and Honey on Division for lunch and although it was crowded I took it to go. People were getting up and some were sitting down to clean tables. I had the Grilled Chicken with Bacon, Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomatoes and Bleu Cheese Spread on Ciabatta and this has become my favorite sandwich to get . They also have sweets that you can get to go. I saw on their menu board that they serve a very limited choice of alcohol - like mimosas, etc. but I'm sure those are for a later time or the weekend. I will always go back to Milk and Honey for the good sandwich or for a chai latte.
(4)Patty S.
The food is always fresh and tasty. You can't go wrong with ordering a sandwich here! It's a safe choice for me because I know it's going to be what I expect in my mind!
(4)Josh K.
Overall, I found this place pretty bland. Went for breakfast with my wife, sister-in-law and nephew and nothing was outright delicious, all just so-so. Serve-yourself coffee was lukewarm and not great; a little stale. I had a breakfast burrito that was so innocuous it almost put me to sleep. They really had nothing on the menu for my nephew to eat either -- he's five, he wanted pancakes, but they were "pre-mixed" so he couldn't get them without the bananas and toffee. He got a slice of chocolate pound cake instead, but that was pretty dry (he let me try a bite). I mean, if a five-year old isn't too interested in your chocolate cake, that might be a sign something isn't quite right. Something weird also happened while we were there. A very nice woman greeted us when we stepped in, and told us it would be a minute wait. OK, obviously no problem. It was a semi-busy weekday. But then, shockingly, she went over and asked two women (who were already sitting and eating) to get up and move from a four-top to a two-top so we could have their table. Hard to complain about that since we got in faster, but... still surprising. And I felt like sort of an ass the entire time, because we had disrupted their breakfast. Weird. Two stars for being cheap and quick, but I'll probably stick to some of my other favorite breakfast spots around this part of town. Can't speak on the lunch menu.
(2)Nicki W.
I think I'll have to come back here for breakfast because I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it was because I was totally exhausted when I came in with a group of friends after a fun weekend but it didn't wow me. I had the Grilled Chicken with Bacon, Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomatoes and Bleu Cheese Spread on Ciabatta. It was alright, I thought the chicken was kind of dry. My friend always gets on my case when I order a chicken sandwich at a place I've never been too, but it's what I wanted. I did order the Pesto with Pine Nuts though as a side and that was pretty awesome. The lemonade I had was really tart and I loved every minute of it. My friends had the Smoked Turkey Reuben with Sauerkraut, Swiss and Dressing on Rye, it was alright, but nothing to rave about. The food kind of reminded me of Corner Bakery. They also had some really good looking deserts, cookies, cupcakes and such so I will have to try those the next time I'm in. I've come to the conclusion, that the main draw of this place is the breakfast because the lines are down the block on the weekends. It's really cute on the inside though, but there's not a lot of space to sit which is a downfall but the fireplace is a nice touch. I will say, the girl at the counter wasn't too friendly, but maybe she was just having a bad day. My opinion, breakfast may work better than the lunch menu.
(3)Sam M.
We arrived at 2:25pm on a weekend. Their breakfast is served until 2:30. You would think they would accommodate us, but no. Moreover, why not serve breakfast all day? After all, you are known for that and you are only open until the late afternoon! Lunch sandwiches were mediocre. Staff was unfriendly and rude. Good customer service means giving customers more than what the expect. Just never happened and I found this place to be overrated. Don't think I will go there again.
(2)Keerthi A.
Milk and Honey gets ridiculously crowded but IMHO, I think their food looks better than it tastes. Their heuvos rancheros is very popular and looks amazing, tastes pretty decent. It is a huge ramekin with a bunch of beans, eggs and cheese with other stuff in it. Their scrambled eggs, sausage and toast sides are all decent. They have other sweet things on the side as well, which are good. Their waffles are really good, especially with raspberries and almonds on top. Not the best breakfast place I've eaten and I only go there because I live in the neighborhood, probably wouldn't go back if I moved away.
(3)Susana K.
Disappointed! On a hunt for a good breakfast, my boyfriend, Jim and I had passed by a cute little place called, Milk and Honey. the place was packed, which I took to be a good sign. My mistake. Once inside, we were greeted by a spacey hostess, who barely made eye contact. The rest of the staff seemed to be having a bad day as well. I sat at the tiny table while Jim ordered the waffle I had been craving. Another mistake! It was tasteless, and, frankly, mooshy! Jim's eggs were OK, but surely overpriced. i will say that the coffee was quite good, yet not good enough to redeem the cafe. So Honey, I wont be comin' back!!
(1)Sharad K.
One of the better breakfast/brunch/lunch cafes in Wicker Park. Go if you are looking for good, honest food and coffee. The specials change every week and are usually tasty.
(4)caroline e.
This place is definitely in my standard rotation of brunch spots. While it sounds like many reviewers don't like the way service is run here, I beg to differ. I am amazed at how many people Milk & Honey is able to serve in such a small place...and so quickly! Even when there is a long line, and the place looks packed, I have always had a table waiting for me by the time I place my order. It's so efficient! And SO much better than the 45 minute wait you often have to endure at other popular brunch spots. Plus, their prices are much lower than other brunch places around town...I've always assumed this is because they don't have waitresses. So, I love the way Milk & Honey does things. That being said, if you're looking to be waited on for a long, leisurely brunch, this isn't the spot. As for the food...the oatmeal is amazing! It's perfect on a cold chicago morning. As a decaf coffee drinker (love coffee, hate feeling caffinated. I know, it's weird), I appreciate that they have good decaf too. It's surprisingly hard to find! I know people love the Huevos, but I've always found them to be a bit bland. Not my favorite menu option. Pretty much everything else is delicious though. Highly recommended!
(4)Ruben A.
From the minute we walked through the door we were ignored. It wasn't even busy. The sign says "wait for hostess to seat you." So we waited as the young lady at the counter did nothing fir 3 minutes. Finally I ask if I should just seat myself. She tells me "Sure, but you still gotta order at the counter." Ummm, te why the hostess sign? Then we look at the menu. You can't order sandwiches until 10 am and most of their breakfast items, at least the ones we want aren't available on weekdays. Poor service, limited food. Pass on this place. It has a better-than-thou attitude it doesn't deserve. Head up the street to Janik's, it's so much better. Dang I hate giving one star reviews.
(1)jen m.
Should of came on a Sat or Sun for some of their famous huevos rancheros. Instead we were here on a Thursday morning and was it humming with people. Definitely didn't expect it to be busy at all! Went with the orange brioche french toast and can't seem to remember what the dining partner ordered. Obviously, not memorable. French toast was good but not in my top 3. I think we ordered the wrong things...next time trying the huevos rancheros and the granola. I didn't get the appeal of the restaurant. There's too many other brunch places in the city to try and give my patronage too.
(3)Miss A.
I like the food. I've had the huevos rancheros, the breakfast burrito (huge; comes with potato chips - wierd), and the granola/yogurt/fruit bowl (yogurt was warm and sort of runny, barely any fruit). I lik coffee. I LOVE the granola. I dislike the girls at the cashier in front.
(3)Daniel A.
great breakfast...you'll just have to wait on weekends. Expected when there's good food, right.
(4)Pb J.
The joys of weekend breakfast...or should I say brunch, since I never get up early enough to call it breakfast. It's definitely one of our favorite activities to look forward on the weekend. Therefore, J. recommended going here, as she's been here before and knows I like trying new breakfast places. The food was pretty good, but one thing I wish they would offer is more variety on their menu. I hear that they change up their menu from time to time, but I can see the selections getting tired after 2-3+ return trips. Another thing that I am not a fan of is the way you order food. You have to wait in a line inside the restaurant...before you can sit down. They don't take down or call out names like other restaurants do. If the place is crowded, which it usually is on a weekend, it's hard to relax with people bumping into you all the time. It's even worse if you are eating and happen to be one of the tables nearest to the line of hungry patrons. You can feel the tension as they stare down your food while looming overhead as you try to make the best of your meal. However, not all is bad. The main reason I like going back is the granola. The chocolate 'n banana is my favorite, and J. is a huge fan of the blueberry 'n pecan. You can't go wrong with a bag of this to take home! I almost makes the staring and waiting worth it.
(3)Kim W.
(is it okay that the only reason i want to come back on a regular basis is for the bloody marys or does that make me sound like lucille bluth?)
(3)Anna D.
Milk & Honey!!! This is my favorite posh breakfast spot in Chicago! The ONLY annoying thing about this place is the ordering process because during the weekends, the line is literally out the door but people don't mind BECAUSE of the food! Locals know it makes the wait worthwhile! As you're standing in line, try not to stare at the people already seated and happily eating their food, this might lead to a grumbling tummy! Everything I've tried here is fabulous. My favorites include the Smoked Salmon with Toasted Bagel, Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, Capers and Herbed Cream Cheese for $6.75, as well as the Buttermilk-Granola Pancakes with the Flavor Du Jour for $6.50. Their OJ and grapefruit juices are fresh squeezed! Come here with a friend, bff, or spouse. The place is a bit small and may be harder to cater towards groups (go to bigger breakfast joints for that). I highly recommend this place!!
(4)Ashley M.
Awesome! Maybe the best turkey Reuben I've ever had.....maybe. They have a really good variety of sandwiches on their menu. There's pretty much something for everyone. The mimosa's looked delicious also. I will absolutely be back to try more of the sandwiches.
(5)Clare W.
The smoked salmon - lox, bagel, cream cheese, cucumber, red onions, capers, and tomato - came out separated on my plate instead of already built into a sandwich. It was very awkward to build the sandwich myself and it left my white shirt stained with tomato and my hands smelling strongly of salmon. I also tried the chips off my friend's plate and they were overdone, and she didn't finish her breakfast burrito because it was kind of gross.
(2)Tony D.
A tasty little discovery. We originally went to Division to stop at Renegade Handmade next door. After shopping we were looking for a place for a coffee break. We though Milk & Honey was a cool place so we ended up returning the next day for breakfast. The next day the place was packed, so we knew we made a good choice. Fortunately, when we arrived there was a just cleared table, so we were able to enjoy breakfast without a long wait. I tried the breakfast panini with egg and bacon, while my girl opted for the orange brioche french toast. the panini was fresh and not greasy. Plus, you cannot go wrong when you combine egg, cheese, bread and bacon. The french toast was a little different, but good. The subtle sweetness of orange was unexpected. We shared a side of chicken sausage which was a little spicy and really good. We would definitely eat here again.
(4)Derek L.
Ok, I started off loving this place because of their super yummy granola. And then my girlfriend and I began a Sunday morning brunch ritual later, and loved it even more. They have a very simple and straight forward menu, which I appreciate, and the waitstaff is very helpful and nice. I really enjoy the huevos rancheros that they only serve on the weekends, and they have a rotating pancake that is always good. Don't forget a couple of lavender/lemon cookies to go too. Prices are very reasonable. I guess the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that it can get really busy, and the way they take orders and give people numbers while they wait, makes this place feel a bit discombobulated. It seems that half the people in the restaurant are waiting to sit down. And of course, then they want to turn over table quick too. Don't bring the paper and expect a quiet place to read for an hour after you've finished. But all that to say, it's one of my more favorite spots for brunch.
(4)Virginia T.
Recently I stopped in to Milk & Honey for a weekday lunch. I had the special which was a wrap with hummus, roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers, and lettuce. It was pretty good! My only complaint was that the vegetables were in huge pieces that kept trying to escape the wrap- so it was very messy albeit tasty! I also took home a piece of coconut-carrot cake which was moist and delicious! The staff was friendly, the portions were big, the prices were reasonable...I will be back soon!
(4)Allie J.
Always a great experience at Milk and Honey. For $6.95 you can get a half sandwich and soup (i recommend the BLT). I had a delicious butternut squash topped with fresh apple. Great for brunch or lunch.
(5)Linsey C.
I have been in once and done take out once. The food is good. It's not great, but it's good. I really like the ham and caraway Havarti sandwich. The pretzel roll is always delicious. My problem with Milk & Honey is that it is a little pricey and it's set up in a way that causes backups and traffic jams. Seems like a place that's this hoppin' all the time could figure out a way to make dining in more enjoyable. If you end up being lucky enough to get a table after going through the ordering process, you better stay a while, otherwise you'll annoy all the other guests by trying to squeeze back through the maze of people to find the door.
(3)Sonia L.
I have walked by this place a bunch of times, and thought it would be an expensive breakfast place for dinks. It's not. Many of the patrons are young families, but it is quite affordable and the quality of food is great. Not like most breakfast places in the area, you order at the counter. It's also first come, first serve for seating. The orange brioche french toast was excellent. The portion was huge! It was really tasty and put me in a coma. My male friend (as well as all the other men at the table) ordered the juevos rancheros. Yum!! Like the French toast, the portion was quite large. Coupled with a cup of intelligentsia coffee, it was a fantastic way to start the day.
(4)Michael S.
I do love their granola, and confess to eating it literally 5 days a week, but I can buy that anywhere. As for going to the restaurant - I'm not really blown away, and the whole wait in line to order, and then wait again for your table... I guess I would rather go somewhere else. Food wasn't bad though, just won't get me back.
(3)Julie M.
This place was confusing, congested and a lot of work. When I eat out I like to relax and be waited on. After you line up, place your order, pay your tab, grab your table service, napkins, doctor your coffee, find your seat, while holding purse, coat, etc.you feel like you just made a train you were running late for, exhausting! While in line to order you hover over diners who must feel like an animal in the zoo as everyone glares. The food was good but there is a lot of good food in Chicago with a better experience. The staff appears stressed just like you! Some changes needed, and quick! Not a restaurant but a workaurant.
(1)Quynh-An P.
This place has a good vibe when you come in, there's something about it that I like. I ordered the almond croissant with a cup of the apple cider. The boyfriend got the pumpkin coconut bread and an orange juice. I thought the almond croissant was just ok. The flavors were good, but it wasn't flaky enough or something for me. I'm not sure what it was, but it didn't hit the spot. I also found it a bit dry for me. The apple cider was fabulous though and really warmed me up from the cold. The boyfriend seemed to enjoy his pumpkin coconut bread. I'm not a huge fan of either pumpkin or coconut, but thought it was pretty tasty. The OJ was standard. This place was overall just ok. Nothing super fancy, and not bad at all. Definitely a good place to pop in for a quick hiatus from the cold and wind.
(3)Andrew B.
So I've come around to thinking the food is better than 2 stars... but why are the hostesses/order-taker-people so curt, seemingly put-out by questions about the food, and generally unfriendly? If it was just directed at me, I'd guess it had something to do with my lack of good looks and possibly terrible breath, but I've seen perfectly friendly looking women and kindly old men get the same treatment.
(3)Brad B.
Very comfortable space. Like a cozy coffeehouse that also serves hot breakfast.
(5)Rick J.
I have it on good authority from a knowledgeable source that Milk & Honey has the best pickles of all time. I don't like pickles myself, but I know how important they are to some people so it's worth saying. Milk & Honey is pretty great for weekend brunch. The huevos rancheros are absolutely stellar, but so is more of their breakfast menu. I've enjoyed the lunches I've had there as well, but breakfast is really what they do best. I wish the menu was a bit larger, though. The breakfast menu is pretty short, and there isn't a lot of variety between the sandwiches on the lunch menu. Milk & Honey is perfect when it's slow and you can enjoy yourself, but it is a little bit of a headache when it's busy. The staff is great about keeping the restaurant running smoothly and is keeps you in the loop while you're waiting for a table (which is really nice - everyone hates standing there guessing about when they're going to be seated), but the place can get a little crowded. Still, even if you do see a line when you walk in, Milk & Honey is usually more than worth it.
(4)Rich S.
This place is designed to serve food quickly and move people through the doors which is nice when other hot spots like the Bongo Room have a crawling wait. The breakfast menu leans a bit much toward vegetarian for my personal liking but everything is delicious. Thankfully they have real bacon and not the turkey or tempeh crap.
(4)simona s.
This has to be my new favorite place! I can't say anything about their other food, since I haven't tried it yet, but the sandwich I got was delicious!! Grilled portabella, goat cheese, roasted bell peppers and spinach. It's a very decent portion and they have several sides to choose from. Got my hubs a roasted beef sandwich and he was very happy with it. They also have beer, wine, mimosas and they are very decently priced. maybe sandwiches are a bit expensive, but I don't mind paying for delicious, quality ingredients, so I was happy with my 9$ plate that also included a homemade(I assume) pickle that was very good :)
(5)Lindsee R.
I don't know what the trendy westsiders love so much about waiter-less sit down eateries. It's so awkward, do you leave a tip? Who does it go to? What if I want to leave it to the person who brought my food and not to the person that took my order? In Milk's case, I didn't want to leave a tip. Iwas starving and I ordered a turkey reuben and it was ice cold in the middle....ICE. If I'm not mistaken, part of the glory of the reuben is that it's grilled. They did make me a new one, though the cashier was totally not friendly about it. But, I was too hungry to care and in the end the sandwich was solid.
(3)Sunny C.
Go there every Sunday for breakfast. Blonde 50+ Lady behind counter is tough personality and not very friendly...but after my 83 visits, I think she might crack a smile next time. EXCELLENT bus boy guy (same guy) who busts his tail and always is friendly with our kids. Overall good food but service lacks that friendly neighborhood feel.
(3)irfan m.
Ok!! Lets see Where can I start complaining !! No where!! Cant believe people use Yelp to punch other people's great family owned business. Life is not perfect deal with it. Huevos Rancheros Premade!! Yess If you understand a bit ...Bowl is premade and customer would walk in and You heat it up!! Thats Simple. For God's Sake crying out loud...I did not get to sit in 10 minutes well If you want good food, Brother You have to wait. People needs to learn to be flexible specially when you are paying 8 bucks for breakfast ..This is not Alinea......You have to get your coffee by yourself....Can't believe that My butt is so lazy that I cant go and get my silverware too...... DO NOT LISTEN TO BABIES!! GREAT PLACE. Smoked salmon. A+ Huvevos Rancheros A+ Granola A+ .. ENJOY ...
(4)Vince H.
While I 'heart' SF, a part of me is a bit sad that I won't be spending another summer in Chicago. I find it always refreshing to be back in the heartland of Chicago, where the portions are.. well.. hearty. I've always wanted to check out Milk and Honey over on Division whiled I lived there. But, every time I walked passed it during the weekend, it was brimming with people. Given the fact that its cafeteria style, hunting down seating is always rare when the place is full. I got a chance to check it out last week. The weather was a bit brisk, but warm when sitting outside--like San Francisco. Kelly ordered the Crabcake with Chipotle Mayo and Shredded Lettuce. There was a nice kick thanks to the Chipotle mayo. I got the grilled Pastrami and swiss with horseradish-mustard spread on Dark Rye. All is all, a great place to brunch!
(3)Chicago F.
Went for a quick bite with a couple friends to milk and honey the other day and we had a couple bowls of some of the best soup I have had in the area. One was a tomato with India spice and I was just in India and it was flavorful and so darn tasty. We also enjoyed another Tomato based soup with sausage that was even better than I had hoped. The best part was the service and since they were getting ready to close they actually gave us 3 cups of free coffee togo rather than tossing it which I thought was very nice. Will be back soon
(5)Maximilien V.
So there's really only one thing that I like on the menu, the avocado and smoked gouda sandwich. It's bad ass. Their crabcake sandwich is terribly dry and not so flavorful. I've tried it on three separate occasions and I really want it to be good, but it's really really not. I wish they'd do something about that... The sides here are ok. I wish they'd change it up a bit more though. I'm tired of the boring beets, edamame salad, and basil pasta salad. I know this place can be better. Live up to your potential milk and honey. BTW, the pastries are very good.
(3)Dave L.
Yum, Yum and Yum! Very friendly place with a perfect outdoor seating (in door available if you prefer). Sandwichs tasted good. I gave it a 4 star instead of 5 because they screwed up my order. Although the wrong sandwich was made and given to me, it was nevertheless great tasting. I would have given it a 5 Star if my order was done correctly.
(4)Lyn B.
Been here a couple times, and both were good. The food is good, and it's a cute little cafe. Nothing amazing.
(3)Diane H.
My husband and I picked Milk and & Honey for a Monday-morning late breakfast because it was within walking distance of our hotel and we had only an hour before check-out time. We'd read up on Yelp and so knew about the quirks of the place, like ordering at the counter and picking up our own silverware. I ordered cafe au lait and the Orange Brioche French Toast; my husband got the smoked salmon breakfast and a regular coffee. The smoked salmon was some of the best my husband has had-- not excessively salty, very plump, and with a great texture. The everything bagel with fennel seeds, cream cheese spread, and capers served alongside the salmon all were very good. My French Toast was quite good, with a nice topping of chopped almonds, though I would've liked more fresh fruit than just the orange slice garnish to balance out the bread and sugar. We were pleased enough with the food and the service to get ourselves some take-out for the trip back to Detroit, and so we ordered the following as a "picnic lunch": savory red pepper scone, vegan pumpkin cookie, Earl Grey sandwich cookies, sweet potato salad, kale salad with sesame seeds, and a cooked Brussels sprouts salad. The staff was quite considerate in packing all this up and everything was very tasty except the kale, which was a little too salty (too much soy sauce?) and needed some potatoes or something else to help counter the salt. Another thing we picked up for the road was a latte laced with the "balsamic black pepper fig" syrup, which was amazing. Coffee with "cafe de olla" syrup was a little less impressive, as it tasted more like Constant Comment tea mixed with coffee. Oh well. If we're passing through the North Side of Chicago any time soon, we'd definitely stop in here again.
(4)Ariana G.
Well this is a cute place. They close at 4 so it's breakfast lunch stuff. I only tried lunch, which was average. I found the staff not so friendly but I was there an hour prior to close. The coffee was good. It was only average to me. Nothing outstanding to report. I will try this place again. It's not that easy to get here by mass transit, which is a real downer.... For me....
(3)Jennifer R.
My boyfriend and I, who have very different tastes, decided to try this out last weekend at the suggestion of other yelpers. We were both very pleased! He had the huevos rancheros (which I may have misspelled) and loved it. I had a breakfast panini made with delicious scrambled eggs, tomato, cheese and bacon. We both ordered the chai latte -- definitely a good choice! The panini was good, but what was even better was the freshly made fig/granola/rice pudding cup that I grabbed at the register. The chai latte complimented it very well. I'm normally pretty generous with sharing new things that I try, but that pudding cup was so good that the boyfriend only got to have one spoonful. Oooohhh yeah. I do have to say that I did *not* experience any problematic customer service. Everyone I spoke to or interacted with was very friendly and pleasant. The girl at the register even offered to keep my rice pudding cup in the refrigerator until I was ready for it so that it would stay nice and cool. Great place.
(5)Rahul S.
On the ever bustling section of Division St., Milk & Honey is a true standout. Sadly w/ the coming winter the outdoor seating is closed up, but no worries, as the inside is quite homey, although i wouldn't recommend coming w/ a group of more than 4 since you probably won't get a seat! There's a great selection of baked goods, sandwiches, and breakfast specialties like huevos rancheros on the weekend. Their ham and caraway havarti is awesome, and served on a pretzel roll. My friend had a black bean burger which he didn't seem to enjoy all that much, although apparently he thought it was going to be a beef burger w/ a black bean spread, so his fault for not reading the description right? :) The kettle chips are tasty, w/ just the right crunch and saltiness. I had the hot chocolate as well, which is rich, warm, and marshmallowy! You pretty much can't go wrong w/ anything here... efficient, no frills service w/ solid food keep me coming back time and time again!
(5)Leigh Anna T.
Go for brunch on the weekend and order the huevos rancheros. You may want to split it with a friend because it is huge, but delicious. Great coffee and a bright and airy space. A cute neighborhood gem!
(4)Reg W.
A friend and I stopped here for lunch. I wasn't too hungry and feeling under the weather, so I opted for their mushroom soup. It was a pureed soup so it was thick and creamy. I also got one of their teas. I noticed some more stuff as we were leaving and saw they have interesting italian sodas. I love italian sodas, but I didn't really like the one I got. It was something with ginger in it, and it was not real ginger that they used. That was disappointing. The girl at the counter taking orders was not very friendly as well. It's a cute place and I would give it another try.
(3)Nicolas H.
I hate to say it, but their zucchini bread could be better than my mom's. Not only was it moist and fresh, but it had chocolate chips that really put it over the top. I also had a pretty tasty mocha. I normally don't drink too much coffee, but I drank the entire oversized cup. The atmosphere is decent, but I was a little disappointed they didn't offer free wi-fi...
(4)Nicole E.
This is my favorite lunch spot. Lovely staff, great little menu, fun atmosphere, always a good playlist on the speakers and such tasty sweets. The coffee is also the best - Intelligentsia! The specials are almost always worth ordering, as are the salads in the refrigerated case. The regular menu of sandwiches offer something for everyone - the house made roast beef sandwich and smoked gouda & avocado sandwich are two of my favorites. I've tried them all and have been pleased with all. The pastries are always fantastic - love any struesel bar and the lemon lavendar sugar cookies. And I love their black iced tea. Breakfast is also tasty - hard to beat their granola! I love Milk & Honey, and wish I still worked across the street!
(5)Julia H.
busy, busy, busy. almost always. it can be quite a wait on the weekends, but well worth it. the ingredients are very fresh and all the dishes are prepared from scratch and with love. I had the crabcake sandwich with chipotle mayo and shredded lettuce on baguette bread. The crabcake was a bit dry, but very very tasty. The homemade potato chips are perfectly crunchy and not too salty. I really enjoy the atmosphere of this place. Sunlight tends to filter in spreading across the tables, and there are always fresh flowers in little vases. The Milk n Honey granola is to DIE FOR. I eat mine with soymilk.
(4)Happy Mama M.
We went on a weekday. I have been told that the weekend brunch is to die for, but all I can say is the weekday food is good- not spectacular. Worth the stop though!
(3)Ryan H.
Revised: Has gone significantly downhill in the last year or so. The food hasn't seemed as fresh either, don't know what's caused that. In all honesty, it has made me feel ill the last 3 times I've been here. Used to be a regular but not anymore sadly. Staff/service is still great so I'll keep the 3 stars.
(3)Janie S.
Milk and Honey is the ideal breakfast fare. I love how you go up and order your food, so by the time you get your table, your meal is beautifully prepared and its so fresh. I love food and to me, it's about the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Not only do they make their own granola-its perfectly toasted, but to have it with fresh fruit and yogurt. I've tried a few of their brunch items and just can't get enough, I can say everything is delicious. Everyone who works there is really friendly and they serve you so quickly but give you enough space to let you enjoy the moment. Everything is delicious but you have to get the granola, or get a bag to take home. It's absolutely wonderful!
(5)G. S.
Excellent food, excellent service, excellent prices -- what every business strives for!! The space is bright, well-designed & decorated, and has a relaxed feel. It is clearly a favorite with the locals. Don't let the lines turn you away either -- the service is efficient and you'll place your order sooner than you'd expect. A great place to grab brunch with a friend or two. I'll be back soon!
(5)Aaron W.
We go here way too often because it's right down the street from our place, but they consistently deliver great food and coffee. Some of my favorites are the huevos rancheros, egg panini, turkey reuben, and the grilled chicken sandwich on ciabatta. My wife loves the egg panini with avo instead of bacon and the avo-gouda-veggie sandwich. Get a bag of granola to bring home with you too!
(4)Drea S.
We had such high expectations, and we were so hungry! Sunday morning, tight corner table, screaming kids that were so close to us you could almost say they sat with us, and the Huevos Rancheros everyone raves about? Picture this, a giant soup looking dish where the cheese was melted at one time and is now luke warm and hard - the first layer on top is also luke warm, the beans have created a water layer - yum, do I have you hungry now? Not to mention the bean layer is cold, that's right, cold. Thinking this must have been a mistake, we nicely asked them to heat it up. 15 minutes later, and at this point I thought they made a fresh one, the same one came back to us, and nothing changed. Still cold, still hard cheese on top. We politely left, can't say we will ever return. Cute place, but that was about it.
(2)joann h.
There are a million great places to eat in the wicker park/bucktown area, but few provide quality gourmet sandwiches that you can order on a whim and take somewhere else to enjoy. It seems like everywhere to eat in the city requires you to sit down and order to get something good. Here you can order a sandwich and take it home to enjoy in under ten minutes. Also I like that it is an order and then sit down type of place. You don't have to wait for a waitress to eventually show up to take your order, you wait in line, order and then sit down. Again in under ten minutes its brought to you to enjoy. Fabulous food and quick service, great for breakfast, lunch or a quick meal on the go!
(5)Madelyn H.
i went here with my good friend from san francisco (a fellow food lover), and we really enjoyed it. a highlight was the casserole-style huevos rancheros. what a great idea. i think i had the pancakes with some sort of fruit, but i can't remember now so it must not have made too much of an impression. i do remember liking it though. i'm bummed i didn't try the granola now that i read all of the reviews, but there's always next time. must eat: huevos rancheros
(4)Angie T.
there's not much better than steamed cider on a cold rainy day. thankfully we walked into the cozy milk & honey to soothe than craving. i had ham (an absurd amount of ham) and guierre on pretzel loaf which was definitely big enough to share. it was decent, but nothing i would order again. however, the homemade chips it came with i did not especially care for...and for me to say that about chips, they couldnt have been very good. but they had a cozy fire and didnt mind us girls sitting around chatting for a couple hours. the staff was friendly and helpful and the menu was on chalkboards. a lovely touch. it was cute. i might go back. but i wont be heading west just for a milk & honey visit.
(3)Lindsay S.
The best brunch place in the city hands down. The huevos rancheros on weekend are the way to go. My boyfriend usually gets the lox plate which at other places could easily be 12 bucks but here is only 6.75. Can't get much cheaper than that as this quality. Nothing is more expensive than 6.75 and for the quality and value, this is where its at. Also, I get anxiety about places that you order first and then have to wait around for a table. But Milk and Honey has a system where you order and then wait for your table number to be called. Woohoo for Milk and Honey, for their excellent food and service.
(5)Breea J.
Milk & Honey is one of my favorite brunch spots in Chicago. Even though the line is usually out the door on the weekends you are usually at a table and eating within 30 minutes which is a lot better than most good brunch places in the city! I wish there were more places like this in the city.
(4)Purnima M.
Milk and Honey, you will always have a special place in my heart. How many mid-day meals I've enjoyed at your table by the window, looking out at the milling Wicker Park crowds, up at the funky white light fixture, and around at the other happy, satified customers wolfing down your scrumptious offerings! And all those tempting baked goods in the glass cases up front, each making me go back for "just one more thing" even when I knew I shouldn't. You started what has now become an official addiction I have with brunching my way through Chicago. And even if I don't visit as often anymore, know that every time I pass your store front, I can't help but smile.
(4)Gretchen V.
I recently revisited Milk & Honey after it fell off my radar for some reason. Anyway, I was not disappointed. A friend and I split the huevos rancheros and granola with yogurt & fruit. Now usually I think granola is overrated and that it's pointless to buy granola in a restaurant when I can easily have it at home with little to no effort, but my friend really wanted to try it so I didn't say anything. Milk & Honey proved me wrong here! The granola is very very good, and filling, and the yogurt is also awesome. I have to say I wasn't blown away by the huevos rancheros, but the granola made up for it. We also had fresh squeezed OJ (so good) and cafe au laits, which were made very well. They do have a nice spread of alcoholic drinks available as well - I can't wait to try their bloody marys and mimosas. I suggest going early or late on the weekends (avoid the 10-11 a.m. crowd) if you don't want to wait. The place is small, so waiting for a table is kind of awkward, but not awkward enough to make me stay away.
(4)Michelle R.
DO NOT GO HERE ON A WEEKEND! I will never go back to this place. I didn't mind waiting an hour. But the staff was rude. The food was bad. Not a good experience.
(1)Clarissa S.
I went here while visiting my sister in the middle of summer and the cold drinks were a wonderful respite from the nasty heat. Adorable little joint with great service to boot!
(5)Stephanie H.
I went here for the first time the other weekend, Saturday afternoon, for lunch while my mom was visiting. We were able to sit outside...that was great! I wasn't sure how the ordering / seating 'process' worked, the hostess explained to me...but seemed annoyed. The girl behind the counter that took our order was very friendly...I had the chicken sandwich (really good...but messy) and my mom a wrap. The bloody mary's were good! great garnish a plus. I thought it was a little pricey for what it was, almost $40 for 2 meals, 2 drinks. It was enjoyable, the brunch menu looked good, I'd like to go back to give that a try.
(4)bill s.
I must say, I went in here with a bit of a bad disposition. My outlook was bad right off the bat because I had made assumptions about the place the second that we walked in the door. I guess I'm used to regular Booth type Restaurants, family Restaurants I guess you would call them, so when I go to City type places like this I get a bit Claustrophobic. It was very packed in there and it was a bit hard to get things because you have to grab your own silverware, water, coffee, and napkins. That said, I will say everyone was very polite and they all let me through every time I had to get up from the table to get something. It just was a bit awkward. When the food came, I changed my entire outlook of the place. It sounded weird on the menu to me, but once it was served and I ate, it was so delicious. I was highly impressed. It's very worth it. I recommend Milk & Honey Cafe to anyone and everyone! The food is very unique and awesome. I enjoyed every single last bite. Not to mention the service was very pleasant to boot.
(4)Isabella W.
I absolutely love the brunch here. Came here around noon on a Saturday to the heart of the hustling and bustling (which I do not mind); I feel the husting adds character to the place. I had the huevos rancheros, served "casserole style", as well as a soy latte, and they were both extremely delicious. My huevos rancheros stayed warm and hot the whole time and everything - from the salsa picante, to the black beans were distincly flavored. The coffee was also made extremely well, which is hard to find - the foam was perfect for a latte (unlike foam-less lattes I get at other cafes.. e.g. starbucks), and I believe they use Intelligentsia coffee. My husband and friend both had the orange brioche french toast with toasted almonds. I must say, that before I came here, my husband and I both loved the stuffed french toast at Toast, but after coming here, the french toast (although not stuffed), was so yummy - extremely flavorful, just moist enough. I'll definitely be back to try the granola and panini, and everything else!
(4)Brian B.
I've gotta say - this is one of the best "healthy" breakfast places I've been to in a long time. Went w/ my girlfriend today and everything was great. We were both super hungry and ordered the yogurt / granola, oatmeal, chicken sausage and (this is the best part) a children's sized order of the pancakes dujour - oh and of course coffee (I do like the help yourself refills and water on tap w/ lemons...) Placing your order at the counter was a bit strange and different, but really worked out and I can see why they do it. The people taking orders were neither super friendly or mean at all - just very efficient at getting people in and out and were nice to us. I can see how it would be crazy there on the weekends though... Can't wait to go back!
(5)marisa s.
it's hard to make a decision at milk+honey...there so many good options between the sandwiches, omelets, scones, muffins... cute and tiny, with outdoor seating in the summer. it's a great brunch spot, but you will be eating right next to randos basically, and expect the line to order food to be pretty long.
(4)K.M. C.
Just got back from brunch...my tummy is very happy. We (3 of us + infant) went on a bank holiday Monday to line up with the others awaiting their breakfast feast. The blackboard menus of breakfast, lunch, and coffee drinks are pretty straightforward so we knew what to order right away: French toast, chicken sausage, huevos rancheros, house made granola/yogurt, coffee, and OJ. Drinks are picked up at the counter then you're seated or wait for a table, our wait was only 10 mins. Once seated, I noticed the hustle and bustle of the place so go elsewhere if you're looking for a quiet spot (or there's outdoor seating). French toast: 2 slices but huge and soooo moist w/a hint of orange! yum! Huevos rancheros came in a souffle dish, amazingly filling and Ioved the spicy spread on the side, more than enough to share. Granola was caramelized sweet and also w/a hint of orange and the yogurt had chunks of apple and strawberry in it. I'm not giving 5 stars only because the menu is small (no eggs benedict, hash browns).
(4)naomi S.
I've gone to Milk and Honey over the past 5 yrs and the service/ food has gotten progressively worse over the years-- today was the last straw... The coffee stunk, the milk they served my son was warm ( should be cold??) they used processed cheese in eggs (tasted like craft!) And the service is just plain rude.... They swiped my debit card and said it was rejected (wrong!!) The manager wasn't swiping it the correct way!! Called my bank and the said everything was fine, I ask her to re- swipe the card and she gives me this look and says " I can't just keep helping you" "I'll do it one more time" she swipes it the correct way and it goes through... Miracle!! Every time I go in there the service is soooo bad ( only nice person in there is the bus boy) and they are not willing to accommodate any type of food request as far as allergies go--- like asking for salad dressing on the side will entirely block the creativity of their kitchen! P.s I'd skip their fruit salad... Lady next to us said it was rotten/ rancid.... Wishing that there was a great/ family friendly breakfast place in wicker park....
(2)Jennifer H.
Cute space -- bright with lots of natural light, wood floors, comfortable table layouts. I ha a very good hot chocolate there, and a tasty breakfast sandwich. The orange brioche french toast (I stole a bite from a friend's plate) was good, and the huevos rancheros were great, too. Even though it's a great little joint, I probably won't make special trips here (I live in Lincoln Square) b/c M. Henry in Andersonville is much closer to me. The food here is good but not oh-my-god-I-must-wait-in-line.
(4)Gfiddy F.
This place is perfect for all sorts of breakfast and lunch needs.
(5)Kerry D.
All my friends love this place...I'm not sold. I've had a few of the sandwiches- not bad, but not the best--the beet salad was awesome. An umbrella blew over and knocked me in the nose, tossed off my sunglasses and hurt like hell... I went in to tell them- because the other umbrella's were swaying like crazy--and they gave me a cookie- which was nice. I went back again, the umbrellas were weighed down and the food was fine. My friend's egg sandwich looked really good- my BLT was ok, guess it depends on what you order.
(2)Kate L.
UPDATE Alright...since having moved within a couple blocks of Milk & Honey, I must say that I do frequent it multiple times throughout the week, and it has grown on me. While the same old menu for sandwiches & brunch still disappoints (I like at least a little variety in my life), the pastries & desserts here are some of the best available on this side of town. Back when the pumpkin donuts were in season, they were at times, my reason for waking up in the morning. (Before you start thinking how sad it is that a donut could provide a reason for getting up, let me just say that these are the best donuts ever. My co-workers confirmed this.) --- I keep wanting to like this place more than I do. I guess there's enough decent things about it to keep me coming back, but I'm always hoping for more. Mostly what disappoints me is the brunch: the lack of options, the never-changing menu, the food itself. It's all fairly decent, but not really very good or interesting. I think I just want them to infuse their brunch menu with a bit of the creativity that their baked goods seem to have sometimes. Last time I went I had some type of spiced cinnamon pear bundt cake. This was the most redeeming part of the visit, it was tasty, and a bit unique. The coffee is always decent as well. Eh, you could certainly do worse.
(4)Joe W.
I consider myself a breakfast aficionado--my favorite meal of the day--and Milk and Honey beat my probably crappy home-made hashbrowns, waffles, eggs, and pancakes to a pulp. Serving some curious breakfasts I hadn't tried before, I ordered the smoked salmon and bagel with some coffee. The food was great, and the coffee was Intelligentsia (enough said). People were rummaging around for seats like bats out of hell, but once you get in line you get seated quickly enough. Nothing to whine and moan about, Yelpers.
(5)shirley m.
3.5 stars for this one. I must not have the same taste buds as everyone else because I really wanted to be wowed after reading all the reviews. Ever since one of my co workers brought me some of homemade oatmeal with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar I have been on a quest to find a place that makes oatmeal just like hers. At first glance the restaurant is really cute, you walk up to the counter and order then grab a seat. Serveral breakfast items to choose from in the glass case, scone, donuts, pound cakes etc all home made. Rotating specials written on the board behind the cashier. I ordered the oatmeal and cornmeal blueberry waffle. My sister had the scrambled egg panini with bacon. Oatmeal arrive with dried cherries on top, and a small pitcher or milk (very thoughtful) I personally like my oatmeal slow cooked so it thickens, M&HC oatmeal did not have the thick goey consistancy that I was searching for. Overall the taste was good esp with the dried cherries mixed in for sweetness. Cornmeal Blueberry waffle was made well (done on the outside and soft on the inside) but there was a large amount of compote in the center of the waffle covering the butter which completly melted the butter. Scrambled egg panini was nicely toasted on the outside and the eggs were very fluffy . Will return for the bakery items and cup of tea but until then my quest for the best oatmeal continues.......
(3)Benson B.
Great for a weekend brunch if your willing to wait in the long lines. The last couple of times I have eaten here I have had the Oatmeal, which is amazing. They have pretty good sandwiches too.
(4)Russell C.
We just had our first visit to Milk and Honey. It was profoundly disappointing. Starting with a curt and officious order taker at the counter, we felt like they were in a hurry for us to eat and leave. We were seated by the side door (freezing). The quiche was dry and not anything special. We had to bus our own table and there is a sign asking you to continue your conversation at the bar as soon as you are done eating. Overall experience: B-. We will not return, ever.
(1)Chris R.
Every Sunday morning I go to Milk and Honey with a massive headache, exacerbated by the cacophony of crying babies and miscellaneous needy yuppie consumer noises that great you when you walk past the people standing in line, people who may not know they aren't waiting to get into the Boundary. It's important to remain stoic while people cut in line. Once in awhile I'll raise my head from the elitist newspaper I read to pan across the cafe and wonder if it's possible to be 30 and interesting. Hipsters? I haven't seen a hipster in Milk and Honey since 2006--before they frowned upon people who sit and read on the weekends. Yup, read it on the wall for yourself. It might as well say "go to Alliance!" It's worth putting up with for the granola yogurt. The girls who work there are generally nice too.
(3)Nancy H.
Yum! Such a cozy little place that feels even cozier because of how packed it gets on weekends. It's kind of fast food style in the sense that you line up to order and pay for your food at the counter, grab your own utensils, when there is seating you'll get seated (my girl friend and I waited maybe 20 minutes at noon on a Saturday), and they bring your food out when it's ready. I tried the huevos rancheros (which is only offered on weekends) and pancakes du jour (blueberries on top). The huevos rancheros seemed to be the most popular dish ordered. It is served casserole style: black beans, pico de gallo, scrambled eggs, all baked with a cheesy crust on top. Both entrees were delicous; fresh and healthy tasting. It doesn't seem food here is weighed down by sauces or fat. Portions are also just right for the prices ($6-8 for most). Sandwiches are served daily after 10 AM, and brunch on weekends goes until 2 PM. There are also a limited number of bakery items they sell. The only drawback is the lack of space for the herds of people who come in and have to wait for a seat. You'll get a lot of hungry people in line eyeing you jealously while you're stuffing your face.
(4)Manj B.
This place is nothing special. When I called them before going, whoever picked up the phone was extremely rude and seemed like she was doing me a favor answering my question. When we got there, there was a long line out the door - in the hot sun, which didn't make us like the place any better. When we were finally seated and got our food, I wan't wow'd by anything - where it would make me want to put up with the rude servers and long lines. The caprese sandwich is the worst I've ever had, but the pancakes, french toast and juevos rancheros were good. Overall my experience was just mediocre. I have no desire to go back. It's not worth all the hype.
(1)Michelle R.
Amazing sandwiches & yummy homemade chips (among many other goodies). They're always super busy in the summer because of their great outdoor seating but if you're lucky enough to snag a seat it's a great place to hang & grab lunch.
(5)Noah B.
Favorite breakfast spot in Chicago. The salmon on a wheat bagel is amazing and the granola is incredible. The staff is always friendly regardless of how early they have to be there every morning. They kick out the jams pretty well to from their iPods. I had a great breakfast rocking out to Queen and George Michael one morning. The pancakes are wonderful. Great coffee as well.
(5)Allison B.
I love this cute, modern, and generally GOOD coffee place. After half and half recently closed, this is my new hangout. It is bright, clean, with great coffee (SF hazelnut latte skim). I love the waitstaff...friendly and super cheerful (but not in an annoying cheerleader way). It also grabbed a great location, right across the street from the damen blueline EL. Lovely!
(5)Mary H.
My roomies' and my favorite neighborhood breakfast place! I am completely obsessed with their breakfast paninis (excellent answer to a mean hangover) and orange brioche french toast. The staff is always friendly and efficient, especially with a line stretching out the door! Love it!
(5)Nikki L.
I waited too long for some average food. Not very impressed with menu and staff wasn't too friendly or attentive. The menu is confusing and I don't like that you order your food ahead of time then have to get your own utensils and drinks before you sit down...not a place I'd ever go back to.
(1)Paul H.
the granola is amazing, even out of the restaurant. the granola in the place, served with fruit and yogurt, is quite solid too. sure, the place is packed for breakfast but what do you want? it's delicious and a small restaurant so they handle it the best they can. if you don't want a wait, get up early! otherwise just wait your 10 minutes and enjoy a little friendly conversation, or get on the list and check out renegade handmade next door.
(4)Katie H.
I think I'm jumping the gun a little with this review as I've never actually had proper food here. This review is solely about Milk & Honey as a coffee shop... just sos ya know, right? After weeks of playing Letizia's Roulette (will my coffee be lukewarm or hot? will it be full of grinds or smooth? will it be the size I paid for?) I finally realized that Milk & Honey has a coffee counter and it's only a very short walk down a creepy alley away for me! Rejoice. I've never had to wait much, they have TimeOut on sale, coffee has thus far been exemplary and the pumpkin donut I had this morning was tits. From now on I will gladly take the 20 second run down the alley, ignoring all the dumpster-diving bums I might pass, for my morning coffee.
(4)Ryan B.
I sometimes hike down to Milk & Honey on my lunch break and usually regret it just a little cause it's a block or two too far to get my order in, eat, and get back in enough time to not feel uncomfortably bloated and still be a good punctual employee. With that said, I have had some great sandwiches and salads here. I enjoy specials and they're usually running three interesting concoctions. It's quite busting around lunch hour but they seem to work through the line of people pretty well. They've got ourdoor seating as well as in door and have an efficient little system of getting you sat, fed, and out of there in a timely fashion. They cater nicely to the "to go" crowd and, despite running around like 3 yr olds due to the general busy-ness of the place, the staff is nice if they have a second to chat.
(4)Jackie o P.
This neighborhood (and this stretch of Division in particular) has gotten way overcrowded with double wide strollers and huge dogs so I rarely venture that direction anymore. My mother in law was in town this weekend though so I thought I'd make an exception and visit Milk & Honey. While I don't care for the haphazard line out the door system, I loved everything else, mainly the MAGNIFICENT eggs. The eggs were delicate and perfectly textured for my taste. I honestly can't think of any other place with better eggs. They serve Intelligentsia coffee too, bonus! Earlier is better on the weekends. I haven't been on a week day but I imagine this place is probably five stars without the weekend brunch crowd.
(4)Laura R.
All the food I've had here has been very yummy but the standouts are definitely the avocado sandwich (the creaminess and heartiness has made it my hangover staple, I call ahead and pick one up to avoid the wait) and their home-made granola. The wait for brunch can vary a lot, but it's almost always 10 minutes at the very least. I would say milk and honey has the second-best brunch in bucktown after toast (bongo room is not on my list just because I can't stomach the wait).
(5)melissa g.
MmMmMmMmmm the homemade granola first thing on a Saturday morning with yogurt... oh so yummie.
(4)Tina F.
I think the food is mostly mediocre and we probably wouldn't go there but its near where we live. They never change the menu either so it gets really boring. If you go there, the best bets are the yogurt and granola, the huevos rancheros and their baked goods. The reason I am only giving them 2 stars rather than 3 is that the staff is sullen and unpleasant. A better attitude would go a long way.
(2)Lindsey S.
This is a great little breakfast spot. Their menu is awesome and makes it really difficult to choose just one thing. I ended up getting their orange french toast and it was delicious. My friend ordered their pancake special and we were all a little surprised at how tiny the pancakes were - they were silver dollar-sized and there were only three of them - but other than that I enjoyed my meal here. I liked that the inside was very light and airy, although the lack of a designated area for people to sit/stand while waiting for their tables meant that there was somewhat of a crowd around our table while we were eating, which was slightly annoying. All in all I liked it and definitely want to come back to try their sandwiches.
(4)A.S. V.
I came here for breakfast and was sorely disappointed. It's like when you come craving eggs and french toast and all you get is a continental breakfast. Lame. I hear the sandwiches are good, so if I've ever in the hood for lunch I'll try it.
(3)larry w.
Always a safe bet for good sandwiches. great people watching...
(4)Julie A.
This place was across from our B&B on our recent trip to Chicago. We coudn't get enough of the orange brioche french toast with almonds. Also, love the outdoor seating area. Tasty hot cocoa, and for my last meal in Chicago I ordered the avocado & smoked gouda sandwich. It came with fresh lettuce &tomato, some killer cracked mustard, an awesome deli pickle and chips. LOVED IT.
(4)Tim Z.
Great great breakfast/brunch stop. The French toast is a favorite, so is the oatmeal. Add to that the huge cups of coffee, and you're good to go. So why four stars then? Well, the crowd... if you go on the weekends anywhere past 10, you'll find yourself in a line the second you walk in the door. Even so, its worth the wait.
(4)Christine L.
Basically, the only negative comment I could give this place is that there is always a wait... very good for them and it should tell you that their food is absolutely delicous all the time. A leisurely breakfast at one of the outdoor tables is a pretty ideal morning. Great coffee, location, dog friendly patio, and the most satisfying breakfast. The portions are pretty large and the food is not usually on the light side but it is worth it. Also, the salad and soup specials that change weekly never dissappoint! If you ever see the jerk chicken salad or the panzanella salad up on the special board, I highly recommend it! And of course, the granola is fabulous and it seem s they have added a couple new blends including a low-fat version and a chocolate.
(5)bill r.
Had lunch here yesterday. Nice. Our sandwiches were good. The food at neighboring tables looked good. The sweets in the dessert case looked really really good (I'm on a diet). Pleasant dining room, but I wish they cranked up the air conditioning a bit. I also wish they had more salads to choose from at lunch time. They seem to be 90% sandwiches, 10% salads. Looking forward to going back for breakfast. Finally, the prices were quite reasonable and I like the age range of the clientele ranging from infant to senior.
(4)Joe V.
Ok I'll admit I only wanted to go because I saw it on "Check Please". My food was very good, I had the french toast, and the proportions were huge! Great value for your money. My only complaint is that it's too cramped, I felt like I sitting on top of the people next to me.
(3)Jerri M.
The environment kills this place! The food is tasty yet it's very difficult to get over the self-service aspect and the noise. I went there early last Sunday, and the place was teaming with kids! Add to that the yapping dog that was sitting right outside the door and the too-loud (and bad) music, and you've got the perfect recipe for a miserable experience. If you want a relaxing atmosphere or a just place where you can hold a conversation over your meal, this is not the place to go! If you have kids, a loud dog, or want some techno with your breakfast, hit it.
(1)Matt D.
definitely good...possibly worth the wait on the weekend... i won't lie, i don't dig the wait in line thing...just take my name down so i can go do something else for a while instead of standing in line and losing my mind watching over people eat delicious food on a beautiful patio while i'm hungry as shit... sammies are actually better than the almighty brunch in my opinion...each one i've had has been fresh, delicious, and the perfect size... the big draw is the brunch...the orange french toast is amazing if you like fruity french toast, i don't really...the huevos rancheros in the earthware bowl is excellent, definitely the brunch highlight since everyone around me always seems to have it...
(4)olivia p.
warning: breakfast ends promptly at noon, although i personally think breakfast should be served all day shared the grilled portabello and crabcake sandwiches. the ingredients in the portabello sandwich were really good and fresh. had a hard time keeping the sandwich together which was a little annoying, but still good overall. the crabcake was a let down. was on the dry side and felt like it would've been better just as a crabcake itself instead of stuck between two pieces of bread. i love my carbs, but that seemed like overkill. will definitely come back to try breakfast.
(3)Patrick F.
Milk & Honey has a nice, bright atmosphere. The food is delicious - from sandwiches to salads to breakfast to desserts. The service isn't always the most outgoing/friendly, but it hardly detracts from the experience. Keep in mind that they are only open until the late afternoon - so dinner is not an option.
(5)Amy M.
Not impressed with this place. We mistakingly came across this place because we couldn't find a different breakfast place (turns out we needed to go one block futher) so we settled for this place since it looked good because there is ALWAYS a line out the door. Ill agree with another reviewer, the people who work there are snotty. There are NO exceptions to their menu -- you like all that comes with your meal or you need to order something else (allergies are no exception to the rule!). Their seating situation always seems to be worse than what it is. There were at least 3 dirty tables that the staff let sit there for a good 10-15 min. NO WONDER IT WAS TAKING US FOREVER TO GET SEATED! The food was mediocur... overpriced in my opinion.
(2)Lauren C.
I don't think this place is worth all of the hype and lines, but I live around the corner and depend on it for fresh, yummy food when my belly is empty on the weekends. I'm normally an adventurous eater but stick to my faves at Milk & Honey. I can't get enough of the avocado sandwich, and I'm not even a vegetarian. Whatever sandwich you get, make sure it involves their cracked mustard. I'm not a mustard person but seriously it's the best. If I'm starving, I'll get the crab-cake sandwich. It's pretty heavy and greasy, but it hits the spot! I'm not a huge sweet breakfast person, but on my birthday I treated myself to some banana toffee pancakes and they were as decadent and awesome as they sound. Try the granola bars!
(4)Eva J.
Yes, this place is very delicious. And even more crowded. That's probably because it's very delicious. Don't go with a big group on the weekend though, you'll wait for a week. Hey, all of you half empty places on Division, have you ever wondered why you are half empty and there is always a mob in front of Milk & Honey? Maybe you should think about that.
(4)B K.
I've been to Milk and Honey twice for brunch. I love that you can pay in advance, so you can sit and chat as long as you like and not have to worry about paying for the bill. The food was excellent as well. Yes the line is long, and it's tough to get a seat, but that's the case almost anywhere you go when it's lovely outside. So why the three stars? There's this hostess. I didn't catch her name, but she had dark brown, long, frizzy hair. I was in line with a friend, and noticed a table open up outside. As is usual strategy when this situation occured, I gave my friend the order, and went to hold the table. This particular hostess quickly intercepted me, and wagged her finger, saying "I don't think so. There's a waiting list". Now I understand that in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood sometimes manners and tact can be checked at the door, but to have some 18 year old hostess chastizing me in front of the entire patronage of the cafe was downright embarassing. Shame on her. My recommendation: Go here, enjoy the charming experience, avoid the nasty condescending hostess.
(3)Katherine S.
my favorite neighborhood brunch/lunch destination. juevos rancheros on the weekends are delicious, their avocado sandwich is also great. their cupcakes are also good - lessor known, but yummy :)
(4)Margaret B.
Ditto on the avocado sandwich. Yum! Everything is super fresh and the atmosphere is casual yet cool. A good option for amazing sandwiches and great brunch as well.
(5)Zachary A.
First off my service ruled. Let me say right off. The food was good, but lacked heart. Seemed like the Martha versions of the same culinary knowledge and pretense as the Bongo room, but unfortunately also the lame lack of pure MEANING behind the dishes. Frankly, the 15 year old tejano who gives me onion rings at BK adds more relevance to my meal than M&H did.
(3)Rebekah K.
My sandwich was fantastic. It was SO good. I still think about that sandwich. I wish it was open hours that are more convenient for me, because my god, their food is good. When you think about the sandwich, (AND the incredible fruit salad) months later you know it is quality grub. The fruit salad was this perfect combination of sweet and sour with chunks of pineapples and ripe strawberries, but there were tons of marionberries, blackberries, and raspberries. I took it home and ate it by little bits for a few days, and mourned when it was gone. Like the reviewer before me I also had the avocado, gouda cheese, tomato, and lettuce sandwich on multigrain bread but I did have the mustard, and it was DELICIOUS. It was fresh! It was unlike any other mustard I have ever had, with a very clean bright flavor. My mouth is WATERING as I sit here describing it! The bread was crusty and firm, but not hard or stale. The entire sandwich was just perfect, unquestionable quality. It is seriously one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. The avocado was also perfectly ripened; firm but not mushy, bright avocado green combined with solid creamy yellow. I was SO impressed with this meal! My latte was good, but nothing stood out about it. How could it next to the sandwich and fruit salad? Latte, Sandwich, and large fruit salad came out to $17.. but worth *every* penny.
(5)Ilina K.
Great for brunch and lunch any day of the week. Gets a little crowded on the weekend, but only because the food is insane. Great drinks selection and their paninis are mouth-watering. Their bright interior makes you feel wholesome and warm inside. I love this place. The only downer is the setup with the line building right outside the door through the seating area, and the space runs tight. Worth the wait, best brunch on Division.
(5)lauren p.
I. Love. This. Place. The sandwiches are fresh and tasty with some interesting choices to break up the typical lunchtime monotony. I usually go between the avacado/gouda and the tomato/basil/mozzarella, both of which are delicious. And while I find it disappointing in the winter, I do like the fact that they only serve the tomato sandwich in the summer, when tomatoes are in season. The counter girls are always friendly, even when the place is packed, and they don't mind if you substitute or change things (I've had both the ham/havarti on pretzel and the grilled capicola with turkey instead, and I was ordering yogurt and granola way before it was even on the menu!). A friend and I often go and split a sandwich and each get a cup of soup, which makes for a hearty meal. The sandwiches are a bit pricey, but the portions make up for it- I recently took my mom here for lunch and she (a native Manhattanite) was shocked at the size of her roast beef sandwich. I think the sweets are hit or miss- I had a really yummy coconut macadamia bar the other day that was awesome, but I've been less impressed with the coffee cake. Yes, it's typically packed with a line out the door (on weekends at least) but the line usually moves pretty quickly and they have a system that actually seems to work. If you plan ahead, and don't go when you're starving, you'll be okay.
(5)Sarah N.
Throughly enjoyed my lunch at Milk & Honey the other day. The atmosphere is clean, bright, and informal, cute but not overly sweet. You order at the counter, seat yourself, and wait until the staff brings you your food. The menu items are written on large black boards behind the counter. My avocado, gouda cheese, tomato, and lettuce sandwich on multigrain bread with reduced balsamic was incredibly satisfying. (Note: I substituted mustard with balsamic vinegar, which was absolutely delicious) The sandwhich came with thicker than average potato chips. I am normally not a fan of potato chips, but these were extremely flavorful and not too greasy. My friend had a mixed green salad with rasberries, goat cheese, and slivered almonds, which she really enjoyed as well. Both items were perfect meals to eat on a hot summer day. There is a very good selection of sandwiches at Milk& Honey, as well as breakfast food and special daily salads. I will certainly be returning sometime soon.
(5)ness y.
newbies to Milk & Honey may find it mildly daunting - it's quite hectic in there. that is no reason not to go though! follow these simple tips, repeat, and before long you'll get the flow without the fluster: 1. after avoiding anyone trying to exit as you open the door to enter, pause, look both ways for oncoming traffic, and then proceed to any empty spot about 5 feet from the doorway. 2. wait for a host(ess) to ask how many are in your party and take a number-place-holder-thingy. 3. turn to your left to review the chalk board menus, scan seated diners' plates, peek into the salad refrigerator, and then stand in the line behind the cash register/order-taker person (often 4 groups deep, leaving you just where you started at #1). 4. watch your elbows as other patrons and servers maneuver through the line with cups of coffee and plates of food... all while your stummy grumbles and you change your mind about what you want to order 3x. 5. be ready to order as your turn approaches. 6. place your order and pay. 7. turn to your right, make a quick left, and gather utensils and glasses of water. coffee (intelly), tea, and juice will be served to you as you hang out near the open kitchen and salivate some more. 8. when the host(ess) calls your number, follow and sit at your assigned table with cups, glass, and utensils in hand. visibly place your number-place-holder-thingy on your table. 9. server will bring your food and take the number-place-holder-thingy. 10. eat and enjoy!
(5)Mike D.
I highly recommend the luncheon salad with goat cheese and I believe bacon wrapped dates, I had that fixed with some of their grilled chicken. Great breakfast pancake variety and some outstanding coffee varieties. I can eat solo there, have a business get together or bring someone special. Relax and enjoy.
(5)calivanilla c.
A friend introduced me to Milk & Honey this past weekend - what a cute and quaint place! Service was friendly & personable. My dish (orange brioche french toast with almonds, mmmmmmmm) was well, mmmmmm. :) And the decor was clean, fresh, and stylish, but in understated fashion (doesn't scream, look at me! look at me!, more like, hello!). I would highly recommend venturing out to this part of the neighborhood to check out the cafe & other upcoming boutiques/food joints.
(4)Always Right C.
Run of the mill. Okay - but nothing to write home about.
(3)Clare K.
the food was good, but i don't dig the whole "self service" vibe...esp since they don't tell you that you are expected to pick up your own OJ and then you forget you don't have it until halfway through. at least TELL me it's there & i don't mind, ok? maybe i would have been told if the girl who took my order were not such a RAGING BITCH. cheer up, buttercup it's not that bad...or actually maybe you are pissed because you have such a bad haircut. etiher way-i don't need your crap on sunday morning--just my OJ, thanks. i also ordered something to go and had the pleasure of her taking my order for the 2nd time. and it was no better than the 1st. the pancakes were good and the huevos rancheros looked amazing. i totally wished i had gotten those. but my friend's scrambled eggs definitely had a weird texture to them...like breakfast buffet eggs where they are baked in a huge pan and sit there for awhile. they tasted real, but felt fake in your mouth. weird. all in all-glad i checked it out because of the hype, but i won't be back.
(3)Amanda M.
Delicious! I am in awe of their portobello and goat cheese panini. And their carry-out is mighty quick. This place gets hoppin' so I like to order ahead and eat my 'wich at the park instead of waiting for a table.
(5)Ryan P.
Deelicious! I always get a granola, turkey rueben, and an iced soy latte. One of my fav brunch places.
(4)Kate G.
This place is busy on Saturday mornings! You walk into this packed (but truly nice green) dining room to a very long line. We stood in line and a hostess got us set with a table and then you continue standing to wait to place your order while our table sat empty. I just really wanted to sit down so we could have fun, engaging conversation instead of that awkward, "So...long wait....look what they're eating...etc." kind of thing. Maybe it's me that is awkward,,,who knows. That was the only thing I did not like. But then we ordered really good Intelligentsia iced coffees and headed to a cozy outside table. The sandwiches were so tasty and satisfying--- from what I saw I am pretty sure you would not go wrong with any of them. I had an avocado sandwich and I think my boyfriend had a turkey reuben...nice crispy chips, a good pickle and a good start to our day.
(4)M S.
This is the way to do brunch...no OTT hype, no insane waiting times, very low-key! The food was good - we had french toast and the smoked salmon bagel. Loved the atmosphere and friendly staff. Very nice mix of patrons too, looked like it had some regulars just enjoying their breakfast and morning newspaper.
(5)Dan M.
Overall good food for lunch and breakfast. Prices are reasonable. All the lunch sandwiches are good. If you are there on the weekend definitely get the huevos rancheros(they only serve it Sat & Sun).
(4)Shannon F.
Milk and Honey is a great brunch spot in Wicker Park. I would have to say the ambiance and diverse menu offerings are the biggest draw - you can get anything from pancakes, to beer to vegan black bean soup to a steak panini. The baked goods are great and the coffee is suberb. You order at the counter and the prices are very reasonable, but there are a few drawbacks. This place can get super crowded during peak weekend brunch hours and since this is a fairly small space it can be hard to get a table. Also, the staff could be friendlier but the great prices and food, wide array of offerings and inviting atmosphere make it worthwhile. Another added bonus is the long and well priced drink menu. Mimosas, blood Marys and other traditional afternoon cocktails are served along with beer and wine. All in all, I am a fan of Milk and Honey and think it is a great addition to the Wicker Park neighborhood!
(5)Joe T.
Review is for lunch only - I have yet to try the weekend brunch. This is a bourgie little cafe that has some excellent sandwiches with some unique combinations of meat/cheese/bread. My choice was a ham and havarti on a pretzel roll. The meat was plentiful, and the chips were extremely tasty. I mean it - loved those chips.There is a nice selection of Boylan's and Pellegrino sodas. I also found wireless access there. My only complaint was that I couldn't find any free reading (Timeout Chicago, the Tribune, and the other papers there were all for sale). Looking forward to checking out the brunch there soon.
(4)Angela B.
I really liked the food here. I had the heuvos ranchero I usually am a pancake person but I heard good things about this egg dish soI thought I'd give it a try. I am glad I did it was one of the best egg dishes I have ever had. The granola and yogurt was good too. The seating was a little bit to cozy for me. However if you like to eavesdrop it might be a good place for you. All and all a great local place that I cant wait to eat at again.
(4)Catherine S.
We really like this place. The best time to go is before 10 on the weekends and when there is nice weather. The outdoor seating fills up quick and it is great to grab a spot and people watch. Don't be too scared of the line - it usually goes fast. Everyone that works here is nice and things run very smoothly. Both breakfast and lunch are good and I find the prices very accurate to the amount and quality of food and the atmosphere. Kid Friendly - Definitely. Although small inside, there are always children. In the warmer months you can see strollers lined up outside and in the winter, surprisingly, strollers will fit inside! They have an abundant amount of high chairs and the staff are friendly with assisting. The background noise is at or above my sons - so it works out perfectly.
(5)chris c.
i'm a fan. good smoke salmon plate (very generous w/smoke salmon portion) baked goods are good but disappointed w/donuts.
(3)Dorothy B.
This is a gread, laid-back brunch spot. You stand in line to order and pay and then take your seat and wait for the staff to bring it to you. Although it's always crowded, I've only ever had to wait for a seat when I wanted to sit outside. The smoked salmon bagel and pancakes are both perfection, but the crab cake sandwich is pretty bland and too thick. That's all I've tried so far, but their entire menu looks yummy and filled with interesting choices. The coffee is delicious - a requirement for any brunch spot (Intellegentsia).
(5)noel c.
it's a short walk from my house and i enjoy the coffee and food options... but after just a few experiences at this joint, i think i'm over it. the wait to get inside paired with the rude cashier and the overwhelming amount of baby strollers overpowered my experience. chicago brunch is too good to waste on so-so places.
(3)Misse D.
A fantastic place for brunch. I've only ordered sandwiches because they are so tempting. It's fills quickly, but nothing like the Bongo Room.
(4)Emily P.
Although Milk & Honey certainly doesn't need my props, I have to give them anyway...it's just THAT tasty. But I think my favorite part about frequenting M&H is that regardless of how crazy it gets (it's always a full house during brunch), the staff maintains the most kind and collective disposition; nothing seems to frazzle them. They handle the masses effortlessly. So even though the wait is never less than 45 minutes on a Sunday afternoon and I'm crammed shoulder-to-shoulder with people on either side of me, I'll take it. And did I mention that the Huevos Rancheros & Breakfast Sandwich are DELICIOUS?
(5)RD E.
all of our food was good...but the staff needs to ditch their attitude as well as the ridiculous ordering process. i went here for a relaxing breakfast...not to follow a bunch of dumb rules
(3)Arjun C.
Nice little brunchy/sandwichy place on Division. Crabcake sandwich is tasty and they have a nice beer selection. The kind of place you might find in say, Madison or some other posh college town. I like it, and it could be a wonderful place to kick back if the crowds weren't such a pain. No food is worth that kind of wait. Other good eats are to be had in a much faster time. Five stars minus one for intolerable waits (good for them, though!)
(4)Mark M.
This place has that elusive independent coffee house feel, but with some rather tasty food to go with it. I love going there for breakfast. Try their orange brioche french toast, or the pancakes du jour. Just try to get there early... they get packed VERY quickly.
(5)ali a.
Very cute sandwich/salad place in the bucktown neighborhood. Although i've only been there once, I would definitely go back. I had a hot turkey sandwich which was delicious. They also have some other different selections which sounded great to me. I would like to go back for breakfast sometime.
(4)Jeremy M.
The breakfast deserves 3.5 stars. Really good food, nothing exceptional, better than average. Though I was hoping for a little more excitement from the Huevos Rancheros. Service at the Division location is what killed the rating. Apparently all your party must be there before you get your "number card" sat on a table, even if you've ordered and paid. At least that is what we were told, after all the tables were taken from people behind us still in line. From this point the staff simply became more and more rude to us. Unfortunate really. There are plenty of exceptional places to eat in this city with a lot smaller list of rules and guidelines, not to mention quite a bit more tolerable staff. UPDATE: The granola is exceptional, and can be purchased from some local grocers. Still can't bring myself back in the Division location, maybe I will give the Damen store a try.
(3)Olia H.
The wait is so worth it. We waited in the cold for forty minutes for a table, but it was worth it. I had the crab cake sandwich and we ordered the almond french toast for the table. Wow describes it correctly. It was so good I just wanted to eat more and more, sadly because of the generous portions that was not a possibility.
(4)dan l.
This spot is very unassuming but is definitely one of my favorites in the city. The place is quaint but very comfortable. The menu is a bit limited, but hits everything across the spectrum of sweets, eggs, healthy stuff, etc. I am still amazed that they keep their prices so low - nothing above $6.75 and the portions are huge. Everything is very fresh, and the coffee, etc. is very good (Intelligentsia). As with all the other good spots, it does get crowded on the weekends. But they use an interesting system - you order when you get there, take a number, and then whey they call you, you sit and they serve you pretty much immediately. I like this, as it ensures those who are sitting are eating, rather than each table sitting for 10-15 min to order and wait for food to arrive. Bottom line - this place never disappoints. Check it out, but don't too many of you go at once cuz I need you to save some space for me!
(5)Megaterium I.
Been here twice-both time, excellent dishes and friendly service. First time snagged a table outside on a gorgeous day, great BLT so 5 stars. Today waited for a half hour to be seated by yuppies and screaming kids, but wonderful vegetarian chili and the tastiest apple cider ever, so 3 or 4 stars. I'll be back, just earlier in the day-it's good food and a great choice when it's warm for their outdoor seating.
(4)J L.
Really cute joint. Clean and bright, come here for a great sandwich. I like the breakfast panini, perfect for breakfast on the go. Grab a side salad for lunch. Reasonable prices ($3-8) and quick service.
(4)Jim E.
Came here on the weekend to meet some new people. I find myself impressed with the neighborhood in general and enjoyed Milk and Honey very much. It was very busy around 11am, but the line moved very quickly. The menu contains 20 or so dishes and I tried the Orange Brioche French Toast with Toasted Almonds and Pure Maple Syrup. The portions are well sized; larger than normal, but not so much as to leave you feeling gorged. Prices were very low considering the size and quality of the dishes. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to try out a new brunch location
(4)Zoe L.
love this place! not a whole lot of seating, but the swivel stools they do have are right next to a big window, so it's great ppl-watching if you manage to snag a seat. if all the seats are full, take your treat to the park next door and watch a bare-handed soccer game or sit by the fountain. i've only tried the cookies here, but they're ALL good: choc. chip; choc. chip + cherry; choc. coookie w/marshmallow & peanut butter chips. also fresh-squeezed oj and grapefruit juice. service is friendly; just a great, happy place.
(4)Kristin W.
I can not get enough of Milk and Honey. If ever moved out of Chicago this would be the number one thing I would miss. I go here about once a week and have had pretty much everything on the menu. Might I suggest there scrumptious pancakes and the huevos rancheros is amazing. I actually hate eggs, but I definitely made an exception after trying this dish. I suggest getting there early, the place opens up at 8am, anytime after that plan on waiting in line for 30 mins-1 hr. I have viewed other reviews and some people complain about the staff. I think it is quite interesting because I've never had one complaint. I highly recommend this to anyone.
(5)Mrs. F.
My husband and I went there last weekend on a Saturday afternoon, after the annoying crowds began thinning out and we could hear ourselves talk without a baby crying next to us. We thought we were going to be able to enjoy our meal. We ordered the day's special salad, a cup of soup, and a couple of iced teas. As soon as the busboy put the plates down on our table, we could see that the salad leaves were brown and wilty. We dug around the plate to see if it was just a "few leaves" but it was all. We normally don't like to send food back, but we had to, it was inedible. They obliged and offered for us to order something else. But we are watching our diets and thought that salad was the "healthier" option so we just asked for new salads. They brought back 2 "new" salads, and this time only HALF of the lettuce was brown, as opposed to ALL, the first time. We ate our soup and bread and left the salad alone. We paid almost $30 for the whole meal. We will probably never go back there again (we used to go at least 2-3 times a month and saw how things were changing from when they first opened to now...definitely declining, food-wise). At least the staff is friendly enough. But we did find our new place for brunch: LULA CAFE. For now, they have the BEST BRUNCH EVER.
(2)Rory B.
what's not to love about 12 dollar sandwiches served with sneers from total bitches? also going there for brunch is the best because every time i want another glass of orange juice or a mimosa i get to get up and stand in line again, and they aren't usually very happy to see me buy more shit from them... i am also a huge fan of the twenty everpresent screaming babies they have installed to help bring kick my hangover up a notch. the chips are good.
(5)Urszula H.
Great cozy place. The staff is so friendly here. The breakfast pastries are amazing, and not just for breakfast. This is one of my favorite stops when shopping on Division.
(4)Bobby H.
It's grown on me. My wife is a "regular" who would eat here every morning if she could. As a matter of fact, we went through a period of time when we actually did have a healthy stock of their yummy granola in our kitchen for easy access. We usually eat here for weekend brunch. The egg panini sandwich is really good, as long as it's made fresh. I feel like on busier mornings, the quality of the food suffers, but it's still very good. I've more recently been on a huevos kick. They only make it for weekend brunch. it's more of a southwestern egg casserole with srambled eggs, black beans, onions, cilantro topped with tortilla chips and cheese. a creamy sour cream based sauce comes on the side, and I like to pour on tobasc0. The coffee is good (i think its intelligentsia), and I've always found the employees friendly. For first time visitors, you basically wait in line to place an order. while youre waiting your turn, one of the hostesses gives you a number for your table. After you order and pay at the register, someone brings you your food. The whole seating/ordering situation is the only reason why I didnt give them 5 stars. Oh, they also have a dog water bowl out front, which Waila, our pup always appreciates. I have noticed that over the years, the breakfasts are getting more and more crowded, but the popularity is well deserved.
(4)Doc C.
Absolutely love this place- wish I lived in Chicago so I could go there at least once a week! A couple of my friends and I met there to catch up over lunch. They had the quiche (and loved it), and I had the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which was very good. Was not thrilled with their potato chips, however (too thick, no salt, no flavor). The BEST chai tea latte I've ever had! The atmosphere was great- lots of light comes into the restaurant making it a very pleasant space. It was fairly busy, but not too noisy- we were there chatting for over 2 hours and no one bothered us! Decent prices as well- you get what you pay for! Overall, great experience, can't wait to go back!
(4)Liliana S.
I got some food from here last week for lunch. Had a turkey sandwich on a toasted multigrained bread with havarati cheese, tomato, lettuce and some type of sauce, which I cant recall the name, and it was absolutely delicious. I loved the chips. It was probably one of the best sandwiches I have eaten in a long time. Very filling as well.
(4)a w.
A good place to get a gourmet salad or sandwhich. Its a good lunch stop..but not really a great place for breakfast or dinner. The service here is just okay. But the food is really good, so I guess a little bit of poor service can be tolerated!
(3)Betsy C.
For me it is a close race between Milk and Honey, and Goddess and the Grocer. This week Milk and Honey is winning! I forget the name of the sandwich i get but it is loaded with avocado and some mustard that I can't find anywhere else. The homemade chips are delicious and the ambiance is super cute. Just thinking about this place makes me smile. Oh and last time i ventured off from my fave sandwich and got a special salad with pomegranate seeds in it- this salad alone put Milk and Honey way ahead of Goddess and The Grocer...it was incredible.
(5)Gregory A.
Perfect brunch, almost a requirement for my out-of-town visitors. They serve excellent food in a clean & open atmosphere.
(5)Mark P.
Huevos rancheros casserole was fantastic. Liked that your order is taken on arrival, so your food is ready by the time a table opens up. Will return to try their sandwiches and paninis.
(5)M M.
nice little place...good coffee ...I'll definitely return.
(3)Blah B.
So I stopped by this place for coffee one day on my way to work. Had seen it so many times and was curious bout it!! Honestly the coffee wasn't good much less great, but I plan to come back and maybe try the food?!! Who knows I might be surprised!!!
(1)Adam K.
hands down the best breakfast place on division. if you like savory - get the panini, huevos or salmon plate. if you like it sweet - look no farther than the french toast. i'm addicted to the coffee and make it there every week just to buy a pound to drink at home.
(4)David D.
I like Milk and Honey quite a bit. I just wish it was open later. The crab cake sandwich is great! I also like the avocado sandwich. I wish they had other options for a side dish rather than potato chips. But this place is very warm and pleasant inside.
(4)Ann L.
love this place! i always look forward to coming here. i've only been for breakfast and desperately need to try their lunch. i haven't had anything that i didn't like. the inside is warm and cozy and everyone is friendly. i couldn't believe how reasonably priced it was. i can always count on great food, whether it's a large breakfast or a croissant on the go. delicious!
(5)Miss O.
you know it's hard for me to give any breakfast place 5 stars. milk and honey is a solid 4 star establishment. this place was super busy during the summer when i went. i ordered a very traditional sandwich. it was good. the place is cute and kind of reminds me of tartine in SF - minus the to-die-for croissants. this is a fun place to go for brunch.
(4)gregory j.
best coffee in area, great granola yogurt combo, all sammy's are worthy. the girls are nice to me, chill out rory.
(4)Gina P.
this place offers solidly good food in a very enjoyable atmosphere for a fair price. i love the staff, too. not your usual cooler-than-thou situation. i eagerly await the special of the day and think that the pastries are quite tasty. i highly recommend the gouda/avocado sandwich, which reminds me of california (sniff).
(4)Stephanie M.
I've been here 3 times, each time ordering something different, and every time it has been delicious. The prices are very reasonable too. The only drawback would be crowdedness, but if you can stand waiting for a table, then its ok. Or,...take it to go. I don't like being surrounded by toddlers and babies, so if you're like me, try to get a table away from them or...take your food to go like I said before :) I've tried the pancakes of the day....big portion, fresh tasting. I've had the smoked salmon plate which I think is the best bang for your buck. It comes with chive cream cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, capers, onions, and a warm toasty bagel! The hot chocolate is rich and frothy, and I think it was February when it arrived with a pink heart marshmallow and chocolate sauce drizzle on top. The a la carte chicken sausage is flavorful....kinda sweet tasting. I haven't tried any baked goods there but they look nice in the bakery case. What else? I had a chicken sandwich there....nice crusty bread,...the chicken didn't taste like the grill, and it came with chips. I will be back a fourth time. And more.
(5)One T.
I stopped in for breakfast a couple times and though I wasn't extremely dissatisfied I wasn't extremely excited either. It was just there, so to speak. There are plenty of other great breakfast spots so I'd probably try those out before returning here again.
(3)joaquin d.
the only downside to milk & honey is how busy it gets on the weekend. i haven't tried anything i haven't loved... the orange brioche french toast is especially delicious. upscale but not snooty, nor too expensive.
(5)Ivanka B.
Agreed that it takes awhile and is a bit pricey but I do love their roast beast with radish slaw deliciousness. Pickles have a funky flavor but they grow on you - the homemade potato chips, unfortunately do not. Last time my sammich meat was a bit tough and not its usual pinkish self :-( I also tried an almond croissant which was highly disappointing Service is sometimes kinda clipped, borderline rude but if you love roast beast - best one yet!
(3)Cheese M.
I've had brunch here twice. Long lines but both times i've been there managed to get a seat right within a few minutes of ordering. Looks like it's already been said but the huevos rancheros are amazing. Lox platter very good too.
(4)Andrea R.
I've been gaga for their granola for a long time now, but as I mentioned in my previous review the rest of their food has failed to impress. However, I came here on a recent Sunday morning for breakfast and discovered their uh-mazing huevos rancheros. May just be the best huevos rancheros I've had yet. Yes, quite a bold statement! I liked it so much that I tried to go back with my fabulous colleagues a few days later, but it turned out they only serve the huevos rancheros on the weekends. Noooo! Based on that and the looong wait we decided to make our way down the street for yummy sandwiches at Jerry's instead. I may pop in during the week for some of their delish granola, but probably will hold out for the weekends so I can enjoy the huevos rancheros. Unless of course Milk & Honey wants to start putting it on their weekday menu cause you can never have too much of a good thing!
(4)Jane K.
I came here with some friends for brunch this weekend. The place was busy! I was kinda set off at first because the guys who had been working there did not explain how the seating situation works. It is a little different here. You first arrive you order your food at the register and then you are seated and the food arrives. The food was great! We had ordered: Huevos Rancheros- super yummy Orange Brioche French Toast- my second favorite House-Made Waffle House-Made Granola-this is great! they make this themselves... greatly recommand
(4)Kevin W.
Nice chique cafe. They have many unique breakfast items with fresh sandwiches and pastries. I ordered a chicken sandwich with a lemon bar, plus a ginger ale. The sourdough bread was lightly toasted with fresh riped tomatoes and tender chicken and some aioli sauce. Very well done. The lemon bar was homemade and also well done. And even though they don't "make" the bottled soda, it was a great choice to have on a summer afternoon. Milk would have been a bad choice. haha The place had a good open feel with lots of their items on chalk boards and their baked goods laid out in front by the cash register. Nice place, good outside seating when the weather permits. My friend is in love with their pickles, she weird.
(4)Marco A.
Great service..outstanding coffee... grew up in this neighborhood .. was taken aback by the 'Gentrification"...Solid breakfast....I was speechless....
(5)Alex L.
Delicious wholesome food. Huevos rancheros were delicious (baked in a bowl) and the blueberry oatmeal had fresh sweet blueberries, toasted almonds and was perfectly sweetened.
(5)Russ M.
Good place, order at the counter and they bring out your food. I found this to be very common in Chicago, doesn't anyone do sit down breakfast anymore!?!? Food was good, menu leans to the healthy, granola types which is good for a break from the usual vacation eating !
(3)Scott C.
Milk and Honey is a hip little brunch place on Division. When coming here you may want to plan for a little extra time to find parking as it's a bit difficult to find nearby the restaurant. When you order - it's at the counter when you walk in - then you are given a number and a seat in the restaurant. Your food is then brought out to you when ready. Another note is that you need to pick up your silverware, napkins, etc. from the counter before getting seated. I noticed that the first couple of items that I picked up were either dirty or had fuzz on them. The food itself was pretty good - two of us had the breakfast burrito which was tasty and filled with egg, tomato and black beans. It could have used a bit more salsa but having some Tabasco helped. The other person had the waffle of the day which was good as well. For the food Milk and Honey is worth the trip - the service is OK and I'd agree with other reviews where the lunch counter approach is a bit informal and takes away from the ambiance of the place.
(2)Scott Z.
Fantastic cafe with great menu. Went there today and enjoyed the smoked salmon while my friend had one of the salads. The service was friendly, the food was fresh, the seating was comfortable. The salmon was freakin amazing. Highly recommended, I have been back here multiple times this year.
(5)Rocky S.
This is the ideal neighborhood place. Its lowkey, yet friendly and cozy. I have gone on weekdays early where u can see many young parents having breakfast with their kids, I have gone toward lunchtime where you can see students studying. I've even had business meetings there for coffee with a client.The food is all great. Anything with eggs there is delish, and their baked goods are handmade and under-rated in my opinion compared to some bakeries I have been to. The fresh sandwiches rule. Check it out.
(5)Anna E.
It's a little expensive and almost always busy, but it's always good. I've had a variety of breakfast specials in a crock, but my favorite is their lox/bagel. I know, not a lot of cooking going on there, but they give you a huge portion of lox with tomatoes, cucumber, capers and red onion. So good! And the ingredients have always been fresh. Definitely a good staple.
(4)William M.
Great coffee and juice. Nice seating area. But.... We only got pastries and they were disappointing. Way too much butter!
(3)Kent S.
It's a good thing that I came here with my iPod or I just might have jabbed my knife into the throats of several children while dining here today. The quality of ingredients shine throughout their dishes. The huevos rancheros make for one glorious breakfast. That was for today. Last time I was here I went the grilled panini and the time before that I had the orange brioche french toast. Though I wouldn't say that I'm 100% behind my 5 star review, I owe it to them to do so. I push the bottomless, self-serve iced tea to the max. Normally, I have no fewer than 6 glasses per visit. And, the last time I was here, I can't say that I didn't leave with a free roll of toilet paper. In my defense, I carry my own bottle of Cholula in my bag. So I'm at least not abusing the free condiments.
(5)Bill T.
Went on a Sunday morning around 10 AM, waited about 15 minutes for seats for two. Ordered: Coffee, brioche french toast, huevos rancheros, and granola Definitely order: Huevos rancheros, french toast, and coffee. This was probably one of my favourite brunch experiences, I'm definitely a fan! Coffee: This was pretty good coffee. I was a little disappointed when they poured the cup from the thermos, but it was still very fresh (hard to not be fresh given how many customers they were having). The coffee had a bold aroma, and a hint of fruits and hazelnut flavour. The more I drank it, the more I liked it. In the end, I bought a 1 lb bag to bring back with me. I think it would turn out particularly well brewed in my French press ;) Brioche french toast: This was probably the best French toast I have ever had (haven't had many sweet brunch dishes in the past). The loafs were soft, fluffy and rich with eggs, it's exactly what you would expect eating a thick slice of brioche bread. The eggs on the bottom was slightly crispy, and went extremely well with the flavours of the bread. Spread the top with the whipped butter ball, drizzle the whole thing with viscous syrup, and dip every bite in the crunchy shaved almonds: it was the definition of comfort food. I particularly loved the crust of the bread, it was slightly chewy and full of flavours. Just thinking about it makes me want to have it. A French toast done right! Huevos rancheros: This Mexican omelette was freaking delicious. The cheese was perfectly broiled on top and slightly chewy (probably low-fat cheese), then a layer of mixed veggies, then a thick layer of fluffy eggs, finally, on the very bottom a layer of black beans. Needless to say, everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. My only complaint with this dish is that the beans at the bottom were somewhat one-dimensional; I would have loved some mushrooms mixed with the beans. Oh, almost forgot about the sauce. The store makes their own chipotle mayo dipping sauce. Because the sauce was chilled, it was wonderful to dab a little bit of the sauce to cool off a forkful of wonderful food. Granola Another simple yet well-executed dish. The yogurt was creamy and had a hint of sweetness; the oats were nicely toasted and mixed (they sell them packaged as well); the raisins and granny smith apple bits gave it some much needed acidity and balance. Still a tad too sweet for me, but I liked it nonetheless.
(4)Adalgisa H.
We love Milk & Honey's food specially their french toast and their fresh OJ! Also I do have to say that their granola is amazing, not only it is yummy but it is also a great value compare to other granola bags. My only complaint is that the staff and overall experience is just okay and could be much better. Something that drives me absolutely insane, and I am sure it drives other guests insane, is how they handle dirty dishes. Instead of picking them up and taking them directly to the back they keep these dirty black plastic containers on the restaurant floor for all their guests to see and hear! The staff makes and absolutely loud noise every time they throw the dishes into the containers so you find yourself startle every time they throw the dishes in those containers. So of you are okay with a not so peaceful breakfast/brunch this is your place. Oh and moms, beware that if you plan to go grab breakfast/brunch with your baby while he/she naps forget about your baby sleeping like one. This place is loud specially when they throw the dishes in those dirty black containers right in front of you! :P
(4)Jeff K.
Went with my girlfriend on an early Saturday afternoon, and the place was full. Apparently that is why the girl behind the counter acted as if we were lepers when we took a few extra moments to decide on our meals. I had buttery but heavy pancakes. My girlfriend had slightly soggy french toast. Maybe we ordered the wrong items, or maybe this place is just not our speed (for breakfast I would go to the Golden Apple on Lincoln and Wellington over this place any day.) Milk & Honey = sour staff and unremarkable breakfast. Hope you have a better experience.
(1)Annette J.
Thanks to the wonderful shops on Division I actually find myself in this area quite a bit on the weekends which means brunch at Milk & Honey is inevitable. And what a delightful inevitability! Everything I've had here has been great. From a really tasty array of rotating baked goods to the juevos rancheros. Brunch at Milk & Honey is just great. Despite such a great menu and daily pancake special I usually find myself ordering the orange brioche French toast. What can I say? I'm a sucker for brioche. And this French toast is out of this world good. A nice hint of orange topped with tasty toasted almond slivers and maple syrup? My idea of a good time! Also the portion is HUGE. You may be inclined to split it but for around $6 bucks an order you may want to hoard it all yourself so you can take the leftovers home. Pop it in a toaster to crisp it back up and you have a great second meal. Occasionally I make it a little too late for breakfast and I order myself a sandwich instead. The sandwiches are awesome. Tasty bread choices and a variety of fillers. Not to mention house made potato chips on the side. YUM! Their granola is also wonderful. They sell at a number of retail locations in Chicago but you can also buy the bags right there in the shop. A variety of flavors and even a reduced fat option means there's something for everyone in the granola department. They have a few cocktails on the menu should you want a beverage with your meal (the boozy lemonade is a favorite of mine) and their plain old unsweetened ice tea is one of my favorites in the city. A nice sized outdoor seating area is also available for people watching on a warm summer day. A few months ago they extended their hours to include a dinner service. I haven't tried it yet but I'm anxious to give it a go!
(4)Megan S.
Food was pretty good but the staff and owner were incredibly rude wouldn't go back. Places like this are a dime a dozen in the city they should have better attitudes its easy to go somewhere else.
(2)B J.
Cute little spot in friendly WP. Nice staff. Cozy fireplace. Good food and delicious teas and coffee. Great spot to relax and read or catch up with an old friend.
(4)Kellie W.
I've only been to Milk and Honey once, and I left feeling ambivalent. The ambiance was adequate, the food, a breakfast sandwich, was generally portioned but just O.K., taste-wise. The service was brisk, I wouldn't classify it as friendly, or necessarily rude either. The coffee and tea, however, were very, very good.
(3)Natalie B.
Best French toast in the world! The coffee and oj are great too.
(5)Ellen M.
I was hoping for breakfast, but alas, it was 12:01. No problem...they made me an excellent grilled vegetable salad with tahini dressing, plus some tomato basil soup. It was just how I love it - pretty well pureed, but not Andy Warhol smooth. Listen: you give me good soup, any culinary disappointment I've experienced in the past three months is wiped away. I'm good for another twelve weeks.
(4)Maram K.
I'm really sad to not have liked this place. The environment was very nice and it seemed like it had delicious food (I mean, it looked fantastic). I came here with my sister early morning before the crowd and we got our order in and a table. It became busy super fast (lots of STROLLERS, omg, kill me now) and when we got our food, I was so disappointed. It was bland and nothing special. I had some-type of pancake and it was a bit dry. I don't know if I was expecting too much since I was hoping to go here for sometime. Sis had the huevos rancheros and they were okay, but nothing different from other breakfast places. It was also a bit pricey. I finished my food and was hungry again rather quickly. Coffee was good at least.
(2)Christina L.
I truly love coming here, sitting outside enjoying the view of division or inside cozy by the fireplace.. The food is always great and I love the tea selection.. The granola is deadly and delicious.. However, this does not justify how terribly rude the staff is (except the bus boys- they are sweet as pie).. The staff at the counter is cocky, rude, extremely full of themselves and as far from hospitable as possible.. I've even had one of the girls roll her eyes at me.. Really? and it's not just one- it's every single counter person I've encountered.. I'm here atleast once or twice a week, one would think they'd show customers, especially loyal customers a little gratitude.. Unfortunately several of my friends and clients have had similar experiences.. They all need to just breathe it out.. Whatever is bothering you, close your eyes and take a nice deep uujayi breathe...
(2)Alice C.
BACKGROUND: I came here for one last Chicago brunch with my cousins before they move out of the country... *tear*. LIKES: - Huevos rancheros on the menu for the win! It comes casserole style though, which was interesting. It was actually pretty flavorful, and I didn't have to add any salt or seasoning. (Just hot sauce, but that's expected...) I think the only thing that could have improved this was adding chorizo. - Huge cups of coffee. Anyone who supplies caffeine in bulk is a friend of mine. - Side of bacon was $2.75 I think? BUT THERE WERE 5 PIECES, AT LEAST! Epic WIN. - I stole a few of the home made chips from my cousin's panini plate -- mmm! Not too greasy, either, which I've found to be the norm with most home made chips. - Cute decor, really clean too! GRIPES: - No egg white or Egg Beater substitutions for the huevos rancheros. I realize this is about as ironic as getting a Diet Coke with a Big Mac, but I am just used to getting egg whites since high cholesterol runs in my family, and I'm not ready to give up cheese yet... - Getting seated was a bit disorganized, so I could see how this place could become a clown show if it were really crowded. --- There are other cool things on the menu that I want to try, like orange brioche french toast and tuscan onion soup with parmesan croutons, so obviously, I'll have to come back! And PRO TIP - They only serve the huevos rancheros on weekends.
(4)Mayra H.
So this was another of my MIni-me & I's sunday explorations. So the only thing i didn't like was that i didn't realize you serve your own utensils and your own coffee, water, etc. (that was our first time there) beyond that i thought the food was really good. We had to try the french toast since it had such good reviews & it didn't disappoint. It was warm and toasted just enough to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside- it also had a hint of orange. Mini-me loved her breakfast sandwich.
(4)Liz O.
I've been here a few times (inside, outside, weekend, weekday, etc.). And I have not been crazy impressed. The food is good. But the set up is just weird. It's like they can't decide if they want to be sit-down or counter service. And frankly, due to that confusion they do a poor job of taking care of patrons. Just be counter service or sit down. Then serving costumers is easy. I've never had bad food. But given all the amazing other brunch places in the 'hood, it's not worth it to come here, and certainly not worth the wait.
(2)Aubrey T.
I went here hoping to get some good breakfast food. I was disappointed. I had the pancakes with carrot, granola, and cranberry. The pancakes wouldve been good if they were made properly and had more spices or something. By far the worst flavored pancakes ive ever had. The granola on top was a little burnt which made the pancakes even nastier. Try sweet maple leaf cafe (or something like that) in the UIC area. They know how to make a pancake. Mister had plain pancakes which were very thick and doughy. the food was so disgusting we could not finish....and we always finish. The scrambled eggs are baked and not made to order. So my nasty pancakes arrived with mushy cold eggs. Gross. will not go here again.
(1)Holly O.
i WANT to like this place. I want to love it, in fact. And their food is good - their decor/ambience - adorable. But the service sucks. I've been there 4 times now - and I get more disappointed each time. To be fair - I'm picky. I work in the restaurant industry. But service does matter! And my problem is not with the wait-to-be-seated part of things. My problem is not that it's crowded and that you and your friends might have to squeeze in amongst strangers once you finally get a seat. My problem is not with the get-your-own-utensils-and-water part of things - in fact, I think THAT part is genius. My problem is that the people behind the counter are not warm OR friendly - and don't really seem to want to make it a good experience for you. What a missed opportunity! This place could be perfect. My rating covers the dates of July 09 - Oct 09, so maybe this is just a lull in good service happening, but it's certainly impacting the business I am giving them (or not, as the case may be). I WILL say their oatmeal is delicious, their french toast is IMPRESSIVE, and their huevos rancheros, also good. I love, too, that they have quality grapefruit juice. Please Milk & Honey - let's work on the hospitality culture. I WANT to love you.
(2)Anna D.
I've been coming to Milk & Honey since they opened. One of my favorite places for brunch! Milk & Honey has some very delicious plates that I frequently catch myself craving. After trying the entire brunch menu, the Breakfast Panini and Huevos Rancheros have prevailed as my two favorites. The pancake recipe intermittently changes so there are yummy pancakes to try every season. Also, I am no granola connoisseur but their product is one of the best I've ever tried. One star deducted because the quality has decreased over the years. While I am not certain whether the fresh squeezed orange juice was always fresh squeezed, I am certain they now pour Costco's Valencia orange juice for three dollars a cup. Service may vary from day to day. But from my personal experience, the waitresses have been nice and accommodating. Milk & Honey is small and often crowded. Yet the waitresses are able to promptly seat guests and get food out pretty quickly. Even on the busiest weekends, the wait never exceeds half an hour. Overall, a hip place for brunch. A touch more expensive than the traditional brunch joint but worth the price and wait!
(4)Dana M.
One of my favorite spots to go for meeting a friend for a light yummy lunch! I like the Avocado, Smoked Gouda, Romaine and Tomato sandwich here.
(3)Sadat A.
Great food horrible horrible staff and manager. It sucks giving this place only 2 stars, because there food is some of the best on Division, when waking up hung over on Sunday and Saturday mornings. I lived next door to this place for a couple of years and recently moved to another area in the city. The staff is friendly ONLY to certain types of people. I feel that all of times Ive been there I've been treated different from everyone else. It got to the point with me just sending my girlfriend inside to order, and I would wait outside. I wont say more but you catch my drift. Don't forget this is just my opinion. Not urban friendly, but hipster, yuppie friendly. Great food - bad owners. Will not go back .
(2)Candice G.
The food takes a long time, is kind of pricey, and the ordering system is extremely stressful but I have to give the 4 stars based on the food. I'm not a huge fan of their desserts but that's what Letizia's down the street is for. There's always a line, whether you're picking up food to go or ordering to eat in for but they have lovely outdoor seating area in the warmer months and they serve a small but quality selection of drinks (of the alcoholic sort) to kick back and sip on whilst you wait. Their sandwiches are pricey but oh, so amazing. My partner in crime and I used to order 2 different sandwiches each time so we could each eat half of the other persons and argue over which of the sandwiches was the best food we'd ever tasted in our entire lives. It's a nice little brunch spot and a good treat once a month for a quick-splurge on lunch. PS- don't order the soups... they'll be delicious but even the large is thimble sized and not a very good value.
(4)Allison V.
I met a friend here for lunch. Cute and quaint. Tight seating with the tables and you need to wait in line which is right next to the tables. It was not a comfortable feeling for me while I was waiting to order or the customers sitting at the table. The lemonade is fantastic. There are a number of menu boards so it takes a few minutes to get yourself familiar with your surroundings and the procedure. Tables are first come first serve. Staff was super friendly. I had the Grilled Chicken with Bacon, Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomatoes and Bleu Cheese Spread on Ciabatta which was served with house made potato chips and a pickle. The sandwich was very good. The serving of chips was on the skimpy side and the pickle, was small. Make sure you like to sit next to others eating....like I said the space is on the small side. Bike parking out front.
(3)Katy S.
Milk and Honey has a very nice menu and is a cool cafe; however, the service was not good. The staff seemed annoyed to be taking my order. I was with a large group out to lunch from work. Despite telling them we needed to be back fairly quickly, they refused to bring plates out as they were ready and scolded us that we should have called ahead. I was disappointed.
(2)Brad C.
Ok there is a a lot of hype for this place and I guess for good reason. It is super tasty! I went early on one of the coldest days of the winter around 10am and there was still a wait of about 20 minute for a table. I did find the ordering before you sit down a little strange but it worked out. For breakfast I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, which had scrambled eggs, black beans, and cheese topped with tortillas and salsa all put together in a casserole dish. I am a huge fan of savory breakfast items and this hit the spot! Next time I might just get some things for take away and avoid the wait for the table. All the pastry items are great and very tasty coffee. With great food, good coffee and a friendly staff, I can see why Milk & Honey is always packed on the weekend.
(4)Peter D.
Firstly, this place is very good, and I am hopelessly addicted to their granola. However, I could not have a single entree on their breakfast menu when I went in there today because I'm allergic to dairy products. The problem was, instead of being accommodating (all I asked was if the could fry me a couple of eggs on the grill real quick without milk mixed in them) their response was that they can't vary at all from the menu, blah, blah blah. So I ended up with 2 hard boiled eggs, chicken sausage and toast. I own a business myself, and this is not good customer service in my opinion. I'm not going to be back until they make more of an effort than that, because they are making it pretty clear that they obviously don't want my business that badly.
(2)David S.
Offer very few items.
(3)Stephanie W.
Meh. Thoroughly mediocre. Milk and Honey has their system down to an art - you line up, look at a menu, place your order, and then loiter around with a number. The hostess seats you sometime between when you order and when your food arrives, and there's a posted sign asking patrons to kindly give up their tables as soon as they're done eating on the weekends because the small restaurant gets so busy. I get it, but I wasn't impressed by how unfriendly they were. The menu had a number of delicious-sounding things on it, though I wasn't particularly hungry and stuck with a bagel (mediocre), which still wasn't cheap. My friend's eggs looked good but not great and were also pretty expensive. I would consider coming back to Milk and Honey if I lived in the neighborhood, but I won't go out of my way.
(3)Louis G.
This is one of my all time favorite spots for a solid breakfast/brunch. The orange brioche french toast and chicken sausages are a great combo. The coffee is outstanding. I can't say much about the huevos rancheros; it just doesn't taste as good as others I've had in the city but to each his own. They are often bpretty busy but the staff is nice and we love to come here often when we can't think of a new place to try out and just want a great meal.
(5)Tom N.
nothing is wrong with this place. just it's very mediocre. very uninspired. my brother and i agreed nothing on the menu looked terribly interesting. so i had the caprese sandwich and coffee. my brother had a chicken club. his homemade chips were tasteless (like cardboard, he said, but i've never eaten cardboard). my sandwich had all of the right ingredients. but nothing popped. very plain-jane. and perhaps that is exactly what you (and my brother's roommate's ex) like. not for me (especially not in this neighborhood).
(2)Tammy M.
This is a great little spot if you just want to grab a quick bite to eat during the week, however I don't think that they should consider themselves a brunch place. You walk in, place your order at the counter and then you are given a number and a place to sit. Which I really appreciate that they don't make you fend for yourself when it comes to finding a seat. The food was really good and I'm more than satisfied with that! I was just expecting brunch with Mimosa's. When it was actually just extended hours for breakfast and the ability to order Huevos Rancheros. I would definitely go back, just not for weekend brunch.
(3)Steve M.
This food is bangin. SOLID breakfast fare, great pressed sandwiches, and yummy iced coffee. Ordering at the counter when it's crowded can be a real painus in the anus, but the ladies behind the counter are friendly with their customers. Plus, they have cool tattoos. Never sat outside, but it's something I'd like to do before the weather gets too cold.
(4)Juliet H.
Hands down my favorite breakfast/brunch place in the city. I've tired of waiting 45 minutes to an hour for breakfast at the Bongo Room. We are always seated within 5 to 10 minutes at Milk & Honey. It is efficient as a cafeteria but you feel like you are an European cafe. Everything is homemade, made with top-notch ingredients, from the homemade garlic pickles to the potato chips to the granola bars. The carrot cake is delectable, as are their pancakes. They are always willing to create a kid's size portion of pancakes for our son. If you are looking for a satisfying, healthy weekend breakfast spot without the wait, try Milk & Honey.
(5)Lisa S.
sooo there were a many things on the menu that i wanted to get! I finally narrowed it down to the house-made granola, vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit and the whole wheat wrap with hummus, feta, spinach, grilled eggplant, pickled red onion (without the red onion). I chose the wrap... I think i should have gone with the granola. I don't want to give milk and honey a bad review because i made a bad choice. I loved the atmosphere, eating outside on the sidewalk, and self service, get your own drinks dealio. I did not love the grilled eggplant. it was slimy. i will go back.
(3)Crissy K.
Love, love, love this place. It is about as pricey as you would expect for a yuppie cafe, though, so I am glad i don't live in the city, or I would go broke just coming here all the time. First of all, it is so cute, it's ridiculous. Even when it's crowded, the ambience is light, and even though you know it's packed, it doesn't FEEL packed. Somehow, they've got everything spaced out just right. Then there's the food (which is also cute). I've gone for both breakfast and lunch and loved both. Even though I am not really a french toast person, there was something irresistible sounding about the orange brioche french toast, and it really was delectable: sweet, but not overly so, with a welcome touch of something different, though (despite the name) I wouldn't call it citrus. The side of chicken sausage was reasonably priced and was enough to share. For lunch, I tried the crabcake sandwich. The sandwich was large and very savory, so again, I would definitely recommend sharing. I really liked how they used some kind of thin batter layer to keep the crabcake together: While it didn't necessarily look nice from the outside, it definitely helped to keep things a little neat as I bit into the sandwich! Oh, yeah, I love their granola. I live out of state but mail order it ALL THE TIME, as it is absolutely the best granola I have ever had. The blueberry walnut is my favorite, but they are ALL good. Service was really great both times I visited, both at peak and non-peak dining hours. The cashier was friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Marizza R.
I was really impressed by this little quaint spot. I can honestly say that everything was fresh. My mimosa, my turkey avocado sandwich and the nommy potato chips (freshly pulled from the fryer), superb. I left with a homemade, au natural Granola bar that was my filler meal for breakfast and lunch the following day. I am a fan of Milk & Honey and recommend that you stop in and grab a bite! Phenom!
(4)Melissa R.
I am actually ashamed that I have not yet written a review for one of my favorite eateries in the entire Chicago area. Shame on me. Milk & Honey is fantastic. I would say the big winner is their lunch menu, but I'm also a fan of the brunch. For brunch they have a pretty small menu, but they have something in all the regular categories (pancakes, bagels, eggs, french toast, etc.). However, what really steals the show in my mind is the yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola...so simple yet perfectly delivered here. It doesn't hurt that their granola is well known throughout Chicago and sold all over the place. Do I have some at home too? You betcha! The lunch menu is really where you can't go wrong. No matter what type of sandwich you like, there will be one (if not many) on the menu that will make you happy. My favorites are Ham and Havarti (hello pretzel roll!), Veggie, and Crabcake (ginormous). They all come with homemade potato chips and a delicious pickle. The restaurant itself is bright, airy, and has tons of natural light with simple decor. They also have a great patio out front that has tons of seating and plenty of people watching. The service is always good, never bad but not necessarily super warm and fuzzy. The prices are great, especially considering the quality and quantity that you get. I am a huge supporter and go here at least once a month...even though it is nowhere near my place. Totally worth each and every trip.
(5)Andre W.
After reading all the reviews and hearing the hype, I thought this place would make me give up Moonshine's brunch. NOT!!!!! I walked in and the line was to the door: Understandable! They did not offer us menus, so we had to look at the chalkboard where everything was written. I was hurried to order so I ordered something very basic (eggs & chicken sausage). My girl ordered the French toast with toasted almonds which was delicious. The girl who took my credit card seemed upset when I asked for a copy of the reciept (why wasn't it just given to me). The girl who was seating everyone seemed to have everything in order and was very patient with some of the attitude she was getting from the irritated customers waiting on seating. The fresh OJ was very good and my dish, eventhough very basic, was ok. We had to get our own silverware, napkins and to-go box. I thought it was funny we had to pay before we sat down and got our food. I guess they do that to keep you there and you won't be so fast to leave if they are taking too long to seat you Don't know if I will try this place again. When it comes to brunch on Division, Moonshine still runs the bingo!
(2)Jason H.
The place is ideal for brunch. If you don't have a waiting time they are very efficient about the food. Order at the counter and they bring the food to you fresh and fast. Atmosphere is a little busy but quite cozy. Perfect for a quick brunch. It is true the Huevos Rancheros are quite delish. Its cheap and comes in a huge bowl. mmmmm... FYI: The rush on the weekend we went started around 10AM. They open at 8.
(4)Elaine C.
Milk & Honey is my go-to place for brunch. I live nearby and always take people here when they are in town or I am having a lazy Sunday. Granted, I haven't been since its been cold so it might be a lot more difficult to get seated without the outdoor seating. 1-Its really quality food at a really reasonable price 2-The portions are gigantic 3-It's very neighborhoodly 4-The dishes are always fresh and interesting flavor combos. 5-The ambience is way cool. Old dishware, jars of honey, nice people. Love it here!
(5)Kayla B.
My roommate and I eat here at least once a week. Even though we live super close, we would travel from any point in the city to make it here. Everything is always delicious and the staff is friendly. Getting a table is nearly impossible on the weekend, so be prepared to stand around or get it to go.
(5)Brie Y.
Well, I just got to milk and honey, all the umbrellas and patio was set up with water outside along with the door open so I walked in. The girl was very rude saying they were not open and I had to leave, I asked if I can just wait inside an not order since it was 645 am and already 95 degrees outside, she said that's not allowed. Too bad I am having a business meeting otherwise I would have taken my money elsewhere. The last time I was in there they weren't too friendly either, maybe it's a wicker park thing!
(1)Annie W.
There are definitely better brunches in the city but M&H is good for something quick. Their star is the huevos rancheros. Unfortunately their baked items (cookies) and pancakes (we got the oatmeal) are pretty bland and dry. Service is fine, nothing mind-blowing. You line up to order your food and pay before sitting down at a designated table that the servers save for you.
(3)Richie D.
This just so happens to be one of those reviews that can be short and sweet due to its Yelp popularity. I'm sure you could find all my thoughts somewhere within those other 250+ reviews... But if not, I'll leave my Yelp footprint anyway: -Their ordering/seating process is "supposed" to be and look organized but just isn't. -On a weekend day for brunch, get there early, early, early, even before the crowd who left the bars before 12 am. -The silverware, napkins, water, iced tea, sugar and honey are all self-serve. I do give compliments to the two flavored ice teas. -Their Orange Brioche French Toast with Toasted Almonds sounds better than it actually is. I found it to have no orange hint and a bit dry requiring me to drench it in syrup. Quantity is not always equal to quality in this instance. -Prices are very reasonable. -The interior is pretty blah other than having different colored walls. Although the extra set of doors that every customer who arrives stares at for a millisecond to see if it's the entrance, are probably nice during the summertime. And said.
(3)Kristin R.
I have dos palabras para ustedes: HUEVOS RANCHEROS. Seriously dude, the huevos rancheros are to die for!! My one complaint about this place is that you have to order at the counter and then just stand there until a table becomes available. I personally prefer to be waited on, and found it a little stressful that we all ordered and then had to just chill there, lurking over this poor table while they were trying to enjoy their own huevos rancheros! Also, we were meeting a friend so it didn't really work right because we ordered, they were late, then we ended up getting our food before they even ordered. I think typically the staff tries to time everything out, so the fact that we were served so far in advance was a mistake they apologized for, but it was still annoying. They had really good coffee as well. I ordered a vanilla latte and enjoyed every ounce of it. They don't have a TON of selection, nor did it seem they had your typical bacon, eggs and toast variety. If you did want that, you would have had to order a bunch of sides. That = pure lameness. Luckily, the huevos rancheros had my name on it and I would come back here for brunch so long as I got here before the crowds started up, just to avoid the wait. Also, a long time ago I bought some cinnamon donuts here, which were also pretty bomb. Highly recommend those little sweet nuggets. Other than that...oh they had a nice outdoor seating area as well. Too bad we are about to enter the blistering cold months here in Chicago, but I'll have to put this on my to do list for when the weather starts to cheer up a bit.
(4)Annie N.
Maybe I'm a fat ass? but let me just start out by saying I think their portion could have been a little bit bigger. I got the Panini with Scramble eggs, bacon, cheddar and tomatoes, and I left a big hungry. Never happened before with me and brunch. But maybe, just maybe, Milk and Honey was trying to send me a message about my brunching habit - overly greasy harsh-brown and bacon and extra toasts and 3 egg omelet, and coffee with err.... you know, 4 half and half please! Ok so not maybe, I am a fat ass. So thank you, Milk and Honey, for not only a tasty breakfast sandwich with great ambiance but also a friendly nicely done message. The inside was simple but yet so perfect! We sat near the fireplace once in the winter and we did not want to leave (despite the angry looks from other customers wanting our spots). I have been here various times and they NEVER failed to impress me. It gets crowded, and you order the food at the counter, then they will bring it out for you. They have very sufficient staffs, hence the wait is never more than 20 minutes, and I have only been here on weekends. Good coffee as well. I tried their Huevos Rancheros once and it was very tasty, but from now on, I will stick with the sausages... i meant granola and yogurt for brunch!
(4)Paula L.
I've gone by this place a dozens time and finally tried it. My boyfriend & I each had the crabcake sandwich. It's wasn't the best and it wasn't the worst. I was very disappointed in the cookie/cakes/brownie/cupcake counter. Everything looked incredible, but the glass door to the dessert case was left wide open. There were bugs flying in & out. I don't understand why some restaurants do that. The outdoor seating area is nice, but there are a bunch of places up & down Division that have outdoor seating. I'll visit one of those places before coming back here.
(3)Heidi S.
Delicious food: Butternut squash lasagne and a blood orange mimosa. You can't ever go wrong with the special there. Casual atmosphere, amazing food!
(5)Colleen R.
The food deserves four stars, but this place is outta control. It seems to have become a favorite of parents who think discipline stifles their kid's self-esteem. I don't mind stepping around a stroller or two, but come on. It is never the right time to listen to someone else's kid scream its lungs out, but especially not on a Sunday morning before I've ingested any coffee. I know this isn't technically Milk and Honey's fault, but the clientele they tend to attract is worth noting. There's also no structure to the ordering process. They seem to have twenty people behind the counter, but no hostess directing people where to wait. The counter service seems to throw some people for a loop, especially when they get busy and there's just a mass of people standing in the middle of the dining room waiting to order. If you think of this place as a coffee shop with delicious food and coffee, you're not likely to be disappointed. Relaxing brunch, though, it ain't.
(3)Pab Y.
Don't bother to go to this place! Service is sub par! They make you stand in line to order and then sit you in very small tables and expect YOU to grab your own coffee, silverware, etc....On top of this, the staff is very rude, and they seem to have NO motivation to treat you well. When I was there it was like 40 degrees outside and they decided the keep the door open because the owner (an old lady) said it was too hot close to the kitchen - meanwhile, I and a few other people that were sitting close to the door were freezing! I asked several employees including the owner to close the darn door but they REFUSED to do so! And to top it off, food was mediocre. Don't bother to try this place, just go one block east to Prasino - what a difference!
(1)Jamie M.
YES! This is the spot for granola in CHI! Cozy fireplace, excellent staff, out of control food- best breakfast & lunch in WP!
(5)Loran S.
Went here for the first time this past weekend. Had the huevos rancheros and pecan banana waffles. Both were terrific! They have tons of vegetarian options, which is a huge plus for me. While I know half of the appeal is the small and low-key setting, the tables were teeny-tiny, and it felt a little cramped. I'm sure if I had sat outside on the patio my whole experience would have been different. Don't let the cramped feel stop you from eating there though--it was superb!
(4)Ela G.
Ymmm, you surprised me last weekend Milk and Honey....I thought surely my moodiness at Owen and Engine's decision to no longer serve brunch on Saturdays would make every subsequent attempt at a good morning futile. Thankfully upon instructions that the wait was only about 15 minutes, I proceeded to Division toute suite! 20 minutes later, I was ordered and patiently sitting at my lovely indoor table. Last time I visited, the Huevos Rancheros in their own individual casserole dish were, GASP, sold out! To my happiness, they were still plentiful so we ordered one and the Belgian Waffle with berries and whip cream... the Huevos Rancheros are delicious, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. The waffle was good, but I enjoy a crispy outside soft inside waffle, and this one was more chewy, gummy. Despite the gumminess, the berries and ample whip cream and butter made things a-ok. This plus the giant cups of coffee, and I was a happy camper.
(4)Mari Y.
Not only does it have a cute and intriguing breakfast-y name, the origins of Milk and Honey make you want to visit everyday to support your local business. The sandwiches on the main board don't change but the specials behind the long line to the order counter do. I've been to Milk and Honey several times and had the pleasure of sampling a number of their sandwiches. Now, if only their customer service was as good as their sandwiches. I dunno if the people taking the orders behind the counter are perennially stressed out/tired/running around crazybusy but their consistent stank attitude almost makes me want to get out of line and deal with the 10 page menu at Jerry's deli. Good homemade chips, ultra hot pickles.
(3)Daniel R.
Delicious breakfast food! I've been here twice and eaten the huevos rancheros both times. The ingredients are so flavorful, I don't know what kind of black beans they use, but they have a full black bean flavor that the stuff I use at home doesn't hold a candle to. Oh, and the pastries, my god the pastries!!
(5)Briana S.
Great Place to get a healthy breakfast been there once & I will definitely be back! Great customer service also, I love the vibe I got here they were playing Erica Badu Album very calming & mellow little dim but the sun from the beautiful day helped :)
(5)AJ N.
Stopped by here recently with my mother for a weekend lunch. Overall, I was fairly impressed. It's in an area on Division that's been gentrified a LOT in the last ten years. The menu very much reflects this (lots of complicated sandwiches that sound shi-shi but are actually pretty straight forward), but I was surprised at how reasonably priced everything was. The Mother and I each had a sandwich and warm drink, and I had a large bowl of soup, and it shook out to under $25. Which, for the area, is surprisingly decent. I will say the food was also quite good. It seemed fresh and everything was made to order. I also quite like that they have a water station near the register so that you can get as much as you want, whenever you want, with as much (or little) ice as you'd like. It's a small thing but something that made my dining experience better. I'd definitely go back! Especially for a drink and a read next to the fireplace.
(4)Casey S.
I live a 2 minute walk from here and come frequently. I've been at least 10 times. My roommate likes it a lot and I used to go through the menu trying something new never really finding anything that wowed me. Until last week. Their avocado sandwich is amazing. It is so good. The smoked gouda is so flavorful. They put ample avocado on, the bread is spot on and the mustard, delicious. The chips that come with it are great as well. I've always loved the atmosphere and now that I have found my dish here they have won me over. I recommend this place and if you like avocado, definitely try the avocado sandwich.
(4)Brian N.
Among brunch places, I wouldn't say this one is the best in town but it's definitely a place that has a little something for everyone. It's a good neighborhood spot but not a place that I would drive across town for. Enjoyed the huevos rancheros which are served in a layered casserole dish. Nice comfort brunch. The winner here is the outdoor dining space in the summer time, which is really nice.
(3)Anli C.
The service here is confusing. Get in line, order, and find yourself a seat. Okay I get it. But after waited for over 20 minutes, our order just magically disappeared. It's nice of the waitress to bring us a bowl of fruits for the inconvenience, but it'll be much nicer if the fruits were fresh. All service chaos aside, the orange brioche and blueberry pancake we ordered were just mediocre. Three stars it is.
(3)Ed J.
This place definitely grew on me, i like the sugar donuts, and i like that they open early enough for me to be able to go before work. Their granola is decent, coffee is great. Customer service is ok. Nice patio.
(3)Jessica S.
My experience here was limited to a tasty latte flavored with cardamom rose water syrup (get this!). The space was light and airy, complete with a fireplace for wintertime coziness and a pleasant swath of sidewalk seating. I didn't order brunch, but the menu items were intriguing (a coconut fresh toast particularly caught my eye). But, I can absolutely see where Sarah S. is coming from with her comment: "If only the feminists who serve you weren't so ANGRY!" The one drawback that I encountered during my, again very limited, time spent at Milk & Honey.
(4)Lauren M.
Can't say enough good things about milk & honey. It's become a part of my weekend routine. Always fresh, always tasty. Depending on my mood I'll either get the yogurt and granola or the Amish chicken.
(5)Gina S.
I came back for lunch here and got a crab cake sandwich and WOW. I literally licked my fingers afterward, even though I had just petted a labrador retriever outside. Minus one point still for a bee problem? There were a significant enough amount of bees in the outdoor seating area that myself, my group, and another pair had to move inside. Coming back for lunch soon!
(4)George M.
Everyone knows the food here is spectacular. Nothing else needs to be said. Don't think twice. Stop in and EAT and feel better. If it's warm and the outdoor patio is empty grab a seat and enjoy.
(5)Amy R.
I was heading to get my haircut at the Winchester Club across the street and with plenty of time before my 11am appointment, decided to swing in to Milk & Honey for a quick late breakfast. The menu is not enormous, but it covers enough bases that there's something for everyone. I was feeling sweet, so I got the waffle (flavor of the day was banana pecan!) I also ordered a side of their chicken sausage just to try, and a large cardamom rose water latte. The gal who took my order was friendly, helpful, and polite. I got my silverware, found a table, and waited. Another equally lovely young woman came and brought me my latte, which was scalding hot and impossible to try at first, which was difficult because it smelled SO GOOD. After a short wait, my food arrived. The waffle was bright and fresh smelling and adorably adorned with banana slices, pecan bits, and powdered sugar. My chicken sausage was two links of delish, slightly spicy, mega flavorful goodness. It was cooked exactly right, and had that characteristic snap upon biting into it. I drizzled syrup all over my waffle and dove in. It too, was absolutely delightful. Light, crisp, fluffy on the inside. I was stuffed when I finished my meal. Then when I returned to my latte, I learned cardamom rose water is approximately the MOST DELICIOUS FLAVOR on the planet. Where does one find such a syrup and purchase it?! All of my coffees will taste completely inferior until I can return. The menu isn't exactly revolutionary or crazy, and I didn't have to fight the weekend crowd, but I adored Milk & Honey, and will happily return for fresh, simple brunch served fast, and accompanied by amazing rose water lattes. Amazing.
(4)Soo K.
The restaurant is so adorable! Presentation amazing! Staff sweet and helpful. Food taste, ok. I got the waffles and a side of 2 scrambled eggs and Matt got the burrito, and they were all good, nothing special. They open up doors and windows, great spot for outdoor dining or to enjoy the weather. Visit my blog for more!
(3)Stacey L.
Milk & Honey is...fine. The space was cuter and the food prettier than the food's actual taste deserves. I had the orange brioche french toast and it was decent but if I hadn't read orange on the menu I'd have no idea that was supposed to be a flavor. The portion was gigantic, but since the dish was kind of whatever I wasn't pumped that I had leftovers. My friend got the bagel & lox - not my jam, but I did try a bite and everything was fresh and crunchy. His girlfriend got the huevos rancheros - the cheese on top looked incredibly tasty, and it's enough to feed two people, but there was a watery pool of liquid at the bottom of the bowl that just didn't look appetizing at all. There's nothing wrong with Milk & Honey per se, but I just wasn't that impressed. I do still kind of want to try their citrus & lavender sandwich cookies, though. I can't help but be an eternal optimist.
(3)Melanie W.
What a great place! We enjoyed the best Mojito in town, high quality tapas and last, but not least a wonderful service from Steve, who not only loves, but owns his job. We would and will definitely come back.
(5)Olivia P.
Got a chai latte. Pretty good. The barista seemed like she was a little tired but she was still very quick and made the drinks really well.
(4)Stoo P.
We were staying in Chicago as part of our honeymoon trip and staying with a couple through AriBnB just off W. Division. They told us that this place was good so we thought we would check it out. It was Brunch time and on a Sunday too and it was incredibly busy which could only be a good thing really. We ordered Huevos Rancho and a Panini and they were both amazing. Really good non-greasy food which we were very thankful for. I can't comment on how well this place operate any other time of the day as it was our only visit but we can definitely recommend the brunch if that's what you are looking for.
(4)John G.
This place is great. Friend of mine in Chicago recommended it for a quick brunch and fell in love immediately. Came back a 2nd time with a gal who enjoyed it just as much. Parking is street so be warned around the time we came for Brunch (11:30ish) can be a lil hard to find close spots (luckily we walked living close by). Place was booming but luckily didn't take too long to order and be shown our seats after ordering from the line. For myself I ordered the Panini with scrambled egg, bacon, cheddar and tomato. Damn good might I say. Lady ordered Orange Brioche French Toast. that comes topped w/ toasted almonds, toasted walnuts and brown sugar . Now that thing was bliss on a plate! *Drool. Being motivated by her selection I decided to add on the Buttermilk granola pancake flavor du jour. At that time the flavor was strawberries and pecans. Add some powdered sugar and you got MMMMMM written all over it. There was not one thing we ordered that left me disappointed. Scenery was a cozy coffee shop esque place with out door and indoor seating to fit your mood and the weather. Service was adequate no complaints. Environment was enjoyable. If youre looking a a good breakfast/brunch in the city, you'll be satisfied selecting this place. I intend to go again. If only it were 24hrs opened aaaah but a boy can only dream. Cheers!
(5)Amanda C.
Twice I've been here and twice I was a happy camper. It's a busy place but they have great, fresh food. I do think it's a little pricy but the quality of food and area your in, its expected. I had the carrot curry soup and half sandwich (portabello). The soup was delicious!! Really didn't know what to expect but I was glad when I tasted it!!! The sandwich was great, I made a poor choice in getting something with goat cheese which was my fault but the sun dried tomato and portobello was a nice combo. My friend really enjoyed her chicken sandwich. My mom ordered a roast beef sandwich which she dogged (she's not a huge eater, so I was surprised when she ate the whole sandwich). We shared a carrot cake for dessert. It was yummy but again, pricy. I like the overall feel of the place- very warm. We got to sit by the fireplace which was nice on a chilly day.
(4)David C.
After walking by this place several times, the stars finally aligned and we came here for brunch at around noon on a Saturday. It seemed a little bit disorganized when we entered. We looked around for someone to help explain to us what the ordering process was (find a table, then order? Get assigned a table, then order? Order, then find a table?) and a hostess finally found us, gave us a number, and have a suggestion of where we might sit. She was definitely friendliest out of any of the service we received here. We ordered at a counter and the woman who took our order could not have seemed less enthused to have to take our order/interact with us at all. Honestly, she made me feel like I was being a nuisance or inconveniencing her for placing an order. Sorry you work at a restaurant and I'm here to pay! We seated ourselves and waited for our food. While waiting, I observed that there really isn't any interesting theme or decor here. Somehow, the whole place felt kind of drab, unenthusiastic, and uninspired to me--just like the staff who work here. Kind of off putting for me. The food arrived and I did enjoy my selection of huevos rancheros. It wasn't outstanding, but the portion size was really big. I can't complain about that! We also split a Nutella hot chocolate and I noted that even though it was good, it didn't really taste much like Nutella. As we ate, we noticed that the tables to our left and right were similarly nonplussed about their experience. Overall, I would probably come back for the food because there were a lot of other menu items that looked good.
(2)Rachel B.
Love the outdoor dining option for breakfast. The wait was relatively short, given it was a busy Sunday morning. Food came out quick and if you're starving, you can grab a pastry while you wait. They have plenty of vegetarian options. I also limit my dairy intake. I got the panini and omitted the bacon and cheese and added avocado. It was decent, but bland (not their fault).
(4)Dana B.
It was a beautiful day so we opted for the patio. We ordered and the hostess was in a terrible mood. She seem flustered and the wait staff never acknowledged our presence. The food was luke warm like it had sat there and people that came after us received their food before we did. Despite the service the food was fairly decent. Catch it on a less busy day.
(3)Lindsay M.
This is an excellent brunch spot in Wicker Park. Their menu features sweet and savory breakfast plates and a great variety of sandwiches. Today I had the portobello and goat cheese sandwich as a wrap with a side salad. Love that they don't up charge for healthy choices! My friend had the Huevos rancheros which we were told is the most popular item. Mine was fantastic - perfect amount of goat cheese so it didn't over power the mushroom. It also was stuffed with roasted red peppers that added some nice crunchy texture. Hers was good, just basic she said. They have a pleasant cafe beverage menu and of course mimosas. The blood orange mimosa was our choice. And a good choice it was. It is a fairly busy brunch spot. Although the quaintness is what makes it so special, you often have to wait for a table. Schedule some wait time into your schedule. Their outdoor patio is pretty small - it was going to be a 30 min wait to sit outside so we just ate inside. The pricing is right - breakfast for under $10 with drinks for under $20. The only reason they lost a star for me is that their process is confusing. When you walk in (you must have your whole party there) you'll put your name in for a table, maybe get seated or put on a wait list, then go to the counter to place your order, sit down and your food will be delivered to you. No one comes by to check on you. No one tells you whether or not you are to clear your own plates. And they don't tell you that water is self service - would be good to know as you can't see it on the bar from behind the counter. All of which we figured out - but would have been nice to have instruction.
(4)Yabi C.
If you are an eat-in customer, behold! Milk and Honey is a close to perfect place to eat without producing too much waste. From an eco viewpoint: Positives: All of Milk and Honey's food is served on washable dish ware with silverware. They serve butter in a small dish that is also reusable. Their baked goods are behind glass, instead of encased in plastic wrap, and they have a recycling bin. Negatives: As far as eating in, their coffee counter could be updated. Milk and Honey should offer large containers containing the drink fixins instead of the hundreds of single serving sugar options they provide. Besides that, the cafe used white paper napkins, and serves them automatically with everything that comes out of the kitchen. For their to-go containers, they offer recyclable plastic. Please consider switching a few of your practices to more sustainable, less wasteful products. There are many new more responsible containers to use as to-go containers, recycled paper napkins, and sugars can be served from a large package instead of a ton of single serving bags. I look forward to seeing your company change for the better! Your neighborhood will appreciate it!
(2)Katharine T.
Had brunch with a friend, wish I had been more impressed. Cafe style, sort of. Order and pay at counter, hostess assigns you a number and a table. Food then brought out to you. Because of this you don't really get any wait service to speak of. When our food arrived my friend asked for hot sauce but we were told to go get it ourselves up at the counter. Fine but annoying. The glass my mimosa was served in was dirty and had lip prints on it, when I told a staff member to please get me a clean glass they looked at me like I was a complete idiot. So the service isn't great. Might as well just have this be a full on cafe where you pick your food up at the counter too when your number is called since the staff clearly don't want to bring you hot sauce or take care of a dirty dish they bring to you, or refill your water or check on you .... Food is beyond mediocre. I had the portobello, pepper and goat cheese on grilled ciabatta. The portobello was way way over seasoned with dried thyme. That is a strong herb and basically ruins a dish every time it's over used. I picked my sandwich apart and barely ate it. Without the thyme the sandwich would have been fine. The house chips served with it were unimaginative and without salt. Friend ordered a plate of scrambled eggs and a side of chicken sausage. She loves the sausage, I thought it was OK, but pretty under seasoned. She basically didn't eat her eggs. The mimosas were not bad, not great. Considering this is a $20 cab ride out of my way I would never go here again. Maybe other food items are better. If service was a little friendlier and I lived in the area, I might try them 1 more time. But since I don't live nearby I'll never go back and based on my experience cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(2)Jake C.
This place never disappoints. The sandwiches are always excellent. They make a good latte too. I love the patio in the summer.
(5)Kateryna G.
This place is across the street from my apartment, so I've been a few times, usually when I'm in a hurry to go anywhere else. My go to is their huevos rancheros, which are very heavy, so it's a good choice after a night of heavy drinking. The rest of the menu is fairly mediocre. I've had their crab cake sandwich before, which was bland, and their tuna melt was more of a tuna sandwich, since the cheese wasn't melted at all and the abundance of tomatoes made the entire thing too soggy. Your every meal there also comes with a side of bad attitude as the workers at Milk&Honey don't seem interested in working there. Overall: an okay place for brunch, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there because of bad service and average menu
(3)Alexis K.
I want to love this place so much! But as someone who works from home often, and is always looking for a change of scenery to work, not having wifi is just a big no-no. Why did they make the decision not to have it, I wonder? While this is a restaurant in some elements (has a kitchen, serves full breakfast menu items and lunch menu items) it is a seat yourself, take a number, CAFÉ. Not a full service restaurant. So while maybe their intent is to have it be a place where people come just to eat, calling it a café is a little misleading. I thought it would be more of an espresso and coffee place, with obviously wifi. That being said it is really cute and the menu items look tasty. Unfortunately, my laptop, latte and myself are packing up and leaving ;( Please get wifi milk and honey? I want to love you!
(2)Gemma C.
I had high expectations of M&H but was sorely disappointed. The service was ok but the food was BAD. We ordered the Grilled Panini with Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Cheddar and Tomato. What we got was a lukewarm sandwich of which the bread had only been shown a heat source (it went nowhere near a grill) with ONE slice of bacon and two giant pieces of uncooked, straight-from-the-refrigerator, watery tomato. Blergh. The scrambled egg was ok and the cheddar unmemorable. Needless to say neither of us finished it. That combined with a weak, lukewarm cappuccino which took ages to come, really did not make for a nice breakfast. I would have complained and asked for my money back but it was so chaotic in there, I just couldn't face trying to track down a member of staff. And to top it off? We order two sliced of quiche to go when we ordering/paying as they looked nice. We got home and the pastry underneath was raw. Not just under-cooked, RAW. Of course they went straight in the trash. After ending up hungry, without lunch and nearly $40 poorer we won't be going here again
(1)Jason P.
Great place for breakfast! French toast is amazing, but so is everything else I've had there. There can be a wait but the line moves fairly fast!
(5)Michael V.
Went on a Wednesday morning with a friend, no problem getting our order placed and seated right away. We shared the speciality pancakes of the day (ricotta cheese and blueberries) and the breakfast panini. Pancakes were really good! The ricotta cheese was surprisingly a great topping. The blueberries were few and far between though and kind of an after thought. They should have been put in the batter. Panini was really good but it's definitely something you could make at home. Good place! Good food and nice outdoor seating for the summer. Tips: water is self serve and you order at the counter before getting a table. Just read the signs by the counter if you're confused.
(4)Farhad S.
Just moved in to the area and could not be happier to find this place. Great service, delicious food and very affordable. 2 adults and a baby with drinks- $30. Not bad at all
(5)Ammir G.
This place is alright. It's more of a to go place. The way it works is that you stand in line at a cash register, order what you want and then either wait to the side or go sit down somewhere and they bring it to you. We ordered the pancakes and orange brioche Fenwick toast. The pancakes were good, the looked like they were buttermilk pancakes, which was nice. I was satisfied with what I got. However, the orange brioche French toast was very dry. It's usually covered in sliced almonds, I wasn't a fan of that. Other than that this wasn't too special. If you are after French toast, I would recommend "JAM" by Logan square. They had the best French toast I've ever had. There was also another place called "toast" which also looked promising.
(3)Shirley W.
Very clean and cute cafe. I came here with a friend Sunday afternoon. You order and they give you a number and just take a seat. They will bring the food to you. It could get a little crowded, so carry out wouldn't be a bad idea. I got their crab cake with chipotle sauce. Their chips are home made I think so I enjoyed that. My friend got a turkey Ruben and it was filled with meat, he was happy. They serve intelligentsia coffee which is my favorite coffee type of coffee! They also have some cute desserts. I spent about $13, my meal and latte. I would totally come back. There are paid street parking and free street parking.
(5)Chris C.
Great brunch spot and I am honestly surprised that they do not have more stars. Lots of young families so get there early. Very cute vibe and the huevos ranchero casserole is incredible. Def recommend it!
(4)Marco R.
Milk and honey used to be amazing. My meal was terrible. The black berms were from a can. My eggs were almost powdery, as if made by someone with no experience scrambling eggs.. and the chicken sausage, nearly inedible. This was a weekend and perhaps there is weekend chef who is not as competent. I was severely disappointed.
(2)Danielle R.
I've given Milk & Honey multiple chances to win me over and it sadly falls short each time! It's really too bad because it has a great name, location, and potential! On my first trip I met a work colleague here for a working lunch and, aside from the somewhat high price of our meal, enjoyed the food. The ambiance was nice and, as I said above, it's in an incredible location! They even have nice outdoor seating in warm weather. On my second trip here I ordered lunch and a coffee drink before settling in to get some work done... not so much! Unfortunately I didn't realize that this cafe/coffee shop does not offer wifi to their patrons which is a bit odd. Secondly, the service has been subpar on both occasions with a slight feeling of passive anger in the employees. The nicest person during both trips was the kitchen runner who brought my food! (I'm so sorry that my questions about what is in a drink that has no description is ruining your day!) Overall, this won't be a place I'll stop into again. I'm sure there are other more friendly, tasty, and wifi-providing cafes nearby that I can frequent.
(2)Eric L.
It's a hip breakfast cafe with a limited menu. The brioche french toast was pleasant, but I wish they had a few more menu options from which to choose. The single person serving and taking orders can be overwhelmed at peak times.
(3)Christopher T.
Really awesome vibe and service but not wowed by the food, not disappointed though either. Got the crab cake on baguette. It came out really presentable. Not enough seasoning and the crab cake absorbed too much oil. Just a notch too bland. Even the chips needed salt or pepper. Good menu overall but the crab cake isn't special.
(3)Andrew C.
My friends and I went here for brunch today. The weather was beautiful and we wanted to eat outside, so we called in advance to ask if an outdoor table was available. Someone told us that they had available outdoor seating, and to come over. When we arrived, we were told that there would be a fifteen minute wait on outdoor seating. No big deal...we'd wait. They suggested we place our orders and pay beforehand to save time. After waiting ten minutes, a host told us that they were no longer seating customers outdoors because it was going to rain. We had already spent money so we couldn't leave. The weather was still beautiful so we wanted to chance it. We asked the host if we could speak to the owner. The owner came out and told us that "their radar" said that it was definitely going to rain and there was nothing she could do. She wasn't sympathetic to the fact that someone told us that she would seat us outdoors only ten minutes earlier. Sure enough, during the hour and a half that we ate at the restaurant (plus for several hours afterwards) it did not rain a drop. Don't go to this place. We felt bamboozled into eating there. The food was somewhere eating bad and mediocre (huevos rancheros were gross, the sandwiches were fine). A server spilled orange juice on me and said "at least it wasn't coffee". Anyway, I rarely write reviews on Yelp and I must admit I find it annoying when people give negative reviews for service alone, but these were exceptional circumstances. Sure, the food is palatable. But the service is bad. Everyone seemed irritated to interact with us from the start. If you don't want to run the risk of having your afternoon completely ruined, I'd steer clear of Milk and Honey.
(1)Myranda Z.
Always great food and a friendly staff. One of my favorite spots. Outside seating wonderful. Coffee perfect.
(5)Dana O.
Love this place. The food is so fresh and made to order. Awesome coffee and I have yet to order something I don't like.
(5)Claire S.
Planning on going back soon to try the savory sandwiches. Boyfriend had the orange brioche french toast, and I had the toffee banana waffle and a coffee. Orange brioche french toast looked amazing--I have never seen brioche slices that large! It was really sweet and slightly tangy (and crunchy from the almonds), but most of the crust seemed inedible to me. My waffle was good--there were bananas in the waffle batter and on top of the waffle, and the toffee pieces on top melded well with the bananas. The coffee was delicious and there were free refills. We were a little confused about the ordering/seating because it was our first time there. I think I was supposed to let a server know we were there, but I ordered our meal at a counter. I guess I'm still confused. The place is clean, well-lit, and you can get your own refills on coffee or water whenever you like. 1/2 star docked for the crust that seemed burned on the french toast, and 1/2 star docked for my confusion with ordering/seating. If you like a sweet and simple brunch, check Milk & Honey out!
(4)Sarah S.
If only the feminists who serve you weren't so ANGRY! I'm a feminist. I like lunch/brunch sandwiches. All things considered, this experience should go off without a hitch! Food is very good and coffee is good. Would recommend carrying it out over eating inside (to avoid contact with the service).
(4)Syretta H.
I wanted to really like this place, I've passed it on numerous occasions on my way to KChula which is down the street. I always see people waiting in line and I've always said to myself, "Self, I need to try this place"....and yesterday I did.... After a failed attempt to eat at another popular restaurant (long story), I ended up at Milk & Honey, remembering my note to self above. We got there right before breakfast ended, so my mom ordered the breakfast panini. My daughter and I ordered lunch- me, the crab cake sandwich and my daughter the grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was bomb.com . I should have ordered that...because that crab cake sandwich was spicy and flavorless. I didn't even finish one half of the sandwich. Best thing about this place were the huge chocolate chip cookies. Also, try the oatmeal, cherry and toffee cookie...to die for and totally worth the $2.42.
(2)Marybelle L.
The food was beyond delicious! We shared many plates and not a single complaint! The (amish) chicken sandwich with blue cheese and roasted tomatoes was exceptional. The chicken was tender, the bread was perfect. BLTs can often be humdrum, but this one was amazing, The bread was nice and thin... the thick delectable bacon made the sandwich. Oh...and this may sound crazy but the pickles are the best I'd ever had. Dill .... but a bit sweet, not bread and butter sweet.... just right in the middle. PERFECT! Loved every bit of our meal. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Customer I.
I've been here several times for coffee and other treats. Came here this time for a light lunch on my brother's birthday. Food was OK. Server had a total attitude. Service matters to me and if you can't get it together to be friendly and polite then you can count us out.
(2)Andrew B.
Submediocre breakfast/lunch cafe: don't see how it stays open with so many better options around. First of all, they stop serving breakfast food at 12:00, which is strange for a cafe like this. Nevertheless, I ordered a BLT and soup with a latte to drink. The latte was nothing special, pretty watery and definitely wouldn't get me back if I were just passing by and needed a quick caffeing hit. The BLT was more like an LT: there were two little slice of bacon on it with three giant tomato silces and a tree-full of lettuce. The potato chips on the size were a bit burnt tasting and unsalted. Black bean soup was actually the best food item I had. Overall, I was wholly unimpressed. This would be an OK place to duck into if you live or happen to find your self in the immediate vicinity and a giant hailstorm has knocked out the power to all of the other area restaurants except Milk and Honey, but don't go out of your way to try Milk and Honey cafe.
(2)Kate K.
If you're looking for a chicken sandwich, look no further. Their grilled Amish chicken sammie is one of the best I've ever eaten. The ciabatta bread is always crisp, yet full of moisture at the same time. If I lived in Wicker Park, I'd eat there 5 times a week.
(5)Teresa C.
I love the sandwiches here and their potato chips! It's a great place for brunch, and I have not experienced bad customer service described in other reviews (been here at least 5 times now). My favorite is the House Made Herb-Crusted Roast Beef (With lettuce, tomato and radish slaw on toasted ciabatta), but I also love ordering from their specials menu (on a chalkboard on the wall right above the cash register). I have yet to venture beyond sandwiches (other than a quinoa salad), so I can't speak to the rest of the menu. I also love the way Milk & Honey is decorated and set-up. There are a vase with flowers on every table, and overall, it's seems like a friendly neighborhood cafe!
(4)Jae Z.
We walked a few minutes prior to 2:30 on a Saturday. Recognizing they were nearing the end of their brunch service, I asked for a side of grits, figuring this wouldn't be too complicated. 'We are no longer serving brunch,' I was told. It'd be nice if this place actually committed to their posted times.
(1)Jessica P.
A really cute little breakfast/brunch place. I went in the afternoon on a Friday and it wasn't crowded at all, but I could see why the weekend mornings would be a tight squeeze. The place is tiny but airy. My ham and harvati on a pretzel bun was delicious, and my friend had only good things to say about her spicy black bean burger. We definitely want to go back for breakfast, as their breakfast menu looked much more fun than their limited lunch menu. They have a patio area for the warmer months which looked nice. Prices were reasonable and it's in a really cute area of Wicker Park. Check it out if you're in the area, but like some other reviews said, I would only go slightly out of my way to eat here.
(4)David T.
Today, May 28, 2015 I stood in the cafe (next to the place where one would order) and was completely ignored. The hostess looked me right in the face and said nothing to me. I'm not saying that it's because I am a black man but it's curious because I was the only person of color in the establishment at the time. It's a real shame to leave a place feel g like you have been a victim of what I call "quiet racism" in a neighborhood I have lived in my entire life. Ironically that means that I have been in the neighborhood longer than Milk and Honey Cafe has been. What a way to start the day... with sadness. Thanks Milk and Honey Cafe for reminding me of the type of world we still live in.
(1)Kyle P.
Close to a 5. Love the breakfast baked Mexican thing it is fantastic. The breakfast sandwich is just OK and I don't like the dog park outside seating area. Seriously people leave your dog at home when eating in public. Not sure why you would want to bring your little kids and a dog to breakfast. Seems very selfish to me but whatever right
(4)Katherine K.
There aren't too many exclusive breakfast joints in the Wicker Park area so this place really corners the breakfast market. The ambience is great and it's always crowded. The food is great and very reasonably priced. Long lines on the weekends. The service is adequate and the staff generally is not very friendly and accommodating. I once went in the afternoon well after they stopped serving oatmeal. I wasn't feeling well and needed to eat something easy and asked if I could purchase the dry oatmeal they sell and eat it there since I was w a friend who wanted to eat there. The staff said they no longer serve oatmeal and she wouldn't be able to pour hot water into the oatmeal for me. Another time I went with my Korean friend and we were talking to each other and there was a couple in front of us one of who was Asian. We weren't talking to them at all. After I placed my order the staff asked me if we were together pointing to the Asian guy and I said no. And she asked me two more times as if I didn't understand her. She stopped when my friend asked loudly if it was because we were Asian.
(3)Melissa C.
Churro waffles were the best waffle I ever had. Hot with a cinnamon topping. Coffee was good. OJ cup a bit small. Hubby had BLT. He said it was good but the bacon was thin although the menu said thick bacon. Anyway we will return many many times. Delicious, quick, AND cheap!
(5)Jessica M.
I EASILY fall head over heels for petite cafes. Milk & Honey is not an exception. Drinks, entrees, and specials are neatly scribbled on chalkboards. Tiny tables for two are systematically aligned alongside the counter. There isn't much room for frolicking but it will do for a quiet Thursday morning. The M&H concept is that you order your food at the counter, pay, grab your number, and seat yourself wherever you please. The two of us had a small coffee, hot chocolate with whipped cream, grilled panini, and house-made waffles. It was approximately $10 per person. My grilled panini was 1.5 inches thick with melted cheese, scrambled eggs, tomato, and bacon strips. The bread was perfectly toasted and the sandwich was served hot. It was simplicity at its best and I was very pleased. The house-made chips served to the side were lightly salted. It was a delightful compliment to the sandwich. This would be the go-to place if you just want a non-McD quick and solid bite. If you're looking for a more glamorous and unique experience, you might want to be elsewhere. M&H does the best at keeping it simple.
(4)Kelli J.
I stop in fairly regularly for coffee and a pastry. Each and every morning the unfriendliness of the people working behind the counter surprises me. I know it's busy and early but would it be that hard to crack a smile?! Treats are tasty but it totally lacks the friendly neighborhood vibe I expect.
(3)Jamie B.
Smoked salmon plate hasn't been as good last couple of visits. Lack of cream cheese, not too much salmon, onions sliced wayyy too thick. Wish they'd switch to Metropolis coffee. Intelligentsia isn't my cup of tea. Would have to agree with the other reviewers that the people who work here don't seem very happy. Don't think I'll be back for a while.
(2)Lindsay S.
If I could give this place 0.5 stars or 0 stars, I would. I have really tried to like Milk & Honey. Really, I have. I have come here several times over the past 3 years hoping that I'll have a better experience than last time. The food is okay but they don't offer many gluten-free options...is it that hard to have gluten-free bread on hand for the Celiacs' in the world? But the major reason this place is so awful is the service. The staff could not make you feel more uncomfortable or like you are completely inconveniencing them. My friend wanted a sweet treat and a latte here the other day even though I tried to convince her that we should go to Alliance Bakery. I lost the battle and after she ordered (I refused to order anything) she whispered, "What's wrong with these people? No one smiles and they seem mad at us." Yep. Nailed it. It's how it always is. The tall older blonde woman with glasses took my friend's order and seriously was beyond unfriendly - she always seems to be though. And the other girl had a straight line on her face where a smile or upper lip corners could curve up a bit. She looked miserable in her eyes and entire face. Milk & Honey, shame on you and how you treat your customers. How do people still eat here? I am not one to enjoy writing bad reviews but this just had to be done.
(1)Daniela V.
I went to milk and honey because I was craving ham so bad. I walked in and ordered a ham and cheese sandwich. The sandwich was pretty good but an hour after I ate it I got very gassy. I didn't feel well so I headed home on the division bus. I thought I could squeak out a fart without anyone knowing. The next thing I know my butt turned into a diarrhea Corn Tommy gun. My sundress had corn holes in it. But the sandwich was okay
(2)Vandana P.
I've been here a few times went this morning with my family , my son got the plain pancakes from the kids menu they were nice and fluffy, my husband got the tuna melt it was good. I ordered the huevos ranchero not good!! its watery and no flavor if you want this dish go to a Mexican restaurant, I would recommend the pastry's and sandwiches you can't go wrong with that.
(3)Tina S.
Jesus Christ, do yourself a favor and eat here already!!! Unless you are one of the fortunate one like yours truly who has. Multiple times. "But why eat here, Tina?" You might ask. Let me put it in a format similar to another form of social media you might be familiar with...a Buzzfeed-like list. 1. The food is delicious. You like French Toast? Wait until you try the Orange Brioche French Toast. It is fluffy, sweet, dripping with butter and even better covered in maple syrup. Minds blown. 2. Their food is fresh. They have specials that rotate. Quiche? Heavenly. Huevos Rancheros? Bomb. Breakfast Burrito Bowl? So much yummy goodness. Seriously. 3. Not super hungry? That's crazy talk, but no problem. Order a scone, a granola bar, a croissant, or another small but equally delicious item, grab some coffee or tea and enjoy yourself. 4. You order at a counter so you don't have the waitstaff hovering over you. I'm not finished with my 8,000 calorie, mouth watering breakfast. Gosh! You can take your time and enjoy your meal. 5. You want more coffee? Help yourself! It's self serve. 6. Water is too. Less wasteful. 7. It's in a great part of the city. Division Street is really bumpin. Make a day of it and wander up and down, check out the local establishments. 8. It's almost always packed. So if that's not reason enough to go there, I don't know what is!
(5)Jennifer T.
I'm surprised at all of the low reviews. I'm a very discerning eater, and there are a few dishes in particular at Milk and Honey that are just spectacular. I usually get the food as carryout, so no comment on the service. The smoked salmon bagel is delicious. The fresh, delicate flavors balance well and you get an enormous amount of food - bagel, cream cheese, salmon, cucumber, tomato, onion, capers. My partner usually gets the ham and havarti or turkey reuben, both which I highly recommend.
(5)Shan D.
Great spot for a relatively inexpensive and filling brunch. Had the huevos rancheros which were delicious. Great for coffee and hanging out on a lazy afternoon.
(5)Monica J.
Coffee and granola are excellent here. They use Intelligentsia beans, which is delicious but their beverages are MUCH cheaper than the same beverages at Intelligentsia. In addition, they have their own syrups that they make, which change based on the season. I recommend their pumpkin coconut one, which is only available in the Fall and Winter. They have a stamp card as well so you do get rewarded for coming there (free beverage after about nine purchased drinks). Their desserts always look tasty, too, but since I don;t eat egg, I always have to pass. The place is great, though, for a delicious cup of coffee, a chill breakfast, a sweet treat, or a light lunch. Kudos to Milk & Honey! Cute outdoor seating in summer, as well :)
(5)Anne T.
I adore just about everything Milk + Honey has to offer. The café is located in a really quaint section of Wicker Park that is near a lot of other great restaurants. I apologize, I went a while back and forgot the name so am just now posting my review. Hopefully everything is still as delicious as before. We went for a late lunch on a weekday. I was impressed by how crowded the place was. I had a gazpacho and mango cupcake. The gazpacho was elegant and fresh. I liked that it was minimalistic. My mango cupcake was absolutely divine. It had the perfect cream to cake ratio. I also liked how smooth the frosting was. It tasted like a really high-end buttercream made by slowly melting in sugar rather than powdered sugar that often makes a frosting more grainy. My friend had the crab cake with chipotle mayo sandwich. Tried a bite of hers and it was superb. Definitely plan to go back at try their breakfast!
(5)Klo J.
I call this place 'sad face cafe' because all the workers are MISERABLE! Apparently, it trickles down from the top because the manager clearly hates dealing with humans. It's a shame because the food is delightful, but the 'tude is far from it! PS: The cinnamon rolls are the best in town.
(2)Aletta J.
Stopped here before the Sound of Music as we have finicky eaters in the group and I thought this could work. My finicky friend and I ordered chicken and waffles (sans chipotle syrup) and the scrambled egg pannini. Both were so-so. The chicken strips were the sizes of fried clams. I expected to get a full-sized leg or at least a full-sized tender. It was dry and chewy. The waffle, however was malty and good. The pannini was ok, something I could have made at home. Wish they would have put a creative spin on mustard or aoli to make the flavor pop. The mother in law had the orange brioche french toast. Looked delicious and it was HUGE. As for service, I concur with the previous posters. The line was moving fast, but they all seemed aggravated that we were there. Service with a smile or at least cordial attitude would have made this a better place. Not returning anytime soon. We made our way to Glazed and Infused after our breakfast and got our goodies for after the show.
(3)Colleen M.
My 13 yr old daughter & I frequent Milk & Honey because it's close and the food is good. The service, however, is always lousy. Placing your order feels like you're asking them to do you a favor. We stopped in during this week and really wanted to get breakfast. They stop serving breakfast at 12:00. By the time we got to the register to order, it was 12:03. The woman at the register absolutely refused to allow us to order breakfast food, she said it just couldn't be done. Really? THREE lousy minutes? Which, if the people in front of us could've stopped haggling, we could have made it. For the prices they charge, they can and should be a little nicer to the customers.
(2)Tim R.
So many great brunch options on Division. Milk & Honey is not one. While waiting for a table we weren't asked if we wanted to sit outside and instead were seated next to the bathroom . When we asked if we could relocate to either of the two free tables outside we were told that our order had already been placed and that the hostess was in the process of seating two groups that came after us there. Translation: "it's too much work for me to accommodate you so I prefer not to" 20 minutes later we got our food, but no drinks which we had to go to the counter and ask about before they were finally brought. No one apologized. No one asked how our subpar food was. I couldn't help but notice the sign on the wall that said something to the order of "please eat faster and don't spend too long talking, so we can maximize table turnover". That seems to be the motto of this place, good thing they ask you to tip before you get to experience any of their wonderful service.
(1)Stephanie L.
Stopped in here after my detox at the Red Square. We sat outside on a beautiful day. It was gorge. I love a nice patio. The black bean burger was good, but it was lacking a little flavor. The hummus wrap was great. I would have liked some condiments but there were none. And no one came and checked on us after they brought our food. I was too lazy to get up and go back in. Overall, it was a pretty good place to grab a bite. It is a little pricey, but what do you expect. It has that organic-y, locally grown, etc feel...ya know what I mean??
(4)Kent P.
Medium quality, overpriced, sort of rude service. Wouldn't go back, but it was Meh-OK. My breakfast sandwich was two pieces of toast, a scrambled egg, and tomato. BBBBBBBORRRRING. Also, the Huevos were too hot to eat for like 10 minutes.
(2)Tyson H.
A Wicker Park staple, this place is great! Great food, great coffee, and a great location located right off Division street nestled amongst several large bars and other restaurants. If there was anything negative to say, it's that this place is too popular - there is a constant stream of people rain or shine, especially for weekend brunch. The cafe-style of service makes it informal and quaint.
(5)Alexandria T.
I can't believe I have never reviewed Milk & Honey. It is super close to my place, so when I'm actually home for lunch, I often grab a sandwich or salad from Milk & Honey. I know that it is a popular breakfast spot, but I most often go for lunch. On my most recent visit yesterday, I got the breakfast panini without bacon, and they subbed avocado for no extra charge. It's always nice when a restaurant accommodates non-meat eaters. It's a pretty standard breakfast sandwich, but I love that they put tomatoes on it. The caprese sandwich is offered seasonally in the summer and is always tasty. My favorite sandwich is the avocado and smoked Gouda. It sounds really simple, but it is delicious. They recently added a beet and goat cheese sandwich which is also really good. House made chips come with all sandwiches, but you can also sub a side salad. I will continue to go back to Milk & Honey for the quality of their food.
(4)Rebecca N.
Good, but I am not running back. It is a cute, small cafe. Not a ton of breakfast options. I got the egg sandwich. The sourdough bread was good, but besides that nothing special. Wish it came with potatoes instead of chips. Really good drinks. The line was very short and we didn't wait for a table so that part was good!
(3)Casey F.
I've been here several times and I've always enjoyed it. I love the outdoor patio space, and the fact that its dog friendly. This place is always packed, but that isn't their fault. It's just really good. You order at the counter and they bring the food out to your table when it's ready. Service is always really quick (once you can actually order and find a table) and I love the coffee and chai lattes. The food is great, especially for the price. The waffles, french toast and pancakes I've sampled have all been stellar. Oatmeal is good but not comparably as good as the other items I have had, but who could expect it to be. If you are going for a weekend breakfast, go early!
(4)Norma C.
I went in and the line was to the door which was awkward for ppl in the back bc it's sort of small but I mean it was lunch hour. I was third in line and waited and waited til the cashier was done chatting up her lesbian friend couple. Finally it was my turn! It was my first time in and I found it odd that the sandwiches aren't named or numbered so I said to the cashier (who had now changed from the chatty one previously mentioned) I'm not sure how to order because I don't see the name but I want the avocado Gouda cheese... (I listed ingredients) Cashier lady was serving major sass!!! "Well then we'll call it the avocado sandwich are you ordering anything else" (No and I'm sorry?) My overall impression after eating this at home is there's 4 girls behind the counter serving sass but I have hope for the first one who didn't help me bc she seemed like the only person smiling at customers. There's one guy bussing tables and handing out to go orders, he was friendly. The sandwich was nothing special in fact I could make it myself at home it was just lettuce tomato avocado mustard and multigrain. The potato chis are that wet paper bag color bc of all the oil and have no salt... They are flavorless and I wish I had asked for fruit instead. I won't be going back. I'm just not into bland sandwiches wet chips or girls giving me attitude bc I don't want to name every ingredient in my sandwich. The star is for the pickle that came w my sandwich, so good!
(1)Nina G.
Delicious brunch food- 5 stars for the huevos rancheros and their coffee is always amazing. This place is a cute, cozy brunch spot in Wicker Park that is absolutely worth trying. On the weekend they can be a little crowded but they do a great job moving people through (without rushing you) and so wait times are not astronomical.
(4)Coleen K.
Adore this place so much. Great upbeat cafe, always playing happy music and the staff is very friendly. I love that their specials change daily; there's always something new and fun to try. I LOVE their quiche, some of the best I've found in Chicago. In the summertime, their outdoor seating is clutch. They also have big french doors opening the restaurant up to the sidewalk for some nice indoor-outdoor dining. Prices are pretty good too! All in all, I'm willing to travel to this neighborhood just for a bite to eat!
(5)Tanmaye B.
Great spot for brunch in Wicker Park! A cozy cafe-style interior (bonus points for the fireplace on a cold Chicago morning!) and pay-at-the-counter service. Seating was a bit tight, but not really a big problem. The food was delicious.. we ordered the orange brioche french toast and the huevos rancheros. The french toast was great.. nice big portions, and the orange flavor was balanced just right! The huevos rancheros was definitely the highlight; it was served in a big ramekin - the combination of beans, cheese, tortillas, eggs, and the chipotle sauce on the side made for a really savory and filling combination! Didn't get to try the yummy-looking bakery items or the impressive sandwich selection, will have to come back for those!
(4)Caeleigh R.
This place is so cute! It's way bigger than what you would expect when you're looking at it from the outside and has quite a bit of seating. Their menu is pretty big for a cafe and their breakfast choices looked really yummy. I was with my mom on our weekly coffee date and so we decided to split a chicken breast sandwich (I don't remember the name) and a small order of the caprese salad. The sandwich was good and they even split the sandwich and chips onto two plates because they knew it was for both my mom and I. How awesome is that?? My mom loved her mocha latte and I enjoyed my Chai. We will be back!
(5)Ashley S.
This is a nice neighborhood spot. The staff is super nice and the food is delicious. I have only dined here for breakfast but everything I have had has been prepared and presented well. I take a lot of my out of town visitors here because the cafe is deigned well and is exactly what you look for in a city cafe.
(4)Hannah H.
This has a soft place in my heart as my family and I have been coming here for years - our favorites include the Orange Brioche French Toast (with toppings of toasted almonds and maple syrup; it is quite delicious and the orange flavor is not too overwhelming); Huevos Rancheros (an individual mini-casserole-style with scrambled egg, black beans, salsa picante, corn tortillas, Monterrey jack and cheddar cheeses (only served on Saturday/Sunday)); the Buttermilk Granola Pancakes (with flavor du jour - whatever the flavor of the day is); their house made Herb-Crusted Roast Beef (with lettuce, tomato, and radish slaw on a grilled ciabatta); and, Thick-Cut Bacon sandwich (with romaine lettuce, tomato, mayo, all on a toasted Italian bread). This place can get crazy on the weekends with huge lines in this Wicker Park neighborhood, but if you get a table in this very sunny, lit-up room, it's some solid brunch foods. +Orange Brioche French Toast +Herb-Croasted Roast Beef sandwich +Thick-Cut Bacon sandwich +Huevos Rancheros
(4)Julius H.
Food is ok, service is very poor. Went for the first time last week, didn't know to order then sit myself, so the cashier seemed quite irritated. Didn't meet one friendly staff member. Wasn't sure if this was the norm until I checked the reviews on here and had my wife go on her own and have an even worse experience. Will never return. Too many good brunches in the neighborhood to give my business to a place that clearly doesn't care.
(1)Autumn H.
This place is ok for breakfast but the sit down experience is often cramped and noisy. I'd rather just grab my coffee and pastry to go. Other than that it's just not the best breakfast spot. With so many good ones out there it's worth it to go down the street for something better. Its ok I'm just not impressed.
(3)Bree M.
We went for Sunday brunch at 9am. We did not wait and there were tables available. We noticed after 30 minutes there was a line to the door and no available seating- Definitely go earlier! The panini was good, but nothing outrageous that I must have again. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. It seemed very clean and the staff was quick to remove a finished plates from the table. I will go again for a casual brunch or a coffee. FYI: This is a cash only establishment.
(4)Mrs. H.
I decided to stop through here as a friend met me for lunch so we gave it a try on a whim. I wasn't super hungry, so I ordered the Brussels Sprouts salad. It was just okay...no wow-factor. Unfortunately, I found hair (yes, HAIR) in my food and brought it to the attention of the girl who initially took our order; she was nearby cleaning a table. I explicitly said, "I'd like to make you aware that there's hair in my salad." She said, "Oh really? Where is it?" And leaned in closer to inspect the hair on my fork. She said "OK," mumbled something else, and then walked off. I sat there for a minute thinking she would come back and offer me something else or discard it all together. I saw her briefly talk to other girl working (perhaps the manager?) and she went back to work. Seeing she had no intentions of returning, I approached her with my plate and she seemed irritated. I asked her if they were going to do something about the salad. To my surprise, she said, "I was confused because you just brought it to my attention and it looked like you were still eating." *wide eyed* I assured her I was done and asked for my money back. She discarded it and gave me cash for the total. The other girl at the register (assumed manager?) asked her if she took the salad from me (as if I wanted the salad AND my money...no thanks, just give me my money back). Not once did this person directly acknowledge me standing in front of her at the counter; it was as if I wasn't even there. The girl giving me my money back reiterated her confusion stating, "Well usually, people just ask for something else on the menu or their money back." USUALLY?! So this is a repeat offense? *gags* I suppose that because I didn't ASK her to take the salad she decided not to do so nor bother to apologize for the lack of sanitary decency! I wasn't given the chance to ask, which is beside the point, because she walked off so quickly. It seemed as if she was full of excuses and finger-pointing. Her attitude was that of someone who doesn't want my business. Too bad I didn't read some of the other Yelp reviews before I went; it seems like customer service isn't their thing. I won't be back.
(1)Mary Kate N.
Yummy! I had a very delicious and reasonably-priced sandwich with avocado and gouda. Loved the friendly ambiance and atmosphere!
(4)Katie W.
Granola with yogurt and fresh fruit was the best! Organic Hojicha Green tea was refreshing too. Such a cute place for brunch with a friend or a good book! There is outdoor seating too - be sure to order at the counter first though.
(4)Steph U.
Server was upset bc I asked her to ring me up bc I was in a hurry and the first server was making my drink. The upset one then complained to the original server right in front of me...don't think I'll be back. The first server was nice, but the second server really made me feel uncomfortable. Originally came here bc I was tired and wanted something before work, but left with a bad taste in my mouth, both literally and figuratively.
(1)Amanda M.
This place rocks. The girls that work here are super sweet. I eat here all of the time. Highly reccomend!
(5)Jeffrey C.
Milk & Honey is one of those cute little places for women who lunch, yuppies who brunch, and families just looking for a good heaping of food. It even has the cutesy-friendly moniker to boot. It's a smallish, crowded joint. Service is counter, and the menu is posted on the big board behind the cash register. The Yelp "Review Highlights" is a sufficient palette highlighting the best of Milk & Honey. The fiance and I went with 2 of the 3: the famous granola and the top-rated huevos rancheros. I did long for a bite of the orange brioche french toast, but went savory over sweet. Next time. The huevos rancheros were dynamite, served casserole style in a medium-sized ramekin. It's available on weekends only, with a healthy scoop of eggs, black beans, tortilla strips, and cheese. It's accompanied by a sauce that tastes more like a New Orleans-style remoulade rather than traditional salsa. It's also delicious and filling. The granola was likewise very good. It came in a large bowl, sitting on a bed of yogurt and accompanied with some fresh fruit. The granola bites were spectacular and quite flavorful. I can see why they've started selling it retail. However, the dried fruit was a little too tough to chew and a bit overwhelming, with the fresh fruit already in the bowl. A dining compatriot picked the turkey reuben, which looked tasty as well and satisfied his hunger pangs. Prices are solid, in the $6-$9 range. Gazing at the drink menu can set you back some. There's fresh-squeezed OJ or grapefruit juice that'll run you $3, as well as Intelligentsia coffee product. Since ordering is counter, you can save some money without the obligatory full-service tip.
(4)Jeremy N.
I am a big fan of Milk & Honey. The huevos rancheros baked egg dish for brunch is one of my favorite brunch dishes anywhere in Chicago. Have tried several of their french toast variations and have never been let down. They always seem to have at least one savory pancake or other similar option and have been curious to try but never pulled the trigger. Their bakery/pastry assortment will make you drool. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the layout. When you walk in you place your order after standing in line. I feel like this would make sense if the place wasn't so busy, but every time we have been here there is a huge line, people can barely get inside, the staff can't squeeze by the people in the line... i feel like whatever they are saving by not just having regular servers gets lost due to all the confusion and stress.
(4)Shari H.
My favorite spot in Wicker Park! I absolutely love this place. It is a hidden neighborhood gem. I love that it has that neighborhood feel but it also looks like a hip cafe. The staff is always lovely and they are also dog friendly which I think is amazing! I've sat inside as well as at their outside patio. It is a bit small so it may not be for you if you are in a large group but they will try to accommodate you. I've tried the tuna on a panini, chipotle pasta, breakfast sandwich and buttermilk granola pancakes with cherry. I've also tried the lavender cookies for dessert as well as the ice cream sandwich. I love the ice cream sandwich because it is not your typical ice cream sandwich. I tried the blueberry on lavender cookies and also the vanilla bean on graham cracker cookies. Both were to die for! You MUST try this place! :-)
(5)Anthony V.
Dainty "hipster vibed" cafe with a cute, sustainable menu to match. Be it the Vampire Weekend tracks playing throughout the cafe, paired with the inked up staff recommending the Amish chicken sandwich and desserts made from local ingredients off their "bio" menu, I'll go ahead and tip my hat to this establishment. This kind of place backs up my predisposed opinion that hipsters are good for the world of food. I ended up ordering the Amish chicken which was boffo. The blue cheese paired with juicy chicken and panini pressed toasted bread definitely hit the lunch time spot. The outdoor dining area extends out with the same new age feel the division street presents. So if you like to wear rolled up jeans with fedoras or just feel like going green for lunch , check out Milk & Honey.
(4)Mary H.
I would probably have given this place two or three stars if I hadn't found a HUGE beetle in my food right as I was finishing my meal. So disgusting. As other reviews have mentioned, the staff is really unfriendly. They were rude when we were getting seated, as we weren't aware of the "order before you sit" rule they have here. I was under the impression it was a more of a suggestion since no one explained it to us. The hostess was super snippy with us for having not yet ordered when our table was ready. You should be giving new patrons some instructions before rolling your eyes at them. Then to find a huge bug in my meal? It was obviously not a good experience. The server gave me a refund, but the whole exchange was gross and awkward. She literally put the money down on the table, said "...so sorry" and ran away. Everyone at my table had sampled my dish, so I felt like they should have done more than just refunded my meal (down to the exact penny mind you) as this is a really disgusting and hopefully uncommon experience. Considering the quality of other brunch places in this area, I will be taking my business elsewhere.
(1)I J.
Came here for a drink and asked for less ice, it kind of seemed to me like that was a big deal for the barista.
(2)Sera I.
The heuvos rancheros are phenomenal! Seriously the best thing here. Love love this place - can't for wrong with any of the bfast items .
(5)Monica M.
Walked into this place looking for coffee and was pleasantly surprised by the lovely atmosphere! decided to stay and try the food. I had the Amish chicken sandwich- which was very tasty! you get lots of chicken and the blue cheese and bacon combo never disappoints. The curried sweet potato soup had warmth and depth of flavor- I loved it! Finished off with a cappuccino, which wasn't the best I've had, but definitely solid. Service was welcoming and friendly, prices were reasonable. I will definitely be back to try breakfast!
(4)Allen B.
Milk & Honey. What a clever name for a wonderful place. Food is great and they serve it piping hot. A fantastic selection of eats for breakfast and brunch, so make sure you go in there having an idea of what you would like grub on. It gets fairly crowded during certain times, however, every time I've visited I've been lucky enough to beat the rush. Only miniscule complaint I have is that the place is a tad small. But I'm sure to get a bigger place around the Division area would cost a grip & a half, so it is what it is and I definitely understand the restaurant's size. Go there. Enjoy it. Then Yelp it afterwards.
(4)Darla J.
Sunday 12:45 - line almost out the door. We ordered and were given our number. We made our coffee. We found a little spot to hover that felt only somewhat in the way. Were surprised to be seated quickly. The ordering/seating process is confusing if you've never been there and I'm glad my friend was familiar with the nontraditional routine. Food comes out within a few minutes. Friend ordered the Orange Brioche French Toast. Looked and Tasted fantastic. I ordered the black-bean burger. Plate looked good. I attempted to cut my burger in half and the entire "burger" oozed apart. I'm talking black bean mush coming out of my kaiser roll in all directions. We ask one of the bussers to send a server over. Woman walks to an empty table next to us and addresses us from afar. Nice. I question whether my "burger" is cooked properly, showing her my mush on a bun. She responds with "It's a veggie burger, It's not going to firm up like meat does" I'm quite familiar with the differences between meat and veggie burgers, but thanks for that clarification. So I ask if this mush is normal, to which she assures me it is. So this is how you make and serve black bean burgers here? Yes Yes, she says "I usually remove the bun and just eat it like a patty" which makes no sense - there's nothing patty about this. Okay, I say, I've just never seen a black bean burger like this. Trust me, She says, it will taste amazing. Okay fine. I'm open to trying just about anything once. And if this is how they serve it, this is how they serve it, right? Woman is obviously not interested in either my line of questioning nor my enjoyment of the food. She promptly walks away from the table she was talking at us from. I taste the veggie mush and kaiser roll with my fork -- picking this concoction up and biting into it was not an option. Tastes okay. Not amazing. Standard black-bean something taste. Friend thought I should send the plate back. I wasn't in the mood to haggle or wait around for another plate of food. I also didn't feel like calling woman over for another round of what-are-you-annoying-me-with-now service. I ate about half the burger mush in the form of a dip for my side of chips. Hey, I can be creative with food too! Woman walked by our table twice. Woman was right across counter from me as friend got a refill on coffee. You would think woman may have caught my eye and asked -how was it, as in a I-told-you-so manner. To which I would have responded that it was honestly the worst black bean burger I've every had, but thank you for following up. Instead woman ignored me. The 2nd star comes from friends Orange Brioche. My food was terrible. If the server was more interested in my dining experience I probably could have walked out knowing to order something else next time but otherwise feeling just fine about the place. With the number of options in that neighborhood, poor service is unacceptable. And I wouldn't recommend the black bean burger. Unless you want to eat it as a chip dip.
(2)Eric P.
Great food and great service. The women that run this establishment are super organized. It's counter service and when busy they will work to find seating for you. If you're one of those people who insists on claiming a seat prior to ordering (you know who you are) this place ain't for you. Anyway, one of my favorites in Wicker Park. If you read the negative reviews you'll see people complaining about a lot of petty stuff.
(5)Mauro R.
After walking for a couple hours in Ukrainian Village and east Village in a day where the temperature was in the 20's, my leather shoes didn't help much and my feet were literally freezing. It was time to get inside, somewhere, anywhere. We see this place and walk in. It was pretty busy, unpretentious, but...warm. My wife enjoyed a large, and well done hot chocolate, I had the chamomile tea as I was trying to get my body out of his numb status, but we didn't eat, I don't think I was able to move my mouth that much on that arctic day. Anyway, the little we had, the tea and the chocolate were very good, my tea had pieces of chamomile flowers in the tea bag not the regular tea powder. Hot and tasty, good service, it was a nice refuge from the cold, so it deserved a little review.
(3)Lynn M.
So nice to sit out on the patio on a nice day! A group of us got iced chai, iced coffee, and iced peach tea... All delicious! Can't beat the atmosphere, and excited to try the yummy looking food next time.
(4)Sean S.
The casserole-style huevos rancheros are excellently flavored despite the simple ingredients...the low cost will keep me coming back for breakfast next time I visit Chicago.
(4)Christina S.
There really isn't anything truly unique or very interesting with the food offerings of Milk and Honey, but the staff is friendly and the place is comfortable and cute. The owners really care about and appears to give back to the community, which I admire and respect. I honestly wouldn't venture out of my way to visit this place but it's a great quick casual place for simple breakfast and lunch if you live in the area or happen to be passing through.
(3)Michael G.
We were there on a warm and beautiful day for Sunday brunch. It was really a pretty good experience. We had the migas specials and I enjoyed everything about it. The latte could have been hotter, but it was tasty. We arrived about 10 or so, and it was very crowded, we waited in line for about 15 minutes. When we left at noon, the line was well out of the store. We know this area of Chicago pretty well, so we'll be back. I'd love to try a daily lunch.
(4)Magda M.
Just went there for lunch- their leak soup was delish! Reminded me of my mom's soups. I also got pa grilled eggplant wrap and it was gigantic and of course delicioso. I like that they have that little sink and you get your own water, it's cute and very useful to me since I drink a lot of it and sometimes the waiters don't fill my glass often enough. Oh did I mention it was only $10?
(4)Dan T.
Sooooo - I went there again! Why? Why keep I forgetting that it is a disappointing experience? Espresso is bitter and burnt, Chai Lattes are watery and bland and the cookies are so flavourless that even my 9 year old son won't finish his chocolate chip cookie. On a positive note: they have a nice fireplace and sandwiches are good. Hopefully writing a yelp review will help me remember not to come here again!
(2)Spencer Z.
I absolutely love Milk & Honey's food. I lived only a few blocks away from here for about 2 years and it was my go-to breakfast spot in the neighborhood. I have to applaud them for being one of the only places to ever brew Intelligentsia coffee correctly. Even more, their pancakes du jour are ALWAYS to die for. Service is quick, but you will probably have to wait a while for a table if you go on the weekend. Unfortunately, though, since I moved out of the neighborhood, Milk & Honey is almost always full of moms with strollers the size of mini coopers. This restaurant used to be quaint and charming, but now it is just stressful to maneuver through. It's too darn bad that Wicker Park / North Ukranian Village has become so yuppie.
(3)Jeff W.
This place is trying a bit too hard to be something that it is not. Menu very limited, taste is just ok, service was purposefully non-existent. My buddy made the mistake of asking for silverware when the food was served. The cashier/ order taker cooly pointed to where we needed to get up and get it ourselves. She did this maneuver, amazingly, without speaking, lest she waste her valuable syllables on a couple of wandering rookies who made the mistake of interrupting her thoughts green tea and unicorns. If the food and atmosphere was note worthy one could tolerate such insolence. As it stands it is a neighborhood coffee shop lacking both charm and spirit. My buddies bloody Mary was stellar which bumps it up from 1 star to 2. Sent from my iPad
(2)Sas C.
I loved the Almond milk latte I had...glad to have an alternative to the soy! I am a coffee lover...and kudos for a wonderful breakfast. Food was top notch. It was great that they aloud us to mix it up a little by choosing a couple sides to create our dish and it was great.
(4)Jennifer C.
{3.5 STARS} Came here on a Saturday morning with one other person. The hostess said the wait would be 20 mins but we were able to sit down pretty quickly. Probably didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes. I ordered the {HUEVOS RANCHEROS} and my friend ordered the {APPLE CINNAMON WAFFLE} with a side of {BACON} -I had high hopes for the {HUEVOS RANCHEROS} but in my opinion they were only okay. I wish they had some tortillas on top instead of all baked in so you got a little bit of the crunch factor, it wasn't bad but I would pass next time. The {APPLE CINNAMON WAFFLE} on the other hand was mighty tasty, it was a perfect combination and not to sweet. The side of {BACON} seems a little sad, they give plenty of it but the bacon strips are thin and weak looking! :) I'd come back again, in a small group -the baked goods looks really amazing will have to try those next time.
(3)Rebecca R.
I came here on a Sunday afternoon with two other first-timers. It was a little warm, but we were glad to have the option to sit casually outside at one of their umbrella tables. After hearing the hype of this place, I was surprised to see that you order and pay for your meal before finding a place to sit down. The coffee was delicious and served in huge cups. My iced coffee was rich and delicious and the look on my two peeps face was of satisfaction over their huge cups of hot coffee. Two of us ordered the egg panini and one ordered the bagles and lox with a side of scrambled eggs. I was bummed that both the special of the day and the huevos rancheros were out by the time I arrived, but I was very happy after my first bite of the breakfast panini. Everyone was satisfied and I plan to go back soon! So much more to try and my first experience was successful enough to go back!
(4)Denice D.
Good brunch place. Skip the pastries and go for menu items. Bagel and lox is amazing! Iced coffee is great and bottomless so it's a deal if your there for a while.
(4)Eddy V.
My friend Megan and I go a few months without seeing each other, so it was a delight that we decided to meet up at Milk & Honey for a late Sunday brunch. I'm all for brunch foods, so this place was heaven and here's why: Arriving: We arrived close to 1pm on a sunny Sunday afternoon. It was my first time dining at Milk & Honey, so I had no idea what to expect. I was surprised to find a long line extending from the counter to the door. Instead of ordering at your table, you order everything at the counter (including coffee and drinks), then they give you a number, seat you when a table becomes available, and bring the food out right away. It was a bit unconventional, but I didn't mind. Food: I ordered the Orange Brioche French Toast with Almonds and Maple Syrup - it was heaven in my mouth. Two large slices of bread covered in magic with a hint of orange and with the crunchiness of the almonds made it one of the best french toasts I've ever had. When I've ordered french toast at other places, it's usually soggy. This was not the case at M&H - it was soft, yet toasted. Service: Although we did not have a waiter, there was a host walking around making sure everything was being enjoyed. We were unsure if the coffee refills were complimentary, so when we asked he politely grabbed our cups and gave us more. He was very friendly. In short, the wait CAN be a bit long, but ti's definitely worth it. It's inexpensive, DELICIOUS, and a great place for a nice brunch. I highly recommend it.
(5)Ide C.
Food was good. I had orange flavor French toast. Small place. Get on line to order and pay, then they gv u # and find you. Family friendly. Decent prices and they save on salaries since it's DIY. Bacon was good. Ditto coffee.
(4)Cat G.
Love the food as well as the ambiance of the place. Had the huevos rancheros the first time I came, and had a hankering to return for the orange brioche French toast. I must have overhyped it in my mind though, I found it to be kind of disappointing compared to what I was hoping for. The huevos rancheros were awesome, though, and my mom and sister had the caprese sandwich and the avocado/smoked gouda/mustard sandwiches respectively. Both of those were great - and I don't even usually like mustard. Overall, a pretty solid place, and if I lived closer, I'd be there more often.
(4)Greg A.
Good food, over priced, but what I disliked the most was the placement of the menu which is located behind the counter off to the side. So you get to the counter and the cashier says what can I get you? Well I don't know yet because I can't see the menu! You wonder why the line is so long.
(3)Paul S.
Well, crap, blueberry ginger home made donuts? How am I supposed to ignore that and eat healthy? I say no more. Take my money. Five stars.
(5)Magen R.
Milk & Honey was good, but not great. We walked in and ordered and were seated pretty quickly. I had the Turkey Reuben and others at my table enjoyed the Huevos Rancheros and the Breakfast Panini. The huevos rancheros looked delicious and made me wish I like eggs. My Turkey Panini was good. Our food came very quickly and the service was fine. I think the reason I give Milk & Honey 3/5 stars is that it's just not my kind of place. I think brunch should be a relaxing and enjoyable mood. The moment you walk into Milk & Honey you are rushed to order as there is a crowd of people in line. They also make you get your own coffee, water, silverware, napkins, etc. Part of the enjoyment of brunch is being served. They also have a sign on the wall encouraging patrons NOT to take their time on the weekends so other people can sit down. There's nothing wrong with Milk & Honey but it's just not my kind of place.
(3)David L.
Awesome coffee and pickles! Those two things don't usually go together but they certainly do at Milk and Honey. As my "across the street" coffee place I have been going to Milk and Honey since it opened. I've gotten my morning coffee from just about every place through out the Wicker Park / Bucktown area. For some reason no one brews their Intelligensia quite as well as they do here. Plus a medium for under $2 w/ tax...well that just makes me feel a lot better than the plus $2 cup at Starbucks. I'm a fan of the sandwiches as well. The roast beef sandwich and the crap cakes are always great. But the best part about their sandwiches are the pickles. I'm not a huge pickle fan normally. I'll eat them but not go out of my way for them. But the Milk and Honey pickles are something else. These homemade pickles have a little more spice and zest than a normal pickle. As far as I'm concerned it's the best pickle ever.
(5)Willie B.
For those of you that think Bongo Room is worth waiting 3 hours to be seated, this review is not for you. I used to go to Bongo Room but it's just not worth the wait. Instead, try Milk and Honey. The food is just as good and the menu is more extensive and changes almost daily. Everything here tastes like it is local and fresh and you never have a long wait to get in. This is hands down my favorite brunch spot in wicker park.
(4)John L.
I ordered carry out there yesterday. When I went to pick it up, I stood under the sign that says "carry out," and nothing happened. The people behind the counter ignored me while they waited on customers who had cut in front of me. Finally, one of them relented and said slowly, "What do you want?" in a manner suggesting she thought she was speaking to either a psychopath or someone who was just learning English. Next time, hold the snippiness. Oh, wait, there won't be a next time.
(1)Chris S.
Hands down my favorite brunch spot in the city. Be sure to try the huevos rancheros. It is an exquisite culinary experience. Relaxing and wonderful ambiance. Friendly service.
(5)Tiff H.
What did Mommy always tell you to do when you were about to embark on a 3 mile obstacle course? "Make sure you eat breakfast so you have energy!" So, on the one day of all my twenty-five years of living I felt genuine fear, I joined my fellow Warrior Dash companions for breakfast at Milk & Honey. On the menu with what I was convinced may be my last meal (not to exaggerate but my stomach was really flip flopping too much to eat...I can never not eat!): -Compari + Grapejuice: Fantastic and so refreshing. However, it did nothing to calm my nerves. -Lox & Bagels: Awesome, and I think I clogged one my arteries by eating the entire huge side of home made cream cheese they gave me. (I know...smart, before embarking on a 3 mile run.) I ended up paying around $18ish with a 20% tip. Kind of pricey but I've been back once since and I know I'll be back again. Side note: They won't make you the Lox and Bagels 7 minutes past the time their breakfast ends. I've tried. :(
(4)Kate W.
This place is pretty good. I'd rather they had table service though. Instead, you wait in line to order and then get a table. They bring the food to your table then. To me, if you're going to bring food to a table you can go to the table to take an order and hand out menus. I had the smoked turkey reuben. It was good but there wasn't anything really special about it. Just a sandwich. It came with homemade chips which again were good but not anything special. If I were in the neighborhood and wanted a quick bite I'd go there again, but I wouldn't make a special trip.
(3)Jax L.
healthy + delicious + fresh! my girlfriend and i went to chicago for vacation last winter and we traveled in the snow from our hotel in rosemont to come here- a grand total of 3 visits! we love this place- we wanted to bring you home with us- you should expand and have a location in southern california! we went here for brunch during all 3 visit: here were what we ordered + strongly recommend you try! 1. stacks of peach pancakes 2. salmon + cucumber + cream cheese bagel 3. homemade granola yogurt + fresh fruits 4. the mexican omelette thing 5. cappuccino [they make the cute lil heart swirl for you, its so cute!] the only downside was the wait, we heard its always busy, but its worth the wait. wait time could range from 30-90mins, depends on your luck. but even though its busy, service is great and they make sure you get everything you need without rushing you out.
(5)Barney G.
A bit overpriced for what you get. Food is average, but fresh cooked hot food is your best bet. Stay away from the pastries which can be good if fresh but it's regular practice to sell day old baked goods at overpriced fresh baked prices! As for service a few employees are nice but generally service is lackluster.
(2)Jennifer D.
Coffee is good. Brunch is great. Homemade chips rock. The Milk & Honey granola is seriously the best ever. Service is sometimes good, sometimes so-so, but the food always more than makes up for it, seriously.
(4)Julie H.
The last time I went to Milk & Honey was the last time I will ever go to Milk & Honey. I ordered my usual, the granola, except I asked for the granola separate from the yogurt (like in two different bowls - not a difficult request to accommodate, in my opinion), as well as a side of milk. It may sound weird, but I like to have a little granola with yogurt and a little granola with milk. Needless to say, it did not come out the way I asked. When I finally flagged down the hostess (after failing to get the attention of anyone behind the counter), she said "that's the way the granola comes, and if you want some milk, you can get it yourself." That is a direct quote. I was stunned. I should have walked out. No one has ever been so rude to me in a restaurant before. I promise you, I will never go back there again. Milk & Honey, you suck. I'm getting fired up just thinking about it. I need to go smoke a bowl to calm myself down...
(1)JR W.
I've had huevos rancheros done a bunch of ways. M&H comes baked in a ramekin. There's something comforting about it visually. Overall, I really liked the no fuss atmosphere, the good value for the money (unless you order juice, which is always overpriced anywhere you go), and the freshness of the ingredients. Also, not having to wait more than 5 minutes made this trip worthwhile. Otherwise, waiting for brunch makes me uber grumpy.
(4)Candice R.
I was here a couple of weekends ago for breakfast. On a Sunday morning around 11 am, this place was not as busy as I expected. There were twice as many lunch options on the menu as there were breakfast choices, so it took us a few minutes to decide. I overheard the cashier (there are no servers here) tell the person in front of me that the heuvos rancheros were to die for. I have a mission to find the best heuvos ever. I've found one version, at a place called Honey's Sit n' Eat in Philly. Naturally, since I've yet to find heuvos nirvana in my hometown, I jumped on it. I should also say that I'm not a fan of order first, then be seated mindset. I feel that's a fast food truc, something that's not worthy of a restaurant. Also, if there's no server waiting on you, how will they know if you liked your meal? That was exactly the problem. My heuvos ranchers were ok, but boring for sure. If I had have used the chipotle mayo/salsa served on the side, it would not have been worth the 6 or so bucks. Definitely not to die for, or even to get a paper cut for. But they didn't know that, since there is no one to ask "how is everything?". My boyfriend's goat cheese portobella sandwich was very tasty, and I deemed Milk & Honey to be a perfect fit for a quick lunch and a cup of coffee, but not somewhere I would go for breakfast again.
(2)Debra R.
This is one of my favorite brunch spots. I love the Orange Brioche French Toast and Huevos Rancheros. Although there are a lot of other tasty items on the menu and everything looks super yummy and really good quality - not a greasy spoon joint. Make sure to have some time to wait in line if you are going during the rush (around noon) and I wouldn't go with more than 4 people as there is not a ton of seating. It is also semi self-serve so don't expect fancy service. I don't mind it though - I would rather get my own water and pay less for my meal. ;)
(4)Shaun S.
Dropped in here for lunch after a doc appt with my wife. After some initial confusion on my part only, we ordered, another brief bit of confusion trying to find the beverages.... (note: annoyed the order taker...gee sorry, guess I'll pass on the tip!) After that, all was good, nice sandwich, the Turkey Rueben, wife had the BLT. Nice homemade pickle and chips too. Parking kinda sucked...but it's the city, what should I really expect?
(3)Joe T.
I came for breakfast, but made an unfortunate game-time decision and opted for a sandwich instead. Big mistake -- the huevos rancheros were taunting me at every turn with their cheesy goodness. I will definitely be getting that the next time I visit this place. Don't get me wrong, though, the crab cake sandwich was a fine sandwich--a solid spicy mayo and soft baguette with some tasty homemade potato chips, but the huevos rancheros is definitely the signature dish at this joint judging from the sheer number of them circulating (and aside from the Orange Brioche French Toast if you're in the mood for sweet). Rookie mistake on my part. Like other posters below, for such a small place, I am impressed with the Japanese-style efficiency with which they move folks down the line. On an early Saturday afternoon, the line may look daunting, but honestly only waited about 20 minutes or so to be seated--which is acceptable for a place a small as this. Also, be prepared to peruse the menu on the wall (or grab one by the cash register) as you won't be sitting down while a waitress takes your order (a slap in the face of the aforementioned efficiency).
(4)Anne M.
I have only been to the location on Damen near the Blue Line stop, never the larger store on Division. I have been here several times, and always have been impressed with what I have ordered. The banana cupcake with peanut butter frosting kind of changed my life. And turned me onto peanut butter frosting, which if you have never tried...you must. As soon as possible. Breakfast sandwiches are great. Simple, fresh, very tasty. Good selection of baked goods, light sandwich menu, but all seemingly good choices.
(4)Marie S.
My girlfriends and I have been on a "best breakfast burrito in Chicago" mission, and thus far Milk & Honey is at the top of the list. To be honest, I haven't tried much else here, but I'm not really interested in trying anything else because their breakfast burrito is so darn good! The ambiance in this place is great - it's casual and comfortable, and the coffee is bottomless...which is always a huge plus. The food is fast, and the burrito always comes with homemade potato fries. Yummm. I will be a regular visitor as long as they continue to make those burritos!
(5)Abby H.
Good for kids: The info on Yelp says no, but every time I've been here there have been lots of kids, mostly babies and toddlers. So I would say it definitely IS good for kids. Plenty of high chairs available. Limited space though, so watch out for those giant strollers. I'm giving 3 stars because the last couple of times I've been here the place has really disappointed. The huevos rancheros were rubbery and seemed pretty obviously microwaved. The waffle was lukewarm and rubbery. The fruit was soggy, as though it had been sitting around for a while. Nothing seemed fresh. I also question their ingredients. They don't use anything organic, not even milk. The "all natural granola" IS delicious, but again it's just all-natural (which it should be, considering it's granola) but not organic. Not that Milk and Honey is obligated to go organic or anything, but they do project a kind of progressive, all-natural, moneyed-hipster vibe that can lull you into thinking that you're getting something you're not. It's really just average, conventional food (except for the really good granola!) in a charming location and space. Which, sometimes and maybe even often, is just fine and good enough.
(3)Tim W.
Good patio. Love the huevos rancheros and a quality cup of coffee. Patio is pet friendly.
(4)Michelle L.
It's been said on other reviews but I'll say it again anyways, the ordering process is odd, you go up to a counter, try to quickly figure out what you want, order and then stand around waiting for a table. It's a bit of a cluster... But, the patio is nice (on a warm day) and the food is okay. I thought the menu was a bit limited, so I ended up just having the granola and yogurt which was actually quite good, but a friend's breakfast didn't look so appetizing. I was hugely disappointed in the coffee, if you sit outside there's a thermos for refills and the coffee in this thermos is like a watered down version of folgers, YUK. I don't think I'll ever be back.
(2)Laura G.
Very cute cafe with fresh ingredients and tasty food! We got there on a warm Sunday morning, and the place was packed. You wait in line (we probably waited around 30 minutes), place your order, and then wait for a table again. We ordered the huevos rancheros, lox and bagel, and special egg empanadas. Everything was good, but nothing was great. The huevos rancheros were baked in a casserole dish, and while creative, I got bored of the blurred flavors after multiple bites. The lox tasted fresh, and it was overall an enjoyable experience. However, with all of the great breakfast places in Chicago, I will not be running back!
(3)Adam R.
I really enjoy when I invest the time to come here. Thus far I have had the opportunity to try their huevos rancheros, peach pancakes, and their veggie sandwich. The food is always amazing! The staff is always so friendly. The vibe inside the restaurant always makes me feel as if I am apart of the Ukraine Village Community. I always wish my stomach was bigger so I could finish their huge portions
(4)J P.
We love this place! Have been coming here for years and they never disappoint. It has the charm of a diner with the hustle and bustle of the wait staff and the cozy atmosphere of a chic urban cafe. Our faves are the lox platter (one of the more ample ones in the city - and for a great price!) and the huevous rancheros (best hangover cure out there). The al fresco seating provides great people-watching in the summer. Perfect place for catching up with friends or a breakfast date. Highly recommend!
(4)Laura C.
I have been twice with friends for brunch on the weekend, so of course it was busy. I don't mind waiting for a table if there is a little area, and you are not hovering over people or constantly having to move out of the way for people. But this is not the case here! They should just give servers sections like any other normal restaurant. But, on to the food... the huevos rancheros look good but are boring tasting. The panini's are good, but not amazing. The restaurant looks so cute and promising, but I don't think I'll be heading back.
(2)Janine G.
Good salads and sandwiches, albeit a bit overpriced. The real bummer is the unfriendly and rude service I have experienced time and time again here. I just paid $15 for a sandwich and some lemonade, no need for an attitude.
(2)Joel C.
A friend had recommended this place for breakfast and had to check it out. Real cute place with chalkboard signage and a nice outdoor seating area. It can get really packed and hard to find a seat at certain hours of the day but the line moves rather quickly for people just grabbing something to go. No waiter service, just order at the counter and take a seat and someone will bring it out to you. Don't expect much of a selection to choose from on breakfast items. They usually have a pancake special, a breakfast special and the usual bagels, granola and panini breakfast sandwich. Don't get me wrong they are all good! I got the special pancake of the day which was a coconut mango pancake. It was good, but a bit too nutty for me. I should have gotten the breakfast burrito since it looked really good when it came out of the kitchen. The granola is homemade and its awesome and you can buy some to go. Oh, they don't serve potatoes...your meal will come with potato chips instead. One thing I did not like was the scrambled eggs. They had a weird texture and you can tell it came from a carton. Best thing...the coffee!!! Had a naturally sweet flavor to it and what's nice is that you can buy the coffee to take home with you. I wish they had whole beans though since I only use a french press. Great local neighborhood stop!
(3)Tricia G.
One of the best low key breakfast/sandwich places! They have an amazing yogurt parfait with their own home made granola! They have a really good french toast if you don't mind gaining a few extra pounds, but it isn't overwhelmingly sweet either! Really great baked items and super sandwiches! Try it out!
(5)Harrison E.
If you have ever been to Greydog Cafe in NYC, then this place is for you; good service, inspiring eats, friendly all around, and good energy. The one interior design snafu I didn't like, was the pale yellow paint on the walls. Should be a pale orange---think color psychology for
(4)Nicole G.
Love it, love it, love it! I just moved to the Wicker Park neighborhood after living in Lake Merritt Oakland for two years, and was very spoiled on fresh veggies and high quality food. Needless to say, I feel like Milk and Honey has a very Bay Area feel to it. I have to admit I have eaten here 3 time in the last month. The sandwiches are awesome, and are served with homemade (i think) chips and a spiced pickle spear. The breakfast is incredible too. The prices are right for the quality food you get.
(5)Christine W.
Solid food, fantastic coffee, convenient location. But....... However, I'm sorry M & H, but I'm bored and irritated. I've been coming to your cafe for 3 years now and its the same small selection. On top of that, you've hired one or two rude servers who have actually inspired me to forfeit my spot in line and leave 2 times in the last year. If you weren't located so close and didn't serve the number one hangover cure (huevos rancheros) I wouldn't keep coming back for the abuse. I'm sorry, but I've replaced you with the Birchwood Kitchen on North- they've taken your concept and done it better with a wider menu and better service.
(3)Megan B.
If I was ever to open a restaurant, I would make it like Milk and Honey. It is such an efficient operation. Yes, you do have to stand it line to order, but this allows valuable tables to be turned over quickly. After ordering, you can leisurely sit and enjoy coffee while awaiting your food to be brought to your table. And once finished, you can leave as soon as you please - no having to flag down a waitress to pay. I suspect Milk and Honey is able to charge very reasonable prices for fresh, quality food, yet still make a profit, because they don't have to pay for extra staff like a hostess or multiple waitresses. And they know their nitch - breakfast and lunch - very well instead of trying to do everything. I am not gaga over any particular menu item, but everything I've had is solid. Plus their chai late is more flavorful than Starbucks. Because I work during the weekdays and often avoid popular brunch places on the weekends, I don't go often, but I still recommend Milk and Honey to others.
(4)Terence O.
The food is mediocre. They have a very limited menu. And the staff/management is as pretentious as you can get. I can't understand why there's a line out the door.
(1)Andy F.
I think of this place as coffee and quick breakfast. But the lunch was excellent. Had a top notch tuna melt and will be back for more. No wifi though.
(4)T B.
Charming little place with both outdoor and indoor seating. They are efficient and get your order taken and food out to you quickly. Had the beet, goat cheese and spinach sandwich on multigrain bread. It was served nice and warm, though I was sort of over the beet by the second half of the sammich. Like my sandwich, the potato chips were beautiful and cooked perfectly, though could've used more spices to pump up the flavor. Lady who took my order was nice and was happy to explain the menu to me as it was my first time in. They had a really cute little outside area I ate it. Will return!
(4)Pebbles R.
Quite possibly the best french toast ever.ever.ever. I'm not delighted with the whole serve yourself deal, but it is what it is.
(4)Tonia O.
Adorable. I really enjoyed this place, however I didn't get a chance to stay long as they were closing in 15minutes. The cafe hours need to be updated in order to drive business in more accurately or not give people the feeling of being rushed once you start banging pots and pans around. I ordered a simple chai latte and my friend had rhubarb coffee cake. Both tasty. I would be interested in trying some other items out on this menu.
(3)Mande B.
Before I get crucified for the low rating, let me start with saying that I'm writing based on my experience as one of the many people with food allergies in this city. In Short... DO NOT EAT HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD ALLERGIES! Food is PRE-MADE and there are no substitutions or changes to what's on the menu. In Detail... I've been wanting to go here for a long time and finally made it over there this Saturday with my sister. I am allergic to both wheat and milk, so before waiting in the 40 minute line I checked the menu posted in the window to see if there's anything I could order... Huevos Rancheros, perfect! When we got up to the register, they informed us that everything was pre-made and only heated up, so there are no special requests (ie. no cheese or milk). It turns out the only thing I could have on the menu was a plate of Spinach with two quarter-sized dollops of goat cheese and 3 dried figs... yeah, that's exactly what my hungover stomach was wanting... NOT!!! (Forgive me for the early 90s reference, it's Monday and I'm still pissed.) On one hand, the yummy looking casserole style Huevos Rancheros looked divine... but on the other, knowing it's PRE-MADE and not fresh makes it very disappointingly average. Three words of advise to Milk & Honey... 1) Make a note on your menu that there are no changes allowed. 2) At least keep a couple eggs on stock so that someone with food allergies doesn't have to eat spinach for breakfast. 3) Your Intelligensia blend is fabulous, so please don't ever get rid of it! (That's why you at least got the 1 star.)
(1)Cara C.
I find myself wandering in for a cookie and ending up getting a pickle and a cookie. It's a weird combination, I realize. The pickles are just THAT GOOD.
(4)Tuyen N.
The sound of Milk & Honey never really appealed to me until I saw their summer hour's dinner menu which included Chicken & Waffles. Now that's a combo me likey likey. During the summer, they open till 8pm with a limited dinner menu. While I really wanted to have the Chicken & Waffle, I haven't gained the trust of Milk & Honey yet to let them toy with one of my favorite dishes. So I started with something rather basic: the lamb and feta burger. I had to take my food to-go so there are a couple disadvantages about that other than my food not being hot. About the burger: served on a pretzel-ish bun (loved that part) with grilled red peppers (yummy- sweet) a huge hunk of lamb and feta with an olive spread. The bun was moist from the juices from my walk home so you should def. eat it there. My biggest complaint was that the meat was unbearably salty. The burger is served with their chips and a pickle spear for about $8. I didn't like my burger but while I was there, I did check out their menu and would definitely come back to try some of their other sandwiches and maybe even the Chicken & Waffles.
(3)Alex F.
I'm not a big fan of sandwich shops, but this place was a notch above the standard sandwich fare in chi. The sandwiches have interesting ingredients, and they get props for selling beer too. This is a great option if you're in the area. Staff was very friendly too.
(4)rebecca c.
Awesome Sammys and coffee
(4)Amanda H.
I have never had anything here I haven't loved. Great sandwiches, soup, breakfast items, and desserts (to die for)! This place gets a little busy on the weekends, but definitely worth the wait!
(5)Anne Marie J.
Finally went for brunch because Labor Day was considered part of the weekend :) Loooooooved the brunch items. The french toast was deliciously battered, served with extra sweet syrup and topped with crunchy almonds. Perfect - much better than my recent adventure with Lula Cafe and also $4 cheaper (can you tell I'm still upset?) The Mexican egg dish was also great - perfect amount of cheese melted on the top and paired with excellent spicy sour cream - we were spooning that sour cream into our mouths. Yummy! They really need to work on their customer service. Every time I'm there, the people taking the orders are so grumpy. If you don't like your job, LEAVE!
(4)Leslie B.
My boyfriend and I stopped by Milk & Honey Cafe Sunday morning for breakfast. We were super excited as we love trying new places. Unfortunately, this visit left us extremely disappointed. The food wasn't good at all. This is a hard review for me to give as breakfast food is usually hard to mess up. But here is my option... I ordered the orange brioche french toast and he had the granola pancakes flavor of the day nectarine. Both came out looking amazing and with a huge scoop of butter melting on top. This is where the beauty ended. The brioche was already SUPER buttery so the additional butter made it almost sickening. I added some syrup, but it was difficult to find the flavor of maple with out almost drinking the syrup. The pancakes on the other had were super dry and the granola had a strange crunch that tasted like stale nuts. Lots of butter and syrup were needed to make them remotely moist. The "flavor of the day" only meant some nectarine slices were placed on top. Sorry Milk & Honey Cafe, but we won't be back. All we are left with are achy stomachs.
(1)Poof A.
This place is the sister establishment of one of my fave coffee spots, Cippolina Cafe, which automatically earns it extra points in my book. A beautiful, sunny space that feels calm even when it's busy (and on weekends, it. is. busy.) The coffee is delicious (no surprise there, hi Cippolina!) and the food is simple but tasty and satisfying. I've been here for both brunch and lunch and I have to admit *sacrilege alert* that I kind of prefer the lunch. There's just something about those sandwiches that is so so lovely- and great for vegetarians too! I always appreciate a place that recognizes a sandwich doesn't have to contain cold cuts. I've checked it out for brunch, too, and enjoyed the cosy atmosphere even more. BB had the orange french toast (with a side of sausage, of course!) and was a fan- I had a taste and it wasn't too sweet even for this anti-sweet bruncher. I was a bit of a harder sell- I don't like to get brunch items that I can easily make myself, but I'm also not fiending for sugar at 10 am (remind me again why brunch is my favourite meal?) So the brekkie burrito never tends to draw me in. I got the egg and cheese sandwich and while it was satisfying, it was nothing special. I prefer to wait for lunch on this one..mmmmmm...
(4)Justin G.
Probably one of the best brunch places in town. I loved the orange brioche french toast or the omelette sandwich things. Definitely high quality food. If it is the weekend, expect a line.
(5)Sara E.
Glorious. This is what a cute cafe should be. I went for breakfast and shared an order of the orange brioche french toast and the huevos rancheros with my sister, and it was delicious, made from quality ingredients. The coffee is served in big mugs, and the staff was friendly. I was expecting table service, but you order at the counter and your food is brought to you. I'm okay with it - the food and atmosphere made up for it.
(5)Melissa M.
Milk and Honey is a great brunch place (love that there is outdoor seating in the warm weather months). I agree with Rachel that the walk up and ordering system is a bit annoying -- but the food makes up for this in spades. I highly recommend their granola. It's ridiculously good. So good that they've started selling it at Whole Foods! It comes in different flavors too (Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice). You can also get it as a topping on your keifer down the street at Star Fruit. I highly recommend Milk and Honey. It can get really crowded on the weekends, so maybe try to go during the week.
(3)Eric L.
eh, popular, but just because everyone loves brunch.
(3)Jourdan S.
Best soup in the hood. sandwiches are bangin too
(4)K W.
This place is constantly good! Yes is crowded at peak times, but if you go for a late lunch you there is no wait. Good lattes, egg dishes, salads and sandwiches! I have been there many times over the years and I have always enjoyed it. You order at the counter and the service is fine. Note to new mom's don't try to bring in your fancy stroller because it gets too crowded! I made the mistake and waited until my little ones could actually sit at a table to allow them to return. Great place to meet friends for lunch and seriously the food is always good. Oh...the cupcakes are yummy too
(5)Brittany B.
If I lived in Chicago I'd be here all the time! It almost deserves 5 stars, but it was really busy, and the waitstaff seemed kind of pissed while taking our orders. Other than that... their smoked salmon bagel is my new favorite breakfast! Why I haven't tried this delicious combination yet, I don't know, but theirs was especially good. Complete with dill cream cheese, capers, red onions, and tomatoes, this was a bagel sandwich not to forget. Quality smoked salmon too. I really want to re-create this one at home when I get the chance.
(4)James M.
The format was interesting and seemed to fit the place well (order at counter then wait for table) but I'm not sure how well they handle crowds. From what I hear I was lucky to not eat at a particularly busy time. Went for a breakfast dish and tried the Huevos Rancheros from a friend's recommendation. Always an interesting choice because everyplace in the city makes them differently. At milk&honey, it's a casserole style. The eggs, salsa, onions, black beans, are all mixed together with cheese baked in a thick oozy layer on top. Can't go wrong with cheese right? Also got a taste of their pancakes which tasted as good as they looked. This place has a good reputation, and I'm inclined to agree with the crowd on this one.
(4)V K.
My first visit was about 2 years ago. I ordered breakfast to go for me and my mom while she was recovering at the hospital down the street. I got some sort of orange french toast or something. All i remember is that it left a good impression on me. It was also the first time I tried their homemade granola. I started buying their granola at whole foods after that. It's good, good for you, and good to support local businesses when possible. I ate there again last month and it was one of the best brunch dining experiences I've had. It was a beautiful summer morning and they were busy as usual. I waited about 20 min in line (out the door), the staff were polite, the food was delicious, and atmosphere was relaxing. From my experiences so far, i have nothing negative to say about Milk & Honey.
(5)Jamila J.
Super cute but they are suffering from a seious identity crisis. "Am I a take out or a sit down joint?" It's was OKAY, but be forwarned, nothing is sweet and we were served overcooked waffles twice. Eek!
(3)Henry B.
Love this brunch spot. I was very surprised to see that it had lower ratings than other nearby places. Great coffee, great pancakes, great sandwiches. I really enjoyed the huevos rancheros when I had it. Actually, I have yet to be disappointed by anything that I have ordered here. And to top it off, the service is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is very cozy. The only complaint I can make is that there is often a long(ish) queue at the weekend -- in my eyes a good sign, but potentially annoying when you are starving for your first bite of food for the day.
(5)Clare W.
The smoked salmon - lox, bagel, cream cheese, cucumber, red onions, capers, and tomato - came out separated on my plate instead of already built into a sandwich. It was very awkward to build the sandwich myself and it left my white shirt stained with tomato and my hands smelling strongly of salmon. I also tried the chips off my friend's plate and they were overdone, and she didn't finish her breakfast burrito because it was kind of gross.
(2)Colin L.
Just okay with somewhat mundane service. The food was plain and the bacon was overcooked and took awhile. Overall, it was uninteresting food with unpleasant people.
(2)michaelia f.
I don't understand the appeal of this place. There's always a line, even early in the morning--people love this place. But I don't get it. I've been here twice now, once for breakfast and once for lunch. When I see a line out the door at a restaurant I've never been too, I get excited, because they must be doing something right to get so many people to love them that much so they would be willing to wait in a long line for food. My boyfriend and I came in for breakfast one weekend morning at about 9:30. The line was long but hadn't stretched outside yet, so we figured we were in good shape. It's cute inside, brightly lit, warm and inviting. We looked at what most other people seemed to be ordering and chose based on that. Maybe that was our mistake? We decided to split the huevos rancheros and the smoked salmon bagel plate. We ordered, gathered our "supplies" from the counter, and sat down. Food arrived about 15 minutes later, except for the bagel. That came out about 5 minutes after the rest of the food. A minor annoyance, but I'd rather let the food speak for the restaurant. The smoked salmon plate was good, if rather expected. But the huevos rancheros, they were bland and boring--they tasted like someone's 75 year-old midwestern raised grandmother had devised the recipe. I want spice--hell, I'll settle for just taste in a batch of huevos rancheros--but these had none. I don't like to judge a place based on just one trip, because sometimes the problems on the first occasion can be solved just by ordering differently. So we came back for lunch, to give Milk and Honey a chance to redeem itself. We decided on the avocado sandwich and the BLT. The avocado sandwich was good, but the BLT was served with bacon so limp the bread got soft from the grease. I just don't get it.
(2)Kate F.
Milk and Honey deserves four stars for food and one star for service. I had brunch there a few days ago and I still cannot get over the lack of hospitality by the counter staff. I asked a few questions about the menu and was treated as if I was a huge inconvenience! I could possibly understand this if it was busy, but it was a slow weekday morning and there was no line! I absolutely adore the food, but I don't know if I can justify supporting an establishment that allows their staff to speak rudely to guests. It actually spoiled my otherwise delicious meal. Note to management: Please hire staff that can at least appear to enjoy their jobs. A smile or even a pleasant expression goes a long way in conveying hospitality. Grimaces, frowns and glares should be 86'ed when dealing with the average guest.
(3)billy s.
PICKLES!! PICKLES!!! MORE PICKLES!!!! GOD I LOVE THEIR PICKLES!!! I love them so much I bought 2 dozen to take home and delight myself with giggles at home. mmmmmmmmm. Best B.L.T. I have had in a long time. Did I mention the PICKLES are the best thing in the world ? They must be covered in drugs. I want more. If I had to nit-pick anything, it would be the slight wait at the door -- no worries though, it is worth the wait!! mmm, pickles.
(5)Jackie W.
If you're okay with not much legroom and a little bit of noise, the breakfast/brunch at Milk and Honey will do you fine. The food is so yummy and the portions so generous I almost hate to complain about the setup and the service. I've eaten here several times - most recently, when dear hubby took grandma, the kidlet and me out for Mother's Day brunch. Everyone at our table was delighted with his or her food: my husband and his bagels-and-lox, Grandma and the huevos rancheros casserole, and the kiddo ate up all of her eggs and sausage. M&H's orange brioche French toast -- my personal fave -- is moist without being all like I HAS MILK AND EGGS LET ME SHOW YOU IT, and it is ever so fluffy. All that said, the scene there on the weekends is kind of nuts. The tables are very close together and you have to stand in line to place your order. If you're seated near said line while you eat, you run the risk of getting elbowed and your food gawked at - a HUGE pet peeve of mine. It's a jostle to get to the restroom, and woe is the customer who has an extra bag or a stroller because there is seriously like nowhere to put them. The restaurant has high chairs but otherwise M&H may be too noisy and crowded for the more active child.
(3)Natalka K.
I recently went to Milk and Honey on Division for lunch and although it was crowded I took it to go. People were getting up and some were sitting down to clean tables. I had the Grilled Chicken with Bacon, Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomatoes and Bleu Cheese Spread on Ciabatta and this has become my favorite sandwich to get . They also have sweets that you can get to go. I saw on their menu board that they serve a very limited choice of alcohol - like mimosas, etc. but I'm sure those are for a later time or the weekend. I will always go back to Milk and Honey for the good sandwich or for a chai latte.
(4)Patty S.
The food is always fresh and tasty. You can't go wrong with ordering a sandwich here! It's a safe choice for me because I know it's going to be what I expect in my mind!
(4)Josh K.
Overall, I found this place pretty bland. Went for breakfast with my wife, sister-in-law and nephew and nothing was outright delicious, all just so-so. Serve-yourself coffee was lukewarm and not great; a little stale. I had a breakfast burrito that was so innocuous it almost put me to sleep. They really had nothing on the menu for my nephew to eat either -- he's five, he wanted pancakes, but they were "pre-mixed" so he couldn't get them without the bananas and toffee. He got a slice of chocolate pound cake instead, but that was pretty dry (he let me try a bite). I mean, if a five-year old isn't too interested in your chocolate cake, that might be a sign something isn't quite right. Something weird also happened while we were there. A very nice woman greeted us when we stepped in, and told us it would be a minute wait. OK, obviously no problem. It was a semi-busy weekday. But then, shockingly, she went over and asked two women (who were already sitting and eating) to get up and move from a four-top to a two-top so we could have their table. Hard to complain about that since we got in faster, but... still surprising. And I felt like sort of an ass the entire time, because we had disrupted their breakfast. Weird. Two stars for being cheap and quick, but I'll probably stick to some of my other favorite breakfast spots around this part of town. Can't speak on the lunch menu.
(2)Nicki W.
I think I'll have to come back here for breakfast because I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it was because I was totally exhausted when I came in with a group of friends after a fun weekend but it didn't wow me. I had the Grilled Chicken with Bacon, Lettuce, Roasted Plum Tomatoes and Bleu Cheese Spread on Ciabatta. It was alright, I thought the chicken was kind of dry. My friend always gets on my case when I order a chicken sandwich at a place I've never been too, but it's what I wanted. I did order the Pesto with Pine Nuts though as a side and that was pretty awesome. The lemonade I had was really tart and I loved every minute of it. My friends had the Smoked Turkey Reuben with Sauerkraut, Swiss and Dressing on Rye, it was alright, but nothing to rave about. The food kind of reminded me of Corner Bakery. They also had some really good looking deserts, cookies, cupcakes and such so I will have to try those the next time I'm in. I've come to the conclusion, that the main draw of this place is the breakfast because the lines are down the block on the weekends. It's really cute on the inside though, but there's not a lot of space to sit which is a downfall but the fireplace is a nice touch. I will say, the girl at the counter wasn't too friendly, but maybe she was just having a bad day. My opinion, breakfast may work better than the lunch menu.
(3)Sam M.
We arrived at 2:25pm on a weekend. Their breakfast is served until 2:30. You would think they would accommodate us, but no. Moreover, why not serve breakfast all day? After all, you are known for that and you are only open until the late afternoon! Lunch sandwiches were mediocre. Staff was unfriendly and rude. Good customer service means giving customers more than what the expect. Just never happened and I found this place to be overrated. Don't think I will go there again.
(2)Keerthi A.
Milk and Honey gets ridiculously crowded but IMHO, I think their food looks better than it tastes. Their heuvos rancheros is very popular and looks amazing, tastes pretty decent. It is a huge ramekin with a bunch of beans, eggs and cheese with other stuff in it. Their scrambled eggs, sausage and toast sides are all decent. They have other sweet things on the side as well, which are good. Their waffles are really good, especially with raspberries and almonds on top. Not the best breakfast place I've eaten and I only go there because I live in the neighborhood, probably wouldn't go back if I moved away.
(3)Brad B.
Very comfortable space. Like a cozy coffeehouse that also serves hot breakfast.
(5)John H.
Waiting in line is a bore, food was excellent, but took too long to get to our table. Sun is too bright on the window tables early in the morning and the flys were killing us. Can't they do something about it? The food was excellent and the place is just a joy. All said i will still go there, but I wish they would attend to the details better. Maybe a shade on the window and bigger umbrellas to cover all the tables outside.
(4)caroline e.
This place is definitely in my standard rotation of brunch spots. While it sounds like many reviewers don't like the way service is run here, I beg to differ. I am amazed at how many people Milk & Honey is able to serve in such a small place...and so quickly! Even when there is a long line, and the place looks packed, I have always had a table waiting for me by the time I place my order. It's so efficient! And SO much better than the 45 minute wait you often have to endure at other popular brunch spots. Plus, their prices are much lower than other brunch places around town...I've always assumed this is because they don't have waitresses. So, I love the way Milk & Honey does things. That being said, if you're looking to be waited on for a long, leisurely brunch, this isn't the spot. As for the food...the oatmeal is amazing! It's perfect on a cold chicago morning. As a decaf coffee drinker (love coffee, hate feeling caffinated. I know, it's weird), I appreciate that they have good decaf too. It's surprisingly hard to find! I know people love the Huevos, but I've always found them to be a bit bland. Not my favorite menu option. Pretty much everything else is delicious though. Highly recommended!
(4)Ruben A.
From the minute we walked through the door we were ignored. It wasn't even busy. The sign says "wait for hostess to seat you." So we waited as the young lady at the counter did nothing fir 3 minutes. Finally I ask if I should just seat myself. She tells me "Sure, but you still gotta order at the counter." Ummm, te why the hostess sign? Then we look at the menu. You can't order sandwiches until 10 am and most of their breakfast items, at least the ones we want aren't available on weekdays. Poor service, limited food. Pass on this place. It has a better-than-thou attitude it doesn't deserve. Head up the street to Janik's, it's so much better. Dang I hate giving one star reviews.
(1)jen m.
Should of came on a Sat or Sun for some of their famous huevos rancheros. Instead we were here on a Thursday morning and was it humming with people. Definitely didn't expect it to be busy at all! Went with the orange brioche french toast and can't seem to remember what the dining partner ordered. Obviously, not memorable. French toast was good but not in my top 3. I think we ordered the wrong things...next time trying the huevos rancheros and the granola. I didn't get the appeal of the restaurant. There's too many other brunch places in the city to try and give my patronage too.
(3)Miss A.
I like the food. I've had the huevos rancheros, the breakfast burrito (huge; comes with potato chips - wierd), and the granola/yogurt/fruit bowl (yogurt was warm and sort of runny, barely any fruit). I lik coffee. I LOVE the granola. I dislike the girls at the cashier in front.
(3)Daniel A.
great breakfast...you'll just have to wait on weekends. Expected when there's good food, right.
(4)Pb J.
The joys of weekend breakfast...or should I say brunch, since I never get up early enough to call it breakfast. It's definitely one of our favorite activities to look forward on the weekend. Therefore, J. recommended going here, as she's been here before and knows I like trying new breakfast places. The food was pretty good, but one thing I wish they would offer is more variety on their menu. I hear that they change up their menu from time to time, but I can see the selections getting tired after 2-3+ return trips. Another thing that I am not a fan of is the way you order food. You have to wait in a line inside the restaurant...before you can sit down. They don't take down or call out names like other restaurants do. If the place is crowded, which it usually is on a weekend, it's hard to relax with people bumping into you all the time. It's even worse if you are eating and happen to be one of the tables nearest to the line of hungry patrons. You can feel the tension as they stare down your food while looming overhead as you try to make the best of your meal. However, not all is bad. The main reason I like going back is the granola. The chocolate 'n banana is my favorite, and J. is a huge fan of the blueberry 'n pecan. You can't go wrong with a bag of this to take home! I almost makes the staring and waiting worth it.
(3)Kim W.
(is it okay that the only reason i want to come back on a regular basis is for the bloody marys or does that make me sound like lucille bluth?)
(3)Anna D.
Milk & Honey!!! This is my favorite posh breakfast spot in Chicago! The ONLY annoying thing about this place is the ordering process because during the weekends, the line is literally out the door but people don't mind BECAUSE of the food! Locals know it makes the wait worthwhile! As you're standing in line, try not to stare at the people already seated and happily eating their food, this might lead to a grumbling tummy! Everything I've tried here is fabulous. My favorites include the Smoked Salmon with Toasted Bagel, Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion, Capers and Herbed Cream Cheese for $6.75, as well as the Buttermilk-Granola Pancakes with the Flavor Du Jour for $6.50. Their OJ and grapefruit juices are fresh squeezed! Come here with a friend, bff, or spouse. The place is a bit small and may be harder to cater towards groups (go to bigger breakfast joints for that). I highly recommend this place!!
(4)Ashley M.
Awesome! Maybe the best turkey Reuben I've ever had.....maybe. They have a really good variety of sandwiches on their menu. There's pretty much something for everyone. The mimosa's looked delicious also. I will absolutely be back to try more of the sandwiches.
(5)Susana K.
Disappointed! On a hunt for a good breakfast, my boyfriend, Jim and I had passed by a cute little place called, Milk and Honey. the place was packed, which I took to be a good sign. My mistake. Once inside, we were greeted by a spacey hostess, who barely made eye contact. The rest of the staff seemed to be having a bad day as well. I sat at the tiny table while Jim ordered the waffle I had been craving. Another mistake! It was tasteless, and, frankly, mooshy! Jim's eggs were OK, but surely overpriced. i will say that the coffee was quite good, yet not good enough to redeem the cafe. So Honey, I wont be comin' back!!
(1)Tony D.
A tasty little discovery. We originally went to Division to stop at Renegade Handmade next door. After shopping we were looking for a place for a coffee break. We though Milk & Honey was a cool place so we ended up returning the next day for breakfast. The next day the place was packed, so we knew we made a good choice. Fortunately, when we arrived there was a just cleared table, so we were able to enjoy breakfast without a long wait. I tried the breakfast panini with egg and bacon, while my girl opted for the orange brioche french toast. the panini was fresh and not greasy. Plus, you cannot go wrong when you combine egg, cheese, bread and bacon. The french toast was a little different, but good. The subtle sweetness of orange was unexpected. We shared a side of chicken sausage which was a little spicy and really good. We would definitely eat here again.
(4)Derek L.
Ok, I started off loving this place because of their super yummy granola. And then my girlfriend and I began a Sunday morning brunch ritual later, and loved it even more. They have a very simple and straight forward menu, which I appreciate, and the waitstaff is very helpful and nice. I really enjoy the huevos rancheros that they only serve on the weekends, and they have a rotating pancake that is always good. Don't forget a couple of lavender/lemon cookies to go too. Prices are very reasonable. I guess the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that it can get really busy, and the way they take orders and give people numbers while they wait, makes this place feel a bit discombobulated. It seems that half the people in the restaurant are waiting to sit down. And of course, then they want to turn over table quick too. Don't bring the paper and expect a quiet place to read for an hour after you've finished. But all that to say, it's one of my more favorite spots for brunch.
(4)Virginia T.
Recently I stopped in to Milk & Honey for a weekday lunch. I had the special which was a wrap with hummus, roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers, and lettuce. It was pretty good! My only complaint was that the vegetables were in huge pieces that kept trying to escape the wrap- so it was very messy albeit tasty! I also took home a piece of coconut-carrot cake which was moist and delicious! The staff was friendly, the portions were big, the prices were reasonable...I will be back soon!
(4)Allie J.
Always a great experience at Milk and Honey. For $6.95 you can get a half sandwich and soup (i recommend the BLT). I had a delicious butternut squash topped with fresh apple. Great for brunch or lunch.
(5)Linsey C.
I have been in once and done take out once. The food is good. It's not great, but it's good. I really like the ham and caraway Havarti sandwich. The pretzel roll is always delicious. My problem with Milk & Honey is that it is a little pricey and it's set up in a way that causes backups and traffic jams. Seems like a place that's this hoppin' all the time could figure out a way to make dining in more enjoyable. If you end up being lucky enough to get a table after going through the ordering process, you better stay a while, otherwise you'll annoy all the other guests by trying to squeeze back through the maze of people to find the door.
(3)Sonia L.
I have walked by this place a bunch of times, and thought it would be an expensive breakfast place for dinks. It's not. Many of the patrons are young families, but it is quite affordable and the quality of food is great. Not like most breakfast places in the area, you order at the counter. It's also first come, first serve for seating. The orange brioche french toast was excellent. The portion was huge! It was really tasty and put me in a coma. My male friend (as well as all the other men at the table) ordered the juevos rancheros. Yum!! Like the French toast, the portion was quite large. Coupled with a cup of intelligentsia coffee, it was a fantastic way to start the day.
(4)Michael S.
I do love their granola, and confess to eating it literally 5 days a week, but I can buy that anywhere. As for going to the restaurant - I'm not really blown away, and the whole wait in line to order, and then wait again for your table... I guess I would rather go somewhere else. Food wasn't bad though, just won't get me back.
(3)Julie M.
This place was confusing, congested and a lot of work. When I eat out I like to relax and be waited on. After you line up, place your order, pay your tab, grab your table service, napkins, doctor your coffee, find your seat, while holding purse, coat, etc.you feel like you just made a train you were running late for, exhausting! While in line to order you hover over diners who must feel like an animal in the zoo as everyone glares. The food was good but there is a lot of good food in Chicago with a better experience. The staff appears stressed just like you! Some changes needed, and quick! Not a restaurant but a workaurant.
(1)Quynh-An P.
This place has a good vibe when you come in, there's something about it that I like. I ordered the almond croissant with a cup of the apple cider. The boyfriend got the pumpkin coconut bread and an orange juice. I thought the almond croissant was just ok. The flavors were good, but it wasn't flaky enough or something for me. I'm not sure what it was, but it didn't hit the spot. I also found it a bit dry for me. The apple cider was fabulous though and really warmed me up from the cold. The boyfriend seemed to enjoy his pumpkin coconut bread. I'm not a huge fan of either pumpkin or coconut, but thought it was pretty tasty. The OJ was standard. This place was overall just ok. Nothing super fancy, and not bad at all. Definitely a good place to pop in for a quick hiatus from the cold and wind.
(3)Sharad K.
One of the better breakfast/brunch/lunch cafes in Wicker Park. Go if you are looking for good, honest food and coffee. The specials change every week and are usually tasty.
(4)Andrew B.
So I've come around to thinking the food is better than 2 stars... but why are the hostesses/order-taker-people so curt, seemingly put-out by questions about the food, and generally unfriendly? If it was just directed at me, I'd guess it had something to do with my lack of good looks and possibly terrible breath, but I've seen perfectly friendly looking women and kindly old men get the same treatment.
(3)Rick J.
I have it on good authority from a knowledgeable source that Milk & Honey has the best pickles of all time. I don't like pickles myself, but I know how important they are to some people so it's worth saying. Milk & Honey is pretty great for weekend brunch. The huevos rancheros are absolutely stellar, but so is more of their breakfast menu. I've enjoyed the lunches I've had there as well, but breakfast is really what they do best. I wish the menu was a bit larger, though. The breakfast menu is pretty short, and there isn't a lot of variety between the sandwiches on the lunch menu. Milk & Honey is perfect when it's slow and you can enjoy yourself, but it is a little bit of a headache when it's busy. The staff is great about keeping the restaurant running smoothly and is keeps you in the loop while you're waiting for a table (which is really nice - everyone hates standing there guessing about when they're going to be seated), but the place can get a little crowded. Still, even if you do see a line when you walk in, Milk & Honey is usually more than worth it.
(4)Rich S.
This place is designed to serve food quickly and move people through the doors which is nice when other hot spots like the Bongo Room have a crawling wait. The breakfast menu leans a bit much toward vegetarian for my personal liking but everything is delicious. Thankfully they have real bacon and not the turkey or tempeh crap.
(4)simona s.
This has to be my new favorite place! I can't say anything about their other food, since I haven't tried it yet, but the sandwich I got was delicious!! Grilled portabella, goat cheese, roasted bell peppers and spinach. It's a very decent portion and they have several sides to choose from. Got my hubs a roasted beef sandwich and he was very happy with it. They also have beer, wine, mimosas and they are very decently priced. maybe sandwiches are a bit expensive, but I don't mind paying for delicious, quality ingredients, so I was happy with my 9$ plate that also included a homemade(I assume) pickle that was very good :)
(5)Lindsee R.
I don't know what the trendy westsiders love so much about waiter-less sit down eateries. It's so awkward, do you leave a tip? Who does it go to? What if I want to leave it to the person who brought my food and not to the person that took my order? In Milk's case, I didn't want to leave a tip. Iwas starving and I ordered a turkey reuben and it was ice cold in the middle....ICE. If I'm not mistaken, part of the glory of the reuben is that it's grilled. They did make me a new one, though the cashier was totally not friendly about it. But, I was too hungry to care and in the end the sandwich was solid.
(3)Sunny C.
Go there every Sunday for breakfast. Blonde 50+ Lady behind counter is tough personality and not very friendly...but after my 83 visits, I think she might crack a smile next time. EXCELLENT bus boy guy (same guy) who busts his tail and always is friendly with our kids. Overall good food but service lacks that friendly neighborhood feel.
(3)irfan m.
Ok!! Lets see Where can I start complaining !! No where!! Cant believe people use Yelp to punch other people's great family owned business. Life is not perfect deal with it. Huevos Rancheros Premade!! Yess If you understand a bit ...Bowl is premade and customer would walk in and You heat it up!! Thats Simple. For God's Sake crying out loud...I did not get to sit in 10 minutes well If you want good food, Brother You have to wait. People needs to learn to be flexible specially when you are paying 8 bucks for breakfast ..This is not Alinea......You have to get your coffee by yourself....Can't believe that My butt is so lazy that I cant go and get my silverware too...... DO NOT LISTEN TO BABIES!! GREAT PLACE. Smoked salmon. A+ Huvevos Rancheros A+ Granola A+ .. ENJOY ...
(4)Vince H.
While I 'heart' SF, a part of me is a bit sad that I won't be spending another summer in Chicago. I find it always refreshing to be back in the heartland of Chicago, where the portions are.. well.. hearty. I've always wanted to check out Milk and Honey over on Division whiled I lived there. But, every time I walked passed it during the weekend, it was brimming with people. Given the fact that its cafeteria style, hunting down seating is always rare when the place is full. I got a chance to check it out last week. The weather was a bit brisk, but warm when sitting outside--like San Francisco. Kelly ordered the Crabcake with Chipotle Mayo and Shredded Lettuce. There was a nice kick thanks to the Chipotle mayo. I got the grilled Pastrami and swiss with horseradish-mustard spread on Dark Rye. All is all, a great place to brunch!
(3)Chicago F.
Went for a quick bite with a couple friends to milk and honey the other day and we had a couple bowls of some of the best soup I have had in the area. One was a tomato with India spice and I was just in India and it was flavorful and so darn tasty. We also enjoyed another Tomato based soup with sausage that was even better than I had hoped. The best part was the service and since they were getting ready to close they actually gave us 3 cups of free coffee togo rather than tossing it which I thought was very nice. Will be back soon
(5)Maximilien V.
So there's really only one thing that I like on the menu, the avocado and smoked gouda sandwich. It's bad ass. Their crabcake sandwich is terribly dry and not so flavorful. I've tried it on three separate occasions and I really want it to be good, but it's really really not. I wish they'd do something about that... The sides here are ok. I wish they'd change it up a bit more though. I'm tired of the boring beets, edamame salad, and basil pasta salad. I know this place can be better. Live up to your potential milk and honey. BTW, the pastries are very good.
(3)Dave L.
Yum, Yum and Yum! Very friendly place with a perfect outdoor seating (in door available if you prefer). Sandwichs tasted good. I gave it a 4 star instead of 5 because they screwed up my order. Although the wrong sandwich was made and given to me, it was nevertheless great tasting. I would have given it a 5 Star if my order was done correctly.
(4)Lyn B.
Been here a couple times, and both were good. The food is good, and it's a cute little cafe. Nothing amazing.
(3)Diane H.
My husband and I picked Milk and & Honey for a Monday-morning late breakfast because it was within walking distance of our hotel and we had only an hour before check-out time. We'd read up on Yelp and so knew about the quirks of the place, like ordering at the counter and picking up our own silverware. I ordered cafe au lait and the Orange Brioche French Toast; my husband got the smoked salmon breakfast and a regular coffee. The smoked salmon was some of the best my husband has had-- not excessively salty, very plump, and with a great texture. The everything bagel with fennel seeds, cream cheese spread, and capers served alongside the salmon all were very good. My French Toast was quite good, with a nice topping of chopped almonds, though I would've liked more fresh fruit than just the orange slice garnish to balance out the bread and sugar. We were pleased enough with the food and the service to get ourselves some take-out for the trip back to Detroit, and so we ordered the following as a "picnic lunch": savory red pepper scone, vegan pumpkin cookie, Earl Grey sandwich cookies, sweet potato salad, kale salad with sesame seeds, and a cooked Brussels sprouts salad. The staff was quite considerate in packing all this up and everything was very tasty except the kale, which was a little too salty (too much soy sauce?) and needed some potatoes or something else to help counter the salt. Another thing we picked up for the road was a latte laced with the "balsamic black pepper fig" syrup, which was amazing. Coffee with "cafe de olla" syrup was a little less impressive, as it tasted more like Constant Comment tea mixed with coffee. Oh well. If we're passing through the North Side of Chicago any time soon, we'd definitely stop in here again.
(4)Ariana G.
Well this is a cute place. They close at 4 so it's breakfast lunch stuff. I only tried lunch, which was average. I found the staff not so friendly but I was there an hour prior to close. The coffee was good. It was only average to me. Nothing outstanding to report. I will try this place again. It's not that easy to get here by mass transit, which is a real downer.... For me....
(3)Jennifer R.
My boyfriend and I, who have very different tastes, decided to try this out last weekend at the suggestion of other yelpers. We were both very pleased! He had the huevos rancheros (which I may have misspelled) and loved it. I had a breakfast panini made with delicious scrambled eggs, tomato, cheese and bacon. We both ordered the chai latte -- definitely a good choice! The panini was good, but what was even better was the freshly made fig/granola/rice pudding cup that I grabbed at the register. The chai latte complimented it very well. I'm normally pretty generous with sharing new things that I try, but that pudding cup was so good that the boyfriend only got to have one spoonful. Oooohhh yeah. I do have to say that I did *not* experience any problematic customer service. Everyone I spoke to or interacted with was very friendly and pleasant. The girl at the register even offered to keep my rice pudding cup in the refrigerator until I was ready for it so that it would stay nice and cool. Great place.
(5)Rahul S.
On the ever bustling section of Division St., Milk & Honey is a true standout. Sadly w/ the coming winter the outdoor seating is closed up, but no worries, as the inside is quite homey, although i wouldn't recommend coming w/ a group of more than 4 since you probably won't get a seat! There's a great selection of baked goods, sandwiches, and breakfast specialties like huevos rancheros on the weekend. Their ham and caraway havarti is awesome, and served on a pretzel roll. My friend had a black bean burger which he didn't seem to enjoy all that much, although apparently he thought it was going to be a beef burger w/ a black bean spread, so his fault for not reading the description right? :) The kettle chips are tasty, w/ just the right crunch and saltiness. I had the hot chocolate as well, which is rich, warm, and marshmallowy! You pretty much can't go wrong w/ anything here... efficient, no frills service w/ solid food keep me coming back time and time again!
(5)Leigh Anna T.
Go for brunch on the weekend and order the huevos rancheros. You may want to split it with a friend because it is huge, but delicious. Great coffee and a bright and airy space. A cute neighborhood gem!
(4)Reg W.
A friend and I stopped here for lunch. I wasn't too hungry and feeling under the weather, so I opted for their mushroom soup. It was a pureed soup so it was thick and creamy. I also got one of their teas. I noticed some more stuff as we were leaving and saw they have interesting italian sodas. I love italian sodas, but I didn't really like the one I got. It was something with ginger in it, and it was not real ginger that they used. That was disappointing. The girl at the counter taking orders was not very friendly as well. It's a cute place and I would give it another try.
(3)Nicolas H.
I hate to say it, but their zucchini bread could be better than my mom's. Not only was it moist and fresh, but it had chocolate chips that really put it over the top. I also had a pretty tasty mocha. I normally don't drink too much coffee, but I drank the entire oversized cup. The atmosphere is decent, but I was a little disappointed they didn't offer free wi-fi...
(4)Nicole E.
This is my favorite lunch spot. Lovely staff, great little menu, fun atmosphere, always a good playlist on the speakers and such tasty sweets. The coffee is also the best - Intelligentsia! The specials are almost always worth ordering, as are the salads in the refrigerated case. The regular menu of sandwiches offer something for everyone - the house made roast beef sandwich and smoked gouda & avocado sandwich are two of my favorites. I've tried them all and have been pleased with all. The pastries are always fantastic - love any struesel bar and the lemon lavendar sugar cookies. And I love their black iced tea. Breakfast is also tasty - hard to beat their granola! I love Milk & Honey, and wish I still worked across the street!
(5)Lois A.
My boyfriend and I were cold and wet from a morning down at the Printers Row book fair when we decided to come here for lunch. It was busy but there was only one person ahead of us in line and seating was no problem. We orded the wild mushroom and parmesan soup with truffle oil, a crabcake sandwich and an avocado sandwich and decided to share everything. The crabcake sandwich was great! The crabcakes were huge and it had a nice spicy bite to it. I'd add some honey to it if I was making it myself for a bit of sweetness to mix with the chipotle but I will add honey to everything if given the chance. The soup was so yummy and so what we needed after the cold morning. The avocado sandwich was good but a little lacking. The cracked mustard on it tasted great when I tasted it but my sandwich could have used a bit more. There was just so much avocado that it kind of overpowered the other flavors. I ended up spooning a little of my soup onto the sandwich to give it some zip and then I was happy. We'll definitely be back. It's only a few blocks away from where we live and any crabcake sandwich that good will always have a place in my heart.
(3)Christmas D.
During my first visit here a couple years ago I ordered this amazing smoked trout salad sandwich with apples on pumpernickel. I haven't seen that sandwich since. I crave that sandwich. But I have been in here several times since then (hoping for the sandwich) and, of all the things I've ordered, have NEVER had anything bad from Milk & Honey. The menu appears to have a few staple-sandwiches, some seasonal offerings, and then the sides/salad, baked goods and specials seems to change pretty frequently, if not daily. Because of this, every time I go in there it's like the first time all over again and it takes me FOREVER to figure out what to order. Little joints like this do well to have a relatively small selection of offerings that are done REALLY well. Milk & Honey seems to be all about this M.O. I haven't had breakfast/brunch here, but the menu is short & sweet, covers the basics, and - from what I hear - does these very well, too. Slightly pricey as far as "cafes" go but the quality, freshness and creativity with the food is worth EVERY extra penny. This place ALMOST makes me wish I lived in WP. Almost.
(5)Janna V.
i really like milk and honey. Their food is wholesome and good. If it wasn't so busy I would go much more often. I'm surprised to hear about people getting bad service. I think that a lot of people walk in with "restaurant service" on the brain. But Milk and Honey is a counter service establishment so I do not expect a bunch of people fawning all over me and kissing my ass (i mean...it would be a nice touch...but that's a whole other subject) its a dog friendly place and they always have lots and lots of umbrellas. I've never waited more than 15 min for an outside table so I'm pretty happy with that. Although I like to go when it isn't as busy. granola, huevos rancheros, and the iced tea or coffee are must haves!
(4)Dane K.
I held off on writing a review of this place thinking "I didn't get it" and maybe I just hadn't gone there enough to understand why there's so much raving about this place or to be considered cool by them... but then I realized after reading the reviews, it's just the workers that are jackasses... Yet somehow there's still always a crowd of people who *appear* to be regulars here filling this place every morning (lack of better options? --little else is open in the morning on weekdays I guess)... I went there once specifically for the home-made granola that TimeOut raved about. It was about $5.50 for the only size available.... which was just way too much in size and money as far as I'm concerned. The granola/yogurt parfait wasn't too much more exciting than the $1 variety McDonald's sells, even if it is homemade. It was granola, some granny smith apples, and yogurt. Having spent so much on it, I tried to force it down, but couldn't even finish it, which is a rarity for me. It . It was easily about twice as much food as what someone should consume for breakfast. I hesitate to give them 3 stars even, but their chai is among the best. Though sometimes half the cup is filled with foamy milk and I feel ripped off...
(3)tatyana o.
Best home-made dill pickles this side of Atlantic. Period.
(4)Jon C.
this will always have a 5 star rating in my heart because i took the love of my life here for our first date. i don't remember what i got for food, but i remember the date being like an interview, where i was approached with, "so....tell me about yourself." anyways - food was great and it's a cool atmosphere. it is an operational manager's dream, the way they have you order your food in line and then seat you as soon as you complete your order. short wait for food as well.
(5)Carolyn R.
I call Shenanigans on this place! Gotta agree with Aise W. on this one: "I don't understand the hype and certainly won't be contributing to it." I used to live less then a block away for many years and they have been screwed up from Day One. The only reason I went more than once is that I figured that I must have remembered it wrong and it could not possibly be as bad as I had remembered it. And every visit subsequent I just proved myself right over and over again. They made a pretty good BLT, and the coffee was good, but on balance it was not enough to make me go back after I moved out of the 'hood. Like almost all the other posters I have got to say that the staff is atrocious. I ain't paying close to $10 for a sandwich with a big side of attitude. You're not all that, my friend. I feel bad for the Mexican guys in the back who are busting their humps while the white girls up front are busy ignoring customers and practicing their affectations. It made me appreciate dear departed Leo's down the street all the more. The staff might have been a little freaky and stoned, and the place kept irregular hours, but they were what a breakfast place in East Village *should* be.
(1)Becca H.
Love Milk & Honey!!! Prepare to wait in line if you go during peak hours, such as weekend brunch. My favorites are the tuna melt, the hummus/ mushroom/ spinach/ feta wrap, breakfast panini, and the breakfast burrito special. All of their bakery items always look delicious. They also have really great coffee and friendly service. They also offer cocktails such as Bloody Marys and Mimosas and different types of beer and wine. I highly suggest it. It's a weekend brunch favorite for my room mates and I!
(5)Pam N.
I was wandering around in the area (wig-shopping and post-officing!) one Saturday afternoon, when I got really, really hungry. It was that weird time of day, between brunch & lunch. Brunch places were closing up and lunch places were not quite open yet! Luckily, I stumbled across Milk & Honey. I had a sandwich (it was like 2:30pm, so no breakfast) and a Bloody Mary. The sandwich was perfect! But the Bloody Mary was truly, unexpectedly, outstanding. mmmmm Cheese, sausage, pickles, olives and..what is that, homemade giardinara? YES PLEASE Plus, b/c it was the afternoon the place was almost deserted so I didn't have to wait, and I got to sit right in the sun. I'll be coming back.
(5)kelly c.
Um..... (crickets) M&H has been so hyped up. I've tried to go numerous times, but have always found the long wait outweigh my desire to eat there. Well, I finally went, and was, sadly, completely unimpressed. There are a fair amount of lunch sandwiches, but like 7 breakfast options. There are also no breakfast potatoes, which I just find un-American. The breakfast panini comes with potato chips, but there are no hash browns, or anything like that. Ok, hash browns aren't so exciting, but nothing on their menu really was either. A lot of kids come here. And I'm fine with the stroller shuffle, and I get that kids are messy. But the table I was sat at clearly had a baby there prior to our seating. There was milk and cereal and general messiness all around the floor surrounding our table. I'd say I have an unusually high tolerance for filth, too, but in this case I was rather put off. But back to the beginning of my experience with M&H. They have you wait in line to order and a hostess finds a table for you to sit at either before or after you order, depending on when the tables become available. I've only experienced this system of seating at two other places - Xoco and Smoque. I think this system works very well at the aforementioned establishments, but at M&H I found it to be somehow obnoxious. I feel like when people go to Xoco or Smoque, they get their food, chow down and get out. If you have a coffee for brunch, I suspect you'll stay awhile and take your time, which leads to a back up of tables and many people who have ordered but are not yet seated and thusly have no where to really stand. In this case, it seems to be a really inefficient system. Actually, Xoco doesn't let you order until a table has been allocated. Perhaps you should take some notes from them, M&H. The coffee. To go it's cheap, but it's more expensive if you're eating in. That was just unfortunate, because I couldn't wait to get out of this crowded mess of a brunch restaurant, so I didn't even drink half a cup! Oh, Milk & Honey, I might be back, but probably not.
(2)Gaurang B.
I would rank it as the best breakfast place so far. Avocado, smoked gouda sandwich- truly delicious! Even spinach wrap was good.. Sometimes it takes long time because of crowd though. I wish they had more space..
(4)Brent W.
So it's mad libs crazy busy during peak time hours and if you try to go on the weekends, you're nuts and just asking for a headache. Myself? I do lunch. Carryout. Maybe once a month. I get the Turkey Reuben with their homemade chips. It's never disappointing and is consistent and predictable as the sun rising in the east (good taste that is). Great baked goods too. Oh, and the granola. But that's been brought up ad nauseam in these reviews so i'll let the granola pros prattle on and on about its unique, kitchy goodness.
(4)Anna T.
LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! One of my favorite places for Breakfast and/or Lunch! I have been going to Milk & Honey for over a year now. ( I work in the area) Everytime I have been there I have never been disappointed. I highly recommend the Breakfast Burrito. They always have a pancake special also! People should aware that at peak hours, M&H gets really crowd. Dont let this completely shy you away. The line and service moves pretty quickly during peak hours. During the summer there is outdoor seating. It is a small place, so groups of more that 4 might want to consider somewhere else. Lastly, please note if you are craving some of their amazing bake goods... there is another Milk & Honey Bakery under the blue line by the Damen/Milwaukee/North Six way!
(5)Kristen S.
I got here early, so I cannot speak to the lines which appear towards 10/10:30 in the morning. But I understand why the lines exist - this place is quick, affordable, adorable, and DELISH! Here are Milk & Honey, you place your order, get a table number, hope a table opens up, sit, and your food is delivered. Similar to the Noodles & Co. model... unfortunately, there isn't the space enough to support the crowds among the tables. My one and only complaint though. The coffee is great - I had an espresso (mocha, to be exact). And it lasted me and I really enjoyed the flavor. You are going to get Intelligentsia coffee here, top notch! The food is excellent - there is an egg casserole on the weekends that looks divine. My friend had it and i know it is something that my husband would love, so I cannot wait to take him back to have it. I had the oatmeal with dried cherries & walnuts with a side of scrambled eggs and it was wonderful. A million stars for the servers - my friend and I stayed to chat while drinking our espresso and the server was so gracious to let us stay. She even found us another table. I was very impressed.
(4)Robin W.
sorry haters, but milk and honey wins for offering home made, natural, and locally produced products. I know I can't afford to eat here often, and god knows I'm not patient enough to handle the weekend crowds, but I say that the granola is fantastic and the portobello sammich is the best I've ever had. I think my favorite thing about the place is that you pay at the counter before you get the food...take a number and sit until it gets set in front of you....no waiting for the bill, calculating tip, etc...its over when you're done eating. And for christs sake, if you hate hipsters and faux hawks, move out of wicker park....certainly don't eat brunch there! p.s. take out *is* fast.
(4)Sarah M.
I've been to Milk & Honey about 8 times and in those 8 times I have learned these things: 1.) Stick with the BLT for lunch. I've tried about 4 other lunch items (about half, or more than half the menu), and everything else is not good.) The BLT is great though. And I like the homemade chips. 2.) The coffee's good 3.) It's really crowded 4.) Despite being really crowded, the service is fast and somehow there's always a seat, however you will be touching elbows with the table next to you. 5.) It's self-serve as far as silverware, napkins, ketchup and other fixin's, and coffee refills (free!) I like this, a lot. Now if only I can defeat the evil force that somehow always makes it so that I get there at 12:05pm (5 minutes after they stop serving breakfast).
(4)M v.
I went for my usual Breakfast Burrito yesterday and it just was not good. Not much (if any) Chipotle Sour Cream, very crunchy bitter lettuce, nearly whole cherry tomatos. I'm not a big complainer at restaurants, but I was so upset and disappointed in what I was served, I walked over to the counter to talk with someone. One of the owners was on her way in and when I explained about how bad it was and how my breakfast was basically ruined by this event - I was told that I need to specify that I don't want large cherry tomatos in a Breakfast Burrito (I mean, seriously, how is that even a menu option to begin with? Just because they are fresher does not mean that they belong in a Burrito; too big, ruins the flavor balance, texture, etc.). As I had met a business associate there (who was still with me) and was heading downtown directly after, I rushed out pretty dazed that customer service was handled like that. The more I thought about it, the more disappointed I became in Milk and Honey. For a place I live across the street from and frequent at least half of the week to have served me something I was UNHAPPY with and not at least have offered my money back or another burrito, made per their usual standards, the next time I came back - is ridiculous. I am truly disappointed (I can't stress this enough) in them. Wicker Park isn't lacking in restaurants specializing in seriously delicious breakfasts, but I loved Milk and Honey. Unfortunately, after that treatment I'm not going to be able to bring myself to eat there for breakfast ever again. No customer deserves to be served food that is not up to par and then be given the brush off. Shameful.
(2)Philip B.
Great staff. Modest beer selection. Great food! Also, good music playing. I was in there today (not the first visit) and while waiting for my take away lunch, I heard some Belle & Sebastian and Built to Spill! Thumbs up!
(4)Nikki M.
Because I work just across the street, there are plenty of days where milk&honey is my breakfast & lunch. They brew Intelligensia coffee, which gets me through too-early weekend morning shifts. And the girls that work inside are wonderful. Try the yogurt parfait with their signature cafe granola or the portabello and goat cheese sandwich (a fall/winter regular).
(5)Carolina P.
I love this place. I love the people that work here. The menu is small but everything is delicious. My favorite breakfast item is the salmon bagel its glorious. For lunch I like the avocado sandwich, if you are a pickle their pickles are just right. So here's how it works follow the signs if you want you food to go get in that line. If you're going to stay get in that line. After you order you'll grab your utensils and napkins. Also there is water and glasses towards the back of the restaurant. It gets pretty packed on the weekends and I get annoyed with people that don't know the system but I'm working on that.
(5)Vivian Y.
It's a bit overrated. Go early to avoid lines. For this restaurant, early means before 9am because all the mommy's and daddy's are already up when their kids start screaming at 6am and they head out to breakfast at Milk & Honey.
(3)Kyung P.
Loved it! After an early morning shopping extravaganza (see Sara Jane review), fellow yelper Isabella W. suggested brunch at Milk and Honey! She talked up the huevos rancheros so much that all 3 of us ended up getting it! Normally, I'm a stickler for everyone ordering something different for variety, but I let it slide this time. It's only offered on the weekends, and it was layers and layers of baked yumminess! One complaint was that there were way too many beans on the bottom - but beans are good for you! I love how efficiently they operate too - they give you a number, you go up to the counter and order, wait for a table, and shortly after you're seated, they bring you the food! This is definitely how I would run a restaurant during busy brunchtime! What an awesome way to minimize waiting time for everyone! I hope to be back to try the breakfast sandwiches, french toast, and granola!
(4)Sarah L.
This is plain and simple a fabulous place for breakfast. The set up is the counter order, take a number and find a seat. As annoying as it can sometimes feel to wait in line, order then sit, this place is worth it. A solid bakery plus cafe, this place serves Intelligentsia coffee, has amazing breakfast items like waffles, pancakes, kick ass granola and even breakfast specials I sampled a mouth watering almond, chocolate chip, ricotta coffee cake as a prelude to my granola and yogurt breakfast. I remembered seeing something like fig and walnut pancakes or some crazy combo like that when I was there. Family/kid friendly, bright, casual atmosphere. Would go back in a heartbeat to sample more from their menu. Toronto is missing a breakfast/brunch/bakery place like this. Milk and honey cafe would do a killing here.
(4)Simone G.
Oatmeal. Coffee. Beautiful people. Fabulous food. Bring a book or someone whom you actually want to talk to because the wait is insane.
(4)Bridget S.
I love that I can go here on weekdays. I've had ONE weekend experience and wasn't a fan. Not worth all of the "scuse me"s from hectic, hungover hipsters and demanding yuppies. The food is consistently good (I'm partial to the ham sammich). Service is just fine. Not the cheapest lunch in the neighborhood but this cute, clean, well-established joint is a perk for a girl like me.
(4)Shelly W.
One of my fav brunch spots. Hardly ever a wait and their huevos rancheros are beyond amazing. Cheesy, black bean, egg goodness!!!
(5)Caitlin S.
If you have not been, I insist you go this weekend. The menu is not overwhelming and their items could satisfy any appetite. I live in Lincoln Park and find myself making the trek over to Wicker Park to eat at this gem. I like everything about this place (except maybe the line on weekends) And honestly if a breakfast/brunch place is not crowded on a weekend morning, how good can it actually be. Please go and try the Huevos Rancheros. Actually try whatever, but just go you won't regret it.
(5)WP L.
Good Food!! Some may not like the order first and then sit style but they have the system down and its usually very fast. Their homemade chips are very good.
(4)Kali M.
They know how to do coffee, and they know how to do food - however, there is a distinct difference between their two locations and the customer service that is offered. On Division St. you might enjoy breakfast or lunch (if you can stand the crowd & the wait), but don't count on friendliness or smiles. Apparently they're too 'cool' for that. I would suggest just getting it to go, or better yet, take the scenic route over to the Damen Ave. location (right across from the Blue Line stop) - for the best of everything. There, they smile, and greet you, and treat you with the respect you should be treated with - as a paying customer! Perhaps they haven't had time to train the service industry employees at the Division St. spot - we can only hope they get on that, sooner than later!!! and folks, if you don't like your job - Q U I T - just stop taking it out on the paying customers!
(3)Jason V.
i am strictly referring to the turkey reuben. i have been eating here for ten years, and although i wish other aspects of their menu would change, i am thrilled that they have not changed this sandwich. it has never once disappointed. worth driving across town to get. i prefer the thousand island on the side, but what do i know.
(5)Amy J.
So my fiance and I called Milk & Honey at about 9:30 on a Sunday to see if there was a wait for 4- expecting some hour long BS or more, I was shocked to hear "no wait." Since we had a car that day we zipped on over, parked easily and got right in- we just beat the rush. I had the famed granola with yogurt and fruit. It is just as delicious as I hoped, I'm not typically one to order a granola breakfast but was very happy. I did have to have a side of bacon too :) I was eyeing the croissants and definitely want to try one of those next time- they appeared to be that perfect balance of crispy/chewy/golden. YUM! Definitely want to go back to try a few other things.
(4)Jen P.
i love anything on a pretzel bun! food was really tasty and i appreciated the great service. decor inside is so cute and warm...i'd love to go back soon!
(4)Anna A.
the age old question: is the staff at milk and honey so rude because the customers are jerks, or are the clientele jerks in response to the rudeness of the staff? i had taken a long hiatus from this place, having witnessed an altercation between staff and customer nearly every time i ate there. i am pretty easy to please, and keep my special requests to a minimum, so i never had a run-in, but you could cut the passive-aggressive tension with a knife. i caved and brought two out-of-town friends here for brunch/lunch today, and had just finished explaining to them that the food is great, but it's hard to enjoy because the staff there go out of their way to be rude. no sooner spoken, i got into an argument with one of their employees, the substance of which was so banal, it was mind-boggling we were even arguing over it. i actually raised my voice at her because i felt she was never going to stop arguing otherwise. it was an altogether unpleasant eating experience that not even their fantastic huevos rancheros could save. i guess i have to conclude that the staff (and management) spends so much time making rules and saying no to special requests that the customers just want to feel like they have some control over their experience. so it turns ugly. and i turned into that ugly jerk customer no one wants to be around. i don't want to be treated the way i was treated, nor feel compelled to act the way i acted, so i think i'll just have to let the yummy food be enjoyed by others who can stand the bad vibes that permeate the place. the one exception was the very nice hostess. i hope that job works out for her, but i have a feeling she's just too nice to stick around.
(1)Anna G.
About bourgeois brunch: just when you think you've had every possible kind of pancake/omelet/panlette/omcake, another one comes along and changes you forever. Kind of like love. I know my fancy brunch food, and Milk & Honey had the best goddamn pancakes I've ever eaten. They were banana-granola-honey, and I will name my firstborn after them. This is super high praise *especially* since: 1). It's crowded and confusing and you will have to wait. That's part of living the weekend brunch dream in the city. 2). You have to sit close to other people. This would be okay, except when you are talking ad nauseum about your neurotic insecurities and/or shit about other people, as I find my friends and I are wont to do these days. 3). It's medium expensive. Like 8 dollars for fancy pancakes? Maybe you don't care. I don't know. (I wouldn't recommend the strata unless you are a huge strataphile.)
(4)Marti G.
THE BEST FRENCH TOAST EVER!! with the almonds on the side for me -- best bread, it's thick and cooked to perfection -- i am so in love with this place....you order and then sit down, they bring you the food -- it's so cute -- the place is full of local families, kids, babies, friends -- the have fresh pastries, salads etc. They open for breakfast at 7am and stop serving it at 12pm -- my husband had the panini and he enjoyed that. But seriously the french toast is SO GOOD!
(5)Sonya X.
Milk and Honey is an all time favorite brunch spot of mine, and thankfully it is so close to my house! I have loved everything that I tired there, my favorite being the huevos rancheros that are only available on the weekends! I was here earlier today with one of my fellow yelping buddies she had the huevos rancheros and I had the Pancakes du jour. We both had fresh grapefruit juice to drink- and wished the glasses were a little bigger! I think the way the restaurant is run is awesome- you order your food, pay and then get seated. So by the time you get seated you wait for your food, eat and then go! You don't have to wait around for the check and getting change..etc.
(5)Stan W.
O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D. Why is this place always so crowded? The granola is very tasty but more like Garrett's caramel corn than granola, which is supposed to be healthy for you. People, if you soak your granola in butter of course its gonna taste good - enjoy those 20g's of saturated fat to start off your day! The people at the counter have an attitude problem too. Maybe its because the line's too long. I guess I can sympathize - if I was working there, knew my food was OK but not really that good, but every clown with their stroller and screaming baby wanted to line up to get in my face every morning I'd probably develop an attitude problem too. A ginormous crowd for a very weak breakfast menu. Lunch here was OK I guess, I might come back for that as the crowd isn't as bad. I just don't get it.
(2)Nathan A.
I like the idea Milk and Honey, but it just falls a bit short. The food selection is fine, but I'm a fan of more traditional breakfast entrees. Where's my scrambled eggs with bacon, hash browns and toast? The closest is ordering all of the sides together. The coffee was really great though. I'm sure this is the biggest complaint - the way they seat you at Milk and Honey just doesn't work right. You have to order and pay for your food before you are seated, get your own water and condiments and wait for your name to be called to sit down. It made me really nervous that I wouldn't get my food while it's still hot or even be seated at all. Also, realizing I needed cream and sugar and having to get up and fight through the crowd to reach the counter to retrieve the items is very frustrating. Please start the traditional process of seating people and ordering food! Don't even try to go here on a Sunday morning for brunch. You'll be waiting a good 45 min in a crowded space. Not the worst place, but by far not the best in Chicago.
(3)Tyler B.
Ahhh friday off and lunch on the patio with a great friend. Sunny day sitting under the umbrella and drinking chilled pellegrino. Soothing my hungover belly with a ham and caraway sandwich on a pretzel bun. Can't think of finer things in life. It was a good day. I don't get over to Milk and Honey that often but wish i did. Food is always excellent- prices are superb for what you get, i don't know why one would complain about price. Good times.
(4)Mary Lee G.
I must say that I might be adding one star to my review purely because I got to sit next to the fireplace (oh fireplaces how you seduce me and mess up my yelp reviews so). Even so, this place is great! First, I am extremely picky about my lattes, most times I don't even order them in a restaurant because they never taste that great, but this was as good as I've had in any coffee shop ever. Second, even though I had read all about how to order and sit I was still totally confused when I walked in. Everyone there was super nice and helpful and never made us feel stupid. Third...the food! My friend Annie ordered the pancakes du jour and I got the truly amazing avocado and romaine sandwich. The avocado was really ripe and fresh so it didn't come sliding out of the sandwich in one piece making it impossible to eat, yeah. Also I really like these little places where you end up basically sitting next to strangers. We met a really cute couple and got to talk to to them about our favorite brunch spots. I just think that it's neat and serves of a reminder that most people in this city are truly nice and fun to talk to.
(5)Jen B.
On a recent visit to wicker park, my husband and i stopped at the Milk and Honey Cafe. We stopped by in the early afternoon and the place was slammed. Being somewhat intimidated, we turned around and walked out. However, after visiting a few more stores we decided to head back and give it another shot and im glad we did. I had the Avocado, Smoked Gouda, Romaine and Tomato with Cracked Mustard and Turkey on Multigrain Bread. I love avocado and if you do too, you should definitely get this sandwhich. My husband got the Smoked Turkey Reuben with Sauerkraut, Swiss and Dressing on Rye and he was happy. If i lived in Chicago, Id definitely venture to this Cafe often, especially after visiting the Handmade Renegade store next door. Seems like a great spot to hang out and chat with some friends.
(4)A W.
I can say the only things I liked about this cafe' were the pendant lights from IKea. The set-up for ordering is annoying and the food was awful. When I asked questions about things on the menu I was given rushed unhelpful responses accompanied with an attitude. If it weren't for the person with me, I would have turned around and walked out right then. I wished I would have done just that when I started eating my food. It was bland and unimaginative. I would have done better with breakfast at McDonald's drive-thru. I don't understand the hype and certainly won't be contributing to it.
(1)Heather R.
Eh, I could take it or leave it. The menu is pretty simple, yet the food is not consistent or anything special. There are definitely a lot of other better brunch spots, but if you're in the neighborhood and want something quick, it's a safe bet. I do like the bright ambiance and the patio seating of this cafe, but the ordering process has a tendency to be a nightmare.
(2)Mots M.
We are new to the hood and were recommended Milk & Honey for the huevos rancheros and the other good food. The place is really cute for sure and I hear that the food is pretty good too. That being said, it's not super lactose intolerant friendly which was a bummer. They couldn't make eggs without milk and there were only a couple of things on the menu that I could eat. I thought I'd be good after seeing vegan treats in the display case earlier that week. Bring your lactaid.
(3)C Fabulou s.
One star for the food, which is on the right side of mediocre. One star for the fabulous lavender cookies. You heard, lavender, which turns out is a part of the peppermint family and it plays so nicely on your palette after a meal. Minus 3 stars for the service - horrible. The layout in general is pretty bad, you order at the counter then hope and pray for a table, the line is usually out the door, which i could deal with if after waiting in that line i didn't have to deal with this: counter chick: whadayawant? me: um... (looking at the menu that is posted on the wall and NOT visible when you're in line) counter chick: seriously? just pick something, everything is good. me (seeking any sign of humor on her face and finding none): ok, i'll take the huevos rancheros. counter chick: great. (eyes rolled) NEXT! So, counter chick, sorry I didn't know the rules of making your day a little easier, but that's not why i went there and its definitely why i won't be going back. UPDATE: i heard the blonde counter chick is actually the OWNER! For shame...
(2)Luke S.
A pleasant yupster coffee shop. Friendly staff, and a pleasant room with an independent (but not alternative) vibe.
(4)Nancy K.
I've been to Milk & Honey a few times. My last two visits have been disappointing. The second to last time I went with two friends. The hostess was space-y but nice. She was so cryptic about where to seat us. She seemed so conflicted on if we should sit inside or outside and it turned into this back-and-forth between her and us. We just wanted to be seated wherever there was space. During that same visit a friend had ordered a beverage with his meal but the girl that took the order never told him it was self-serve. It wasn't until after we were all served our meal and after my friend asked "where's my drink?" that they told him "it's self-serve." The last time I went there was it was a couple minutes after the breakfast menu ended but since the small sign next listing "breakfast burrito" was still propped up on the pastry display I figured it was safe to still order something. Boy was I wrong. It turns out the staff forgot to take the sign down. I was hoping they would oblige since they forgot to take it down and because it was just a few minutes past noon but they wouldn't budge. I was very surprised and disappointed they weren't accommodating. I ended up ordering the chicken sandwich. I felt that the chicken sandwich was over seasoned and very heavy plus there wasn't enough blue cheese. The bread, however, was divine as always. I highly recommend their coffee. My boyfriend and I love it! It's so bold and flavorful plus it's served in a really nice, big mug.
(2)Tara D.
As a regular (because of location), I think milk and honey has quality stuff but is a tad bit overpriced for the portions of their food. However, it could be a lot worse... as you can see by other places in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area. Some of their specials are to die for - others are a miss. You can get any sandwich as a wrap - which I recommend. I've had so many things on the menu - my one thing to say is that their take on some mexican food is a miss (except the juevos rancheros, which are really, really good). I honestly feel as though you could make most of their stuff yourself. But that's just what it is - simple food with attention to flavor. Get the caprese as a side - it's very spicy but perfect. I love the interior and I love their whole atmosphere and look.
(4)Kris R.
i totes see what the hype is about. i brought my out-of-town guests here for some brunchy-brunch. it's one-a those, go-to-the-counter-to-order-then-find-a-place-to-Âsit kinda joint. we only had to wait less than 10 min for a table to open up. grab your eatin' tools, napkins, and free water by the bar. we all split the f*ckin' french toast (orange, brioche bread with almond slices), a piece of strata (bacon, green onion, crack), and the huevos rancheros casserole thing (mexican breakfast in a bowl covered with cheese). my favorite was the strata - it was small, but it was only $4. the toast was kick ass, and the casserole was okay, kinda runny. oh! and the chicken sausage. mmmm in my mouth. i'd love to come here again. i'm just not a huge fan of waiting in line for brunch. i mean, i'm already tired, so i'd rather wait in bed than in line. know what i say??
(4)Ryann F.
Perhaps it is odd that I am finally getting around to writing my review for Milk & Honey Cafe, almost four months after I moved from Chicago to New York. Nonetheless, my love for this place must be shared. Eat the huevos rancheros. I don't care if you're a sweet brunch eater -get a pastry on the side. I promise you won't regret it. The space is cute, quaint, charming, and full of light. Enjoy it!
(4)Margarita C.
I have been a loyal customer for 1 year now. My husband actually took me here the day we got engaged and we had the Amish chicken sandwich. Ever since I have had one almost everyday :). The staff is so welcoming. This place is awesome!!! Ohh and the granola bars and banana bread are amazing. If you want some good coffee and fresh food don't hesitate to stop in!!! You won't regret it.
(5)Amanda C.
One of the few brunches I've had in Chicago, Milk and Honey was much as I expected: busy. Really, really busy. So busy in fact, that to be able to order and sit down in under 45 minutes, we ended up eating outside on a 45 degree day. It was sunny, so I didn't mind too much, but our limbs were a little frozen by the end. Just the whole order at the counter set up threw me off a little bit, and seemed chaotic with people having ordered with no place to sit. Another thing that threw me was the woman taking our order, who impatiently told everyone in my party (with an eye roll) to move along after we had ordered...even the person who had been here many times and knew the drill. She seemed very much in her own world of getting people through the line, but I don't think you're ever too busy to be polite. Especially to paying customers. This, combined with getting your own drinks and silverware, made the prices seem a little high. I got the famous granola with yogurt and fruit and found it to be...eh. There were no chunks or nuts in the granola and there was hardly any fruit in my bowl. The vanilla tea I got was nice, but the lady who served it to me was again, impatient and rude. Something redeeming was the amazing (second hand knowledge here) huevos rancheros and insanely tasty looking bacon. It was great to be at brunch with friends I don't see often, but I don't think I'd come back to Milk and Honey the next time I'm in Chicago.
(2)M C.
Chicken tortilla soup was awesome and so was the caprese panini. The atmosphere is friendly, hipster and family friendly as well - would take friends, family and out of town guests here for brunch/lunch. Their granola, although I didn't try it this visit, I hear is outstanding. It is a place where they take your order at the counter, then bring it to your table. Casual service was friendly and they cleaned the vacated tables very quickly. Nice outdoor seating on the sidewalk of Division and located near several other bars.
(4)Seth F.
I bookmarked this place to review a while ago and the first line of my "notes and tips" was, "I don't get it". I think at the time it enjoyed a much higher rating, because the 3.5 it currently has seems more or less appropriate. They make decently good food, but nothing amazing and the ordering/seating process is annoying. Lines in the summer stretch outside the door, and the food is definitely not worth any amount of waiting time, especially with so many options nearby.
(3)Lola R.
This place did the trick for a vegetarian sandwich and a nice cup of coffee. Their homemade chips are less cooked but they were really good. I got a pickle with my sandwich too and they offer free refills on coffee while you're there. I had the avocado sandwich. Next time I want to try their breakfast smoked salmon sandwich. Nice ambiance. Cute. My sandwich and coffee cost me about ten bucks but it was worth it. Heyyo they do breakfast cocktails, wine and beer for those who like the sauce too.
(5)Bilbo B.
Their avocado sandwich (no cheese) and a side-salad is one of my favorite lunches. When it's busy it's kind of confusing getting a table since you actually order at the counter first, they give you a number, then you see if you can get a table. That's the biggest problem there.
(4)Claire G.
I finally got around to trying this place last weekend. I give it 4 out of 5 nroms. It is a solid breakfast/brunch/lunch place in Bucktown. I had the breakfast sandwich, which was large and in charge. Took up most of my plate! Scrambled eggs, cheddar, bacon, spinach, & tomato on a hearty sourdough bread. The bread was toasted and substantial enough so that the sammich didn't fall apart. Sloppy breakfast sammiches are one of my pet peeves, so good on you, Milk & Honey. I also got a Nutella bread pudding, which my dining companions dug into, because omg Nutella, how can a person resist, amiright? Both my brunch buddies got the bagles with creamed cheese and smoked salmon, which were enormous and filled with hearty Jew-food goodness. The only meh was the chips they served on the side of my sammy. I think the oil that they fried them in wasn't hot enough and the potato slices soaked up too much. Yick. Left those behind. It was crowded on a Saturday at 11:30, but we were able to order and sit fairly quickly. I also picked up a bag of blueberry and pecan granola, which was just about the best decision I made all week. Lawdy that is some goooooood granola. My husband wolfed down a big bowl of it for breakfast the next day and crowned me Wife of the Year for my purchase. Prices were reasonable, and even though it's not in my 'hood, I'd make a trip to go back. Also, I just found out that they sell their granola at Beans & Bagles, so everything's coming up Claire!!
(4)Jeff G.
Love this place. Very light breakfast options, amazing lattes, oh, and its super cheap and fast! We come here a lot, and every time its a delicious meal. Only thing is, you pay first and grab a table. When you pay, they ask for a tip...before any service is rendered. Milk and Honey - do you not know how tips work?! its a big pet peeve of mine when places expect a tip, regardless of the level of service. Edit: Service and food quality has gone significantly downhill in the past year. They have always split the lines into a "eat in" and "take out" line, but only have one register. So when you do a take out order you skip the line, but everyone else give you looks like youre being a jerk, and you end up not ordering your food any faster. Its very awkward and uncomfortable. Additionally, the lattes they have been making as of late are ALWAYS burned - like worse than Starbucks. I've complained (very nicely, of course), and they have remade them for me, with the same result. This place isn't worth the trip anymore. Especially after today when they screwed up my order, told me they wouldn't charge me the difference for it, but then demanded the extra difference they said they would comp. Maybe if they add another register, retrain their staff and fix their espresso machine I'll give it another shot, but as of right now Milk and Honey is a no go.
(2)Deanna G.
Cute place with a great patio. Smaller menu than I was expecting originally, however my to go is the tuna melt. Delicious and not too salty or dry. Can be quite busy during peak lunch times.
(3)Cameron E.
Love the vibe; love their soups(!); Turkey Reuben is fantastic and go to them often enough to recommend them without hesitation.
(5)Anne H.
absolutely love this place! had the buffalo potato's and a smoked turkey and avocado wrap! hit the spot! everyone needs to try this place!
(5)Dorotka K.
Lovely little cafe in Wicker Park. Lots of healthy food options and a nice tea selection. I came here for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cafe was busy, but the host snagged a table for us while we waited in line to order. Food was delivered to our table promptly when we finally got a chance to sit down. Clean relaxing space perfect for a lazy Sunday lunch.
(4)Ariel L.
I think this place does almost everything right. The only thing i don't love about it is the hipster attitude i get sometimes. Occasionally when i come in, the people behind the counter just act like they couldn't give a shit. They don't smile at you and seem annoyed to be taking your order or answering your questions. I have no idea what the deal is. I have noticed that the place seems to be entirely staffed by women. Maybe that has something to do with it. I have heard that women that are in close proximity tend to get on the same menstrual cycles. Perhaps i am just coming in at the wrong time off month. I'm not trying to be a misogynist, i'm just searching for a reasonable answer. Back to the biddness... They have an excellent selection of sweets (cookies, cupcakes, etc), food (breakfast and lunch) and drinks. Their cup cakes go well with the fresh Intelligentsia coffee they carry. Have a mini cupcake if you feel guilty. Its small enough that the calories can't really put a dent in your diet. If you are there for breakfast, go with the breakfast sandwich or breakfast burrito. You won't go wrong in either case. The lunch menu has about a dozen or so sandwiches and a few salads. I like the crab cake sandwich and the pastrami sandwich. Yesterday they had a tomato soup with kale and sausage that was outstanding also. Seating is first come first serve. Walk up to the counter, place your order, get a number, and then find a table. I like their system. You have to have your full party their though. You can't hold seats for multiple extra people. Again, i think thats OK. Keeps the line moving and the tables open. And on a nice day they have a sweet outdoor seating area on division. Pick up some of their home made granola also. Goes great with yogurt in the morning for breakfast.
(4)Patrick K.
A Great Breakfast at Milk and Honey. This casual cafe is has a wide selection of choices for a quick bite to eat in Wicker Park. I had the granola with yogurt and fresh fruit. A great way to start of the morning, highly recommend. My girlfriend has a breakfast burrito that was very tasty. They also had pastry goods. Milk and Honey is a GOOD VALUE and QUAINT place for breakfast or lunch.
(4)Adam D.
After years of return visits, despite the tude you get at the register, I'm done with this place. My family came to visit and we wanted to take them here for some good eats. I dropped off the wife and folks to order for us and grab a seat while i found parking and within three minutes after they found a seat, and were looking at the menu, a woman came up and said your whole party has to be here in order for you to reserve this table and you need to have already ordered. My wife said she was ready and was literally on her way to order but she said no, the whole party must be here so you need to leave because we need the table. My wife told her I was parking and they had just sat down for a few minutes. She didn't care and told my family to leave. My parents are in their 60's for crying out loud. What kind of crazy, rude people work here?! I mean shit. My poor grade school librarian of a mother was kicked out of a restaurant! She wears pink all the time with her cute little crocs. Do you think she's a trouble maker or a line cutter or something?! Ridiculous. Fine. You can take your homemade lemonade and over priced self-righteous sandwich and shove it. I'm going to Jerry's. Which is right next door. And has better sandwiches. And nicer people. Milk and Honey, you suck.
(1)Justine L.
I remember walking by this place when I was in middle school and my dad saying to me "this is your kind of place, right?". Why yes, yes it is! I never ate here until a few months ago, and it was just what I imagined back in the day. I love the concept and feel of Milk & Honey. Casual, warm, airy colors and lofty looking though it's sooo tightly filled with hungry people. Mmm, makes me warm inside! I had the lox on an everything bagel. Out of all the lox I've ever eaten - Walker Brothers, random places, made by me, Europe - this was def the best. Maybe I was extra hungry, but every bite was what I would dream my lox to be. Salmon and capers were fresh, bagel had great texture, tomatoes/onions/cucumbers were sliced at the perfect thickness and cream cheese was delightfully fluffy and onion/scallion infused. I also got a chai tea latte. It was wonderfully rich and served in a cute, oversized mug. Note- cute mug, not practical. I like my coffee drinks extra hot, so unfortunately this cute mug didn't do the job. My husband had the huevos rancheros casserole. It looked so good while standing in line, watching other people eat it... but then it didn't taste as amazing as it looked. I thought it'd be a very bold dish, but it was actually rather bland. Surprise for a southwest-styled item. Overall, my lox were amazing, the rest was okay. The place was beautiful but crowded. I want to go back to try more (bc it's soo cute!). Though the breakfast menu isn't that extensive, they do have a lot of specialty drinks, sandwiches and pastries.
(3)Andrew F.
Pros: Great coffee, some of the best pancakes I've ever had (Buttermilk-Granola Pancakes with Flavor Du Jour- it was almond something), cool interior Cons: If I am nursing a hangover, kids running around everywhere does some harm Overall: A cool place I would go to again for breakfast/brunch
(4)Dave H.
Good food but a bit over-hyped, I like the idea of Milk and Honey more than I actually like Milk and Honey
(3)Evelina L.
I have heard friends rave about this place, so we finally decided to check it out this past weekend...and....don't tell anyone....ssshhhhhhhh Ok, I will reveal a little secret - birchwood kitchen is soooooo much better. But, its a secret, so don't tell anyone...I don't want to wait for my table there :) We had the biscuit special and the lox and bagel, which were both good (especially the perfect bagel), but not great. We will have to give this place 1 more chance and try the huevos rancheros very soon, but....shhhhhhh....birchwood kitchen has so many more creative and yummy options. Very similar concept, cheaper and less crowded with a beautiful back patio, not sitting on a major street... You didn't hear it from me....
(3)Rose G.
I want to love Milk and Honey. The lines are out the door, and the decor is beautiful. The food is pretty good for standard cafe fare. But the staff at this place are so rude and so consisten in their rudeness, that I just can't take it anymore. It does not seem to be hurting business any, but several of the young, hipster women who work the register are snotty as can be, seem pained to take my order, and totally unhelpful when the following things happened; There was cheese on my salad. I'm allergic to cheese, and had said so when ordering. There was hair on my food. We were double charged for an item. On each occasion on the last three visits, one of these things happened, I asked the server for some help and got the blank, icky, passive aggressive stare. I felt like I should apologize for wanting food without hair in it, or for only wanting to pay for my salad once. For a neighborhood place, these people are not very neighborly. It's too bad.
(2)Keke W.
This place was pretty good. I had the pancake special of the day along with the chicken sausage. I will be back. There was a long line but the wait was relatively fast.
(5)Alex D.
Really enjoy this place for brunch on weekend mornings. Always a bit of a line, and their seating system is a bit odd the first time you get there, but the food is excellent. In particular the huevos rancheros casserole style is probably the best I've had. Also worth mention is the beet salad and the chai latte. When I need a break from the huevos, which is rare, I recommend the toasted bagel with salmon, onions and capers - always a treat. Even better when seating outdoors is open, during the warmer months.
(4)Mark K.
This place is a great quick-stop. The food is good, but relatively unremarkable. That said, it serves a nice spot as a quick stop for sandwiches and breakfast-like items. I've had the reuben, the smoked salmon breakfast dish, the orange brioche french toast, and the avocado sandwich. These were all pretty good, but they wouldn't cause me to go out of my way to eat here. The orange brioche french toast sounds better than it is; I found it french toast with a little bit of an adjustment. The space is small, so brunch on the weekend is very crowded, and there's usually some kind of wait. If you can go during the week, especially during the day, this is a wonderful place for a quick pick-me-up. I also liked their coffee.
(4)Charlene S.
The hubs and I have been here several times. Love love love the yogurt and granola. The hubs loves the egg breakfast sandwich. But I went in there last week and was intrigued by the nutella scone. I ordered it and it took some self control not to scarf it down on my walk home. Actually the real reason i couldn't enjoy it was because I was carrying a coffee, my keys and holding up an umbrella. I really did hold myself back and enjoyed this throughout the day. I begrudgingly shared with my husband. I went in today looking for the scone. It wasn't there. I was again intrigued by the roasted corn and polenta donut. I was taking a long walk with my daughter who was eagerly watching while seated on my chest in we carrier. Again it took some self control to not eat it over my daughter and spill more crumbs on her hair. Nice and sweet with the interesting texture of the roasted corn. The polenta was subtle but maybe added the crumbly texture to it. Delicious. I did save a bite for the hubs. But only a bite!
(4)Michael D.
The Milk and Honey Café is located in a restaurant row area on Division Street. It has a medium- sized indoor dining room, a street-side outdoor patio, and a bakery on the premises. The décor is undistinguished. Patrons order their food at a counter and the food is subsequently brought by the wait staff to the diners' tables. A variety of sandwiches, scones/cakes, and a limited selection of breakfast dishes is offered. Being on the lookout for new good eateries and based on the number of favorable online reviews regarding this restaurant, my wife and I thought that we would give it a try for brunch. So on a recent warm Sunday morning, we visited this place. We arrived at about 10:45 a.m. at which time the outdoor patio was almost filled and the indoor dining room was about 70% occupied. We joined a short line waiting to place their orders at the counter. While waiting we were approached by an employee who arranged for us to take an indoor table. He gave us a number and then placed a card bearing our number in a holder on the table. Subsequently, we placed our order that consisted of the pannini breakfast sandwich for my wife and the huevos rancheros for me. Because of the questions that I asked at the counter, it was obvious that we were first-time customers. However, the woman taking our order did not volunteer any information regarding the ordering and serving procedures or obtaining coffee, water, and utensils. Moreover, she was brusque and impatient, but after awhile I figured out everything. Shortly after seating ourselves, our food was served. I was surprised with the rapidity of the preparation, which should have been a red flag concerning the quality of the food. Sure enough, it was awful! The pannini sandwich filling was soggy and contained bland scrambled eggs, limp bacon, distasteful cheese, and insipid tomato slices. Worse, my huevos rancheros was simply lousy. It was baked in a casserole bowl that had a glop of overcooked inedible cheese on top. The inside was extremely dry and the ingredients (eggs, black beans, and tortilla strips) were bland and unappetizing. Consequently, we left most of the food on our plates. I am guessing that our food, particularly the huevos rancheros, was not prepared to order but rather made in advance and then somehow warmed up. Whatever the case, due to the unpleasant service and bad food, we will not be coming back.
(1)Kori E.
YUM! We came here for breakfast Saturday morning and we were so happy we decided to venture over to Division street. We were given a number and told it would be about 20 minutes for a table, fast forward 3 minutes and we had a table outside before we had even ordered! Awesome! We split the Orange French Toast and the Huevos Rancheros and both were delicious. I have definitely never had huevos the way it was served here, but it was a great idea with the tortilla chips, black beans, tomatoes/onions topped with scrambled eggs and cheese then baked. The Orange french toast was equally as delish with slivered almonds on top. It was not overly sweet, which I thought it might be. The fresh squeezed orange juice was just right, I usually water down my juices, but there was no need for that here. I would love to check out their lunch menu next.
(4)Erin A.
came here with a group of moms, with strollers and babies for early afternoon lunch on a weekday. staff was friendly and we were able to snag a table by the window. definitely got busier as we got closer to lunch rush. delicious food- will defiantly be back
(4)Jen D.
I will title this "DOWNHILL". I have always loved the exceptional quality of the food at Milk n Honey with sometimes interesting daily menu twists. That said I stopped in the other morning for breakfast - went with the special of breakfast burrito. Not much of a special given it's on the board every other day but that said it was STILL super lame. That much practice and you can't make a decent breakfast burrito. In Chicago?!? What the what. NO FLAVOR. Black beans were plain - no kick, no jalapeño, no cilantro ... some weird lettuce and tons of cheese like that's going to make it better. Yuk. Funny too she refused my request for egg whites b/c the eggs had already been beaten. That is a quote. baaahahaaaaa! No doubt they had, how about you use the 3 in the refrigerator not yet beaten?? Not like I asked for a discount or she had a line. It was like 10:15AM on a week day. The topper though is that I asked about their new "special" coffee infused with Thai flavoring and almond/coconut milk. SPECIFICALLY asked if it was made from fresh ingredients. She says yes annoyed by my question (though I can't get annoyed my food server is a total B) and that's not even true - ITS FROM A BOTTLE. It was totally lame and sugary. Later she asked me how I liked it ... I tell her and ask again if it was a syrup and she says finally well "Yes it's from a bottle but the bottle is fresh soooo...". That is quite a liberty being taken. Simple lesson: When ingredients come pre-mixed in a bottle they are NOT fresh. And then she has the balls to confirm it is sugar free without looking. Thank you I'll check that against my insulin levels ... who is hiring these morons?? AND THE WHOLE TIME at the counter THE OWNER IS STANDING THERE listening. Doesn't say a word. I'll have my $15.00 brunch elsewhere next time. ps. If anyone there ever asks me ever again to bring my number to the table while my hands are full and they can see me trying to negotiate bring all my sh@$@#$ out there I'm going to punch them in the jugular. What is wrong with being nice at that place??????
(2)Joey B.
Perfect mimosa and late brecky on a Saturday after working until 4am. Yum. So good and service is super efficient and on it!
(5)Gina S.
It's a hustling bustling breakfast cafe for sure. We arrived during the weekend brunch rush. We were greeted right away and given a number that was placed on the table that would soon be ours. We stood in line, for a short wait, while we decided what would breakfast be today. Placed our orders with the number on our table, paid, got our beverages and took our seats until breakfast was served. I went with the breakfast panini; eggs, bacon and cheese (I went bacon-less). My breakfast sandwich came with chips...not the usual breakfast company for an egg sandwich...fruit maybe? My friend went with a granola, yogurt and fruit bowl. Everything was fine. The tables are super close together. Dined and dashed on to a day of shopping after getting and egg-cellent start to the day.
(3)Lori M.
House-made Granola, Vanilla Yogurt and Fresh Fruit. Get it. Delicious! And then, get their House-made Waffle. Bring a book, relax, enjoy!
(4)Jen S.
This neighborhood cafe is super friendly and only slightly hipster. It is very clean, spacious and modern. The breakfast menu is really carb heavy and there aren't really light or healthy options. The lunch menu looked AWESOME!!! Really creative and fresh sandwiches on great bakery bread.
(4)Kathleen C.
I dream of the caprese sandwich..... I have been to lunch/brunch here more times than I can count - usually for lunch, a few times for brunch. I have always been extremely happy with the quality and freshness of the food. It's true, if you are here during the middle of the lunch rush, you might have to wait a bit, but I have to say, the staff at Milk & Honey is extremely accommodating and typically, they manage to squeeze everyone in (especially in the summer when the outdoor space is open). Everything I have tried has been delicious. The above-mentioned caprese sandwich is fabulous. I've also had many of the other sandwiches and I haven't been disappointed. Baked goods are also fresh and tasty. For brunch, I've tried a few items - all good! Top that off with a nice mimosa, and it's a super spot for a weekend brunch.
(4)Shradha A.
Really good food -- especially french toast! The pancakes weren't too bad either but the egg sandwich is highly recommended! Cute and warm atmosphere! Ordering in line at the counter can get me a little impatient. And it gets crowded to go get the cutlery and pick up the food from the counter. If you want to add anything to your order, you need to stand in line yet again.
(4)Matt M.
This is one of those places you can go to and stare at the menu for 10 mins and then just pick whatever you're staring at when it's your turn to order. But, never fear, because unless your tastebuds are dead, you won't be disappointed. The sandwiches are the perfect size and you always get a side of homemade chips.. which are an explosion of chip goodness... in your mouth.. not on your plate. If great food doesn't do it for you how about trendy music and hipster waitresses? NO?... just the food huh. They also have the best cappuccino I have EVER HAD! Get it. In closing, try it.
(4)Jeff R.
I have never been much of a brunch person, but maybe that's because I was going to the wrong places or they were too far away. I have a feeling that is about to change, now that we live within walking distance to numerous great brunch/breakfast spots. Last weekend we explored Milk & Honey Cafe, a cute place we noticed walking home from the Boundary. It was noon and a crowded time to try to get a table anywhere. Luckily the weather was changing and they let us sit outside without any wait. The menu is great with lots of items I want to try for breakfast or lunch. I was in a sweet mood but was completely swayed by the huevos rancheros that seemed to be on every table. It's only served on the weekend and they do it "Casserole-Style" - something I've never seen before. Erica opted for the delicious orange brioche french toast. Jean and Jim did lunch with a portabella panini and crab cake sandwich respectively. I also added a side of turkey sausage and bacon . I enjoyed the huevos rancheros, especially with addition hot sauce. There's plenty of fun and filling flavors with scrambled Eggs, Black Beans, Salsa Picante, Tortillas, Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese. I would recommend it to egg fans and anyone with a sizable appetite. Next time around I'm going with something sweet (pancakes, french toast, waffles, etc.) because my two bites of the Orange Brioche French Toast (with Toasted Almonds and Pure Maple Syrup) was awesome. The bacon and turkey sausage were solid, as well as our deliciously refreshing mimosas to start the meal. I didn't love the sandwiches at the table, but maybe I was just in a breakfast mood (though I think the breakfast menu has more enticing options). I'm thrilled to have a fun cafe/brunch spot so close (AND they serve beer & wine). There's plenty of new spots to try out but it never hurts to have good one in your back pocket. I'm sure to be back.
(4)Nathan F.
I'm a huge fan of this place for breakfast and brunch. It's become more popular, so don't be surprised to see a substantial wait on weekends. Over the course of about a year and a half, I've probably tried more than half of their menu and not found a bad item yet. General gestalt -- egg-based recipes are killer, as are the pastries. Brunch Highlights - Brioche French Toast -- Super fluffy & a bit rich; it's a slice of paradise Huevos Rancheros -- not up to New Mexico standards by itself, but a really fresh pico and a creamy, spicy sauce nicely top it off Breakfast Burrito - Again, not a southwest contender, but a fresh combo of beans and pico without ending up sloppy or greasy like most Chocolate Croissant -- yes, I could just eat this for breakfast; it rocks For pastries, you could literally close your eyes and pick anything. My favorite is their cranberry muffin, which is moist without being too buttery. Lastly, gotta get the coffee. They have their own Intelligentsia blend and unlimited mug refills -- so good you'll pee yourself in no time. Service -- When it's really crowded, the staff can get a bit pushy about managing the line. It's a hipster neighborhood. Don't expect fireworks for enthusiasm, but they aren't jerks.
(4)Adriana L.
my hummus wrap was amazing the girl working was mean to the cooks so it made me sad coffee was watery dont recommend but my friends soy vanilla latte was delish if you still have some room left definitely try and apple cider cupcake soo good i would try it if i were you
(3)Johnny T.
Yowie! That smarts! Yes, I enjoyed the food but it's pretty expensive for what you get. A lemonade, sandwich (pretty small in size; a few bites per half) and a tart ran me $14+. This ain't cheap eatin'. That said, once you get over the sticker shock, the food is pretty tasty. The inside space is surprisingly accommodating but do yourself a favor and come here at off hours. Trying to get a table during peak time can be trying. They don't reserve tables and your entire party must be present before you can be seated. At least, that was my experience. If this is an outlier, please, let me know. The ingredients are fresh but I'd have to say that I enjoyed the sweet more than the savory. It wasn't as though my sandwich was bad. It was just small(er) in size, sort of uninspired and unevenly built (one half had the lionshare of ingredients; the other half was bread). So...4 stars? The tart. Man, forget about all the savory noise and go straight for the baked goods. Whoever the pastry chef is...you're awesome. My mixed berry tart was packed with blue, black, rasp and strawberries, their natural juice, topped by a buttery shell and covered with lightly flecked granulated sugar. With every bite, it became clear to me that should I come back, I should go straight for dessert. It's pretty bright and shiny place. I don't know, however, that I would rush back. Last time I was there, I was sitting outside on the patio. It was a typical Chicago day, so there were gusts of wind that would pick up every once and a while. One particular gust lifted the 'please wait to be seated' sign and brained my buddy. The damn thing put a knot on his head. Everyone around asked him how he was and was pretty shocked. Annoyed, I moved the sign where it couldn't attack anyone. A worker came outside to ask if it struck anyone. We replied it did. She replied, 'sorry' and went back inside. I know it was an act of God but, for Pete's sake, give the man a cookie or something. He was injured on your property by your property. Her nonchalant attitude about the matter was troubling. Enough so that it would give me pause to return.
(4)Heather C.
Another amazing breakfast spot in the neighborhood! We love the huevos rancheros and that we can bring our dog with us to eat!!
(5)Michael S.
Okay.. 2nd round.. Didn't make it in time for breakfast (a little sad considering it's only a 10 minute walk from my place) and had to go with lunch. Must say though that I think I love their sandwiches! Started it off with a cream of asparagus soup just to be different.. it was actually really good and I am not one to salivate at the mouth when I hear the word asparagus. Also tried some of my gf's tomato-basil soup with fresh mozarella... That was REALLY GOOD!! Then the sandwiches: I had the crabcake with chipotle mayo and shredded lettuce on baguette and gf has the smoked turkey reuben with sauerkraut, swiss and dressing on rye.. yes I copied it just now from the menu.. ^_^ ... We split the sandwiches so we could each try some and although I don't like swiss, I really liked the reuben.. my crabcake sandwich was even better!! When they said spicy they meant it, but it wasn't anything extreme.. it was just the right amount of kick.. oh and the chips were homestyle and good as well.. Also had the bloody mary and a fresh lemonade.. lemonade was just right with it's lemon to water to sugar ratio and my bloody mary was really good too.. One thing though.. pickles had a hot and sour taste to it.. not bad.. just different..
(4)Patty T.
Quaint little place! Milk & Honey offers some delectable breakfast options. I stopped here during the Renegade Art fair in Wicker Park, and was pleasantly surprised. The food was cheap (around $6-$10) for your standard breakfast (waffles, eggs, etc.) and was really, really good. I had the huevos rancheros (which were baked and topped with a cheesy/tortilla crust) and to die for! My friends had a salad and waffles - both of which also looked great. Although the food is very good (and very reasonably priced), the menu was very limited. The service was also mediocre. You order/pay at the register prior to eating - and once you sit down that's it. Good luck getting water, etc. I'd definitely come back with friends for an cute, easy breakfast - but wouldn't take guests here due to the lack of service and pressure to leave as soon as you're finished eating.
(3)Tish N.
I had a late lunch with my friend and her family. I had the grilled pastrami sandwich (it came with their own chips and a pickle). The food was fresh and tasty. It seemed a little pricey to me, it was really nice to eat outside and enjoy my food. I think I'll go back to try the lavender cookies.
(3)Rachel W.
I have always avoided coming here for brunch bc it's tiny inside, but figured in the freezing rain we'd be okay...not so, the place was PACKED. We were quoted a 40 minute wait but the food that was coming out looked so good....and milk n honey always delivers. So we stayed, were given a a number, and incredibly people came and went and we were seated w/in 15 minutes, our drinks came immediately, and our food not too long after. The walk up and order system can be annoying, but they seem to have it down; nothing was messed up w/our order and it came quickly. To the food. The sandwiches are killer...blt, smoked gouda avocado, rueben, homemade potato chips. Great salads, homemade lemonade, yummy pre-cooked gourmet foods to take away. This morning we went w/the 'huevos rancheros casserole style' w/a side of avocado...phenomenal. Almost ever table had someone w/this dish. This place can get crowded, but it's well worth the wait. Make sure you grab a lavender-lemon cookie to go.
(5)Julie B.
When you move out of your comfortable neighborhood, you quickly realize the wonderful little gems that you miss!!! This is one of those little neighborhood gems. I recommend if you go to eat in, then go early....especially on a week-end or do as I did and carry out. I ordered two sandwiches to go: Turkey Reuben and the Tuna Melt. The Turkey Reuben was delicious however the tuna melt was dry, way more cheese than a mouse requires and super soggy. Friendly and helpful staff, you will wait a bit for your food but most of it is worth a little wait. Be aware, if you eat in, you will wait in a very long line to order....just in case, you have been warned. Great neighborhood joint but not as great as I remembered....parking is on the street and most of that area has permit parking.
(3)Brett F.
Wow. Look at all you little yelpers enamored with Milk & Honey. Pray tell, what am I missing?????? I went there on Saturday morning and was greeted by a huge clusterfu*k line. I expect lines anywhere in Chicago around brunch hours, those are just the breaks... but when people are constantly bumping you and squeezing themselves into a tiny space where they don't fit it just promotes aggravation and bad attitudes. Two things I don't really prefer with my breakfast. Apparently the Milk & Honey system is that you order your food, pay and tip (if you're using plastic) all before they'll give you a number for your table. Hmmm... tip BEFORE I'm even served or try the food? Seems a little assbackwards don't it?! So I make my way up to the ordering station and menu (finally!) and I immediately feel hurried to order and make a decision. A tapping pen and searing eyes can do that to me. I guess it should not have been hard as they only have 6 choices on the menu, so I went with the Huevos Rancheros casserole style and made my way back outside to wait. Again. Another 30 minutes later, I'm finally in my seat and here comes the food!!! The bff had the Orange Brioche French Toast... ehhhh it was alright. Nothing spectacular but substantial breakfast fare and it beats an Egg McMuffin I guess. The Huevos were actually really good, pretty much the best thing on their menu I assume. Our waitress never came back to check on us and the whole experience felt very cafeteria-ish. I'm placing my bets that off hours and weekdays would yield a better and much less stressful experience. Oh and plus 1 star for the homemade granola, it looked and smelled divine!!
(3)David B.
Running late to work in the AM, said I'd be there in 20 for carry-out. Turned out to be 50. Even so, my sandwich was ready to munch when I arrived. And the pickles are DOPE.
(5)Chris C.
I love going to Milk and Honey because of the great atmosphere, mushroom truffle oil soup and their chai tea lattes. They have a small breakfast menu, but the stuff is great. I'm also a big fan of their turkey reuben with cole slaw. I drool just thinking of the place... I was a little disappointed in my last trip (I got the waffle du jour--waffle with chicken sausage topped with red peppers and onion) because there wasn't much too it. Most everything you get from Milk and Honey is over the top with yumminess, but there was hardly anything to these waffles--maybe a few ounces of topping and a couple of bites of chicken sausage. But rest assured this isn't a normal occurrence at Milk and Honey. I love it!
(4)Laura K.
Why is every employee at this place a miserable, mush-mouthed, angry, middle-aged woman with permanent stink eye and a creepy smirk???? I gave this place three separate opportunities and got the same awful vibe from 3 different women. Creepy. Not going back. and that's too bad because the food is pretty good.
(2)Maura S.
I was surprised by the amount of spice! my caprese salad had, but it was yummy nonetheless, and reasonably priced.
(4)Bobby C.
Great BLT, a roast beef sandwich that was somewhat lacking, and what is likely the best croissant I'll ever have the privilege of eating. BLT was full of salty goodness, and not lacking mayo, which is clutch. Croissant was nutello filled. Dark, but not burnt on the edges, and crispy all the way around. Top Notch. Docked one star 'cause the hipster staff couldn't give less of a shiz that I was there.
(4)Jovim V.
The misses and I usually eat cereal for breakfast. She isn't really fond of breakfast foods - but we decided to have a Chicago Nerdy Touristy Day (parks, museums), so we kicked it off by walking to Milk & Honey Cafe. The place was packed, almost out the door. We waited about 20 minutes. This place had cool waffles but we decided to go with the sandwiches and this carrot cake. I liked the sandwich. The chips served with it was decent at best. I had a Moscato which woke me up. The ambiance is cool, awesome staff, cool interior, decent food. Overall a fun experience in the morning.
(4)Mahsa T.
This place is as cute as a button--just like its name. Good coffee served in a nice large ceramic cup. I love it when a place uses real dishes instead of disposable ones. Great oatmeal with walnuts and dried cherries--though I could have used a little more brown sugar. The giant pancakes on the table next to us looked delicious. Cozy little place to read the paper and enjoy a slow breakfast.
(4)Christine K.
Been here several times, but never for breakfast as there has always been a line out the door that I don't want to deal with. (breakfast must be good though!). I usually come for lunch on an off weekday. Their crabcake sandwich is a bit on the mushy side but the flavors are good. I appreciate the spicy kick at the end. Roast Beef sandwich was just alright though. This place is a great neighborhood breakfast/lunch joint with a decent number of sandwich and juice choices. I like the cozy decor and the nice staff.
(3)betsy b.
This place rocks for breakfast. The french toast, oatmeal, pancakes and huevos rancheros are all superb. I came today for lunch for the first time and it didn't disappoint. The only sucky thing about this place is the ordering and then waiting for a table bit....it gets crowded so sometimes it's annoying and confusing. The people that work here aren't the friendliest so beware...they act like you should be thanking them for letting you eat there. They just all seem to have sour looks on their faces and they seem put out when you ask questions.....but the food is good so I can ignore the snots.
(3)Crystal P.
Whoa!!! I haven't written a truly bad review in a long time... But I was inspired by brunch today to do just that.... So Me and the boyf walked in for breakfast. We were half greeted by the counter woman and then interrupted by an another employee 2 times before ordering. The cashier slammed down our # and we walked to our seat... cold and strange it left a bad taste in my mouth.... and so did the food. I got the crab cake sammie... it tasted bland and like it had been heated (mayo bread lettuce and all) in a microwave. As a matter of fact I am 99% sure that it was... the chips were flavorless and the pickle was just a soggy cucumber. I will not be back... I will stick to buying the granola from whole foods...
(1)Joe O.
Great place for breakfast. Hearty baked goods and a HUGE cup of coffee. Street parking is free and accessible. Kind of a faux hippie atmosphere but the food is good enough where it can be overlooked.
(4)Annie G.
Dear Milk and Honey, I love you. No they don't have a huge menu but they are amazing at what they do. I've gone here many times and I've never had a bad sandwich, event he ruben was tasty and I usually hate sauerkraut. No,this place isn't cheap but even Panera has sandwiches that run 7 bucks and up. The service is fast and the employees are always friendly. Fortunately I've never had a problem finding a table, either.
(4)Jackie S.
Overall good food. Is usually extremely crowded on the weekends which can lead to long waits. On a few occassions, food has been a bit on the cold side. I still enjoy it though - and will probably keep coming back.
(3)Annie G.
Milk & Honey in my tummy right now. And it feels good. Oy! What a b*tch this winter was to keep me from you for so long. Reasons why I go to M&H again and again... - Intelligensia coffee is fresh and hot and always what the mind and body needs in the morning - Delicious breakfast or brunch for two under $20 in hipsterville, USA -- deal! - Simple, solid menu never disappoints. While I'm rarely ever able to not order the Huevoes Rancheros (skip the chipotle lard and dump hot sauce on it!), the few times I've strayed I've been very happy - Consistency. My lord, I love knowing what to expect and having my expectations always met - to-go goodies for mid-afternoon snack: please, do yourself a favor and get the 3.5 oz of Kale to go. So. Good. Beets also good. Cracked mustard Brussels sprouts just so-so Helpful tips: - a summer weekend morning here is a meeting of the hummer strollers. beware of the young urban family; they all seem to converge here - the huevoes rancheros (which are my fave) and casseroles are pre-made....it's way this place can be do efficient so don't be cryin' when you can's substitute something
(4)Matt S.
In a city known for its brunch, M&H doesn't disappoint. The menu is simple, THANK GOD! There is NOTHING that I hate more than opening a menu to be treated to five pages of options. I'm looking at you, Cheesecake Factory/Grand Lux! M&H has selected 5-6 entrees that it does well and that's what it offers. There is always a seasonal pancake and waffle, but their standards are an egg sandwich and juevos rancheros (casserole style). You CANNOT leave this place without trying the juevos--they're by far the best option on the menu and are served in their own mini-crocks with a side of crème fresh. Do it.
(4)Justin B.
went at JUST the right time before it got really busy I had the huevos rancheros a la casserole (PHENOMANAL, must try, since its only on sat/sun) the sauce it comes with perfectly accentuates the dish...and their chicken sausage is verrry tasty. definitely a return to spot
(5)Heather K.
Milk and honey, pouring down like money... Why I love you? A. Whenever I eat here I have Beck in my head for the rest of the day. B. Your carrot cake is delish. C. Your Beer is cheap. d. HUEVOS RANCHEROS E. Coffee and Ice tea are tasty and your water station is inviting. I don't feel lame for just "sticking with water". F. Nifty Chairs. H. Awesome specials. 1. Yesterday I had the Mango + Jerk Chicken salad with fried plantains and a creamy dill and cucumber dressing. I. TURKEY REUBEN - Best around! Why I sometimes go elsewhere? A. I don't like the "wait in line to place your order and then awkwardly stand around until a table is free" style of dining. B. Dirty Bathroom... C. Snobby host that snipped yesterday when my neighbor asked for a to-go box and when I asked where the silverware was located. I know we all have bad days and it sucks you had to work on president's day but is it so hard to say it with a smile?
(4)Audre L.
Small dining room for about 30. Great to grab a bite with a friend, Not good for large parties. Love the self serve water station and coffee refills. This place reminds me of something you'd see in NYC. You order at the counter, get a number, sit, and they bring the food out to you. No waiter service. Had the Orange Brioche French toast, and it was delectable. Hip place
(5)Jaime S.
Pros: Affordable and plenty of food. Not too many options on the menu, so not overwhelming. Easy to find street parking Orange Brioche French Toast + Huevos Rancheros---I Die. Don't have to wait for more than 30 mins for a table on the weekends... Cons: Line of people waiting makes everyone very aware that this is not the place to stew over your breakfast. Not good for groups.
(4)Nikkie H.
Yummy. I was hesitant to go to Milk & Honey mainly because I was in no mood to wait forever to eat brunch? But I'm glad I did. Had the breakfast panini (tasty) and the huevos rancheros (holy cow, delish). The only beefs, waiting in line and ordering food before seated. My friend and I were also confused by how to tip. Do you put money in the jar by the cash register or do you leave it at the table? I imagine you could do either, but we went for the tip jar :)
(4)Angelica M.
Milk and Honey! Bring your out-of-towners here if they want to feel city-like. Totally yuppie-central, love when the patio opens up and there is more seating. I've only ever had the breakfast menu-items here. The Huevos Rancheros: The perfect combination of beans, tomatoes, yummy eggs with a layer of cheese on top in a ramekin. It's actually a large portion when you puncture the golden cheese baked on top! I can share this with my boyfriend and get a side of something else and be perfectly satisfied for breakfast. Totally my default here! The Egg Panini Sammich; My mom gets this every time, again: they do something with the scrambled eggs here that makes them delectable and a good consistency. The Yogurt and Granola: Homemade Granola is delicious, I just kind of felt weird that the fruit was pre-mixed into the yogurt. Maybe it's just personal preference and It is March, so the fresh fruit isn't as yummy as during the summer, but i feel that they could just put the fruit on the side instead of me guessing what I'm eating (I think it was apples?) Overall, great for weekend brunch!!
(4)Eliot J.
i've been coming to this place pretty regularly for about three years, ever since i moved to the bucktown/wicker park area. and, in fact, since i've moved to wicker park proper about a year ago, i come here twice a week on average. the quality of the food here is reliably high, with quite a variety of option. there's vegetarian option, american-style fare, lots of drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), plenty of desserts, and even a rick bayless-informed cereal for sale to-go. all of it is good and i really can't say i've had a bad dish here. service is very quick, too. just for kicks, i did a "find search" in my web browser on the front page of milk & honey's yelp page, which probably holds about 15 to 20 of their most recent reviews. i am not surprised to find 6 instances of the word "rude" within these first listings. the cashier staff at milk & honey very often are rude. it is rude not to make eye contact with your customers (especially when you charge $12 for a scone and a bowl of yogurt & granola). it is rude to not smile at your customers at least once out of every twenty visits. it is rude not to acknowledge your customers when they thank you for their change and your service. and it's rude to cut someone off with a "is that it?" after they've ordered a dish but before they've ordered a beverage. while the place likely has the luxury of being rude towards its guests precisely because of the quality of their product (and, as a result, a reliable and consistent stream of revenue), their intense impatience is transparent. ridiculously busy on the weekends. in fact, pretty busy all the time. best bet is to go between noon and 3/4pm (when they close).
(4)Kathy L.
first time there on a recommendation. had the turkey ruben which was very good. not dry like I've had at other places. only could eat half as portion size was large. good value. the chips are wonderful too!
(4)anna D.
I come here so often.... so I can't believe I haven't written a review yet! You can find me here just about every Saturday AM. I just can't get enough. The menu is pretty limited but what they do they do it well! When you first walk in and see the massive line don't be discouraged! The wait usually isn't as long as you think it's going to be. Wait it out and you'll be glad you did. Once you stick your fork into the cheesy, melty, top layer of the Huevos Rancheros (my standby AND it's vegetarian for when I'm in an anti-meat mood, which is often) you'll be glad you stuck around. And what is that dipping sauce they serve with it? It's probably glorified sour cream but I have dreams about it. My boyfriend (who is the biggest carnivore ever) is obsessed with the Huevos Rancheros too--it's that good. Place your order and get a coffee to sip on while you wait...you'll be seated before you know it. I promise, once you eat their delicious food you'll forget all about the hectic lines and find yourself right back there the next week. Get a glass of OJ too--some of the best I've had!
(5)Vera J.
The Milk and Honey Cafe Poem: The Milk and Honey Cafe Has frequently made my day I work at 826 But on the way need a fix A bagel with herb cream cheese A coffee with sugar please I'm happy all morning through So guess where I'm going to When lunch time has rolled around M&H is where I'm found! The salads are quite divine (just check out the Brussel sprout kind!) But even better than that The SOUPS are what makes me fat I can't get enough! I'll eat till it's hard to get back on my feet! On weekdays this place is fly On weekends I wouldn't try to go anytime after 9 Because EVERYONE'S out to dine And rightfully so, because They've heard about all the buzz The Huevos Rancheros? Hot damn! The orange french toast? Grand slam! The breakfast burrito's quite fine and can be accompanied by wine So get off your duff today and head to this super cafe!
(5)Amanda O.
This is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch. They have some interesting places on the menu, and wonderful desserts! My only complaint is that it is sort of a self serve. A waiter brings you your food, but you have to wait in line to order. The line can be kind of long. However, I will say that it was worth the wait. The food was delicious! I will definitely go back. I would say it's a better place in the summer though since they have a nice sidewalk cafe.
(4)Corinne M.
I heard a lot of hype about Milk and Honey, and when I went I wasn't disappointed. The line was efficient, the food was really good (shared huevos rancheros and the fruit and yogurt with a buddy). The coffee was tasty and the price was really really reasonable. The cafe is cute and pleasant and I particularly got a kick out of having a tiny little cupcake for dessert at the take out counter. Recommend this place and I'll be back.
(4)Sarah W.
Cute nearby diner with a lot of charm. My boyfriend and I came here for breakfast early Sunday morning and nabbed a good people-watching spot outside. My first impression, the hostess seemed very personable and all the employees were very gracious. Small bit that caught my attention, but for coffee they offered every sugar/sugar substitute possible, which I feel just shows attention to detail in trying to please customers. The only reason I note this is because I got to try that new PureVia sweetener (that uses stevia, an entirely plant-based 0-cal sweetener), and I've never seen it anywhere but stores before. ANYWAYS, side note. As my friends may already know, I have a "thing" for french toast. Of course, I had no choice but to order the Toasted Almond Orange French toast. Presentation scored high marks- it looked mouth-watering! I love french toast on brioche as well, and these were indeed made from that fluffy, sweet bread. However, I have to say they went a little overboard on the toasted almonds. Also, I wanted the batter of the french toast itself to be a little bit sweeter than it was. The syrup gave a nice flavor, but there's something about the sweetness of french toast when someone gets it just right... Now don't get me wrong, the french toast was still great.. but I seek pan-fried perfection! :-) I will certainly be back to try more on the menu and to spend another lazy morning with a big ceramic mug of bottomless coffee out on their terrace!
(4)Andrea H.
Milk & Honey Cafe in Wicker Park has a bit of a Brooklyn feel to it - you must wait your turn and then sit thisclose to hip, young people while enjoying delicious coffee and slightly eclectic dishes. Friends and I ventured out on a Saturday morning for their famed Huevos Rancheros, decidedly their most well-known dish. We waited in a line inside the cafe for nearly 20 minutes, but it gave us time to deliberate our order and drool over the dishes that came out from their open kitchen. The hostess was very patient, but the "please stand in single file" line was a bit testing after the tenth reminder. Decor was modern; Le Klint pendants contrasted nicely with exposed brick and hardwood floors. When we were finally seated, our lattes came out relatively quickly. I had the chai latte, perfectly sweetened and balanced with creamy frothy whole milk. Milk & Honey cafe served their own house blend of coffee created by Intelligentsia; slightly burned and would be better served hand-pressed. The Huevos Rancheros were hearty, and had a stick-to-your-ribs goodness while remaining delicately spicy. Orange Brioche French Toast was eggy, buttery, and fluffy; their house special orange poppyseed pancakes were also very fluffy. Overall the dishes were well done and delicious; even the garnishes were tasty. The little scoops of butter were extra creamy. Syrup was not overly sweet and served in a glass oil dispenser. We left Milk & Honey cafe thoroughly satisfied. :)
(4)K. T.
The huevos rancheros was filling and delectable! My boyfriend had the smoked salmon bagel, which included a generous portion of the fish and delicious chive cream cheese. There seems to be a lot of complaints about the service, but given that you don't get table service that means you get to leave less tip and you get seated faster. And the fewer items on the menu means that Milk & Honey can keep their prices low (less inventory to stock) and the kitchen can work faster to make your food (fewer dishes to juggle). I actually enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the cafe on Sunday morning; it really added to my experience and reminded me of an European coffee house or market. I was catching up with an old friend so we didn't even notice that the wait.
(5)Brian S.
I hear that this place has a line around the corner on the weekends, and I believe it! This is a great place, filled with cool, stylish, hipsters and very friendly and organized staff. While waiting in line, they ask if "that table over there is good" and then hold it with your order number, smart! The food, ummmmm, umm yummy! Hello?! Why are you reading this, get over there already (unless you are mobile and right outside of course), geez!
(5)Ali R.
This place is TOTALLY overrated. Why is there a line out the door on weekends? What is this amateur hour? Give me something I can use! Go to McDonalds the waitstaff will probably give you less stink eye and it's the same quality food.
(1)Erin C.
Two words: huevos rancheros. Only served on weekends, but they are soooo good. The casserole dish they come in is huge and my friends and I could barely finish our food. The day we were there, it looked like everyone was ordering the huevos which tells you just how good they are. I would come back and wait in the long line every weekend for these. I've been here just two other times (why oh why since I live nearby). Once I got the pancakes of the day which had fruit and granola on top. Tasty! The pancake selection usually sounds really good, but those damn huevos are so tempting. The other time I came in here was just stopping by and I grabbed a chocolate chip muffin. I was kind of disappointed in the baked good as it was way too dense and I felt full after barely getting through half of it. Another disappointment - the mimosas. After paying $6, where was the champagne? This place is almost always crowded, but the food is good and well-priced. Just don't get the mimosas or bloody marys. Not impressive.
(4)Jeff N.
I am reluctant to try and make this place any more popular than it already is. Tried it based on recent article about their Orange Brioche french toast. I had those and spouse had the Pancakes dejour with peach compote. Both were super and will certainly insure our return soon.
(5)Url R.
This is a toddler friendly place, although a bit crowded. I would have given three stars but the kid friendliness of this place bumps it up a star. The wife, kid and I had a good early breakfast here before heading to the Garfield conservatory. The Orange French Toast was okay, but not amazing as others have described it. The dish that stood out was my wife's Huevos Rancheros. They serve it in a small casserole dish and all of the flavors blend well together.
(4)Chaz A.
yes, it's expensive. i don't care. i don't pay for it. Orange brioche was bitter and delicious with a mere hint of orange. They have boylan's soda. win. love it 5*
(5)L N.
Milk and honey is great for dining in or grabbing something to go.. I love their coffee and the granola is some of the best around. You can buy it by the bag and take home. The weekend lines can look a little intimidating, but it always moves very efficiently.
(5)dan s.
The definition of "Stuff White People Like" I'm White and I like :) (especially carrying out on the weekend to avoid the lines)
(5)Patricia K.
Much like many of the restaurants on Division street, the sidewalk in front allows for ample seating during the warm summer months. I have been to Milk and Honey on a few occasions for brunch. After a long night of drinking, their food was a balancing and delicious follow-up in the late morning hours. I usually order their orange brioche french toast. The toasted almonds are a great addition to my favorite breakfast food. I like the counter service idea. Instead of doing the dance with a waiter, you can get your order in and find seating. Some may not like this idea and if you don't, you may want to avoid M&H. However, for those of us that want to slink in during our 11am hangover haze, its ideal.
(4)Jen T.
Seriously, I love love love their chicken sandwich between 2 crispy pieces of fresh toasted bread, lettuce, tomatoe and chipolte mayo...to me that's the final prize on the sandwich! It always comes with homemade chips that are lightly salted. To die for iced latte's and a cute patio or indoor seating. You do have to wait in line and order, take a number and then your food will be served. It's self service for your water and utensils, but works for me!
(5)Johann D.
My friend Alisa and her best friend Robyn took me to M & H for brunch my last morning in Chicago back in April. Boy talk about a popular joint...nevermind that the place was small...only about 15 or so strategically placed tables inside...but boy was it worth the wait. Be sure to have a healthy appetite when you come cause the portions are great. From what I understand you can't go wrong on anything you choose from the menu. I wish I took photos of what we ordered..it looked and tasted great. A must go place if you're ever on Division and looking for a great breakfast or brunch place.
(4)Sherye S.
I always get the yogurt and granola it is a nice light breakfast to start the day. Very cute place and friendly staff. They sell their granola As well. I probably should have purchased it. I could most likely eat it by itself every morning and be happy :P
(5)Andrew K.
M&H, How have I not reviewed you? You are my neighbor and favorite lunch place, yet I have seemed to overlooked you. You always offer quality, fresh food....and although the menu doesn't change I still manage to frequent you and commend myself afterwards. Yes, you can get crowded, but if you go at the right times that line that seems scary, goes by quickly. And on the weekend I can get the amazing huevos rancheros in the little bowl. Again, sorry I missed you, I will be back shortly to get the chicken BLT and rectify the situation.
(5)Preeti B.
Food was great, service wasn't the best- but its probably because this place is tiny and always packed.
(4)Dave R.
Not really that impressed, and not sure why so many people rave about this place: - Huevos Rancheros overdoes it on the picante; making it impossible to enjoy with a runny nose. -The coffee was alright, but nothing to write home about. - Seating arrangements are confusing. -They take your name only when your full party is there, so you can't actually stand in line to order your food. You just have to kind of stand off to the side and constantly answer "no, we're not in line." -After you order your food at the counter, you have to stand off to the side (again) and wait for a table to open up. -When you finally get seated, a waitress brings out your drinks and then your food. -You can't sit too long after you finish eating because you get constant glares from the waitstaff and people waiting for a table. -Finally, nobody smiles there! Why not make it a sit down place already with a real wait staff? -You could sit down at your leisure rather than wait in line. -Wait staff would make more money off of tips.
(2)Melissa H.
Milk & Honey is the place to go for breakfast when you want something other than bacon & eggs....and sandwiches with a twist.....and cool side dishes like kale or beet salad......and the most awesome Granola I've ever had! The Granola is so good you can now find it in your nearest Whole Foods market. They should serve all of their entrees with a little side of granola.......or on the table next to the salt n pepper. It does get crowded especially on a nice day, so go early!
(4)Tara V.
Oh Milk & Honey, I would love you so if only you were a little more polite. I love the food. The granola is truly fantastic. But the overall atmosphere here is lacking. Don't get me wrong, I have zero problem with waiting in line for a yummy brunch. But I do not like all the hovering over those already seated that tends to happen here. There isn't really a way to get around the hovering as the tables are nearly right up to the counter. Kind of kills the charm for me that I wanted to see in this place. Service also lends little in way of adding charm. But, that said, it really is a yummy brunch even if it is loud and people might be hovering over you while you eat. I still go here; I just go prepared and buy a bag of granola to enjoy at home.
(3)A B.
Wow - great breakfast! I had the orange brioche French toast, my husband had the huevos rancheros. Their french toast is outstanding, right down to the low-viscosity, pure maple syrup. I tried my husband's huevos - really excellent. They serve them in a souffle dish, a mix of black beans, onions, peppers, scrambled eggs and cheese. I think there might be some tortilla in there, too. The wait was about 15 minutes when we went (on Sunday morning), but I like the efficient way they deal with the long lines: you wait in line to order at the counter, and while you're waiting, you get a number. After you order, you collect your silverware and napkins, and you are seated at the first available table. By the time you're seated, it's almost time for your food, so even though you wait a bit (and really, it's so busy, how could you expect anything else?), it doesn't feel like that long a wait.
(5)Megan W.
OK First, you gotta try really hard to get there before 9am if you go on the weekend for breakfast. I know--it's pretty early. Trust me though...you will totally end up with a choice shady table outside if you get there in/around 9am. I had the lox and my boyfriend had the french toast. The food is solid. Not totally amazing, but good enough to get me going back. Our bill was pretty small--less than $30. We both got coffee with our meal--as well as a big ol' bottle of pelligrino. That was the icing on the cake I must say. If you go, split a big bottle of pelligrino with the person you go with. Umm, there were lots of pigeons outside, but the staff tried really hard to keep them out of the seating area (it really didn't bug me too much) I took two stars away because I gotta get my lazy ass up early to get a seat--and also because it does seem habitually crowded. Not just regular crowded...stroller crowded. I love little kids but...not so much when I want to get a good hangover fixing breakfast in me.
(3)Evann G.
All I've really had here are cupcakes, so maybe this is not a fair review to write at this time. Still, here I am writing it. The cupcakes: Good, not great. That is my official stance as a cupcake connoisseur. Root beer cupcake? Tastes exactly like root beer. Not bad, but very VERY weird. Chocolate cherry cupcake was pretty good, but not great. Red velvet cupcake is my favorite so far, but not as good as other versions I've had at other bakeries. Oh, the chocolate mint cookie was pretty good too. Clearly, I'm not too passionate about anything, but maybe if I went there for lunch I would be... I'll have to put that on my To-Do List.
(3)lana v.
Terrible experience-stay away! This place is small and always crowded, I have been meaning to go for a while and finally made it to lunch. They do not serve breakfast past noon, and only have sandwiches and a couple salads available. The service here was probably one of the worst I have ever had, I felt like I was a huge inconvenience to everyone that was working there. The lady taking the order and the lady assigning us a table were not only unfriendly but rude! I asked the lady that was assigning tables if they had any kids options, and I was told "when its your turn you can ask the cashier to suggest something". I asked the cashier who had no clue, and finally pointed at a giant bowl of fruit salad and said you can do a side of fruit and yogurt, I said ok. After waiting almost 20 minutes we got our two sandwiches and yogurt, there was no side of fruit, but rather 2 slivers of strawberry mixed into the yogurt. I managed to flag down one of the guys bringing out food and told him I ordered a side of fruit and a yogurt for my child, he said he will look into it and came back saying "sorry, this is the fruit and yogurt, nothing we can do about it". Whatever...annoying as it is clearly not what I was told when ordering. My husband and I both got the wrap on special, neither of us are picky eaters and almost never complain. This wrap was absolutely inedible. There were weird mushy pieces of squash with a couple of other overcooked vegetables and goat cheese. It was one of the blandest things I have ever tried, and the consistency made me want to barf. Overall I recommend everyone stay away from this place as the food and service were absolutely terrible. Maybe the breakfast is better but I will never be back based on the terrible service.
(1)Colleen J.
I just went here today for lunch. I had been here once before, quite a while ago. I must say it's great to sit outside here on a warm sunny day. I had a sandwich with romaine, avacado, smoked gouda, and mustard. It was pretty good, but not great. I wanted to indulge on one of their cupcakes but resisted the urge. The decor is clean and fresh. You order at the counter first and then wait at your table with a number for your food. So there is only minimal wait service--they bring your food and then bus it when you're done. Overall, it was okay to good, but not great. It's worth a try to form your own opinion.
(3)Lexie M.
This is all based off of the dumb broad working behind the counter. I don't know who but someone was messing up the whole operation back there. I'm going to start from the beginning. It started out as a fun Sunday breakfast adventure. Having never been there before but hearing good things, the bf and I decided to give it a whirl. First of all it's total chaos in there on a Sunday morning. There's a line for God knows what reason. To put your name in? To put your order in? No one knew for sure. We finally got to the front of the line and ordered two coffees, two unmemorable entrees, and a side of turkey sausage (a.k.a. turdey suckage) We asked for one of the coffees to-go but to the lady behind the counter took it to mean "I'll take your money and pretend you never ordered it" After some words were exchanged and some major 'tude thrown our way we finally got some decent coffee. Not worth the effort.
(2)Briana J.
I liked this place but I was not crazy about it. I went with a few friends on a Tuesday afternoon...it was not busy but the weight for our food was still about 15-20 minutes. The pesto pasta was very very tasty, and very very bad for me! Chuck full O'cheese and pine nuts...you should try it! The Roast Beef Sandwich I had was just alright...there was really no taste to it....I would skip it. I was also a little disappointed with the dessert selections. Oh and be careful with the water glasses...the first one I picked was covered in lip gloss and the second one was dirty as well. The workers were friendly though!
(3)Emily M.
It's unfortunate that I cannot give Milk & Honey Cafe more stars as their food is excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming, however the staff behind the counter has been sooo unpleasant every time I've gone I am in no hurry to return
(3)Eric S.
I eat breakfast here at least once a week, although this is mainly do to the close proximity to my front door. That said, I find Milk and Honey exceptional, great food at a decent price and refreshing atmosphere. The cafe has a short but masterful menu of well executed contemporary American breakfast and lunch standards. The chalkboard menu is always punctuated with seasonal, weekly, and daily specials, which is nice to see from such an affordable establishment. The seasonal cocktails and daily special pancakes are always sure things, as well as the specialty pastries and casseroles served for weekend brunch. The Milk and Honey Granola which you might recognize from the shelves of your local Whole Foods has no equal and is a true under appreciated gem. The service is minimal, fast, and sweet. The cafe keeps down costs by playing down table side service and encouraging self-busing. Although some might see this as a negative, I've found the approach allows a non-invasive casual atmosphere which is lost on most nosheries. Seating can be tight and become scarce over the weekend, expect to wait at least fifteen minutes minimum for seating on a Sunday. As a whole, this popular Cafe could teach a few things to most breakfast and lunch joints. Well worth a look if you happen to be in the neighborhood, or even a couple of neighborhoods over.
(3)Audrey J.
The brunch was very good, and the light and airy feel of the place was a definite plus on an early (okay okay, not so early) weekend morning. The menu is super affordably priced, and the service quick on their feet. In terms of food/service/setup, this place reminded me of that old faithful "Crepevine" back in SF. I 100% did NOT understand why they chose that layout, though, because the line to order food will inevitably reach out to the end of the wall, which *OOPS!* is the door. TOTAL traffic jam. NOT cool. Also, super crowded seating made me think my coat was in constant danger of a spilled orange juice. Also, don't fool yourself into thinking this is a health-nut's paradise! Sure, the "house-made granola" and "buttermilk-granola pancakes" sound hippy dippy, but trust me, the huevos rancheros casserole, while savory and delicious, is seriously a heart attack in a bowl.
(3)Meg Z.
Went for Sunday brunch, and even though it was crazy busy, the staff was still friendly and did not let their frustrations show. Its a tad pricey, but the portions are huge and will certainly fill you up. The menu is small but varied and everything my party got was filling and delicious! It gets four stars rather than five though, because i got the weakest bloody mary ever! I tried spicing it up with sriracha and tabasco and pepper to no avail. Stick to the food, its delicious, but this is not the place to get a little hair of the dog.
(4)Christina S.
I love me some milk and honey. Everytime i go it is tasty tasty. Yeah, sure there is a long line. and yeah, sure there are yuppies in abundance. but the food is delish and worth it, imo. and it is so cute in there too, esp with the fire place and all. If crowds bother you, try going during the week. way better. however, their pastries are def lacking. I'd head down to alliance or Letizias down the street for a better sweet treat.
(5)Alaina F.
This one is really hard to rate. The ambience is pretty darn cute and the food is good, however, the service kind of sucks. I do not like the way they seat you/take your food orders. You wait in a line, order your food and then sit down. It is confusing and rushed. I did enjoy my chilaquiles very much though, but i highly doubt they are healthy in any way. and parking blows over here.
(3)Lindsay L.
I am a sucker for weekend brunch, and I always request to go here when I visit my friend who lives in Wicker Park..... very much an MMMMM breakfast. Great coffee, and the panini breakfast sandwich is excellent. The only downside is the layout of the restuarant. They make you wait in the corner where the waiters have to walk through and you feel very much in the way. That said, at least you get to order right away, so your food is being made while you wait!
(5)Andrew C.
This place does breakfast really well - food is interesting, portions are big, prices are reasonable. Indeed for food, I give it 3 stars. What I really dislike about Milk & Honey is the war of all against all for a table. Granted, that hasn't stopped me from eating here rather frequently in the past. However, as a recent experience demonstrated vividly to me, when their lack of a seating system collides with the crowds of awful, awful people that throng this place at peak hours, it takes forever to get a table, and when you finally get one, the wait and the awfulness of the crowd have pretty much spoiled everything.
(2)Zsiberian N.
Absolute neighborhood favorite with great menu and atmosphere, fairly quick to-go turn around. They have yet to surprise me with something super original, but it's a safe bet for quick meet up or lazy weekend afternoon.
(3)Parisa S.
OMG 126 reviews already? Damn, I'm definitely late to the party. So there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said. Food rocks, service is friendly, get the burrito thing - it's amazing. Oh, but the wait sucks. No surprise, given the 126 reviews... Go to M&H. You're guaranteed a great brunch.
(5)Whitney S.
TERRIBLE service. For the amount of traffic this place gets during breakfast and lunchtime, they should really rethink the ordering sequence. Also, ordered a beer, and couldn't even have it until I waited 15 minutes for a table. Very disorganized and staff is somewhat unfriendly. On the upside, all of the sandwiches sound good, unfortunately didn't taste as good as I had hoped. Best pickles I've ever had in my life--seriously.
(3)Ry W.
I head to Milk and Honey about twice a week for lunch and or coffee. Though the food is great, the owner and a few of the staff are cold. They know by now that I am regular, when I smile and say hi they are very unwelcoming. Enough to the point where I am now going elsewhere for lunch and coffee. When I pay $27 for 2 sandwiches and 2 soups, just shoot me a smile once and a while and a thank you. There is one girl there, short brown hair with bangs, who is super sweet and nice!
(3)A S.
Even though it can get pretty crowded here, they have a pretty good way of handling the chaos and getting you to a table without totally stressing you out. I love their drinks and the food was great, too.
(4)jamie k.
Oh how I wish this place was a bit more efficient... I think it has really good food, I think it's a bit expensive and when Jerry's opens it's sandwich shop a few doors down it could be interesting. This morning I was so frustrated, as I stopped in for ice coffee on the go...there was only one girl working, she was serving the table, working the register and multiple other tasks...she looks totally sweet and as if she totally loves her job...but after standing there 10 minutes with only one person ahead of me, watching multiple bus's go by - I had to leave and ran into Alliance. Sorry Milk & Honey...
(3)Stove P.
This place is a dream! My friend and I strolled over here on a pleasantly warm Friday afternoon. As my friend pointed out, it seemed like we were on vacation. The weather was beautiful, everyone was out walking their dogs, sitting outside of restaurants, and generally in an easy-going mood. The wrath of winter had FINALLY settled, and everyone took advantage of it that day. Milk and Honey was just the place to bask in the day's delight. Entering the restaurant, I was set on ordering French toast, but they had stopped serving breakfast already. But that was okay! The avocado sandwich made up for it a million times! Oh my god, my first bite into this veggie treasure was pure bliss. I put the sandwich down and just stared at it in disbelief. What had I just eaten?!!! Let me give you some insight into my usual behavior. I'm comatose most of the time, hardly excited by anything. It's torturous, really. So not only was this sandwich a gift to my stomach, but my mental health as well. This must have been made by a true sandwich god. Let me tell you what was in this--avocado, smoked GOOOOOOUDA cheese, Roma tomatoes, cracked mustard (still don't know what it is, but I'm pretty sure I love it), cucumbers, and all sandwiched between multigrain bread. I've never told a sandwich I loved it before, but everything was different that day. I gave my friend a piece of my sandwich and she gave me some of her salad. Oh what a meal. We were completely enamored by this quaint little cafe. The service was terrific. The cashier was soooo pretty. I don't remember her name, but her face was beautiful. You must try it! Oh please just go here now!!
(5)Melanie B.
THIS IS MAINLY A REVIEW ON MILK & HONEY'S CHOCOLATE CROISSANT! okay. i haven't dined in milk & honey and i've never ordered anything but a croissant. however, being a croissant connoisseure, i have to review the chocolate croissant here. it's definitely the best one i've had in chicago. the dark chocolate is perfectly melted yet chewy (since it's cooled after being melted) and the outside is crunchy and flakey while the inside is buttery soft. yay, milk & honey! however, i have had the almond croissant as well, and while it was very good, alliance (right down the street) makes a better almond croissant (and a decent chocolate croissant as well). i agree that the line out the door on weekends is tres annoying, esp. considering that we always go in just for the croissant... still, all of the brunchy food looks amazing. i eye it when i'm standing in line (in crowd, really) waiting to get to the register. honestly, the staff isn't super nice either. but the chocolate croissant... yes. the croissant gets 4 stars, but the overall experience is only 3.
(3)Erin R.
The process of ordering food is stressful, due to the general snottiness of the staff, but once the order has been filled, Milk & Honey glows with delicious. It's basically like Weiner's Circle, but manned by eye-rolling hipster transplants in lieu of black swearing Chicago natives. If you can get past the counter without suffering a bad-attitude-related nervous breakdown, highly recommended.
(3)Sarah H.
There has got to be a better way?! Stopped in here for brunch on a Saturday morning.. and I realize that one is usually going to have to wait for their brunch on a Saturday morning. But Milk and Honey just seemed so disorganized.. and their system for getting people seated just seemed so wrong. I spent most of my wait trying to reconfigure their process into a more efficient way. Ok so maybe I'm just a control freak.. who knows. I'm really not a fan of the fact that they rush you into ordering off the board right as you walk in the door.. After I made a rash decision I must have changed my mind as to what I wanted four times. The food was good though. I had a a bagel and lox and it was delicious.. I probably would have gone ahead and gotten something to go along with it if I had more time to peruse the menu!
(3)Steven C.
I often look at all the people waiting in line at Milk & Honey on the weekends, and then look down the street at all the places within a 2 minute walk that have open tables. And I think to myself: what is it about this place that keeps people coming back, over and over, to stand in a long line so they can have brunch at a place where the selection isn't really unusual? I mean - they serve French toast, pancakes and oatmeal. Is it really THAT much better than every other place in the neighborhood - or the city, for that matter? I guess it is. I eat at or carry out from Milk & Honey all the time. Their yogurt and granola is so good, and I have had it so many times, that if I have one of those yogurt parfait cups from Starbucks or anywhere else now I wonder what they did to screw it up. They have good French toast and pancakes, good huevos rancheros, and a collection of fabulous sandwiches. Their potato chips suck, but hey - noplace is perfect, and you don't have to eat them. I love the atmosphere on a weekday morning when it's not crowded and I can enjoy the sunny space -- or, in the winter, the sunlit room + the fireplace. I don't love all the strollers, but maybe I will one day if I ever have children of my own to push around and into restaurants.
(4)Kelly R.
I came here thinking this was more of a brunch spot that would have a lot of breakfast-type options, but they actually have a much larger sandwich menu. Which is fine, just not exactly what I was expecting. However, the food is delicious and very reasonably priced and I like the set up a lot better than that of other city brunch spots where you fight through a crowd to get your name in, then hang on the sidewalk for an hour before you're seated. You actually go up to the counter, order, pay and get a number... then the food arrives soon after you're seated which is nice and you don't have to mess with the bill after the meal. We only waited maybe 15 minutes on a Saturday around 1... not too bad. So anyway, the food --- I ended up getting an egg/cheddar/tomato sandwich which was really good, but like I said, one of the few egg options on the menu. Also split the pancakes which were GREAT! All of the sandwiches I saw looked delectable too, but I'll have to go back to try those another time.
(4)Kristine B.
Had late lunch here on sunny saturday (before it was rediculous hot) - and had the avocado sandwich but added turkey. DELISH! The wait wasn't too long - we realized we were here about half hour before closing, so maybe thats why? The lemonade was good and got an iced coffee to go. Got to spend some time on the patio, but there were a lot of pigeons on this random day, so it wasn't QUITE as enjoyable - but that definately wasn't their fault. I would come back for sammys for sure!
(4)Janette L.
Good strong coffee and reasonable prices for brunch. Abbreviated menu (for brunch) but the sandwiches sounded better - I may have to check this place out for lunch! I would recommend the Huevos Rancheros (only on the weekends) but you should be prepared they are pretty heavy handed with the black beans. The side of sauce is what made this dish in my opinion. All together it was very flavorful. Breakfast panini was ok but nothing really special - not as much flavor but I guess I should not have expected that much from a bacon/egg/cheese sandwich. Overall, I thought the place was pretty okay (sorry, I don't think it lived up to all the hype) and a recommendation would be to get the coffee to-go. I revel in that first cup of coffee after a late night out and waiting the 30 minutes to get seated for my coffee was making me antsy.
(3)Morgan O.
I walked into this restaurant with a whole lot of build-up from friends so maybe that's not entirely fair, but I was expecting more. The dishes were a little "average" but the prices are reasonable. I would say I like the ambiance and feel of the place. It's a nice breakfast place to pop into once in a while but definitely nothing memorable. A-OK Milk & Honey.
(3)Kathleen A.
Milk and Honey makes me feel all warm inside, and in a good way. Breakfast Panini's-GENIUS. That's all I've had here, they serve it with their kettle potato chips, and I usually get a chai latte or mocha along with it. YUM. I also have tried the bloody mary's here. I do not like bloodys usually but they do them right here. The one thing I hate though is the setup of the place. It is so tiny, and while waiting for a table to open up, I felt like I was in everyone's way standing in the middle of the place. This place needs to be bigger!
(4)Coco C.
Back when I was a city girl and too lazy to make my own coffee before work, Milk and Honey was a daily stop for me. It was also the main place I would take out-of-town visitors for weekend brunch/lunch - these things had as much to do with the fact that I love me some Milk and Honey and that it was a block away from my apartment. My personal faves here are the scrambled egg-bacon-cheese sandwich and the roast beef sandwich (though *sometimes* the roast beast is a wee bit too much on the rare side for me...). Oh, and the scones! Get here early for fresh scones - coffee shop scones are usually horrible pieces of shit, but these things are fan-freaking-tastic. Seriously! They are a wee bit on the pricey side, and if you go anytime after 9 am on weekends you will have to deal with endless crowds of Wicker Park yuppies with babies (or young yuppies with their visiting parents), so it's better to go during the week or get your food to go.
(4)Dave S.
I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast here. I had Huevos Rancheros, which are only available on the weekends unfortunately. They had a good taste to them. I don't like overpowering spiciness and these were perfect for my taste buds to really savor. I had a side of bacon which was ultra crispy, just the way I like it. I was able to taste Lara's Orange Brioche French Toast, which was also very good. The place is very open but was very cramped as it is not all that big and it was very crowded. There were a lot of people mulling around waiting for a table to open up which made it seem even more cramped. Were were very lucky to get a spot by the large front windows. On a cold winter morning the sunshine felt really nice shining in on me. The menu is very limited and the only things that really caught my eye was the French Toast and the Huevos Rancheros. They do not look to cater to the masses. They do what they do very well. They do have a good selection of sandwiches also. I will be back for more and more, hopefully at a less busier time of day.
(4)Micky M.
Try the huevos rancheros.
(4)Amy L.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!! I think I may have had the best breakfast of my life this past weekend. I had the pancakes which were apple cinnamon I believe with the granola...they were to die for and I felt like they were somewhat healthy. My sister had the huevos rancheros which were phenomenal. If you are in a hurry this wouldn't be the place to go, but if you want a leisurely brunch and don't mind waiting this is your place!! They really have the waiting system down though....you are put on a list for a table and then wait in line to order...by the time you order your table is pretty much ready for you to sit and your food comes soon after...like clockwork!
(5)Carolynne M.
The ONLY reason to come here is for the granola. Sure, you can buy it in bags to go, but wouldnt you rather get a nice big bowl served to you with ultra creamy vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit? It is heaven... truly!
(5)Alexis H.
For all of you who thought Milk and Honey was all about coffee and tea (myself included), whoa, we were way wrong. Milk and Honey is not only a little coffee house, it also serves delicious, amazing food. I recently went for brunch with a friend - I had the breakfast sandwich, which had scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon & tomato and was served with homemade chips all for a measly $6.25. My friend had the huevos rancheros, which Milk and Honey serves casserole style, and it looked amazing. Actually, every dish that I saw come out of the kitchen looked amazing! Milk and Honey also serves a wide variety of sandwiches all for around $7 from 10AM-close (which is 4 or 5 PM depending on the day). Don't let the long line out the door for weekend brunch throw you off. It moves faster than you'd think. Just order when you get to the counter, and by the time the hostess has found a seat for you your food will hit the table fresh out of the kitchen. Just a one star loss for the tiny space, which is not a good combination with the brunch crowds on Division.
(4)Lisa F.
Milk & Honey Cafe is great for the reasons you expect in a groovy brunch place. Awesome food, THIS CLOSE seating to your fellow citizens, and not a bad wait ever (I don't think 30 mins is bad). If you aren't terribly hungry get the oatmeal. It is so fabulous you will wish you were hungrier/had more room/wore stretchy pants. If you are hungry then go for it. Get those pancakes, or perhaps the french toast. The only complaint is the system of ordering. I have been here many times and even though I know it well, it grates on me. It has a Seinfeld Soup Nazi kind of feel. If you don't know, you don't know. And if there is a really long line then you have to shuffle along like you are 1st grader waiting to cram into the auditorium. Single file please! All they're missing is the rope we all hold on to so we don't lose our places. Even not hungover, it annoys me. I soothe my irritation with a bloody mary. I am, after all, a nice Maryland girl.
(4)Jen G.
Great selection--healthy and yummy in some cases, and I enjoyed the efficiency of ordering and paying and having someone bring it out to you. If you get here before 10 on the weekends, you should be good to go. The OJ is great and I love that they have Pelligrino. I agree with the posters that commended the oatmeal. The bagel sandwich is also delicious and could feed two people. I am not a huge fans of such close quarters, but it works here. Don't talk about anything juicy--or anything you don't want others to hear!
(4)Jed L.
To my friend's amazement (and since it was the day after Christmas) we were able to walk right in and snag a table with no issues. My friend, who is a Chicago native, highly recommended this place for breakfast. I'm really glad I had the chance to eat here. I ordered strictly off of what my friend recommended, and didn't even look at the menu. He suggested I try the Huevos Rancheros - EXCELLENT! This was THE best version of this dish I have ever had. It was also the most interesting one in presentation. I've never had Huevos Rancheros casserole style, and I won't have them any other way now! Yea, it was that good. I also love the fact that pretty much everything is self-service as far as coffee and water. It's very pleasant to not be waited on sometimes.
(4)Mary I.
Went here with 2 friends for a Saturday brunch. It's a small cafe with an outside sitting area w/ umbrellas which is nice! We had the pancakes w/ nectarines on top and the huevos rancheros? They both were pretty scrumptous. And for the price was totally well worth it. The entrees are about $7 for brunch. Will definitely come back again!
(4)Hillary D.
Super small menu. Pretty standard stuff. Nothing fancy. Boring egg, bacon, tomato, cheddar panini...served with (get this) potato chips! Ick. Not something I want to eat for breakfast. Also had the chocolate and strawberry pancakes which were tasty but not exceptional. My boyfriend and I felt like we could have easily made this breakfast at home.
(2)Kristen F.
I've been checking out places in Wicker Park since I might decide to move there and my oh my do I really like Milk and Honey. I had the Chicken Lime and Orzo soup and I would die to have the recipe. I also split a sandwich with a friend. It was their in house Roast Beef and you know what? There are 1,000 ways to screw up Roast Beef but Milk and Honey did NOT screw this one up. It was the most delicious sandwich I have had in a long time. I saw this advertisement for a Special Five Course Dinner they're having on April 14th for 85 dollars a person and I am seriously considering going, it looks absolutely delicious.
(4)Linda T.
M&H is a neighborhood gem. I have been there so many times I can't count, and due to laziness on my part, sometimes 2 meals a day. I highly recommend their granola/yogurt. oatmeal, OJ, BLT, salads in the case, pretty much any special salad or soup they have, the list of my faves would be too long. Someone else mentioned their soggy pickles, they are soggy, loaded with garlic, and fantastic! It's not a place to get Vlasic, they're fresh, and I believe homemade. Anyway, love this place. If I could change one thing, I would never stand in line and okay 2 things, secondly, I could bring my dog in, but the latter is a Chicago law, however they are very dog friendly :)
(4)Josh M.
One of my favorite place for breakfast/brunch. Weekends can get very busy, especially when it is warm outside. Sometimes the line can be very long and the self service aspect a little annoying. The food is great and the atmosphere in the space is very light and energetic. Highly recommended. Oatmeal with dried cherries, walnuts, brown sugar....very good. Heuvos Rancheros is great.
(5)missallfun H.
the food is always great but I cant stand the staff. They all look miserable and not wanting to be there. Im not sure why they cant smile, be nice, fake a thank you. They are always busy which I get but the owner really should whip them into shape. Unless the staff gets the attitude from them. I guess the lavender cookies are enough to forgo some friendly service. I cant wait for the competition to move in and teach them a lesson on friendly service, they should be ecstatic that they are allways busy and making soooo much loot.
(3)Andrew S.
If you're looking for a place to see and be seen in an up and coming area, this is it. However if your looking for a great place to have a good lunch over conversation with friends, forget it. I visited Mike & Honey a few weeks ago for Sunday brunch and was rather disappointed. The wait was quite long and the food was only passable. I had the Tomato, Mozzerella & Basil sandwich and felt that I could have made a better one at home in five minutes. Even the others at my table had rather lackluster feelings on their food. What was really bad was the level of sound in the place. Conversation was almost impossible. They really, really should throw up some sound dampening somewhere, even if it's artistic...there are companies that specialize in that sort of thing after all. So yes, there were beautiful, trendy people streaming in and out, but the rest was "meh" at best. - Andrew
(2)Mister S.
I've never understood the fascination some people have with waiting in line for up to an hour on a Sunday morning to get brunch. Milk and Honey has good food. I've had breakfast and lunch there. But nothing was amazing. It's crowded, and they have a very strange seating system where you wait in line, get a number while in line, order food at a counter, and then get a table. The waitresses are rushing around frantically trying to organize seating, all while calling out numbers. Basically, it's the hustle and bustle I look forward to avoiding on the weekends.
(3)Tiff B.
The food is ok, the service is rushed and borderline bad. I understand that the place gets crowded and has limited space, but I've been there several times now and have never been welcomed warmly or appreciated. It's like they're herding cattle in that place and they especially don't like people with small children or babies in strollers. I don't have either, but I felt for the moms that came in with strollers or carriers and were basically told there was no room for them in the restaurant. Regarding the food, it's good, but nothing that you can't find at any number of restaurants in the area. Some of their baked goods are delicious and are worth getting for takeout. Dining in is only recommended during their down times, whenever that is exactly, I'm not sure.
(3)Aaron S.
My girlfriend and I visited Milk and Honey on a recent roadtrip from Nashville to Chicago. Honestly it was a delicious brunch on a Saturday morning. She got the orange brioche French toast, while I ordered the pankcakes. They were tasty, fresh, and worth every penny. If I can nitpick just a little there was a huge line, but it was Saturday, and their "table numbering" system was a little confusing. But definetly worth a visit.
(4)Zac K.
Menu is awesome and while some might argue not huge- spot on! Huevos Rancheros ROCK! The pancake of the weekend is usually pretty darn tasty too. This joint can get crowded at times, so keep that in mind, but if you go early enough and score a table, you're set for success! Cozy place with a mixture of everything which is reflective of the neighborhood itself. I have never had a bad breakfast here- always delish- thanks for M & H for making my mornings a bit sweeter - ok, corny I know, it's the advertising in me
(5)Elle N.
If you're in the neighborhood and want breakfast, lunch or a cup of fancy coffee, this is a good bet. The food is quite good and the decor is light and relaxing. The food, while super yummy, is limited - there's a small menu and it barely ever changes, so while I really like their food it's also easy to get sick of it after a handful of visits due to the lack of variety. It also gets crazy busy during peak breakfast and lunch hours, when you'll often find the line out the door, and there's always at least 3 mammoth strollers taking up a lot of space. In the summer, there's an outdoor dining area, so that helps a bit. Overall, I'd say it's worth trying at least once if you're in the area. But I wouldn't go too out of my way to get here.
(3)Brandon B.
I have to say that the food here is great: unique combinations of ingredients, different type of menu but with all the basics, nice little store. There is something that annoys me about the total experience that takes away from the 5 star rating that is probably mostly a personal thing: something about the combo of the crowdedness (could barely move in my seat), the crowd (sudden appearance of a roomfull of young white married couples between 20-30 +/- kids, all looking pretty rich-like), the polished granola-ness of the look. But who can slam good food.
(4)A S.
The food here is decent, at best. To be honest, there are a few great items, but the vast majority of the food is fair (if my rating was on the food alone it would get a 3). The service is awful. The staff is unfriendly and always seem very busy, unwilling to proactively help. No one smiles either. ever. Here is the icing on the cake: my meal the other morning was $17 and change. I paid with a $20 and the girl at the counter put my change in the tip jar!? In no way did I give her any impression to do so. I wanted to take my coffee to go, and it took me 4 minutes to make eye contact with someone behind the counter to even look at me.
(2)Tricia F.
Possibly one of my favorite places from breakfast in the city. You really can't go wrong with any of the breakfast items, especially the amazing (and rotating menu of) pancakes and the breakfast panini sandwich...eggs, bacon, Cheddar and tomato. AWESOME. It's rather thick...probably about 4 eggs, and is served with baked potato chips. (little less than $7). They serve Intelligentsia "Milk & Honey" blend coffee and make great espresso drinks. Fresh squeezed juice as well. The staff is usually pretty dry, rather down-to-business, except for a tall woman with dark hair and skin, who is ALWAYS smiling and wonderfully friendly. Pretty quick service. You're guaranteed to have to wait in line for a table...sometimes longer in the winter when the outdoor patio is closed. The restaurant is also a pretty tight squeeze, so taking those two aspects into consideration...make sure you're in the mood to deal with it.
(4)Patti B.
I admit, I dragged my boyfriend here because the name drew me in. The cafe is so cute! It was definitely packed and there was a big line (probably didn't help that the Renegade Craft Fair was going on ;-)) so we opted for take-out. They make a killer avocado sandwich and pack a pickle to go with a bag of homemade chips (hardly salted, so I liked them, but my boyfriend didn't). I'm definitely coming back! ** Update: 5/17/08 ** We finally came back for another day in Bucktown and decided to eat in this time. I don't know what the big fuss is about the line and the crowd because we didn't wait long (even though it was 11:30am) and got a great table with room enough for us to stretch out and not bump into anyone. Given that you order before being seated and collect your own silverware, I don't know what kind of sit down service people are expecting. We were just happy that our food arrived promptly and tasted good - we split the avocado sandwich again and the pancakes of the day (buttermilk with nuts, mm!), and my hazelnut latte was delicious.
(4)Leigh K.
I went here last weekend with Kris Williams. My eyes tend to be bigger than my stomach most times. I order whatever looks good even if they don't pair perfectly. On Saturday, I ordered the Avocado + Smoked Gouda sandwich with no mustard. As many other Yelpers before me have said, this is one tasty sandwich. I also ordered a salad special they had which was spinach with melted goat cheese drizzled on top. It sounded dreamy and tasted pretty delicious but the melted goat cheese had a gritty texture that appeared when I was chewing it. It kind of weirded me out, but yeah, it tasted good. I have to go against the Yelp grain and agree with Baji K, the chips were not good. They are thick and kettle-cooked and they sure look appealing, but when it came down to it, they were tasteless. Kris Williams agreed, but I joked with her that when I brought them home, Zachary would love them (he did). I sampled the huevos rancheros and the yogurt and granola Kris got. They were pretty good, but I wasn't blown away. There are already so many great breakfast spots in our neck of the woods that I don't feel like waiting in a line if it's not Toast or Bongo Room. Both of those restaurants have proved themselves to me time and time again, but Milk & Honey Cafe, you haven't won me over. Also, what compels Milk & Honey to stay in this awkward skinny space that is always packed on weekends?
(3)Marisa M.
As I was only in Chicago for a few days, I was a little reluctant to head to Milk & Honey for lunch over my usual favorites. However, this spot won me over instantly and would easily be somewhere that I would frequent if I still lived in town. My friend and I ordered our sandwiches from the counter and were directed toward a great window side table. We swapped sandwich halves so I got to try both the ham and havarti on a pretzel roll and the avocado and gouda on multigrain bread. Both were great. I was expecting the heavily favor the ham, but the avocado sandwich was probably my favorite of the two. They also have a great outdoor patio which would have been the place to sit had it not been 95 degrees outside.
(4)Zach W.
Laura R. is so right! The avocado sandwich is wonderful. The key avocado, avocado and more avocado! Also making this a great sandwich is the smoky gouda. It's a rarity that gouda is smoked enough to be punchy, this was and it added terrific flavor to the sandwich. In the summer months it's great to eat lunch here because of their spacious sidewalk seating. Of course this is true for most spots on Division. Not sure why other neighborhoods didn't adapt the WIDE sidewalks. This might be my biggest gripe about Chicago on the whole.
(4)Kate S.
There's not a lot I can add to the reviews of the food at Milk & Honey Cafe: it's great, from the dried cherry and walnut oatmeal and amazing huevos rancheros to the incredible lunchtime sandwiches and salads. Anyone who wants to judge the decor can easily do so themselves by checking out pictures online. So I won't rehash that. One word of advice: If you want to go for a weekend brunch, go before 11. I live across the street and every weekend I watch the lines that back up around noon. I'm not a patient person, so I make sure I get in around 9:30 so I get a table right away. And one complaint: The hours. Why, oh why, do they close so early? It would make me so happy if I could drop in after work and pick up an easy sandwich for dinner. Bah.
(5)sandra h.
I loved the brunch at Milk & Honey. I had the special pancakes with apples and granola - they were very good. My husband had the humongous orange scented brioche french toast with almonds - he loved it. The cafe mocha may have been the best I've ever had. They are well known for their granola and we took home a bag to give it a try.
(5)Candice M.
I don't know if there's a better place to go for lunch. The best tuna salad panini-type sandwich I have EVER had! And my friend loved her roast beef sandwich as well. If I lived in Chicago, I would go here all the time. It was amazing!
(5)Jason L.
Super crowded on weekends but they have this BLT sandwich on grilled bread that rocks. It's definitely worth the wait.
(4)J. N.
The place your own order concept stresses me out and my food just wasn't that good. My boyfriend had eaten breakfast here once and never stopped talking about it. We tried to stop in a few times but it was always so crowded we didn't want to wait. A couple weeks ago we drove by and it seemed pretty slow - we jumped at the chance to eat lunch there. I ordered the Avocado, Smoked Gouda, Romaine and Tomato with Cracked Mustard on Mulligan Bread. It sounded so good, I was super excited. When I received it I was very disappointed. The cracked mustard was very harsh and did not compliment the buttery avocado. The cheese and bread were okay, but together I thought it was a bitter, bland mess. I was very disappointed with the bland chips also. My boyfriend ordered the Grilled Pastrami and Swiss with Horseradish-Mustard Spread on Dark Rye. His first bit a huge fatty piece fell from his lips and disgusted me. Granted, we understand Pastrami is a naturally fatty meat.... This was insane. He picked most of the fat off and let it in a mound on the plate. He was very disappointed and agreed the chips were awful. The lemon tart was, however, delicious. The atmosphere was pleasent, but the order at the counter and get your own water was frustrating... especially when you want to sit outside. This place is hyped a lot and I don't get what all the fuss is about. There are so many other places in the area I would rather eat - very disappointing.
(2)Holly F.
Yes yes yes! On the other hand, THIS is where the goods are in Chicago! Sunday brunch in the sun, by an open window, Milk & Honey's version of Huevos Rancheros (oh Yes! Yes yes!) steaming before my tearing eyes and anticipating lips, fluffy French Toast and wonderful underful coffee - Yes Yes Yes! And in Wicker Park, it couldn't be better. It's the bester.
(5)heather s.
I really like coming here for a weekday breakfast, but it is to be avoided on the weekends. It's hard to walk in without tripping over all the strollers strewn about. I'm not sure why this place attracts so many parents (and I don't judge you, breeders, the problem is the enormity of your strollers). The breakfast menu is great (french toast and huevos rancheros are standouts), and soups are usually good, but I've never had one of their lunch selections that I would order again.
(3)Joscelyn M.
Sooo tiny, I hate going in winter so I don't have to wait outside in the cold. The food is very yummy - the pancake special is always incredible, as is the breakfast casserole, all the sandwiches and the quiches. My only complaint is that you can't get egg whites or do any substitutions, but I understand - it can't be perfect!
(3)Ryan G.
I am giving this place one star for someone like me. I like big breakfast where they have many choices ....Milk and honey does not have omlettes or Sausage. This is a major yuppy overpriced undersized hangout that I personally do not enjoy... Not a place for me, although I did go with a 2 girls and they did like it...
(2)Evangeline L.
I heart Milk and Honey Cafe. Yes, its crowded (especially on weekends) and yes its a bit hipster but man, the food is good. I always get the same thing...BLT sandwich (YUM) and tomato mozzarella salad. Both are scrumptious. Beware of the wait on weekends but if you don't mind reading the paper while you wait...its sure worth it. My only gripe is the not so fabulous potato chips they serve with the sandwiches. They are rather tasteless but whatever, who needs the extra calories anyway?
(4)Tom W.
I saw a listing in one of the Chicago tourism magazines for this restaurant and I expected really good things. However, I was a little disappointed. The staff was friendly and they were all decked out in their comfortable clothes with bandanas in their hair. Good look. The place was very relaxing and it had a good aura. I had the pastrami on rye today. I have to say, I was not impressed. The bread was burnt and crunchy. Also, the pastrami was really fatty and it didn't appear to be cooked all the way through. I had to pick off the fatty part of the individual strips of pastrami in order to eat the rest of the sandwich. Gross, yes. But, it had to be done. I'm giving this place two stars because of the sandwich. The environment was nice but I don't see myself going back anytime soon.
(2)Michelle F.
Milk and Honey brunch is fabulous, but be prepared to wait it out on the weekends. I love their huevos rancheros, which is only served on the weekends, unfortunately. Their food is fresh and delicious and their yogurt and granola is outstanding. I am a fan of their blueberry pecan granola. However, I am not a fan of their potato chips. They have no flavor and aren't worth the calories. Besides that, I would get over there, order a giant coffee to go with your yogurt and granola and enjoy watching hipsters interact with each other, which can be totally amusing within itself.
(4)Gretchen O.
When I first moved to Chicago my aunt gave me a gift certificate to this place, and I was very grateful. The food is amazing, and the menu changes regularly. Their salads are wonderful, their sandwiches are enough to satisfy any appetite, and the side dishes are fresh and varied. The major flaw is space - people wait in a line at the register to order, then go to their seats. Usually the line is long enough to restrict people from seeing what's on the menu and from getting to their table. When it's crowded, things get a little mercenary. Still, it's worth it! At the very least, it's worth waiting until things are less crowded.
(4)Tiffany K.
Although my coffee was slightly burnt, their food selection is great. It's a cute cafe, but not one that you can hang out in. Nevertheless, I wish it were open later and was bigger!
(4)Sooyon H.
I ordered a sandwich from here which was just okay. I'll have to get one of their breakfast items and come earlier next time. I have tried their home-made granola on a separate occasion, which was a really great mixture and perfect for a light and healthy breakfast item with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries or some other fruit.
(3)Jerry W.
My wife, oldest daughter, oldest son and I have been here several times. This place is just so cute. With all the references to milk bottles in their decorations. The place is small, but that seems typical for a Chicago place. It was very crowded on the days we went. I guess I would be surprised if it wasn't corwded. The food and service are truly outstanding. It is very clean inside. The food was really good. They have some excellent specials, the only bad thing is that the next time they probably won't have the excellent special you just ate. The staff was very friendly. It was priced right for the food you received. I know the next time we are in the Wicker Park area we will be heading back.
(4)Char Y.
Very impressed with the food actually. I thought it would be another over priced breakfast in the city, but it was above and beyond my expectations The granola was good, the french toast was great, and sandwiches were really fresh and yummy. Definitely recommend it!
(3)Bonnie G.
I have some mixed feelings rating this place 4 stars due to some issues that I will lay out right away-when I was first trying to order, another woman who was leaving kept interrupting me and talking to the woman working the counter when I was trying to ask questions about combinations, dairy content, etc. I found her behaviour rather unprofessional, and something about the way the woman at the counter was acting made me thing this blonde woman may have been the cook/co-owner/someone higher up. Please, whoever you were, it was def. NOT a good first impression. Your rude behavior was so disruptive that I almost turned around and left. If I was so damn hungry and knew the city better I would have. Secondly, the vegetarian options were mostly dairy based, and being lactose-intolerant, I made do, but adding some non-cheese based options in the future would be appreciated. BUT... -The decor was amazing-minimalist, bright by the open windows, goregous simple set up. A cross b/w a museum cafeteria and a bistro. -The food...was damn good. And I thought reasonably priced. I had wine, a warmed up ricotta tart, beets with sweet potatos and a tomato soup served with toasted bread. - The service, other than that first woman, was extremely friendly and sweet and really efficient. I was so hungry I wasn't making sense, and the counter woman was humorous...and good at deliverin the yummies to my table. When I think about a review, I think if I would recommend this place to others for the rating, and for this place? Yeah, actually I would. I wouldn't go miles out of the way, but if in the neighborhood and want a great lunch/brunch on a weekday? It would be a perfect choice.
(4)andy b.
Although the food is ok...i always leave this place pissed off. I dont know if its the screaming kids, or the rude staff, or the long lines or the crowded rushed atmosphere. I cant pinpoint it, and i dont want to . i have been here many times thinking that i was too harsh, and i can say one thing. It is consistent. Consistenly BAD.
(1)zamboni z.
So yummy for brunch on a lazy weekend day - with the weather turning nice, you and your pooch can grab a table outside.... we had a bit of a wait the Sunday we went, but it was expected and not outrageous. Coffee is really good, We had a bit of everything from the menu - the french toast looked awesome, and I can vouch for the huevos rancheros - del-ish. I got mini cupcakes for the table and a nice way to finish off a very nice lazy Sunday. Looking forward to another trip back soon
(4)Caroline T.
My absolute favorite lunch, brunch, breakfast cafe in the city. With a long list of unique sandwich choices that make it difficult for me to decide or breakfast egg dishes if I am feeling that- exactly what i expect for a weekend brunch cozy, moderately priced, in and out, incredible pastries- specifically the carrot cake. I recommend the grilled chicken and bacon sandwich for that right kind of full. All of the breakfast options are great. I just think its perfect. Unfortunately I do not live walking distance to Milk and Honey but want to move closer so I can go more often.
(5)amanda g.
i absolutely love this place. i would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a really good brunch place. max and i have been here a handful of times and it has never disappointed. i would highly suggest the pancake special (it changes daily i believe). i am a huge pancake person and theirs are just perfect. i hate pancakes when they are very light and airy or chalky (like biscuik) and these are the exact opposite. they are very dense and just plain delicious. my favorite pancake combo so far was cranberry, almond, granola. these featured the famous milk and honey granola on top - which is very yummy. ok, maybe you're wondering if there's anything good BESIDES the pancakes. answer is yes. between max and i, we've tried the orange brioche french toast, the huevos rancheros, and the breakfast panini. all were great. of those, the breakfast panini i'd say was the least interesting. kind of just a breakfast sandwich you could make yourself. but still very good. and max, who's more of a savory breakfast guy would tell you the huevos rancheros are amazing. also, bonus: they serve intelligentsia coffee note: this place is very popular so expect there to be a line out the door. but don't be discouraged. it goes faster than you would think. and their hostess is great. she is very nice and super organized. she'll give you a number while you wait in line. you order at the counter and usually by the time you're done ordering or a minute or two later she has found a seat for you. longest we've waited (and we go usually at prime times - sat and sun mid morning) is about 25 min. bottom line - go there!
(5)Jasmine J.
This morning we had a really tasty, inexpensive breakfast at Milk and Honey. We'd never been there before, but we'll definitely be back. I had the breakfast panini and my boyfriend had the oatmeal with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon. Everything was great. It was a little funny that the girl poured the "freshly squeezed orange juice" from a sealed gallon jug, but who cares? I loved it and, Diane S., I ain't white.
(5)Kim J.
I seem to be going against the grain here, but I really thought this place was just "ok". Not horrible, but definitely nothing memorable and definitely nothing I'd go out of my way for again. A friend and I stopped in at about 2pm on a Sunday. There was no line, so we stepped up and placed an order. I had a chicken sandwich with bacon, tomato, pesto, and blue cheese. And it was really just "meh". The chicken was a bit rubbery and tasteless and the bread was soggy. The tomato slices were huge and overwhelmed the sandwich, so I ended up taking them off completely. And the chips - they're greasy and tasteless. My friend and I looked at each other, wondering where the salt was. The space is cute, and the staff was friendly, but I just don't see myself going out of my way to go there. I really wanted to like this place, too.
(2)Alejandra P.
I lived in the neighborhood until 3 weeks ago, went there on a regular basis until I asked myself, " why do I pay to be mistreated?" These people are truly the rudest I have encountered. They obviously don't like children, they dont like to answer questions about there food or menu. The food however, is good, and changes on a regular basis. There are two people their, that are very nice, one being the latino bus boy, and the other a young lady with long dark hair. But for them, I would be giving 1 star. In my opinion Janiks, down the street is a MUCH, better option.
(2)Josh J.
The granola is famous for good reason - order a parfait and you'll understand. Just great! Other than that, they have great breakfeast and great sandwiches. Haven't (yet) been impressed with soups. Outdoor patio is one of my favorites. Try to come in the summer.
(5)Kim S.
If I were to open a coffee/breakfast shop, it'd look something like this place. The food is fresh, the decor clean and simple, and the staff were friendly. Came here with my brother and we had an ample sunday morning...sunday paper and french toast...how can you go wrong?? There were a lot of babies and some stroller hurdling was required, but once you're settled you won't want to leave.
(5)Amanda M.
A smoked salmon bagel and glass of fresh squeezed orange juice is one of my weekend/hang-over musts! I have had bites of my friend's granola, huevos rancheros and breakfast paninis (served with a side of chips, surprisingly a perfect breakfast side!) all which have thoroughly impressed me. The only thing I would not recommend is the homemade granola bars, kinda hard to eat and tasted a bit gross. Again though, definitely get a glass of the o.j. despite the high price (something like $2.75 for a glass), you will be pleased. And the line goes fast despite its looks. Promise.
(5)