Great soup for when you are feeling under the weather. Prices are astronomical. Not worth the $7.
(2)
Heather M.
Very simple place. They pretty much just have soups and grilled cheese. Some of the soups I've had have been very good, others bland. The staff is super friendly though, and an awesome atmosphere.
(3)
Kyle D.
The soup here is fantastic but sometimes the management seems a bit off. One day I went in and wanted to order the lobster bisque to eat there. The staff told me I couldn't have any because they were saving the bisque for deliveries. My main issue with this is if I am standing right there in your store wouldn't you think to serve the customer you have rather than the customers you "might" have later? Also I ordered about 5 soups for pick up another time and 2 of the soups were completely wrong and I was told I couldn't change the order once I paid for them. Again great soup just some bad management here and there.
(3)
Saurabh P.
I love this place. Its so good and comforting. They have so many delicious soups. My favorite thing to do is combine two of my favorite soups into one delicious soup. How is this possible??? Anything is possible at the soupbox. This is what I have learned. Go, enjoy, be happy.
(5)
Kelly W.
I went here once and was extremely disappointed. I hate a place with a small indoor eatery where people are practically mauling each other for a table--or simply setting down some napkins to "save their seat." Um, hello. If you want to save a seat and there are two of you, have one person order while the other sits... It isn't rocket science, just common courtesy. It was chilly outside (when sitting and not walking) the day we went which we soon realized upon sitting outside in their logistically impossible patio area. Unless you are the size of a toddler, good luck finding a seat around a table. The soup sounded and smelled delicious. However they did not live up to the expectation and left me feeling very dissatisfied. I have had better tasting (and cheaper) soups at bakery chains. I will not be back here any time soon.
(2)
Mike P.
More than 3 years later and they can still kick it live on the soup front. Since Chicago decided to go from pleasant mild summer and imitate some depressing Canadian town near the Arctic Circle soup is in high demand around my house. The pregnant wife demanded this past Sunday, so we headed down to our old hood in East Lakeview and dived in. The wife had the beef stew, I had the Chicken dumpling w/ Rosemary. Copious amounts of rosemary, actually but it was still quite good. My wife had some slight buyer's remorse on the stew but we're definitely going back. We've been faithful to Soupbox since 2004, why change?
(5)
Lesley G.
I'm hot and cold on the soupbox. I want to love it, but I don't. I work in the area, so I pick up soup or get it delivered often enough. And it sure is tasty. BUT, it's really really expensive, so I always end up feeling less than satisfied. I got a large today at lunch and it was over $7. And it wasn't even among their most expensive soups. I was surprised, even for soupbox. Their cream based soups are, in my opinion, just ok. The potato and leak, which is usually my favorite type of soup, is ok, but the cream often overwhelms the rest of the flavors. I do have a coworker who swears by the lobster bisque, but i've never tried it. The rosemary chicken dumpling and the italian wedding soup are both really good. And the beef stew is super tasty.
(3)
Chan K.
The soup here is decent but definitely overpriced. I tried the clam chowder which was creamy and had some nice fresh clams. I've had better chowder, however, for much less. The bread they give you is nothing special either, lacking in crispiness and flavor.
(2)
Nannette P.
This place rocks!! I used to live right around the corner from here and would order soup to go or deliver it in during the freezing Winter months. I always order the Chicken with Rice (creamy, hearty, comfort food type of soup - I'm sure loaded with tons of calories and fat, but oh so good) or the Lobster Bisque. Both are excellent choices. They give you a hunk of bread with the soup and it is soft and yummy. The staff has always been super polite and friendly and the delivery guys have always been fast! P.S. The potato and leek ain't too bad either
(5)
Laura P.
Put the lime and the coconut and mix them all up. That is one way I get my colada on, non-alcoholic style. It's all good until you get a chunk of real lime. Yikes, those are sour times. Seriously, though, we've been coming here for years. Even after I've moved from Lakeview to other climes, I find myself craving Soupbox or Icebox (way back it would be one or the other, now they have both icyfruit and soup). Recently we had the pomegranate, which was too subtle but a decent companion to their passion fruit icyfruit. Hubby adores their icy mint for the clean flavor and tiny chunks of chocolate. I know that Bobtail is a different product, but I'm surprised that two icy dessert places on the same block can survive!
(4)
Eric G.
I went to Soupbox on Sunday after church and played it safe with the potato and bacon soup. I was very tempted to get the artichoke puree, but changed my mind at the last minute. The soup had hearty chucks of "taters" in it with a lots of minced bacon pieces. The flavor was superior to any soup at Panera, Potbelly, or Corner Bakery. A generous piece of sourdough bread that reminded me of San Fransisco was served with my soup. They also offer the breadbowl as an option. The two guys behind the counter were very friendly and offered samples to customers contemplating which one of the ten daily soups to order. Overall, I had a great experience at Soupbox. I will be more adventurous in my soup selection when I return in the future.
(4)
Ngoc H.
Pretty good place for a chilly day. You can sample the soups before you buy them! A little pricey in my opinion but its worth it. You get bread along with your order, their multi-grain is amazing! Parking is kind of a pain but I'm sure you'd want to circle around of you're really a soup fan.
(4)
kevin c.
This location is in a great spot on Broadway. The soup I tried was the veg. red lentil. It was good, but did not really stand out. I would like to try again with one of there other soups.
(3)
Ben F.
The service was pretty good speaking that I called for delivery and the person had to call me back three times to confirm my CC number, they had it right the first time! The soup was pretty good but they really need to work on improving the recipes. I had the Broccoli & White Chedder and I have to say it was seriously lacking in the flavor department and seemed thinned out. I also tried the Potato & Bacon something and it was really missing salt, like tasted like it didn't have any salt at all! Dunno if I would rather pay almost $5 for a bowl of this or go pay like 99c for a can of pretty much the same thing. Sorry but if your a restaurant that sells only soup it should atleast great or better!
(2)
Margaret N.
The boyfriend recently had his tonsils removed. As a result, there was a liquid diet in effect for a number of weeks. I stopped here almost daily to pick up soup for him and we tried a bunch of different kinds. The basic Chicken Noodle, the Lobster Bisque, the Potato Leek, the Chicken & Wild Rice, the Clam Chowder. You get the idea! I admit they were all tasty but absolutely nothing special. Especially not for THAT price!!! 6 bucks for an average cup of Chicken Noodle is a bit steep.... I read that they deliver in the winter. I could probably be talked into that on a cold blizzardy Chicago evening.
(3)
Robin W.
Eh it's just okay soup. If you are named "The Soupbox," your soup should be "slap your mama" good! And I wasn't terribly impressed. I tried a couple samples before ordering, the potato and leek was okay, the broccoli and white cheddar was decent but not that great. All I wanted was some broccoli and cheese... what's so hard about that? I got the bread bowl, because I love a hot soup in a bread bowl, but it ended up being disappointingly dry and almost stale white bread. And it was almost $9!!! For soup?! I think next time I want soup, I'll stop by Panera a few blocks away. Overall that chain has far better soups and bread bowls and is almost half the price. I love local shops and wish I liked this place more, but not impressed. I think this place deserves 2 1/2 stars, but I can't be mean enough to leave the 2 star review. Plus it's Chicago in the winter... I might be freezing cold enough to give this place another try.
(3)
Melissa R.
Oh Soupbox...how you have saved me during the chilly Chicago winters. As well as your buddy Icebox during the hot summer months. I used to live around the corner from this place for 3 years, and I had to practice some serious willpower not to dine here all the time. I'll tell you this, there is nothing that makes me feel better when I'm sick than a bowl of their chicken and wild rice soup...although pity from my mother also seems to help me feel better. Their smaller serving size is large enough for two servings, especially when you dip some of the delicious bread in it. And they always ask if I want more bread...like I will ever answer "no" to that question. Their bread-bowls are also wonderful and it hard to determine if I enjoy the soup in them more or the actual bread bowl after it's been emptied and is soaked up with the delicious soup...tricky. In the summer months they also feature their italian ices which are so refreshing. I usually get their kid-cup size because you don't really need much more than that, and I almost always go with the cherry. It's fantastic because you can see and taste all the real fruit they put in it. Another perk, they hand out free samples on the streets in little cups to people passing by...that mini treat has made past afternoons perk up a little. Their staff is also fabulous. It's all young hipsterish types that are so friendly and let you taste as many of the soups/italian ices as you want...and don't get annoyed when you ask for your seventh sample. *I just looked on their website and they have the nutritional information posted. This made me gasp because I was almost afraid to look. Um...it's not that bad at all, especially considering how creamy and dreamy it is. Check it out: thesoupbox.com/default.a… . Now I'm kind of annoyed with myself I didn't eat there more often...silly girl.
(5)
Heather D.
The Lobster Bisque here is amazing. It's so good that if I order any other soup I still have to get a Lobster Bisque as well. They feature about a dozen soups that are freshly made and I have yet to be disappointed with my choice. Each serving of soup comes with a nice sized hunk of break (multigrain or sourdough were the options last time I was there). I've only been here a handful of times, but I think this is going to be my new go-to place for dinner this winter.
(4)
Melissa M.
If you're hungry but not in the mood for anything heavy, then Soupbox is a good option. Make no mistake though... you can easily fill your belly with the options here. Soupbox has 10-12 different soups everyday. I recently had the chicken noodle which was okay... kind of tasted like it wasn't necessarily homemade. However, I had tasted the cream of potato leek beforehand and it was great. In fact, after eating my chicken noodle, I kept thinking "Darn! I should've had the potato leek!" A simple soup isn't even to fill you up you say. Most of their soups are quite hearty and satisfying and come with a fairly large piece of bread. They also have the bread bowl option. You have to love fresh bread! But wait! This location now offers grilled cheese as well! Aaaand... you can add meat to it! Pretty filling I'd say. But wait! There's more! During the summer months, Soupbox also has Icybox. Basically, they have about a dozen flavors of Italian Ice. This day I ended my meal with a small strawberry lemondade combination. There is no doubt that I was defintely full by the time I was done. Still have to go back for that potato leek though.
(4)
Iris H.
Vegan Tomato something or other. . . Very decent and just right for a rainy spring afternoon. Too expensive - the 3 stars purely due to geography. After all, I get some credit for bravin' big bad bug-people-land. The land of shake-n-baked (and I helped!) tans, barbie-round, stuck-on, color formed boobage and ginormous paris-esque suntardening glashes. $4.00 for a small in Lick-on Park. Where have all the crackheads gone, long time passing. . . Very friendly hash slinger tho, I must say.
(3)
Y V.
I've only been here in the summer, so this review is for the Icebox... Wow, I used to come here every week for my Italian ice fix. It was definitely my favorite place to go on a hot, summer day with friends. I loved their coconut, passion fruit, watermelon, and pineapple ices. Not sure what you want? Just ask for a sample or two (or three, or four). You can mix flavors, too. The staff is always very helpful and friendly.
(4)
Sarah P.
Good stuff! The staff is always friendly and welcoming. They let you try as many kinds of soup as you want. Soupbox serves 12 types of soup per day, so there is a lot to choose from. The interior is quite small, however I have never had difficulty finding a table. It's cozy on a snowy winter afternoon to go here and enjoy a cup of soup and bread. The chicken with wild rice is delicious. I recently had the chicken noodle, which was good. If you are really hungry, go for the bread bowl. Note, this location does not have fountain drinks or salads. The Chicago Ave location does! The Broadway location only has canned soda.
(4)
courtney p.
I actually LOVED Soupbox until I just read that guys review about how they just defrost soups in the back. They shouldn't say made fresh daily if they're not really made fresh daily. :( And they are pretty expensive. On the other hand, I have never been disappointed by the soups, I love them all and I love the multi-grain bread that comes with them. I LOVE SOUP, I seriously could eat this place everyday, and I have thought about getting a job there just so I could eat it for free. However, I bartend and that would be a huge demotion. I also love that they have salads now. I will still eat here just as much despite the new info about how they make the soups.
(3)
MELEK L.
Seriously, how could you not love Soupbox? Hot and hearty soups that you can mix and match, making your own creation. Fun! Don't forget to dunk your wedge of bread deep inside the bowl for extra goodness. In the summer when I'm having a sweet fit, nothing beats the refreshment of the Icebox treats. I love all of the fresh flavors. It quenshes my heat stroke nicely. Check out this very special "hole in the wall".
(4)
Jamie O.
We all know the the soup is fantastic (Groupon got me going here!), but the service is outstanding! I've gone a couple times in the evenings and the folks behind the counter are amazingly nice and helpful. They let you try any soups before you purchase and you can mix soups if you are so inclined. It's always a tough decision when choosing. I finally had a grilled cheese and it was awesome with my potato and cheddar soup!
(5)
lauren p.
Yum. There is nothing I love more than a piping hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Somehow, I had never experienced the Soupbox until the day after Christmas. I'm guessing if there was one around where I live or work, I would be there whenever I had an extra $5 in my pocket. We took the boyfriend's parents and sister here for a pre-movie lunch on Friday. We were lucky enough to actually find parking right across the street, but I'm guessing that's pretty rare. It was pretty warm outside (in the 40s) and inside the Box it was probably 85 degrees. There's just a few tables, and the drink selection is pretty sparse. But really, you're there for the soup. I love that they let you sample the soups before you buy- very considerate since they have so many options. I went with the creamy chicken and wild rice, which was very tasty, but no where near as delicious as the boyfriend's lobster bisque. Holy hell, that was some tasty bisque. Enough to make Elaine Benis go "Yadda yadda." ("I mentioned the lobster bisque. . . ") I'm not sure what everyone else had because I was so blinded by the bisque, but we all enjoyed our soup and bread. No one went for the bread bowl- frankly I think they're a rip off since you don't eat all the bread, and you can just get bread on the side. All in all, a great, hearty, cheap lunch. If I find myself in Lakeview again, I'll stop in and grab a cup.
(4)
Sonia B.
Soupbox is a gourmet soup shop that is pretty awesome. The menu at Soubox changes on a daily basis and they offer great quality soups. You can sample them when you arrive. The cool thing is that it isn't just your typical chicken noodle soup. They have some awesome ones like potato & bacon, lobster bisque, creamy chicken and wild rice, cheddar, chili, etc. You can even mix a couple of soups...they provide suggestions of what you should mix. They have a couple of different sizes they offer and bread bowls. Your soup also comes w/ a side of bread. The only thing is that Soupbox could be deemed to be a little pricey for just soup. You end up spending close to $9 for soup and a drink. They do use the best ingredients though. So, it's a trade off. I still end up going there every now and then when I really want some soup...every soup I've had there has been yummy! It's hard for me to get others to go because they can't justify spending $9 on a bowl of soup.
(3)
Stephen R.
Delicious, tasty soups just a stone's throw from my apartment! I love the SoupBox! The Lobster Bisque infects my brain on a routine basis. Oh, it's so good. Soupbox is not inexpensive fare so watch your wallet if you're going here often! And while I haven't gone all summer, it's an anti-hot thing. But when that cool, fall air kicks in, it will most definitely be SoupBox season!
(4)
Justin B.
I'm my father's son and I love soup. And if you want soup in Lakeview, there really is only one place for it: The Soupbox. This stuff is OMG good. It is so good, it is was the only thing I could stomach after my bachelor party. Not even Chicago's own and greatest Gino's East could save me, but Soup Box did. So when your stomach should be pumped due to alcohol consumption and you are looking for a savior, the Soup Box is it ...
(4)
Katie G.
Best soup in Chicago. When I first moved here I HATED soup...then a friend dragged me there. I ate their soup 4 other times that week. Also, a few weeks ago I was really sick with a cold and they delivered to me in 30 mins. At the time I didn't have any cash on me, but they had just started accepting credit cards so it wasn't an issue. I completely recommend this place to everyone, especially if you are a huuuge soup lover like my girlfriend. Some of my favorites you should try out are: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, Cream of Mushroom, & Chicken Dumpling.
(5)
Steve S.
I like soup...Always hot for some reason. I was in town for a conference and looking for deep dish pizza and somehow settled for soup. Soupbox has 12 different varieties that you can try to preempt buyers remorse. They also have an array of salads to seemingly please any pallet. I did not really love the chicken noddle, but to be fair it was about closing time...Perhaps, I ate the refuse of what could have been a truly memorable soup. Then again maybe not...It is worth a try. Just let me know
(3)
Matt P.
I'll be damned if you can find a better beef stew in the city ... Soupbox's is just great. The staff is equally cool as their counterparts on Chicago Ave ... but I still think it's a little expensive. Two large soups, a can of coke, and two cookies was $20+. Even still, it's great food as a treat, or when it's super cold and crappy out!
(3)
Damon A.
The lobster bisque soup was good. The lackluster service knocked a star off. These guys could give a shit if you buy the soup. The girl at the counter didn't know how to count back change. She had to use a calculator. But that all aside the soup is decent and I will continue to come back..
(3)
Rosemary L.
I want to retract my previous negative review about the Soup Box as I was in error. I had complained about the price of the soup and didn't realize that, just as in a restaurant, lobster is one of the most costly items on the menu depending on its market value. Same goes here. Next time I'll stick to good old tomato! My mistake, Soup Box!! Sorry!!
(5)
Katarina X.
Best Potato Soup Ever! More vevety than rich velvet- it's a terrifically creamy indulgence when facing one of our legendary Chicago Winters. Even if you have to mortgage the house to pay for it.... those little cups of soup add up!
(4)
Aaron S.
I stop here about twice a week now since it is so close to my apartment. Their Chicken & Wild Rice and Spicy Mayan Enchilada are my favorites by far! I hear you can mix soups much like how I used to mix soda at fast food restaurants as a wee lad. Haven't tried that though. They also have a free bread policy that I abuse every time I go there. The bread, itself, is quite decent. If you are afraid that soup won't fill you up, always ask for more bread! Like I said before, I'm addicted! I can't comment on their Ice Cream since I haven't tried it yet. Maybe next summer?
(5)
Kenji M.
A friend told me that this place was awesome and I agree in part. I ordered the Lobster Bisque soup which was very satisfactory, especially because it came with Italian bread that filled me up-ish. The price was reasonable and I would definitely go back again. Wish List: It would be awesome if they served salad, but they don't.
(3)
iddells E.
Mmmm, the soups are good! We did carry-out because there was nowhere to sit! We went on a Sunday night; the place was tiny and there weren't many tables. I ordered the chicken wild rice and the clam chowder. I really wished I could have sat down and try a bread bowl because it looked sooo good. I was drooling watching the other customers eating theirs. However, I didn't want to bring a soggy bread bowl back home. They ran out of a couple selections and I don't think they were going to make anymore since it was already a couple hours to closing. Both of my soups were delicious!! I will return again and try even more soups out. I just hope I can find a place to sit!
(4)
Amy S.
My favorite part about the soupbox is that you can mix the soups! I love mixing creamy with a tomato base. They have great vegetarian selections. I have yet to have a soup that I don't like there. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. They used to not take credit cards, but they finally upgraded, but I've had the issue where their machines are down and that's kind of a pain when you don't normally carry cash. So I always bring cash with me just in case.
(4)
Dejan B.
The soup here is abundant and delicious. I visited with three other members of my family and they all loved it as well. The only drawbacks is that it is _ tiny _ (though we were able to find a table even before ordering) and does NOT have a bathroom otherwise it would be a immediate and unhesitating five star rating. All that said, if you are wanting a tasty and hot soup you MUST try this place and tell your friends!
(4)
Chas V.
This review is based strictly on the summer version of the shop "The Ice Box" (I've never had the soup) It is my experience that this is the second best Italian Lemonade in the city. (Mario's on Taylor Street being the best) When my in-laws visit from out of town, they DEMAND a visit to the Ice Box. I am more than happy to oblige.
(4)
Jay R.
I had been anxious to try The Soupbox for a while so when the temp dropped into good soup eating zone it was time to give it a try. As you first walk in you will see a counter full of cauldrons containing the soups of the day.There were maybe 10 or 12 choices im guessing and they were all marked. The service was great and the guys working were friendly and happily tell you their favorite soups and show you what each soup looked like in the pot as they give it a stir. As this was dinner we both decided on the large 16 oz serving I decided on Chicken Noodle my wife chose tortellini which had a tomato base. The Soup comes with a choice of bread and there are butter and crackers for the taking. Ok here comes the problem neither the chicken noodle or the tortellini soup was really that good. I have had just as good out of a can and better at other restaurants that have a full menu and don't just specialize in soup. I kinda feel if you decide to sell one thing you better do it pretty darn good but sadly the Soupbox fell short. I like noodles aka stuff in my soup and a fair amount of broth but the servings in both soups had lots of broth and a small amount of noodle I love broth but if im eating this as a meal I want a generous amount of noodles too. If this was a $4.50 bowl of soup it would be one thing but 2 16 oz servings of soup cost just shy of 15 bucks seems steep. One of my fav delis is up the street you can get a quart / 32 oz of some damn good chicken noodle soup plus a half loaf of bread for 7 bucks. In my opinion Its just alot of money for mediocre soup.
(2)
g b.
this place is just what the doctor ordered! a HUGE selection of soup (lobster bisque is the best). the bread-bowls are pretty yummy, and if you go for a traditional bowl, you get a huge wedge of sourdough bread- YUM! my mouth is watering already!
(4)
Cori C.
12 varieties of soup. You can taste test all of them before deciding. You can mix soups for the perfect combo. My fav is chicken and wild rice, but each one is unique and delicious. Now you can get a grilled cheese too! In the summer, the shaved ice steals the show.
(5)
Rocky B.
Okay, I've yet to try their soup but mmm, their italian ice is delicious. Bobtail is right next door but on a blazing hot summer day I just don't feel like doing the dairy route. My husband stopped in there one day last week and picked us a couple of small italian ices. I asked for the lemon. I usually love lemon italian ice but the flavor was way too subtle and it almost didn't taste sweet at all. We tried it again on Sunday and this time I got strawberry and pineapple. OMG, both flavors were super yummy. Big chunks of strawberry and big chunks of pineapple. Last night, I know...I tend to get obsessed with stuff, we went again and I got strawberry, pineapple and coconut. Yep you guessed it....big shreds of coconut. It was so good. I plan on trying their soups when the temps drop back down to below being able to fry an egg on our car.
(3)
Van D.
Tried this place for lunch on a frigid Chicago friday. All they have is soups so don't expect anything else. They have 12 different flavors . Its great that they let you taste the different soups before committing. Also nice of them to let you mix and match soups to your liking. It is kinda pricey though. Some of the fancier soups cost over $7 for a medium size soup. Soups taste good but not sure if they are worth the price
(3)
Aja G.
As a person who could eat soup and/or ice cream 365 days a year, the soupbox is a dream cone true. The other reviews are on the money: the staff is handing out loads of free samples, the soup is high quality ,delcious and various. What is not so delightful are there prices. 12 oz of soup for 5+ bucks? I am sure their lease is high, and Chicago is squeezing every dime out of them for permits, but i could live with the soupbox passing on the pricing pinch. The also don't have fountain drinks so no free water. Certainly go if you are in the hood, but be prepared to spend 7+ plus bucks on soup and water.
(3)
Mironda R.
Any place that offers me a variety of FRESH soups EVERY SINGLE DAY deserves 3 stars right off the top. Then when you tell me I can try everything and everything leaves me more confused then before I started based on title alone - another star and then service is fantastic - another star. Yep 5 stars means purrfection. I opted for the soup and sandwich combo of sorts. I had the Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice. Talk about chunks of goodness? Ooo it was fantastic and perfectly season. *exits dreaming of the return visit*
(5)
Adrienne T.
i just finished off their tomato basil soup and sourdough bread. pretty good stuff. I just returned from three years in Korea so after eating massive meals for 5 dollars over there and only getting 12 oz of soup and bread for about 7 dollars at this joint, I couldn't give it the full 5 star rating. all things considered, this place was pretty good and I will definitely be back to try some more soup. the tomato basil bisque was quite delicious and so was the bread. btw, they do allow sampling of their soups before ordering. Definitely a plus.
(4)
Lia V.
Nothing better than soup on a chilly day... or when you're hungover. Creamy chicken and wild rice - MY FAVORITE. I tried the clam chowder today too and it was surprisingly very good. I've never tasted a bad soup from there. Get the multigrain bread for dipping and an IBC rootbeer and your tummy will be a happy camper.
(4)
Lyn L.
If you go, get a mix of their lobster bisque and their cream of chicken and wild rice. Yummy!
(4)
Kate C.
The soup is really good, but the service is hit or miss. Some of the guys working there act like they just don't give a shit. I love their lobster bisque, but I'm not so much a fan of the eyerolls that sometimes come with my order :/
(3)
L A.
The best soup hands down. I love it. There is always something different everyday. Expensive, definitely! Even though prices are high, I go there once a week and stock up. I normally end up eating it in 3 days, but so good. It keeps well. Great bowl of soup for the Chicago winter weather.
(5)
Dan K.
I really really REALLY wanted to love Soupbox. I've lived just down the street from it for about 6 years now. Even Rachel Ray loved it, so I should, right? Maybe I like food with flavor? The potato leek soup is not soup. It's gravy. Like what you would put on biscuits and it has NO flavor...I had to salt mine heavily and I actually never ever put salt on my food. The lobster bisque tastes like tuna...it should not taste THAT fishy. The good thing is they deliver, so when it's cold it could nice....and they let you sample as many soups as you want, also nice. The clam chowder was pretty tasty...but I think this place is a bit overrated.
(2)
Autumn H.
Fresh made yummy and healthy soups. I love that they make it from scratch. I love the multigrain breads. Grilled cheeses done on a panini grill. (might i recommend paperback cheese and turkey). They do delivery, YES! And they have a condiment station where you can season and spice up your soups.
(4)
Liz C.
It was one of those days where I had a hankering for some tasty soup. Went to Soupbox and again was blown away by how tasty their soups are. I typically get the chicken & wild rice which is ridiculously amazing but this time I wanted to try something new so I ordered the Tomato Florentine and it was GREAT! Oh Soupbox you never let me down. Sidenote, I'm not going to take away a star but some soups are $8 for a large, which seems a little pricy...I mean it's soup... but I love them and the magic they create so I'll be back for more
(5)
Yani W.
I am shocked that so many people like this place. I thought there multi grain bread was alright. The grilled cheese was alright. The soup was not that good. It was not seasoned enough in my opinion. I guess this place is a good place to get a snack for locals possibly, but if you are visiting chicago skip this place. SOme lady getting takeout took forever to use the single bathroom and she definitely stunk it up... there is a starbucks right near the place so use that to take a boom boom. The soup was not very hot either. Also, when one claims a soup to be a creamy soup, then it shouldn't be watery. My friend got broccoli cheddar and I got creamy chicken and wild rice, and they had a watery consistency. THat is all.
(2)
Viper B.
Overhyped. If I'm going to pay $7-9 for takeout soup, it should be better than this. The soup was nothing to rave about. I didn't dislike it but it lacked the depth, freshness, and flavor I'd expect even with an appetizer at a cafe. Add to that service that was unnecessarily curt (they were not busy) both over the phone and in person. The kicker: I ordered tomato and tortellini soup and got tomato soup with shell pasta. These are not similar, other than they're both pasta, and it would have been easy for them to point this out so I could change my order. On the plus side, the soup wasn't cold. Heat up some Campbell's garden fresh soup and save yourself $6 and some disappointment.
(2)
Robert W.
Great soups and selection, though it's priced steeply.
(4)
Nina W.
Um, yum. I went for a cup of raspberry ice and it was amazing and all natural. I can't wait to head back here before summer is over. Girl behind the counter was super nice. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
A. M.
Thank you for delivering, Soupbox! I've strayed from the lobster bisque a few times, and each time I've been somewhat let down. Thus, I stick w/ what I know is the best. It may seem pricey for soup, but my boyfriend and I have found that a regular bowl of lobster bisque plus the bread makes for a very filling meal.
(4)
Marissa D.
I give the Soupbox four stars for a great concept carried out well. Last winter I ODed on their Lobster Bisque soup and now I can't have it anymore. It was good before I went overboard. I've tried a some of the other soups since then and I've never been disappointed. I also like that they're very nice about letting you taste the soups before you commit to one. No five stars because their bread could be better and their prices could be lower. OMG if Soupbox had amazing bread I would be a much happier person.
(4)
Travis P.
I stopped in here last night for a quick bite to eat. I had a delicious order of broccoli and cheese in a bread bowl. With an ever-changing menu and autumn on its way, I'm sure I'll be back here many, many times over the next few months. Edit: I've been here about three more times since my initial review and have tried the lobster bisque, beef stew and clam chowder...they all deserve raving reviews. This place rocks and will remain a cold-weather staple for me.
(5)
Qbz Q.
Absolutely love soupbox. Lots of different soups - but the best is that they tell you what is truly vegetarian, and which soups are made with chicken stock. If you keep kosher, as many of us do in this neighborhood, that's perfect! They actually have vegetarian cream soups! Coconut ice in the summer is unreal!!!
(5)
Peter M.
Kind of overwhelming and a small, confusing space with excellent soups. There is a counter with lots of people ordering bowls and samples across 12 or so kettles. They handed me an over-flowing sample of a delicious spicey enchilada soup with hearty veggies but it was scalding and spilling onto my hand, which not a convenient thing to happen when you are crammed into a small mob of soup activity. Found a seat outside but those tables are wedged into these little fenced-off areas in the sidewalk and I really jammed my back trying to get into the seat. I know I'm sounding like an old man in this review and I'm okay with that. I ended up getting the New England clam chowder which was just fine and had not so much clam in it (I'm from New England so perhaps unfair standard... I was craving it though and it was not the best order decision). My companion had the cream of mushroom which was excellent. It would be four stars if there was just more space.
(3)
Alan R.
While recently in Florida I had a chance try the Soupman (Al Yeganah who the {in}famous Soup Nazi is based on owns it). It is nowhere near as good as Soupbox. Everything there is good and the Lobster Bisque is amazing. For soup five stars, for ice, three. Go to Mario's in Little Italy for the best and most authentic Italian Ice.
(4)
Audra S.
A low-fat & calorie alternative to the usual ice cream cone. Icebox has a great selection of flavored ice (my favorite is the pineapple), and it's all made from natural ingredients. In the winter, this shop switches out its awning and instantly becomes Soupbox, but in the summer, they still carry a couple soups, for the die hard fans.
(4)
Evann G.
We went for the Icebox, and the Italian ice was perfect and SO refreshing on a 90+ degree day. Plus, cheap. Cheap cheap cheapety-cheap cheap CHEAP! And all of the flavors are so yummy together... kiwi-mango, summery tropical heaven in my mouth.
(4)
anthony g.
"NO Soup For You", ala Soup Nazi from Seinfeld's. Don't worry, this a great Place for soup and the staff is just Fine. Great Hot Soup's at a reasonable price. Try The New England Clam Chowder, it's excellent. Good Service, Nice People. Comes With Bread (Unlike Seinfelds Soup Nazi) and cracker's. Eat in, or Take it to go.
(4)
Shannon S.
If you love soup, this is the one of the best "go to" places that I have found. I love their Lobster Bisque soup so much that I have only strayed once or twice to try other soups... but I always find that it is still my favorite. I usually get my soup in a tasty breadbowl too. This place is also great because it DELIVERS to the Lakeview neighborhood which is convenient when you don't want to leave your pad on a cold winter day or evening. You do have to order two soups though in order for them to deliver.
(5)
Niall C.
This place is the greatest place in the city for soup. They make their soups daily with fresh ingredients. I've been coming here since I was in 4th grade. The service is always friendly and the best part is taste testing all the soups before ordering what I always get, Lobster Bisque!!!
(5)
steve h.
i've been coming here off and on for about the past 8 years. i don't think its quite worth the money but when i consider how much cash i plunk down at the bars, it doesn't seem like a bad deal to actually put something of nutritional value into my body. anyways, the soup itself is about a 3.5. i give this place 5 stars though for my first trip here. i came in with a girl i had just started dating. the soup guy proceeds to make some small talk with us (mainly her) and then at the end of our meal (i had the tasty lobster bisque), gives her (and only her) a coupon for free soup! (NO SOUP FOR ME! COME BACK ONE YEAR!) thats some balls son! so anyways, she left me for the soup guy (she was smitten with the broccoli cheddar).
(5)
Stephen D.
Good idea for a restaurant, but the prices are out of control. Maybe it's just me and I'm not in tune with the cost of producing soup these days, but last time I made it the main ingredient was water. $5.69 for a CUP and a crust of bread??? I would be a regular at this place because I live right by it, but I can't shell out 5.69 for soup when it's not even a main dish. Get down in the $3 range Soupbox and you will have a loyal customer. On a positive note, the Sundried Tomato was very good. The Potato and Leak....Meh.
(2)
Amber B.
The creamy chicken & wild rice was super tasty when we stopped in yesterday after walking all over the area & realizing we were starving. If the commute from Arizona wasn't so far, I'd stop in at least once a week!
(5)
Eme L.
When I lived in the neighborhood, we used to frequent this place during the summers. Although I've had the soup (good, but not great), I'm reviewing the Icebox. They usually have interesting flavors that are very refreshing on a hot/humid Chicago day. We usually go for the strawberry, cherry, lemon combo - sweet and tart. This visit, I had the lemon. It was refreshing and the consistency of the ice was very good - sometimes, they have hard chunks of ice that are off-putting. Worth a try if you're in the neighborhood and are looking for refreshment that isn't ice cream.
(3)
Jean G.
I adore this place. Soup is always delicious. I've tried every soup they have to offer. Service is always prompt, and the people that work there are nothing but friendly!
(4)
Kyung P.
I'm sick today, and I'm craving Soupbox, so I thought I'd write a review. Soupbox is really friendly people serving delicious soups. They always offer samples and don't rush you to make a decision. If you need help making a decision though, I love the chicken and wild rice (it's the creamy kind), and the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder mixed together is soooo good! It is expensive but worth it. If you're hungover (and you look like it) on Saturday or Sunday mornings/early afternoon, they always offer you extra bread!
(4)
Katie H.
YUM. I got sick this winter and ate nothing but Soupbox for an entire week. My favorites are the lobster bisque, potato and broccoli. They will mix two soups if you want and the breadbowls are delicious and so filling. I haven't tried the Icebox yet, but I'm a little sad they don't have the Soupbox open in summer. Who says I don't want soup in summer? Ohhh, soup sounds good.
(5)
stephanie c.
Great flavors, but holy crap, most soups have 2400mg of sodium on average!! Would think that they could make them a LITTLE bit healthier!!
(2)
Debra M.
Very nice staff and great soup!
(5)
Chaviva G.
I heart Soupbox, and I'd never been to this location, so I popped in on a rainy Saturday for some of that classic Chicken and Wild Rice goodness. Luckily, when I got there they were done making the C&WR, but about half of the soups were not finished, which was too bad for the other patrons. BUT, mad props to the employees for fixing up a container of soup to go for the couple who were waiting on one of the tomato concoctions but never got the chance to down it. The soup was hot and delicious, of course. I love that they offer two different bread options, and I don't recall the other one ever doing this. My only gripe is that they don't have fountain drinks, but rather just cans and jars. It's definitely tight quarters, but they make it happen and they make it work. Oh! And also, they take cards, which the other Soupbox doesn't, so that's automatic props for these guys! Oh Soupbox, you are my Soup mecca! (Sidenote: The patron who got the free soup because of the delay, said as he left, "You guys are awesome! Like the soup Nazi, but without the Nazi!" It made me giggle ...)
(4)
Cat D.
Soupbox and Icebox are one of the few establishments I miss since moving from Lakeview. Not only is everything completely delicious, but I also have fond memories of the staff encouraging a mixing of soups for even more excitement. When oh when will you please bring your tasty variety of warm, comfort-filled, soup-ness (and fresh, fruity ice-ness) to Logan Square?
(4)
Bharat S.
I just got delivery from here, and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. I got the cream of asparagus and the chedder and broccoli. Both stayed hot through the delivery and were delicious. Decent price too. Would suggest it if youre cold and don't feel like going outside.
(4)
Jen S.
I always look forward to the days that I can convince my coworkers to order soupbox. Its so good. its fresh, fast and usually delivered by a really cute boy! yay! Potato Leek = #1 Soup Ever.
(5)
Jo Ann F.
Any time of year this is a great place for something great to eat!
(4)
Luke S.
This was a very good decision Friday night. I didn't want to eat anything real heavy, because I was celebrating St. Patrick's day the next day so I figured soup would be a nice meal. I love both lobster bisque and clam chowder and the server told me that it is great when you mix the two. She wasn't kidding, it was really good! Their bread was also fresh. My only complaint is that for a soup and a fountain drink I paid over ten dollars. I look forward to coming back and trying other soups.
(4)
Amanda G.
Soupbox is good. I really like the place and I think Soupbox holds a special place in the heart of many Northsiders. They offer 12 rotating soups a day. My favorite that I regularly get is the lobster bisque. The prices are reasonable and soupbox is the place you want to go when its freezing or if you have a bad cold. I also think they have pretty fresh bread. I also like the people who work there, they are nice and friendly!
(4)
Erin C.
I like the idea of a soup place in the neighborhood and had been meaning to stop in for some time now. I went when I was hungry and in the mood for something small. I had a small lobster bisque and didn't eat half. It was fine, nothing special, nothing worth that much money. It wasn't particularly remarkable in flavor and had no chunks of lobster. I doubt I would go back, it was a definite 'meh'
(2)
Katie R.
I want to give it three and a half stars. I think I'll end up upping the stars here at some point - but at this moment, I can only say that the Broccoli and White Cheddar soup was less cheesy than I would have liked. It was more like Cream of Broccoli soup. I plan to try more soups and hope to be more impressed in the future. Can't complain that they deliver at lunchtime (work soup is going to become a frequent activity). And the bread bowl was tasty too. Second tasting (1/18/08): Loved the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice so that merits an extra star. But this time the bread bowl wasn't as tasty as I remember, so that takes it down to only an extra half.
(4)
Nichole F.
I've been to the Soupbox twice now. The 1st time I had the clam chowder, the second time the tomato &basil bisque. Both times were disappointing. I have no idea why the place gets such rave reviews. The soup is not good! It has no flavor. The tomato bisque was basically a really watered down version of tomato soup. Bisque is generally thicker and hearty but not this one. I had to dump a ton of salt and pepper in it to make it somewhat worth the nearly $6 bucks I paid. It's overpriced and not good. FYI I also sampled the broccoli cheddar soup and it tasted like warm cream--again, no flavor. Sorry but Panera has better soup. The best thing about it is the bread that comes with it but pretty sure you could go to Red Hen and get the same bread there. Soupbox, you are out!
(2)
Michael G.
The broccoli and cheddar soup is so deliciously thick and wonderful I've had it 3 days in a row. This place is amazing. Be sure to get the sourdough bread for dipping pleasure! Other notables are the potato soup, the lobster bisque and the new england clam chowder. For an excellent changeup get a mixed cup of soup with half lobster bisque and half broccoli and cheddar. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed! The one over-riding awesome thing about this gem: you can sample each soup!
(5)
Saira C.
Soup Box might be my favorite place. But they only deliver in the winter months and I don't live near one. Booooo! Seriously this place makes my heart pitter patter.
(5)
Ted C.
It's just really good soup. I got it in a bread bowl and I was stuffed.
(4)
Barb F.
First of all, I am not usually a soup fan....but this place may change my view. I stopped in because of the cold, sunny day and I was going next door. I decided to go in and take some soup back to my boyfriend when I noticed the one soup I liked, lobster Bisque, was on the menu. I ordered the broccoli and cheese and the chicken with wild rice for him and still did not order the bisque, but the server said to try it. One bite or slurp and I was sold. This was great lobster bisque! The other soups were great, according to my guy. We will make this place a destination for now on!
(4)
Max and Drew R.
This is a solid 4 1/2 star operation, however Yelp is trying to make my life a living hell by not allowing me to award Soupbox the credit it deserves... Great soup, crowded yet very efficient, helpful staff. Since I was a rookie I played it pretty safe, but they have enough selection to keep things interested (I heard some maniac mixing three soups together in a bread bowl, that guy is my f*cking idol). I will be back for sure, any place that packs the house and gets away with charging $6 for a bowl of soup is obviously doing something right. Parking sucks so try to work around it. Respect.
(4)
Arlene M.
the only reason as to why i'm writing about this now is because it's winter it's cold- and i wanted something warm and satisfying- i'm talking about a nice cup of soup- who could resist?? i love this place! i've been here a number of times i don't know why i never yelped it. i love all of their soups- that i have tried at least- i've have their broccoli and white cheddar- their cream of chicken and wild rice, lobster bisque- beef stew- and their potato and leek---- when they say it's hot its really really HOT- (temperature wise) if you're not sure or a virgin here- feel free to try every single one if u really must to make your decision- and u can feel free to have as much bread as u would like- just ask for it.
(5)
Hansol G.
LOVE THIS PLACE! LOVE the simple idea of "soup. bread. served and done." Love how cheap and filling it is. Love all the non-typical soups they offer. Love how warm it is in there on a really cold day. Love how they cure my flu. .... If you like soup and you haven't tried this place,... well, there's really no reason you wouldn't like it.
(5)
Melanie K.
You will never eat Campbells again after you have tried the Soupbox! The soups are incredibly fresh AND there are so many to choose from, that everyone can be happy (and full!) the bread bowls are amazing (if you aren't afraid of carbs) personal faves...beef stew, lobster bisque, chicken and dumpling, corn chowder in the summer, the icebox is a great cold treat that you can't feel too guilty about. Mix flavors like kiwi and strawberry...yum!
(5)
Edith P.
If you live in Chicago and you haven't been to the Soupbox, you should hang your head in shame! This place is ..simply put... a staple to Chicago in the winter. Don't be afraid to try combinations of soups either. My personal favorite is the Cream of Potato w/ Leak and the Broccoli Cheese..mix together - it's awesome. The employees there are laid back kids in their 20s looking to feed you some soup. Go get some soup!
(5)
Melissa B.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats their lobster bisque. Yes, it's a teeny tiny bit expensive. But so worth it. Oh yes, and their Icebox in the summer is perfect when the temp goes up. If you want something not quite as heavy as Bobtail, this is perfect.
(4)
Dallas F.
I love this place. Its so nice that I can mix up my soups if I want and enjoy my own creations. The ice stuff I really like too.
(4)
courtney g.
This pertains mostly to delivery, now that I am posting on the right location (duh!) - 12 different soups everyday, bread bowls - who doesn't like that, esp at this time of year. I mostly order from work, for lunch, and delivery is sometimes slow, as in over an hour slow. Also, they will not deliver for less than two soups, which is crappy if everyone else in the office planned ahead; I don't blame the Soupbox, but I'm just saying - I wanted the soup! The cream of broccoli was more creamy and less discernable broccoli. I wasn't trying to be a hater when I started this, but apparently i am a bit more ambivalent than I realized. And, yes, it's a bit pricey just to be soup. I've eaten in before, and perhaps that is a better way; you're on your own schedule, you can order just one, etc.
(3)
min. r.
Love the Soupbox! The staff has always been friendly when I've gone in, or called to place an order. They've let me sample soups before deciding what I wanted, and one of their employees was the one who suggested mixing the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder together - heaven! I've tried a few other soups and haven't found any to be as good as the bisque/chowder, so I don't order anything else anymore. I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers are talking about with stale bread. Sure, the crust is a crispy one, but the inside is soft and fluffy everytime I've had it. Besides - if you dip it in the soup you'll never notice. :) They're a touch expensive for the size, they only take cash, and delivery can be slow - they're far from perfect, but if you're looking for a homemade soup taste without the effort, Soupbox is the way to go.
(4)
Michael S.
Lotsa soup; fast service. The soup was okay. I had lobster bisque that could have been a little thicker, but the flavor was there. Nice people, too. What do these folks do in summer?
(3)
Bari L.
I like this place. I don't go there that often because its not anywhere near where I live but I do try to make it out there at least a couple of times during the winter for some good comfort soup. There is nothing like a heaping bowl of yummy hot soup in the cold of a Chicago winter. I will say that it is expensive so that may be another reason my trips there are few and far between but I like how you can mix the soups and try all of them if you want.
(4)
Robert W.
There is nothing Flashy about this place, but the soup is good. The prices are very reasonable too. If you are not sure what to get, ask for a sample, they are very willing to let you try many types before you chose.
(4)
Jason D.
I love soup and I love this place. Walk right in and the place is steaming with twelve different fresh, tasty, and hot soups every day. The bonus is there is always a friendly and personable person ladling them up. They always have a vegan offering and a good number of vegetarian ones, all underlined on the board. You are not only invited to taste them, but you are also invited to mix them to make your own creations. Soup always comes with a generous piece of bread and help-yourself crackers and butter. Check the website after 11am to see what soup are being served that day. Having a hard day? Stop in and get a bowl. Soup fixes everything.
(4)
Matt S.
Ever since I moved to North Center, I have missed the Soup Box (I'm outside of their delivery area now). They have an amazing beef stew. And an amazing lobster bisque. My favorite is a mix of the lobster bisque and the clam chowder. The location is sparse, with very little seating, but it's definitely a place for carryout or delivery. The service is ALWAYS friendly. Great joint. Give it a try.
(4)
Annie Y.
Apparently the people who shop on Michigan Ave have very early bedtimes, because when my friend and I went to the Water Tower to grab dinner at 8:30, everything was closed. We wandered down the block and found this place. it's a cozy little pub-like place similar to Potbelly's. They only serve soup and salads. They keep their soup in these big cauldrons and offer samples. The clam chowder sample tasted good, but it was far too watery, and my friend could only stomach about five or six bites before she got sick of it. I got the beef stew in a bread bowl, which was good, but also a tad bit watery. The bread is good, but next time I think I'll just go to Panera.
(3)
Kristin C.
I use to frequent the Soup Box a lot back in the day. I thought it was reasonably priced, hearty and damn tasty. I also remember having friendly conversations with the staff who were eager to give out free samples and chat about well, anything. Last night I went back and I was SO excited about it all day. Visions of the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup danced in my head. Blisters were formed on my feet as a result of my walk to Broadway (basically this was due to my mad uncomfortable shoes though). I was getting soup and nothing was going to stop me. Before the suspense of my excursion gets too intense, let me just say my visit was kind of a buzzkill. The employees weren't as friendly as I remember (but they weren't unfriendly either to their credit). The soup seemed pricey (four-fity for a regular and it wasn't filled up all the way?). And the bread - Good god, was it always that HARD? They did give me extra but thinking about biting into that stuff makes my teeth ache - eeks! All in all, I was let down. But the soup IS tasty and fresh so I think I will return again anyway. I just wish I got more bang for my buck.
(3)
Tari M.
Sweet Mother of Pearl. Anyone who doesn't love this place must a) be allergic to soup, b) have something against deliciousness or c) be very very dangerous. I love this tiny little soup place! I tend to go for the Tomato Florentine or the Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar Broccoli, but all of the soups I've tried have been over the top delicious. Other perks include the friendly staff and the free samples to make sure your tummy is going to make friends with just the right soup every time. You also get a hunk of yummy bread. Yep. Good stuff. If you go in the summer, be prepared to sweat a little while you wait for your soup - it tends to get a littel balmy in there. I've never eaten inside, but this is a great place to grab your food and run.
(5)
Lauren D.
Soupbox has quickly become a "go to" for me on cold empty fridge nights (or afternoons really). Their veggie friendly soup choices have never failed to fill me up and make me slightly less bitter about the fact that this winter has been awful. My only gripe is the minimalist drink selection.
(4)
Amber H.
#1 thing I miss about not working on the North Side of the city anymore! I was a big fan of the Potatoe & Leak. My work staff and I were known by name and they knew the address by heart when we called for deliveries. Great staff. I LOVE THESE GUYS. -1 star for no CC accepted
(4)
Kristy B.
I love this place, not only is the soup tasty, it is always hot! I also like the service in this small shop. The people they work there are always offering a taste of the soups and always through in fresh cut bread. This place is great, especially now that the weather is turning colder.
(5)
Jim S.
Yo, am i missing something? I live right around the corner and just went in there for some soup. The smallest size they have costs $5! I think $5 is way too expensive given the small size of the container. Also, this location does not have salads like the one near the Magnificient Mile does. Also, they did not have as good of a selection of soups. The staff was friendly, however this is way too overpriced for such small portions.
(2)
D.L. P.
I give these four stars on the basis of a great staff - always friendly - and a good variety. You can get Lobster Bisque, Chicken and Wild Rice, and some other standard soups each day. They also have some specials during the winter. The Chicken and Wild Rice is solid. Its really thick and is a really good hangover helper. Since I work, most of the days I go are Saturday or Sunday mornings, and those always have the potential of me trying to shake off a "headache". Why not 5 stars? I think the quality of a few of the soups could be better, namely the Lobster Bisque. Its basically just a broth. And, no credit cards? Come on, jump into the 21st century. Overall, pretty decent though.
(4)
Meredith H.
soup is my favorite food group, always has been. my roommate had raved about the soupbox so much, my boyfriend was begging to go there, and my little brother was in town recovering from mono, so we went for a late lunch on saturday. crowded, but nothing we couldn't deal with. 3 large soups, 1 breadbowl, 1 diet coke, 2 diet root beers for just under $30. expensive but i think worth it. bread comes with the soup and you can ask for more. we had the beef stew, lobster bisque, and fiesta southwest been or something. i really wanted broccoli cheddar but decided to think outside the box. soupbox. ha! ok, maybe not funny. i'll be back to sample more soups for sure.
(4)
Kay S.
YUM! Since Chicago is Winter three-fourths of the year, it is a good thing there is Soupbox. And, during the other fourth of the year, they have Icebox. The soup is delicious and fresh and the workers quite delightful...always ready to hand out a sample. Also, they deliver....very cool when I am too lazy to make soup or leave the house for soup. mmmmm....soup.
(4)
Jason W.
Really 3.5 stars. Their soup is awesome, but they rape you on the price. Yesterday I got 2 soups with no bread bowl and it was $15. Cmon.
(4)
Susan L.
The soups are great. Try combining them--ask for suggestions from the knowledgeable staff. I went here so many times I couldn't handle it anymore. Now living on the East Coast, I strike myself down for squandering such a good thing! COME TO ME SOUPBOX!!! The ice, I can take or leave.
(5)
Nycole H.
I love soup. I brought my grandmother here before we went to the Lakeview Arts Fest. I had the Lobster Bisque which is always good. My grandmother tried the Mexican tortilla but decided on potato and loved it. The girl who worked there was very nice and polite. Nothing like soup and cream soda for lunch I was a happy girl!!
(5)
Bravo C.
Great place to run to on a cold, snowy night. The guys are friendly and the Lobster Bisk is wonderful. Go get some soup!!
(4)
val f.
Oh, Soupbox. Why must you always tease me on my way to work? Why do you smell so damn good? In the winter time, I eat here at least once or twice a week. If they took debit/credit cards I'd probably eat there four or five times a week. No, seriously. It's THAT good. The people that work here are awesome, and they always give me extra bread. My new favorite thing to do is order an IBC Cream Soda with my soup. So good!
(5)
Stefanie W.
Best store-bought soup ever. Period. I love how any time Soupbox is mentioned, people go all dreamy-eyed. The mere mention of the name bonds complete strangers, I tell you! Chicken and Wild Rice is my absolute fave, Tomato Basil Bisque and Potato and Leek are equally awesome. The chunk of bread that comes with it is always nice and fresh. Staff is always cheery and efficient. I prefer this location to the Chicago Ave. store.
(5)
Rachel H.
I'm a major soupbeast and I will frequently stop by here after going to the gym... that is when I go to the gym... anyway.... I like that you can sample the many soups though I tend to stick with cream of chicken and rice. Everything I've tried, I've liked. The only thing that sucks is that its cash only and I've forgotten that on occasion.
(4)
Carolyn A.
Oh wow!! A restaurant that is just devoted to soup, what a fantastic idea!!Mama like! Ok so since I'm throwing exclamation points around all willy nilly I will explain why. This tiny, unassuming restaurant with a couple tables and chairs makes some really good soup. I ordered the cream of chicken and wild rice (?). The name is a blur as I was overcome by it's deliciousness, homina homina. My husband ordered the beef stew which was pretty good too. We were supposed to share but I'm a pretty fast eater so he lost that contest. The guys behind the counter were so helpful and friendly and they gave out free samples of their soupy goodness too! I brought home a small serving of their tomato florentine which I am about to dig into. The only reason why I'm giving 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because for soup it was a little pricey but that will not, I repeat will not stop me from coming back again soon.
(4)
Anna H.
A new year, a new craving for icy frozen treats...my man and I had spent the day traipsing around Lakeview, and I was in terrible need of a pick-me-up. Despite my misgivings regarding Icebox based on last summer's experiences, it was the closest place to get something fruity, so we stopped in. To my surprise and delight, the lady behind the counter was attentive and good-natured, even laughing when the bf inquired jokingly if they'd ever considered making lobster-bisque flavored ices. It was a great trip, the icy treats were lovely as always, and I'll most likely be back the next time I'm in the mood for something kind-of (but not really) like Italian ice.
(4)
Marc N.
I stopped in there on the way home from work one night a few weeks ago - I was wearing a tie (as I am sometimes known to do) and was feeling quite conspicuous. To make matters worse, I tripped over a mat on the floor as I walked in, nearly felling a young couple on their way out - steaming bags of soup and bread were clutched a little tighter in terrified anticipation... Crisis averted, I ordered some soup (w/ extra bread...) and offered the young clerk my credit card. "Sorry man, we only take cash." "Fuck." So then I had to scurry down to the corner, leaving my poor bag of soup on the counter while I grabbed some cash to release it into my custody. The soup was totally worth the experience. It always is.
(4)
David N.
This place has some amazing soups! I took a couple friends there this week who were visiting from Atlanta. We all tried something different and we were all satisfied with our choices. I got the butternut squash with sage soup and WOW! It was so full of flavor. The guy who waited on us was so friendly, he let us try samples of different kinds of soups and made suggestions too. All soups are served with a choice of multi-grain or sour dough bread. This place I will definitly be coming back to again, especially with the cold winter months approaching!
(4)
Jenny M.
Soupbox is delish! They have so many different soup choices that it's hard to make a decision. Good thing they let you sample. :) My favorites are the lobster bisque & the chicken & wild rice. They also give you a ton of bread with your soup. I love their soup so much, I get the half-gallon size & reheat. Icebox is equally as good & a much healthier alternative to ice cream. I've also been to their newer location on Chicago & I wish that the Lakeview location would also do freshly tossed salads as well.
(4)
Eric V.
What could be better on a cold winter's day than a rich, hearty bowl of soup. Soupbox has several soups to choose from on a daily basis. Samples are free so don't be shy! From Chicken & Wild Rice to Potato Leek, I haven't been disappointed once.
(4)
Taylor F.
One of my favorite things about Soupbox is walking through the door on a cold winter day and being enveloped in an amazing, steamy, soup-smelling cloud of warmth that makes my glasses fog up for a good two minutes. I've never had a soup here that didn't evoke actual moans of pleasure, and if you order it in a bread bowl and manage to eat the entire thing, you'll be too full to move for the rest of the day, which I count as a plus. My absolute favorite is their signature chicken and rice, but the rotating specials are also consistently amazing. I once had a cauliflower and cheese soup here that I dreamed about for weeks afterward, and curse the fact that I have yet to stop by on a day when they've made it again since.
(5)
Ron S.
Good number of quality soups, a little overpriced
(3)
Paige W.
Twelve kinds of soup every day. Hmph. Sure, guys, blame it on the fact that somebody had a neckache and didn't show up to make the soup this morning. At any rate, when we stopped in at Soupbox on Broadway (after spending close to half an hour looking for parking), there were six kinds of soup left to try. The rest of the kettles were covered with overturned sample cups to signal there was none left. At $4.25 for a small soup, I'd at least hoped to sample one of my first choices, but no such luck. All the flavors I'd considered, including beef stew, chicken noodle and chicken with wild rice, were gone, gone, gone. I settled on a cream of potato and leek that ended up being mostly cream and nearly no flavor. What mine lacked in taste, my boyfriend's chicken enchilada soup made up for in punch. I ate half my piece of bread to soak up the heat after one sample bite of his. And sadly, after that one taste, my soup sucked even more. Boooooo. On this particularly frigid day, it was also a bad time for Soupbox's door to have a faulty latch. I kept my coat on through the meal, and we were out the door after 20 minutes. And I had a stomachache. I should've cut my losses and just hit Bobtail up the street for a hot fudge sundae. That stomachache would have been MUCH more satisfying.
(2)
Chris N.
I'm not a religious man, but if I was, my Mecca would be The Soupbox. Every so often, I brave the elements (and ex-frat guys from Michigan) and make the pilgrimage to Lakeview to obtain some of my beloved soup. And each and every time, it never disappoints. You want to talk about service? The cats at this place couldn't be more helpful and pleasant. And while the price may be a bit steep, they always offer me additional bread at no extra cost, so I still end up being pretty satiated by the end of my dining experience. The power of soup cannot be underestimated.
(5)
Andrea R.
After not feeling well for a few days and reading many wonderful reviews about soupbox I just tried it for the very first time. Great chicken noodle soup- definitely has that homemade taste! It was exactly what I wanted and was delivered within 20 minutes! I'm looking forward to trying the icebox this summer....
(4)
Brad G.
Soups are all very tasty, hot and fresh. A nice little neighborhood joint or spot to pick up soup for a sick girlfriend.
(4)
Nick D.
First time there tonight after walking past it for the past nine months...I am a convert for life. Had the chicken noodle (which, admittedly, is a little hard to mess up) which was quite good. Bought the large which with the bread was the perfect amount to fill me up on this chilly night! Service was quick and the people were nice, and for $6.96, not a wallet-buster by any stretch of the imagination!
(5)
Bryan C.
I go here when I'm sick because it's close to my apartment which is why it gets four stars instead of three (one extra star for taking the place of mom). The soup is expensive, but they tell me it's because of the sales tax. Other than that the flavors are great and the location is convenient!
(4)
Heather D.
I'm so happy that there's a Soupbox on the north side. I'm grateful that they make a wide range of vegetable soups with vegetable stock and not chicken stock. Lots of choices for me. And I should also mention delicious! Definitely visit the Broadway or Chicago Ave location!
(4)
Dave S.
Before last week, it has been years since I have been here. I see the place is still doing well and busy as hell. It is a good sign that it is not going anywhere. I sure hope that it does not go anywhere anytime soon. I have always been a monster fan of the lobster bisque. I had the chance to try their corn chowder this time and of course it did not disappoint. The service was as pleasant and efficient as I remembered it. The place is a little pricey but it does fill you up adequately. I am looking forward to more visits here this winter.
(4)
K L.
Awesome soup. Great selection. Can mix and match. Good bread. Can be hard to park sometimes.
(5)
Mary S.
this past week i've been a bit under the weather, and have depended on soup at lunch and dinner to give me the strength to get my work done every day. the other day i ventured down to the great frame up on broadway to get a couple of posters framed and on my walk home, i passed by the soup box. it was like i stumbled upon my mecca!! i had heard people talk about this place before, but i never realized how accessible it was to me! i was completely sick of broth-y soups at this point so i ordered a small potato/leek soup to go (after salivating at many of the other many many soups they offer) and was on my way. when i got home, i made a half-sandwich to accompany my bowl o' sunshine and.... yeah. it was a great dinner. the potato leek soup was so creamy and... buttery? i didnt put my finger on what it was, but it was great! i look forward to trying the lobster bisque (even though i was told there are no lobster chunks in it -- which i suppose makes sense)
(4)
Kirstie S.
As I stated on the review for the other Soupbox, the selection for vegetarians is scarce and doesn't change tremendously. They typically have a range of 5 soups total to draw from (Vegetable, Broccoli Cheddar, Cuban Black Bean, Veg. Chill or Indian Lentil) and choose three out of these over and over again. The one thing I wanted to write differently is that over the past years, this specific location has had things like Artichoke Bisque and Cream of Asparagus that are phenomenal. They seem to always run out of these soups by mid afternoon and that should tell them something and still very rarely do they ever bring these options back. Again, we get the same three out of 12 soups on a regular basis. After awhile, you realize that there's much better options. Again, it's 2010. Don't call yourselves a soup specialty place with such limited choices for vegetarians...it really does the culinary art of soup a massive disfavor.
(2)
Maura M.
SoupBox you conned me and broke my heart. I love soup. I used to make a 30min trek to get soup box soup. Guess what? It is campbells restaurant quality. I found out because I was friends with some people who worked there. I've been in the back...all they do is thaw out soups and sometimes add cream. It is pathetic...it is a farce. When I complained to my SoupBox friend about it he laughed and me and said "what?! do you think we get here early and chop up vegetables or something?" Well....that's exactly what I thought. Apparently I was wrong.
(1)
Lauren C.
This place makes the best soup I have ever eaten! I've been coming here for about a year and I have never been disappointed. The staff is very friendly and is quick to give you samples. My favorites are the broccoli cheddar, cream of asparagus, and chicken and wild rice. You can mix 2 soups together if you simply can't choose one, which is what most of my friends like to do. Soup always comes with fresh bread (they often ask you if you want extra) and as many crackers as you want.
(5)
Steve L.
I've walked by this place many times, but for some reason it just always happens to be right after I've already eaten. Then I think to myself, DAMN it smells good here, why didn't I remember to go to Soupbox? Well, today I remembered. It was quite good. The chicken enchilada soup (yup) was tasty and had enough kick to clear my it's-just-that-time-of-year allergy sniffles. The service was great as well. Very, very friendly and had great opinions on everything. Minus one star because two soups with 2 drinks was almost 16 dollars. I don't care how good it is (which it was), but soup for two should never cost that much. I'm excited to try it when it's Icebox. I hope it's as kick ass as Becky O'Shea. (That was a Little Giants reference.)
(4)
Andrew M.
Sometimes you just want soup. Maybe it's cause you're sick and it's what your mama used to feed you, or maybe the Chicago winter has just taken its toll on you. Either way, there is no better place to fill your body with warm goodness than at Soupbox. With a selection of 12 delicious soups, you can try each one until you've found one you like and then choose from a variety of sizes. All soups come with a generous side of bread as well. Take it home, snuggle up and stay warm! Also, in the summer, Soupbox serves a tasty variety of Italian Ice.
(4)
Kenneth H.
If I could give more stars I would......!!!!! The atmosphere is friendly and energetic. The staff is both creative and fun. They are very generous with the bread which totally rocks. They are about what they do and don't treat their jobs like it's a transitional step. It's unfortunately unusual to find people in the service business that actually not only do what's necessary but actually go over and above the call to get it right. If I had a larger business I wouldn't hesitate to employ any one of them. I've enjoyed every trip to my favorite soup place. I have a suggestion... Sweet & sour cabbage & shortrib soup. It's so good and I know you guys would do it right. I would never leave and you could just strap me in a chair and install an IV. It would be a good addition to an already excellent inventory of "liquid love" that you bless us with everyday. Thank you... Canine Specialist Ken Henry & my dog "Coral Reef III" Any questions concerning this review I can be reached at caninecitysurvival.com
(5)
M Z.
Yummers. that is all.
(4)
bj f.
From the simple vegetable to the crab/corn chowder, every soup I've ever ordered has been flavorful, not too salty, and totally satisfying. The selection is varied, and if that's not enough, they let you make your own combinations; the lobster bisque/clam chowder is a great one. Staff is always friendly, and when it's too cold or I'm too lazy to walk to satisfy my soup jones, they deliver. The only downside: the bread offered is plentiful, but I really wish they'd offer a hearty, chewy, whole grain alternative to the kooshy white variety they serve. And I agree with the door observations; start a "fix the lock fund" and make the place as cozy as the soup!
(4)
Tiff B.
You can't go wrong with this place! Awesome soup in the winter, tasty Italian ice during the summer. I wish they served the soup during the summer though too. The chicken and wild rice there is my favorite. I've never had anything less than great there though. And it's cheap! So much better tasting and cheaper than the chain restaurant/lunch spots. Soupbox puts Panera to shame! I'm so sad that I don't live within walking distance of Soupbox anymore. I will have to make a few pilgrimages there this winter though for my soup fix.
(5)
Alice L.
I am a soup-aholic! Tomato, split-pea, minestrone, veggie, black bean, chowders....mmmmm! The soups are fresh and oh so tasty! The biggest drawback is the cost...a wee bit on the pricey side.
(4)
Kathryn M.
LOVE THE SOUPBOX! Right when you walk in, you're bombarded by the heavenly smell of soup. They have 12 different soups each day. The guys working when I went in were fabulous. They were so friendly and funny. It felt like I had made instant friends (dorky, I know). I ordered chicken noodle soup in a bread bowl. The soup was great and the bread bowl was hearty, super filling meal. If you're dining in, it's a little crowded because the store is small, but that's really the only negative. I'm giving 4 stars because I've only had 1 soup, I'll revise as necessary once I sample more tasty soup!
(4)
Brandon B.
The soup is amazing. Obviously, some are better than others; so I suggest trying a sample before you order a bowl.
(5)
Jennifer B.
The soup is really good, as the other yelpers have attested. It is fresh and there are always a lot of different choices. It's pretty expensive though, about $4 for a small and $7 for a large (which isn't very filling) I usually only go here if I need a little something to eat.
(3)
Jessica D.
The soups at The Soup Box are very tasty! It is a good treat on those Chicago cold winter days. The cream of broccoli soup is my favorite, but they also have a good variety of good soups to try (Lobster bisque, gumbo, wild rice, etc.) The staff is very pleasant and they allow you to try the different soups if you are having a hard time deciding. Just talking about it makes me want to go and get some soup now!
(4)
Candice C.
I have wanted my youngest to eat soup for the longest time and it is the Chicken and Wild Rice soup here that finally made it happen. I have tried multiple flavors and they are always hot, tasty and perfectly seasoned. I have even eaten here on a hot day just because I craved the flavor. I haven't yet tried the Icebox items but look forward to it. Parking is difficult but we usually ride our bikes. Seating is limited but so far I guess I have been lucky. The guys that work here (at least when I have been) have all had such a great outlook on life. I leave with a smile on my face and a happy tummy.
(5)
k m.
there are so many good soups it hard to choose one. it would be cool if soupbox offered a flight of soup... i.e.. intead of buying one, 12 oz soup for $4.35, let people choose a flight of three, 4 oz soups for a bit more, maybe $5.95.
(5)
Dee W.
I love all the different types of soups & breadbowls! In the summer, they turn into IceBox (but still offer soup) and offer a great way to cool off. But they are cash only and the prices are a bit high but that's Lakeview for you!
(4)
Ang R.
Yum. I can't wait to try more types of soup. I had the creamy chicken and wild rice, and it was very tasty. I didn't love the bread bowl (and I think I wouldn't get one again), but I do plan on ordering the soup again. Frankly, I think it's pretty incredible that on a cold winter night, someone will deliver better than average soup to your door, so that you get the benefits of a steaming bowl of soup and can sit on your couch (or play Rock Band) up until the minute it arrives. Love that aspect of it.
(4)
amy k.
love it love it love it. want some right now. i cannot even think of this place without wanting soup, let alone walk by it. like many folk it's hard for me to stray from the lobster bisque, but i have taken baby steps and tried the chicken dumpling (not so much) and the cream of mushroom (good good). i've always had great service, even when piles of people are waiting for their warmth lately. definitely gets five stars if it weren't for their prices, a bit steep, and their disdain for my credit card.
(4)
Heather S.
LOVE the soup! Home made and very tasty. I wished I lived closer and could stop by more often. Its a great concept for a takeout store!
(5)
Frances B.
Soup in Chicago doesn't get better than this, period. I live right around the corner from this place and I feel like I won the real estate jackpot. I've been to the downtown location and this one, and the soup and service is the same, but the downtown one gets jammed at lunchtime, especially during the winter. I adore the broccoli cheddar, chicken & wild rice, the mayan tortilla soup, the chicken noodle, the vegetable and the chili. My boyfriend can't bring himself to order anything besides the lobster bisque because he says it's just too good not to get. I also love the fact that if you're torn between 2, you can mix them! And they let you try any of the soups and soup mixes you want if you're not sure. All cups of soup come with delicious bread, but sometimes I go for the grilled cheese because it's hard not to. So if you're craving soup, or you're sick, or just generally cold COME HERE it's amazing.
(5)
Lizz M.
I've been pretty annoyed at how hot it's been out because I cannot come to the Soupbox. I have solved this issue. I can just crank my AC until it's cold enough. BOOM! Anyway, Soupbox makes me happy (check out Facebook for my soupbox group...while groups are still a thing). Picking a favorite is what it must be like to choose between your children. Some of my top picks: chicken and wild rice, broccoli and cheddar and chicken gumbo. Their potato and leek is also good, I just wish it were a smidge thicker. I've only seen this done at the Chicago location, but you can also mix soups. I haven't tried this but a friend did and she loved it! If you're unsure on what to choose, you can always sample before you commit. Both locations are top notch, so you really can't go wrong. Service is always fantastic. Oh, and if you want something more than soup? Grilled cheese. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Michelle C.
Love the Lobster Bisque! Ask them to mix the pot around before they scoop into your cup because there was an instance where I didn't get any lobster pieces :( The oyster crackers that come with the soup are the best!! I eat it by itself if I don't have anymore soup.. haha. They could probably get more than 1 computer to make things easier. It was really busy the last time I went and the guy couldn't keep track of who's soup he had already poured and whether he entered it into the computer already.
(4)
Ron M.
I was in the mood for some soup post polar vortex, so I figured this would hit the spot. I was regretting my decision two spoonfuls into it. The chicken/rice soup was runnier than my nose. If you have an extra $8-$10 bucks burning a hole in your wallet and want some average soup, this is your spot.
(2)
Terrance H.
Thanks for the offer of the free soup Dru. Went to the soupbox the other day and got the Lobster bisque and the Tomato basil. It was last Monday when it was rainy and windy out, perfect day for soups. Had samples of the beef stew and something else which escapes my mind at the moment. The workers were again very helpful. All was good on this trip as well. Only issue is I was there would have been pieces of lobster in the bisque but I understand. Otherwise another good experience here..
(4)
Beth M.
A winter time staple. Must go in to the store for the samples. I like the plain old chicken noodle and the rosemary chicken. Maybe slightly overpriced for soup but everything is made fresh. They also deliver.
(4)
Eric n.
This place is like Mom to me. LOL I only Order it when I'm sick and need soup. I really should get it more often cause man is it GOOD! The bread bowls rock!
(4)
Gregory A.
I love the Soupbox! We went there for some lunch the other day and being a soup lover I thought this place was great. They have so many types to choose from, by the way did I tell you I love soup!! Well anyway I had the beef stew and my wife had the cream of chicken with wild rice. Now there is one thing you should know about me, I despise onions! And since I hate them so much I am always looking for soup that does not have any onions. If anyone out there has ever tried picking tiny little onions out of soup you know it can be very frustrating, by the time you are done the soup is cold! This has always been a huge problem, since I love soup so much, did I already say that? That being said the nice man behind the counter told me they don't usually use onions in there soups since they can really take the flavor over, I just wanted to give him a great big hug! As far as I can tell if the word onion is not in the description they won't be in the pot either. Both soups were absolutely delicious and I would go back again and again. Only I live by Midway Airport so they need to open one on the south side! My only complaint was the $16 and some change for two large soups and two drinks seemed a little pricey, but it was so worth it! A definite must if you like a good bowl of soup, and I love soup, in case you missed that.
(5)
mary o.
This place does soup and it does it right. Their vegetarian offerings are hearty and satisfying, I'm sure the meaty choices are carnivore-pleasing. The people who work here are very chill and don't mind giving out extra bread(which is pretty awesome as well). Really nothing is better than a warm cup of soup on a miserable Chicago night. I love soup!
(5)
maeve P.
Oh soup box I love you so. I've been going for years now and you've never let me down. I've introduced many people to your lovely soups over the years. My favorite is the lobster bisque. I don't even like lobster and I love your bisque. I always get it in the bread bowl, the bread is kickass too!
(5)
shane h.
I love chicken noodle soup just as much as the next guy and while I do think 6 bucks is a bit much to spend on a bowl of the stuff, it was fantastic. It was the first time since eating chicken in Munich at Oktoberfest that I looked like a moron trying to make sure I consumed every possible bit and piece of the meal possible. I almost had to go out and buy more bread to get the extra broth off the bottom. What an embarrassing display that was...
(4)
Sarah C.
I LOVE this place. Best soup and ice EVER!!!! The beer, bacon and cheddar soup, wild chicken and rice soup and the lobster bisque are to die for. The ice is also fabulous. I just wish that I lived closer.
(5)
Brad C.
It started here. Soups amazing! Be sure to check out the Chicago Ave location too, they have salads and more seating.
(5)
Kenny O.
Unlike its other location in River North, this Soupbox unfortunately doesn't have a mini-salad station for making these perfect soup+salad combinations. The ambiance: I went there a few weeks ago and it was empty. I'm used the RN location always hustling and bustling with people, so this was a surprise. It was nice, though. Quiet alone time with my beloved bread bowl and soup. Mmmm. The food: I really like Soupbox and have been here a good amount of times now. I went with a cream of chicken and wild rice and it was delicious served inside a sourdough bread bowl. I still personally think it's a steal at around $8, since that's what I paid for subpar soup breadbowls at Boudin in California as my lunch multiple times a week (and Boudin wasn't nearly as good as Soupbox either). The service: Friendly and fast. TL;DR. Always good. More laid back version of Soupbox compared to River North. No salads.
(4)
Denise W.
The boyfriend and I came here on two separate occasions. Both times we used a Groupon deal: $5 for $10 worth of food. The first time was during the late afternoon and the small eatery was quiet with just a few people inside. The guys behind the counter greeted us and offered us some samples of their soup menu. While all the samples were delicious, we both decided that lobster bisque was the best. We glanced at the prices and our one $10 Groupon barely covered 2 small cups of soup. I placed an order for a sourdough bread bowl of lobster bisque while the boyfriend quickly bought another Groupon on the spot to get another order of the same. Both guys were really nice and filled our bread bowls to the brim. There was also chips, cookies, and day-old bread for sale for 99-cents per roll of bread. Small packets of oyster crackers were on the house so we stocked up on a few before bringing our bread bowls to a table. The lobster bisque was rich and smooth and was complemented really nicely by the sourdough bread bowl. The free oyster crackers added a nice crunch to the repeatedly creamy texture. The second time we went to Soupbox was late night, about 9pm. Instead of getting two soup bowls this time, we split a bread bowl and added a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for $2.50. You can customise your sandwich with types of bread and cheese, and toppings for extra charge. We ordered a Broccoli and Cheddar soup in a sourdough bread bowl, but they had run out of sourdough and only had multi-grain. To compensate, they only charged us the price of a large soup rather than the price of a bread bowl. We added on a roll of day-old sourdough bread for later and they were willing to give it to us free of charge. I'm not sure if it was because they didn't have any more fresh sourdough bread bowls, or because it was almost closing time. We sat down with our soup and shortly after, the guy brought out our grilled cheese sandwich. All together, it looked and smelled delicious. We loaded up on oyster crackers again and couldn't wait to dig in. The soup was so rich and creamy, and the oyster crackers added the extra crunch to mix up food textures. The grilled cheese was pretty standard, but while it was still hot and the cheese was still melting, it tasted amazingly good. Awesome service, awesome soups, and awesome bread, even if it is day-old. It is a little bit on the pricey side without the help of a Groupon, but I can imagine this place being really crowded on a cold and stormy day.
(4)
Kelly A.
Excellent soup! Fast delivery and awesome service. Got the cheesy baked potato soup and rosemary chicken soup. Both were delivered hot and delicious. Would highly recommend over Panera or other soup options.
(5)
Jennifer L.
I am very impressed with Soupbox and cannot wait until I go back there so I can sample more of their delicious soups. I had heard about Soupbox and had been meaning to visit. A Groupon purchase definitely solidified my need to go. And so, my boyfriend and I went. We decided on the Lakeview location - in part because Bobtail Ice Cream is right next door and we wanted to avoid the crowds by Water Tower. The staff was incredibly friendly and offered us samples of the soup. He had the New England Clam Chowder, which he loved. I had the Lobster Bisque, which was fantastic as well. We both got a chunk of sourdough bread to go along with it. The bread didn't seem to taste sourdoughy enough. But, it was still good nonetheless. We debated on getting a grilled cheese, but passed. We will try it when we return. Overall, just a wonderful place. I really like soup and enjoy soup and a sandwich as a meal. I really wish that I lived closer or they had a location by me so I could eat here all the time - especially when the weather gets colder!
(4)
Stephanie T.
Many of my coworkers order from here all the time and love it! So I figured I would try it. I ordered the hearty vegetable soup. I thought since it was "Hearty" that it was going to be filled with yummy veggies in every bite. Yea ooookkk!! All I got was a bland broth with about 5 slices of carrots, about 8 peas, and two thin slices of celery! Are you kidding me!!??? I paid about $11 for basically a broth. I will NOT be ordering from here again and I will make sure my coworkers won't either!
(1)
Shelly M.
My boyfriend and I tried this restaurant out and we ordered the lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice. Both were delicious and perfect on a cold night. The sour dough bread was perfect with our soups. We will be going back to try more!
(4)
Dean K.
winter is around the corner. i like to bring home a large bowl of lobster bisque with plenty of bread and butter and have that with a bombay sapphire and tonic (don't know why this works). it is the perfect lazy afternoon meal on a cold and blustery weekend.
(4)
Will K.
How have I not reviewed Soupbox yet?? This place is one of my favorites in the Chicago area... in all seasons. If you are looking for soup the wide selection and ability to taste them before purchasing make this a great place to visit. I tend to eat cream based soups while the significant other is more willing to try other things and we both always leave happy. The portions are great, the bread isn't anything amazing but a good compliment, and the servers area always very nice. The main reason to try this location rather than the other is that you can get IcyFruit here... haven't had it.. it's the best frozen treat in Chicago in my opinion. 3 sizes to choose from, usually at least 8ish flavors, and the ability to combine them to create you own... sounds like perfection. I always go with a lemon base and add something else to create my own flavors. If you happen to be in the area in the summer do a walk by.. they are usually outside sampling the Icyfruit, plus there are lots of options in that area as well for other fun/eating/drinks.
(5)
Tab B.
We were looking for a light fare and thought we would try Soup Box since we stay nearby while visiting. As many here have said you are better off opening a can of soup. I had the Bayou Gumbo. If you like sliced hot dogs in your soup then go for it. I expected andouille sausage in the gumbo. The only decent tasting soup seemed to be the asparagus. I avoided the Mexican soup bc I have never had decent Mexican soup anywhere but in a Mexican restaurant. This place may be good to fill the gap when you are hungry but I will stick to my own soup or get it from my nearby grocery deli where I find the soup to be good. For a non-professional cook, I can do much, much better than this. Yes, my expectations are high whenever I eat out because I expect the food to be better than what I prepare at home since I have this weird notion that restaurants are in the business of preparing and serving food.
(2)
Matt C.
I can't help but imagine the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld every time I go to Soupbox. I feel like at some point I'm going to ask a weird question about one of the soups and the guy working the register will snatch my soup away from me while shouting "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" That would be pretty awesome, minus the not getting soup part. Seriously though Soupbox has a massive array of awesome soup varieties. All homemade, all extremely good. I've tried the Lobster Bisque, the Signature Chicken and Rice and the Rosemary Chicken. All the best soup I've had of that soup varietal. To me the standout is the Lobster Bisque, but like Jerry and the crew in the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode, everyone I've repeatedly eaten with at Soupbox has a flavor that they salivate over. Also I have to note that I ordered delivery once and they were there lightening-quick, almost Jimmy Johns fast. Almost.
(4)
Sean R.
My first time visiting this place. I actually checked it out because a friend only could eat soup that day. I think it is a great idea of a place, and the soup I had was pretty good. I like the vibe of the place and the concept of the pots for the soup. Only drawback and this applies to most places in that area is that parking is terrible.
(4)
Kristy D.
Love, love, love this restaurant!!!!! The soup and bread bowl was yummy!!! My husband and I had dinner for $20 and we were stuffed!! MUST go back to try other soups!
(5)
Emily D.
Had the rosemary chicken and dumplings soup and a cheddar grilled cheese on multigrain bread. Everything was delicious, if a little expensive. Boyfriend ordered the lobster bisque and a turkey sandwich and loved both. Staff was nice, but slow. It took our server 10 minutes to make two plain sandwiches. That said, they were still delicious and worth the wait.
(3)
Kate H.
I could live on the lobster bisque. YUM! The staff is super friendly and always offer samples. Service is always pretty quick too even when a lot of other people are in line. And in the summer they make delicious homemade italian ices (usually they put an employee outside with samples to lure you inside for more delicious treats). Plus they are open surprisingly late. Not sure I'd call it a late night spot necessarily but I've definitely gotten soup after 9p which is awesome when you're walking home after normal dinner time hours, are hungry & don't want to prep a full meal that late. Especially when the weather turns freezy freakies on us in the 773. Awesome neighborhood spot - I'm very lucky to live right around the corner from the Soupbox. The only negative is that I spend too much money here!
(4)
Timothy M.
I love love love soup box. During these brutal Chicago winters I can think of no place better. The baked potatoe soup in a bread bowl is a winter warmer if ever there was one... It's cool because they will let you taste the soups before you commit. You can even mix two soups together. I've combined the potatoe with the beef stew before and it is phenomenal. If you've never been here you should definitely try it out. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
(5)
Jennie T.
I sampled the cream of chicken with wild rice, the lobster bisque, and a hearty beef one... I forgot the actual name of it. All of them were good. The boyfriend and I ended up sharing the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl. It was delicious, but I think we should have ordered one of the other two for the bread bowl instead... I didn't think the lobster bisque went as well in a bread bowl as I thought it would. The staff was very friendly and nice though.
(4)
Bridget M.
The soup was wonderful and the staff couldn't be friendlier. They also let you try the soup first so you know you'll enjoy it!
(5)
Elise K.
A bit expensive for soup, but really good soup! I had the Tomato Basil soup and paired it with a grilled cheese on sourdough. All soup comes with bread too. There is no wait time for soup and just a short time for the sandwich. The service was so nice! It truly was - the guy behind the counter was wonderful. I've had samples of their ice things before. I'm not sure what they're called - just low calorie flavored ice. They are fine for a sample, walking by, but even though they are low calorie doesn't mean the taste has to be blah! I won't buy that. I would go back for soup, but would prefer to go with a Groupon again!
(3)
Jessi B.
I happened in here while in the neighborhood. It was very good. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and the lobster bisque and a cookie. I was offered samples, but declined. There were about 5 that I could have eaten, easily. While the soup was delicious, I would have liked something a little more filling. It was kindof on the thinner side... so it was kinda of awkard to eat it, since I was mostly drinking it, from a spoon. So, if offered a sample, definitely partake. The cookie was devine. It was a nice little set-up. I ate outside on the sidewalk (it was a beautiful day). I look forward to having again.
(4)
Izzy N.
No matter what the weather is like outside, burning hot temps- sometimes all I want is soup. Southeast asians are notorious for that.. a big bowl of pho or bun bo hue in hot tropical weather in the motherland? Hell yes. Have you seen the average temperature in Vietnam during the winter? It's in the 70s and 80s. I thought I'd give soupbox a try since I wasn't able to venture out for pho. It's pretty decent.. I usually go for the creamier soups like cream of asparagus and lobster bisque because I don't like most american non-creamy soups except for chicken noodle once in awhile. I like Whole Food's rendition of broccoli cheddar better. It's cool they offer a choice of sourdough or multigrain bread with your soup and there's plenty of extras to add to your soup on the side counter. I like adding lots of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to mine. Solid place for some soup.
(3)
Marissa G.
My friends and I spent quite some time at soupbox last summer and I am so glad we did. I have very fond memories of this place. The staff is extremely helpful and lets you sample all of their soups, which are cooked fresh every day, to decide which one you want. They are very encouraging, so i don't have to feel like I should settle for a soup because I feel awkward asking to taste another. They are very fast at checking the customer out and I have seen them with extremely long lines of customers that they've been able to pump through within minutes. I loved their chicken noodle soup, their broccoli cheddar, chicken and wild rice, and their beef stew. All of it is so good, you can get bread and butter with it (I highly recommend dipping the bread in the butter and then eating it with the soup -- totally fatty but totally delicious). I am a big fan of their dirty chips too! Get the sweet onion! Salt and vinegar is good too :)
(5)
Nichole F.
I love Soupbox especially when it is cold outside. We live close enough to the location in Lakeview to get delivery. Yay! I love getting the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl! So delish!
(5)
Jeff S.
When you need soup, for what ever reason...the weather, not feeling great, comfort food, or you just love good soup, any reason you can come up with--Soupbox is the answer. Even though we live on the North Shore, every so often have to do a Soupbox run. Wish they'd open one up in the Evanston area, so I wouldn't have to drive all the way into the city. Their soups are delicious, decadent and a treat for your taste buds. The selection is terrific, with the free bread--you have a hearty, filling meal. And I always buy extra to freeze. With all the snow and frigid cold we're having right now, it's time for a run into town to get some soup. Haven't tried their sandwich yet, but will have to give them a go too.
(5)
Rachel O.
World's best soup in the world ever. Amazing delicious everything. My absolute favorite is the Lobster Bisque, but I have sampled many others and they're all wonderful. The bread is fantastic, especially the multi-grain in my opinion. If you're hungry for more than soup, add a grilled cheese for a few bucks and you will not be sorry. I like how they make simple grilled cheese instead of the over-the-top and expensive kinds many places make nowadays. The employees are always so nice. Delivery is extremely fast, soup comes piping hot, and there's only an $8 minimum. I love you Soupbox.
(5)
Jerry W.
I have to start by saying I am a huge soup fan. And so is my wife and oldest daughter. So the three of us decide to stop on in at the Soupbox on Broadway. My wife and I are dropping our daughter off at her place. She is feeling under the weather. So we need a good lunch spot with hot soups. We start by sampling several of the twelve soups cooking today. I tried the New England Clam Chowder (a thick and rich classic white clam chowder with fresh clams, potatoes, onion and celery in a cream base that was truly outstanding), the Hearty Beef Stew (slow roasted beef, carrots, potatoes and peas with a touch of onion in beef stock that was good, but the sample cup needed to be bigger), Authentic Mexican Tortilla (roasted tomatoes and sweet corn with black beans, garlic and red onion in a cumin and chili powder spiced chicken broth, another outstanding thick and hearty soup) and finally a Classic Chicken Noodle (slow cooked chicken, long flat noodles and plenty of fresh veggies that really hit the spot). So I decide on a large New England Clam Chowder for $7.95 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon on it. My wife orders a small Classic Chicken Noodle for $5.85 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon and a tomato on it. Both grilled cheeses were really hearty and delicious sandwiches. Finally my daughter ordered a bread bowl Classic Chicken Noodle for $7.85 with wheat bread. It was sooo good we also ordered her another small for home, she is still feeling under the weather. Well our total came to $29.32 with tax. The service was SUPER friendly. The place is clean and small. Do we recommend Soupbox, HECK YEAH! Will we be back, HECK YEAH! Should you stop by 2943 N. Broadway and give the soups a try, HECK YEAH! I am hoping after our next visit the Soupbox will get the ultimate 5 star, "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" rating.
(4)
Femme C.
I love the lobster bisque, this is my fave. My only complaint is it is too salty. I have the soup and then die for water. Less salt, Soupbox!
(5)
Joes L.
That's right 5-Stars. Go ahead. Judge me. This place is so damn good I treat her like a favorite family member - I miss her when I'm away, everywhere I go I wish I could take her with me, I post photos of our good times together on my cubicle wall, and when I have to make tough decisions I say to myself "What would Soupbox do?" And then I do it knowing that somewhere out there Soupbox is nodding with approval. The fact is Soupbox is my favorite place to eat of all time. Best of all is the....wait for it.....soup, but to say it's different versions of the same thing is an outrageous understatement. To all you skeptics toss out the idea that soup is just a cold weather dish: every one in every season can find something they like here. (Note: Soupbox opens up its Italian Ice offering "Icebox" in the summer.) Chicken & Wild Rice, Cream of Asparagus, Broccoli & Cheese, Hearty Vegetable...stop me before I dribble all over my keyboard. It fits my every mood and my tastes have broadened people. And guess what? When you're feeling a little daring try mixing the soups. I'm a fan of the lobster bisque clam chowder, myself. Ok, so that's my big plug for Chicago eats. It's definitely worth a go.
(5)
Chris W.
Breaking down my entire first experience here I'm going to start with the environment and finish with the soup. If you prefer to read in any other fashion, feel free! THE ENVIRONMENT: ****/5 Imagine walking into a sort of dim Empty Bottle without the bar area or having stairs or any of that. Just the dance floor. Then imagine a few sparse tables and some high chairs along the windows facing the street (we're modifying the space here for all intensive purposes). If the stage was the 'kitchen' where the cauldrons of soups labeled and on a table with relatively quirky or laid back employees more than willing to give you a sample cup of any soup, you'd see that in 'the middle of the dance-floor' people gather together to pick soups, make orders, and most people seem to do the takeout thing. New, seems to be that they make grilled cheese on a panini thing. It smelled good I must say. What I mean to say with all of the traffic in and out of locals and shoppers is that we weren't bothered or crowded or anything of that nature while we were sitting down and eating. It's a nice place for a quick or long lunch and a nice conversation. A cute date starter-spot too. If you'd like a drink they have a mostly canned selection of pops, iced tea, and some bottled IBC cream soda, root beer and diet root beer. Water as well. When I went to pick out something to drink I realized a lot of what was in the cooler must have JUST been put in there before we got there so make sure to grab yourself something nice and COLD. They're all mixed up next to each other. THE SOUP: *****/5 They have 12 soups available daily (plenty of vegan options) and my friend got the Select Cream of Potato and Leek. The flavor of such was enhanced with some black pepper. They have spices next to the counter and the drink cooler. He got his Potato & Leek soup in a bread bowl. There are three price ranges for the soups which are 'regular' 'large' and 'bread bowl'. Regular is about 6 bucks and Bread Bowl is about 8.50. Beware you get all of the innards of your multigrain or sourdough bread bowl alongside of your meal and because all of the creamier soups (that I've had thus far) are SO RICH TASTING it's going to be a struggle to finish. I was almost grumpy when we got there about the prices for the sizes, having no idea a regular bowl of Lobster Bisque with a side of sourdough that comes with the soup (well, your choice of bread does) was going to make me need to be carried to the car. Speaking of Lobster Bisque - I've sampled 3 of such soup in my lifetime, this one surprisingly did not have any chunks of meat or anything in it. It was strictly liquid, but that was fine with me. Of the 3 lobster bisque's I've had, this one was in the top 2. A bread bowl and a regular bowl of soup were approximately the same price as what we would have paid at Panera for two pick 2's and a drink. I can't wait to try more soup soon!
(4)
Ramya P.
Yum soups and grilled cheese sandwiches. Fast food soup place with plenty of veggie soups. What's great is the option to mix and match the different soups. Broccoli and cheddar soup would've been too cheesy and creamy for me, and I really appreciated it when mixed with the red lentil soup. Taste a few of their options before deciding. The grilled cheese sandwiches were simple and perfect. Great place to drink hot soup on a cold winter evening.
(5)
Julia B.
THEY NOW DELIVER AND HAVE GRILLED CHEESE!! Ok, now that I got that out of the way...This is downtown Soupbox's older, more hip, but smaller sister. Yes this location is quite small (RE: not much room to sit), but it still a great place to get a cup of soup in Lakeview. Now that I think about it, it might be one of the only places in Lakeview, that's not Asian, where you can some good soup. Which is precisely why I love it so so much! All of the soups are great, but my favorite is the New England Clam Chowder because I am a huge Clam Chowda fan. Soupbox's version is pretty delicious and does really taste like it was made from scratch, pretty close to a fancy restaurant's version. The lobster bisque is my second favorite and tastes super delicious mixed with the clam chowder. They have plenty of other flavors that alternate everyday and they always have free samples. The newest edition of Grilled Cheese has to be one their greatest ideas. $2.50 with a soup and $3.50 without any soup, is a sweet deal, and it tastes perfect. And it actually a pretty decent size grilled cheese. I got mine with pepperjack cheese and ham. but there are several options for the cheese and meat. When I get the grilled cheese and soup I can't actually eat both in one meal, which is both good and bad. Good because I now have two meals, but neither soup nor grilled cheese taste good reheated. However, if you have a huge appetite, you can probably handle both, and who doesn't love grilled cheese? The friendly employees make the soup buying experience quite pleasant and since I am usually here on a depressing, rainy or sick day, this makes all the difference. Can't wait to order delivery when the weather get's colder!
(4)
Julie V.
Soup samples delivered indiscriminately. Well-done. A variety of hot steaming soup in black kettles, served with a chunk of soft bread. Such a simple concept, but a brilliant one. Soup works on so many levels to make the body feel happy. And the Soupbox has mastered this strategy. My only suggestion is: Offer the original cream-based Chicken Dumpling more often. The Rosemary broth version is mediocre, but the former is exemplary. AND --ever thought of a divided, disposable bowl for 2 soups in one? Oh and open another location in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square!
(4)
Mishele K.
I can't get enough of this place. In winter I can't resist some soup and grilled cheese action, and their summer treats are delicious, too. The prices are reasonable, the line usually isn't too long, and the food is yummy--and they have a nice selection to choose from, so you can take your picky siblings there and everyone can still be happy. Stop in if you're in the neighborhood!
(5)
Sharon S.
Ran out of chicken noodle soup when I went:( But it was also towards the evening so I guess it's okay, but it's my stable soup! I got the leftovers of the soup but only the soup and a few noodles. I also got the wedding soup which was good but needed a little more flavor. I heard really good things about Soupbox so I'll have to come give it another shot. Plus I'm sure once winter comes around I'll be stopping for soup more often!
(3)
Sopla R.
I'm gonna let you in on a secret. Really exceptional soup takes time. Of course, this can be said for all food prep, but since we are talking "Soupbox"... We all get that nostalgic pang that we get when we think of soup right? It's comforting, and makes a chilly day seem perfect. I've been to this place three times now. Each time, I left feeling like I spent too much for the quality of soup/portion that I got. Soups start with a "base or a roux" and these guys use the same base for pretty much all their creamy soups/clear soups. Which is fine/standard if* they actually took the time to simmer these soups and use real stock along with fresh herbs/produce.. as well as to make them distinct not only by adding or deleting a protein. I always taste flour in these soups and they have no real flavor profiles. With the clear soups, I always have an aftertaste and usually this means that they used some of those bulk spices (that may or may not be flavor "enhancers".. And the reason I still taste flour in these soups? Is because they are not building flavor profiles. Because building flavor takes time (simmering,) Which is the POINT of me going to a shop called "Soupbox" in the first place!! I want exceptional soup not just "OK" soup!! Which anyone can do at home with leftovers and frozen bag of veggies.. just toss together for a quickie "frig cleanup soup." Bottom line, they are cutting LOTS of corners and it shows.. I usually make a few batches of soups throughout the year at home. I spend no less than 3-5 hours from start to finish on any given soup. I don't taste that here at all. I always thought that homemade soup equaled love after all. I would challenge those 4 and 5 star reviewers to find a soup recipe that starts from scratch. Make it all the way through (even using boxed stocks because I usually use both in mine homemade and boxed :) Then, come back and see if Soupbox is really worthy of these 4 and 5 star reviews..Not to mention, it makes your house actually feel all cozy and nostalgic!! Update: I have to give props to the management for responding to my review and offering me to come back and try them. Unfortunately, I found them to be the same as I said before. Nothing special (like any supermarket deli high end or otherwise) you'd never know the difference. To be fair, I think, for the price point and given this hipster location, my review's not going to effect their biz anyways. I always appreciate when I'm heard nonetheless.
(2)
Hilary P.
Oh SoupBox, you could not be more perfect to me. Selection of 12 delicious soups on all the chilly days you'd want to eat soup? Amazing idea! I wish you existed in California every time the temperature dips below 65 and I crave soup. Oh and your lobster bisque is kind of amazing so that's nice too! Great rotating selection, friendly service, patient employees who let you sample whatever you want when you're feeling indecisive, all great things here at SoupBox!
(5)
William L.
This is one of those neighborhood places we sometimes take for granted and fail to give them the kudos they deserve. I just finished another amazing bowl of Lobster Bisque and realized I never gave them a review. Bad Will... Good SoupBox! They have a dozen or so soups made fresh daily! You can sample them, too. The portions are large and priced reasonably, along with a side of fresh bread. An enjoyable meal on a hot or cold day! Today I also tried the Grilled Cheese - yummy. Sometimes, the simple things like a grilled cheese sandwich and soup really hit the spot! The staff are super friendly, always smiling, engaging, and they seem proud about their store and product. Since they are a few blocks away, I will be back...
(4)
Annette J.
I've been dealing with a never ending cold/allergy amalgamation the last few weeks so that coupled with the cooling temps have really put me in a soup kind of mood. Thankfully Soupbox is just up the street from my apartment to accommodate my recent cravings. Soupbox is a small space with a warm vibe. A few tables and chairs (additional seating outside in warmer temps) and the counter with their 12 kettles of delectable soups for the day fill up the room. Flavors range from a Cream of Asparagus to Bacon Cheddar Beer to the vegan/gluten free Cuban Black Bean and you can see what's offered before you head over there via their website at thesoupbox.com . Also nice--the website lists the nutritional info so if you're watching calories you can plan accordingly. I was surprised to find that some of my favorite soups were not as indulgent as I thought which was AWESOME. If you're anything like me you might get overwhelmed by the variety but luckily the staff is open to give you free samples of soups to help you make your choice. If you're torn between two flavors you can even get them to mix them for you. Just yesterday I had a mix of two of my favorites--lobster bisque and clam chowder. That ish was gooooood. Also all the staff I've encountered are super passionate about their product so if you're feeling brave ask them to whip up a special mixture of some of their favorites just for you. I've seen them come up some interesting combinations. It can be kind of pricey for a bowl of soup but the two sizes--regular (12oz for around $5-6) and large (16oz $6-7) come with a side of bread so it can be a filling meal. If you're feeling kind of Renaissance Fair-y get thy soup in a bread bowl! In the summer months they expand to include "Icebox" offerings--Italian ice and gelato. Admittedly with Bobtail a few doors down and Paciugo up the street I don't go to Soupbox for their icy treats but they've got it if you want it. In the winter months they offer a delivery service which I've only used once--when I was deathly ill last January. I felt like a tool ordering delivery when they were not even a block away but desperate phlegmy times call for desperate measures. At least I gave the guy a good tip! A cooler houses some canned and bottled beverages and Pastoral next door offers some kick ass gourmet sandwiches if you want a soup and sandwich kind of deal but as far as I'm concerned the hearty flavorful soups at Soupbox are perfect on their own.
(4)
David K.
Stopped by the Chicago Avenue location this evening before taking in a film. I had a much better experience this time around, partly because I visited during off-hours, when it is not so crowded. Their cream of chicken and wild rice soup, which I requested with a side wedge of bread, was delicious, although I think I still love the bread bowl concept (against my dietary better judgement). Thanks to this experience, I would definitely go to Soupbox again, and that would include the Broadway location, now that I have had the chance to try a different menu item during a less hectic time of day.
(4)
Derek B.
Nothing to complain about! Great soup, they're very efficient. I really like the ability to mix soups, and the "mix of the day" they have on the menu board.
(4)
Gary C.
I can't wait until winter. I'm going to slide down Broadway in my rear-wheel drive car and park my butt in front of two of my favorite spots in the city of Chicago: Soupbox and [insert chicken wing place across from Soupbox...hey, I'm not getting paid to plug Crisp. Oops!]. Better yet, I don't need to wait until winter. At the rate that this city is going, temperatures could hit 100 tomorrow and 40 the day after. Bah. Regardless, I'm going make my way down to Soupbox. With twelve different soups a day you'll find something that tickles your fancy. The folks over at the 'Box rotate between almost thirty different cauldrons of liquid goodness. I drove home with two regular sizes: the chicken & wild rice and clam chowdaaaaa. I came to this decision after minutes, yes minutes, of taste testing. That's right. Taste test away, my dear friends. Try them all...and then try them all again. Only then will you be able to decide which lucky hot thang will accompany you home that night. But on a serious note, the two that I wound up taking home were excellent, and remained tasty even after my 20+ minute car ride home. Some of the others that I tried that night were the lobster bisque [a fan favorite and something I would take home given the mood be right] and the rosemary chicken dumpling, which had an awesome rosemary scent and flavor. Beyond the soup, the 'Box has some awesome staff. Everybody is friendly and ready to answer any questions. PLUS they have both saltine crackers AND oyster crackers for those who prefer one over the other...or both [like me]. So if you're itchin' for some soup, as I know I do at times, skip the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks from that faux-Italian chain and make the trip to Soupbox. Just be sure to sip it like it's hot once you get it [ metacafe.com/watch/21593… The Real JT [not Johnny haha] wouldn't want you to burn your tongue while sippin' on this sizzzzzoup.
(5)
Melissa S.
Point deduction for making me walk 4 blocks from the 1 parking spot I found. There is construction galore and NO WHERE to park! I only have an hour lunch people... 15 minute drive to get there PLUS finding parking left me less than 10 minutes to eat before I had to walk back. A point deduction for reading reviews about their "signature lobster bisque" that was all bisque and no lobster. Maybe it's just me, but I'm used to having the chunks of lobster in my lobster bisque (at least that's how I like it). The grilled cheese was good (basic) but the fact that they have BOTTLED root beer and cherry coke was a BIG plus (re-gained a star). Might be coming back here soon!
(4)
Debbie F.
Lobster bisque: 4/5 stars. Not as creamy as Lobster (Squash) Bisque from Whole Foods, but it's still delicious. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice: 5/5 stars. Amazing; best I've tasted in my life...and I don't even like chicken. Grilled multigrain turkey sandwich with pepper jack + mozzarella: 3/5. Maybe I ordered the wrong ingredients, but the sandwich was nothing special. Cheese was perfectly melted though.
(4)
Nicolas R.
I'm currently sick with allergy madness and feel like I want to die. So soup. Right? I had a tomato florentine, which I was a bit skeptical about, but as I was sold on a grilled cheese sandwich, it was a logical choice. The soup tasted FRESH and not canned, and sill had the richness of being cooked for hours. Brilliant. The beef stock rounded out the savory and the vegetables still had a little bit of crunch to them - not mush. The pasta in the soup held its shape, again, not mush. I had my grilled cheese with mozzarella cheese and it was great! It was closer to a panini, but still buttery without being greasy. It came with some sourdough bread that was SOFT and complemented the soup perfectly. So, yeah. FIve stars. I mean, it's kind of the only soup restaurant I've ever been to, so I'd say it's as good as it gets in my book. And I think it brought me back from the brink of death.
(5)
Jennifer L.
What could be more amazing than their vast selection of fresh soups made daily? GRILLED CHEESE!!! The weather outside is getting colder, and so my body has been craving soup. The other day, I got a regular sized tomato basil soup and tried their grilled cheese on wheat bread with mozzarella. They brought the grilled cheese over to me almost immediately after I found a place to sit. I just have to say, I'm going back today for sure. I think I'm addicted. PS: the lack of 5 stars is due to the fact that the place is TINY. I really wish they had more seating. If you can, I would get everything to go.
(4)
Jennifer C.
I've fallen into a stage 3 food coma from the pure awesomeness that is their Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup, so please forgive me if my tip is incomprehensible. Ask for samples. It might make the decision process harder, but it'll be worth it, especially if you decide to blend soups. Oh yes. They do that too.
(4)
Brent H.
Provides a quick bite but it is easy to make better soup at home; overrated.
(2)
Elliott C.
If you have an issue with this place then it's your fault and you have no friends. It's quick service, the soup is amazing and it's always hot. I've never had 1 problem and I've ordered from here about 40-50 times over the past couple of years.
(5)
Jennie P.
Ok - I gave Soupbox another chance on a cold evening with an under the weather husband and they've moved up in my book. I will say, this experience was much better! My soup was DELISH, I got the small and wish I ordered the large. I chose Lobster Bisque and my husband had some sort of Sausage Gumbo which I also tried...it was also VERY good! We both ordered multi-grain bread to go with the soup and what's interesting is it comes in this little plastic wrap. Naturally, you would think it's just hard bread they toss with the soup BUT it's not! It was so soft, it was REALLY good! Similar to the last time I came in the store - the people working were incredibly helpful and SO nice and friendly. They really have great customer facing employees. If you're looking for great soup - give Soupbox a chance. It's still not 5 stars because I didn't sample ALL the soups and I haven't had a sandwich yet. I'm prepared to return though and sample a lot and grab a sandwich. Great job Soupbox, looking forward to returning.
(4)
Sara M.
I love when I watch Phantom Gourmet, they rave about a certain place, and then I immediately get up to eat there. That is what happened with this place. I was so enamored with the various types of soup they described that I wanted it immediately. I mixed the lobster bisque and the clam chowder for a delicious steaming bread bowl of deliciousness. I bathed in the wafts of flavoured steam and it warmed me to the tips of my toes. I have also tried and enjoyed the potato leek and the chicken with wild rice. They are all very good with the right consistency, amount of solid ingredients, and spice. So go do what I did - read the reviews on Yelp and leave to get some of this satisfying soup.
(4)
Eric M.
Now that the 40 degree days are arriving, Soupbox is going to become a regular haunt of mine. I've yet to have a soup here that I don't enjoy. The cream-based ones are decadent and the broth-based ones are nice and savory. I'd skip the bread bowl and just go large, you get any extra bread for free. Keep in mind this place is small so come on off times or be prepare to take it to go. Also, they have IBC Cream Soda which is amazing.
(4)
Lindsey W.
Another one of my neighborhood gems, I literally stalk the website to see what soups are being served each day. You can't go wrong. Just make sure if you want one of the super popular ones *ahem* Cheesy Baked Potato... get there early or it will be gone fast.
(4)
Julia C.
How much do I love SoupBox? THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH! Daily soups online are the best. I can tell if it's worth a trip over that day or not, depending on which veggie soups they have. Also worth trying? combining two different soups into something delicious. I often combine Broccoli Cheddar and Potato Leek. I love that they become IceBox in the summertime too. Best for a quick bite of something cold, depending on the temp. of the office that day!
(5)
Laura S.
Ohhhh Soupbox. How you tempt me with your luxuriously creamy broccoli cheddar soup, your crispy-outside-yet-tender-inside bread bowls, and your delectable chocolate chip cookies. But I must resist you, Soupbox, and you know why. I have only myself to blame, I suppose. I couldn't help but look at your nutritional information. How could you deceive me so? I feel so...so...disappointed. I won't divulge your little secret; no, that would be cruel. But for the sake of my waistline, I have to leave you behind. Don't worry about me, I'll be ok. I'll console myself with homemade soup that, while much healthier and cheaper, doesn't have your decadence. Perhaps one day I shall return, when a few pant sizes have dropped and I can allow for your heapings of fat. Until then, adieu, Soupbox. I will miss you.
(4)
Nate D.
The soup is WAY overpriced. The store smells like burnt cheese (and has for years). The staff is stoned all the time, and I mean the entire staff is really really high (they've never heard of Visine apparently). For $6 I'd rather buy a nicklebag from the soup dude than a bowl of mediocre expensive liquid.
(1)
Dayna C.
I have to say I was a little disoriented when I went in. The set up is a little odd--there is all this soup in pots on a counter. I was a bit overwhelmed by the choices. At the time I was the only person in "line" (more on this in a second) and I was asked if I wanted to taste anything. I tried one black bean soup, which was okay, but not what I wanted. I continued to ponder my options as a wave of people appeared out of nowhere. Because I wasn't ready to order I let folks go ahead of me. So back to the line thing, there really seems to be no rhyme or reason to the ordering process, it's just a free for all. Some people don't mind stuff like that, but I'm use to being directed to where to place my order and pay. Also, the location of the menu was difficult to locate at first. Anyway, after feeling anxious about the whole order I just picked a chicken and dumpling soup and added a grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was really good. As I ate the soup I felt like it was missing something. It wasn't bland per se, but it just needed a kick of something. Eventually I put in a dash of hot sauce and it was good to go! I will say that it is a bit pricey. The only reason I bought the soup was because it was cold outside and I thought it would be nice. I got the regular size which was $6.50. It was basically a small size. The grilled cheese was only $2.50. So the short end of it all, if you are in the mood for some soup, give this place a try. They have a of options so maybe you will find one that you really like. Plus up you can taste test them (I wish I would have just tried a few more options.)
(3)
Astra W.
Went to this Lakeview location with my cousin while I was in town for a visit. The lobster bisque and the chicken wild rice are my faves! I also love to have the staff do half of each in a cup, and they won't charge you more for it..pure awesomeness! Too bad they ran out of the chicken wild rice this time. My cousin ordered the clam chowder and I ordered the lobster bisque. One thing that's a bummer is that sometimes the soup isn't piping hot like we prefer it to be. The clam chowder was hot, but it wasn't as piping hot as the lobster bisque. Maybe it's because the chowder's consistency is just way thicker than the bisque. Staff here was friendly, and they even have a choice of either sourdough bread or wheat bread to go with your soup. Can't say no to carbs to go with delicious soup! I only wish there was Soup Box in Southern California...!
(4)
Jason M.
Just ate here this early afternoon. The lobster bisssssque haha is amazing also you have to try the grilled cheese. Delish!
(5)
Hannah S.
Yes, their soup is good, but ICEBOX is da bomb! I discovered Icebox at lunch after having Soupbox, and then had another a few hours later IT WAS THAT GOOD. It doesn't get old :) It's like a healthier and more delicious version of Hawaiian shaved ice where every bite is made with fresh fruit. No yucky artificially flavored syrup (unless you prefer that stuff). It's the most refreshing, on-the-go dessert you can have on a hot summer day in Chicago. Better than froyo!
(5)
Jelena Z.
UPDATE 2/24/08: The owner messaged me on Yelp and apologized for my prior negative experience. He said that he'd leave a gift card for 2 free soups of my choice, any size, at the Broadway location. I was so impressed that he personally reached out to me. I went there today and tried the Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup. Off the charts delicious! The smoked bacon gave the soup amazing flavor without overwhelming. The consistency was perfect too-- thick but not too chunky. I think I have a new favorite. The staff was so friendly and accommodating-- it's obvious that they are making customer service their #1 priority. Thanks again Soupbox, for making good on a past so-so experience and changing my mind! Can't wait to return to try another flavor. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I was so excited to try Soupbox. And I was so very let down. I called to place my delivery order right before 8 pm on a Sunday evening. I was told the wait would be an hour. Sure, no problem. I ask for an order of Lobster Bisque. I'm told I must order 2 soups. Um, what's your minimum order? Because it's just me, and I don't WANT 2 soups. Maybe I can order a couple of bottled waters and a Diet Coke. Also, I'm ordering the most expensive soup on the menu. Sorry ma'am, 2 soup minimum. Okay... um, I guess I'll take 2 small Lobster Bisques then. 9:30 rolls around. I'm growing impatient. I decide I'll give them another 10 minutes before I call. 9:40. Where's my damn soup? Now I'm really hungry, too. I call them, and talk to a frantic manager. Sorry, the delivery guy is just around the corner. Should be there any minute, ok? Sounds good. I'll just watch ANOTHER movie. 10 pm comes and goes, and now it's 10:15. 2 hours and 15 minutes after my order was placed! I call them again, and let the manager know that I want a credit issued for one of the soups. He says that why don't I come in instead for a free soup on them? All I have to do is mention his name. No bueno-- I push for the credit and finally get it. Finally-- 10:25 pm and my soup arrives. At this point, I'm ready for bed! But still, I'm starved, and ready to find out what all the hot fuss is about. So, the lobster bisque is so thin that I think it's a joke. No lobster chunks here... just some runny nonsense. And not very flavorful, either. The lobster bisque that some McDonald's on the East Coast serve in the summer is much better than this stuff. I can't speak for the other varieties of soup, but the horrible service and lobster bisque-wannabe killed my appetite for more Soupbox. And I wanted to like it, too-- Soupbox is so close to where I live and I love soup!
(4)
Jesse S.
Tonight it was the creamy chicken and wild rice that won over my palate with promises of satiety... and it did not disappoint. Service was quite friendly, no-nonsense, and delivered the goods with the quickness. One soup-slinger even recognized me from around the neighborhood. She must have an eagle eye, cause I'm pretty sure I don't go out that much. Even so, within moments, I was home and tucking right in to my dunkable din-din. $8 and 16 oz. later, I'm sitting pretty full, sourdough bread nugget (the end piece... extra crusty crust... yesssss) and soupy ricey chickeny goodness melding together in my digestive bits. Sated. Soupbox, you did it again.
(4)
Kyle O.
It's a rare occasion that I just have soup for a meal and feel full, but this place is amazing! The lobster bisque is quite good as is the mozzarella grilled cheese is great too!
(5)
Don W.
It's like Panera without the bread, pastries, or sandwiches. Okay, so I get it - the concept is soup & only soup. That's cool. Even though one of my usual criteria for a great eatery is a menu that is both distinct and diverse, I won't dock em because of the originality (and frankly the daring) of the soup only concept. What surprises me though is that their soup is so mediocre. I've now sampled and/or purchased 5 flavors from Soupbox, and only one has been flavorful enough to merit my return. To be fair, I am a bit of a tough critic, and both their management and employees are both polite and professional. Nonetheless, I cannot honestly rate the dining experience well without some really good food. Likes: I did (to my surprise) enjoy the creamy asparagus soup, which was thick, creamy, and flavorful. The vegetarian chili was interesting and pretty spicy, though not greatly to my taste (I'm not used to red bell peppers in chili, so it reminded me more of an enchilada soup). I am impressed by their cookies, which are also pretty tasty. I like that they deliver, though apparently not during the summer. Dislikes: The soups generally lack great flavor, though they are okay in general. The chicken dumpling soup is more like gnocchi in a flavorless cream sauce without any detectable amount of meat and no veges at all, which was quite a disappointment to this southern-born foodie. I actually had to spit out the lobster bisque that I sampled, though you shouldn't read too much into that since I don't generally care for seafood. The bread bowl was okay but a little tough on the inside - not as good as a Panera bread bowl. They also make their own sort of Italian ice, which I did not care for (sampled 2 flavors, cherry & cantaloupe). Just as a general note, I find it kind of hard to justify a $5 bowl of soup, though with the bread thrown in it's not a bad deal. I was just surprised to see a total of $17 for a few small items. All in all, I can see how some people would love this place, but it's just not my cup of soup.
(2)
Edwina B.
This mainstay is right down the street from me and in the past when I'm jonesing for a good lobster bisque would not hesitate to grab a bowl here to go. My husband is a big fan of the chicken wild rice and I'm also a big fan of the chili. My big rub? The constant increase in prices....for their smallest size, expect to spend $8. I have no issues with the quality of their product (though on occasion we have had a watered down batch or two - staff was gracious to give us a refund) but I know I can go to a restaurant and get soup and tip for much cheaper!
(3)
Jilly Pop S.
Despite the fact that it is summer, I had a craving for great soup. Bought the Groupon because this place came highly recommended. Went there after hours and it wasn't too busy. Everything was great except for the way you order and pay. I felt like I was in the way of the waiting patrons. The tables could be a bit bigger and less wobbly (not good for eating hot soup). I had the soup and sandwich combo which is a great deal! The bread bowl was awesome with Lobster Bisque. What I enjoyed the most is the freshness of the bread. I highly recommend the Soupbox and watch out for the wobbly tables.
(4)
Jeremiah R.
Yeah! Soupbox is awesome. Especially in the winter. Broc-ched (in the parlance of soup connoisseurs) is great. Lob-bisque is also great. Get a grilled cheese while your at it, but bring an oral anesthetic/analgesic with you because the bread might scratch up the roof of your mouth. Still worth it though.
(4)
Jeffrey P.
Well, I'll be honest. I have been here maybe 40 times over the past few winters and ordered the same thing each time. I haven't even tasted another soup even though the employees there seem to be very happy about getting people to try free samples of anything you would like. Despite my lack of variety and excitement, the lobster bisque which I order again and again is just superb. As Seinfeld says, 'the soup is the meal' and that couldn't be more true at this place. Portions are large and the fresh baked bread is perfect. All for under $8. This place almost makes me wish winter would stick around for a few more months......FALSE.
(4)
Rebecca T.
Ah Soupbox, I love thee. Every time I'm back in town I make a stop there. A good standby is always Creamy Chicken w/Wild Rice mixed w/Chicken noodle. SO good! Next time, though, I should avoid eating the huge chunk of whole grain bread that came with it - carb overload! Tonight I also tried a yummy Sweet Potato and Chipotle Chili bisque and the Clam Chowder. I'll most definitely be back!!!
(5)
Ali W.
Yum! I got the Chicken and dumpling in a bread bowl and it was delish! However, I don't really think it was worth the $10 bucks. I do like the fact that they are fresh and there are new soups everyday. You can choose between a sour dough or whole grain (i think) bowl. On the website there is also nutritional facts if you're into that stuff. I think I would come back to try different soups- the guys working there highly recommended the tomato bisque, but i'm not really into tomato soup. When I do come back, I'd probably skip the bread bowl even though it was great and filling-- and go with a cup or something. I also thought it was really cool that they let you mix soups and also have a mixed soup of the day...definitely will need to try that too.
(3)
Brian L.
I started writing about my first experience at Soupbox after feeling like crap for a few days and needing some homemade, soupy goodness in my tummy. The rosemary chicken with dumplings didn't completely cure me but it sure did taste good and made me feel a little better. I rated this experience at 5 stars but realized I needed another round at the SB before making the final call. Days later, I was feeling better and in need of something creamy... Lobster Bisque? What is this now, a fancy shmancy steakhouse? Thanks, Soupbox, for allowing us mere commoners to enjoy a delicious bowl of heaven that I'd usually only get to experience at a David Burke's or Capital Grille. Perfectly spicy and creamy though I do wish there was more lobster, but then again, isn't this usually the case with lobster bisque? (Well unless you're at Capital Grille where they give you more lobster than soup, which is never a bad problem to have) Ps. The breadbowl (sourdough or whole wheat) is an excellent addition but for the already semi-hefty price for a bowl of soup, I convince myself I don't need the extra carbs and stick to the bowl of soup which comes with a roll on the side anyway.
(4)
Rocky H.
I love you Soupbox. I hate winter with a sick passion and you make it better for me. I love how you can try a couple soups before making your final decision. From the Lobster Bisque to a simple Chicken Noodle, they're all good. Great friendly staff here, I always leave in a great mood!
(5)
Sara F.
Great Cheddar broc soup--- seriously one of my absolute favorite meals in the city of Chicago. I have been here too many times to count. I always sample the soups, but usually end up ordering my old standby (Ched broc) . The bread is 9 times out of 10 very doughy and fresh and the soup is always piping hot and delish. Consistent taste, consistent good service, and great for cold days or sick days. Low key and good value!
(5)
Lauren K.
Look I'm picky, ok not picky but perhpas particular. I was just not impressed by soupbox. I like that samples were offered. I tasted: Tomato Florentine: This was what the guy working said was his favorite. I probably shouldn't have tasted as I am not a tomato fan but I once upon a time loved a tomato bisque (Strawberry Street Cafe in Richmond VA). Not impressed at all! Cream of Asparagus: Ignored that it was green and not impressed. Realized it was green and just felt icky Clam Chowder: There was a really strange aftertaste. I love Clam Chowder, this made me sad. Potato Bacon: It was ok.. I was able to eat half a cup. Overall I was really disappointed. I was just getting over a strange illness and was looking forward to soup and it made me just want to go make my own or go beg the chef at Globe Pub to make the potato soup I have dreams about. I am glad someone else paid because I do not think I could have justified spending my money here.
(3)
Michelle G.
What can I say about this place, other than its great! I literally make the drive out from the O'Hare area just to get their yummy soups. I love the setup with all of the soups keeping warm in big kettle-style pots towards the back. Also love how they give you sample tastes, (just remember to blow on them, cause they are HOT!) and how they allow you mix the soups up creating a unique flavor thats all your own. A bit pricey, but in my opinion totally worth it. Also, the parking is a bit of a problem, but once you've found a spot you are all set! I have suggested and recommended this place to all of my friends. Can't wait to battle it out for this yummy soup during the bitter cold chicago winter months.
(5)
Erin K.
Soupbox is the best news I've heard in a looongg time! How wonderful! 12 soups fresh daily?! I think I'm gonna cry!! One Monday early evening I happened to be leisurely meandering through my neighborhood. On my way to get some ice cream, in fact. And what do my wondering eyes spy? A place dedicated solely to soup! Heavens to Murgatroy! So I've tried the NE Clam Chowder, Lobster bisque, and Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar. Yum-o-la! Lobster bisque was my fave but there is truth to what Ryan K says about the thinness. I could go on for days. This place really did make my day! Oh - say what? They deliver? Geez oh man, there is a god!
(5)
Frank Q.
Home made soup! Delicious daily and rotating soups so call ahead or check their website to see what's available for the day. During the summer they have Icyfruit, I still need to try it out. Wish they would open one near me, parking in the neighborhood is hard to come by but the soups worth it.
(4)
Tung L.
Soup wasn't too bad. Maybe I got the bottom of the barrel but it wasn't as chunky as I was hoping. Besides that grilled cheese was great and staff was friendly. I got to try other soups but the clam chowder was decent, nothing to write home about. However its great to just find a soup joint in general.
(4)
Lulu J.
I have been here a number of times this Winter. My mom actually knows the guy who started the Soupbox and that's how I found out about it! Everything about this place is superb. I love the name, the pots each soup are in, and the fact that you can mix soups! If you're not sure what to mix there's always a "suggestion" on the chalkboard of what soups are good together. If you like to try new soups this place is the place to go. I try to get something different every time but it never happens! I can never shy away from the Broc Cheddar & Cream of Asparagus. They all look so amazing, soon I will get a different soup. The only thing I'd have to say about the broc cheddar soup, is that it could be thicker. It still tastes amazing though so obviously it's not too much of a problem! Definitely go try it out on a cold day! Staff is very friendly too... =)
(5)
Devon S.
Update: 09/12/2011 One must stick to facts I guess. I have a dedicated e-mail address for my Yelp account. I used a pseudonym. I initially contacted this establishment using my real name via their direct website to alert them of the situation below. This is the first and only time I've done so using my dedicated Yelp e-mail address. I am now receiving a barrage of e-mails from the owner which I delete. Okay, I can deal with that. Now someone, using variants of my real name, is subscribing me for subscriptions to such sites as Narth and the Genesis Project to name a few of the over half dozen subscription confirmations I've recieved from various websites of that ilk. I am putting two and two together - but, please, draw your own conclusions. The owner just doesn't get it. He responded to my original review stating that his staff acted appropriately and that he had "complete" trust in his manager. In comments to him, I mentioned that there were three staff members on duty and exactly two customers in the shop. His response? He creates an excuse about why he had three employees on duty that particular afternoon (something about a Groupon event having just passed) missing my point entirely. Several times this summer I've gone into the Lakeview location only to find there wasn't sufficient soup for my order or, worse, it had been clearly adulterated by water. This never used to happen - period. This establishment is called the Soupbox, am I correct? Soup is their bread and butter, correct? The staff was lackadaisical at best and has been for several months. The owner used to have better kids behind the counter - I never dreamt I would have to write this sort of review for the Soupbox and I've been coming here since I think 1996. There's something suspicious about these other positive reviews. Moreover, an owner who is supsects some sort of ulterior motive for a bad review must highly suspect himself. The owner refuses to listen to criticism until my Yelp review is posted - and then hell hath no fury. Simple facts. I've gone into the store several times for an order. One time the employee himself was horrified at the watery consistency of the soup. The other times the employee seemed to be aware that the several of the soups were inedible, but seemed to be driven by economics to sell it anyway, or more damagingly, too lazy to cook some more. I can put up with stale bread (several times) and a dirth of crackers (once), but bad soup at Soupbox? You've just lost a customer. There is absolutely no excuse for an inferior product being on floor - plain and simple. And if the owner can't see that, he needs to sell the business or take a vacation until he can return with a clear mind.
(1)
dave h.
Even though I really like this place, I have to start my review with a complaint because it's been so persistent: Everytime I go to Soupbox, they're sold out of something I want....and I'm not talking about walking in 10 minutes before they close. Last night, I tried ordering some corn chowder a little bit before 6 pm, and it was already gone. The time before that, they were out of grilled cheese. The time before that, they were out of bread bowls. This place has been in business long enough that it should be better able to manage its supply. That said, obviously I keep going back because I really like the soup. I really don't have any complaints (aside from the above...but that criticism is sort of a back-handed compliment). On a cold winter night, this stuff really hits the spot...plus SB delivers.
(3)
Kate P.
Remember that Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi, who would scream, "No Soup For You!" Well I'm happy to announce that Soupbox is NOT like that at all. When I walked in I was promptly welcomed by the very nice people working behind the counter. I love that you can sample any of the 12 different and delicious home made soups before you buy. I sampled their lobster bisque and their vegan specialty, and decided on a regular size 12 oz bowl of lobster bisque. It was scrumptious and fresh and came with a side of bread, your choice either Italian or Multi-grain. I chose Italian and it was delicious. All in all, if you're looking to warm up on these not so spring like nights, I recommend that you stop at Soupbox if you're in the area. It's a light but hearty meal that's good for your gullet, as well as, your wallet.
(4)
Neil R.
Very delicious soup from a cozy shop in Lincoln Park. They let you try all the soups and you can even mix them! I had the tomato and basil bisque in a bread bowl and it was fantastic. A friend mixed the lobster bisque and clam chowder and I'll admit, I was jealous. I've personally never thought of mixing soups, but next time I go back (and there will be a next time) I will give it a shot. You can also buy cans of soda and bottled water, but they don't have fountain drinks. I can't say how crowded it gets since we went about 2pm, but at that time there were only 2 other people in the place. Looking forward to getting back and concocting a masterpiece!
(4)
Mike C.
Ugh....what a disappointment. Are you serious that a large tomato tortellini soup is $7.50? Not to mention that when I got home, it was barely 3/4 full. Then, on top of that, it had no flavor whatsoever and the torelllini was so over cooked that it was falling apart. Don't even get me started on how awful the grilled cheese was too. This place is not worth your time or money.
(1)
Jennifer T.
Their chicken noodles soup was ok. I liked the noodles but it felt like a glorified version of Campbell's. You know the one. Their sourdough bread was really yummy though. I'd go back just for that. I think I need to try another soup before I write it off or not.
(3)
tr y.
Its getting to be the perfect time for this little neighborhood Gem. I Had two soups last night one was the creamy chicken it was amazing and the chow der, then I even bought an extra soup for the bum outside, I treated him to the rosmary chicken. He was passed out so i put it by his feet, i ate mine later and really loved it. In fact, Im ordering from there now because THEY DElivER!!.
(4)
Carolynne M.
Someone here compared the soup quality to Campbell's. I don't know if I would go quite that far, but I do agree that for the price being charged, this soup needs me to go "WOW" and start plotting the next time I can come here. Aaaaannd, it really didn't. I had the Spicy Mayan Chicken Enchilada. A nice soup, but not spicy & nothing really special or "enchilada" about it. The bread given was "sopping" bread, which is just a fluffy bread that on its own has little flavour, and whose sole purpose is to sop up the remnants of liquid at the bottom of the bowl. Basically, here's my take on this joint: It's great if you cant cook to save your life, if you are lazy with a fat wallet, or if you are short on time and starving.
(3)
Phil K.
I thought $17 for two servings of soup was somewhat pricey. While it was tastey, it would be nice if they gave you actual soup spoons and perhaps real bowls when you eat there as opposed the paper cups they serve it in. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(2)
Kimberly C.
Amazing. Have never been disappointed. The chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort food for winter days in Chicago. The fresh fruit italian ice hits the spot during the summer. Each time I go to visit my boyfriend in Cleveland he requests that I bring a few containers of the chicken and wild rice soup with me! Not sure what he looks forward to the most...me or the soup!
(5)
Ryan K.
I was surprised to learn that their most popular soup is chicken and wild rice... until I tried it. Very good. I haven't had a bad soup there yet. Their lobster bisque, though thin on the seafood chunk (i'm not sure if there is any) is still very good. They all come with a piece of bread. Good stuff from top to bottom.
(4)
April P.
They have a pretty great variety of soups, which rotate on their menu. However, they are on the pricey side, as chicken noodle soup does not account for an $8 meal. Love their lobster bisque, creamy, rich in flavor with great bits of lobster included. They do allow for you to sample the soups, prior to purchase.
(4)
Isla E.
I'm not sure what to think of this place given the rumor that the soups are actually Campbells Restaurant Quality that are just thawed, heated, and served. On the one hand, its nice to have a quick soup stop. On the other its not cool to charge $4.95 for 12 oz. of what is essentially watered down butternut puree from a bag, and claim that it is "fresh". Its not so much the price that bothers me, it's the irresponsible marketing. However, I don't know for certain where their soup comes from, so for now I remain neutral. If, in fact, the soup comes from a bag, than all the ingredients listed on the bag should also be listed on the giant soup pots. No fair glossing over such as printing "Butternut squash, shallots, sage, vegetable broth", when in fact there are 15 other ingredients in there, most of which are chemicals with no nutritional value. The service was great, no problems there. But I want to know the truth about the soup. I don't trust the labels on the soup pots. Maybe I will go back and ask like a crazy lady, if so, I will update the yelp community.
(3)
Mobs N.
This place is good! The best soup is the lobster bisque!
(4)
Hayley M.
Oh, soup. How I love you. You warm me up when I'm cold, cheer me up when I'm sad, and make me feel better when I'm sick. I even crave you in the summertime. The Soupbox is perfect for such cravings. I'm a huge fan of broccoli soup, and the Soupbox makes a great one. Yes, as everyone else has written, their prices are a tad high. However, the soup is heavy enough to be a meal, and it comes with bread. For me, a $6 meal is pretty awesome. And let's be honest: Cheesy Beer Soup? Aren't you intrigued? At least a little bit?
(3)
Mindy C.
Lobster bisque. Yum! I was surprised to see how "not bad for you" it was. I was expecting something much worse when I looked at the calorie count. My fiance swears by the Potato and Bacon soup. He gets very excited when I bring it home. We also enjoy the Beer Cheese soup... but that one is a rare find and sells out quickly. And of course... the Icebox is the bomb. Totally delicious on a hot summer day - Raspberry and Lemon combo can't be beat! The staff is very friendly and greets you like they see you everyday. They're a Lakeview staple.
(4)
Ern E.
I love having lunch or an early dinner at this place. For around $8 bucks I can get a small soup (which is enough for me), some bread and a drink. Soupbox pretty much has the greatest creamy chicken & wild rice soup on the planet. Everything about it is amazing. Well, I kind of wish there was more chicken...and better quality chicken (it's kind of sketchy--so much like the canned soup chicken) in the soup. Everything else is perfection. I may grab lunch here tomorrow :)
(4)
Colleen B.
The staff at Soupbox/Icebox knows me as the kind, yet crabby, woman who goes in frequently during the spring and scowls because they aren't yet carrying their Italian Ice. Isn't their name Soupbox/Icebox? Wait for Memorial Day to roll around, and then stop in and get their blueberry Italian ice. It has real blueberries in it. All of the other fruit flavors have real pieces of fruit in them, too.
(4)
H G.
UPDATE (2/6/12): I was contacted by the store manager, who offered apologies and amends. I appreciate the effort. I'll update the review when I visit again. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â-------------- Soupbox is a bit pricey and slightly slow with service, but fairly filling and tasty. I had lunch at this location with a friend in early fall 2011. The cashier/server allowed me to taste any of the soups. I ended up tasting almost all of them. I appreciated that aspect. My ultimate decision was based on what I couldn't easily re-create at home. I chose the LOBSTER BISQUE ($6.50). It came with a hearty chunk of bread. Also, I ordered a large ICY-FRUIT because I like all things icy. I think it was a mix of mango and coconut. I was actually more impressed with the variety of icy flavors than the variety of soup. I found the lobster bisque to be too salty though. It wasn't helped by the huge salt pellet that I found in the sourdough bread. Even so, I enjoyed the meal, particularly helped by the delicious icy-fruit.
(3)
Tina B.
The lobster bisque and the creamy chicken wild rice soups here are perfect. The idea of a bug falling from the ceiling onto my food is kind of disturbing though. Mainly because I don't want to share. As long as there's NO biting...http://www.yelp.com/biz/japonais-Ârestaurant-chicago#hrid:k3m0kh9_OiTWgSWleZzZeg The staff here will give you samples and will mix up multiple flavors for you into one bowl, which is amazing, so you can make up your own flavor - lobster bisque creamy chicken rice, perhaps? It all costs a little more than it should, but I think that's a dictate on this stretch of street. I just wish they didn't switch to the Icebox in the summer. I can get frozen icy shit all over the city. What I need is some more soup. I wish they were located in my kitchen. Who am I kidding, I really wish they were located in my bedroom - sooo cooold....
(4)
Kathy K.
I went to the Soupbox to redeem an expired Groupon for the value that I paid for it as outlined in the Groupon policy. The establishment said that they would only honor it for half the value that I paid for it even though I repeatedly showed them that it was supposed to be honored for the full amount. When they refused to relent, I left. I can't comment on the quality of their food since I never got to taste it, but I can comment on the quality of their customer service - lousy. I'm grateful that Groupon does not share their poor customer service and is going to refund my money.
(1)
Kate S.
The Soup Box is one of those places that can get 5 stars or 3 stars, depending on what you order. I, for one, am not a huge fan of thick, puddingy soups, which The Soup Box seems to have a lot of (particularly the broccoli cheddar; your spoon literally stands up in the bowl if you leave it). However, the lobster bisque is quite excellent. They also win me over by giving extra bread for free when requested and for delivering. I also really have to give them credit for having good vegetarian soups. Often soups like cream of potato or broccoli cheddar are made with chicken stock, but The Soup Box makes a point of having multiple vegetarian soups, and at least one vegan soup, daily. And I appreciate how clear they make that, so I don't have to spend a lot of time asking and worrying that I'm getting incorrect information.
(4)
Melissa M.
Whenever my mom comes to town, we have to go to 'the soup place'. When anyone comes to visit, she tells me to take them to 'the soup place'. She's from a small town so they don't have anything like it where she is from, but I must agree I enjoy going there. Today I stopped in due to lack of groceries at home and again, they didn't disappoint. I am always impressed by the friendliness of the staff. I've never been in there (busy or slow) when they haven't taken the time to ask how my day is going. Sometimes I am taken aback because no one seems to take the time to be so sincere. As far as the soup goes, as others have said, the chicken and wild rice never disappoints and I love that they put a special mix soup on the board that you can try for an interesting unique blend. Wanna try a soup? No problem. Don't like that one? Try another. Want extra bread? Why not. Going to the Soupbox is a great experience, from the staff, to the misc. bottled beverages. Can't miss with this one! I plan to try the italian ice this summer!
(5)
Lindsey B.
I heart SoupBox. The best part is you can mix and match your soups. I always get the Lobster Bisque mixed with Clam Chowder. OH yeah. They get your order right 99% of the time, it's cheap, and it's awesome. AND they ride around on bicycles and still get it to you quickly! I applaud those guys. I suggest trying out this comforting winter soup oasis.
(4)
trina b.
I would say probably really 4 and a half stars. My husband is addicted to Crisp across the street from the Soupbox and being a vegetarian, there aren't many options for me there. So I have decided that I will just try all the surrounding restaurants while he munches on his chicken! I'm a bit embarrassed to say I haven't had The Soupbox until last night. And I'm glad I finally tried it! They have a couple of really nice vegetarian selections which is always a thrill for me when eating out. It was super cold and super snowy last night and we are in the process of moving, so takeout was a must. And my hubby was nice enough to go in and order my soup for me. So I can't comment on how it looked inside or service. However, I can comment on flavor!! YUM. I could leave it at that, but then it wouldn't really be one of my reviews! :0) I ordered two soups, don't judge me it was cold and snowy! They were both fantastic! I had the Potato Leek soup and the 7 Bean Melange. The 7 bean had lots of smoky flavor to it and did taste like beans but had very little beans floating around in it. I doubt there were even 4 kinds of beans in there. But there were lots of veggies in the soup. It was very yummy but I loved the Potato Leek Soup a bit more. It was creamy and full of yummy veggies and it was full of taste. I love the taste of taste! But again, didn't really taste a lot of leek flavor and didn't see much in it either. However, my grandmother and mother and now me, have an awesome recipe for potato leek soup, so most other recipes don't stand up to it. But I loved this soup for what it was, which I'm not totally sure what it was. But it was VERY tasty. And I will soon be ordering it again if I have my way! Oh and the soups come with a giant chunk of tasty bread! And crackers if that's your soupy thing! The reason for holding back one star is what I've basically already said. The names of the soup don't totally match up with what the soup is. But that's a small complaint because the soups are still fantastic and tasty. I just wish they were more aptly named. But it won't stop me from trying more soups from the Soupbox! Delish!
(4)
Alex D.
My first experience at Soupbox was in the summer when they were serving their homemade Italian Ice (with chunks of fruit in the mix!). It was really delicious and they give samples! I was devastated when they shut down their Italian Ice operation in the fall, but I had to face the facts: it was getting cold. Now that I've fully recovered, I have reached an appreciate for Soupbox's headliner, the soup. Their Chicken and Wild Rice is delicious, as is their Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. You get a nice chunk of sour dough bread or whole grain bread with your soup unless you decide to get a breadbowl. A friend of mine blew my mind when he recommended I combine multiple soups together (a cream based and a non-cream based soup). I couldn't go for it myself, but I did get a taste of his delicious Chicken and Wild Rice/Lobster Bisque combo. I highly recommend giving this a shot. And ask for recommendations! The staff know what's going on. Service here is fast and simple. Not much can go wrong. I'll be back many times.
(4)
Leang E.
This is such a great spot for comfort food. There are those times where you just don't feel well and all you can seem to stomach is liquid food and warmth. They have plenty of options here, and the soup is piping hot! I like the fact that you can sample the soups as well so you can be sure you get what you want. I wasn't super impressed with the soups that I have gotten here, both were different. I think I had smaller selection by the time I got there. The prices are decent and the staff was alright. Great spot for bonus points if you have a significant other that is sick and needs food.
(3)
Rob A.
Great little place! Went here for lunch on a rainy day and it hit the spot. Had my soup in a bread bowl and it more than filled me up. My only gripe is that, on the day I was there, they only had one non-cream/dairy based soup available. Not good for someone with lactose issues. Luckily, there was one serving left of the tomato based one so I had that. But if that last serving wasn't available, they would have lost a customer that day. Also, it would have been nice to have at least one more soup to choose from that wasn't cream based. I was kinda surprised they didn't have at least one more option--not only for people with lactose issues but also for the large number of vegans out there. I'm sure they're losing customers because of this. I just don't get why they don't see this. But the soup was really good. I'll just have to remember to check ahead before I go next time. I advise all vegans out there to do the same. ************************ Update 8/12/10-I received a very courteous and professional email from the manager apologizing about the lack of vegan friendly soups available with a promise that it will be rectified. The fact that he took the time to do this is testament to the level of customer service at this restaurant.
(5)
Christina R.
I had the chicken and wild rice soup (I always have the chicken and wild rice) and today i chose to add chicken dumpling to the mix. So good! So warm and cozy and yummy in my tummy! They make 12 homemade soups daily. You can sample any before buying and you mix them together if you want. It's my favorite thing about winter.
(5)
Heather R.
For as much soup as Chicagoans consume in the winter months, I gotta say, the Soupbox disappoints me. Yes, they have excellent choices and tasty soups, I'll give 'em that...but as far as customer service, delivery time (my soup showing up cold an hour and 15 minutes after I order it), and the price you charge...you're overrated. I can get the same thing from the likes of Jason's Deli or McAlister's for half the price. Very, very, very, disappointed.
(1)
Laura L.
I LOVE the chicken and wild rice soup. On a cold rainy day, there is nothing better than grabbing a bowl of this with some of their delicious bread. The always have a good range of soups and it's always piping hot and so yummy!
(4)
Adam L.
It's soup. It's bread. It's delicious. I highly recommend the chicken and rice, lobster bisque, and clam chowder. Also, ask for extra bread. Don't cost nothin'.
(4)
ALFREDO L.
AWESOME if you like soup! About ten different kinds almost every day, my wife and I love to stop everytime we are in that area
(5)
Ashley B.
I've only been here once so I want to come back and try it again, especially since I'm so close to it. The soup I had was pretty good but the salads were kind of blah. It just felt like a weird place overall. I do like that they let you taste test it before you buy, which, think about it, not a lot of restaurants do that, period. All in all, it's nice if you're nearby and in need of something quick and warm. However, I think I could make a better soup and spend a lot less moola doing so!
(3)
Jared D.
Just went here armed with a $5 for $10 groupon. Probably wasn't the best idea to go get soup when it's 93 degrees out, but was overall pretty good. Had the chicken noodle and grilled cheese. The soup had good flavor, but too much broth and not enough chicken/noodles/veggies etc. The sandwich was good. This place is probably much better in the winter, so hopefully there's another $5 groupon because soupbox is not cheap.
(3)
Kiki M.
I have been to both the Broadway and Chicago locations many times. The soup has a very good favor to it, but it's not hardy enough. I've had many of your soups, and I'd say that 95% of them are do not have enough veggies or filler to them. In addition, I went to get soup today, and I'm sorry to say that it is going to be the last time. It is OUTRAGOUS to charge $5.50 for a VERY SMALL soup that is practically all liquid.
(1)
Lisa T.
What a great place, especially for Chicago weather. Always a good selection, with meat, seafood or vegetarian friendly soups, and always um, um good!
(3)
Gladys C.
12 different soups every day!!! The split pea, lobster bisque, chicken with wild rice and corn chowder are really good. It's really hard to choose, but they let you sample as many as you want! You also get free bread chunks and those are really yummy compared to their bread bowls. I don't like their bread bowls - the bread is not soft enough (I prefer Au Bon Pain's) and doesn't make it want to eat it. Friendly service!
(4)
Aubrey K.
Great concept...The Soupbox is open in the cold season and it offers Italian Ice as the Ice Box in the warmer months. I love coming here and picking up a rich soup. The staff is always patient as I end up sampling at least 4 varieties and am so indecisive since they are all equally tasty. Some of my favorites are good old Chicken Noodle and the Chicken with Wild Rice.
(4)
Sydney K.
As a self-prescribed soup fanatic, I'm always on the lookout for good homemade soup. Soupbox not only has 1, but 12 daily homemade soups that comfort you on a blustery Chicago day. But your soup selection is only limited by your imagination - they encourage mixing soups to create whole new creations. One of my favorites is the lobster bisque and corn chowder mixed together. The italian bread that comes with the soup is delicious and don't be shy about asking for extra. Want to know what kinds of soups they're offering today? Visit their website thesoupbox.com to see their soups du jour.
(5)
Chelsea P.
If you want an "OK" soup for $10, come here. First time I had SoupBox was about a year ago, ordered the Lobster Bisque which was very delicious but over priced. Just had SoupBox again about 5 mins ago - my soup, "Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar" was as runny as water, not thick or cheesy at all. In fact I had to add my own shredded cheese and when my boyfriend dumped my remaining soup into his cup, I wasn't looking and I thought he poured water into his cup. No exaggeration. If you hate Panera Broccoli Cheddar soup A) you're not human and B) you'll love SoupBox.
(2)
Pamela B B.
Great soups of many varieties. Very friendly and helpful staff. The soups are delicious, especially on any cold, snowy or rainy day. The lobster bisque is "killer", which I mean in a good way. The prices are fair for a great hearty bowl of soup. They also have a delicious vegetarian chili. Around $6.95 for a good hot cup of soup. Prices vary depending on the size. You can always ask for a sample to taste. Enjoy!
(5)
Dayana R.
Awesome place for soup, your allowed to have tasting samples before making your choice. I recommend in a bread bowl
(4)
Michelle S.
Two words. Icy Fruit. Sure they have soup. And it's delicious. And fresh made. But the Icy Fruit. The icy fruit made it onto my summer bucket list. All the way from Denver. I dragged (yes. dragged) my husband in one VERY hot afternoon in June and we ordered a large lemon and cherry icy fruit to share. I'm happy to say that I converted him to an icy fruit enthusiast. I can't wait to go back and visit this fall and get my hands on some soup!
(5)
Matt D.
Great place for a quick lunch. It's always delicious. I recommend mixing the chicken and wild rice and lobster bisque. The result it a real treat!!
(4)
Shantel T.
Sunday morning and you're feeling a little beat up from the night before. This is the first thing we always get to--by feet or on all fours, we make it there. The lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice soup are the ones we always get. So good. So good I love burning my tongue on it because who can wait for their soup to cool down? Not I. It cures everything--hangovers, heartaches, headaches, stupidity, death, you name it. Happy eating!
(4)
Sarah O.
I have found 'THE' soup...the one soup that I want to eat for the rest of my life. Soupbox's Lobster Bisque is the most exquisite soup I have ever put in my mouth. Particularly fitting was the fact that this was my last meal while visiting Chicago and I was quite sad (near devastated actually) to be leaving... there's nothing like some amazing soup to soothe the soul. The service was super great, as I wanted to look at each soup before I chose and the guy obliged my little quirk. He also threw in tons of extra bread and was super gracious. I tried some of my friend's potato soup and was equally impressed by that flavour, but seriously...Lobster Bisque. Sigh.
(5)
Emily C.
All I've got to say is that if you specialize in soup and even win awards and get recognition for your soup, it had better be some pretty good soup. This soup was just okay. I think I got some kind of cheddar broccoli soup. It tasted like it came from a can. Which is actually fine because canned cheddar broccoli is A-OK. It might just be that cream-of soups can only get so good, and it peaks at the canned level. If so, this place is the pinnacle of good soup! Let me remind you that two stars means, "Meh. I've experienced better." And I have. Not even necessarily from a restaurant. The sourdough bread was really good though.
(2)
Jessica B.
I've been to Soupbox three times now. All three were $10-for-$5 Groupons. I've never been disappointed. I've had creamy soups all three times: cheddar and broccoli the first time, then the potato and bacon, and finally the creamy asparagus. All three times I had it served in a sourdough breadbowl. That thing is almost as big as my head and could easily serve two (and I'm a huge glutton for eating the whole thing alone). The sourdough is respectably sour, but I don't think you get as much soup as you would in the large cup. The prices are why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. The breadbowl soups are ~$7.50 on average, which is a little high for soup. Today's breadbowl plus a bottled root beer was $11 and change. If I could use the $5 Groupons every time, this would be an easy 5 stars. I'll still go there without the Groupons (especially since I'm moving a few blocks from the State location), but not as often as I would with. The Broadway location also serves really tasty Italian ices during the summer. They are also a little pricey.
(4)
William B.
It's January, so New Year's guilt is still in effect and I managed to force myself in here rather than going to Crisp across the street. And doesn't Chicago winter need a place that serves only soup? My chicken dumpling soup was tasty, with a complex and flavorful broth. My small bowl was a little scant on both chicken and dumplings, but that could have been the luck of the ladle. It's worth putting in the rotation. I've heard they do ice cream in summer.
(3)
Sarah Y.
For some fast and convenient soup, Soupbox has you covered. But when you're in the mood for some decadent, gourmet ingredients soup or bisque, I'd say Soupbox falls a little short. I liked my lobster bisque but it definitely couldn't done with even a tiney portion of lobster to give the soup some dimension and texture. The folks who work here are very friendly and patient, you can try as many options as you want before you commit, mix different kinds of soups, and receive a heel of bread to go with your soup. My bacon grilled cheese was alright, but missing that buttery, chewy but crunchy shell that I love.
(3)
Alana S.
I love soup. The lobster bisque is good but be sure to get them to scoop from the bottom (otherwise no chunks!). Soupbox is a good standby for a chilly day, but take it to go because it's so quiet in there that eating in is usually awkward.
(3)
Emily C.
Take my review with a grain of salt if you must, but honesty is the best policy. I am not a soup person. But when I get sick, I need something hot and easy to swallow (that's what she said). So then, soup is the solution. I was really excited about this place and had heard great things about the lobster bisque. So I came in and ordered a massive ammount of the stuff and went home all excited. And? Eh. I thought lobster bisque would have...well...lobster in it? I tasted the vague flavor of lobster, but there was not one little smidge meat in it! A truly awesome seafood bisque shouldn't make you wonder if there's a such thing as dehydrated lobster.
(2)
Heidi R.
Four soup, Soup Box nails it! This soup is unreal. The guys working behind the counter were so friendly and offered my boyfriend and I samples of anything we wanted to try. I sampled one and ended up going with the Tomato Florentine which was UNREAL! My boyfriend had the beer cheese and bacon soup. Both of us had hunks of sour dough bread to dip in the soup and loads of saltine crackers. Soup Box is pricey for soup, so its def a treat when I do go there. I absolutely love Soup box!
(4)
Sarah L.
The chicken and wild rice soup is by far the best soup I've ever had! The sourdough bread is also good and the staff is great.
(5)
James S.
The chicken and rice soup was pretty good and the multigrain bread was really good. Had a bacon grilled cheese which was decent. Would go back.
(4)
Nats A.
Well it was 84 degrees out and I still made my way over to soupbox to use my groupons. It only took me a half hour coming from Niles (Fullerton is a bitch no matter what time of day). But I was still able to find a parking spot right in front. Soupbox is very small. Like tiny, meaning it must be cray cray during the cold months. Seating is limited, probably 6 or 7 tables max. Bought the lobster bisque and broccoli and white cheddar. The lobster bisque is good BUT there are no chucks of lobster, and a little salty. Broccoli and cheddar is yummy. Better than paneras! I seriously got an awesome deal with both of my groupons. I walked out of Soupbox with 2 large soups, 1 bottle of water, 1 cookie, and 1 bag of chips. You can't beat that. I will be back Soupbox, count me in as a frequent customer.
(4)
Daphne Z.
As a vegetarian, I absolutely love when places have more then one 'meat-free' option. Out of the twelve soups they serve daily both times I've been to Soupbox they had 4 or 5 options for me. I have only tried the potato and leek and cheesy broccoli but both were delicious. With your soup you are offered a piece of whole grain or sour dough bread, the sour dough is delishhh. Sorry Panera, you've been out souped.
(5)
Tom C.
This place gets 5 stars for awesome soup, but only 1 star because they are so incredibly overpriced. That works out to the three stars I gave them. What does soup cost? 10 cents a bowl? Two dollars maybe if you include business costs and high quality. And you charge me 8 dollars? Seems crazy. But the quality of the soup is definitely good, I just can't stand going there more than once every few months. If they have a Groupon, it is definitely a good deal. I'm no hippie, but little kids in India can eat for weeks while you eat one bowl of soup from this place. I just can't justify it. If you are really hungry for good soup, its the place to go, but making a habit of it will be a bad financial decision in the long run. Also, they are always very, very busy so make sure you go there with 30 minutes to spare so you can stand in line.
(3)
Lauren L.
Love this place! When you are stuck in the Windy City and the air is just cool enough for a good cup of soup, SoupBox is the place to pop your head in! They have 20 different soups everyday to choose from and you can taste as many as you want before deciding what to eat! My favorite, as of late, is the chicken & wild rice soup! I appreciate a good, creamy, hot soup on a chilly day! Another great addition to the soups is the grilled cheese sandwich you can add on for only $2.00 or so! They also have great salads that you can create yourself if you are feeling like having something on the lighter side!
(4)
Caroline M.
Beer cheese soup!? Yum! One 12oz portion of this velvety, creamy, cheesy soup fulfilled my soup cravings. I particularly like how you are offered bread to accompany your personal soup fest. My wedge of sourdough had a nice crust and made a lovely accompaniment to the soup. I like crackers and Soupbox had 'em! Cheesy Beer Soup (carbs) + bread (carbs) + a sprinkling of crackers (carbs) = my perfect (carb heavy) meal. Loved it.
(4)
Vaidehi T.
Yum soup that warms up your soul on a cold winter day! This place is just what the doctor prescribed :) They only do soups and they do it right. They have pots of soup displayed in the front that are available that day. You can try samples of them before you decide on what to order. They also have a good number of vegetarian options which is a good thing. The bread (multi grain) that came with the soup did nothing for me. But the grilled cheese sandwiches are really good. Grilled cheese with a warm hearty soup to dunk it in - perfecto!!
(4)
Colleen M.
When visiting Chicago on travel I stumbled upon this little spot. Being a vegetarian in Chicago -- one that does NOT eat pizza -- makes it pretty difficult to find a decent meal. I was glad to eat here a few times during my stay. I enjoyed the options and the suggestions for soup combinations (like 1/2vegetable, 1/2 black bean). The salad I got to accompany my meals was always fresh and delicious. I only regret that there isn't one of these where I live.
(4)
Rod D.
If soups your thing, this place is for you. I'm not too big on soup but did enjoy some of the flavors they have. What's nice about this place is they also recommend soups that you can mix together that can make for a delicious meal. With all that being said, I can't constitute paying $9-10 for soup. I don't care how gourmet it is. Soup is like a pre-meal for me...I can't get full off of soup. I liked the soup but it's not worth the money for me. It's a place that I would go to once and a while but not a place I would frequently visit because of the prices.
(3)
Marka C.
My favorite soup place by far, and one of my favorite places in all of Chicago. I've been to both locations and the staff is always very friendly and helpful, and more than willing to let you try as many soups until you find your perfect match. They'll also mix them together if you want! I've yet to have something from here I didn't like. On this particular visit I had the beef stew, which was great because I was feeling sick and it helped me get back to work by the end of my lunch break! I will always eat at soupbox, and will often stop by if I happen to drive by. I highly recommend getting the tomato soup with a grilled cheese. A classic but so good!
(5)
Matthew M.
Thought I would try the local favorite for soup. After all, you would expect that soup would be the specialty here, eh? Unfortunately I have been here twice and both times have not been impressed. Sure, there are literally 10-15 soups available on the menu each day to choose from, and so having a wide selection to choose from is not the problem. The staff is friendly & chatty enough. Everything looks in order. Nope, I've tried the lobster bisque & the wild rice & chicken soups. These soups just aren't quite doing it for me. Both were overpriced, watery and salty. I guess this place is just not my cup of tea---er, I mean soup.
(3)
Jeka M.
This was just fine. The soups were all good (tried chicken noodle, beef stew, and cream of potato leek), but there wasn't much beef in the stew (literally two pieces. tons of potatoes) and the sizes are fine. One large and two regular soups comes out to about $30, which makes for a lunch that isn't very filling for the price. Tasty but for the price needs to be better quality.
(3)
Marq C.
Well I may have had too much expectations walking into this place. I guess I was expecting a soup nazi experience... I was totally let down. This place sells only soups... 10-12 different kinds of it. My bad, they do have grilled cheese to pair with any of the soup they have and you will get a $1 off their grilled cheese if you get their $7 soup, YES $7 for a cup of soup. You have an option to add tomato (+$.50) and meat (+$1) to your $2.99/$3.99 (without soup) grilled cheese (choice of multi grain OR sourdough). Let's talk soup... I sampled their signature lobster bisque -- SKIP this. I tried my bf's tomato bisque-- mehhh. I had cream of mushroom -- mehhh 2.5/5 rating. It's just not creamy and rich. Although I'm sure it's fresh, it's just lacking the texture and taste for a $7 cup of soup. Not worth it. Sorry. So I gave this place 2 stars because there's no half ratings. Plus it's way too expensive for the taste. NEEEEEEEEXT!!!!
(2)
Cait F.
Delicious and flavorful! Like seriously soo good. It's a little pricier than I'd want to pay for soup, but it's quick, close and appetizing.
(4)
Troy M.
Was walking blast night and noticed the new shaved ices in the window. I got a large cherry and watermelon. It was so delicious I came back an hour later and got a raspberry lemon. This morning I was craving it again and went back! You have to try it!
(5)
Andrey P.
Great place to eat your lunch.
(5)
Ken O.
It was cold outside so I stopped in for some great soup. I had opted for the Cream of Cheese and Potato. I've never had this one before, what the heck. Didn't even try it - just ordered a cup to go. Between the accompanied bread, oyster crackers and the soup, I was a happy camper. As always, never a disappointment.
(5)
Asenath N.
My boss and I came here for lunch and loved it! They have over 10 different soups to pick from each day, that's amazing! They let you try it before you buy also. My boss and I both got a cup of soup and a grill cheese and it was plenty for lunch, it also comes with bread. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 star is for the price, some of the soups were a bit pricy for the size. This place will be great for fall and winter.
(4)
Tanya J.
I ordered a couple cream of chicken and wild rice soups... The soup was thinner than water; it literally looked like I was drinking a cup full of milk with a spoon. Actually, it tasted like sour milk too. I thought cream-based soups were supposed to be thick?! Very, very disappointing. Looking at the other negative reviews, it seems like running soups are one thing this place has in common. $17 for two bowls of unidentifiable liquid? I'll go back to Panera. And here I thought Panera's quality had slipped... The Soupbox changed my mind.
(1)
Hannah H.
My husband and I came here to try out their soups. I like how they have 12 different soup featured on a daily basis, such as Hearty Beef Stew, Broccoli & White Cheddar, Chicken & Dumplings, Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, and Minestrone. I tried out their Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice, which contained roasted chicken, wild rice, carrots, onion, thyme, and cream - it was creamy and thick with the nice chunks of chicken - hearty and warm. It comes with some bread and you can either dine in or outside on their patio. I loved how the soup are contained in those little kettles - very cute! I'm glad I was able to try this place out! +Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice +all about them soups!
(4)
Karolina T.
I love soup and this place has tons of choices. Both times i've been here, I have had their cream of chicken and wild rice. i love it, super creamy. You get a pretty big portion too. I only wish their bread was better.
(4)
Stuart D.
Glad to see that the Soupbox is still around. One of the first restaurants that I tried when I moved to Chicago in '99. Great variety of soups available --- definitely worth trying.
(4)
Brent V.
7$ for chicken broth and some dainty vegetables?!?!?! I receive more satisfaction sitting on a soggy public transportation seat.
(1)
Debra L.
Halloween 2014 was wet, windy and crazy cold. This kind of night cried out for hot soup. I love that Soupbox has around a dozen offerings, including both vegan and a vegetarian soup. There's something for everyone. The restaurant is a plain carryout place, but the swell folks that work there never mind if you want a taste sample before you buy. My crew all opted for bread bowls of chicken noodle soup, and the vegan soup was Cuban black bean. I can't speak for the chicken noodle soup but I'm guessing by the empty bowls it was really good. Speaking of empty bowl, I made short work of the Cuban black bean. It was rich and thick, and well spiced with a hearty texture. I also love the whole grain bread. What's soup without bread? With winter around the corner I'm glad we have Soupbox.
(4)
Jim S.
Best soup in the city. I've had Soup Box delivered probably 20 times and I've visited the restaurant about 10 times, you can't go wrong either way. If delivered, the soup comes as ordered, hot, and delicious. I always recommend the lobster bisque, it's absolutely unreal. Highly recommend Soup Box.
(5)
Kory R.
So I came here after listening to friends talk this place up that it is the most AMAZING soup place. I was disappointed. Yes, you have all those soups to choose from and try, but after visiting several times and just having an average experience, I'm not impressed. The soup is over priced and tastes like it all comes from a mix or can. The grilled cheese is good, but there's Cheesies if you're looking for that. My advice, skip it and heat up some Campbell's because it'll pretty much be the same thing.
(3)
Rick T.
You know what thought came to my mind as I sat here eating? The Great Depression. People lined up around the block at soup kitchens for a free cup of soup during that era. Soupbox is the exact, polar opposite of a depression-era soup kitchen. I don't think there is a pricier cup of soup on planet Earth: $7.61 Seven. Dollars. And. Sixty. One. Cents. For a cup--literally, 8 ounces--a CUP of rosemary chicken dumpling soup. That's $122.00 PER GALLON for God's sake. Son of a BITCH, man. And, NO, it was not "good" soup. There were a couple--literally a couple--of shreds of chicken. The vegetables were so thin, I could see through them. Again. Not exaggerating. I could *see through* the carrot and celery shavings. Oh, right. This was "rosemary chicken dumpling" soup. There were two "dumplings." Both were the size of a very small gnocchi. Come to think of it, they may have been very small gnocchi. Small. Tasteless. Pitiful. Lonely Gnocchi. In a runny, bland, depression-era-worthy cup of water. This is another one of those places that I've walked past a zillion times without going in. It will be a zillion more times before I return.
(2)
Kimmy L.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!! I also have an odd obsession with soups. I could eat soup all year round - hearty soups (loaded baked potato), light soups (chicken noodle), Thai soups (tom YUM), Vietnamese soups (chao & bun bo hue), Korean soups (rice cake and dumpling soup) the list goes on and on.... So the concept is that they make fresh soup daily (approx 20 different soups per day) hence the name SoupBox, but during the hot summer months they also make this delicious homemade mixture between an italian ice and a slurpee with real chunks of fruit mixed in. YUM. Chicagoans refer to them as IceBox during the hot months. Isn't that cool?!?!?! I felt like a kid in a candy store as soon as I walked in. They even encouraged me (forced me) to sample each ice flavor and each soup flavor before making my final choice. The soups were ALL AMAZING! I was torn between the chicken dumpling, lobster bisque, and chicken with wild rice......they even mix soups together!!! I wasn't that adventurous but the soupman tells you which soups make good combinations together (i.e. lobster bisque and clam chowder) -Chicken with wild rice soup was amazing and served with a side of wheat or sourdough bread -I got an Ice combination of Raspberry, Strawberry, and Lemon - SO REFRESHING!! I discovered this place the last 2 days we were in Chicago so I made everyone come back the next day as well. So good!
(5)
Zack H.
I thought I walked into Knockturn Alley when I came in here. It was three guys wearing black silently standing behind bubbling cauldrons. That potion that was based mostly of chicken and rice was pretty good. That grilled cheese was weaker than Jerry Sandusky's knees in a shower full of little boys. I make better grilled cheese in my sleep and I'm the least talented cook I know. It was an okay experience but not worth doing again. Kind of like going home with a big girl.
(3)
Jill H.
So this appears to be a local chain, and it is delicious! It didn't matter that it was a 90 degree day, the soup was incredible. Got the creamy chicken and rice soup, with a side caesar salad. Both were well-portioned and surprisingly filling by the end.
(5)
Asper K.
I recently found out about a hot new trend about to sweep the country. Toast. thisamericanlife.org/rad… That's right, courtesy of some hard nose investigative reporting from this American Life, it's been revealed that toast is back, it's artesanal, and it's most definitely hipster kryponite. And much to my delight, it turns out that provenance of this trend is none other than Trouble Coffee company on Judah St in SF, across the street from the 7-11 where back in the day, I used to play Double Dragon and elbow punch the bejesus out of anybody too stupid to know what was good for them. Then I'd buy some twizzlers and ride my bike home. I was basically a badass. Still am. Too bad for Soupbox, right now toast is trending instead of soup. Because they have all the hipster-food-place must haves already in place . A sloppy interior that seems vaguely vintage. Random decorative elements.. two large hersheys cocoa cans on a shelf, another shelf with different kinds of hot sauce. They have awards in frames on the walls. Yes, about 20. Some from as early as 1996, and from meaningless organizations like some students union saying soupbox is recommended. This might be the winking hipster humor I read about on wikipedia. As for the soup. It's soup. Pretty well made too. They also have grilled cheese sandwiches. And that's it. Perfectly simple, thank you very much. But alas, the hipster gods are finicky. Soups' time in the hipster sun has not yet come. Maybe soon soup will be the classic dish made new by bike riding artesianinals. If this happens these soup box motherfckers are going to clean up. And probably secretly buy new cannondale road bikes, which have more than one gear.
(5)
Owen R.
OK.. is the word that comes to mind. Tried 3 kinds of soup, nothing exceptional. Having said that, if I lived in the area I'd return, try others.. Was expecting more, which often equals disappointed..
(3)
Courtney C.
Soupbox was one of the first places that I bookmarked upon learning how to use Yelp's bookmarking feature. I FINALLY made it here this past weekend after lusting at the heavenly looking pictures of their soups for almost a year. Of course I wasn't let down!! After all, I've always been under the impression that soup is a culinary art form. I love that they let you try as many as you want. I wanted to try all 12, but stuck with trying 3: potato and leek, mayan chicken enchilada and the lobster bisque. I liked all 3 of them, but of those 3, the enchilada was the best. It had a good amount of kick and flavor that you wanted to just keep eating until there was none left. However, my husband ordered it before I could even open my mouth, so I went with the next best, which was the lobster bisque. (The potato and leek is a vegetarian option. I liked it a lot, but I thought that I may tire of it halfway through the bowl, so I ordered the bisque instead.) I was swayed to try the bisque by the Yelp reviews. It was very creamy and light which was perfect since it was my "pre-dinner", but I noticed that there wasn't a single lobster chunk in my soup. Kind of a letdown, but it was still really good. All soups come with a piece of sourdough or wheat bread. We both went with the sourdough and liked it a lot, although I could only finish about 1/2 of my bread. I loved Soupbox and know I'll come back when I find myself in the city on a cold day again, which I pray to the god of soup is sooner rather than later.
(4)
joe t.
Once again Dru and crew continue to keep rocking!! This time I went a little crazy. After looking at the current soups I went a little crazy. First stopping at the Chicago Ave location. Picking up a Potato and Leek. Then went to the Broadway shop and got the Thick & Rich bacon and potato and of course the White Cheddar and Broc. Got home and made my own blend. All I can say is, why didn't I get 2 of each?!?! If you're visiting or live here and haven't been I highly recommend you go. Whenever we have company in from out of town, first stop is Soupbox and second is Montis! You guys make this soup guy very happy!!! Thanks again for the years of getting me through illnesses, cold days, and just plain hunger!! Oh and IMHO you have to try, when they have it, Cream of Asparagus, broccoli, white cheddar and the thick and rich potato! #NomNomNomNomNom
(5)
Amanda B.
In the city of chicago, where we all too often have cold and wet weather this is too perfect. You can sample as many soups as you like, mix them together, and really there's nothing better than a hunk of sourdough and their lobster bisque or chicken chili.
(4)
La Tonya G.
This is the first time I have ever gone to a place that is mostly dedicated to soup! I love all kinds of soups and to be honest when I stopped by I had no real intent on buying anything. Then the guy with bubbly energy and a great smile asked "Would you like a sample?" A sample you say my brain immediately said go for it girl, so I did! The first soup I tasted Broccoli with white cheddar wasn't really doing it for me but my friend she loved it! I was heading towards the door and the same guy asked "Could I interest you in another sample?" Another sample you say well how could I turn that down so I tasted the creamy corn chowder, boom bam pow, the flavors were explosive and as I savored the tasty treat I just had to get some soup to go. I pay for my soup and the guy behind the counter talks about how mixing the Lobster bisque and the creamy corn chowder is really good! I'm like yes one day I will have to try that and he basically said why do you have to wait for one day when you are in the store today. Yes, you guessed it he said those 5 delicious words to me "Would you like a sample?" why yes if you insist I will take another sample!! It kicked the chowder up a notch and I as I was turning to leave he said "Wouldn't it be nice to mix that at home, then you and your friend could both have a hearty bowl of soup later!" Well, you know what I thought as I still savored the taste of my sample on my tongue and did my ultimate happy dance as I stood and looked at the young man, you are so so right! Give me a Large(16oz) of Lobster bisque so that I may take these lovely soups home and mix them myself! Now, this place is kind of pricey because I never in my life thought I would spend 15 dollars for 32oz of soup and two pieces of bread. It was truly worth it and I know I will go back again on a day I feel like splurging! I think they should have some soup that is maybe in an 8 or 10oz cup where the price point is a little less, I think that people would flock to this place more often, hey but that's just my opinion! I know I will be back maybe not as often as I would like due to the pricing but the Soupbox and the man that had such a bubbly personality has made an impression me!!!
(4)
Claire Y.
Soup bowls paired with bread and crackers. Lobster Bisque was great for my upset stomach. Price is reasonable.
(4)
Ada H.
SoupHeaven! That's what it really should be called. I caught a cold. In June. And of course, I need soup to make me feel better. But I hate soup in can and didn't want soup from Panera or Potbelly. So I looked up soup near my home. And Soupbox was the very first result! Yelp to the rescue again! When I went in the, the soup scooper at the counter asked me if I had any questions. I told him that I was sick (he could probably tell from the way I looked and my hoarse voice any way), and wanted something strong so I can still taste it. I really wanted chicken noodle soup, but noticed that they had chicken and wild rice and also rosemary chicken dumpling soup. He suggested the rosemary chicken dumpling. It was basically like chicken noodles but dumplings instead of noodles. He also offered me a tasting of some of the other soups, but I declined since my sick tastebuds probably wouldn't have been helpful any way. It was exactly what I needed. The rosemary really came through even with my impaired sense of smell. It was filling even though I didn't expect it to be. Besides the dumplings there were good chunks of chicken and veggies. It also came with a large piece of bread which I couldn't finish. I also ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. I was enticed since it's only $2.50 if you get it with a soup. Funny because the sandwich is a side when usually soup is the side. It's a build-your-own with a choice of sourdough or multigrain, several different cheese, and some add-on extras like bacon or tomato. I chose multigrain with Mozzarella and Pepper Jack. This is the best combination of cheese for grilled cheese in my opinion. The mozzarella balances out the pepper jack and makes it extra gooey. Love it!!! When I got it, it was more like a panini with thinner slices of bread (see pic). But it's really a perfect little sandwich. Complete with criss cross griddle marks. My only slight gripe is that the soups are any where from $5-$9 depending on the size and type of soup you get. My small cup of RCD was $6.50. With the $2.50 and $1.50 bottle of water, it was kinda pricey. However, I think the flavors were worth it. And the price of the soup is balanced out by the price of the delicious sandwich. I will definitely be back! PS. I heard another customer mention a Groupon deal for this place. So check that out too!
(5)
Brian W.
You may think its hard to mess up soup, but it is and Soupbox never has! Tons of choices for any type of flavor you wish. The lobster bisque is always my favorite, the chicken and dumpling is a winner too. The panini style grilled cheese with different kinds of breads and cheeses are good if you want a little more to eat. I'll keep coming back soupbox thank you!
(5)
Gen C.
This is the ideal restaurant for a cold place like Chicago. All I wanted was soup, and Soupbox delivered! The place was small and relatively empty; I could foresee it getting crowded on a busy day. All of the soups of the day sounded great but I decided to go with the lobster bisque (no regrets!). They only have soups and salads, so if you're craving an intense meal, you might want to save this for another day!
(5)
Gareth R.
Decent soup watch the consistency though.
(4)
Jessica K.
Oh yes, 5 stars for hot soup in 100 degree weather. Well, actually it was more like 98 degrees with a high humidity factor but who's counting? And I am thrilled I came in armed with my Economist, a whole crapload of podcasts and a hearty appetite. I figured no one would want to eat soup on such a hot night so I would have a guaranteed spot in their tiny tiny shop. I sort of hemmed and hawed over the lobster bisque and the chicken tortilla and the nice man behind the counter helped me settle on a cup of the lobster bisque with a turkey and pepperjack sandwich (I mentioned I was hungry, right?) The lobster bisque is definitely very thick and heavy so anything more than a cup would probably make you sick. The turkey and pepperjack sandwich is a great addition to any soup but it's nothing spectacular. Think of Carl Buddig deli meat, cheese and a panini press. It's tastes so good when you dunk it in the bisque! This is not a healthy meal by any stretch of the imagination but it's tasty, fresh and still desirable in the summer.
(5)
Lauren H.
This place is great if you just want a quick cup of soup and grilled cheese. I was actually surprised they made the lobster bisque the right way. Being a culinary graduate I can be a huge picky soup nazi. I can't wait to go back and try the other soups.
(3)
Rachel B.
Love the lobster bisque. They let you try anything you want first, which is always a tasty experience. They started doing grilled cheese a while back, which is great, but it also makes the place smell a little smoky. Because of that, and it always being quite warm in there, I recommend take out only.
(4)
David R.
My parents were coming for a four-day visit. I asked my mother, "What do you want to do while you're here?" She said "Your dad wants to see the planetarium and I want to go to Soupbox." How's that for a compliment? My mom has excellent taste. I'm still a super-fan of this joint after all these years, because they are still friendly as hell, and the soups are still phenomenal. Free tastes, an occasional gratis extra chunk of bread, and twelve-ounce bowls of joy. Soupbox is an all-time great.
(5)
Kyle P.
Been here about 10 times over the past ten years and always walk away happy. Nice people, decent prices for what you get and always have new choices. I know the area and sales dictate but I wish they had more meat options and spicy. but I guess I can do that after.
(4)
Lauren F.
It was freezing outside and I was sick...what better time than to stop in at Soupbox?! I tried the Lobster Bisque, Broccoli and Cheddar, and Chicken and Wild Rice soups with sourdough bread and they were all delicious, but I will say that the Lobster Bisque was the favorite for both me and my husband. I will definitely be returning very soon for more soup and to give one of their make-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches a try!
(4)
Lindsay R.
It's okay/average....probably a good place for lunch, pretty affordable, nice selection of soups, great staff....the vegetable soup and the chicken noodle soup were just kind of bland and boring.
(3)
S G.
I love Soupbox. I know their menu is basic, something you can easily prepare at home etc., but that's the beauty of Soupbox, a simple, quick fix like getting treated by your friend at collage! However on my last visit to this location, I was disappointed. The staff there were nice as always (and just like the river north location we typically go to) , thus I cannot just give one star, but yesterday after we had a couple of Lobster bisque and grilled cheese (our standard choice) for lunch, both my boyfriend and I had upset stomach throughout the day and until this morning. Also we noticed the bread of the grilled cheese got much thinner and overall, the experience was a lot less satisfactory than how we remembered it..and we are sorry about that.
(2)
Ashley D.
Two words: PRISON SOUP! I'm soooooo disappointed in The Soupbox! I used to go here all the time and the last 3-4 times I've gotten nothing but flavorless hot water. I could buy Campbell's in the can that tastes a lot better for a lot less money. I kept giving Soupbox a chance since I used to love it so much, but after tonight, never again. Sorry Soupbox, you are officially off my " go-to favorites" list.
(1)
Gino W.
Years ago when I went to St. Louis, I stumbled upon a "soup kitchen" where I fell in love with the cups of flavour. I was surprised that I had not seen any soup cafe in Chicago, as big as Chicago is. A year after my St. Louis visit a friend hip me to Soupbox. Lobster bisque. Clam chowder. Italian wedding. I had gone to the location on Chicago Avenue since it was closer to work. High energy and always full. And the soup was always good. The location in Lakeview on Broadway is where I go mostly, especially during the winter when I want to get a seat and enjoy my soup with the complementary slices of sourdough bread. Happiness. Note: Soupbox is a hangout spot for all the hipsters. Haha.
(4)
Haley S.
I am NOT a soup person but Soupbox has changed me forever. This is seriously the most delicious warm meal you will ever have! Highly recommend the lobster bisque in a sour dough bowl! AMAZING!
(5)
Daniela R.
This place is great.. I felt like I HAD to make a review after reading a bad one someone else wrote.. I wished I could down-vote it! This place is great, pricey; yeah. But worth it. The staff is FANTASTIC; so nice and helpful. Every soup i've tried here has been better than the next; lobster bisque is delicious and you can mix it with many others to make your own amazing cup of soup.. If people is going to complain about prices, lets start with other businesses.. I can see them hating on soup while sipping a $6 venti coffe at starbucks.. At least Soupbox tastes great!
(4)
Kassie H.
Totally overpriced! This soup is just watery. It tastes like nothing. I got the chili which is supposed to have meat but where is it? And the beef stew, where's the beef and did they dump Cambpbell's in here? We got two small soups $15. Never ever going back, they have let the quality slip!
(1)
U H.
I've been eating here for years and they've always been constant with their great flavors. Love the new England clam chowder!
(5)
Patrick H.
Definitely not a place I'd recommend. The soup is overpriced, and about as salty as it can get. But then again, salt stimulates the appetite when food cannot. Move along to the next place.
(1)
Beast B.
Service & the bread was great, but too bad their soups weren't. My girlfriend & I spent $56 to try out several of their different soups & grilled cheese. All of the soups we tried was simple, lacked flavor & taste. I honestly wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a can of progresso & their soup. Seriously!!! Definitely over hyped & way over priced for what you get. Literally 4 micro pieces of chicken in their chicken noodle soup it had more broth than noodles, chicken & veggies. Won't waste my time commenting on their other soups.
(1)
andrew l.
Soupbox is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. How can an establishment selling soups hold a candle to the competition? Well for one, the soup is restaurant quality. You can sample any soup there, and mix soups together. My favorite is Chicken with Wild Rice and a mix with Lobster Bisque. A tad bit pricey for soup but the friendly atmosphere and really cool employees make up for that 10x. This is one of those places you make a personal staple.
(5)
Bethany K.
This is a great little place to grab a warm bowl of soup on a cold night. I often stop by on my way home from work, after waiting too long in the cold for a too long bus ride. They offer a great selection and send you home with some bread in your bag for dipping. It's a bit pricey , when you can buy a can of soup at the grocery store for a buck, but it's definately worth it.
(4)
Jack B.
The last time I was here, which was a while ago, I had this beer battered soup that was awesome. I keep meaning to go back for more because I really liked it, but haven't found the time. Hopefully they still have it there!
(4)
a w.
The bread bowl here is the best. You get lots of soup and some great fresh baked breads. And there's always plenty of soups to choose from -- and if you can't decide, you can always try as many of them as you'd like. This is a really neat place that also turns into an the Icebox in the summers, offering lots of different flavored Italian Ice.
(5)
Mark P.
Pretty good soups. But too heavy on the cream.
(3)
Stephanie M.
In the summer when this place becomes Ice Box, they have the best frozen ice slushee treats. Everything is made with real fruit so its not too sweet and you can really taste the real fruit flavor. They come in a bunch of different sizes from really tiny to huge. They give free samples too. Blueberry is good. Strawberry is good. Watermelon is good. They are all good and good for u.
(4)
Julia B.
Awesome soups! I love soup-so this is a great place for me to go in the winter when I want to grab a quick lunch. In the summer it is the Ice Box which has more frozen selections..I prefer the soups though!!!
(3)
Daphne Z.
As a vegetarian, I absolutely love when places have more then one 'meat-free' option. Out of the twelve soups they serve daily both times I've been to Soupbox they had 4 or 5 options for me. I have only tried the potato and leek and cheesy broccoli but both were delicious. With your soup you are offered a piece of whole grain or sour dough bread, the sour dough is delishhh. Sorry Panera, you've been out souped.
(5)
Saurabh P.
I love this place. Its so good and comforting. They have so many delicious soups. My favorite thing to do is combine two of my favorite soups into one delicious soup. How is this possible??? Anything is possible at the soupbox. This is what I have learned. Go, enjoy, be happy.
(5)
U H.
I've been eating here for years and they've always been constant with their great flavors. Love the new England clam chowder!
(5)
Patrick H.
Definitely not a place I'd recommend. The soup is overpriced, and about as salty as it can get. But then again, salt stimulates the appetite when food cannot. Move along to the next place.
(1)
Bridget M.
The soup was wonderful and the staff couldn't be friendlier. They also let you try the soup first so you know you'll enjoy it!
(5)
Emily C.
All I've got to say is that if you specialize in soup and even win awards and get recognition for your soup, it had better be some pretty good soup. This soup was just okay. I think I got some kind of cheddar broccoli soup. It tasted like it came from a can. Which is actually fine because canned cheddar broccoli is A-OK. It might just be that cream-of soups can only get so good, and it peaks at the canned level. If so, this place is the pinnacle of good soup! Let me remind you that two stars means, "Meh. I've experienced better." And I have. Not even necessarily from a restaurant. The sourdough bread was really good though.
(2)
Colleen M.
When visiting Chicago on travel I stumbled upon this little spot. Being a vegetarian in Chicago -- one that does NOT eat pizza -- makes it pretty difficult to find a decent meal. I was glad to eat here a few times during my stay. I enjoyed the options and the suggestions for soup combinations (like 1/2vegetable, 1/2 black bean). The salad I got to accompany my meals was always fresh and delicious. I only regret that there isn't one of these where I live.
(4)
Sarah O.
I have found 'THE' soup...the one soup that I want to eat for the rest of my life. Soupbox's Lobster Bisque is the most exquisite soup I have ever put in my mouth. Particularly fitting was the fact that this was my last meal while visiting Chicago and I was quite sad (near devastated actually) to be leaving... there's nothing like some amazing soup to soothe the soul. The service was super great, as I wanted to look at each soup before I chose and the guy obliged my little quirk. He also threw in tons of extra bread and was super gracious. I tried some of my friend's potato soup and was equally impressed by that flavour, but seriously...Lobster Bisque. Sigh.
(5)
Alana S.
I love soup. The lobster bisque is good but be sure to get them to scoop from the bottom (otherwise no chunks!). Soupbox is a good standby for a chilly day, but take it to go because it's so quiet in there that eating in is usually awkward.
(3)
Emily C.
Take my review with a grain of salt if you must, but honesty is the best policy. I am not a soup person. But when I get sick, I need something hot and easy to swallow (that's what she said). So then, soup is the solution. I was really excited about this place and had heard great things about the lobster bisque. So I came in and ordered a massive ammount of the stuff and went home all excited. And? Eh. I thought lobster bisque would have...well...lobster in it? I tasted the vague flavor of lobster, but there was not one little smidge meat in it! A truly awesome seafood bisque shouldn't make you wonder if there's a such thing as dehydrated lobster.
(2)
Hayley M.
Oh, soup. How I love you. You warm me up when I'm cold, cheer me up when I'm sad, and make me feel better when I'm sick. I even crave you in the summertime. The Soupbox is perfect for such cravings. I'm a huge fan of broccoli soup, and the Soupbox makes a great one. Yes, as everyone else has written, their prices are a tad high. However, the soup is heavy enough to be a meal, and it comes with bread. For me, a $6 meal is pretty awesome. And let's be honest: Cheesy Beer Soup? Aren't you intrigued? At least a little bit?
(3)
Mindy C.
Lobster bisque. Yum! I was surprised to see how "not bad for you" it was. I was expecting something much worse when I looked at the calorie count. My fiance swears by the Potato and Bacon soup. He gets very excited when I bring it home. We also enjoy the Beer Cheese soup... but that one is a rare find and sells out quickly. And of course... the Icebox is the bomb. Totally delicious on a hot summer day - Raspberry and Lemon combo can't be beat! The staff is very friendly and greets you like they see you everyday. They're a Lakeview staple.
(4)
Heidi R.
Four soup, Soup Box nails it! This soup is unreal. The guys working behind the counter were so friendly and offered my boyfriend and I samples of anything we wanted to try. I sampled one and ended up going with the Tomato Florentine which was UNREAL! My boyfriend had the beer cheese and bacon soup. Both of us had hunks of sour dough bread to dip in the soup and loads of saltine crackers. Soup Box is pricey for soup, so its def a treat when I do go there. I absolutely love Soup box!
(4)
Sarah L.
The chicken and wild rice soup is by far the best soup I've ever had! The sourdough bread is also good and the staff is great.
(5)
James S.
The chicken and rice soup was pretty good and the multigrain bread was really good. Had a bacon grilled cheese which was decent. Would go back.
(4)
Autumn H.
Fresh made yummy and healthy soups. I love that they make it from scratch. I love the multigrain breads. Grilled cheeses done on a panini grill. (might i recommend paperback cheese and turkey). They do delivery, YES! And they have a condiment station where you can season and spice up your soups.
(4)
Emily D.
Had the rosemary chicken and dumplings soup and a cheddar grilled cheese on multigrain bread. Everything was delicious, if a little expensive. Boyfriend ordered the lobster bisque and a turkey sandwich and loved both. Staff was nice, but slow. It took our server 10 minutes to make two plain sandwiches. That said, they were still delicious and worth the wait.
(3)
Kate H.
I could live on the lobster bisque. YUM! The staff is super friendly and always offer samples. Service is always pretty quick too even when a lot of other people are in line. And in the summer they make delicious homemade italian ices (usually they put an employee outside with samples to lure you inside for more delicious treats). Plus they are open surprisingly late. Not sure I'd call it a late night spot necessarily but I've definitely gotten soup after 9p which is awesome when you're walking home after normal dinner time hours, are hungry & don't want to prep a full meal that late. Especially when the weather turns freezy freakies on us in the 773. Awesome neighborhood spot - I'm very lucky to live right around the corner from the Soupbox. The only negative is that I spend too much money here!
(4)
Timothy M.
I love love love soup box. During these brutal Chicago winters I can think of no place better. The baked potatoe soup in a bread bowl is a winter warmer if ever there was one... It's cool because they will let you taste the soups before you commit. You can even mix two soups together. I've combined the potatoe with the beef stew before and it is phenomenal. If you've never been here you should definitely try it out. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
(5)
Jennie T.
I sampled the cream of chicken with wild rice, the lobster bisque, and a hearty beef one... I forgot the actual name of it. All of them were good. The boyfriend and I ended up sharing the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl. It was delicious, but I think we should have ordered one of the other two for the bread bowl instead... I didn't think the lobster bisque went as well in a bread bowl as I thought it would. The staff was very friendly and nice though.
(4)
Beast B.
Service & the bread was great, but too bad their soups weren't. My girlfriend & I spent $56 to try out several of their different soups & grilled cheese. All of the soups we tried was simple, lacked flavor & taste. I honestly wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a can of progresso & their soup. Seriously!!! Definitely over hyped & way over priced for what you get. Literally 4 micro pieces of chicken in their chicken noodle soup it had more broth than noodles, chicken & veggies. Won't waste my time commenting on their other soups.
(1)
Pamela B B.
Great soups of many varieties. Very friendly and helpful staff. The soups are delicious, especially on any cold, snowy or rainy day. The lobster bisque is "killer", which I mean in a good way. The prices are fair for a great hearty bowl of soup. They also have a delicious vegetarian chili. Around $6.95 for a good hot cup of soup. Prices vary depending on the size. You can always ask for a sample to taste. Enjoy!
(5)
Dayana R.
Awesome place for soup, your allowed to have tasting samples before making your choice. I recommend in a bread bowl
(4)
Matt D.
Great place for a quick lunch. It's always delicious. I recommend mixing the chicken and wild rice and lobster bisque. The result it a real treat!!
(4)
Chelsea P.
If you want an "OK" soup for $10, come here. First time I had SoupBox was about a year ago, ordered the Lobster Bisque which was very delicious but over priced. Just had SoupBox again about 5 mins ago - my soup, "Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar" was as runny as water, not thick or cheesy at all. In fact I had to add my own shredded cheese and when my boyfriend dumped my remaining soup into his cup, I wasn't looking and I thought he poured water into his cup. No exaggeration. If you hate Panera Broccoli Cheddar soup A) you're not human and B) you'll love SoupBox.
(2)
Tanya J.
I ordered a couple cream of chicken and wild rice soups... The soup was thinner than water; it literally looked like I was drinking a cup full of milk with a spoon. Actually, it tasted like sour milk too. I thought cream-based soups were supposed to be thick?! Very, very disappointing. Looking at the other negative reviews, it seems like running soups are one thing this place has in common. $17 for two bowls of unidentifiable liquid? I'll go back to Panera. And here I thought Panera's quality had slipped... The Soupbox changed my mind.
(1)
Hannah H.
My husband and I came here to try out their soups. I like how they have 12 different soup featured on a daily basis, such as Hearty Beef Stew, Broccoli & White Cheddar, Chicken & Dumplings, Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, and Minestrone. I tried out their Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice, which contained roasted chicken, wild rice, carrots, onion, thyme, and cream - it was creamy and thick with the nice chunks of chicken - hearty and warm. It comes with some bread and you can either dine in or outside on their patio. I loved how the soup are contained in those little kettles - very cute! I'm glad I was able to try this place out! +Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice +all about them soups!
(4)
Karolina T.
I love soup and this place has tons of choices. Both times i've been here, I have had their cream of chicken and wild rice. i love it, super creamy. You get a pretty big portion too. I only wish their bread was better.
(4)
Michelle S.
Two words. Icy Fruit. Sure they have soup. And it's delicious. And fresh made. But the Icy Fruit. The icy fruit made it onto my summer bucket list. All the way from Denver. I dragged (yes. dragged) my husband in one VERY hot afternoon in June and we ordered a large lemon and cherry icy fruit to share. I'm happy to say that I converted him to an icy fruit enthusiast. I can't wait to go back and visit this fall and get my hands on some soup!
(5)
Asenath N.
My boss and I came here for lunch and loved it! They have over 10 different soups to pick from each day, that's amazing! They let you try it before you buy also. My boss and I both got a cup of soup and a grill cheese and it was plenty for lunch, it also comes with bread. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 star is for the price, some of the soups were a bit pricy for the size. This place will be great for fall and winter.
(4)
Stuart D.
Glad to see that the Soupbox is still around. One of the first restaurants that I tried when I moved to Chicago in '99. Great variety of soups available --- definitely worth trying.
(4)
Brent V.
7$ for chicken broth and some dainty vegetables?!?!?! I receive more satisfaction sitting on a soggy public transportation seat.
(1)
Kyle D.
The soup here is fantastic but sometimes the management seems a bit off. One day I went in and wanted to order the lobster bisque to eat there. The staff told me I couldn't have any because they were saving the bisque for deliveries. My main issue with this is if I am standing right there in your store wouldn't you think to serve the customer you have rather than the customers you "might" have later? Also I ordered about 5 soups for pick up another time and 2 of the soups were completely wrong and I was told I couldn't change the order once I paid for them. Again great soup just some bad management here and there.
(3)
Elise K.
A bit expensive for soup, but really good soup! I had the Tomato Basil soup and paired it with a grilled cheese on sourdough. All soup comes with bread too. There is no wait time for soup and just a short time for the sandwich. The service was so nice! It truly was - the guy behind the counter was wonderful. I've had samples of their ice things before. I'm not sure what they're called - just low calorie flavored ice. They are fine for a sample, walking by, but even though they are low calorie doesn't mean the taste has to be blah! I won't buy that. I would go back for soup, but would prefer to go with a Groupon again!
(3)
Jessi B.
I happened in here while in the neighborhood. It was very good. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and the lobster bisque and a cookie. I was offered samples, but declined. There were about 5 that I could have eaten, easily. While the soup was delicious, I would have liked something a little more filling. It was kindof on the thinner side... so it was kinda of awkard to eat it, since I was mostly drinking it, from a spoon. So, if offered a sample, definitely partake. The cookie was devine. It was a nice little set-up. I ate outside on the sidewalk (it was a beautiful day). I look forward to having again.
(4)
Zack H.
I thought I walked into Knockturn Alley when I came in here. It was three guys wearing black silently standing behind bubbling cauldrons. That potion that was based mostly of chicken and rice was pretty good. That grilled cheese was weaker than Jerry Sandusky's knees in a shower full of little boys. I make better grilled cheese in my sleep and I'm the least talented cook I know. It was an okay experience but not worth doing again. Kind of like going home with a big girl.
(3)
Jill H.
So this appears to be a local chain, and it is delicious! It didn't matter that it was a 90 degree day, the soup was incredible. Got the creamy chicken and rice soup, with a side caesar salad. Both were well-portioned and surprisingly filling by the end.
(5)
William B.
It's January, so New Year's guilt is still in effect and I managed to force myself in here rather than going to Crisp across the street. And doesn't Chicago winter need a place that serves only soup? My chicken dumpling soup was tasty, with a complex and flavorful broth. My small bowl was a little scant on both chicken and dumplings, but that could have been the luck of the ladle. It's worth putting in the rotation. I've heard they do ice cream in summer.
(3)
Vaidehi T.
Yum soup that warms up your soul on a cold winter day! This place is just what the doctor prescribed :) They only do soups and they do it right. They have pots of soup displayed in the front that are available that day. You can try samples of them before you decide on what to order. They also have a good number of vegetarian options which is a good thing. The bread (multi grain) that came with the soup did nothing for me. But the grilled cheese sandwiches are really good. Grilled cheese with a warm hearty soup to dunk it in - perfecto!!
(4)
Y V.
I've only been here in the summer, so this review is for the Icebox... Wow, I used to come here every week for my Italian ice fix. It was definitely my favorite place to go on a hot, summer day with friends. I loved their coconut, passion fruit, watermelon, and pineapple ices. Not sure what you want? Just ask for a sample or two (or three, or four). You can mix flavors, too. The staff is always very helpful and friendly.
(4)
min. r.
Love the Soupbox! The staff has always been friendly when I've gone in, or called to place an order. They've let me sample soups before deciding what I wanted, and one of their employees was the one who suggested mixing the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder together - heaven! I've tried a few other soups and haven't found any to be as good as the bisque/chowder, so I don't order anything else anymore. I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers are talking about with stale bread. Sure, the crust is a crispy one, but the inside is soft and fluffy everytime I've had it. Besides - if you dip it in the soup you'll never notice. :) They're a touch expensive for the size, they only take cash, and delivery can be slow - they're far from perfect, but if you're looking for a homemade soup taste without the effort, Soupbox is the way to go.
(4)
Michael S.
Lotsa soup; fast service. The soup was okay. I had lobster bisque that could have been a little thicker, but the flavor was there. Nice people, too. What do these folks do in summer?
(3)
Bari L.
I like this place. I don't go there that often because its not anywhere near where I live but I do try to make it out there at least a couple of times during the winter for some good comfort soup. There is nothing like a heaping bowl of yummy hot soup in the cold of a Chicago winter. I will say that it is expensive so that may be another reason my trips there are few and far between but I like how you can mix the soups and try all of them if you want.
(4)
Robert W.
There is nothing Flashy about this place, but the soup is good. The prices are very reasonable too. If you are not sure what to get, ask for a sample, they are very willing to let you try many types before you chose.
(4)
Jason D.
I love soup and I love this place. Walk right in and the place is steaming with twelve different fresh, tasty, and hot soups every day. The bonus is there is always a friendly and personable person ladling them up. They always have a vegan offering and a good number of vegetarian ones, all underlined on the board. You are not only invited to taste them, but you are also invited to mix them to make your own creations. Soup always comes with a generous piece of bread and help-yourself crackers and butter. Check the website after 11am to see what soup are being served that day. Having a hard day? Stop in and get a bowl. Soup fixes everything.
(4)
Matt S.
Ever since I moved to North Center, I have missed the Soup Box (I'm outside of their delivery area now). They have an amazing beef stew. And an amazing lobster bisque. My favorite is a mix of the lobster bisque and the clam chowder. The location is sparse, with very little seating, but it's definitely a place for carryout or delivery. The service is ALWAYS friendly. Great joint. Give it a try.
(4)
Annie Y.
Apparently the people who shop on Michigan Ave have very early bedtimes, because when my friend and I went to the Water Tower to grab dinner at 8:30, everything was closed. We wandered down the block and found this place. it's a cozy little pub-like place similar to Potbelly's. They only serve soup and salads. They keep their soup in these big cauldrons and offer samples. The clam chowder sample tasted good, but it was far too watery, and my friend could only stomach about five or six bites before she got sick of it. I got the beef stew in a bread bowl, which was good, but also a tad bit watery. The bread is good, but next time I think I'll just go to Panera.
(3)
Kristin C.
I use to frequent the Soup Box a lot back in the day. I thought it was reasonably priced, hearty and damn tasty. I also remember having friendly conversations with the staff who were eager to give out free samples and chat about well, anything. Last night I went back and I was SO excited about it all day. Visions of the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup danced in my head. Blisters were formed on my feet as a result of my walk to Broadway (basically this was due to my mad uncomfortable shoes though). I was getting soup and nothing was going to stop me. Before the suspense of my excursion gets too intense, let me just say my visit was kind of a buzzkill. The employees weren't as friendly as I remember (but they weren't unfriendly either to their credit). The soup seemed pricey (four-fity for a regular and it wasn't filled up all the way?). And the bread - Good god, was it always that HARD? They did give me extra but thinking about biting into that stuff makes my teeth ache - eeks! All in all, I was let down. But the soup IS tasty and fresh so I think I will return again anyway. I just wish I got more bang for my buck.
(3)
Tari M.
Sweet Mother of Pearl. Anyone who doesn't love this place must a) be allergic to soup, b) have something against deliciousness or c) be very very dangerous. I love this tiny little soup place! I tend to go for the Tomato Florentine or the Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar Broccoli, but all of the soups I've tried have been over the top delicious. Other perks include the friendly staff and the free samples to make sure your tummy is going to make friends with just the right soup every time. You also get a hunk of yummy bread. Yep. Good stuff. If you go in the summer, be prepared to sweat a little while you wait for your soup - it tends to get a littel balmy in there. I've never eaten inside, but this is a great place to grab your food and run.
(5)
Lauren D.
Soupbox has quickly become a "go to" for me on cold empty fridge nights (or afternoons really). Their veggie friendly soup choices have never failed to fill me up and make me slightly less bitter about the fact that this winter has been awful. My only gripe is the minimalist drink selection.
(4)
Amber H.
#1 thing I miss about not working on the North Side of the city anymore! I was a big fan of the Potatoe & Leak. My work staff and I were known by name and they knew the address by heart when we called for deliveries. Great staff. I LOVE THESE GUYS. -1 star for no CC accepted
(4)
Kristy B.
I love this place, not only is the soup tasty, it is always hot! I also like the service in this small shop. The people they work there are always offering a taste of the soups and always through in fresh cut bread. This place is great, especially now that the weather is turning colder.
(5)
Jim S.
Yo, am i missing something? I live right around the corner and just went in there for some soup. The smallest size they have costs $5! I think $5 is way too expensive given the small size of the container. Also, this location does not have salads like the one near the Magnificient Mile does. Also, they did not have as good of a selection of soups. The staff was friendly, however this is way too overpriced for such small portions.
(2)
D.L. P.
I give these four stars on the basis of a great staff - always friendly - and a good variety. You can get Lobster Bisque, Chicken and Wild Rice, and some other standard soups each day. They also have some specials during the winter. The Chicken and Wild Rice is solid. Its really thick and is a really good hangover helper. Since I work, most of the days I go are Saturday or Sunday mornings, and those always have the potential of me trying to shake off a "headache". Why not 5 stars? I think the quality of a few of the soups could be better, namely the Lobster Bisque. Its basically just a broth. And, no credit cards? Come on, jump into the 21st century. Overall, pretty decent though.
(4)
Meredith H.
soup is my favorite food group, always has been. my roommate had raved about the soupbox so much, my boyfriend was begging to go there, and my little brother was in town recovering from mono, so we went for a late lunch on saturday. crowded, but nothing we couldn't deal with. 3 large soups, 1 breadbowl, 1 diet coke, 2 diet root beers for just under $30. expensive but i think worth it. bread comes with the soup and you can ask for more. we had the beef stew, lobster bisque, and fiesta southwest been or something. i really wanted broccoli cheddar but decided to think outside the box. soupbox. ha! ok, maybe not funny. i'll be back to sample more soups for sure.
(4)
Kay S.
YUM! Since Chicago is Winter three-fourths of the year, it is a good thing there is Soupbox. And, during the other fourth of the year, they have Icebox. The soup is delicious and fresh and the workers quite delightful...always ready to hand out a sample. Also, they deliver....very cool when I am too lazy to make soup or leave the house for soup. mmmmm....soup.
(4)
Jason W.
Really 3.5 stars. Their soup is awesome, but they rape you on the price. Yesterday I got 2 soups with no bread bowl and it was $15. Cmon.
(4)
Susan L.
The soups are great. Try combining them--ask for suggestions from the knowledgeable staff. I went here so many times I couldn't handle it anymore. Now living on the East Coast, I strike myself down for squandering such a good thing! COME TO ME SOUPBOX!!! The ice, I can take or leave.
(5)
Nycole H.
I love soup. I brought my grandmother here before we went to the Lakeview Arts Fest. I had the Lobster Bisque which is always good. My grandmother tried the Mexican tortilla but decided on potato and loved it. The girl who worked there was very nice and polite. Nothing like soup and cream soda for lunch I was a happy girl!!
(5)
Bravo C.
Great place to run to on a cold, snowy night. The guys are friendly and the Lobster Bisk is wonderful. Go get some soup!!
(4)
val f.
Oh, Soupbox. Why must you always tease me on my way to work? Why do you smell so damn good? In the winter time, I eat here at least once or twice a week. If they took debit/credit cards I'd probably eat there four or five times a week. No, seriously. It's THAT good. The people that work here are awesome, and they always give me extra bread. My new favorite thing to do is order an IBC Cream Soda with my soup. So good!
(5)
Stefanie W.
Best store-bought soup ever. Period. I love how any time Soupbox is mentioned, people go all dreamy-eyed. The mere mention of the name bonds complete strangers, I tell you! Chicken and Wild Rice is my absolute fave, Tomato Basil Bisque and Potato and Leek are equally awesome. The chunk of bread that comes with it is always nice and fresh. Staff is always cheery and efficient. I prefer this location to the Chicago Ave. store.
(5)
Rachel H.
I'm a major soupbeast and I will frequently stop by here after going to the gym... that is when I go to the gym... anyway.... I like that you can sample the many soups though I tend to stick with cream of chicken and rice. Everything I've tried, I've liked. The only thing that sucks is that its cash only and I've forgotten that on occasion.
(4)
Carolyn A.
Oh wow!! A restaurant that is just devoted to soup, what a fantastic idea!!Mama like! Ok so since I'm throwing exclamation points around all willy nilly I will explain why. This tiny, unassuming restaurant with a couple tables and chairs makes some really good soup. I ordered the cream of chicken and wild rice (?). The name is a blur as I was overcome by it's deliciousness, homina homina. My husband ordered the beef stew which was pretty good too. We were supposed to share but I'm a pretty fast eater so he lost that contest. The guys behind the counter were so helpful and friendly and they gave out free samples of their soupy goodness too! I brought home a small serving of their tomato florentine which I am about to dig into. The only reason why I'm giving 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because for soup it was a little pricey but that will not, I repeat will not stop me from coming back again soon.
(4)
Anna H.
A new year, a new craving for icy frozen treats...my man and I had spent the day traipsing around Lakeview, and I was in terrible need of a pick-me-up. Despite my misgivings regarding Icebox based on last summer's experiences, it was the closest place to get something fruity, so we stopped in. To my surprise and delight, the lady behind the counter was attentive and good-natured, even laughing when the bf inquired jokingly if they'd ever considered making lobster-bisque flavored ices. It was a great trip, the icy treats were lovely as always, and I'll most likely be back the next time I'm in the mood for something kind-of (but not really) like Italian ice.
(4)
Marc N.
I stopped in there on the way home from work one night a few weeks ago - I was wearing a tie (as I am sometimes known to do) and was feeling quite conspicuous. To make matters worse, I tripped over a mat on the floor as I walked in, nearly felling a young couple on their way out - steaming bags of soup and bread were clutched a little tighter in terrified anticipation... Crisis averted, I ordered some soup (w/ extra bread...) and offered the young clerk my credit card. "Sorry man, we only take cash." "Fuck." So then I had to scurry down to the corner, leaving my poor bag of soup on the counter while I grabbed some cash to release it into my custody. The soup was totally worth the experience. It always is.
(4)
David N.
This place has some amazing soups! I took a couple friends there this week who were visiting from Atlanta. We all tried something different and we were all satisfied with our choices. I got the butternut squash with sage soup and WOW! It was so full of flavor. The guy who waited on us was so friendly, he let us try samples of different kinds of soups and made suggestions too. All soups are served with a choice of multi-grain or sour dough bread. This place I will definitly be coming back to again, especially with the cold winter months approaching!
(4)
Jenny M.
Soupbox is delish! They have so many different soup choices that it's hard to make a decision. Good thing they let you sample. :) My favorites are the lobster bisque & the chicken & wild rice. They also give you a ton of bread with your soup. I love their soup so much, I get the half-gallon size & reheat. Icebox is equally as good & a much healthier alternative to ice cream. I've also been to their newer location on Chicago & I wish that the Lakeview location would also do freshly tossed salads as well.
(4)
Eric V.
What could be better on a cold winter's day than a rich, hearty bowl of soup. Soupbox has several soups to choose from on a daily basis. Samples are free so don't be shy! From Chicken & Wild Rice to Potato Leek, I haven't been disappointed once.
(4)
Taylor F.
One of my favorite things about Soupbox is walking through the door on a cold winter day and being enveloped in an amazing, steamy, soup-smelling cloud of warmth that makes my glasses fog up for a good two minutes. I've never had a soup here that didn't evoke actual moans of pleasure, and if you order it in a bread bowl and manage to eat the entire thing, you'll be too full to move for the rest of the day, which I count as a plus. My absolute favorite is their signature chicken and rice, but the rotating specials are also consistently amazing. I once had a cauliflower and cheese soup here that I dreamed about for weeks afterward, and curse the fact that I have yet to stop by on a day when they've made it again since.
(5)
Ron S.
Good number of quality soups, a little overpriced
(3)
Paige W.
Twelve kinds of soup every day. Hmph. Sure, guys, blame it on the fact that somebody had a neckache and didn't show up to make the soup this morning. At any rate, when we stopped in at Soupbox on Broadway (after spending close to half an hour looking for parking), there were six kinds of soup left to try. The rest of the kettles were covered with overturned sample cups to signal there was none left. At $4.25 for a small soup, I'd at least hoped to sample one of my first choices, but no such luck. All the flavors I'd considered, including beef stew, chicken noodle and chicken with wild rice, were gone, gone, gone. I settled on a cream of potato and leek that ended up being mostly cream and nearly no flavor. What mine lacked in taste, my boyfriend's chicken enchilada soup made up for in punch. I ate half my piece of bread to soak up the heat after one sample bite of his. And sadly, after that one taste, my soup sucked even more. Boooooo. On this particularly frigid day, it was also a bad time for Soupbox's door to have a faulty latch. I kept my coat on through the meal, and we were out the door after 20 minutes. And I had a stomachache. I should've cut my losses and just hit Bobtail up the street for a hot fudge sundae. That stomachache would have been MUCH more satisfying.
(2)
Chris N.
I'm not a religious man, but if I was, my Mecca would be The Soupbox. Every so often, I brave the elements (and ex-frat guys from Michigan) and make the pilgrimage to Lakeview to obtain some of my beloved soup. And each and every time, it never disappoints. You want to talk about service? The cats at this place couldn't be more helpful and pleasant. And while the price may be a bit steep, they always offer me additional bread at no extra cost, so I still end up being pretty satiated by the end of my dining experience. The power of soup cannot be underestimated.
(5)
Andrea R.
After not feeling well for a few days and reading many wonderful reviews about soupbox I just tried it for the very first time. Great chicken noodle soup- definitely has that homemade taste! It was exactly what I wanted and was delivered within 20 minutes! I'm looking forward to trying the icebox this summer....
(4)
Brad G.
Soups are all very tasty, hot and fresh. A nice little neighborhood joint or spot to pick up soup for a sick girlfriend.
(4)
Nick D.
First time there tonight after walking past it for the past nine months...I am a convert for life. Had the chicken noodle (which, admittedly, is a little hard to mess up) which was quite good. Bought the large which with the bread was the perfect amount to fill me up on this chilly night! Service was quick and the people were nice, and for $6.96, not a wallet-buster by any stretch of the imagination!
(5)
Bryan C.
I go here when I'm sick because it's close to my apartment which is why it gets four stars instead of three (one extra star for taking the place of mom). The soup is expensive, but they tell me it's because of the sales tax. Other than that the flavors are great and the location is convenient!
(4)
Heather D.
I'm so happy that there's a Soupbox on the north side. I'm grateful that they make a wide range of vegetable soups with vegetable stock and not chicken stock. Lots of choices for me. And I should also mention delicious! Definitely visit the Broadway or Chicago Ave location!
(4)
Dave S.
Before last week, it has been years since I have been here. I see the place is still doing well and busy as hell. It is a good sign that it is not going anywhere. I sure hope that it does not go anywhere anytime soon. I have always been a monster fan of the lobster bisque. I had the chance to try their corn chowder this time and of course it did not disappoint. The service was as pleasant and efficient as I remembered it. The place is a little pricey but it does fill you up adequately. I am looking forward to more visits here this winter.
(4)
K L.
Awesome soup. Great selection. Can mix and match. Good bread. Can be hard to park sometimes.
(5)
Mary S.
this past week i've been a bit under the weather, and have depended on soup at lunch and dinner to give me the strength to get my work done every day. the other day i ventured down to the great frame up on broadway to get a couple of posters framed and on my walk home, i passed by the soup box. it was like i stumbled upon my mecca!! i had heard people talk about this place before, but i never realized how accessible it was to me! i was completely sick of broth-y soups at this point so i ordered a small potato/leek soup to go (after salivating at many of the other many many soups they offer) and was on my way. when i got home, i made a half-sandwich to accompany my bowl o' sunshine and.... yeah. it was a great dinner. the potato leek soup was so creamy and... buttery? i didnt put my finger on what it was, but it was great! i look forward to trying the lobster bisque (even though i was told there are no lobster chunks in it -- which i suppose makes sense)
(4)
Kirstie S.
As I stated on the review for the other Soupbox, the selection for vegetarians is scarce and doesn't change tremendously. They typically have a range of 5 soups total to draw from (Vegetable, Broccoli Cheddar, Cuban Black Bean, Veg. Chill or Indian Lentil) and choose three out of these over and over again. The one thing I wanted to write differently is that over the past years, this specific location has had things like Artichoke Bisque and Cream of Asparagus that are phenomenal. They seem to always run out of these soups by mid afternoon and that should tell them something and still very rarely do they ever bring these options back. Again, we get the same three out of 12 soups on a regular basis. After awhile, you realize that there's much better options. Again, it's 2010. Don't call yourselves a soup specialty place with such limited choices for vegetarians...it really does the culinary art of soup a massive disfavor.
(2)
Maura M.
SoupBox you conned me and broke my heart. I love soup. I used to make a 30min trek to get soup box soup. Guess what? It is campbells restaurant quality. I found out because I was friends with some people who worked there. I've been in the back...all they do is thaw out soups and sometimes add cream. It is pathetic...it is a farce. When I complained to my SoupBox friend about it he laughed and me and said "what?! do you think we get here early and chop up vegetables or something?" Well....that's exactly what I thought. Apparently I was wrong.
(1)
Lauren C.
This place makes the best soup I have ever eaten! I've been coming here for about a year and I have never been disappointed. The staff is very friendly and is quick to give you samples. My favorites are the broccoli cheddar, cream of asparagus, and chicken and wild rice. You can mix 2 soups together if you simply can't choose one, which is what most of my friends like to do. Soup always comes with fresh bread (they often ask you if you want extra) and as many crackers as you want.
(5)
Steve L.
I've walked by this place many times, but for some reason it just always happens to be right after I've already eaten. Then I think to myself, DAMN it smells good here, why didn't I remember to go to Soupbox? Well, today I remembered. It was quite good. The chicken enchilada soup (yup) was tasty and had enough kick to clear my it's-just-that-time-of-year allergy sniffles. The service was great as well. Very, very friendly and had great opinions on everything. Minus one star because two soups with 2 drinks was almost 16 dollars. I don't care how good it is (which it was), but soup for two should never cost that much. I'm excited to try it when it's Icebox. I hope it's as kick ass as Becky O'Shea. (That was a Little Giants reference.)
(4)
Andrew M.
Sometimes you just want soup. Maybe it's cause you're sick and it's what your mama used to feed you, or maybe the Chicago winter has just taken its toll on you. Either way, there is no better place to fill your body with warm goodness than at Soupbox. With a selection of 12 delicious soups, you can try each one until you've found one you like and then choose from a variety of sizes. All soups come with a generous side of bread as well. Take it home, snuggle up and stay warm! Also, in the summer, Soupbox serves a tasty variety of Italian Ice.
(4)
Kenneth H.
If I could give more stars I would......!!!!! The atmosphere is friendly and energetic. The staff is both creative and fun. They are very generous with the bread which totally rocks. They are about what they do and don't treat their jobs like it's a transitional step. It's unfortunately unusual to find people in the service business that actually not only do what's necessary but actually go over and above the call to get it right. If I had a larger business I wouldn't hesitate to employ any one of them. I've enjoyed every trip to my favorite soup place. I have a suggestion... Sweet & sour cabbage & shortrib soup. It's so good and I know you guys would do it right. I would never leave and you could just strap me in a chair and install an IV. It would be a good addition to an already excellent inventory of "liquid love" that you bless us with everyday. Thank you... Canine Specialist Ken Henry & my dog "Coral Reef III" Any questions concerning this review I can be reached at caninecitysurvival.com
(5)
M Z.
Yummers. that is all.
(4)
bj f.
From the simple vegetable to the crab/corn chowder, every soup I've ever ordered has been flavorful, not too salty, and totally satisfying. The selection is varied, and if that's not enough, they let you make your own combinations; the lobster bisque/clam chowder is a great one. Staff is always friendly, and when it's too cold or I'm too lazy to walk to satisfy my soup jones, they deliver. The only downside: the bread offered is plentiful, but I really wish they'd offer a hearty, chewy, whole grain alternative to the kooshy white variety they serve. And I agree with the door observations; start a "fix the lock fund" and make the place as cozy as the soup!
(4)
Tiff B.
You can't go wrong with this place! Awesome soup in the winter, tasty Italian ice during the summer. I wish they served the soup during the summer though too. The chicken and wild rice there is my favorite. I've never had anything less than great there though. And it's cheap! So much better tasting and cheaper than the chain restaurant/lunch spots. Soupbox puts Panera to shame! I'm so sad that I don't live within walking distance of Soupbox anymore. I will have to make a few pilgrimages there this winter though for my soup fix.
(5)
Alice L.
I am a soup-aholic! Tomato, split-pea, minestrone, veggie, black bean, chowders....mmmmm! The soups are fresh and oh so tasty! The biggest drawback is the cost...a wee bit on the pricey side.
(4)
Kathryn M.
LOVE THE SOUPBOX! Right when you walk in, you're bombarded by the heavenly smell of soup. They have 12 different soups each day. The guys working when I went in were fabulous. They were so friendly and funny. It felt like I had made instant friends (dorky, I know). I ordered chicken noodle soup in a bread bowl. The soup was great and the bread bowl was hearty, super filling meal. If you're dining in, it's a little crowded because the store is small, but that's really the only negative. I'm giving 4 stars because I've only had 1 soup, I'll revise as necessary once I sample more tasty soup!
(4)
Brandon B.
The soup is amazing. Obviously, some are better than others; so I suggest trying a sample before you order a bowl.
(5)
Jennifer B.
The soup is really good, as the other yelpers have attested. It is fresh and there are always a lot of different choices. It's pretty expensive though, about $4 for a small and $7 for a large (which isn't very filling) I usually only go here if I need a little something to eat.
(3)
Jessica D.
The soups at The Soup Box are very tasty! It is a good treat on those Chicago cold winter days. The cream of broccoli soup is my favorite, but they also have a good variety of good soups to try (Lobster bisque, gumbo, wild rice, etc.) The staff is very pleasant and they allow you to try the different soups if you are having a hard time deciding. Just talking about it makes me want to go and get some soup now!
(4)
Candice C.
I have wanted my youngest to eat soup for the longest time and it is the Chicken and Wild Rice soup here that finally made it happen. I have tried multiple flavors and they are always hot, tasty and perfectly seasoned. I have even eaten here on a hot day just because I craved the flavor. I haven't yet tried the Icebox items but look forward to it. Parking is difficult but we usually ride our bikes. Seating is limited but so far I guess I have been lucky. The guys that work here (at least when I have been) have all had such a great outlook on life. I leave with a smile on my face and a happy tummy.
(5)
k m.
there are so many good soups it hard to choose one. it would be cool if soupbox offered a flight of soup... i.e.. intead of buying one, 12 oz soup for $4.35, let people choose a flight of three, 4 oz soups for a bit more, maybe $5.95.
(5)
Dee W.
I love all the different types of soups & breadbowls! In the summer, they turn into IceBox (but still offer soup) and offer a great way to cool off. But they are cash only and the prices are a bit high but that's Lakeview for you!
(4)
Ang R.
Yum. I can't wait to try more types of soup. I had the creamy chicken and wild rice, and it was very tasty. I didn't love the bread bowl (and I think I wouldn't get one again), but I do plan on ordering the soup again. Frankly, I think it's pretty incredible that on a cold winter night, someone will deliver better than average soup to your door, so that you get the benefits of a steaming bowl of soup and can sit on your couch (or play Rock Band) up until the minute it arrives. Love that aspect of it.
(4)
amy k.
love it love it love it. want some right now. i cannot even think of this place without wanting soup, let alone walk by it. like many folk it's hard for me to stray from the lobster bisque, but i have taken baby steps and tried the chicken dumpling (not so much) and the cream of mushroom (good good). i've always had great service, even when piles of people are waiting for their warmth lately. definitely gets five stars if it weren't for their prices, a bit steep, and their disdain for my credit card.
(4)
Heather S.
LOVE the soup! Home made and very tasty. I wished I lived closer and could stop by more often. Its a great concept for a takeout store!
(5)
Nina W.
Um, yum. I went for a cup of raspberry ice and it was amazing and all natural. I can't wait to head back here before summer is over. Girl behind the counter was super nice. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
A. M.
Thank you for delivering, Soupbox! I've strayed from the lobster bisque a few times, and each time I've been somewhat let down. Thus, I stick w/ what I know is the best. It may seem pricey for soup, but my boyfriend and I have found that a regular bowl of lobster bisque plus the bread makes for a very filling meal.
(4)
Marissa D.
I give the Soupbox four stars for a great concept carried out well. Last winter I ODed on their Lobster Bisque soup and now I can't have it anymore. It was good before I went overboard. I've tried a some of the other soups since then and I've never been disappointed. I also like that they're very nice about letting you taste the soups before you commit to one. No five stars because their bread could be better and their prices could be lower. OMG if Soupbox had amazing bread I would be a much happier person.
(4)
Travis P.
I stopped in here last night for a quick bite to eat. I had a delicious order of broccoli and cheese in a bread bowl. With an ever-changing menu and autumn on its way, I'm sure I'll be back here many, many times over the next few months. Edit: I've been here about three more times since my initial review and have tried the lobster bisque, beef stew and clam chowder...they all deserve raving reviews. This place rocks and will remain a cold-weather staple for me.
(5)
Qbz Q.
Absolutely love soupbox. Lots of different soups - but the best is that they tell you what is truly vegetarian, and which soups are made with chicken stock. If you keep kosher, as many of us do in this neighborhood, that's perfect! They actually have vegetarian cream soups! Coconut ice in the summer is unreal!!!
(5)
Peter M.
Kind of overwhelming and a small, confusing space with excellent soups. There is a counter with lots of people ordering bowls and samples across 12 or so kettles. They handed me an over-flowing sample of a delicious spicey enchilada soup with hearty veggies but it was scalding and spilling onto my hand, which not a convenient thing to happen when you are crammed into a small mob of soup activity. Found a seat outside but those tables are wedged into these little fenced-off areas in the sidewalk and I really jammed my back trying to get into the seat. I know I'm sounding like an old man in this review and I'm okay with that. I ended up getting the New England clam chowder which was just fine and had not so much clam in it (I'm from New England so perhaps unfair standard... I was craving it though and it was not the best order decision). My companion had the cream of mushroom which was excellent. It would be four stars if there was just more space.
(3)
Alan R.
While recently in Florida I had a chance try the Soupman (Al Yeganah who the {in}famous Soup Nazi is based on owns it). It is nowhere near as good as Soupbox. Everything there is good and the Lobster Bisque is amazing. For soup five stars, for ice, three. Go to Mario's in Little Italy for the best and most authentic Italian Ice.
(4)
Audra S.
A low-fat & calorie alternative to the usual ice cream cone. Icebox has a great selection of flavored ice (my favorite is the pineapple), and it's all made from natural ingredients. In the winter, this shop switches out its awning and instantly becomes Soupbox, but in the summer, they still carry a couple soups, for the die hard fans.
(4)
Evann G.
We went for the Icebox, and the Italian ice was perfect and SO refreshing on a 90+ degree day. Plus, cheap. Cheap cheap cheapety-cheap cheap CHEAP! And all of the flavors are so yummy together... kiwi-mango, summery tropical heaven in my mouth.
(4)
anthony g.
"NO Soup For You", ala Soup Nazi from Seinfeld's. Don't worry, this a great Place for soup and the staff is just Fine. Great Hot Soup's at a reasonable price. Try The New England Clam Chowder, it's excellent. Good Service, Nice People. Comes With Bread (Unlike Seinfelds Soup Nazi) and cracker's. Eat in, or Take it to go.
(4)
Shannon S.
If you love soup, this is the one of the best "go to" places that I have found. I love their Lobster Bisque soup so much that I have only strayed once or twice to try other soups... but I always find that it is still my favorite. I usually get my soup in a tasty breadbowl too. This place is also great because it DELIVERS to the Lakeview neighborhood which is convenient when you don't want to leave your pad on a cold winter day or evening. You do have to order two soups though in order for them to deliver.
(5)
Niall C.
This place is the greatest place in the city for soup. They make their soups daily with fresh ingredients. I've been coming here since I was in 4th grade. The service is always friendly and the best part is taste testing all the soups before ordering what I always get, Lobster Bisque!!!
(5)
steve h.
i've been coming here off and on for about the past 8 years. i don't think its quite worth the money but when i consider how much cash i plunk down at the bars, it doesn't seem like a bad deal to actually put something of nutritional value into my body. anyways, the soup itself is about a 3.5. i give this place 5 stars though for my first trip here. i came in with a girl i had just started dating. the soup guy proceeds to make some small talk with us (mainly her) and then at the end of our meal (i had the tasty lobster bisque), gives her (and only her) a coupon for free soup! (NO SOUP FOR ME! COME BACK ONE YEAR!) thats some balls son! so anyways, she left me for the soup guy (she was smitten with the broccoli cheddar).
(5)
Eric n.
This place is like Mom to me. LOL I only Order it when I'm sick and need soup. I really should get it more often cause man is it GOOD! The bread bowls rock!
(4)
Gregory A.
I love the Soupbox! We went there for some lunch the other day and being a soup lover I thought this place was great. They have so many types to choose from, by the way did I tell you I love soup!! Well anyway I had the beef stew and my wife had the cream of chicken with wild rice. Now there is one thing you should know about me, I despise onions! And since I hate them so much I am always looking for soup that does not have any onions. If anyone out there has ever tried picking tiny little onions out of soup you know it can be very frustrating, by the time you are done the soup is cold! This has always been a huge problem, since I love soup so much, did I already say that? That being said the nice man behind the counter told me they don't usually use onions in there soups since they can really take the flavor over, I just wanted to give him a great big hug! As far as I can tell if the word onion is not in the description they won't be in the pot either. Both soups were absolutely delicious and I would go back again and again. Only I live by Midway Airport so they need to open one on the south side! My only complaint was the $16 and some change for two large soups and two drinks seemed a little pricey, but it was so worth it! A definite must if you like a good bowl of soup, and I love soup, in case you missed that.
(5)
mary o.
This place does soup and it does it right. Their vegetarian offerings are hearty and satisfying, I'm sure the meaty choices are carnivore-pleasing. The people who work here are very chill and don't mind giving out extra bread(which is pretty awesome as well). Really nothing is better than a warm cup of soup on a miserable Chicago night. I love soup!
(5)
maeve P.
Oh soup box I love you so. I've been going for years now and you've never let me down. I've introduced many people to your lovely soups over the years. My favorite is the lobster bisque. I don't even like lobster and I love your bisque. I always get it in the bread bowl, the bread is kickass too!
(5)
shane h.
I love chicken noodle soup just as much as the next guy and while I do think 6 bucks is a bit much to spend on a bowl of the stuff, it was fantastic. It was the first time since eating chicken in Munich at Oktoberfest that I looked like a moron trying to make sure I consumed every possible bit and piece of the meal possible. I almost had to go out and buy more bread to get the extra broth off the bottom. What an embarrassing display that was...
(4)
Sarah C.
I LOVE this place. Best soup and ice EVER!!!! The beer, bacon and cheddar soup, wild chicken and rice soup and the lobster bisque are to die for. The ice is also fabulous. I just wish that I lived closer.
(5)
Brad C.
It started here. Soups amazing! Be sure to check out the Chicago Ave location too, they have salads and more seating.
(5)
Stephanie M.
Great soup for when you are feeling under the weather. Prices are astronomical. Not worth the $7.
(2)
Heather M.
Very simple place. They pretty much just have soups and grilled cheese. Some of the soups I've had have been very good, others bland. The staff is super friendly though, and an awesome atmosphere.
(3)
Jeka M.
This was just fine. The soups were all good (tried chicken noodle, beef stew, and cream of potato leek), but there wasn't much beef in the stew (literally two pieces. tons of potatoes) and the sizes are fine. One large and two regular soups comes out to about $30, which makes for a lunch that isn't very filling for the price. Tasty but for the price needs to be better quality.
(3)
Shantel T.
Sunday morning and you're feeling a little beat up from the night before. This is the first thing we always get to--by feet or on all fours, we make it there. The lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice soup are the ones we always get. So good. So good I love burning my tongue on it because who can wait for their soup to cool down? Not I. It cures everything--hangovers, heartaches, headaches, stupidity, death, you name it. Happy eating!
(4)
Sarah Y.
For some fast and convenient soup, Soupbox has you covered. But when you're in the mood for some decadent, gourmet ingredients soup or bisque, I'd say Soupbox falls a little short. I liked my lobster bisque but it definitely couldn't done with even a tiney portion of lobster to give the soup some dimension and texture. The folks who work here are very friendly and patient, you can try as many options as you want before you commit, mix different kinds of soups, and receive a heel of bread to go with your soup. My bacon grilled cheese was alright, but missing that buttery, chewy but crunchy shell that I love.
(3)
Marka C.
My favorite soup place by far, and one of my favorite places in all of Chicago. I've been to both locations and the staff is always very friendly and helpful, and more than willing to let you try as many soups until you find your perfect match. They'll also mix them together if you want! I've yet to have something from here I didn't like. On this particular visit I had the beef stew, which was great because I was feeling sick and it helped me get back to work by the end of my lunch break! I will always eat at soupbox, and will often stop by if I happen to drive by. I highly recommend getting the tomato soup with a grilled cheese. A classic but so good!
(5)
Matthew M.
Thought I would try the local favorite for soup. After all, you would expect that soup would be the specialty here, eh? Unfortunately I have been here twice and both times have not been impressed. Sure, there are literally 10-15 soups available on the menu each day to choose from, and so having a wide selection to choose from is not the problem. The staff is friendly & chatty enough. Everything looks in order. Nope, I've tried the lobster bisque & the wild rice & chicken soups. These soups just aren't quite doing it for me. Both were overpriced, watery and salty. I guess this place is just not my cup of tea---er, I mean soup.
(3)
Marq C.
Well I may have had too much expectations walking into this place. I guess I was expecting a soup nazi experience... I was totally let down. This place sells only soups... 10-12 different kinds of it. My bad, they do have grilled cheese to pair with any of the soup they have and you will get a $1 off their grilled cheese if you get their $7 soup, YES $7 for a cup of soup. You have an option to add tomato (+$.50) and meat (+$1) to your $2.99/$3.99 (without soup) grilled cheese (choice of multi grain OR sourdough). Let's talk soup... I sampled their signature lobster bisque -- SKIP this. I tried my bf's tomato bisque-- mehhh. I had cream of mushroom -- mehhh 2.5/5 rating. It's just not creamy and rich. Although I'm sure it's fresh, it's just lacking the texture and taste for a $7 cup of soup. Not worth it. Sorry. So I gave this place 2 stars because there's no half ratings. Plus it's way too expensive for the taste. NEEEEEEEEXT!!!!
(2)
Cait F.
Delicious and flavorful! Like seriously soo good. It's a little pricier than I'd want to pay for soup, but it's quick, close and appetizing.
(4)
Troy M.
Was walking blast night and noticed the new shaved ices in the window. I got a large cherry and watermelon. It was so delicious I came back an hour later and got a raspberry lemon. This morning I was craving it again and went back! You have to try it!
(5)
Andrey P.
Great place to eat your lunch.
(5)
Ken O.
It was cold outside so I stopped in for some great soup. I had opted for the Cream of Cheese and Potato. I've never had this one before, what the heck. Didn't even try it - just ordered a cup to go. Between the accompanied bread, oyster crackers and the soup, I was a happy camper. As always, never a disappointment.
(5)
Kimmy L.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!! I also have an odd obsession with soups. I could eat soup all year round - hearty soups (loaded baked potato), light soups (chicken noodle), Thai soups (tom YUM), Vietnamese soups (chao & bun bo hue), Korean soups (rice cake and dumpling soup) the list goes on and on.... So the concept is that they make fresh soup daily (approx 20 different soups per day) hence the name SoupBox, but during the hot summer months they also make this delicious homemade mixture between an italian ice and a slurpee with real chunks of fruit mixed in. YUM. Chicagoans refer to them as IceBox during the hot months. Isn't that cool?!?!?! I felt like a kid in a candy store as soon as I walked in. They even encouraged me (forced me) to sample each ice flavor and each soup flavor before making my final choice. The soups were ALL AMAZING! I was torn between the chicken dumpling, lobster bisque, and chicken with wild rice......they even mix soups together!!! I wasn't that adventurous but the soupman tells you which soups make good combinations together (i.e. lobster bisque and clam chowder) -Chicken with wild rice soup was amazing and served with a side of wheat or sourdough bread -I got an Ice combination of Raspberry, Strawberry, and Lemon - SO REFRESHING!! I discovered this place the last 2 days we were in Chicago so I made everyone come back the next day as well. So good!
(5)
Asper K.
I recently found out about a hot new trend about to sweep the country. Toast. thisamericanlife.org/rad… That's right, courtesy of some hard nose investigative reporting from this American Life, it's been revealed that toast is back, it's artesanal, and it's most definitely hipster kryponite. And much to my delight, it turns out that provenance of this trend is none other than Trouble Coffee company on Judah St in SF, across the street from the 7-11 where back in the day, I used to play Double Dragon and elbow punch the bejesus out of anybody too stupid to know what was good for them. Then I'd buy some twizzlers and ride my bike home. I was basically a badass. Still am. Too bad for Soupbox, right now toast is trending instead of soup. Because they have all the hipster-food-place must haves already in place . A sloppy interior that seems vaguely vintage. Random decorative elements.. two large hersheys cocoa cans on a shelf, another shelf with different kinds of hot sauce. They have awards in frames on the walls. Yes, about 20. Some from as early as 1996, and from meaningless organizations like some students union saying soupbox is recommended. This might be the winking hipster humor I read about on wikipedia. As for the soup. It's soup. Pretty well made too. They also have grilled cheese sandwiches. And that's it. Perfectly simple, thank you very much. But alas, the hipster gods are finicky. Soups' time in the hipster sun has not yet come. Maybe soon soup will be the classic dish made new by bike riding artesianinals. If this happens these soup box motherfckers are going to clean up. And probably secretly buy new cannondale road bikes, which have more than one gear.
(5)
Owen R.
OK.. is the word that comes to mind. Tried 3 kinds of soup, nothing exceptional. Having said that, if I lived in the area I'd return, try others.. Was expecting more, which often equals disappointed..
(3)
Courtney C.
Soupbox was one of the first places that I bookmarked upon learning how to use Yelp's bookmarking feature. I FINALLY made it here this past weekend after lusting at the heavenly looking pictures of their soups for almost a year. Of course I wasn't let down!! After all, I've always been under the impression that soup is a culinary art form. I love that they let you try as many as you want. I wanted to try all 12, but stuck with trying 3: potato and leek, mayan chicken enchilada and the lobster bisque. I liked all 3 of them, but of those 3, the enchilada was the best. It had a good amount of kick and flavor that you wanted to just keep eating until there was none left. However, my husband ordered it before I could even open my mouth, so I went with the next best, which was the lobster bisque. (The potato and leek is a vegetarian option. I liked it a lot, but I thought that I may tire of it halfway through the bowl, so I ordered the bisque instead.) I was swayed to try the bisque by the Yelp reviews. It was very creamy and light which was perfect since it was my "pre-dinner", but I noticed that there wasn't a single lobster chunk in my soup. Kind of a letdown, but it was still really good. All soups come with a piece of sourdough or wheat bread. We both went with the sourdough and liked it a lot, although I could only finish about 1/2 of my bread. I loved Soupbox and know I'll come back when I find myself in the city on a cold day again, which I pray to the god of soup is sooner rather than later.
(4)
joe t.
Once again Dru and crew continue to keep rocking!! This time I went a little crazy. After looking at the current soups I went a little crazy. First stopping at the Chicago Ave location. Picking up a Potato and Leek. Then went to the Broadway shop and got the Thick & Rich bacon and potato and of course the White Cheddar and Broc. Got home and made my own blend. All I can say is, why didn't I get 2 of each?!?! If you're visiting or live here and haven't been I highly recommend you go. Whenever we have company in from out of town, first stop is Soupbox and second is Montis! You guys make this soup guy very happy!!! Thanks again for the years of getting me through illnesses, cold days, and just plain hunger!! Oh and IMHO you have to try, when they have it, Cream of Asparagus, broccoli, white cheddar and the thick and rich potato! #NomNomNomNomNom
(5)
Amanda B.
In the city of chicago, where we all too often have cold and wet weather this is too perfect. You can sample as many soups as you like, mix them together, and really there's nothing better than a hunk of sourdough and their lobster bisque or chicken chili.
(4)
La Tonya G.
This is the first time I have ever gone to a place that is mostly dedicated to soup! I love all kinds of soups and to be honest when I stopped by I had no real intent on buying anything. Then the guy with bubbly energy and a great smile asked "Would you like a sample?" A sample you say my brain immediately said go for it girl, so I did! The first soup I tasted Broccoli with white cheddar wasn't really doing it for me but my friend she loved it! I was heading towards the door and the same guy asked "Could I interest you in another sample?" Another sample you say well how could I turn that down so I tasted the creamy corn chowder, boom bam pow, the flavors were explosive and as I savored the tasty treat I just had to get some soup to go. I pay for my soup and the guy behind the counter talks about how mixing the Lobster bisque and the creamy corn chowder is really good! I'm like yes one day I will have to try that and he basically said why do you have to wait for one day when you are in the store today. Yes, you guessed it he said those 5 delicious words to me "Would you like a sample?" why yes if you insist I will take another sample!! It kicked the chowder up a notch and I as I was turning to leave he said "Wouldn't it be nice to mix that at home, then you and your friend could both have a hearty bowl of soup later!" Well, you know what I thought as I still savored the taste of my sample on my tongue and did my ultimate happy dance as I stood and looked at the young man, you are so so right! Give me a Large(16oz) of Lobster bisque so that I may take these lovely soups home and mix them myself! Now, this place is kind of pricey because I never in my life thought I would spend 15 dollars for 32oz of soup and two pieces of bread. It was truly worth it and I know I will go back again on a day I feel like splurging! I think they should have some soup that is maybe in an 8 or 10oz cup where the price point is a little less, I think that people would flock to this place more often, hey but that's just my opinion! I know I will be back maybe not as often as I would like due to the pricing but the Soupbox and the man that had such a bubbly personality has made an impression me!!!
(4)
Claire Y.
Soup bowls paired with bread and crackers. Lobster Bisque was great for my upset stomach. Price is reasonable.
(4)
Ada H.
SoupHeaven! That's what it really should be called. I caught a cold. In June. And of course, I need soup to make me feel better. But I hate soup in can and didn't want soup from Panera or Potbelly. So I looked up soup near my home. And Soupbox was the very first result! Yelp to the rescue again! When I went in the, the soup scooper at the counter asked me if I had any questions. I told him that I was sick (he could probably tell from the way I looked and my hoarse voice any way), and wanted something strong so I can still taste it. I really wanted chicken noodle soup, but noticed that they had chicken and wild rice and also rosemary chicken dumpling soup. He suggested the rosemary chicken dumpling. It was basically like chicken noodles but dumplings instead of noodles. He also offered me a tasting of some of the other soups, but I declined since my sick tastebuds probably wouldn't have been helpful any way. It was exactly what I needed. The rosemary really came through even with my impaired sense of smell. It was filling even though I didn't expect it to be. Besides the dumplings there were good chunks of chicken and veggies. It also came with a large piece of bread which I couldn't finish. I also ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. I was enticed since it's only $2.50 if you get it with a soup. Funny because the sandwich is a side when usually soup is the side. It's a build-your-own with a choice of sourdough or multigrain, several different cheese, and some add-on extras like bacon or tomato. I chose multigrain with Mozzarella and Pepper Jack. This is the best combination of cheese for grilled cheese in my opinion. The mozzarella balances out the pepper jack and makes it extra gooey. Love it!!! When I got it, it was more like a panini with thinner slices of bread (see pic). But it's really a perfect little sandwich. Complete with criss cross griddle marks. My only slight gripe is that the soups are any where from $5-$9 depending on the size and type of soup you get. My small cup of RCD was $6.50. With the $2.50 and $1.50 bottle of water, it was kinda pricey. However, I think the flavors were worth it. And the price of the soup is balanced out by the price of the delicious sandwich. I will definitely be back! PS. I heard another customer mention a Groupon deal for this place. So check that out too!
(5)
Brian W.
You may think its hard to mess up soup, but it is and Soupbox never has! Tons of choices for any type of flavor you wish. The lobster bisque is always my favorite, the chicken and dumpling is a winner too. The panini style grilled cheese with different kinds of breads and cheeses are good if you want a little more to eat. I'll keep coming back soupbox thank you!
(5)
Gen C.
This is the ideal restaurant for a cold place like Chicago. All I wanted was soup, and Soupbox delivered! The place was small and relatively empty; I could foresee it getting crowded on a busy day. All of the soups of the day sounded great but I decided to go with the lobster bisque (no regrets!). They only have soups and salads, so if you're craving an intense meal, you might want to save this for another day!
(5)
Gareth R.
Decent soup watch the consistency though.
(4)
Jessica K.
Oh yes, 5 stars for hot soup in 100 degree weather. Well, actually it was more like 98 degrees with a high humidity factor but who's counting? And I am thrilled I came in armed with my Economist, a whole crapload of podcasts and a hearty appetite. I figured no one would want to eat soup on such a hot night so I would have a guaranteed spot in their tiny tiny shop. I sort of hemmed and hawed over the lobster bisque and the chicken tortilla and the nice man behind the counter helped me settle on a cup of the lobster bisque with a turkey and pepperjack sandwich (I mentioned I was hungry, right?) The lobster bisque is definitely very thick and heavy so anything more than a cup would probably make you sick. The turkey and pepperjack sandwich is a great addition to any soup but it's nothing spectacular. Think of Carl Buddig deli meat, cheese and a panini press. It's tastes so good when you dunk it in the bisque! This is not a healthy meal by any stretch of the imagination but it's tasty, fresh and still desirable in the summer.
(5)
Lauren H.
This place is great if you just want a quick cup of soup and grilled cheese. I was actually surprised they made the lobster bisque the right way. Being a culinary graduate I can be a huge picky soup nazi. I can't wait to go back and try the other soups.
(3)
Rachel B.
Love the lobster bisque. They let you try anything you want first, which is always a tasty experience. They started doing grilled cheese a while back, which is great, but it also makes the place smell a little smoky. Because of that, and it always being quite warm in there, I recommend take out only.
(4)
David R.
My parents were coming for a four-day visit. I asked my mother, "What do you want to do while you're here?" She said "Your dad wants to see the planetarium and I want to go to Soupbox." How's that for a compliment? My mom has excellent taste. I'm still a super-fan of this joint after all these years, because they are still friendly as hell, and the soups are still phenomenal. Free tastes, an occasional gratis extra chunk of bread, and twelve-ounce bowls of joy. Soupbox is an all-time great.
(5)
Kyle P.
Been here about 10 times over the past ten years and always walk away happy. Nice people, decent prices for what you get and always have new choices. I know the area and sales dictate but I wish they had more meat options and spicy. but I guess I can do that after.
(4)
Lauren F.
It was freezing outside and I was sick...what better time than to stop in at Soupbox?! I tried the Lobster Bisque, Broccoli and Cheddar, and Chicken and Wild Rice soups with sourdough bread and they were all delicious, but I will say that the Lobster Bisque was the favorite for both me and my husband. I will definitely be returning very soon for more soup and to give one of their make-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches a try!
(4)
Lindsay R.
It's okay/average....probably a good place for lunch, pretty affordable, nice selection of soups, great staff....the vegetable soup and the chicken noodle soup were just kind of bland and boring.
(3)
S G.
I love Soupbox. I know their menu is basic, something you can easily prepare at home etc., but that's the beauty of Soupbox, a simple, quick fix like getting treated by your friend at collage! However on my last visit to this location, I was disappointed. The staff there were nice as always (and just like the river north location we typically go to) , thus I cannot just give one star, but yesterday after we had a couple of Lobster bisque and grilled cheese (our standard choice) for lunch, both my boyfriend and I had upset stomach throughout the day and until this morning. Also we noticed the bread of the grilled cheese got much thinner and overall, the experience was a lot less satisfactory than how we remembered it..and we are sorry about that.
(2)
Ashley D.
Two words: PRISON SOUP! I'm soooooo disappointed in The Soupbox! I used to go here all the time and the last 3-4 times I've gotten nothing but flavorless hot water. I could buy Campbell's in the can that tastes a lot better for a lot less money. I kept giving Soupbox a chance since I used to love it so much, but after tonight, never again. Sorry Soupbox, you are officially off my " go-to favorites" list.
(1)
Gino W.
Years ago when I went to St. Louis, I stumbled upon a "soup kitchen" where I fell in love with the cups of flavour. I was surprised that I had not seen any soup cafe in Chicago, as big as Chicago is. A year after my St. Louis visit a friend hip me to Soupbox. Lobster bisque. Clam chowder. Italian wedding. I had gone to the location on Chicago Avenue since it was closer to work. High energy and always full. And the soup was always good. The location in Lakeview on Broadway is where I go mostly, especially during the winter when I want to get a seat and enjoy my soup with the complementary slices of sourdough bread. Happiness. Note: Soupbox is a hangout spot for all the hipsters. Haha.
(4)
Haley S.
I am NOT a soup person but Soupbox has changed me forever. This is seriously the most delicious warm meal you will ever have! Highly recommend the lobster bisque in a sour dough bowl! AMAZING!
(5)
Daniela R.
This place is great.. I felt like I HAD to make a review after reading a bad one someone else wrote.. I wished I could down-vote it! This place is great, pricey; yeah. But worth it. The staff is FANTASTIC; so nice and helpful. Every soup i've tried here has been better than the next; lobster bisque is delicious and you can mix it with many others to make your own amazing cup of soup.. If people is going to complain about prices, lets start with other businesses.. I can see them hating on soup while sipping a $6 venti coffe at starbucks.. At least Soupbox tastes great!
(4)
Kassie H.
Totally overpriced! This soup is just watery. It tastes like nothing. I got the chili which is supposed to have meat but where is it? And the beef stew, where's the beef and did they dump Cambpbell's in here? We got two small soups $15. Never ever going back, they have let the quality slip!
(1)
Frances B.
Soup in Chicago doesn't get better than this, period. I live right around the corner from this place and I feel like I won the real estate jackpot. I've been to the downtown location and this one, and the soup and service is the same, but the downtown one gets jammed at lunchtime, especially during the winter. I adore the broccoli cheddar, chicken & wild rice, the mayan tortilla soup, the chicken noodle, the vegetable and the chili. My boyfriend can't bring himself to order anything besides the lobster bisque because he says it's just too good not to get. I also love the fact that if you're torn between 2, you can mix them! And they let you try any of the soups and soup mixes you want if you're not sure. All cups of soup come with delicious bread, but sometimes I go for the grilled cheese because it's hard not to. So if you're craving soup, or you're sick, or just generally cold COME HERE it's amazing.
(5)
Lizz M.
I've been pretty annoyed at how hot it's been out because I cannot come to the Soupbox. I have solved this issue. I can just crank my AC until it's cold enough. BOOM! Anyway, Soupbox makes me happy (check out Facebook for my soupbox group...while groups are still a thing). Picking a favorite is what it must be like to choose between your children. Some of my top picks: chicken and wild rice, broccoli and cheddar and chicken gumbo. Their potato and leek is also good, I just wish it were a smidge thicker. I've only seen this done at the Chicago location, but you can also mix soups. I haven't tried this but a friend did and she loved it! If you're unsure on what to choose, you can always sample before you commit. Both locations are top notch, so you really can't go wrong. Service is always fantastic. Oh, and if you want something more than soup? Grilled cheese. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Michelle C.
Love the Lobster Bisque! Ask them to mix the pot around before they scoop into your cup because there was an instance where I didn't get any lobster pieces :( The oyster crackers that come with the soup are the best!! I eat it by itself if I don't have anymore soup.. haha. They could probably get more than 1 computer to make things easier. It was really busy the last time I went and the guy couldn't keep track of who's soup he had already poured and whether he entered it into the computer already.
(4)
Ron M.
I was in the mood for some soup post polar vortex, so I figured this would hit the spot. I was regretting my decision two spoonfuls into it. The chicken/rice soup was runnier than my nose. If you have an extra $8-$10 bucks burning a hole in your wallet and want some average soup, this is your spot.
(2)
Gladys C.
12 different soups every day!!! The split pea, lobster bisque, chicken with wild rice and corn chowder are really good. It's really hard to choose, but they let you sample as many as you want! You also get free bread chunks and those are really yummy compared to their bread bowls. I don't like their bread bowls - the bread is not soft enough (I prefer Au Bon Pain's) and doesn't make it want to eat it. Friendly service!
(4)
Aubrey K.
Great concept...The Soupbox is open in the cold season and it offers Italian Ice as the Ice Box in the warmer months. I love coming here and picking up a rich soup. The staff is always patient as I end up sampling at least 4 varieties and am so indecisive since they are all equally tasty. Some of my favorites are good old Chicken Noodle and the Chicken with Wild Rice.
(4)
Sydney K.
As a self-prescribed soup fanatic, I'm always on the lookout for good homemade soup. Soupbox not only has 1, but 12 daily homemade soups that comfort you on a blustery Chicago day. But your soup selection is only limited by your imagination - they encourage mixing soups to create whole new creations. One of my favorites is the lobster bisque and corn chowder mixed together. The italian bread that comes with the soup is delicious and don't be shy about asking for extra. Want to know what kinds of soups they're offering today? Visit their website thesoupbox.com to see their soups du jour.
(5)
andrew l.
Soupbox is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. How can an establishment selling soups hold a candle to the competition? Well for one, the soup is restaurant quality. You can sample any soup there, and mix soups together. My favorite is Chicken with Wild Rice and a mix with Lobster Bisque. A tad bit pricey for soup but the friendly atmosphere and really cool employees make up for that 10x. This is one of those places you make a personal staple.
(5)
Kiki M.
I have been to both the Broadway and Chicago locations many times. The soup has a very good favor to it, but it's not hardy enough. I've had many of your soups, and I'd say that 95% of them are do not have enough veggies or filler to them. In addition, I went to get soup today, and I'm sorry to say that it is going to be the last time. It is OUTRAGOUS to charge $5.50 for a VERY SMALL soup that is practically all liquid.
(1)
Lisa T.
What a great place, especially for Chicago weather. Always a good selection, with meat, seafood or vegetarian friendly soups, and always um, um good!
(3)
Bethany K.
This is a great little place to grab a warm bowl of soup on a cold night. I often stop by on my way home from work, after waiting too long in the cold for a too long bus ride. They offer a great selection and send you home with some bread in your bag for dipping. It's a bit pricey , when you can buy a can of soup at the grocery store for a buck, but it's definately worth it.
(4)
Jack B.
The last time I was here, which was a while ago, I had this beer battered soup that was awesome. I keep meaning to go back for more because I really liked it, but haven't found the time. Hopefully they still have it there!
(4)
a w.
The bread bowl here is the best. You get lots of soup and some great fresh baked breads. And there's always plenty of soups to choose from -- and if you can't decide, you can always try as many of them as you'd like. This is a really neat place that also turns into an the Icebox in the summers, offering lots of different flavored Italian Ice.
(5)
Mark P.
Pretty good soups. But too heavy on the cream.
(3)
Stephanie M.
In the summer when this place becomes Ice Box, they have the best frozen ice slushee treats. Everything is made with real fruit so its not too sweet and you can really taste the real fruit flavor. They come in a bunch of different sizes from really tiny to huge. They give free samples too. Blueberry is good. Strawberry is good. Watermelon is good. They are all good and good for u.
(4)
Julia B.
Awesome soups! I love soup-so this is a great place for me to go in the winter when I want to grab a quick lunch. In the summer it is the Ice Box which has more frozen selections..I prefer the soups though!!!
(3)
Terrance H.
Thanks for the offer of the free soup Dru. Went to the soupbox the other day and got the Lobster bisque and the Tomato basil. It was last Monday when it was rainy and windy out, perfect day for soups. Had samples of the beef stew and something else which escapes my mind at the moment. The workers were again very helpful. All was good on this trip as well. Only issue is I was there would have been pieces of lobster in the bisque but I understand. Otherwise another good experience here..
(4)
Beth M.
A winter time staple. Must go in to the store for the samples. I like the plain old chicken noodle and the rosemary chicken. Maybe slightly overpriced for soup but everything is made fresh. They also deliver.
(4)
Kenny O.
Unlike its other location in River North, this Soupbox unfortunately doesn't have a mini-salad station for making these perfect soup+salad combinations. The ambiance: I went there a few weeks ago and it was empty. I'm used the RN location always hustling and bustling with people, so this was a surprise. It was nice, though. Quiet alone time with my beloved bread bowl and soup. Mmmm. The food: I really like Soupbox and have been here a good amount of times now. I went with a cream of chicken and wild rice and it was delicious served inside a sourdough bread bowl. I still personally think it's a steal at around $8, since that's what I paid for subpar soup breadbowls at Boudin in California as my lunch multiple times a week (and Boudin wasn't nearly as good as Soupbox either). The service: Friendly and fast. TL;DR. Always good. More laid back version of Soupbox compared to River North. No salads.
(4)
Denise W.
The boyfriend and I came here on two separate occasions. Both times we used a Groupon deal: $5 for $10 worth of food. The first time was during the late afternoon and the small eatery was quiet with just a few people inside. The guys behind the counter greeted us and offered us some samples of their soup menu. While all the samples were delicious, we both decided that lobster bisque was the best. We glanced at the prices and our one $10 Groupon barely covered 2 small cups of soup. I placed an order for a sourdough bread bowl of lobster bisque while the boyfriend quickly bought another Groupon on the spot to get another order of the same. Both guys were really nice and filled our bread bowls to the brim. There was also chips, cookies, and day-old bread for sale for 99-cents per roll of bread. Small packets of oyster crackers were on the house so we stocked up on a few before bringing our bread bowls to a table. The lobster bisque was rich and smooth and was complemented really nicely by the sourdough bread bowl. The free oyster crackers added a nice crunch to the repeatedly creamy texture. The second time we went to Soupbox was late night, about 9pm. Instead of getting two soup bowls this time, we split a bread bowl and added a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for $2.50. You can customise your sandwich with types of bread and cheese, and toppings for extra charge. We ordered a Broccoli and Cheddar soup in a sourdough bread bowl, but they had run out of sourdough and only had multi-grain. To compensate, they only charged us the price of a large soup rather than the price of a bread bowl. We added on a roll of day-old sourdough bread for later and they were willing to give it to us free of charge. I'm not sure if it was because they didn't have any more fresh sourdough bread bowls, or because it was almost closing time. We sat down with our soup and shortly after, the guy brought out our grilled cheese sandwich. All together, it looked and smelled delicious. We loaded up on oyster crackers again and couldn't wait to dig in. The soup was so rich and creamy, and the oyster crackers added the extra crunch to mix up food textures. The grilled cheese was pretty standard, but while it was still hot and the cheese was still melting, it tasted amazingly good. Awesome service, awesome soups, and awesome bread, even if it is day-old. It is a little bit on the pricey side without the help of a Groupon, but I can imagine this place being really crowded on a cold and stormy day.
(4)
Kelly A.
Excellent soup! Fast delivery and awesome service. Got the cheesy baked potato soup and rosemary chicken soup. Both were delivered hot and delicious. Would highly recommend over Panera or other soup options.
(5)
Debra L.
Halloween 2014 was wet, windy and crazy cold. This kind of night cried out for hot soup. I love that Soupbox has around a dozen offerings, including both vegan and a vegetarian soup. There's something for everyone. The restaurant is a plain carryout place, but the swell folks that work there never mind if you want a taste sample before you buy. My crew all opted for bread bowls of chicken noodle soup, and the vegan soup was Cuban black bean. I can't speak for the chicken noodle soup but I'm guessing by the empty bowls it was really good. Speaking of empty bowl, I made short work of the Cuban black bean. It was rich and thick, and well spiced with a hearty texture. I also love the whole grain bread. What's soup without bread? With winter around the corner I'm glad we have Soupbox.
(4)
Jim S.
Best soup in the city. I've had Soup Box delivered probably 20 times and I've visited the restaurant about 10 times, you can't go wrong either way. If delivered, the soup comes as ordered, hot, and delicious. I always recommend the lobster bisque, it's absolutely unreal. Highly recommend Soup Box.
(5)
Kory R.
So I came here after listening to friends talk this place up that it is the most AMAZING soup place. I was disappointed. Yes, you have all those soups to choose from and try, but after visiting several times and just having an average experience, I'm not impressed. The soup is over priced and tastes like it all comes from a mix or can. The grilled cheese is good, but there's Cheesies if you're looking for that. My advice, skip it and heat up some Campbell's because it'll pretty much be the same thing.
(3)
Rick T.
You know what thought came to my mind as I sat here eating? The Great Depression. People lined up around the block at soup kitchens for a free cup of soup during that era. Soupbox is the exact, polar opposite of a depression-era soup kitchen. I don't think there is a pricier cup of soup on planet Earth: $7.61 Seven. Dollars. And. Sixty. One. Cents. For a cup--literally, 8 ounces--a CUP of rosemary chicken dumpling soup. That's $122.00 PER GALLON for God's sake. Son of a BITCH, man. And, NO, it was not "good" soup. There were a couple--literally a couple--of shreds of chicken. The vegetables were so thin, I could see through them. Again. Not exaggerating. I could *see through* the carrot and celery shavings. Oh, right. This was "rosemary chicken dumpling" soup. There were two "dumplings." Both were the size of a very small gnocchi. Come to think of it, they may have been very small gnocchi. Small. Tasteless. Pitiful. Lonely Gnocchi. In a runny, bland, depression-era-worthy cup of water. This is another one of those places that I've walked past a zillion times without going in. It will be a zillion more times before I return.
(2)
Sean R.
My first time visiting this place. I actually checked it out because a friend only could eat soup that day. I think it is a great idea of a place, and the soup I had was pretty good. I like the vibe of the place and the concept of the pots for the soup. Only drawback and this applies to most places in that area is that parking is terrible.
(4)
Kristy D.
Love, love, love this restaurant!!!!! The soup and bread bowl was yummy!!! My husband and I had dinner for $20 and we were stuffed!! MUST go back to try other soups!
(5)
Izzy N.
No matter what the weather is like outside, burning hot temps- sometimes all I want is soup. Southeast asians are notorious for that.. a big bowl of pho or bun bo hue in hot tropical weather in the motherland? Hell yes. Have you seen the average temperature in Vietnam during the winter? It's in the 70s and 80s. I thought I'd give soupbox a try since I wasn't able to venture out for pho. It's pretty decent.. I usually go for the creamier soups like cream of asparagus and lobster bisque because I don't like most american non-creamy soups except for chicken noodle once in awhile. I like Whole Food's rendition of broccoli cheddar better. It's cool they offer a choice of sourdough or multigrain bread with your soup and there's plenty of extras to add to your soup on the side counter. I like adding lots of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to mine. Solid place for some soup.
(3)
Marissa G.
My friends and I spent quite some time at soupbox last summer and I am so glad we did. I have very fond memories of this place. The staff is extremely helpful and lets you sample all of their soups, which are cooked fresh every day, to decide which one you want. They are very encouraging, so i don't have to feel like I should settle for a soup because I feel awkward asking to taste another. They are very fast at checking the customer out and I have seen them with extremely long lines of customers that they've been able to pump through within minutes. I loved their chicken noodle soup, their broccoli cheddar, chicken and wild rice, and their beef stew. All of it is so good, you can get bread and butter with it (I highly recommend dipping the bread in the butter and then eating it with the soup -- totally fatty but totally delicious). I am a big fan of their dirty chips too! Get the sweet onion! Salt and vinegar is good too :)
(5)
Nichole F.
I love Soupbox especially when it is cold outside. We live close enough to the location in Lakeview to get delivery. Yay! I love getting the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl! So delish!
(5)
Jeff S.
When you need soup, for what ever reason...the weather, not feeling great, comfort food, or you just love good soup, any reason you can come up with--Soupbox is the answer. Even though we live on the North Shore, every so often have to do a Soupbox run. Wish they'd open one up in the Evanston area, so I wouldn't have to drive all the way into the city. Their soups are delicious, decadent and a treat for your taste buds. The selection is terrific, with the free bread--you have a hearty, filling meal. And I always buy extra to freeze. With all the snow and frigid cold we're having right now, it's time for a run into town to get some soup. Haven't tried their sandwich yet, but will have to give them a go too.
(5)
Rachel O.
World's best soup in the world ever. Amazing delicious everything. My absolute favorite is the Lobster Bisque, but I have sampled many others and they're all wonderful. The bread is fantastic, especially the multi-grain in my opinion. If you're hungry for more than soup, add a grilled cheese for a few bucks and you will not be sorry. I like how they make simple grilled cheese instead of the over-the-top and expensive kinds many places make nowadays. The employees are always so nice. Delivery is extremely fast, soup comes piping hot, and there's only an $8 minimum. I love you Soupbox.
(5)
Nats A.
Well it was 84 degrees out and I still made my way over to soupbox to use my groupons. It only took me a half hour coming from Niles (Fullerton is a bitch no matter what time of day). But I was still able to find a parking spot right in front. Soupbox is very small. Like tiny, meaning it must be cray cray during the cold months. Seating is limited, probably 6 or 7 tables max. Bought the lobster bisque and broccoli and white cheddar. The lobster bisque is good BUT there are no chucks of lobster, and a little salty. Broccoli and cheddar is yummy. Better than paneras! I seriously got an awesome deal with both of my groupons. I walked out of Soupbox with 2 large soups, 1 bottle of water, 1 cookie, and 1 bag of chips. You can't beat that. I will be back Soupbox, count me in as a frequent customer.
(4)
Jerry W.
I have to start by saying I am a huge soup fan. And so is my wife and oldest daughter. So the three of us decide to stop on in at the Soupbox on Broadway. My wife and I are dropping our daughter off at her place. She is feeling under the weather. So we need a good lunch spot with hot soups. We start by sampling several of the twelve soups cooking today. I tried the New England Clam Chowder (a thick and rich classic white clam chowder with fresh clams, potatoes, onion and celery in a cream base that was truly outstanding), the Hearty Beef Stew (slow roasted beef, carrots, potatoes and peas with a touch of onion in beef stock that was good, but the sample cup needed to be bigger), Authentic Mexican Tortilla (roasted tomatoes and sweet corn with black beans, garlic and red onion in a cumin and chili powder spiced chicken broth, another outstanding thick and hearty soup) and finally a Classic Chicken Noodle (slow cooked chicken, long flat noodles and plenty of fresh veggies that really hit the spot). So I decide on a large New England Clam Chowder for $7.95 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon on it. My wife orders a small Classic Chicken Noodle for $5.85 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon and a tomato on it. Both grilled cheeses were really hearty and delicious sandwiches. Finally my daughter ordered a bread bowl Classic Chicken Noodle for $7.85 with wheat bread. It was sooo good we also ordered her another small for home, she is still feeling under the weather. Well our total came to $29.32 with tax. The service was SUPER friendly. The place is clean and small. Do we recommend Soupbox, HECK YEAH! Will we be back, HECK YEAH! Should you stop by 2943 N. Broadway and give the soups a try, HECK YEAH! I am hoping after our next visit the Soupbox will get the ultimate 5 star, "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" rating.
(4)
Femme C.
I love the lobster bisque, this is my fave. My only complaint is it is too salty. I have the soup and then die for water. Less salt, Soupbox!
(5)
Caroline M.
Beer cheese soup!? Yum! One 12oz portion of this velvety, creamy, cheesy soup fulfilled my soup cravings. I particularly like how you are offered bread to accompany your personal soup fest. My wedge of sourdough had a nice crust and made a lovely accompaniment to the soup. I like crackers and Soupbox had 'em! Cheesy Beer Soup (carbs) + bread (carbs) + a sprinkling of crackers (carbs) = my perfect (carb heavy) meal. Loved it.
(4)
Joes L.
That's right 5-Stars. Go ahead. Judge me. This place is so damn good I treat her like a favorite family member - I miss her when I'm away, everywhere I go I wish I could take her with me, I post photos of our good times together on my cubicle wall, and when I have to make tough decisions I say to myself "What would Soupbox do?" And then I do it knowing that somewhere out there Soupbox is nodding with approval. The fact is Soupbox is my favorite place to eat of all time. Best of all is the....wait for it.....soup, but to say it's different versions of the same thing is an outrageous understatement. To all you skeptics toss out the idea that soup is just a cold weather dish: every one in every season can find something they like here. (Note: Soupbox opens up its Italian Ice offering "Icebox" in the summer.) Chicken & Wild Rice, Cream of Asparagus, Broccoli & Cheese, Hearty Vegetable...stop me before I dribble all over my keyboard. It fits my every mood and my tastes have broadened people. And guess what? When you're feeling a little daring try mixing the soups. I'm a fan of the lobster bisque clam chowder, myself. Ok, so that's my big plug for Chicago eats. It's definitely worth a go.
(5)
Ashley B.
I've only been here once so I want to come back and try it again, especially since I'm so close to it. The soup I had was pretty good but the salads were kind of blah. It just felt like a weird place overall. I do like that they let you taste test it before you buy, which, think about it, not a lot of restaurants do that, period. All in all, it's nice if you're nearby and in need of something quick and warm. However, I think I could make a better soup and spend a lot less moola doing so!
(3)
Jared D.
Just went here armed with a $5 for $10 groupon. Probably wasn't the best idea to go get soup when it's 93 degrees out, but was overall pretty good. Had the chicken noodle and grilled cheese. The soup had good flavor, but too much broth and not enough chicken/noodles/veggies etc. The sandwich was good. This place is probably much better in the winter, so hopefully there's another $5 groupon because soupbox is not cheap.
(3)
Lia V.
Nothing better than soup on a chilly day... or when you're hungover. Creamy chicken and wild rice - MY FAVORITE. I tried the clam chowder today too and it was surprisingly very good. I've never tasted a bad soup from there. Get the multigrain bread for dipping and an IBC rootbeer and your tummy will be a happy camper.
(4)
Lyn L.
If you go, get a mix of their lobster bisque and their cream of chicken and wild rice. Yummy!
(4)
Lauren L.
Love this place! When you are stuck in the Windy City and the air is just cool enough for a good cup of soup, SoupBox is the place to pop your head in! They have 20 different soups everyday to choose from and you can taste as many as you want before deciding what to eat! My favorite, as of late, is the chicken & wild rice soup! I appreciate a good, creamy, hot soup on a chilly day! Another great addition to the soups is the grilled cheese sandwich you can add on for only $2.00 or so! They also have great salads that you can create yourself if you are feeling like having something on the lighter side!
(4)
Chris W.
Breaking down my entire first experience here I'm going to start with the environment and finish with the soup. If you prefer to read in any other fashion, feel free! THE ENVIRONMENT: ****/5 Imagine walking into a sort of dim Empty Bottle without the bar area or having stairs or any of that. Just the dance floor. Then imagine a few sparse tables and some high chairs along the windows facing the street (we're modifying the space here for all intensive purposes). If the stage was the 'kitchen' where the cauldrons of soups labeled and on a table with relatively quirky or laid back employees more than willing to give you a sample cup of any soup, you'd see that in 'the middle of the dance-floor' people gather together to pick soups, make orders, and most people seem to do the takeout thing. New, seems to be that they make grilled cheese on a panini thing. It smelled good I must say. What I mean to say with all of the traffic in and out of locals and shoppers is that we weren't bothered or crowded or anything of that nature while we were sitting down and eating. It's a nice place for a quick or long lunch and a nice conversation. A cute date starter-spot too. If you'd like a drink they have a mostly canned selection of pops, iced tea, and some bottled IBC cream soda, root beer and diet root beer. Water as well. When I went to pick out something to drink I realized a lot of what was in the cooler must have JUST been put in there before we got there so make sure to grab yourself something nice and COLD. They're all mixed up next to each other. THE SOUP: *****/5 They have 12 soups available daily (plenty of vegan options) and my friend got the Select Cream of Potato and Leek. The flavor of such was enhanced with some black pepper. They have spices next to the counter and the drink cooler. He got his Potato & Leek soup in a bread bowl. There are three price ranges for the soups which are 'regular' 'large' and 'bread bowl'. Regular is about 6 bucks and Bread Bowl is about 8.50. Beware you get all of the innards of your multigrain or sourdough bread bowl alongside of your meal and because all of the creamier soups (that I've had thus far) are SO RICH TASTING it's going to be a struggle to finish. I was almost grumpy when we got there about the prices for the sizes, having no idea a regular bowl of Lobster Bisque with a side of sourdough that comes with the soup (well, your choice of bread does) was going to make me need to be carried to the car. Speaking of Lobster Bisque - I've sampled 3 of such soup in my lifetime, this one surprisingly did not have any chunks of meat or anything in it. It was strictly liquid, but that was fine with me. Of the 3 lobster bisque's I've had, this one was in the top 2. A bread bowl and a regular bowl of soup were approximately the same price as what we would have paid at Panera for two pick 2's and a drink. I can't wait to try more soup soon!
(4)
Hilary P.
Oh SoupBox, you could not be more perfect to me. Selection of 12 delicious soups on all the chilly days you'd want to eat soup? Amazing idea! I wish you existed in California every time the temperature dips below 65 and I crave soup. Oh and your lobster bisque is kind of amazing so that's nice too! Great rotating selection, friendly service, patient employees who let you sample whatever you want when you're feeling indecisive, all great things here at SoupBox!
(5)
Julia B.
THEY NOW DELIVER AND HAVE GRILLED CHEESE!! Ok, now that I got that out of the way...This is downtown Soupbox's older, more hip, but smaller sister. Yes this location is quite small (RE: not much room to sit), but it still a great place to get a cup of soup in Lakeview. Now that I think about it, it might be one of the only places in Lakeview, that's not Asian, where you can some good soup. Which is precisely why I love it so so much! All of the soups are great, but my favorite is the New England Clam Chowder because I am a huge Clam Chowda fan. Soupbox's version is pretty delicious and does really taste like it was made from scratch, pretty close to a fancy restaurant's version. The lobster bisque is my second favorite and tastes super delicious mixed with the clam chowder. They have plenty of other flavors that alternate everyday and they always have free samples. The newest edition of Grilled Cheese has to be one their greatest ideas. $2.50 with a soup and $3.50 without any soup, is a sweet deal, and it tastes perfect. And it actually a pretty decent size grilled cheese. I got mine with pepperjack cheese and ham. but there are several options for the cheese and meat. When I get the grilled cheese and soup I can't actually eat both in one meal, which is both good and bad. Good because I now have two meals, but neither soup nor grilled cheese taste good reheated. However, if you have a huge appetite, you can probably handle both, and who doesn't love grilled cheese? The friendly employees make the soup buying experience quite pleasant and since I am usually here on a depressing, rainy or sick day, this makes all the difference. Can't wait to order delivery when the weather get's colder!
(4)
Julie V.
Soup samples delivered indiscriminately. Well-done. A variety of hot steaming soup in black kettles, served with a chunk of soft bread. Such a simple concept, but a brilliant one. Soup works on so many levels to make the body feel happy. And the Soupbox has mastered this strategy. My only suggestion is: Offer the original cream-based Chicken Dumpling more often. The Rosemary broth version is mediocre, but the former is exemplary. AND --ever thought of a divided, disposable bowl for 2 soups in one? Oh and open another location in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square!
(4)
Mishele K.
I can't get enough of this place. In winter I can't resist some soup and grilled cheese action, and their summer treats are delicious, too. The prices are reasonable, the line usually isn't too long, and the food is yummy--and they have a nice selection to choose from, so you can take your picky siblings there and everyone can still be happy. Stop in if you're in the neighborhood!
(5)
Rod D.
If soups your thing, this place is for you. I'm not too big on soup but did enjoy some of the flavors they have. What's nice about this place is they also recommend soups that you can mix together that can make for a delicious meal. With all that being said, I can't constitute paying $9-10 for soup. I don't care how gourmet it is. Soup is like a pre-meal for me...I can't get full off of soup. I liked the soup but it's not worth the money for me. It's a place that I would go to once and a while but not a place I would frequently visit because of the prices.
(3)
Sopla R.
I'm gonna let you in on a secret. Really exceptional soup takes time. Of course, this can be said for all food prep, but since we are talking "Soupbox"... We all get that nostalgic pang that we get when we think of soup right? It's comforting, and makes a chilly day seem perfect. I've been to this place three times now. Each time, I left feeling like I spent too much for the quality of soup/portion that I got. Soups start with a "base or a roux" and these guys use the same base for pretty much all their creamy soups/clear soups. Which is fine/standard if* they actually took the time to simmer these soups and use real stock along with fresh herbs/produce.. as well as to make them distinct not only by adding or deleting a protein. I always taste flour in these soups and they have no real flavor profiles. With the clear soups, I always have an aftertaste and usually this means that they used some of those bulk spices (that may or may not be flavor "enhancers".. And the reason I still taste flour in these soups? Is because they are not building flavor profiles. Because building flavor takes time (simmering,) Which is the POINT of me going to a shop called "Soupbox" in the first place!! I want exceptional soup not just "OK" soup!! Which anyone can do at home with leftovers and frozen bag of veggies.. just toss together for a quickie "frig cleanup soup." Bottom line, they are cutting LOTS of corners and it shows.. I usually make a few batches of soups throughout the year at home. I spend no less than 3-5 hours from start to finish on any given soup. I don't taste that here at all. I always thought that homemade soup equaled love after all. I would challenge those 4 and 5 star reviewers to find a soup recipe that starts from scratch. Make it all the way through (even using boxed stocks because I usually use both in mine homemade and boxed :) Then, come back and see if Soupbox is really worthy of these 4 and 5 star reviews..Not to mention, it makes your house actually feel all cozy and nostalgic!! Update: I have to give props to the management for responding to my review and offering me to come back and try them. Unfortunately, I found them to be the same as I said before. Nothing special (like any supermarket deli high end or otherwise) you'd never know the difference. To be fair, I think, for the price point and given this hipster location, my review's not going to effect their biz anyways. I always appreciate when I'm heard nonetheless.
(2)
Stephanie T.
Many of my coworkers order from here all the time and love it! So I figured I would try it. I ordered the hearty vegetable soup. I thought since it was "Hearty" that it was going to be filled with yummy veggies in every bite. Yea ooookkk!! All I got was a bland broth with about 5 slices of carrots, about 8 peas, and two thin slices of celery! Are you kidding me!!??? I paid about $11 for basically a broth. I will NOT be ordering from here again and I will make sure my coworkers won't either!
(1)
Shelly M.
My boyfriend and I tried this restaurant out and we ordered the lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice. Both were delicious and perfect on a cold night. The sour dough bread was perfect with our soups. We will be going back to try more!
(4)
Dean K.
winter is around the corner. i like to bring home a large bowl of lobster bisque with plenty of bread and butter and have that with a bombay sapphire and tonic (don't know why this works). it is the perfect lazy afternoon meal on a cold and blustery weekend.
(4)
Annette J.
I've been dealing with a never ending cold/allergy amalgamation the last few weeks so that coupled with the cooling temps have really put me in a soup kind of mood. Thankfully Soupbox is just up the street from my apartment to accommodate my recent cravings. Soupbox is a small space with a warm vibe. A few tables and chairs (additional seating outside in warmer temps) and the counter with their 12 kettles of delectable soups for the day fill up the room. Flavors range from a Cream of Asparagus to Bacon Cheddar Beer to the vegan/gluten free Cuban Black Bean and you can see what's offered before you head over there via their website at thesoupbox.com . Also nice--the website lists the nutritional info so if you're watching calories you can plan accordingly. I was surprised to find that some of my favorite soups were not as indulgent as I thought which was AWESOME. If you're anything like me you might get overwhelmed by the variety but luckily the staff is open to give you free samples of soups to help you make your choice. If you're torn between two flavors you can even get them to mix them for you. Just yesterday I had a mix of two of my favorites--lobster bisque and clam chowder. That ish was gooooood. Also all the staff I've encountered are super passionate about their product so if you're feeling brave ask them to whip up a special mixture of some of their favorites just for you. I've seen them come up some interesting combinations. It can be kind of pricey for a bowl of soup but the two sizes--regular (12oz for around $5-6) and large (16oz $6-7) come with a side of bread so it can be a filling meal. If you're feeling kind of Renaissance Fair-y get thy soup in a bread bowl! In the summer months they expand to include "Icebox" offerings--Italian ice and gelato. Admittedly with Bobtail a few doors down and Paciugo up the street I don't go to Soupbox for their icy treats but they've got it if you want it. In the winter months they offer a delivery service which I've only used once--when I was deathly ill last January. I felt like a tool ordering delivery when they were not even a block away but desperate phlegmy times call for desperate measures. At least I gave the guy a good tip! A cooler houses some canned and bottled beverages and Pastoral next door offers some kick ass gourmet sandwiches if you want a soup and sandwich kind of deal but as far as I'm concerned the hearty flavorful soups at Soupbox are perfect on their own.
(4)
Sharon S.
Ran out of chicken noodle soup when I went:( But it was also towards the evening so I guess it's okay, but it's my stable soup! I got the leftovers of the soup but only the soup and a few noodles. I also got the wedding soup which was good but needed a little more flavor. I heard really good things about Soupbox so I'll have to come give it another shot. Plus I'm sure once winter comes around I'll be stopping for soup more often!
(3)
Dan K.
I really really REALLY wanted to love Soupbox. I've lived just down the street from it for about 6 years now. Even Rachel Ray loved it, so I should, right? Maybe I like food with flavor? The potato leek soup is not soup. It's gravy. Like what you would put on biscuits and it has NO flavor...I had to salt mine heavily and I actually never ever put salt on my food. The lobster bisque tastes like tuna...it should not taste THAT fishy. The good thing is they deliver, so when it's cold it could nice....and they let you sample as many soups as you want, also nice. The clam chowder was pretty tasty...but I think this place is a bit overrated.
(2)
Gary C.
I can't wait until winter. I'm going to slide down Broadway in my rear-wheel drive car and park my butt in front of two of my favorite spots in the city of Chicago: Soupbox and [insert chicken wing place across from Soupbox...hey, I'm not getting paid to plug Crisp. Oops!]. Better yet, I don't need to wait until winter. At the rate that this city is going, temperatures could hit 100 tomorrow and 40 the day after. Bah. Regardless, I'm going make my way down to Soupbox. With twelve different soups a day you'll find something that tickles your fancy. The folks over at the 'Box rotate between almost thirty different cauldrons of liquid goodness. I drove home with two regular sizes: the chicken & wild rice and clam chowdaaaaa. I came to this decision after minutes, yes minutes, of taste testing. That's right. Taste test away, my dear friends. Try them all...and then try them all again. Only then will you be able to decide which lucky hot thang will accompany you home that night. But on a serious note, the two that I wound up taking home were excellent, and remained tasty even after my 20+ minute car ride home. Some of the others that I tried that night were the lobster bisque [a fan favorite and something I would take home given the mood be right] and the rosemary chicken dumpling, which had an awesome rosemary scent and flavor. Beyond the soup, the 'Box has some awesome staff. Everybody is friendly and ready to answer any questions. PLUS they have both saltine crackers AND oyster crackers for those who prefer one over the other...or both [like me]. So if you're itchin' for some soup, as I know I do at times, skip the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks from that faux-Italian chain and make the trip to Soupbox. Just be sure to sip it like it's hot once you get it [ metacafe.com/watch/21593… The Real JT [not Johnny haha] wouldn't want you to burn your tongue while sippin' on this sizzzzzoup.
(5)
Melissa S.
Point deduction for making me walk 4 blocks from the 1 parking spot I found. There is construction galore and NO WHERE to park! I only have an hour lunch people... 15 minute drive to get there PLUS finding parking left me less than 10 minutes to eat before I had to walk back. A point deduction for reading reviews about their "signature lobster bisque" that was all bisque and no lobster. Maybe it's just me, but I'm used to having the chunks of lobster in my lobster bisque (at least that's how I like it). The grilled cheese was good (basic) but the fact that they have BOTTLED root beer and cherry coke was a BIG plus (re-gained a star). Might be coming back here soon!
(4)
Debbie F.
Lobster bisque: 4/5 stars. Not as creamy as Lobster (Squash) Bisque from Whole Foods, but it's still delicious. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice: 5/5 stars. Amazing; best I've tasted in my life...and I don't even like chicken. Grilled multigrain turkey sandwich with pepper jack + mozzarella: 3/5. Maybe I ordered the wrong ingredients, but the sandwich was nothing special. Cheese was perfectly melted though.
(4)
Nicolas R.
I'm currently sick with allergy madness and feel like I want to die. So soup. Right? I had a tomato florentine, which I was a bit skeptical about, but as I was sold on a grilled cheese sandwich, it was a logical choice. The soup tasted FRESH and not canned, and sill had the richness of being cooked for hours. Brilliant. The beef stock rounded out the savory and the vegetables still had a little bit of crunch to them - not mush. The pasta in the soup held its shape, again, not mush. I had my grilled cheese with mozzarella cheese and it was great! It was closer to a panini, but still buttery without being greasy. It came with some sourdough bread that was SOFT and complemented the soup perfectly. So, yeah. FIve stars. I mean, it's kind of the only soup restaurant I've ever been to, so I'd say it's as good as it gets in my book. And I think it brought me back from the brink of death.
(5)
Jennifer L.
What could be more amazing than their vast selection of fresh soups made daily? GRILLED CHEESE!!! The weather outside is getting colder, and so my body has been craving soup. The other day, I got a regular sized tomato basil soup and tried their grilled cheese on wheat bread with mozzarella. They brought the grilled cheese over to me almost immediately after I found a place to sit. I just have to say, I'm going back today for sure. I think I'm addicted. PS: the lack of 5 stars is due to the fact that the place is TINY. I really wish they had more seating. If you can, I would get everything to go.
(4)
Aja G.
As a person who could eat soup and/or ice cream 365 days a year, the soupbox is a dream cone true. The other reviews are on the money: the staff is handing out loads of free samples, the soup is high quality ,delcious and various. What is not so delightful are there prices. 12 oz of soup for 5+ bucks? I am sure their lease is high, and Chicago is squeezing every dime out of them for permits, but i could live with the soupbox passing on the pricing pinch. The also don't have fountain drinks so no free water. Certainly go if you are in the hood, but be prepared to spend 7+ plus bucks on soup and water.
(3)
Jennifer L.
I am very impressed with Soupbox and cannot wait until I go back there so I can sample more of their delicious soups. I had heard about Soupbox and had been meaning to visit. A Groupon purchase definitely solidified my need to go. And so, my boyfriend and I went. We decided on the Lakeview location - in part because Bobtail Ice Cream is right next door and we wanted to avoid the crowds by Water Tower. The staff was incredibly friendly and offered us samples of the soup. He had the New England Clam Chowder, which he loved. I had the Lobster Bisque, which was fantastic as well. We both got a chunk of sourdough bread to go along with it. The bread didn't seem to taste sourdoughy enough. But, it was still good nonetheless. We debated on getting a grilled cheese, but passed. We will try it when we return. Overall, just a wonderful place. I really like soup and enjoy soup and a sandwich as a meal. I really wish that I lived closer or they had a location by me so I could eat here all the time - especially when the weather gets colder!
(4)
Will K.
How have I not reviewed Soupbox yet?? This place is one of my favorites in the Chicago area... in all seasons. If you are looking for soup the wide selection and ability to taste them before purchasing make this a great place to visit. I tend to eat cream based soups while the significant other is more willing to try other things and we both always leave happy. The portions are great, the bread isn't anything amazing but a good compliment, and the servers area always very nice. The main reason to try this location rather than the other is that you can get IcyFruit here... haven't had it.. it's the best frozen treat in Chicago in my opinion. 3 sizes to choose from, usually at least 8ish flavors, and the ability to combine them to create you own... sounds like perfection. I always go with a lemon base and add something else to create my own flavors. If you happen to be in the area in the summer do a walk by.. they are usually outside sampling the Icyfruit, plus there are lots of options in that area as well for other fun/eating/drinks.
(5)
Mironda R.
Any place that offers me a variety of FRESH soups EVERY SINGLE DAY deserves 3 stars right off the top. Then when you tell me I can try everything and everything leaves me more confused then before I started based on title alone - another star and then service is fantastic - another star. Yep 5 stars means purrfection. I opted for the soup and sandwich combo of sorts. I had the Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice. Talk about chunks of goodness? Ooo it was fantastic and perfectly season. *exits dreaming of the return visit*
(5)
Adrienne T.
i just finished off their tomato basil soup and sourdough bread. pretty good stuff. I just returned from three years in Korea so after eating massive meals for 5 dollars over there and only getting 12 oz of soup and bread for about 7 dollars at this joint, I couldn't give it the full 5 star rating. all things considered, this place was pretty good and I will definitely be back to try some more soup. the tomato basil bisque was quite delicious and so was the bread. btw, they do allow sampling of their soups before ordering. Definitely a plus.
(4)
Tab B.
We were looking for a light fare and thought we would try Soup Box since we stay nearby while visiting. As many here have said you are better off opening a can of soup. I had the Bayou Gumbo. If you like sliced hot dogs in your soup then go for it. I expected andouille sausage in the gumbo. The only decent tasting soup seemed to be the asparagus. I avoided the Mexican soup bc I have never had decent Mexican soup anywhere but in a Mexican restaurant. This place may be good to fill the gap when you are hungry but I will stick to my own soup or get it from my nearby grocery deli where I find the soup to be good. For a non-professional cook, I can do much, much better than this. Yes, my expectations are high whenever I eat out because I expect the food to be better than what I prepare at home since I have this weird notion that restaurants are in the business of preparing and serving food.
(2)
Matt C.
I can't help but imagine the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld every time I go to Soupbox. I feel like at some point I'm going to ask a weird question about one of the soups and the guy working the register will snatch my soup away from me while shouting "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" That would be pretty awesome, minus the not getting soup part. Seriously though Soupbox has a massive array of awesome soup varieties. All homemade, all extremely good. I've tried the Lobster Bisque, the Signature Chicken and Rice and the Rosemary Chicken. All the best soup I've had of that soup varietal. To me the standout is the Lobster Bisque, but like Jerry and the crew in the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode, everyone I've repeatedly eaten with at Soupbox has a flavor that they salivate over. Also I have to note that I ordered delivery once and they were there lightening-quick, almost Jimmy Johns fast. Almost.
(4)
Jennifer C.
I've fallen into a stage 3 food coma from the pure awesomeness that is their Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup, so please forgive me if my tip is incomprehensible. Ask for samples. It might make the decision process harder, but it'll be worth it, especially if you decide to blend soups. Oh yes. They do that too.
(4)
Brent H.
Provides a quick bite but it is easy to make better soup at home; overrated.
(2)
Elliott C.
If you have an issue with this place then it's your fault and you have no friends. It's quick service, the soup is amazing and it's always hot. I've never had 1 problem and I've ordered from here about 40-50 times over the past couple of years.
(5)
Jennie P.
Ok - I gave Soupbox another chance on a cold evening with an under the weather husband and they've moved up in my book. I will say, this experience was much better! My soup was DELISH, I got the small and wish I ordered the large. I chose Lobster Bisque and my husband had some sort of Sausage Gumbo which I also tried...it was also VERY good! We both ordered multi-grain bread to go with the soup and what's interesting is it comes in this little plastic wrap. Naturally, you would think it's just hard bread they toss with the soup BUT it's not! It was so soft, it was REALLY good! Similar to the last time I came in the store - the people working were incredibly helpful and SO nice and friendly. They really have great customer facing employees. If you're looking for great soup - give Soupbox a chance. It's still not 5 stars because I didn't sample ALL the soups and I haven't had a sandwich yet. I'm prepared to return though and sample a lot and grab a sandwich. Great job Soupbox, looking forward to returning.
(4)
Ramya P.
Yum soups and grilled cheese sandwiches. Fast food soup place with plenty of veggie soups. What's great is the option to mix and match the different soups. Broccoli and cheddar soup would've been too cheesy and creamy for me, and I really appreciated it when mixed with the red lentil soup. Taste a few of their options before deciding. The grilled cheese sandwiches were simple and perfect. Great place to drink hot soup on a cold winter evening.
(5)
Sara M.
I love when I watch Phantom Gourmet, they rave about a certain place, and then I immediately get up to eat there. That is what happened with this place. I was so enamored with the various types of soup they described that I wanted it immediately. I mixed the lobster bisque and the clam chowder for a delicious steaming bread bowl of deliciousness. I bathed in the wafts of flavoured steam and it warmed me to the tips of my toes. I have also tried and enjoyed the potato leek and the chicken with wild rice. They are all very good with the right consistency, amount of solid ingredients, and spice. So go do what I did - read the reviews on Yelp and leave to get some of this satisfying soup.
(4)
Eric M.
Now that the 40 degree days are arriving, Soupbox is going to become a regular haunt of mine. I've yet to have a soup here that I don't enjoy. The cream-based ones are decadent and the broth-based ones are nice and savory. I'd skip the bread bowl and just go large, you get any extra bread for free. Keep in mind this place is small so come on off times or be prepare to take it to go. Also, they have IBC Cream Soda which is amazing.
(4)
Lindsey W.
Another one of my neighborhood gems, I literally stalk the website to see what soups are being served each day. You can't go wrong. Just make sure if you want one of the super popular ones *ahem* Cheesy Baked Potato... get there early or it will be gone fast.
(4)
Julia C.
How much do I love SoupBox? THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH! Daily soups online are the best. I can tell if it's worth a trip over that day or not, depending on which veggie soups they have. Also worth trying? combining two different soups into something delicious. I often combine Broccoli Cheddar and Potato Leek. I love that they become IceBox in the summertime too. Best for a quick bite of something cold, depending on the temp. of the office that day!
(5)
Laura S.
Ohhhh Soupbox. How you tempt me with your luxuriously creamy broccoli cheddar soup, your crispy-outside-yet-tender-inside bread bowls, and your delectable chocolate chip cookies. But I must resist you, Soupbox, and you know why. I have only myself to blame, I suppose. I couldn't help but look at your nutritional information. How could you deceive me so? I feel so...so...disappointed. I won't divulge your little secret; no, that would be cruel. But for the sake of my waistline, I have to leave you behind. Don't worry about me, I'll be ok. I'll console myself with homemade soup that, while much healthier and cheaper, doesn't have your decadence. Perhaps one day I shall return, when a few pant sizes have dropped and I can allow for your heapings of fat. Until then, adieu, Soupbox. I will miss you.
(4)
Nate D.
The soup is WAY overpriced. The store smells like burnt cheese (and has for years). The staff is stoned all the time, and I mean the entire staff is really really high (they've never heard of Visine apparently). For $6 I'd rather buy a nicklebag from the soup dude than a bowl of mediocre expensive liquid.
(1)
William L.
This is one of those neighborhood places we sometimes take for granted and fail to give them the kudos they deserve. I just finished another amazing bowl of Lobster Bisque and realized I never gave them a review. Bad Will... Good SoupBox! They have a dozen or so soups made fresh daily! You can sample them, too. The portions are large and priced reasonably, along with a side of fresh bread. An enjoyable meal on a hot or cold day! Today I also tried the Grilled Cheese - yummy. Sometimes, the simple things like a grilled cheese sandwich and soup really hit the spot! The staff are super friendly, always smiling, engaging, and they seem proud about their store and product. Since they are a few blocks away, I will be back...
(4)
Kate C.
The soup is really good, but the service is hit or miss. Some of the guys working there act like they just don't give a shit. I love their lobster bisque, but I'm not so much a fan of the eyerolls that sometimes come with my order :/
(3)
L A.
The best soup hands down. I love it. There is always something different everyday. Expensive, definitely! Even though prices are high, I go there once a week and stock up. I normally end up eating it in 3 days, but so good. It keeps well. Great bowl of soup for the Chicago winter weather.
(5)
Dayna C.
I have to say I was a little disoriented when I went in. The set up is a little odd--there is all this soup in pots on a counter. I was a bit overwhelmed by the choices. At the time I was the only person in "line" (more on this in a second) and I was asked if I wanted to taste anything. I tried one black bean soup, which was okay, but not what I wanted. I continued to ponder my options as a wave of people appeared out of nowhere. Because I wasn't ready to order I let folks go ahead of me. So back to the line thing, there really seems to be no rhyme or reason to the ordering process, it's just a free for all. Some people don't mind stuff like that, but I'm use to being directed to where to place my order and pay. Also, the location of the menu was difficult to locate at first. Anyway, after feeling anxious about the whole order I just picked a chicken and dumpling soup and added a grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was really good. As I ate the soup I felt like it was missing something. It wasn't bland per se, but it just needed a kick of something. Eventually I put in a dash of hot sauce and it was good to go! I will say that it is a bit pricey. The only reason I bought the soup was because it was cold outside and I thought it would be nice. I got the regular size which was $6.50. It was basically a small size. The grilled cheese was only $2.50. So the short end of it all, if you are in the mood for some soup, give this place a try. They have a of options so maybe you will find one that you really like. Plus up you can taste test them (I wish I would have just tried a few more options.)
(3)
Astra W.
Went to this Lakeview location with my cousin while I was in town for a visit. The lobster bisque and the chicken wild rice are my faves! I also love to have the staff do half of each in a cup, and they won't charge you more for it..pure awesomeness! Too bad they ran out of the chicken wild rice this time. My cousin ordered the clam chowder and I ordered the lobster bisque. One thing that's a bummer is that sometimes the soup isn't piping hot like we prefer it to be. The clam chowder was hot, but it wasn't as piping hot as the lobster bisque. Maybe it's because the chowder's consistency is just way thicker than the bisque. Staff here was friendly, and they even have a choice of either sourdough bread or wheat bread to go with your soup. Can't say no to carbs to go with delicious soup! I only wish there was Soup Box in Southern California...!
(4)
Jason M.
Just ate here this early afternoon. The lobster bisssssque haha is amazing also you have to try the grilled cheese. Delish!
(5)
Hannah S.
Yes, their soup is good, but ICEBOX is da bomb! I discovered Icebox at lunch after having Soupbox, and then had another a few hours later IT WAS THAT GOOD. It doesn't get old :) It's like a healthier and more delicious version of Hawaiian shaved ice where every bite is made with fresh fruit. No yucky artificially flavored syrup (unless you prefer that stuff). It's the most refreshing, on-the-go dessert you can have on a hot summer day in Chicago. Better than froyo!
(5)
David K.
Stopped by the Chicago Avenue location this evening before taking in a film. I had a much better experience this time around, partly because I visited during off-hours, when it is not so crowded. Their cream of chicken and wild rice soup, which I requested with a side wedge of bread, was delicious, although I think I still love the bread bowl concept (against my dietary better judgement). Thanks to this experience, I would definitely go to Soupbox again, and that would include the Broadway location, now that I have had the chance to try a different menu item during a less hectic time of day.
(4)
Derek B.
Nothing to complain about! Great soup, they're very efficient. I really like the ability to mix soups, and the "mix of the day" they have on the menu board.
(4)
Viper B.
Overhyped. If I'm going to pay $7-9 for takeout soup, it should be better than this. The soup was nothing to rave about. I didn't dislike it but it lacked the depth, freshness, and flavor I'd expect even with an appetizer at a cafe. Add to that service that was unnecessarily curt (they were not busy) both over the phone and in person. The kicker: I ordered tomato and tortellini soup and got tomato soup with shell pasta. These are not similar, other than they're both pasta, and it would have been easy for them to point this out so I could change my order. On the plus side, the soup wasn't cold. Heat up some Campbell's garden fresh soup and save yourself $6 and some disappointment.
(2)
Robert W.
Great soups and selection, though it's priced steeply.
(4)
Tom C.
This place gets 5 stars for awesome soup, but only 1 star because they are so incredibly overpriced. That works out to the three stars I gave them. What does soup cost? 10 cents a bowl? Two dollars maybe if you include business costs and high quality. And you charge me 8 dollars? Seems crazy. But the quality of the soup is definitely good, I just can't stand going there more than once every few months. If they have a Groupon, it is definitely a good deal. I'm no hippie, but little kids in India can eat for weeks while you eat one bowl of soup from this place. I just can't justify it. If you are really hungry for good soup, its the place to go, but making a habit of it will be a bad financial decision in the long run. Also, they are always very, very busy so make sure you go there with 30 minutes to spare so you can stand in line.
(3)
Liz C.
It was one of those days where I had a hankering for some tasty soup. Went to Soupbox and again was blown away by how tasty their soups are. I typically get the chicken & wild rice which is ridiculously amazing but this time I wanted to try something new so I ordered the Tomato Florentine and it was GREAT! Oh Soupbox you never let me down. Sidenote, I'm not going to take away a star but some soups are $8 for a large, which seems a little pricy...I mean it's soup... but I love them and the magic they create so I'll be back for more
(5)
Yani W.
I am shocked that so many people like this place. I thought there multi grain bread was alright. The grilled cheese was alright. The soup was not that good. It was not seasoned enough in my opinion. I guess this place is a good place to get a snack for locals possibly, but if you are visiting chicago skip this place. SOme lady getting takeout took forever to use the single bathroom and she definitely stunk it up... there is a starbucks right near the place so use that to take a boom boom. The soup was not very hot either. Also, when one claims a soup to be a creamy soup, then it shouldn't be watery. My friend got broccoli cheddar and I got creamy chicken and wild rice, and they had a watery consistency. THat is all.
(2)
Jessica B.
I've been to Soupbox three times now. All three were $10-for-$5 Groupons. I've never been disappointed. I've had creamy soups all three times: cheddar and broccoli the first time, then the potato and bacon, and finally the creamy asparagus. All three times I had it served in a sourdough breadbowl. That thing is almost as big as my head and could easily serve two (and I'm a huge glutton for eating the whole thing alone). The sourdough is respectably sour, but I don't think you get as much soup as you would in the large cup. The prices are why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. The breadbowl soups are ~$7.50 on average, which is a little high for soup. Today's breadbowl plus a bottled root beer was $11 and change. If I could use the $5 Groupons every time, this would be an easy 5 stars. I'll still go there without the Groupons (especially since I'm moving a few blocks from the State location), but not as often as I would with. The Broadway location also serves really tasty Italian ices during the summer. They are also a little pricey.
(4)
Jelena Z.
UPDATE 2/24/08: The owner messaged me on Yelp and apologized for my prior negative experience. He said that he'd leave a gift card for 2 free soups of my choice, any size, at the Broadway location. I was so impressed that he personally reached out to me. I went there today and tried the Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup. Off the charts delicious! The smoked bacon gave the soup amazing flavor without overwhelming. The consistency was perfect too-- thick but not too chunky. I think I have a new favorite. The staff was so friendly and accommodating-- it's obvious that they are making customer service their #1 priority. Thanks again Soupbox, for making good on a past so-so experience and changing my mind! Can't wait to return to try another flavor. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I was so excited to try Soupbox. And I was so very let down. I called to place my delivery order right before 8 pm on a Sunday evening. I was told the wait would be an hour. Sure, no problem. I ask for an order of Lobster Bisque. I'm told I must order 2 soups. Um, what's your minimum order? Because it's just me, and I don't WANT 2 soups. Maybe I can order a couple of bottled waters and a Diet Coke. Also, I'm ordering the most expensive soup on the menu. Sorry ma'am, 2 soup minimum. Okay... um, I guess I'll take 2 small Lobster Bisques then. 9:30 rolls around. I'm growing impatient. I decide I'll give them another 10 minutes before I call. 9:40. Where's my damn soup? Now I'm really hungry, too. I call them, and talk to a frantic manager. Sorry, the delivery guy is just around the corner. Should be there any minute, ok? Sounds good. I'll just watch ANOTHER movie. 10 pm comes and goes, and now it's 10:15. 2 hours and 15 minutes after my order was placed! I call them again, and let the manager know that I want a credit issued for one of the soups. He says that why don't I come in instead for a free soup on them? All I have to do is mention his name. No bueno-- I push for the credit and finally get it. Finally-- 10:25 pm and my soup arrives. At this point, I'm ready for bed! But still, I'm starved, and ready to find out what all the hot fuss is about. So, the lobster bisque is so thin that I think it's a joke. No lobster chunks here... just some runny nonsense. And not very flavorful, either. The lobster bisque that some McDonald's on the East Coast serve in the summer is much better than this stuff. I can't speak for the other varieties of soup, but the horrible service and lobster bisque-wannabe killed my appetite for more Soupbox. And I wanted to like it, too-- Soupbox is so close to where I live and I love soup!
(4)
Jesse S.
Tonight it was the creamy chicken and wild rice that won over my palate with promises of satiety... and it did not disappoint. Service was quite friendly, no-nonsense, and delivered the goods with the quickness. One soup-slinger even recognized me from around the neighborhood. She must have an eagle eye, cause I'm pretty sure I don't go out that much. Even so, within moments, I was home and tucking right in to my dunkable din-din. $8 and 16 oz. later, I'm sitting pretty full, sourdough bread nugget (the end piece... extra crusty crust... yesssss) and soupy ricey chickeny goodness melding together in my digestive bits. Sated. Soupbox, you did it again.
(4)
Kyle O.
It's a rare occasion that I just have soup for a meal and feel full, but this place is amazing! The lobster bisque is quite good as is the mozzarella grilled cheese is great too!
(5)
Don W.
It's like Panera without the bread, pastries, or sandwiches. Okay, so I get it - the concept is soup & only soup. That's cool. Even though one of my usual criteria for a great eatery is a menu that is both distinct and diverse, I won't dock em because of the originality (and frankly the daring) of the soup only concept. What surprises me though is that their soup is so mediocre. I've now sampled and/or purchased 5 flavors from Soupbox, and only one has been flavorful enough to merit my return. To be fair, I am a bit of a tough critic, and both their management and employees are both polite and professional. Nonetheless, I cannot honestly rate the dining experience well without some really good food. Likes: I did (to my surprise) enjoy the creamy asparagus soup, which was thick, creamy, and flavorful. The vegetarian chili was interesting and pretty spicy, though not greatly to my taste (I'm not used to red bell peppers in chili, so it reminded me more of an enchilada soup). I am impressed by their cookies, which are also pretty tasty. I like that they deliver, though apparently not during the summer. Dislikes: The soups generally lack great flavor, though they are okay in general. The chicken dumpling soup is more like gnocchi in a flavorless cream sauce without any detectable amount of meat and no veges at all, which was quite a disappointment to this southern-born foodie. I actually had to spit out the lobster bisque that I sampled, though you shouldn't read too much into that since I don't generally care for seafood. The bread bowl was okay but a little tough on the inside - not as good as a Panera bread bowl. They also make their own sort of Italian ice, which I did not care for (sampled 2 flavors, cherry & cantaloupe). Just as a general note, I find it kind of hard to justify a $5 bowl of soup, though with the bread thrown in it's not a bad deal. I was just surprised to see a total of $17 for a few small items. All in all, I can see how some people would love this place, but it's just not my cup of soup.
(2)
Edwina B.
This mainstay is right down the street from me and in the past when I'm jonesing for a good lobster bisque would not hesitate to grab a bowl here to go. My husband is a big fan of the chicken wild rice and I'm also a big fan of the chili. My big rub? The constant increase in prices....for their smallest size, expect to spend $8. I have no issues with the quality of their product (though on occasion we have had a watered down batch or two - staff was gracious to give us a refund) but I know I can go to a restaurant and get soup and tip for much cheaper!
(3)
Jilly Pop S.
Despite the fact that it is summer, I had a craving for great soup. Bought the Groupon because this place came highly recommended. Went there after hours and it wasn't too busy. Everything was great except for the way you order and pay. I felt like I was in the way of the waiting patrons. The tables could be a bit bigger and less wobbly (not good for eating hot soup). I had the soup and sandwich combo which is a great deal! The bread bowl was awesome with Lobster Bisque. What I enjoyed the most is the freshness of the bread. I highly recommend the Soupbox and watch out for the wobbly tables.
(4)
Jeremiah R.
Yeah! Soupbox is awesome. Especially in the winter. Broc-ched (in the parlance of soup connoisseurs) is great. Lob-bisque is also great. Get a grilled cheese while your at it, but bring an oral anesthetic/analgesic with you because the bread might scratch up the roof of your mouth. Still worth it though.
(4)
Jeffrey P.
Well, I'll be honest. I have been here maybe 40 times over the past few winters and ordered the same thing each time. I haven't even tasted another soup even though the employees there seem to be very happy about getting people to try free samples of anything you would like. Despite my lack of variety and excitement, the lobster bisque which I order again and again is just superb. As Seinfeld says, 'the soup is the meal' and that couldn't be more true at this place. Portions are large and the fresh baked bread is perfect. All for under $8. This place almost makes me wish winter would stick around for a few more months......FALSE.
(4)
Rebecca T.
Ah Soupbox, I love thee. Every time I'm back in town I make a stop there. A good standby is always Creamy Chicken w/Wild Rice mixed w/Chicken noodle. SO good! Next time, though, I should avoid eating the huge chunk of whole grain bread that came with it - carb overload! Tonight I also tried a yummy Sweet Potato and Chipotle Chili bisque and the Clam Chowder. I'll most definitely be back!!!
(5)
Ali W.
Yum! I got the Chicken and dumpling in a bread bowl and it was delish! However, I don't really think it was worth the $10 bucks. I do like the fact that they are fresh and there are new soups everyday. You can choose between a sour dough or whole grain (i think) bowl. On the website there is also nutritional facts if you're into that stuff. I think I would come back to try different soups- the guys working there highly recommended the tomato bisque, but i'm not really into tomato soup. When I do come back, I'd probably skip the bread bowl even though it was great and filling-- and go with a cup or something. I also thought it was really cool that they let you mix soups and also have a mixed soup of the day...definitely will need to try that too.
(3)
Brian L.
I started writing about my first experience at Soupbox after feeling like crap for a few days and needing some homemade, soupy goodness in my tummy. The rosemary chicken with dumplings didn't completely cure me but it sure did taste good and made me feel a little better. I rated this experience at 5 stars but realized I needed another round at the SB before making the final call. Days later, I was feeling better and in need of something creamy... Lobster Bisque? What is this now, a fancy shmancy steakhouse? Thanks, Soupbox, for allowing us mere commoners to enjoy a delicious bowl of heaven that I'd usually only get to experience at a David Burke's or Capital Grille. Perfectly spicy and creamy though I do wish there was more lobster, but then again, isn't this usually the case with lobster bisque? (Well unless you're at Capital Grille where they give you more lobster than soup, which is never a bad problem to have) Ps. The breadbowl (sourdough or whole wheat) is an excellent addition but for the already semi-hefty price for a bowl of soup, I convince myself I don't need the extra carbs and stick to the bowl of soup which comes with a roll on the side anyway.
(4)
Rocky H.
I love you Soupbox. I hate winter with a sick passion and you make it better for me. I love how you can try a couple soups before making your final decision. From the Lobster Bisque to a simple Chicken Noodle, they're all good. Great friendly staff here, I always leave in a great mood!
(5)
Sara F.
Great Cheddar broc soup--- seriously one of my absolute favorite meals in the city of Chicago. I have been here too many times to count. I always sample the soups, but usually end up ordering my old standby (Ched broc) . The bread is 9 times out of 10 very doughy and fresh and the soup is always piping hot and delish. Consistent taste, consistent good service, and great for cold days or sick days. Low key and good value!
(5)
Lauren K.
Look I'm picky, ok not picky but perhpas particular. I was just not impressed by soupbox. I like that samples were offered. I tasted: Tomato Florentine: This was what the guy working said was his favorite. I probably shouldn't have tasted as I am not a tomato fan but I once upon a time loved a tomato bisque (Strawberry Street Cafe in Richmond VA). Not impressed at all! Cream of Asparagus: Ignored that it was green and not impressed. Realized it was green and just felt icky Clam Chowder: There was a really strange aftertaste. I love Clam Chowder, this made me sad. Potato Bacon: It was ok.. I was able to eat half a cup. Overall I was really disappointed. I was just getting over a strange illness and was looking forward to soup and it made me just want to go make my own or go beg the chef at Globe Pub to make the potato soup I have dreams about. I am glad someone else paid because I do not think I could have justified spending my money here.
(3)
Michelle G.
What can I say about this place, other than its great! I literally make the drive out from the O'Hare area just to get their yummy soups. I love the setup with all of the soups keeping warm in big kettle-style pots towards the back. Also love how they give you sample tastes, (just remember to blow on them, cause they are HOT!) and how they allow you mix the soups up creating a unique flavor thats all your own. A bit pricey, but in my opinion totally worth it. Also, the parking is a bit of a problem, but once you've found a spot you are all set! I have suggested and recommended this place to all of my friends. Can't wait to battle it out for this yummy soup during the bitter cold chicago winter months.
(5)
Erin K.
Soupbox is the best news I've heard in a looongg time! How wonderful! 12 soups fresh daily?! I think I'm gonna cry!! One Monday early evening I happened to be leisurely meandering through my neighborhood. On my way to get some ice cream, in fact. And what do my wondering eyes spy? A place dedicated solely to soup! Heavens to Murgatroy! So I've tried the NE Clam Chowder, Lobster bisque, and Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar. Yum-o-la! Lobster bisque was my fave but there is truth to what Ryan K says about the thinness. I could go on for days. This place really did make my day! Oh - say what? They deliver? Geez oh man, there is a god!
(5)
Frank Q.
Home made soup! Delicious daily and rotating soups so call ahead or check their website to see what's available for the day. During the summer they have Icyfruit, I still need to try it out. Wish they would open one near me, parking in the neighborhood is hard to come by but the soups worth it.
(4)
Tung L.
Soup wasn't too bad. Maybe I got the bottom of the barrel but it wasn't as chunky as I was hoping. Besides that grilled cheese was great and staff was friendly. I got to try other soups but the clam chowder was decent, nothing to write home about. However its great to just find a soup joint in general.
(4)
Lulu J.
I have been here a number of times this Winter. My mom actually knows the guy who started the Soupbox and that's how I found out about it! Everything about this place is superb. I love the name, the pots each soup are in, and the fact that you can mix soups! If you're not sure what to mix there's always a "suggestion" on the chalkboard of what soups are good together. If you like to try new soups this place is the place to go. I try to get something different every time but it never happens! I can never shy away from the Broc Cheddar & Cream of Asparagus. They all look so amazing, soon I will get a different soup. The only thing I'd have to say about the broc cheddar soup, is that it could be thicker. It still tastes amazing though so obviously it's not too much of a problem! Definitely go try it out on a cold day! Staff is very friendly too... =)
(5)
Devon S.
Update: 09/12/2011 One must stick to facts I guess. I have a dedicated e-mail address for my Yelp account. I used a pseudonym. I initially contacted this establishment using my real name via their direct website to alert them of the situation below. This is the first and only time I've done so using my dedicated Yelp e-mail address. I am now receiving a barrage of e-mails from the owner which I delete. Okay, I can deal with that. Now someone, using variants of my real name, is subscribing me for subscriptions to such sites as Narth and the Genesis Project to name a few of the over half dozen subscription confirmations I've recieved from various websites of that ilk. I am putting two and two together - but, please, draw your own conclusions. The owner just doesn't get it. He responded to my original review stating that his staff acted appropriately and that he had "complete" trust in his manager. In comments to him, I mentioned that there were three staff members on duty and exactly two customers in the shop. His response? He creates an excuse about why he had three employees on duty that particular afternoon (something about a Groupon event having just passed) missing my point entirely. Several times this summer I've gone into the Lakeview location only to find there wasn't sufficient soup for my order or, worse, it had been clearly adulterated by water. This never used to happen - period. This establishment is called the Soupbox, am I correct? Soup is their bread and butter, correct? The staff was lackadaisical at best and has been for several months. The owner used to have better kids behind the counter - I never dreamt I would have to write this sort of review for the Soupbox and I've been coming here since I think 1996. There's something suspicious about these other positive reviews. Moreover, an owner who is supsects some sort of ulterior motive for a bad review must highly suspect himself. The owner refuses to listen to criticism until my Yelp review is posted - and then hell hath no fury. Simple facts. I've gone into the store several times for an order. One time the employee himself was horrified at the watery consistency of the soup. The other times the employee seemed to be aware that the several of the soups were inedible, but seemed to be driven by economics to sell it anyway, or more damagingly, too lazy to cook some more. I can put up with stale bread (several times) and a dirth of crackers (once), but bad soup at Soupbox? You've just lost a customer. There is absolutely no excuse for an inferior product being on floor - plain and simple. And if the owner can't see that, he needs to sell the business or take a vacation until he can return with a clear mind.
(1)
dave h.
Even though I really like this place, I have to start my review with a complaint because it's been so persistent: Everytime I go to Soupbox, they're sold out of something I want....and I'm not talking about walking in 10 minutes before they close. Last night, I tried ordering some corn chowder a little bit before 6 pm, and it was already gone. The time before that, they were out of grilled cheese. The time before that, they were out of bread bowls. This place has been in business long enough that it should be better able to manage its supply. That said, obviously I keep going back because I really like the soup. I really don't have any complaints (aside from the above...but that criticism is sort of a back-handed compliment). On a cold winter night, this stuff really hits the spot...plus SB delivers.
(3)
Kate P.
Remember that Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi, who would scream, "No Soup For You!" Well I'm happy to announce that Soupbox is NOT like that at all. When I walked in I was promptly welcomed by the very nice people working behind the counter. I love that you can sample any of the 12 different and delicious home made soups before you buy. I sampled their lobster bisque and their vegan specialty, and decided on a regular size 12 oz bowl of lobster bisque. It was scrumptious and fresh and came with a side of bread, your choice either Italian or Multi-grain. I chose Italian and it was delicious. All in all, if you're looking to warm up on these not so spring like nights, I recommend that you stop at Soupbox if you're in the area. It's a light but hearty meal that's good for your gullet, as well as, your wallet.
(4)
Neil R.
Very delicious soup from a cozy shop in Lincoln Park. They let you try all the soups and you can even mix them! I had the tomato and basil bisque in a bread bowl and it was fantastic. A friend mixed the lobster bisque and clam chowder and I'll admit, I was jealous. I've personally never thought of mixing soups, but next time I go back (and there will be a next time) I will give it a shot. You can also buy cans of soda and bottled water, but they don't have fountain drinks. I can't say how crowded it gets since we went about 2pm, but at that time there were only 2 other people in the place. Looking forward to getting back and concocting a masterpiece!
(4)
Mike C.
Ugh....what a disappointment. Are you serious that a large tomato tortellini soup is $7.50? Not to mention that when I got home, it was barely 3/4 full. Then, on top of that, it had no flavor whatsoever and the torelllini was so over cooked that it was falling apart. Don't even get me started on how awful the grilled cheese was too. This place is not worth your time or money.
(1)
Jennifer T.
Their chicken noodles soup was ok. I liked the noodles but it felt like a glorified version of Campbell's. You know the one. Their sourdough bread was really yummy though. I'd go back just for that. I think I need to try another soup before I write it off or not.
(3)
tr y.
Its getting to be the perfect time for this little neighborhood Gem. I Had two soups last night one was the creamy chicken it was amazing and the chow der, then I even bought an extra soup for the bum outside, I treated him to the rosmary chicken. He was passed out so i put it by his feet, i ate mine later and really loved it. In fact, Im ordering from there now because THEY DElivER!!.
(4)
Carolynne M.
Someone here compared the soup quality to Campbell's. I don't know if I would go quite that far, but I do agree that for the price being charged, this soup needs me to go "WOW" and start plotting the next time I can come here. Aaaaannd, it really didn't. I had the Spicy Mayan Chicken Enchilada. A nice soup, but not spicy & nothing really special or "enchilada" about it. The bread given was "sopping" bread, which is just a fluffy bread that on its own has little flavour, and whose sole purpose is to sop up the remnants of liquid at the bottom of the bowl. Basically, here's my take on this joint: It's great if you cant cook to save your life, if you are lazy with a fat wallet, or if you are short on time and starving.
(3)
Phil K.
I thought $17 for two servings of soup was somewhat pricey. While it was tastey, it would be nice if they gave you actual soup spoons and perhaps real bowls when you eat there as opposed the paper cups they serve it in. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(2)
Kimberly C.
Amazing. Have never been disappointed. The chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort food for winter days in Chicago. The fresh fruit italian ice hits the spot during the summer. Each time I go to visit my boyfriend in Cleveland he requests that I bring a few containers of the chicken and wild rice soup with me! Not sure what he looks forward to the most...me or the soup!
(5)
Ryan K.
I was surprised to learn that their most popular soup is chicken and wild rice... until I tried it. Very good. I haven't had a bad soup there yet. Their lobster bisque, though thin on the seafood chunk (i'm not sure if there is any) is still very good. They all come with a piece of bread. Good stuff from top to bottom.
(4)
April P.
They have a pretty great variety of soups, which rotate on their menu. However, they are on the pricey side, as chicken noodle soup does not account for an $8 meal. Love their lobster bisque, creamy, rich in flavor with great bits of lobster included. They do allow for you to sample the soups, prior to purchase.
(4)
Isla E.
I'm not sure what to think of this place given the rumor that the soups are actually Campbells Restaurant Quality that are just thawed, heated, and served. On the one hand, its nice to have a quick soup stop. On the other its not cool to charge $4.95 for 12 oz. of what is essentially watered down butternut puree from a bag, and claim that it is "fresh". Its not so much the price that bothers me, it's the irresponsible marketing. However, I don't know for certain where their soup comes from, so for now I remain neutral. If, in fact, the soup comes from a bag, than all the ingredients listed on the bag should also be listed on the giant soup pots. No fair glossing over such as printing "Butternut squash, shallots, sage, vegetable broth", when in fact there are 15 other ingredients in there, most of which are chemicals with no nutritional value. The service was great, no problems there. But I want to know the truth about the soup. I don't trust the labels on the soup pots. Maybe I will go back and ask like a crazy lady, if so, I will update the yelp community.
(3)
Ern E.
I love having lunch or an early dinner at this place. For around $8 bucks I can get a small soup (which is enough for me), some bread and a drink. Soupbox pretty much has the greatest creamy chicken & wild rice soup on the planet. Everything about it is amazing. Well, I kind of wish there was more chicken...and better quality chicken (it's kind of sketchy--so much like the canned soup chicken) in the soup. Everything else is perfection. I may grab lunch here tomorrow :)
(4)
Colleen B.
The staff at Soupbox/Icebox knows me as the kind, yet crabby, woman who goes in frequently during the spring and scowls because they aren't yet carrying their Italian Ice. Isn't their name Soupbox/Icebox? Wait for Memorial Day to roll around, and then stop in and get their blueberry Italian ice. It has real blueberries in it. All of the other fruit flavors have real pieces of fruit in them, too.
(4)
H G.
UPDATE (2/6/12): I was contacted by the store manager, who offered apologies and amends. I appreciate the effort. I'll update the review when I visit again. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â-------------- Soupbox is a bit pricey and slightly slow with service, but fairly filling and tasty. I had lunch at this location with a friend in early fall 2011. The cashier/server allowed me to taste any of the soups. I ended up tasting almost all of them. I appreciated that aspect. My ultimate decision was based on what I couldn't easily re-create at home. I chose the LOBSTER BISQUE ($6.50). It came with a hearty chunk of bread. Also, I ordered a large ICY-FRUIT because I like all things icy. I think it was a mix of mango and coconut. I was actually more impressed with the variety of icy flavors than the variety of soup. I found the lobster bisque to be too salty though. It wasn't helped by the huge salt pellet that I found in the sourdough bread. Even so, I enjoyed the meal, particularly helped by the delicious icy-fruit.
(3)
Tina B.
The lobster bisque and the creamy chicken wild rice soups here are perfect. The idea of a bug falling from the ceiling onto my food is kind of disturbing though. Mainly because I don't want to share. As long as there's NO biting...http://www.yelp.com/biz/japonais-Ârestaurant-chicago#hrid:k3m0kh9_OiTWgSWleZzZeg The staff here will give you samples and will mix up multiple flavors for you into one bowl, which is amazing, so you can make up your own flavor - lobster bisque creamy chicken rice, perhaps? It all costs a little more than it should, but I think that's a dictate on this stretch of street. I just wish they didn't switch to the Icebox in the summer. I can get frozen icy shit all over the city. What I need is some more soup. I wish they were located in my kitchen. Who am I kidding, I really wish they were located in my bedroom - sooo cooold....
(4)
Kathy K.
I went to the Soupbox to redeem an expired Groupon for the value that I paid for it as outlined in the Groupon policy. The establishment said that they would only honor it for half the value that I paid for it even though I repeatedly showed them that it was supposed to be honored for the full amount. When they refused to relent, I left. I can't comment on the quality of their food since I never got to taste it, but I can comment on the quality of their customer service - lousy. I'm grateful that Groupon does not share their poor customer service and is going to refund my money.
(1)
Kate S.
The Soup Box is one of those places that can get 5 stars or 3 stars, depending on what you order. I, for one, am not a huge fan of thick, puddingy soups, which The Soup Box seems to have a lot of (particularly the broccoli cheddar; your spoon literally stands up in the bowl if you leave it). However, the lobster bisque is quite excellent. They also win me over by giving extra bread for free when requested and for delivering. I also really have to give them credit for having good vegetarian soups. Often soups like cream of potato or broccoli cheddar are made with chicken stock, but The Soup Box makes a point of having multiple vegetarian soups, and at least one vegan soup, daily. And I appreciate how clear they make that, so I don't have to spend a lot of time asking and worrying that I'm getting incorrect information.
(4)
Melissa M.
Whenever my mom comes to town, we have to go to 'the soup place'. When anyone comes to visit, she tells me to take them to 'the soup place'. She's from a small town so they don't have anything like it where she is from, but I must agree I enjoy going there. Today I stopped in due to lack of groceries at home and again, they didn't disappoint. I am always impressed by the friendliness of the staff. I've never been in there (busy or slow) when they haven't taken the time to ask how my day is going. Sometimes I am taken aback because no one seems to take the time to be so sincere. As far as the soup goes, as others have said, the chicken and wild rice never disappoints and I love that they put a special mix soup on the board that you can try for an interesting unique blend. Wanna try a soup? No problem. Don't like that one? Try another. Want extra bread? Why not. Going to the Soupbox is a great experience, from the staff, to the misc. bottled beverages. Can't miss with this one! I plan to try the italian ice this summer!
(5)
Lindsey B.
I heart SoupBox. The best part is you can mix and match your soups. I always get the Lobster Bisque mixed with Clam Chowder. OH yeah. They get your order right 99% of the time, it's cheap, and it's awesome. AND they ride around on bicycles and still get it to you quickly! I applaud those guys. I suggest trying out this comforting winter soup oasis.
(4)
trina b.
I would say probably really 4 and a half stars. My husband is addicted to Crisp across the street from the Soupbox and being a vegetarian, there aren't many options for me there. So I have decided that I will just try all the surrounding restaurants while he munches on his chicken! I'm a bit embarrassed to say I haven't had The Soupbox until last night. And I'm glad I finally tried it! They have a couple of really nice vegetarian selections which is always a thrill for me when eating out. It was super cold and super snowy last night and we are in the process of moving, so takeout was a must. And my hubby was nice enough to go in and order my soup for me. So I can't comment on how it looked inside or service. However, I can comment on flavor!! YUM. I could leave it at that, but then it wouldn't really be one of my reviews! :0) I ordered two soups, don't judge me it was cold and snowy! They were both fantastic! I had the Potato Leek soup and the 7 Bean Melange. The 7 bean had lots of smoky flavor to it and did taste like beans but had very little beans floating around in it. I doubt there were even 4 kinds of beans in there. But there were lots of veggies in the soup. It was very yummy but I loved the Potato Leek Soup a bit more. It was creamy and full of yummy veggies and it was full of taste. I love the taste of taste! But again, didn't really taste a lot of leek flavor and didn't see much in it either. However, my grandmother and mother and now me, have an awesome recipe for potato leek soup, so most other recipes don't stand up to it. But I loved this soup for what it was, which I'm not totally sure what it was. But it was VERY tasty. And I will soon be ordering it again if I have my way! Oh and the soups come with a giant chunk of tasty bread! And crackers if that's your soupy thing! The reason for holding back one star is what I've basically already said. The names of the soup don't totally match up with what the soup is. But that's a small complaint because the soups are still fantastic and tasty. I just wish they were more aptly named. But it won't stop me from trying more soups from the Soupbox! Delish!
(4)
Alex D.
My first experience at Soupbox was in the summer when they were serving their homemade Italian Ice (with chunks of fruit in the mix!). It was really delicious and they give samples! I was devastated when they shut down their Italian Ice operation in the fall, but I had to face the facts: it was getting cold. Now that I've fully recovered, I have reached an appreciate for Soupbox's headliner, the soup. Their Chicken and Wild Rice is delicious, as is their Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. You get a nice chunk of sour dough bread or whole grain bread with your soup unless you decide to get a breadbowl. A friend of mine blew my mind when he recommended I combine multiple soups together (a cream based and a non-cream based soup). I couldn't go for it myself, but I did get a taste of his delicious Chicken and Wild Rice/Lobster Bisque combo. I highly recommend giving this a shot. And ask for recommendations! The staff know what's going on. Service here is fast and simple. Not much can go wrong. I'll be back many times.
(4)
Leang E.
This is such a great spot for comfort food. There are those times where you just don't feel well and all you can seem to stomach is liquid food and warmth. They have plenty of options here, and the soup is piping hot! I like the fact that you can sample the soups as well so you can be sure you get what you want. I wasn't super impressed with the soups that I have gotten here, both were different. I think I had smaller selection by the time I got there. The prices are decent and the staff was alright. Great spot for bonus points if you have a significant other that is sick and needs food.
(3)
Rob A.
Great little place! Went here for lunch on a rainy day and it hit the spot. Had my soup in a bread bowl and it more than filled me up. My only gripe is that, on the day I was there, they only had one non-cream/dairy based soup available. Not good for someone with lactose issues. Luckily, there was one serving left of the tomato based one so I had that. But if that last serving wasn't available, they would have lost a customer that day. Also, it would have been nice to have at least one more soup to choose from that wasn't cream based. I was kinda surprised they didn't have at least one more option--not only for people with lactose issues but also for the large number of vegans out there. I'm sure they're losing customers because of this. I just don't get why they don't see this. But the soup was really good. I'll just have to remember to check ahead before I go next time. I advise all vegans out there to do the same. ************************ Update 8/12/10-I received a very courteous and professional email from the manager apologizing about the lack of vegan friendly soups available with a promise that it will be rectified. The fact that he took the time to do this is testament to the level of customer service at this restaurant.
(5)
Christina R.
I had the chicken and wild rice soup (I always have the chicken and wild rice) and today i chose to add chicken dumpling to the mix. So good! So warm and cozy and yummy in my tummy! They make 12 homemade soups daily. You can sample any before buying and you mix them together if you want. It's my favorite thing about winter.
(5)
Heather R.
For as much soup as Chicagoans consume in the winter months, I gotta say, the Soupbox disappoints me. Yes, they have excellent choices and tasty soups, I'll give 'em that...but as far as customer service, delivery time (my soup showing up cold an hour and 15 minutes after I order it), and the price you charge...you're overrated. I can get the same thing from the likes of Jason's Deli or McAlister's for half the price. Very, very, very, disappointed.
(1)
MELEK L.
Seriously, how could you not love Soupbox? Hot and hearty soups that you can mix and match, making your own creation. Fun! Don't forget to dunk your wedge of bread deep inside the bowl for extra goodness. In the summer when I'm having a sweet fit, nothing beats the refreshment of the Icebox treats. I love all of the fresh flavors. It quenshes my heat stroke nicely. Check out this very special "hole in the wall".
(4)
Kelly W.
I went here once and was extremely disappointed. I hate a place with a small indoor eatery where people are practically mauling each other for a table--or simply setting down some napkins to "save their seat." Um, hello. If you want to save a seat and there are two of you, have one person order while the other sits... It isn't rocket science, just common courtesy. It was chilly outside (when sitting and not walking) the day we went which we soon realized upon sitting outside in their logistically impossible patio area. Unless you are the size of a toddler, good luck finding a seat around a table. The soup sounded and smelled delicious. However they did not live up to the expectation and left me feeling very dissatisfied. I have had better tasting (and cheaper) soups at bakery chains. I will not be back here any time soon.
(2)
Mike P.
More than 3 years later and they can still kick it live on the soup front. Since Chicago decided to go from pleasant mild summer and imitate some depressing Canadian town near the Arctic Circle soup is in high demand around my house. The pregnant wife demanded this past Sunday, so we headed down to our old hood in East Lakeview and dived in. The wife had the beef stew, I had the Chicken dumpling w/ Rosemary. Copious amounts of rosemary, actually but it was still quite good. My wife had some slight buyer's remorse on the stew but we're definitely going back. We've been faithful to Soupbox since 2004, why change?
(5)
Lesley G.
I'm hot and cold on the soupbox. I want to love it, but I don't. I work in the area, so I pick up soup or get it delivered often enough. And it sure is tasty. BUT, it's really really expensive, so I always end up feeling less than satisfied. I got a large today at lunch and it was over $7. And it wasn't even among their most expensive soups. I was surprised, even for soupbox. Their cream based soups are, in my opinion, just ok. The potato and leak, which is usually my favorite type of soup, is ok, but the cream often overwhelms the rest of the flavors. I do have a coworker who swears by the lobster bisque, but i've never tried it. The rosemary chicken dumpling and the italian wedding soup are both really good. And the beef stew is super tasty.
(3)
Chan K.
The soup here is decent but definitely overpriced. I tried the clam chowder which was creamy and had some nice fresh clams. I've had better chowder, however, for much less. The bread they give you is nothing special either, lacking in crispiness and flavor.
(2)
Nannette P.
This place rocks!! I used to live right around the corner from here and would order soup to go or deliver it in during the freezing Winter months. I always order the Chicken with Rice (creamy, hearty, comfort food type of soup - I'm sure loaded with tons of calories and fat, but oh so good) or the Lobster Bisque. Both are excellent choices. They give you a hunk of bread with the soup and it is soft and yummy. The staff has always been super polite and friendly and the delivery guys have always been fast! P.S. The potato and leek ain't too bad either
(5)
Laura P.
Put the lime and the coconut and mix them all up. That is one way I get my colada on, non-alcoholic style. It's all good until you get a chunk of real lime. Yikes, those are sour times. Seriously, though, we've been coming here for years. Even after I've moved from Lakeview to other climes, I find myself craving Soupbox or Icebox (way back it would be one or the other, now they have both icyfruit and soup). Recently we had the pomegranate, which was too subtle but a decent companion to their passion fruit icyfruit. Hubby adores their icy mint for the clean flavor and tiny chunks of chocolate. I know that Bobtail is a different product, but I'm surprised that two icy dessert places on the same block can survive!
(4)
Sarah P.
Good stuff! The staff is always friendly and welcoming. They let you try as many kinds of soup as you want. Soupbox serves 12 types of soup per day, so there is a lot to choose from. The interior is quite small, however I have never had difficulty finding a table. It's cozy on a snowy winter afternoon to go here and enjoy a cup of soup and bread. The chicken with wild rice is delicious. I recently had the chicken noodle, which was good. If you are really hungry, go for the bread bowl. Note, this location does not have fountain drinks or salads. The Chicago Ave location does! The Broadway location only has canned soda.
(4)
courtney p.
I actually LOVED Soupbox until I just read that guys review about how they just defrost soups in the back. They shouldn't say made fresh daily if they're not really made fresh daily. :( And they are pretty expensive. On the other hand, I have never been disappointed by the soups, I love them all and I love the multi-grain bread that comes with them. I LOVE SOUP, I seriously could eat this place everyday, and I have thought about getting a job there just so I could eat it for free. However, I bartend and that would be a huge demotion. I also love that they have salads now. I will still eat here just as much despite the new info about how they make the soups.
(3)
Mobs N.
This place is good! The best soup is the lobster bisque!
(4)
Laura L.
I LOVE the chicken and wild rice soup. On a cold rainy day, there is nothing better than grabbing a bowl of this with some of their delicious bread. The always have a good range of soups and it's always piping hot and so yummy!
(4)
Adam L.
It's soup. It's bread. It's delicious. I highly recommend the chicken and rice, lobster bisque, and clam chowder. Also, ask for extra bread. Don't cost nothin'.
(4)
ALFREDO L.
AWESOME if you like soup! About ten different kinds almost every day, my wife and I love to stop everytime we are in that area
(5)
Heather D.
The Lobster Bisque here is amazing. It's so good that if I order any other soup I still have to get a Lobster Bisque as well. They feature about a dozen soups that are freshly made and I have yet to be disappointed with my choice. Each serving of soup comes with a nice sized hunk of break (multigrain or sourdough were the options last time I was there). I've only been here a handful of times, but I think this is going to be my new go-to place for dinner this winter.
(4)
Jamie O.
We all know the the soup is fantastic (Groupon got me going here!), but the service is outstanding! I've gone a couple times in the evenings and the folks behind the counter are amazingly nice and helpful. They let you try any soups before you purchase and you can mix soups if you are so inclined. It's always a tough decision when choosing. I finally had a grilled cheese and it was awesome with my potato and cheddar soup!
(5)
lauren p.
Yum. There is nothing I love more than a piping hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Somehow, I had never experienced the Soupbox until the day after Christmas. I'm guessing if there was one around where I live or work, I would be there whenever I had an extra $5 in my pocket. We took the boyfriend's parents and sister here for a pre-movie lunch on Friday. We were lucky enough to actually find parking right across the street, but I'm guessing that's pretty rare. It was pretty warm outside (in the 40s) and inside the Box it was probably 85 degrees. There's just a few tables, and the drink selection is pretty sparse. But really, you're there for the soup. I love that they let you sample the soups before you buy- very considerate since they have so many options. I went with the creamy chicken and wild rice, which was very tasty, but no where near as delicious as the boyfriend's lobster bisque. Holy hell, that was some tasty bisque. Enough to make Elaine Benis go "Yadda yadda." ("I mentioned the lobster bisque. . . ") I'm not sure what everyone else had because I was so blinded by the bisque, but we all enjoyed our soup and bread. No one went for the bread bowl- frankly I think they're a rip off since you don't eat all the bread, and you can just get bread on the side. All in all, a great, hearty, cheap lunch. If I find myself in Lakeview again, I'll stop in and grab a cup.
(4)
Sonia B.
Soupbox is a gourmet soup shop that is pretty awesome. The menu at Soubox changes on a daily basis and they offer great quality soups. You can sample them when you arrive. The cool thing is that it isn't just your typical chicken noodle soup. They have some awesome ones like potato & bacon, lobster bisque, creamy chicken and wild rice, cheddar, chili, etc. You can even mix a couple of soups...they provide suggestions of what you should mix. They have a couple of different sizes they offer and bread bowls. Your soup also comes w/ a side of bread. The only thing is that Soupbox could be deemed to be a little pricey for just soup. You end up spending close to $9 for soup and a drink. They do use the best ingredients though. So, it's a trade off. I still end up going there every now and then when I really want some soup...every soup I've had there has been yummy! It's hard for me to get others to go because they can't justify spending $9 on a bowl of soup.
(3)
Stephen R.
Delicious, tasty soups just a stone's throw from my apartment! I love the SoupBox! The Lobster Bisque infects my brain on a routine basis. Oh, it's so good. Soupbox is not inexpensive fare so watch your wallet if you're going here often! And while I haven't gone all summer, it's an anti-hot thing. But when that cool, fall air kicks in, it will most definitely be SoupBox season!
(4)
Justin B.
I'm my father's son and I love soup. And if you want soup in Lakeview, there really is only one place for it: The Soupbox. This stuff is OMG good. It is so good, it is was the only thing I could stomach after my bachelor party. Not even Chicago's own and greatest Gino's East could save me, but Soup Box did. So when your stomach should be pumped due to alcohol consumption and you are looking for a savior, the Soup Box is it ...
(4)
Katie G.
Best soup in Chicago. When I first moved here I HATED soup...then a friend dragged me there. I ate their soup 4 other times that week. Also, a few weeks ago I was really sick with a cold and they delivered to me in 30 mins. At the time I didn't have any cash on me, but they had just started accepting credit cards so it wasn't an issue. I completely recommend this place to everyone, especially if you are a huuuge soup lover like my girlfriend. Some of my favorites you should try out are: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, Cream of Mushroom, & Chicken Dumpling.
(5)
Steve S.
I like soup...Always hot for some reason. I was in town for a conference and looking for deep dish pizza and somehow settled for soup. Soupbox has 12 different varieties that you can try to preempt buyers remorse. They also have an array of salads to seemingly please any pallet. I did not really love the chicken noddle, but to be fair it was about closing time...Perhaps, I ate the refuse of what could have been a truly memorable soup. Then again maybe not...It is worth a try. Just let me know
(3)
Matt P.
I'll be damned if you can find a better beef stew in the city ... Soupbox's is just great. The staff is equally cool as their counterparts on Chicago Ave ... but I still think it's a little expensive. Two large soups, a can of coke, and two cookies was $20+. Even still, it's great food as a treat, or when it's super cold and crappy out!
(3)
Damon A.
The lobster bisque soup was good. The lackluster service knocked a star off. These guys could give a shit if you buy the soup. The girl at the counter didn't know how to count back change. She had to use a calculator. But that all aside the soup is decent and I will continue to come back..
(3)
Rosemary L.
I want to retract my previous negative review about the Soup Box as I was in error. I had complained about the price of the soup and didn't realize that, just as in a restaurant, lobster is one of the most costly items on the menu depending on its market value. Same goes here. Next time I'll stick to good old tomato! My mistake, Soup Box!! Sorry!!
(5)
Katarina X.
Best Potato Soup Ever! More vevety than rich velvet- it's a terrifically creamy indulgence when facing one of our legendary Chicago Winters. Even if you have to mortgage the house to pay for it.... those little cups of soup add up!
(4)
Aaron S.
I stop here about twice a week now since it is so close to my apartment. Their Chicken & Wild Rice and Spicy Mayan Enchilada are my favorites by far! I hear you can mix soups much like how I used to mix soda at fast food restaurants as a wee lad. Haven't tried that though. They also have a free bread policy that I abuse every time I go there. The bread, itself, is quite decent. If you are afraid that soup won't fill you up, always ask for more bread! Like I said before, I'm addicted! I can't comment on their Ice Cream since I haven't tried it yet. Maybe next summer?
(5)
Kenji M.
A friend told me that this place was awesome and I agree in part. I ordered the Lobster Bisque soup which was very satisfactory, especially because it came with Italian bread that filled me up-ish. The price was reasonable and I would definitely go back again. Wish List: It would be awesome if they served salad, but they don't.
(3)
iddells E.
Mmmm, the soups are good! We did carry-out because there was nowhere to sit! We went on a Sunday night; the place was tiny and there weren't many tables. I ordered the chicken wild rice and the clam chowder. I really wished I could have sat down and try a bread bowl because it looked sooo good. I was drooling watching the other customers eating theirs. However, I didn't want to bring a soggy bread bowl back home. They ran out of a couple selections and I don't think they were going to make anymore since it was already a couple hours to closing. Both of my soups were delicious!! I will return again and try even more soups out. I just hope I can find a place to sit!
(4)
Amy S.
My favorite part about the soupbox is that you can mix the soups! I love mixing creamy with a tomato base. They have great vegetarian selections. I have yet to have a soup that I don't like there. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. They used to not take credit cards, but they finally upgraded, but I've had the issue where their machines are down and that's kind of a pain when you don't normally carry cash. So I always bring cash with me just in case.
(4)
Dejan B.
The soup here is abundant and delicious. I visited with three other members of my family and they all loved it as well. The only drawbacks is that it is _ tiny _ (though we were able to find a table even before ordering) and does NOT have a bathroom otherwise it would be a immediate and unhesitating five star rating. All that said, if you are wanting a tasty and hot soup you MUST try this place and tell your friends!
(4)
Chas V.
This review is based strictly on the summer version of the shop "The Ice Box" (I've never had the soup) It is my experience that this is the second best Italian Lemonade in the city. (Mario's on Taylor Street being the best) When my in-laws visit from out of town, they DEMAND a visit to the Ice Box. I am more than happy to oblige.
(4)
Jay R.
I had been anxious to try The Soupbox for a while so when the temp dropped into good soup eating zone it was time to give it a try. As you first walk in you will see a counter full of cauldrons containing the soups of the day.There were maybe 10 or 12 choices im guessing and they were all marked. The service was great and the guys working were friendly and happily tell you their favorite soups and show you what each soup looked like in the pot as they give it a stir. As this was dinner we both decided on the large 16 oz serving I decided on Chicken Noodle my wife chose tortellini which had a tomato base. The Soup comes with a choice of bread and there are butter and crackers for the taking. Ok here comes the problem neither the chicken noodle or the tortellini soup was really that good. I have had just as good out of a can and better at other restaurants that have a full menu and don't just specialize in soup. I kinda feel if you decide to sell one thing you better do it pretty darn good but sadly the Soupbox fell short. I like noodles aka stuff in my soup and a fair amount of broth but the servings in both soups had lots of broth and a small amount of noodle I love broth but if im eating this as a meal I want a generous amount of noodles too. If this was a $4.50 bowl of soup it would be one thing but 2 16 oz servings of soup cost just shy of 15 bucks seems steep. One of my fav delis is up the street you can get a quart / 32 oz of some damn good chicken noodle soup plus a half loaf of bread for 7 bucks. In my opinion Its just alot of money for mediocre soup.
(2)
g b.
this place is just what the doctor ordered! a HUGE selection of soup (lobster bisque is the best). the bread-bowls are pretty yummy, and if you go for a traditional bowl, you get a huge wedge of sourdough bread- YUM! my mouth is watering already!
(4)
Cori C.
12 varieties of soup. You can taste test all of them before deciding. You can mix soups for the perfect combo. My fav is chicken and wild rice, but each one is unique and delicious. Now you can get a grilled cheese too! In the summer, the shaved ice steals the show.
(5)
Rocky B.
Okay, I've yet to try their soup but mmm, their italian ice is delicious. Bobtail is right next door but on a blazing hot summer day I just don't feel like doing the dairy route. My husband stopped in there one day last week and picked us a couple of small italian ices. I asked for the lemon. I usually love lemon italian ice but the flavor was way too subtle and it almost didn't taste sweet at all. We tried it again on Sunday and this time I got strawberry and pineapple. OMG, both flavors were super yummy. Big chunks of strawberry and big chunks of pineapple. Last night, I know...I tend to get obsessed with stuff, we went again and I got strawberry, pineapple and coconut. Yep you guessed it....big shreds of coconut. It was so good. I plan on trying their soups when the temps drop back down to below being able to fry an egg on our car.
(3)
Van D.
Tried this place for lunch on a frigid Chicago friday. All they have is soups so don't expect anything else. They have 12 different flavors . Its great that they let you taste the different soups before committing. Also nice of them to let you mix and match soups to your liking. It is kinda pricey though. Some of the fancier soups cost over $7 for a medium size soup. Soups taste good but not sure if they are worth the price
(3)
Stephen D.
Good idea for a restaurant, but the prices are out of control. Maybe it's just me and I'm not in tune with the cost of producing soup these days, but last time I made it the main ingredient was water. $5.69 for a CUP and a crust of bread??? I would be a regular at this place because I live right by it, but I can't shell out 5.69 for soup when it's not even a main dish. Get down in the $3 range Soupbox and you will have a loyal customer. On a positive note, the Sundried Tomato was very good. The Potato and Leak....Meh.
(2)
Amber B.
The creamy chicken & wild rice was super tasty when we stopped in yesterday after walking all over the area & realizing we were starving. If the commute from Arizona wasn't so far, I'd stop in at least once a week!
(5)
Eme L.
When I lived in the neighborhood, we used to frequent this place during the summers. Although I've had the soup (good, but not great), I'm reviewing the Icebox. They usually have interesting flavors that are very refreshing on a hot/humid Chicago day. We usually go for the strawberry, cherry, lemon combo - sweet and tart. This visit, I had the lemon. It was refreshing and the consistency of the ice was very good - sometimes, they have hard chunks of ice that are off-putting. Worth a try if you're in the neighborhood and are looking for refreshment that isn't ice cream.
(3)
Jean G.
I adore this place. Soup is always delicious. I've tried every soup they have to offer. Service is always prompt, and the people that work there are nothing but friendly!
(4)
Kyung P.
I'm sick today, and I'm craving Soupbox, so I thought I'd write a review. Soupbox is really friendly people serving delicious soups. They always offer samples and don't rush you to make a decision. If you need help making a decision though, I love the chicken and wild rice (it's the creamy kind), and the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder mixed together is soooo good! It is expensive but worth it. If you're hungover (and you look like it) on Saturday or Sunday mornings/early afternoon, they always offer you extra bread!
(4)
Katie H.
YUM. I got sick this winter and ate nothing but Soupbox for an entire week. My favorites are the lobster bisque, potato and broccoli. They will mix two soups if you want and the breadbowls are delicious and so filling. I haven't tried the Icebox yet, but I'm a little sad they don't have the Soupbox open in summer. Who says I don't want soup in summer? Ohhh, soup sounds good.
(5)
stephanie c.
Great flavors, but holy crap, most soups have 2400mg of sodium on average!! Would think that they could make them a LITTLE bit healthier!!
(2)
Debra M.
Very nice staff and great soup!
(5)
Chaviva G.
I heart Soupbox, and I'd never been to this location, so I popped in on a rainy Saturday for some of that classic Chicken and Wild Rice goodness. Luckily, when I got there they were done making the C&WR, but about half of the soups were not finished, which was too bad for the other patrons. BUT, mad props to the employees for fixing up a container of soup to go for the couple who were waiting on one of the tomato concoctions but never got the chance to down it. The soup was hot and delicious, of course. I love that they offer two different bread options, and I don't recall the other one ever doing this. My only gripe is that they don't have fountain drinks, but rather just cans and jars. It's definitely tight quarters, but they make it happen and they make it work. Oh! And also, they take cards, which the other Soupbox doesn't, so that's automatic props for these guys! Oh Soupbox, you are my Soup mecca! (Sidenote: The patron who got the free soup because of the delay, said as he left, "You guys are awesome! Like the soup Nazi, but without the Nazi!" It made me giggle ...)
(4)
Cat D.
Soupbox and Icebox are one of the few establishments I miss since moving from Lakeview. Not only is everything completely delicious, but I also have fond memories of the staff encouraging a mixing of soups for even more excitement. When oh when will you please bring your tasty variety of warm, comfort-filled, soup-ness (and fresh, fruity ice-ness) to Logan Square?
(4)
Bharat S.
I just got delivery from here, and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. I got the cream of asparagus and the chedder and broccoli. Both stayed hot through the delivery and were delicious. Decent price too. Would suggest it if youre cold and don't feel like going outside.
(4)
Jen S.
I always look forward to the days that I can convince my coworkers to order soupbox. Its so good. its fresh, fast and usually delivered by a really cute boy! yay! Potato Leek = #1 Soup Ever.
(5)
Jo Ann F.
Any time of year this is a great place for something great to eat!
(4)
Luke S.
This was a very good decision Friday night. I didn't want to eat anything real heavy, because I was celebrating St. Patrick's day the next day so I figured soup would be a nice meal. I love both lobster bisque and clam chowder and the server told me that it is great when you mix the two. She wasn't kidding, it was really good! Their bread was also fresh. My only complaint is that for a soup and a fountain drink I paid over ten dollars. I look forward to coming back and trying other soups.
(4)
Amanda G.
Soupbox is good. I really like the place and I think Soupbox holds a special place in the heart of many Northsiders. They offer 12 rotating soups a day. My favorite that I regularly get is the lobster bisque. The prices are reasonable and soupbox is the place you want to go when its freezing or if you have a bad cold. I also think they have pretty fresh bread. I also like the people who work there, they are nice and friendly!
(4)
Erin C.
I like the idea of a soup place in the neighborhood and had been meaning to stop in for some time now. I went when I was hungry and in the mood for something small. I had a small lobster bisque and didn't eat half. It was fine, nothing special, nothing worth that much money. It wasn't particularly remarkable in flavor and had no chunks of lobster. I doubt I would go back, it was a definite 'meh'
(2)
Katie R.
I want to give it three and a half stars. I think I'll end up upping the stars here at some point - but at this moment, I can only say that the Broccoli and White Cheddar soup was less cheesy than I would have liked. It was more like Cream of Broccoli soup. I plan to try more soups and hope to be more impressed in the future. Can't complain that they deliver at lunchtime (work soup is going to become a frequent activity). And the bread bowl was tasty too. Second tasting (1/18/08): Loved the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice so that merits an extra star. But this time the bread bowl wasn't as tasty as I remember, so that takes it down to only an extra half.
(4)
Nichole F.
I've been to the Soupbox twice now. The 1st time I had the clam chowder, the second time the tomato &basil bisque. Both times were disappointing. I have no idea why the place gets such rave reviews. The soup is not good! It has no flavor. The tomato bisque was basically a really watered down version of tomato soup. Bisque is generally thicker and hearty but not this one. I had to dump a ton of salt and pepper in it to make it somewhat worth the nearly $6 bucks I paid. It's overpriced and not good. FYI I also sampled the broccoli cheddar soup and it tasted like warm cream--again, no flavor. Sorry but Panera has better soup. The best thing about it is the bread that comes with it but pretty sure you could go to Red Hen and get the same bread there. Soupbox, you are out!
(2)
Michael G.
The broccoli and cheddar soup is so deliciously thick and wonderful I've had it 3 days in a row. This place is amazing. Be sure to get the sourdough bread for dipping pleasure! Other notables are the potato soup, the lobster bisque and the new england clam chowder. For an excellent changeup get a mixed cup of soup with half lobster bisque and half broccoli and cheddar. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed! The one over-riding awesome thing about this gem: you can sample each soup!
(5)
Saira C.
Soup Box might be my favorite place. But they only deliver in the winter months and I don't live near one. Booooo! Seriously this place makes my heart pitter patter.
(5)
Eric G.
I went to Soupbox on Sunday after church and played it safe with the potato and bacon soup. I was very tempted to get the artichoke puree, but changed my mind at the last minute. The soup had hearty chucks of "taters" in it with a lots of minced bacon pieces. The flavor was superior to any soup at Panera, Potbelly, or Corner Bakery. A generous piece of sourdough bread that reminded me of San Fransisco was served with my soup. They also offer the breadbowl as an option. The two guys behind the counter were very friendly and offered samples to customers contemplating which one of the ten daily soups to order. Overall, I had a great experience at Soupbox. I will be more adventurous in my soup selection when I return in the future.
(4)
Ngoc H.
Pretty good place for a chilly day. You can sample the soups before you buy them! A little pricey in my opinion but its worth it. You get bread along with your order, their multi-grain is amazing! Parking is kind of a pain but I'm sure you'd want to circle around of you're really a soup fan.
(4)
kevin c.
This location is in a great spot on Broadway. The soup I tried was the veg. red lentil. It was good, but did not really stand out. I would like to try again with one of there other soups.
(3)
Ben F.
The service was pretty good speaking that I called for delivery and the person had to call me back three times to confirm my CC number, they had it right the first time! The soup was pretty good but they really need to work on improving the recipes. I had the Broccoli & White Chedder and I have to say it was seriously lacking in the flavor department and seemed thinned out. I also tried the Potato & Bacon something and it was really missing salt, like tasted like it didn't have any salt at all! Dunno if I would rather pay almost $5 for a bowl of this or go pay like 99c for a can of pretty much the same thing. Sorry but if your a restaurant that sells only soup it should atleast great or better!
(2)
Margaret N.
The boyfriend recently had his tonsils removed. As a result, there was a liquid diet in effect for a number of weeks. I stopped here almost daily to pick up soup for him and we tried a bunch of different kinds. The basic Chicken Noodle, the Lobster Bisque, the Potato Leek, the Chicken & Wild Rice, the Clam Chowder. You get the idea! I admit they were all tasty but absolutely nothing special. Especially not for THAT price!!! 6 bucks for an average cup of Chicken Noodle is a bit steep.... I read that they deliver in the winter. I could probably be talked into that on a cold blizzardy Chicago evening.
(3)
Robin W.
Eh it's just okay soup. If you are named "The Soupbox," your soup should be "slap your mama" good! And I wasn't terribly impressed. I tried a couple samples before ordering, the potato and leek was okay, the broccoli and white cheddar was decent but not that great. All I wanted was some broccoli and cheese... what's so hard about that? I got the bread bowl, because I love a hot soup in a bread bowl, but it ended up being disappointingly dry and almost stale white bread. And it was almost $9!!! For soup?! I think next time I want soup, I'll stop by Panera a few blocks away. Overall that chain has far better soups and bread bowls and is almost half the price. I love local shops and wish I liked this place more, but not impressed. I think this place deserves 2 1/2 stars, but I can't be mean enough to leave the 2 star review. Plus it's Chicago in the winter... I might be freezing cold enough to give this place another try.
(3)
Melissa R.
Oh Soupbox...how you have saved me during the chilly Chicago winters. As well as your buddy Icebox during the hot summer months. I used to live around the corner from this place for 3 years, and I had to practice some serious willpower not to dine here all the time. I'll tell you this, there is nothing that makes me feel better when I'm sick than a bowl of their chicken and wild rice soup...although pity from my mother also seems to help me feel better. Their smaller serving size is large enough for two servings, especially when you dip some of the delicious bread in it. And they always ask if I want more bread...like I will ever answer "no" to that question. Their bread-bowls are also wonderful and it hard to determine if I enjoy the soup in them more or the actual bread bowl after it's been emptied and is soaked up with the delicious soup...tricky. In the summer months they also feature their italian ices which are so refreshing. I usually get their kid-cup size because you don't really need much more than that, and I almost always go with the cherry. It's fantastic because you can see and taste all the real fruit they put in it. Another perk, they hand out free samples on the streets in little cups to people passing by...that mini treat has made past afternoons perk up a little. Their staff is also fabulous. It's all young hipsterish types that are so friendly and let you taste as many of the soups/italian ices as you want...and don't get annoyed when you ask for your seventh sample. *I just looked on their website and they have the nutritional information posted. This made me gasp because I was almost afraid to look. Um...it's not that bad at all, especially considering how creamy and dreamy it is. Check it out: thesoupbox.com/default.a… . Now I'm kind of annoyed with myself I didn't eat there more often...silly girl.
(5)
Melissa M.
If you're hungry but not in the mood for anything heavy, then Soupbox is a good option. Make no mistake though... you can easily fill your belly with the options here. Soupbox has 10-12 different soups everyday. I recently had the chicken noodle which was okay... kind of tasted like it wasn't necessarily homemade. However, I had tasted the cream of potato leek beforehand and it was great. In fact, after eating my chicken noodle, I kept thinking "Darn! I should've had the potato leek!" A simple soup isn't even to fill you up you say. Most of their soups are quite hearty and satisfying and come with a fairly large piece of bread. They also have the bread bowl option. You have to love fresh bread! But wait! This location now offers grilled cheese as well! Aaaand... you can add meat to it! Pretty filling I'd say. But wait! There's more! During the summer months, Soupbox also has Icybox. Basically, they have about a dozen flavors of Italian Ice. This day I ended my meal with a small strawberry lemondade combination. There is no doubt that I was defintely full by the time I was done. Still have to go back for that potato leek though.
(4)
Iris H.
Vegan Tomato something or other. . . Very decent and just right for a rainy spring afternoon. Too expensive - the 3 stars purely due to geography. After all, I get some credit for bravin' big bad bug-people-land. The land of shake-n-baked (and I helped!) tans, barbie-round, stuck-on, color formed boobage and ginormous paris-esque suntardening glashes. $4.00 for a small in Lick-on Park. Where have all the crackheads gone, long time passing. . . Very friendly hash slinger tho, I must say.
(3)
Ted C.
It's just really good soup. I got it in a bread bowl and I was stuffed.
(4)
Barb F.
First of all, I am not usually a soup fan....but this place may change my view. I stopped in because of the cold, sunny day and I was going next door. I decided to go in and take some soup back to my boyfriend when I noticed the one soup I liked, lobster Bisque, was on the menu. I ordered the broccoli and cheese and the chicken with wild rice for him and still did not order the bisque, but the server said to try it. One bite or slurp and I was sold. This was great lobster bisque! The other soups were great, according to my guy. We will make this place a destination for now on!
(4)
Max and Drew R.
This is a solid 4 1/2 star operation, however Yelp is trying to make my life a living hell by not allowing me to award Soupbox the credit it deserves... Great soup, crowded yet very efficient, helpful staff. Since I was a rookie I played it pretty safe, but they have enough selection to keep things interested (I heard some maniac mixing three soups together in a bread bowl, that guy is my f*cking idol). I will be back for sure, any place that packs the house and gets away with charging $6 for a bowl of soup is obviously doing something right. Parking sucks so try to work around it. Respect.
(4)
Arlene M.
the only reason as to why i'm writing about this now is because it's winter it's cold- and i wanted something warm and satisfying- i'm talking about a nice cup of soup- who could resist?? i love this place! i've been here a number of times i don't know why i never yelped it. i love all of their soups- that i have tried at least- i've have their broccoli and white cheddar- their cream of chicken and wild rice, lobster bisque- beef stew- and their potato and leek---- when they say it's hot its really really HOT- (temperature wise) if you're not sure or a virgin here- feel free to try every single one if u really must to make your decision- and u can feel free to have as much bread as u would like- just ask for it.
(5)
Hansol G.
LOVE THIS PLACE! LOVE the simple idea of "soup. bread. served and done." Love how cheap and filling it is. Love all the non-typical soups they offer. Love how warm it is in there on a really cold day. Love how they cure my flu. .... If you like soup and you haven't tried this place,... well, there's really no reason you wouldn't like it.
(5)
Melanie K.
You will never eat Campbells again after you have tried the Soupbox! The soups are incredibly fresh AND there are so many to choose from, that everyone can be happy (and full!) the bread bowls are amazing (if you aren't afraid of carbs) personal faves...beef stew, lobster bisque, chicken and dumpling, corn chowder in the summer, the icebox is a great cold treat that you can't feel too guilty about. Mix flavors like kiwi and strawberry...yum!
(5)
Edith P.
If you live in Chicago and you haven't been to the Soupbox, you should hang your head in shame! This place is ..simply put... a staple to Chicago in the winter. Don't be afraid to try combinations of soups either. My personal favorite is the Cream of Potato w/ Leak and the Broccoli Cheese..mix together - it's awesome. The employees there are laid back kids in their 20s looking to feed you some soup. Go get some soup!
(5)
Melissa B.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats their lobster bisque. Yes, it's a teeny tiny bit expensive. But so worth it. Oh yes, and their Icebox in the summer is perfect when the temp goes up. If you want something not quite as heavy as Bobtail, this is perfect.
(4)
Dallas F.
I love this place. Its so nice that I can mix up my soups if I want and enjoy my own creations. The ice stuff I really like too.
(4)
courtney g.
This pertains mostly to delivery, now that I am posting on the right location (duh!) - 12 different soups everyday, bread bowls - who doesn't like that, esp at this time of year. I mostly order from work, for lunch, and delivery is sometimes slow, as in over an hour slow. Also, they will not deliver for less than two soups, which is crappy if everyone else in the office planned ahead; I don't blame the Soupbox, but I'm just saying - I wanted the soup! The cream of broccoli was more creamy and less discernable broccoli. I wasn't trying to be a hater when I started this, but apparently i am a bit more ambivalent than I realized. And, yes, it's a bit pricey just to be soup. I've eaten in before, and perhaps that is a better way; you're on your own schedule, you can order just one, etc.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Stephanie M.
Great soup for when you are feeling under the weather. Prices are astronomical. Not worth the $7.
(2)Heather M.
Very simple place. They pretty much just have soups and grilled cheese. Some of the soups I've had have been very good, others bland. The staff is super friendly though, and an awesome atmosphere.
(3)Kyle D.
The soup here is fantastic but sometimes the management seems a bit off. One day I went in and wanted to order the lobster bisque to eat there. The staff told me I couldn't have any because they were saving the bisque for deliveries. My main issue with this is if I am standing right there in your store wouldn't you think to serve the customer you have rather than the customers you "might" have later? Also I ordered about 5 soups for pick up another time and 2 of the soups were completely wrong and I was told I couldn't change the order once I paid for them. Again great soup just some bad management here and there.
(3)Saurabh P.
I love this place. Its so good and comforting. They have so many delicious soups. My favorite thing to do is combine two of my favorite soups into one delicious soup. How is this possible??? Anything is possible at the soupbox. This is what I have learned. Go, enjoy, be happy.
(5)Kelly W.
I went here once and was extremely disappointed. I hate a place with a small indoor eatery where people are practically mauling each other for a table--or simply setting down some napkins to "save their seat." Um, hello. If you want to save a seat and there are two of you, have one person order while the other sits... It isn't rocket science, just common courtesy. It was chilly outside (when sitting and not walking) the day we went which we soon realized upon sitting outside in their logistically impossible patio area. Unless you are the size of a toddler, good luck finding a seat around a table. The soup sounded and smelled delicious. However they did not live up to the expectation and left me feeling very dissatisfied. I have had better tasting (and cheaper) soups at bakery chains. I will not be back here any time soon.
(2)Mike P.
More than 3 years later and they can still kick it live on the soup front. Since Chicago decided to go from pleasant mild summer and imitate some depressing Canadian town near the Arctic Circle soup is in high demand around my house. The pregnant wife demanded this past Sunday, so we headed down to our old hood in East Lakeview and dived in. The wife had the beef stew, I had the Chicken dumpling w/ Rosemary. Copious amounts of rosemary, actually but it was still quite good. My wife had some slight buyer's remorse on the stew but we're definitely going back. We've been faithful to Soupbox since 2004, why change?
(5)Lesley G.
I'm hot and cold on the soupbox. I want to love it, but I don't. I work in the area, so I pick up soup or get it delivered often enough. And it sure is tasty. BUT, it's really really expensive, so I always end up feeling less than satisfied. I got a large today at lunch and it was over $7. And it wasn't even among their most expensive soups. I was surprised, even for soupbox. Their cream based soups are, in my opinion, just ok. The potato and leak, which is usually my favorite type of soup, is ok, but the cream often overwhelms the rest of the flavors. I do have a coworker who swears by the lobster bisque, but i've never tried it. The rosemary chicken dumpling and the italian wedding soup are both really good. And the beef stew is super tasty.
(3)Chan K.
The soup here is decent but definitely overpriced. I tried the clam chowder which was creamy and had some nice fresh clams. I've had better chowder, however, for much less. The bread they give you is nothing special either, lacking in crispiness and flavor.
(2)Nannette P.
This place rocks!! I used to live right around the corner from here and would order soup to go or deliver it in during the freezing Winter months. I always order the Chicken with Rice (creamy, hearty, comfort food type of soup - I'm sure loaded with tons of calories and fat, but oh so good) or the Lobster Bisque. Both are excellent choices. They give you a hunk of bread with the soup and it is soft and yummy. The staff has always been super polite and friendly and the delivery guys have always been fast! P.S. The potato and leek ain't too bad either
(5)Laura P.
Put the lime and the coconut and mix them all up. That is one way I get my colada on, non-alcoholic style. It's all good until you get a chunk of real lime. Yikes, those are sour times. Seriously, though, we've been coming here for years. Even after I've moved from Lakeview to other climes, I find myself craving Soupbox or Icebox (way back it would be one or the other, now they have both icyfruit and soup). Recently we had the pomegranate, which was too subtle but a decent companion to their passion fruit icyfruit. Hubby adores their icy mint for the clean flavor and tiny chunks of chocolate. I know that Bobtail is a different product, but I'm surprised that two icy dessert places on the same block can survive!
(4)Eric G.
I went to Soupbox on Sunday after church and played it safe with the potato and bacon soup. I was very tempted to get the artichoke puree, but changed my mind at the last minute. The soup had hearty chucks of "taters" in it with a lots of minced bacon pieces. The flavor was superior to any soup at Panera, Potbelly, or Corner Bakery. A generous piece of sourdough bread that reminded me of San Fransisco was served with my soup. They also offer the breadbowl as an option. The two guys behind the counter were very friendly and offered samples to customers contemplating which one of the ten daily soups to order. Overall, I had a great experience at Soupbox. I will be more adventurous in my soup selection when I return in the future.
(4)Ngoc H.
Pretty good place for a chilly day. You can sample the soups before you buy them! A little pricey in my opinion but its worth it. You get bread along with your order, their multi-grain is amazing! Parking is kind of a pain but I'm sure you'd want to circle around of you're really a soup fan.
(4)kevin c.
This location is in a great spot on Broadway. The soup I tried was the veg. red lentil. It was good, but did not really stand out. I would like to try again with one of there other soups.
(3)Ben F.
The service was pretty good speaking that I called for delivery and the person had to call me back three times to confirm my CC number, they had it right the first time! The soup was pretty good but they really need to work on improving the recipes. I had the Broccoli & White Chedder and I have to say it was seriously lacking in the flavor department and seemed thinned out. I also tried the Potato & Bacon something and it was really missing salt, like tasted like it didn't have any salt at all! Dunno if I would rather pay almost $5 for a bowl of this or go pay like 99c for a can of pretty much the same thing. Sorry but if your a restaurant that sells only soup it should atleast great or better!
(2)Margaret N.
The boyfriend recently had his tonsils removed. As a result, there was a liquid diet in effect for a number of weeks. I stopped here almost daily to pick up soup for him and we tried a bunch of different kinds. The basic Chicken Noodle, the Lobster Bisque, the Potato Leek, the Chicken & Wild Rice, the Clam Chowder. You get the idea! I admit they were all tasty but absolutely nothing special. Especially not for THAT price!!! 6 bucks for an average cup of Chicken Noodle is a bit steep.... I read that they deliver in the winter. I could probably be talked into that on a cold blizzardy Chicago evening.
(3)Robin W.
Eh it's just okay soup. If you are named "The Soupbox," your soup should be "slap your mama" good! And I wasn't terribly impressed. I tried a couple samples before ordering, the potato and leek was okay, the broccoli and white cheddar was decent but not that great. All I wanted was some broccoli and cheese... what's so hard about that? I got the bread bowl, because I love a hot soup in a bread bowl, but it ended up being disappointingly dry and almost stale white bread. And it was almost $9!!! For soup?! I think next time I want soup, I'll stop by Panera a few blocks away. Overall that chain has far better soups and bread bowls and is almost half the price. I love local shops and wish I liked this place more, but not impressed. I think this place deserves 2 1/2 stars, but I can't be mean enough to leave the 2 star review. Plus it's Chicago in the winter... I might be freezing cold enough to give this place another try.
(3)Melissa R.
Oh Soupbox...how you have saved me during the chilly Chicago winters. As well as your buddy Icebox during the hot summer months. I used to live around the corner from this place for 3 years, and I had to practice some serious willpower not to dine here all the time. I'll tell you this, there is nothing that makes me feel better when I'm sick than a bowl of their chicken and wild rice soup...although pity from my mother also seems to help me feel better. Their smaller serving size is large enough for two servings, especially when you dip some of the delicious bread in it. And they always ask if I want more bread...like I will ever answer "no" to that question. Their bread-bowls are also wonderful and it hard to determine if I enjoy the soup in them more or the actual bread bowl after it's been emptied and is soaked up with the delicious soup...tricky. In the summer months they also feature their italian ices which are so refreshing. I usually get their kid-cup size because you don't really need much more than that, and I almost always go with the cherry. It's fantastic because you can see and taste all the real fruit they put in it. Another perk, they hand out free samples on the streets in little cups to people passing by...that mini treat has made past afternoons perk up a little. Their staff is also fabulous. It's all young hipsterish types that are so friendly and let you taste as many of the soups/italian ices as you want...and don't get annoyed when you ask for your seventh sample. *I just looked on their website and they have the nutritional information posted. This made me gasp because I was almost afraid to look. Um...it's not that bad at all, especially considering how creamy and dreamy it is. Check it out: thesoupbox.com/default.a… . Now I'm kind of annoyed with myself I didn't eat there more often...silly girl.
(5)Heather D.
The Lobster Bisque here is amazing. It's so good that if I order any other soup I still have to get a Lobster Bisque as well. They feature about a dozen soups that are freshly made and I have yet to be disappointed with my choice. Each serving of soup comes with a nice sized hunk of break (multigrain or sourdough were the options last time I was there). I've only been here a handful of times, but I think this is going to be my new go-to place for dinner this winter.
(4)Melissa M.
If you're hungry but not in the mood for anything heavy, then Soupbox is a good option. Make no mistake though... you can easily fill your belly with the options here. Soupbox has 10-12 different soups everyday. I recently had the chicken noodle which was okay... kind of tasted like it wasn't necessarily homemade. However, I had tasted the cream of potato leek beforehand and it was great. In fact, after eating my chicken noodle, I kept thinking "Darn! I should've had the potato leek!" A simple soup isn't even to fill you up you say. Most of their soups are quite hearty and satisfying and come with a fairly large piece of bread. They also have the bread bowl option. You have to love fresh bread! But wait! This location now offers grilled cheese as well! Aaaand... you can add meat to it! Pretty filling I'd say. But wait! There's more! During the summer months, Soupbox also has Icybox. Basically, they have about a dozen flavors of Italian Ice. This day I ended my meal with a small strawberry lemondade combination. There is no doubt that I was defintely full by the time I was done. Still have to go back for that potato leek though.
(4)Iris H.
Vegan Tomato something or other. . . Very decent and just right for a rainy spring afternoon. Too expensive - the 3 stars purely due to geography. After all, I get some credit for bravin' big bad bug-people-land. The land of shake-n-baked (and I helped!) tans, barbie-round, stuck-on, color formed boobage and ginormous paris-esque suntardening glashes. $4.00 for a small in Lick-on Park. Where have all the crackheads gone, long time passing. . . Very friendly hash slinger tho, I must say.
(3)Y V.
I've only been here in the summer, so this review is for the Icebox... Wow, I used to come here every week for my Italian ice fix. It was definitely my favorite place to go on a hot, summer day with friends. I loved their coconut, passion fruit, watermelon, and pineapple ices. Not sure what you want? Just ask for a sample or two (or three, or four). You can mix flavors, too. The staff is always very helpful and friendly.
(4)Sarah P.
Good stuff! The staff is always friendly and welcoming. They let you try as many kinds of soup as you want. Soupbox serves 12 types of soup per day, so there is a lot to choose from. The interior is quite small, however I have never had difficulty finding a table. It's cozy on a snowy winter afternoon to go here and enjoy a cup of soup and bread. The chicken with wild rice is delicious. I recently had the chicken noodle, which was good. If you are really hungry, go for the bread bowl. Note, this location does not have fountain drinks or salads. The Chicago Ave location does! The Broadway location only has canned soda.
(4)courtney p.
I actually LOVED Soupbox until I just read that guys review about how they just defrost soups in the back. They shouldn't say made fresh daily if they're not really made fresh daily. :( And they are pretty expensive. On the other hand, I have never been disappointed by the soups, I love them all and I love the multi-grain bread that comes with them. I LOVE SOUP, I seriously could eat this place everyday, and I have thought about getting a job there just so I could eat it for free. However, I bartend and that would be a huge demotion. I also love that they have salads now. I will still eat here just as much despite the new info about how they make the soups.
(3)MELEK L.
Seriously, how could you not love Soupbox? Hot and hearty soups that you can mix and match, making your own creation. Fun! Don't forget to dunk your wedge of bread deep inside the bowl for extra goodness. In the summer when I'm having a sweet fit, nothing beats the refreshment of the Icebox treats. I love all of the fresh flavors. It quenshes my heat stroke nicely. Check out this very special "hole in the wall".
(4)Jamie O.
We all know the the soup is fantastic (Groupon got me going here!), but the service is outstanding! I've gone a couple times in the evenings and the folks behind the counter are amazingly nice and helpful. They let you try any soups before you purchase and you can mix soups if you are so inclined. It's always a tough decision when choosing. I finally had a grilled cheese and it was awesome with my potato and cheddar soup!
(5)lauren p.
Yum. There is nothing I love more than a piping hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Somehow, I had never experienced the Soupbox until the day after Christmas. I'm guessing if there was one around where I live or work, I would be there whenever I had an extra $5 in my pocket. We took the boyfriend's parents and sister here for a pre-movie lunch on Friday. We were lucky enough to actually find parking right across the street, but I'm guessing that's pretty rare. It was pretty warm outside (in the 40s) and inside the Box it was probably 85 degrees. There's just a few tables, and the drink selection is pretty sparse. But really, you're there for the soup. I love that they let you sample the soups before you buy- very considerate since they have so many options. I went with the creamy chicken and wild rice, which was very tasty, but no where near as delicious as the boyfriend's lobster bisque. Holy hell, that was some tasty bisque. Enough to make Elaine Benis go "Yadda yadda." ("I mentioned the lobster bisque. . . ") I'm not sure what everyone else had because I was so blinded by the bisque, but we all enjoyed our soup and bread. No one went for the bread bowl- frankly I think they're a rip off since you don't eat all the bread, and you can just get bread on the side. All in all, a great, hearty, cheap lunch. If I find myself in Lakeview again, I'll stop in and grab a cup.
(4)Sonia B.
Soupbox is a gourmet soup shop that is pretty awesome. The menu at Soubox changes on a daily basis and they offer great quality soups. You can sample them when you arrive. The cool thing is that it isn't just your typical chicken noodle soup. They have some awesome ones like potato & bacon, lobster bisque, creamy chicken and wild rice, cheddar, chili, etc. You can even mix a couple of soups...they provide suggestions of what you should mix. They have a couple of different sizes they offer and bread bowls. Your soup also comes w/ a side of bread. The only thing is that Soupbox could be deemed to be a little pricey for just soup. You end up spending close to $9 for soup and a drink. They do use the best ingredients though. So, it's a trade off. I still end up going there every now and then when I really want some soup...every soup I've had there has been yummy! It's hard for me to get others to go because they can't justify spending $9 on a bowl of soup.
(3)Stephen R.
Delicious, tasty soups just a stone's throw from my apartment! I love the SoupBox! The Lobster Bisque infects my brain on a routine basis. Oh, it's so good. Soupbox is not inexpensive fare so watch your wallet if you're going here often! And while I haven't gone all summer, it's an anti-hot thing. But when that cool, fall air kicks in, it will most definitely be SoupBox season!
(4)Justin B.
I'm my father's son and I love soup. And if you want soup in Lakeview, there really is only one place for it: The Soupbox. This stuff is OMG good. It is so good, it is was the only thing I could stomach after my bachelor party. Not even Chicago's own and greatest Gino's East could save me, but Soup Box did. So when your stomach should be pumped due to alcohol consumption and you are looking for a savior, the Soup Box is it ...
(4)Katie G.
Best soup in Chicago. When I first moved here I HATED soup...then a friend dragged me there. I ate their soup 4 other times that week. Also, a few weeks ago I was really sick with a cold and they delivered to me in 30 mins. At the time I didn't have any cash on me, but they had just started accepting credit cards so it wasn't an issue. I completely recommend this place to everyone, especially if you are a huuuge soup lover like my girlfriend. Some of my favorites you should try out are: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, Cream of Mushroom, & Chicken Dumpling.
(5)Steve S.
I like soup...Always hot for some reason. I was in town for a conference and looking for deep dish pizza and somehow settled for soup. Soupbox has 12 different varieties that you can try to preempt buyers remorse. They also have an array of salads to seemingly please any pallet. I did not really love the chicken noddle, but to be fair it was about closing time...Perhaps, I ate the refuse of what could have been a truly memorable soup. Then again maybe not...It is worth a try. Just let me know
(3)Matt P.
I'll be damned if you can find a better beef stew in the city ... Soupbox's is just great. The staff is equally cool as their counterparts on Chicago Ave ... but I still think it's a little expensive. Two large soups, a can of coke, and two cookies was $20+. Even still, it's great food as a treat, or when it's super cold and crappy out!
(3)Damon A.
The lobster bisque soup was good. The lackluster service knocked a star off. These guys could give a shit if you buy the soup. The girl at the counter didn't know how to count back change. She had to use a calculator. But that all aside the soup is decent and I will continue to come back..
(3)Rosemary L.
I want to retract my previous negative review about the Soup Box as I was in error. I had complained about the price of the soup and didn't realize that, just as in a restaurant, lobster is one of the most costly items on the menu depending on its market value. Same goes here. Next time I'll stick to good old tomato! My mistake, Soup Box!! Sorry!!
(5)Katarina X.
Best Potato Soup Ever! More vevety than rich velvet- it's a terrifically creamy indulgence when facing one of our legendary Chicago Winters. Even if you have to mortgage the house to pay for it.... those little cups of soup add up!
(4)Aaron S.
I stop here about twice a week now since it is so close to my apartment. Their Chicken & Wild Rice and Spicy Mayan Enchilada are my favorites by far! I hear you can mix soups much like how I used to mix soda at fast food restaurants as a wee lad. Haven't tried that though. They also have a free bread policy that I abuse every time I go there. The bread, itself, is quite decent. If you are afraid that soup won't fill you up, always ask for more bread! Like I said before, I'm addicted! I can't comment on their Ice Cream since I haven't tried it yet. Maybe next summer?
(5)Kenji M.
A friend told me that this place was awesome and I agree in part. I ordered the Lobster Bisque soup which was very satisfactory, especially because it came with Italian bread that filled me up-ish. The price was reasonable and I would definitely go back again. Wish List: It would be awesome if they served salad, but they don't.
(3)iddells E.
Mmmm, the soups are good! We did carry-out because there was nowhere to sit! We went on a Sunday night; the place was tiny and there weren't many tables. I ordered the chicken wild rice and the clam chowder. I really wished I could have sat down and try a bread bowl because it looked sooo good. I was drooling watching the other customers eating theirs. However, I didn't want to bring a soggy bread bowl back home. They ran out of a couple selections and I don't think they were going to make anymore since it was already a couple hours to closing. Both of my soups were delicious!! I will return again and try even more soups out. I just hope I can find a place to sit!
(4)Amy S.
My favorite part about the soupbox is that you can mix the soups! I love mixing creamy with a tomato base. They have great vegetarian selections. I have yet to have a soup that I don't like there. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. They used to not take credit cards, but they finally upgraded, but I've had the issue where their machines are down and that's kind of a pain when you don't normally carry cash. So I always bring cash with me just in case.
(4)Dejan B.
The soup here is abundant and delicious. I visited with three other members of my family and they all loved it as well. The only drawbacks is that it is _ tiny _ (though we were able to find a table even before ordering) and does NOT have a bathroom otherwise it would be a immediate and unhesitating five star rating. All that said, if you are wanting a tasty and hot soup you MUST try this place and tell your friends!
(4)Chas V.
This review is based strictly on the summer version of the shop "The Ice Box" (I've never had the soup) It is my experience that this is the second best Italian Lemonade in the city. (Mario's on Taylor Street being the best) When my in-laws visit from out of town, they DEMAND a visit to the Ice Box. I am more than happy to oblige.
(4)Jay R.
I had been anxious to try The Soupbox for a while so when the temp dropped into good soup eating zone it was time to give it a try. As you first walk in you will see a counter full of cauldrons containing the soups of the day.There were maybe 10 or 12 choices im guessing and they were all marked. The service was great and the guys working were friendly and happily tell you their favorite soups and show you what each soup looked like in the pot as they give it a stir. As this was dinner we both decided on the large 16 oz serving I decided on Chicken Noodle my wife chose tortellini which had a tomato base. The Soup comes with a choice of bread and there are butter and crackers for the taking. Ok here comes the problem neither the chicken noodle or the tortellini soup was really that good. I have had just as good out of a can and better at other restaurants that have a full menu and don't just specialize in soup. I kinda feel if you decide to sell one thing you better do it pretty darn good but sadly the Soupbox fell short. I like noodles aka stuff in my soup and a fair amount of broth but the servings in both soups had lots of broth and a small amount of noodle I love broth but if im eating this as a meal I want a generous amount of noodles too. If this was a $4.50 bowl of soup it would be one thing but 2 16 oz servings of soup cost just shy of 15 bucks seems steep. One of my fav delis is up the street you can get a quart / 32 oz of some damn good chicken noodle soup plus a half loaf of bread for 7 bucks. In my opinion Its just alot of money for mediocre soup.
(2)g b.
this place is just what the doctor ordered! a HUGE selection of soup (lobster bisque is the best). the bread-bowls are pretty yummy, and if you go for a traditional bowl, you get a huge wedge of sourdough bread- YUM! my mouth is watering already!
(4)Cori C.
12 varieties of soup. You can taste test all of them before deciding. You can mix soups for the perfect combo. My fav is chicken and wild rice, but each one is unique and delicious. Now you can get a grilled cheese too! In the summer, the shaved ice steals the show.
(5)Rocky B.
Okay, I've yet to try their soup but mmm, their italian ice is delicious. Bobtail is right next door but on a blazing hot summer day I just don't feel like doing the dairy route. My husband stopped in there one day last week and picked us a couple of small italian ices. I asked for the lemon. I usually love lemon italian ice but the flavor was way too subtle and it almost didn't taste sweet at all. We tried it again on Sunday and this time I got strawberry and pineapple. OMG, both flavors were super yummy. Big chunks of strawberry and big chunks of pineapple. Last night, I know...I tend to get obsessed with stuff, we went again and I got strawberry, pineapple and coconut. Yep you guessed it....big shreds of coconut. It was so good. I plan on trying their soups when the temps drop back down to below being able to fry an egg on our car.
(3)Van D.
Tried this place for lunch on a frigid Chicago friday. All they have is soups so don't expect anything else. They have 12 different flavors . Its great that they let you taste the different soups before committing. Also nice of them to let you mix and match soups to your liking. It is kinda pricey though. Some of the fancier soups cost over $7 for a medium size soup. Soups taste good but not sure if they are worth the price
(3)Aja G.
As a person who could eat soup and/or ice cream 365 days a year, the soupbox is a dream cone true. The other reviews are on the money: the staff is handing out loads of free samples, the soup is high quality ,delcious and various. What is not so delightful are there prices. 12 oz of soup for 5+ bucks? I am sure their lease is high, and Chicago is squeezing every dime out of them for permits, but i could live with the soupbox passing on the pricing pinch. The also don't have fountain drinks so no free water. Certainly go if you are in the hood, but be prepared to spend 7+ plus bucks on soup and water.
(3)Mironda R.
Any place that offers me a variety of FRESH soups EVERY SINGLE DAY deserves 3 stars right off the top. Then when you tell me I can try everything and everything leaves me more confused then before I started based on title alone - another star and then service is fantastic - another star. Yep 5 stars means purrfection. I opted for the soup and sandwich combo of sorts. I had the Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice. Talk about chunks of goodness? Ooo it was fantastic and perfectly season. *exits dreaming of the return visit*
(5)Adrienne T.
i just finished off their tomato basil soup and sourdough bread. pretty good stuff. I just returned from three years in Korea so after eating massive meals for 5 dollars over there and only getting 12 oz of soup and bread for about 7 dollars at this joint, I couldn't give it the full 5 star rating. all things considered, this place was pretty good and I will definitely be back to try some more soup. the tomato basil bisque was quite delicious and so was the bread. btw, they do allow sampling of their soups before ordering. Definitely a plus.
(4)Lia V.
Nothing better than soup on a chilly day... or when you're hungover. Creamy chicken and wild rice - MY FAVORITE. I tried the clam chowder today too and it was surprisingly very good. I've never tasted a bad soup from there. Get the multigrain bread for dipping and an IBC rootbeer and your tummy will be a happy camper.
(4)Lyn L.
If you go, get a mix of their lobster bisque and their cream of chicken and wild rice. Yummy!
(4)Kate C.
The soup is really good, but the service is hit or miss. Some of the guys working there act like they just don't give a shit. I love their lobster bisque, but I'm not so much a fan of the eyerolls that sometimes come with my order :/
(3)L A.
The best soup hands down. I love it. There is always something different everyday. Expensive, definitely! Even though prices are high, I go there once a week and stock up. I normally end up eating it in 3 days, but so good. It keeps well. Great bowl of soup for the Chicago winter weather.
(5)Dan K.
I really really REALLY wanted to love Soupbox. I've lived just down the street from it for about 6 years now. Even Rachel Ray loved it, so I should, right? Maybe I like food with flavor? The potato leek soup is not soup. It's gravy. Like what you would put on biscuits and it has NO flavor...I had to salt mine heavily and I actually never ever put salt on my food. The lobster bisque tastes like tuna...it should not taste THAT fishy. The good thing is they deliver, so when it's cold it could nice....and they let you sample as many soups as you want, also nice. The clam chowder was pretty tasty...but I think this place is a bit overrated.
(2)Autumn H.
Fresh made yummy and healthy soups. I love that they make it from scratch. I love the multigrain breads. Grilled cheeses done on a panini grill. (might i recommend paperback cheese and turkey). They do delivery, YES! And they have a condiment station where you can season and spice up your soups.
(4)Liz C.
It was one of those days where I had a hankering for some tasty soup. Went to Soupbox and again was blown away by how tasty their soups are. I typically get the chicken & wild rice which is ridiculously amazing but this time I wanted to try something new so I ordered the Tomato Florentine and it was GREAT! Oh Soupbox you never let me down. Sidenote, I'm not going to take away a star but some soups are $8 for a large, which seems a little pricy...I mean it's soup... but I love them and the magic they create so I'll be back for more
(5)Yani W.
I am shocked that so many people like this place. I thought there multi grain bread was alright. The grilled cheese was alright. The soup was not that good. It was not seasoned enough in my opinion. I guess this place is a good place to get a snack for locals possibly, but if you are visiting chicago skip this place. SOme lady getting takeout took forever to use the single bathroom and she definitely stunk it up... there is a starbucks right near the place so use that to take a boom boom. The soup was not very hot either. Also, when one claims a soup to be a creamy soup, then it shouldn't be watery. My friend got broccoli cheddar and I got creamy chicken and wild rice, and they had a watery consistency. THat is all.
(2)Viper B.
Overhyped. If I'm going to pay $7-9 for takeout soup, it should be better than this. The soup was nothing to rave about. I didn't dislike it but it lacked the depth, freshness, and flavor I'd expect even with an appetizer at a cafe. Add to that service that was unnecessarily curt (they were not busy) both over the phone and in person. The kicker: I ordered tomato and tortellini soup and got tomato soup with shell pasta. These are not similar, other than they're both pasta, and it would have been easy for them to point this out so I could change my order. On the plus side, the soup wasn't cold. Heat up some Campbell's garden fresh soup and save yourself $6 and some disappointment.
(2)Robert W.
Great soups and selection, though it's priced steeply.
(4)Nina W.
Um, yum. I went for a cup of raspberry ice and it was amazing and all natural. I can't wait to head back here before summer is over. Girl behind the counter was super nice. I'll definitely be back.
(4)A. M.
Thank you for delivering, Soupbox! I've strayed from the lobster bisque a few times, and each time I've been somewhat let down. Thus, I stick w/ what I know is the best. It may seem pricey for soup, but my boyfriend and I have found that a regular bowl of lobster bisque plus the bread makes for a very filling meal.
(4)Marissa D.
I give the Soupbox four stars for a great concept carried out well. Last winter I ODed on their Lobster Bisque soup and now I can't have it anymore. It was good before I went overboard. I've tried a some of the other soups since then and I've never been disappointed. I also like that they're very nice about letting you taste the soups before you commit to one. No five stars because their bread could be better and their prices could be lower. OMG if Soupbox had amazing bread I would be a much happier person.
(4)Travis P.
I stopped in here last night for a quick bite to eat. I had a delicious order of broccoli and cheese in a bread bowl. With an ever-changing menu and autumn on its way, I'm sure I'll be back here many, many times over the next few months. Edit: I've been here about three more times since my initial review and have tried the lobster bisque, beef stew and clam chowder...they all deserve raving reviews. This place rocks and will remain a cold-weather staple for me.
(5)Qbz Q.
Absolutely love soupbox. Lots of different soups - but the best is that they tell you what is truly vegetarian, and which soups are made with chicken stock. If you keep kosher, as many of us do in this neighborhood, that's perfect! They actually have vegetarian cream soups! Coconut ice in the summer is unreal!!!
(5)Peter M.
Kind of overwhelming and a small, confusing space with excellent soups. There is a counter with lots of people ordering bowls and samples across 12 or so kettles. They handed me an over-flowing sample of a delicious spicey enchilada soup with hearty veggies but it was scalding and spilling onto my hand, which not a convenient thing to happen when you are crammed into a small mob of soup activity. Found a seat outside but those tables are wedged into these little fenced-off areas in the sidewalk and I really jammed my back trying to get into the seat. I know I'm sounding like an old man in this review and I'm okay with that. I ended up getting the New England clam chowder which was just fine and had not so much clam in it (I'm from New England so perhaps unfair standard... I was craving it though and it was not the best order decision). My companion had the cream of mushroom which was excellent. It would be four stars if there was just more space.
(3)Alan R.
While recently in Florida I had a chance try the Soupman (Al Yeganah who the {in}famous Soup Nazi is based on owns it). It is nowhere near as good as Soupbox. Everything there is good and the Lobster Bisque is amazing. For soup five stars, for ice, three. Go to Mario's in Little Italy for the best and most authentic Italian Ice.
(4)Audra S.
A low-fat & calorie alternative to the usual ice cream cone. Icebox has a great selection of flavored ice (my favorite is the pineapple), and it's all made from natural ingredients. In the winter, this shop switches out its awning and instantly becomes Soupbox, but in the summer, they still carry a couple soups, for the die hard fans.
(4)Evann G.
We went for the Icebox, and the Italian ice was perfect and SO refreshing on a 90+ degree day. Plus, cheap. Cheap cheap cheapety-cheap cheap CHEAP! And all of the flavors are so yummy together... kiwi-mango, summery tropical heaven in my mouth.
(4)anthony g.
"NO Soup For You", ala Soup Nazi from Seinfeld's. Don't worry, this a great Place for soup and the staff is just Fine. Great Hot Soup's at a reasonable price. Try The New England Clam Chowder, it's excellent. Good Service, Nice People. Comes With Bread (Unlike Seinfelds Soup Nazi) and cracker's. Eat in, or Take it to go.
(4)Shannon S.
If you love soup, this is the one of the best "go to" places that I have found. I love their Lobster Bisque soup so much that I have only strayed once or twice to try other soups... but I always find that it is still my favorite. I usually get my soup in a tasty breadbowl too. This place is also great because it DELIVERS to the Lakeview neighborhood which is convenient when you don't want to leave your pad on a cold winter day or evening. You do have to order two soups though in order for them to deliver.
(5)Niall C.
This place is the greatest place in the city for soup. They make their soups daily with fresh ingredients. I've been coming here since I was in 4th grade. The service is always friendly and the best part is taste testing all the soups before ordering what I always get, Lobster Bisque!!!
(5)steve h.
i've been coming here off and on for about the past 8 years. i don't think its quite worth the money but when i consider how much cash i plunk down at the bars, it doesn't seem like a bad deal to actually put something of nutritional value into my body. anyways, the soup itself is about a 3.5. i give this place 5 stars though for my first trip here. i came in with a girl i had just started dating. the soup guy proceeds to make some small talk with us (mainly her) and then at the end of our meal (i had the tasty lobster bisque), gives her (and only her) a coupon for free soup! (NO SOUP FOR ME! COME BACK ONE YEAR!) thats some balls son! so anyways, she left me for the soup guy (she was smitten with the broccoli cheddar).
(5)Stephen D.
Good idea for a restaurant, but the prices are out of control. Maybe it's just me and I'm not in tune with the cost of producing soup these days, but last time I made it the main ingredient was water. $5.69 for a CUP and a crust of bread??? I would be a regular at this place because I live right by it, but I can't shell out 5.69 for soup when it's not even a main dish. Get down in the $3 range Soupbox and you will have a loyal customer. On a positive note, the Sundried Tomato was very good. The Potato and Leak....Meh.
(2)Amber B.
The creamy chicken & wild rice was super tasty when we stopped in yesterday after walking all over the area & realizing we were starving. If the commute from Arizona wasn't so far, I'd stop in at least once a week!
(5)Eme L.
When I lived in the neighborhood, we used to frequent this place during the summers. Although I've had the soup (good, but not great), I'm reviewing the Icebox. They usually have interesting flavors that are very refreshing on a hot/humid Chicago day. We usually go for the strawberry, cherry, lemon combo - sweet and tart. This visit, I had the lemon. It was refreshing and the consistency of the ice was very good - sometimes, they have hard chunks of ice that are off-putting. Worth a try if you're in the neighborhood and are looking for refreshment that isn't ice cream.
(3)Jean G.
I adore this place. Soup is always delicious. I've tried every soup they have to offer. Service is always prompt, and the people that work there are nothing but friendly!
(4)Kyung P.
I'm sick today, and I'm craving Soupbox, so I thought I'd write a review. Soupbox is really friendly people serving delicious soups. They always offer samples and don't rush you to make a decision. If you need help making a decision though, I love the chicken and wild rice (it's the creamy kind), and the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder mixed together is soooo good! It is expensive but worth it. If you're hungover (and you look like it) on Saturday or Sunday mornings/early afternoon, they always offer you extra bread!
(4)Katie H.
YUM. I got sick this winter and ate nothing but Soupbox for an entire week. My favorites are the lobster bisque, potato and broccoli. They will mix two soups if you want and the breadbowls are delicious and so filling. I haven't tried the Icebox yet, but I'm a little sad they don't have the Soupbox open in summer. Who says I don't want soup in summer? Ohhh, soup sounds good.
(5)stephanie c.
Great flavors, but holy crap, most soups have 2400mg of sodium on average!! Would think that they could make them a LITTLE bit healthier!!
(2)Debra M.
Very nice staff and great soup!
(5)Chaviva G.
I heart Soupbox, and I'd never been to this location, so I popped in on a rainy Saturday for some of that classic Chicken and Wild Rice goodness. Luckily, when I got there they were done making the C&WR, but about half of the soups were not finished, which was too bad for the other patrons. BUT, mad props to the employees for fixing up a container of soup to go for the couple who were waiting on one of the tomato concoctions but never got the chance to down it. The soup was hot and delicious, of course. I love that they offer two different bread options, and I don't recall the other one ever doing this. My only gripe is that they don't have fountain drinks, but rather just cans and jars. It's definitely tight quarters, but they make it happen and they make it work. Oh! And also, they take cards, which the other Soupbox doesn't, so that's automatic props for these guys! Oh Soupbox, you are my Soup mecca! (Sidenote: The patron who got the free soup because of the delay, said as he left, "You guys are awesome! Like the soup Nazi, but without the Nazi!" It made me giggle ...)
(4)Cat D.
Soupbox and Icebox are one of the few establishments I miss since moving from Lakeview. Not only is everything completely delicious, but I also have fond memories of the staff encouraging a mixing of soups for even more excitement. When oh when will you please bring your tasty variety of warm, comfort-filled, soup-ness (and fresh, fruity ice-ness) to Logan Square?
(4)Bharat S.
I just got delivery from here, and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. I got the cream of asparagus and the chedder and broccoli. Both stayed hot through the delivery and were delicious. Decent price too. Would suggest it if youre cold and don't feel like going outside.
(4)Jen S.
I always look forward to the days that I can convince my coworkers to order soupbox. Its so good. its fresh, fast and usually delivered by a really cute boy! yay! Potato Leek = #1 Soup Ever.
(5)Jo Ann F.
Any time of year this is a great place for something great to eat!
(4)Luke S.
This was a very good decision Friday night. I didn't want to eat anything real heavy, because I was celebrating St. Patrick's day the next day so I figured soup would be a nice meal. I love both lobster bisque and clam chowder and the server told me that it is great when you mix the two. She wasn't kidding, it was really good! Their bread was also fresh. My only complaint is that for a soup and a fountain drink I paid over ten dollars. I look forward to coming back and trying other soups.
(4)Amanda G.
Soupbox is good. I really like the place and I think Soupbox holds a special place in the heart of many Northsiders. They offer 12 rotating soups a day. My favorite that I regularly get is the lobster bisque. The prices are reasonable and soupbox is the place you want to go when its freezing or if you have a bad cold. I also think they have pretty fresh bread. I also like the people who work there, they are nice and friendly!
(4)Erin C.
I like the idea of a soup place in the neighborhood and had been meaning to stop in for some time now. I went when I was hungry and in the mood for something small. I had a small lobster bisque and didn't eat half. It was fine, nothing special, nothing worth that much money. It wasn't particularly remarkable in flavor and had no chunks of lobster. I doubt I would go back, it was a definite 'meh'
(2)Katie R.
I want to give it three and a half stars. I think I'll end up upping the stars here at some point - but at this moment, I can only say that the Broccoli and White Cheddar soup was less cheesy than I would have liked. It was more like Cream of Broccoli soup. I plan to try more soups and hope to be more impressed in the future. Can't complain that they deliver at lunchtime (work soup is going to become a frequent activity). And the bread bowl was tasty too. Second tasting (1/18/08): Loved the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice so that merits an extra star. But this time the bread bowl wasn't as tasty as I remember, so that takes it down to only an extra half.
(4)Nichole F.
I've been to the Soupbox twice now. The 1st time I had the clam chowder, the second time the tomato &basil bisque. Both times were disappointing. I have no idea why the place gets such rave reviews. The soup is not good! It has no flavor. The tomato bisque was basically a really watered down version of tomato soup. Bisque is generally thicker and hearty but not this one. I had to dump a ton of salt and pepper in it to make it somewhat worth the nearly $6 bucks I paid. It's overpriced and not good. FYI I also sampled the broccoli cheddar soup and it tasted like warm cream--again, no flavor. Sorry but Panera has better soup. The best thing about it is the bread that comes with it but pretty sure you could go to Red Hen and get the same bread there. Soupbox, you are out!
(2)Michael G.
The broccoli and cheddar soup is so deliciously thick and wonderful I've had it 3 days in a row. This place is amazing. Be sure to get the sourdough bread for dipping pleasure! Other notables are the potato soup, the lobster bisque and the new england clam chowder. For an excellent changeup get a mixed cup of soup with half lobster bisque and half broccoli and cheddar. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed! The one over-riding awesome thing about this gem: you can sample each soup!
(5)Saira C.
Soup Box might be my favorite place. But they only deliver in the winter months and I don't live near one. Booooo! Seriously this place makes my heart pitter patter.
(5)Ted C.
It's just really good soup. I got it in a bread bowl and I was stuffed.
(4)Barb F.
First of all, I am not usually a soup fan....but this place may change my view. I stopped in because of the cold, sunny day and I was going next door. I decided to go in and take some soup back to my boyfriend when I noticed the one soup I liked, lobster Bisque, was on the menu. I ordered the broccoli and cheese and the chicken with wild rice for him and still did not order the bisque, but the server said to try it. One bite or slurp and I was sold. This was great lobster bisque! The other soups were great, according to my guy. We will make this place a destination for now on!
(4)Max and Drew R.
This is a solid 4 1/2 star operation, however Yelp is trying to make my life a living hell by not allowing me to award Soupbox the credit it deserves... Great soup, crowded yet very efficient, helpful staff. Since I was a rookie I played it pretty safe, but they have enough selection to keep things interested (I heard some maniac mixing three soups together in a bread bowl, that guy is my f*cking idol). I will be back for sure, any place that packs the house and gets away with charging $6 for a bowl of soup is obviously doing something right. Parking sucks so try to work around it. Respect.
(4)Arlene M.
the only reason as to why i'm writing about this now is because it's winter it's cold- and i wanted something warm and satisfying- i'm talking about a nice cup of soup- who could resist?? i love this place! i've been here a number of times i don't know why i never yelped it. i love all of their soups- that i have tried at least- i've have their broccoli and white cheddar- their cream of chicken and wild rice, lobster bisque- beef stew- and their potato and leek---- when they say it's hot its really really HOT- (temperature wise) if you're not sure or a virgin here- feel free to try every single one if u really must to make your decision- and u can feel free to have as much bread as u would like- just ask for it.
(5)Hansol G.
LOVE THIS PLACE! LOVE the simple idea of "soup. bread. served and done." Love how cheap and filling it is. Love all the non-typical soups they offer. Love how warm it is in there on a really cold day. Love how they cure my flu. .... If you like soup and you haven't tried this place,... well, there's really no reason you wouldn't like it.
(5)Melanie K.
You will never eat Campbells again after you have tried the Soupbox! The soups are incredibly fresh AND there are so many to choose from, that everyone can be happy (and full!) the bread bowls are amazing (if you aren't afraid of carbs) personal faves...beef stew, lobster bisque, chicken and dumpling, corn chowder in the summer, the icebox is a great cold treat that you can't feel too guilty about. Mix flavors like kiwi and strawberry...yum!
(5)Edith P.
If you live in Chicago and you haven't been to the Soupbox, you should hang your head in shame! This place is ..simply put... a staple to Chicago in the winter. Don't be afraid to try combinations of soups either. My personal favorite is the Cream of Potato w/ Leak and the Broccoli Cheese..mix together - it's awesome. The employees there are laid back kids in their 20s looking to feed you some soup. Go get some soup!
(5)Melissa B.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats their lobster bisque. Yes, it's a teeny tiny bit expensive. But so worth it. Oh yes, and their Icebox in the summer is perfect when the temp goes up. If you want something not quite as heavy as Bobtail, this is perfect.
(4)Dallas F.
I love this place. Its so nice that I can mix up my soups if I want and enjoy my own creations. The ice stuff I really like too.
(4)courtney g.
This pertains mostly to delivery, now that I am posting on the right location (duh!) - 12 different soups everyday, bread bowls - who doesn't like that, esp at this time of year. I mostly order from work, for lunch, and delivery is sometimes slow, as in over an hour slow. Also, they will not deliver for less than two soups, which is crappy if everyone else in the office planned ahead; I don't blame the Soupbox, but I'm just saying - I wanted the soup! The cream of broccoli was more creamy and less discernable broccoli. I wasn't trying to be a hater when I started this, but apparently i am a bit more ambivalent than I realized. And, yes, it's a bit pricey just to be soup. I've eaten in before, and perhaps that is a better way; you're on your own schedule, you can order just one, etc.
(3)min. r.
Love the Soupbox! The staff has always been friendly when I've gone in, or called to place an order. They've let me sample soups before deciding what I wanted, and one of their employees was the one who suggested mixing the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder together - heaven! I've tried a few other soups and haven't found any to be as good as the bisque/chowder, so I don't order anything else anymore. I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers are talking about with stale bread. Sure, the crust is a crispy one, but the inside is soft and fluffy everytime I've had it. Besides - if you dip it in the soup you'll never notice. :) They're a touch expensive for the size, they only take cash, and delivery can be slow - they're far from perfect, but if you're looking for a homemade soup taste without the effort, Soupbox is the way to go.
(4)Michael S.
Lotsa soup; fast service. The soup was okay. I had lobster bisque that could have been a little thicker, but the flavor was there. Nice people, too. What do these folks do in summer?
(3)Bari L.
I like this place. I don't go there that often because its not anywhere near where I live but I do try to make it out there at least a couple of times during the winter for some good comfort soup. There is nothing like a heaping bowl of yummy hot soup in the cold of a Chicago winter. I will say that it is expensive so that may be another reason my trips there are few and far between but I like how you can mix the soups and try all of them if you want.
(4)Robert W.
There is nothing Flashy about this place, but the soup is good. The prices are very reasonable too. If you are not sure what to get, ask for a sample, they are very willing to let you try many types before you chose.
(4)Jason D.
I love soup and I love this place. Walk right in and the place is steaming with twelve different fresh, tasty, and hot soups every day. The bonus is there is always a friendly and personable person ladling them up. They always have a vegan offering and a good number of vegetarian ones, all underlined on the board. You are not only invited to taste them, but you are also invited to mix them to make your own creations. Soup always comes with a generous piece of bread and help-yourself crackers and butter. Check the website after 11am to see what soup are being served that day. Having a hard day? Stop in and get a bowl. Soup fixes everything.
(4)Matt S.
Ever since I moved to North Center, I have missed the Soup Box (I'm outside of their delivery area now). They have an amazing beef stew. And an amazing lobster bisque. My favorite is a mix of the lobster bisque and the clam chowder. The location is sparse, with very little seating, but it's definitely a place for carryout or delivery. The service is ALWAYS friendly. Great joint. Give it a try.
(4)Annie Y.
Apparently the people who shop on Michigan Ave have very early bedtimes, because when my friend and I went to the Water Tower to grab dinner at 8:30, everything was closed. We wandered down the block and found this place. it's a cozy little pub-like place similar to Potbelly's. They only serve soup and salads. They keep their soup in these big cauldrons and offer samples. The clam chowder sample tasted good, but it was far too watery, and my friend could only stomach about five or six bites before she got sick of it. I got the beef stew in a bread bowl, which was good, but also a tad bit watery. The bread is good, but next time I think I'll just go to Panera.
(3)Kristin C.
I use to frequent the Soup Box a lot back in the day. I thought it was reasonably priced, hearty and damn tasty. I also remember having friendly conversations with the staff who were eager to give out free samples and chat about well, anything. Last night I went back and I was SO excited about it all day. Visions of the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup danced in my head. Blisters were formed on my feet as a result of my walk to Broadway (basically this was due to my mad uncomfortable shoes though). I was getting soup and nothing was going to stop me. Before the suspense of my excursion gets too intense, let me just say my visit was kind of a buzzkill. The employees weren't as friendly as I remember (but they weren't unfriendly either to their credit). The soup seemed pricey (four-fity for a regular and it wasn't filled up all the way?). And the bread - Good god, was it always that HARD? They did give me extra but thinking about biting into that stuff makes my teeth ache - eeks! All in all, I was let down. But the soup IS tasty and fresh so I think I will return again anyway. I just wish I got more bang for my buck.
(3)Tari M.
Sweet Mother of Pearl. Anyone who doesn't love this place must a) be allergic to soup, b) have something against deliciousness or c) be very very dangerous. I love this tiny little soup place! I tend to go for the Tomato Florentine or the Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar Broccoli, but all of the soups I've tried have been over the top delicious. Other perks include the friendly staff and the free samples to make sure your tummy is going to make friends with just the right soup every time. You also get a hunk of yummy bread. Yep. Good stuff. If you go in the summer, be prepared to sweat a little while you wait for your soup - it tends to get a littel balmy in there. I've never eaten inside, but this is a great place to grab your food and run.
(5)Lauren D.
Soupbox has quickly become a "go to" for me on cold empty fridge nights (or afternoons really). Their veggie friendly soup choices have never failed to fill me up and make me slightly less bitter about the fact that this winter has been awful. My only gripe is the minimalist drink selection.
(4)Amber H.
#1 thing I miss about not working on the North Side of the city anymore! I was a big fan of the Potatoe & Leak. My work staff and I were known by name and they knew the address by heart when we called for deliveries. Great staff. I LOVE THESE GUYS. -1 star for no CC accepted
(4)Kristy B.
I love this place, not only is the soup tasty, it is always hot! I also like the service in this small shop. The people they work there are always offering a taste of the soups and always through in fresh cut bread. This place is great, especially now that the weather is turning colder.
(5)Jim S.
Yo, am i missing something? I live right around the corner and just went in there for some soup. The smallest size they have costs $5! I think $5 is way too expensive given the small size of the container. Also, this location does not have salads like the one near the Magnificient Mile does. Also, they did not have as good of a selection of soups. The staff was friendly, however this is way too overpriced for such small portions.
(2)D.L. P.
I give these four stars on the basis of a great staff - always friendly - and a good variety. You can get Lobster Bisque, Chicken and Wild Rice, and some other standard soups each day. They also have some specials during the winter. The Chicken and Wild Rice is solid. Its really thick and is a really good hangover helper. Since I work, most of the days I go are Saturday or Sunday mornings, and those always have the potential of me trying to shake off a "headache". Why not 5 stars? I think the quality of a few of the soups could be better, namely the Lobster Bisque. Its basically just a broth. And, no credit cards? Come on, jump into the 21st century. Overall, pretty decent though.
(4)Meredith H.
soup is my favorite food group, always has been. my roommate had raved about the soupbox so much, my boyfriend was begging to go there, and my little brother was in town recovering from mono, so we went for a late lunch on saturday. crowded, but nothing we couldn't deal with. 3 large soups, 1 breadbowl, 1 diet coke, 2 diet root beers for just under $30. expensive but i think worth it. bread comes with the soup and you can ask for more. we had the beef stew, lobster bisque, and fiesta southwest been or something. i really wanted broccoli cheddar but decided to think outside the box. soupbox. ha! ok, maybe not funny. i'll be back to sample more soups for sure.
(4)Kay S.
YUM! Since Chicago is Winter three-fourths of the year, it is a good thing there is Soupbox. And, during the other fourth of the year, they have Icebox. The soup is delicious and fresh and the workers quite delightful...always ready to hand out a sample. Also, they deliver....very cool when I am too lazy to make soup or leave the house for soup. mmmmm....soup.
(4)Jason W.
Really 3.5 stars. Their soup is awesome, but they rape you on the price. Yesterday I got 2 soups with no bread bowl and it was $15. Cmon.
(4)Susan L.
The soups are great. Try combining them--ask for suggestions from the knowledgeable staff. I went here so many times I couldn't handle it anymore. Now living on the East Coast, I strike myself down for squandering such a good thing! COME TO ME SOUPBOX!!! The ice, I can take or leave.
(5)Nycole H.
I love soup. I brought my grandmother here before we went to the Lakeview Arts Fest. I had the Lobster Bisque which is always good. My grandmother tried the Mexican tortilla but decided on potato and loved it. The girl who worked there was very nice and polite. Nothing like soup and cream soda for lunch I was a happy girl!!
(5)Bravo C.
Great place to run to on a cold, snowy night. The guys are friendly and the Lobster Bisk is wonderful. Go get some soup!!
(4)val f.
Oh, Soupbox. Why must you always tease me on my way to work? Why do you smell so damn good? In the winter time, I eat here at least once or twice a week. If they took debit/credit cards I'd probably eat there four or five times a week. No, seriously. It's THAT good. The people that work here are awesome, and they always give me extra bread. My new favorite thing to do is order an IBC Cream Soda with my soup. So good!
(5)Stefanie W.
Best store-bought soup ever. Period. I love how any time Soupbox is mentioned, people go all dreamy-eyed. The mere mention of the name bonds complete strangers, I tell you! Chicken and Wild Rice is my absolute fave, Tomato Basil Bisque and Potato and Leek are equally awesome. The chunk of bread that comes with it is always nice and fresh. Staff is always cheery and efficient. I prefer this location to the Chicago Ave. store.
(5)Rachel H.
I'm a major soupbeast and I will frequently stop by here after going to the gym... that is when I go to the gym... anyway.... I like that you can sample the many soups though I tend to stick with cream of chicken and rice. Everything I've tried, I've liked. The only thing that sucks is that its cash only and I've forgotten that on occasion.
(4)Carolyn A.
Oh wow!! A restaurant that is just devoted to soup, what a fantastic idea!!Mama like! Ok so since I'm throwing exclamation points around all willy nilly I will explain why. This tiny, unassuming restaurant with a couple tables and chairs makes some really good soup. I ordered the cream of chicken and wild rice (?). The name is a blur as I was overcome by it's deliciousness, homina homina. My husband ordered the beef stew which was pretty good too. We were supposed to share but I'm a pretty fast eater so he lost that contest. The guys behind the counter were so helpful and friendly and they gave out free samples of their soupy goodness too! I brought home a small serving of their tomato florentine which I am about to dig into. The only reason why I'm giving 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because for soup it was a little pricey but that will not, I repeat will not stop me from coming back again soon.
(4)Anna H.
A new year, a new craving for icy frozen treats...my man and I had spent the day traipsing around Lakeview, and I was in terrible need of a pick-me-up. Despite my misgivings regarding Icebox based on last summer's experiences, it was the closest place to get something fruity, so we stopped in. To my surprise and delight, the lady behind the counter was attentive and good-natured, even laughing when the bf inquired jokingly if they'd ever considered making lobster-bisque flavored ices. It was a great trip, the icy treats were lovely as always, and I'll most likely be back the next time I'm in the mood for something kind-of (but not really) like Italian ice.
(4)Marc N.
I stopped in there on the way home from work one night a few weeks ago - I was wearing a tie (as I am sometimes known to do) and was feeling quite conspicuous. To make matters worse, I tripped over a mat on the floor as I walked in, nearly felling a young couple on their way out - steaming bags of soup and bread were clutched a little tighter in terrified anticipation... Crisis averted, I ordered some soup (w/ extra bread...) and offered the young clerk my credit card. "Sorry man, we only take cash." "Fuck." So then I had to scurry down to the corner, leaving my poor bag of soup on the counter while I grabbed some cash to release it into my custody. The soup was totally worth the experience. It always is.
(4)David N.
This place has some amazing soups! I took a couple friends there this week who were visiting from Atlanta. We all tried something different and we were all satisfied with our choices. I got the butternut squash with sage soup and WOW! It was so full of flavor. The guy who waited on us was so friendly, he let us try samples of different kinds of soups and made suggestions too. All soups are served with a choice of multi-grain or sour dough bread. This place I will definitly be coming back to again, especially with the cold winter months approaching!
(4)Jenny M.
Soupbox is delish! They have so many different soup choices that it's hard to make a decision. Good thing they let you sample. :) My favorites are the lobster bisque & the chicken & wild rice. They also give you a ton of bread with your soup. I love their soup so much, I get the half-gallon size & reheat. Icebox is equally as good & a much healthier alternative to ice cream. I've also been to their newer location on Chicago & I wish that the Lakeview location would also do freshly tossed salads as well.
(4)Eric V.
What could be better on a cold winter's day than a rich, hearty bowl of soup. Soupbox has several soups to choose from on a daily basis. Samples are free so don't be shy! From Chicken & Wild Rice to Potato Leek, I haven't been disappointed once.
(4)Taylor F.
One of my favorite things about Soupbox is walking through the door on a cold winter day and being enveloped in an amazing, steamy, soup-smelling cloud of warmth that makes my glasses fog up for a good two minutes. I've never had a soup here that didn't evoke actual moans of pleasure, and if you order it in a bread bowl and manage to eat the entire thing, you'll be too full to move for the rest of the day, which I count as a plus. My absolute favorite is their signature chicken and rice, but the rotating specials are also consistently amazing. I once had a cauliflower and cheese soup here that I dreamed about for weeks afterward, and curse the fact that I have yet to stop by on a day when they've made it again since.
(5)Ron S.
Good number of quality soups, a little overpriced
(3)Paige W.
Twelve kinds of soup every day. Hmph. Sure, guys, blame it on the fact that somebody had a neckache and didn't show up to make the soup this morning. At any rate, when we stopped in at Soupbox on Broadway (after spending close to half an hour looking for parking), there were six kinds of soup left to try. The rest of the kettles were covered with overturned sample cups to signal there was none left. At $4.25 for a small soup, I'd at least hoped to sample one of my first choices, but no such luck. All the flavors I'd considered, including beef stew, chicken noodle and chicken with wild rice, were gone, gone, gone. I settled on a cream of potato and leek that ended up being mostly cream and nearly no flavor. What mine lacked in taste, my boyfriend's chicken enchilada soup made up for in punch. I ate half my piece of bread to soak up the heat after one sample bite of his. And sadly, after that one taste, my soup sucked even more. Boooooo. On this particularly frigid day, it was also a bad time for Soupbox's door to have a faulty latch. I kept my coat on through the meal, and we were out the door after 20 minutes. And I had a stomachache. I should've cut my losses and just hit Bobtail up the street for a hot fudge sundae. That stomachache would have been MUCH more satisfying.
(2)Chris N.
I'm not a religious man, but if I was, my Mecca would be The Soupbox. Every so often, I brave the elements (and ex-frat guys from Michigan) and make the pilgrimage to Lakeview to obtain some of my beloved soup. And each and every time, it never disappoints. You want to talk about service? The cats at this place couldn't be more helpful and pleasant. And while the price may be a bit steep, they always offer me additional bread at no extra cost, so I still end up being pretty satiated by the end of my dining experience. The power of soup cannot be underestimated.
(5)Andrea R.
After not feeling well for a few days and reading many wonderful reviews about soupbox I just tried it for the very first time. Great chicken noodle soup- definitely has that homemade taste! It was exactly what I wanted and was delivered within 20 minutes! I'm looking forward to trying the icebox this summer....
(4)Brad G.
Soups are all very tasty, hot and fresh. A nice little neighborhood joint or spot to pick up soup for a sick girlfriend.
(4)Nick D.
First time there tonight after walking past it for the past nine months...I am a convert for life. Had the chicken noodle (which, admittedly, is a little hard to mess up) which was quite good. Bought the large which with the bread was the perfect amount to fill me up on this chilly night! Service was quick and the people were nice, and for $6.96, not a wallet-buster by any stretch of the imagination!
(5)Bryan C.
I go here when I'm sick because it's close to my apartment which is why it gets four stars instead of three (one extra star for taking the place of mom). The soup is expensive, but they tell me it's because of the sales tax. Other than that the flavors are great and the location is convenient!
(4)Heather D.
I'm so happy that there's a Soupbox on the north side. I'm grateful that they make a wide range of vegetable soups with vegetable stock and not chicken stock. Lots of choices for me. And I should also mention delicious! Definitely visit the Broadway or Chicago Ave location!
(4)Dave S.
Before last week, it has been years since I have been here. I see the place is still doing well and busy as hell. It is a good sign that it is not going anywhere. I sure hope that it does not go anywhere anytime soon. I have always been a monster fan of the lobster bisque. I had the chance to try their corn chowder this time and of course it did not disappoint. The service was as pleasant and efficient as I remembered it. The place is a little pricey but it does fill you up adequately. I am looking forward to more visits here this winter.
(4)K L.
Awesome soup. Great selection. Can mix and match. Good bread. Can be hard to park sometimes.
(5)Mary S.
this past week i've been a bit under the weather, and have depended on soup at lunch and dinner to give me the strength to get my work done every day. the other day i ventured down to the great frame up on broadway to get a couple of posters framed and on my walk home, i passed by the soup box. it was like i stumbled upon my mecca!! i had heard people talk about this place before, but i never realized how accessible it was to me! i was completely sick of broth-y soups at this point so i ordered a small potato/leek soup to go (after salivating at many of the other many many soups they offer) and was on my way. when i got home, i made a half-sandwich to accompany my bowl o' sunshine and.... yeah. it was a great dinner. the potato leek soup was so creamy and... buttery? i didnt put my finger on what it was, but it was great! i look forward to trying the lobster bisque (even though i was told there are no lobster chunks in it -- which i suppose makes sense)
(4)Kirstie S.
As I stated on the review for the other Soupbox, the selection for vegetarians is scarce and doesn't change tremendously. They typically have a range of 5 soups total to draw from (Vegetable, Broccoli Cheddar, Cuban Black Bean, Veg. Chill or Indian Lentil) and choose three out of these over and over again. The one thing I wanted to write differently is that over the past years, this specific location has had things like Artichoke Bisque and Cream of Asparagus that are phenomenal. They seem to always run out of these soups by mid afternoon and that should tell them something and still very rarely do they ever bring these options back. Again, we get the same three out of 12 soups on a regular basis. After awhile, you realize that there's much better options. Again, it's 2010. Don't call yourselves a soup specialty place with such limited choices for vegetarians...it really does the culinary art of soup a massive disfavor.
(2)Maura M.
SoupBox you conned me and broke my heart. I love soup. I used to make a 30min trek to get soup box soup. Guess what? It is campbells restaurant quality. I found out because I was friends with some people who worked there. I've been in the back...all they do is thaw out soups and sometimes add cream. It is pathetic...it is a farce. When I complained to my SoupBox friend about it he laughed and me and said "what?! do you think we get here early and chop up vegetables or something?" Well....that's exactly what I thought. Apparently I was wrong.
(1)Lauren C.
This place makes the best soup I have ever eaten! I've been coming here for about a year and I have never been disappointed. The staff is very friendly and is quick to give you samples. My favorites are the broccoli cheddar, cream of asparagus, and chicken and wild rice. You can mix 2 soups together if you simply can't choose one, which is what most of my friends like to do. Soup always comes with fresh bread (they often ask you if you want extra) and as many crackers as you want.
(5)Steve L.
I've walked by this place many times, but for some reason it just always happens to be right after I've already eaten. Then I think to myself, DAMN it smells good here, why didn't I remember to go to Soupbox? Well, today I remembered. It was quite good. The chicken enchilada soup (yup) was tasty and had enough kick to clear my it's-just-that-time-of-year allergy sniffles. The service was great as well. Very, very friendly and had great opinions on everything. Minus one star because two soups with 2 drinks was almost 16 dollars. I don't care how good it is (which it was), but soup for two should never cost that much. I'm excited to try it when it's Icebox. I hope it's as kick ass as Becky O'Shea. (That was a Little Giants reference.)
(4)Andrew M.
Sometimes you just want soup. Maybe it's cause you're sick and it's what your mama used to feed you, or maybe the Chicago winter has just taken its toll on you. Either way, there is no better place to fill your body with warm goodness than at Soupbox. With a selection of 12 delicious soups, you can try each one until you've found one you like and then choose from a variety of sizes. All soups come with a generous side of bread as well. Take it home, snuggle up and stay warm! Also, in the summer, Soupbox serves a tasty variety of Italian Ice.
(4)Kenneth H.
If I could give more stars I would......!!!!! The atmosphere is friendly and energetic. The staff is both creative and fun. They are very generous with the bread which totally rocks. They are about what they do and don't treat their jobs like it's a transitional step. It's unfortunately unusual to find people in the service business that actually not only do what's necessary but actually go over and above the call to get it right. If I had a larger business I wouldn't hesitate to employ any one of them. I've enjoyed every trip to my favorite soup place. I have a suggestion... Sweet & sour cabbage & shortrib soup. It's so good and I know you guys would do it right. I would never leave and you could just strap me in a chair and install an IV. It would be a good addition to an already excellent inventory of "liquid love" that you bless us with everyday. Thank you... Canine Specialist Ken Henry & my dog "Coral Reef III" Any questions concerning this review I can be reached at caninecitysurvival.com
(5)M Z.
Yummers. that is all.
(4)bj f.
From the simple vegetable to the crab/corn chowder, every soup I've ever ordered has been flavorful, not too salty, and totally satisfying. The selection is varied, and if that's not enough, they let you make your own combinations; the lobster bisque/clam chowder is a great one. Staff is always friendly, and when it's too cold or I'm too lazy to walk to satisfy my soup jones, they deliver. The only downside: the bread offered is plentiful, but I really wish they'd offer a hearty, chewy, whole grain alternative to the kooshy white variety they serve. And I agree with the door observations; start a "fix the lock fund" and make the place as cozy as the soup!
(4)Tiff B.
You can't go wrong with this place! Awesome soup in the winter, tasty Italian ice during the summer. I wish they served the soup during the summer though too. The chicken and wild rice there is my favorite. I've never had anything less than great there though. And it's cheap! So much better tasting and cheaper than the chain restaurant/lunch spots. Soupbox puts Panera to shame! I'm so sad that I don't live within walking distance of Soupbox anymore. I will have to make a few pilgrimages there this winter though for my soup fix.
(5)Alice L.
I am a soup-aholic! Tomato, split-pea, minestrone, veggie, black bean, chowders....mmmmm! The soups are fresh and oh so tasty! The biggest drawback is the cost...a wee bit on the pricey side.
(4)Kathryn M.
LOVE THE SOUPBOX! Right when you walk in, you're bombarded by the heavenly smell of soup. They have 12 different soups each day. The guys working when I went in were fabulous. They were so friendly and funny. It felt like I had made instant friends (dorky, I know). I ordered chicken noodle soup in a bread bowl. The soup was great and the bread bowl was hearty, super filling meal. If you're dining in, it's a little crowded because the store is small, but that's really the only negative. I'm giving 4 stars because I've only had 1 soup, I'll revise as necessary once I sample more tasty soup!
(4)Brandon B.
The soup is amazing. Obviously, some are better than others; so I suggest trying a sample before you order a bowl.
(5)Jennifer B.
The soup is really good, as the other yelpers have attested. It is fresh and there are always a lot of different choices. It's pretty expensive though, about $4 for a small and $7 for a large (which isn't very filling) I usually only go here if I need a little something to eat.
(3)Jessica D.
The soups at The Soup Box are very tasty! It is a good treat on those Chicago cold winter days. The cream of broccoli soup is my favorite, but they also have a good variety of good soups to try (Lobster bisque, gumbo, wild rice, etc.) The staff is very pleasant and they allow you to try the different soups if you are having a hard time deciding. Just talking about it makes me want to go and get some soup now!
(4)Candice C.
I have wanted my youngest to eat soup for the longest time and it is the Chicken and Wild Rice soup here that finally made it happen. I have tried multiple flavors and they are always hot, tasty and perfectly seasoned. I have even eaten here on a hot day just because I craved the flavor. I haven't yet tried the Icebox items but look forward to it. Parking is difficult but we usually ride our bikes. Seating is limited but so far I guess I have been lucky. The guys that work here (at least when I have been) have all had such a great outlook on life. I leave with a smile on my face and a happy tummy.
(5)k m.
there are so many good soups it hard to choose one. it would be cool if soupbox offered a flight of soup... i.e.. intead of buying one, 12 oz soup for $4.35, let people choose a flight of three, 4 oz soups for a bit more, maybe $5.95.
(5)Dee W.
I love all the different types of soups & breadbowls! In the summer, they turn into IceBox (but still offer soup) and offer a great way to cool off. But they are cash only and the prices are a bit high but that's Lakeview for you!
(4)Ang R.
Yum. I can't wait to try more types of soup. I had the creamy chicken and wild rice, and it was very tasty. I didn't love the bread bowl (and I think I wouldn't get one again), but I do plan on ordering the soup again. Frankly, I think it's pretty incredible that on a cold winter night, someone will deliver better than average soup to your door, so that you get the benefits of a steaming bowl of soup and can sit on your couch (or play Rock Band) up until the minute it arrives. Love that aspect of it.
(4)amy k.
love it love it love it. want some right now. i cannot even think of this place without wanting soup, let alone walk by it. like many folk it's hard for me to stray from the lobster bisque, but i have taken baby steps and tried the chicken dumpling (not so much) and the cream of mushroom (good good). i've always had great service, even when piles of people are waiting for their warmth lately. definitely gets five stars if it weren't for their prices, a bit steep, and their disdain for my credit card.
(4)Heather S.
LOVE the soup! Home made and very tasty. I wished I lived closer and could stop by more often. Its a great concept for a takeout store!
(5)Frances B.
Soup in Chicago doesn't get better than this, period. I live right around the corner from this place and I feel like I won the real estate jackpot. I've been to the downtown location and this one, and the soup and service is the same, but the downtown one gets jammed at lunchtime, especially during the winter. I adore the broccoli cheddar, chicken & wild rice, the mayan tortilla soup, the chicken noodle, the vegetable and the chili. My boyfriend can't bring himself to order anything besides the lobster bisque because he says it's just too good not to get. I also love the fact that if you're torn between 2, you can mix them! And they let you try any of the soups and soup mixes you want if you're not sure. All cups of soup come with delicious bread, but sometimes I go for the grilled cheese because it's hard not to. So if you're craving soup, or you're sick, or just generally cold COME HERE it's amazing.
(5)Lizz M.
I've been pretty annoyed at how hot it's been out because I cannot come to the Soupbox. I have solved this issue. I can just crank my AC until it's cold enough. BOOM! Anyway, Soupbox makes me happy (check out Facebook for my soupbox group...while groups are still a thing). Picking a favorite is what it must be like to choose between your children. Some of my top picks: chicken and wild rice, broccoli and cheddar and chicken gumbo. Their potato and leek is also good, I just wish it were a smidge thicker. I've only seen this done at the Chicago location, but you can also mix soups. I haven't tried this but a friend did and she loved it! If you're unsure on what to choose, you can always sample before you commit. Both locations are top notch, so you really can't go wrong. Service is always fantastic. Oh, and if you want something more than soup? Grilled cheese. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Michelle C.
Love the Lobster Bisque! Ask them to mix the pot around before they scoop into your cup because there was an instance where I didn't get any lobster pieces :( The oyster crackers that come with the soup are the best!! I eat it by itself if I don't have anymore soup.. haha. They could probably get more than 1 computer to make things easier. It was really busy the last time I went and the guy couldn't keep track of who's soup he had already poured and whether he entered it into the computer already.
(4)Ron M.
I was in the mood for some soup post polar vortex, so I figured this would hit the spot. I was regretting my decision two spoonfuls into it. The chicken/rice soup was runnier than my nose. If you have an extra $8-$10 bucks burning a hole in your wallet and want some average soup, this is your spot.
(2)Terrance H.
Thanks for the offer of the free soup Dru. Went to the soupbox the other day and got the Lobster bisque and the Tomato basil. It was last Monday when it was rainy and windy out, perfect day for soups. Had samples of the beef stew and something else which escapes my mind at the moment. The workers were again very helpful. All was good on this trip as well. Only issue is I was there would have been pieces of lobster in the bisque but I understand. Otherwise another good experience here..
(4)Beth M.
A winter time staple. Must go in to the store for the samples. I like the plain old chicken noodle and the rosemary chicken. Maybe slightly overpriced for soup but everything is made fresh. They also deliver.
(4)Eric n.
This place is like Mom to me. LOL I only Order it when I'm sick and need soup. I really should get it more often cause man is it GOOD! The bread bowls rock!
(4)Gregory A.
I love the Soupbox! We went there for some lunch the other day and being a soup lover I thought this place was great. They have so many types to choose from, by the way did I tell you I love soup!! Well anyway I had the beef stew and my wife had the cream of chicken with wild rice. Now there is one thing you should know about me, I despise onions! And since I hate them so much I am always looking for soup that does not have any onions. If anyone out there has ever tried picking tiny little onions out of soup you know it can be very frustrating, by the time you are done the soup is cold! This has always been a huge problem, since I love soup so much, did I already say that? That being said the nice man behind the counter told me they don't usually use onions in there soups since they can really take the flavor over, I just wanted to give him a great big hug! As far as I can tell if the word onion is not in the description they won't be in the pot either. Both soups were absolutely delicious and I would go back again and again. Only I live by Midway Airport so they need to open one on the south side! My only complaint was the $16 and some change for two large soups and two drinks seemed a little pricey, but it was so worth it! A definite must if you like a good bowl of soup, and I love soup, in case you missed that.
(5)mary o.
This place does soup and it does it right. Their vegetarian offerings are hearty and satisfying, I'm sure the meaty choices are carnivore-pleasing. The people who work here are very chill and don't mind giving out extra bread(which is pretty awesome as well). Really nothing is better than a warm cup of soup on a miserable Chicago night. I love soup!
(5)maeve P.
Oh soup box I love you so. I've been going for years now and you've never let me down. I've introduced many people to your lovely soups over the years. My favorite is the lobster bisque. I don't even like lobster and I love your bisque. I always get it in the bread bowl, the bread is kickass too!
(5)shane h.
I love chicken noodle soup just as much as the next guy and while I do think 6 bucks is a bit much to spend on a bowl of the stuff, it was fantastic. It was the first time since eating chicken in Munich at Oktoberfest that I looked like a moron trying to make sure I consumed every possible bit and piece of the meal possible. I almost had to go out and buy more bread to get the extra broth off the bottom. What an embarrassing display that was...
(4)Sarah C.
I LOVE this place. Best soup and ice EVER!!!! The beer, bacon and cheddar soup, wild chicken and rice soup and the lobster bisque are to die for. The ice is also fabulous. I just wish that I lived closer.
(5)Brad C.
It started here. Soups amazing! Be sure to check out the Chicago Ave location too, they have salads and more seating.
(5)Kenny O.
Unlike its other location in River North, this Soupbox unfortunately doesn't have a mini-salad station for making these perfect soup+salad combinations. The ambiance: I went there a few weeks ago and it was empty. I'm used the RN location always hustling and bustling with people, so this was a surprise. It was nice, though. Quiet alone time with my beloved bread bowl and soup. Mmmm. The food: I really like Soupbox and have been here a good amount of times now. I went with a cream of chicken and wild rice and it was delicious served inside a sourdough bread bowl. I still personally think it's a steal at around $8, since that's what I paid for subpar soup breadbowls at Boudin in California as my lunch multiple times a week (and Boudin wasn't nearly as good as Soupbox either). The service: Friendly and fast. TL;DR. Always good. More laid back version of Soupbox compared to River North. No salads.
(4)Denise W.
The boyfriend and I came here on two separate occasions. Both times we used a Groupon deal: $5 for $10 worth of food. The first time was during the late afternoon and the small eatery was quiet with just a few people inside. The guys behind the counter greeted us and offered us some samples of their soup menu. While all the samples were delicious, we both decided that lobster bisque was the best. We glanced at the prices and our one $10 Groupon barely covered 2 small cups of soup. I placed an order for a sourdough bread bowl of lobster bisque while the boyfriend quickly bought another Groupon on the spot to get another order of the same. Both guys were really nice and filled our bread bowls to the brim. There was also chips, cookies, and day-old bread for sale for 99-cents per roll of bread. Small packets of oyster crackers were on the house so we stocked up on a few before bringing our bread bowls to a table. The lobster bisque was rich and smooth and was complemented really nicely by the sourdough bread bowl. The free oyster crackers added a nice crunch to the repeatedly creamy texture. The second time we went to Soupbox was late night, about 9pm. Instead of getting two soup bowls this time, we split a bread bowl and added a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for $2.50. You can customise your sandwich with types of bread and cheese, and toppings for extra charge. We ordered a Broccoli and Cheddar soup in a sourdough bread bowl, but they had run out of sourdough and only had multi-grain. To compensate, they only charged us the price of a large soup rather than the price of a bread bowl. We added on a roll of day-old sourdough bread for later and they were willing to give it to us free of charge. I'm not sure if it was because they didn't have any more fresh sourdough bread bowls, or because it was almost closing time. We sat down with our soup and shortly after, the guy brought out our grilled cheese sandwich. All together, it looked and smelled delicious. We loaded up on oyster crackers again and couldn't wait to dig in. The soup was so rich and creamy, and the oyster crackers added the extra crunch to mix up food textures. The grilled cheese was pretty standard, but while it was still hot and the cheese was still melting, it tasted amazingly good. Awesome service, awesome soups, and awesome bread, even if it is day-old. It is a little bit on the pricey side without the help of a Groupon, but I can imagine this place being really crowded on a cold and stormy day.
(4)Kelly A.
Excellent soup! Fast delivery and awesome service. Got the cheesy baked potato soup and rosemary chicken soup. Both were delivered hot and delicious. Would highly recommend over Panera or other soup options.
(5)Jennifer L.
I am very impressed with Soupbox and cannot wait until I go back there so I can sample more of their delicious soups. I had heard about Soupbox and had been meaning to visit. A Groupon purchase definitely solidified my need to go. And so, my boyfriend and I went. We decided on the Lakeview location - in part because Bobtail Ice Cream is right next door and we wanted to avoid the crowds by Water Tower. The staff was incredibly friendly and offered us samples of the soup. He had the New England Clam Chowder, which he loved. I had the Lobster Bisque, which was fantastic as well. We both got a chunk of sourdough bread to go along with it. The bread didn't seem to taste sourdoughy enough. But, it was still good nonetheless. We debated on getting a grilled cheese, but passed. We will try it when we return. Overall, just a wonderful place. I really like soup and enjoy soup and a sandwich as a meal. I really wish that I lived closer or they had a location by me so I could eat here all the time - especially when the weather gets colder!
(4)Stephanie T.
Many of my coworkers order from here all the time and love it! So I figured I would try it. I ordered the hearty vegetable soup. I thought since it was "Hearty" that it was going to be filled with yummy veggies in every bite. Yea ooookkk!! All I got was a bland broth with about 5 slices of carrots, about 8 peas, and two thin slices of celery! Are you kidding me!!??? I paid about $11 for basically a broth. I will NOT be ordering from here again and I will make sure my coworkers won't either!
(1)Shelly M.
My boyfriend and I tried this restaurant out and we ordered the lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice. Both were delicious and perfect on a cold night. The sour dough bread was perfect with our soups. We will be going back to try more!
(4)Dean K.
winter is around the corner. i like to bring home a large bowl of lobster bisque with plenty of bread and butter and have that with a bombay sapphire and tonic (don't know why this works). it is the perfect lazy afternoon meal on a cold and blustery weekend.
(4)Will K.
How have I not reviewed Soupbox yet?? This place is one of my favorites in the Chicago area... in all seasons. If you are looking for soup the wide selection and ability to taste them before purchasing make this a great place to visit. I tend to eat cream based soups while the significant other is more willing to try other things and we both always leave happy. The portions are great, the bread isn't anything amazing but a good compliment, and the servers area always very nice. The main reason to try this location rather than the other is that you can get IcyFruit here... haven't had it.. it's the best frozen treat in Chicago in my opinion. 3 sizes to choose from, usually at least 8ish flavors, and the ability to combine them to create you own... sounds like perfection. I always go with a lemon base and add something else to create my own flavors. If you happen to be in the area in the summer do a walk by.. they are usually outside sampling the Icyfruit, plus there are lots of options in that area as well for other fun/eating/drinks.
(5)Tab B.
We were looking for a light fare and thought we would try Soup Box since we stay nearby while visiting. As many here have said you are better off opening a can of soup. I had the Bayou Gumbo. If you like sliced hot dogs in your soup then go for it. I expected andouille sausage in the gumbo. The only decent tasting soup seemed to be the asparagus. I avoided the Mexican soup bc I have never had decent Mexican soup anywhere but in a Mexican restaurant. This place may be good to fill the gap when you are hungry but I will stick to my own soup or get it from my nearby grocery deli where I find the soup to be good. For a non-professional cook, I can do much, much better than this. Yes, my expectations are high whenever I eat out because I expect the food to be better than what I prepare at home since I have this weird notion that restaurants are in the business of preparing and serving food.
(2)Matt C.
I can't help but imagine the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld every time I go to Soupbox. I feel like at some point I'm going to ask a weird question about one of the soups and the guy working the register will snatch my soup away from me while shouting "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" That would be pretty awesome, minus the not getting soup part. Seriously though Soupbox has a massive array of awesome soup varieties. All homemade, all extremely good. I've tried the Lobster Bisque, the Signature Chicken and Rice and the Rosemary Chicken. All the best soup I've had of that soup varietal. To me the standout is the Lobster Bisque, but like Jerry and the crew in the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode, everyone I've repeatedly eaten with at Soupbox has a flavor that they salivate over. Also I have to note that I ordered delivery once and they were there lightening-quick, almost Jimmy Johns fast. Almost.
(4)Sean R.
My first time visiting this place. I actually checked it out because a friend only could eat soup that day. I think it is a great idea of a place, and the soup I had was pretty good. I like the vibe of the place and the concept of the pots for the soup. Only drawback and this applies to most places in that area is that parking is terrible.
(4)Kristy D.
Love, love, love this restaurant!!!!! The soup and bread bowl was yummy!!! My husband and I had dinner for $20 and we were stuffed!! MUST go back to try other soups!
(5)Emily D.
Had the rosemary chicken and dumplings soup and a cheddar grilled cheese on multigrain bread. Everything was delicious, if a little expensive. Boyfriend ordered the lobster bisque and a turkey sandwich and loved both. Staff was nice, but slow. It took our server 10 minutes to make two plain sandwiches. That said, they were still delicious and worth the wait.
(3)Kate H.
I could live on the lobster bisque. YUM! The staff is super friendly and always offer samples. Service is always pretty quick too even when a lot of other people are in line. And in the summer they make delicious homemade italian ices (usually they put an employee outside with samples to lure you inside for more delicious treats). Plus they are open surprisingly late. Not sure I'd call it a late night spot necessarily but I've definitely gotten soup after 9p which is awesome when you're walking home after normal dinner time hours, are hungry & don't want to prep a full meal that late. Especially when the weather turns freezy freakies on us in the 773. Awesome neighborhood spot - I'm very lucky to live right around the corner from the Soupbox. The only negative is that I spend too much money here!
(4)Timothy M.
I love love love soup box. During these brutal Chicago winters I can think of no place better. The baked potatoe soup in a bread bowl is a winter warmer if ever there was one... It's cool because they will let you taste the soups before you commit. You can even mix two soups together. I've combined the potatoe with the beef stew before and it is phenomenal. If you've never been here you should definitely try it out. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
(5)Jennie T.
I sampled the cream of chicken with wild rice, the lobster bisque, and a hearty beef one... I forgot the actual name of it. All of them were good. The boyfriend and I ended up sharing the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl. It was delicious, but I think we should have ordered one of the other two for the bread bowl instead... I didn't think the lobster bisque went as well in a bread bowl as I thought it would. The staff was very friendly and nice though.
(4)Bridget M.
The soup was wonderful and the staff couldn't be friendlier. They also let you try the soup first so you know you'll enjoy it!
(5)Elise K.
A bit expensive for soup, but really good soup! I had the Tomato Basil soup and paired it with a grilled cheese on sourdough. All soup comes with bread too. There is no wait time for soup and just a short time for the sandwich. The service was so nice! It truly was - the guy behind the counter was wonderful. I've had samples of their ice things before. I'm not sure what they're called - just low calorie flavored ice. They are fine for a sample, walking by, but even though they are low calorie doesn't mean the taste has to be blah! I won't buy that. I would go back for soup, but would prefer to go with a Groupon again!
(3)Jessi B.
I happened in here while in the neighborhood. It was very good. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and the lobster bisque and a cookie. I was offered samples, but declined. There were about 5 that I could have eaten, easily. While the soup was delicious, I would have liked something a little more filling. It was kindof on the thinner side... so it was kinda of awkard to eat it, since I was mostly drinking it, from a spoon. So, if offered a sample, definitely partake. The cookie was devine. It was a nice little set-up. I ate outside on the sidewalk (it was a beautiful day). I look forward to having again.
(4)Izzy N.
No matter what the weather is like outside, burning hot temps- sometimes all I want is soup. Southeast asians are notorious for that.. a big bowl of pho or bun bo hue in hot tropical weather in the motherland? Hell yes. Have you seen the average temperature in Vietnam during the winter? It's in the 70s and 80s. I thought I'd give soupbox a try since I wasn't able to venture out for pho. It's pretty decent.. I usually go for the creamier soups like cream of asparagus and lobster bisque because I don't like most american non-creamy soups except for chicken noodle once in awhile. I like Whole Food's rendition of broccoli cheddar better. It's cool they offer a choice of sourdough or multigrain bread with your soup and there's plenty of extras to add to your soup on the side counter. I like adding lots of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to mine. Solid place for some soup.
(3)Marissa G.
My friends and I spent quite some time at soupbox last summer and I am so glad we did. I have very fond memories of this place. The staff is extremely helpful and lets you sample all of their soups, which are cooked fresh every day, to decide which one you want. They are very encouraging, so i don't have to feel like I should settle for a soup because I feel awkward asking to taste another. They are very fast at checking the customer out and I have seen them with extremely long lines of customers that they've been able to pump through within minutes. I loved their chicken noodle soup, their broccoli cheddar, chicken and wild rice, and their beef stew. All of it is so good, you can get bread and butter with it (I highly recommend dipping the bread in the butter and then eating it with the soup -- totally fatty but totally delicious). I am a big fan of their dirty chips too! Get the sweet onion! Salt and vinegar is good too :)
(5)Nichole F.
I love Soupbox especially when it is cold outside. We live close enough to the location in Lakeview to get delivery. Yay! I love getting the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl! So delish!
(5)Jeff S.
When you need soup, for what ever reason...the weather, not feeling great, comfort food, or you just love good soup, any reason you can come up with--Soupbox is the answer. Even though we live on the North Shore, every so often have to do a Soupbox run. Wish they'd open one up in the Evanston area, so I wouldn't have to drive all the way into the city. Their soups are delicious, decadent and a treat for your taste buds. The selection is terrific, with the free bread--you have a hearty, filling meal. And I always buy extra to freeze. With all the snow and frigid cold we're having right now, it's time for a run into town to get some soup. Haven't tried their sandwich yet, but will have to give them a go too.
(5)Rachel O.
World's best soup in the world ever. Amazing delicious everything. My absolute favorite is the Lobster Bisque, but I have sampled many others and they're all wonderful. The bread is fantastic, especially the multi-grain in my opinion. If you're hungry for more than soup, add a grilled cheese for a few bucks and you will not be sorry. I like how they make simple grilled cheese instead of the over-the-top and expensive kinds many places make nowadays. The employees are always so nice. Delivery is extremely fast, soup comes piping hot, and there's only an $8 minimum. I love you Soupbox.
(5)Jerry W.
I have to start by saying I am a huge soup fan. And so is my wife and oldest daughter. So the three of us decide to stop on in at the Soupbox on Broadway. My wife and I are dropping our daughter off at her place. She is feeling under the weather. So we need a good lunch spot with hot soups. We start by sampling several of the twelve soups cooking today. I tried the New England Clam Chowder (a thick and rich classic white clam chowder with fresh clams, potatoes, onion and celery in a cream base that was truly outstanding), the Hearty Beef Stew (slow roasted beef, carrots, potatoes and peas with a touch of onion in beef stock that was good, but the sample cup needed to be bigger), Authentic Mexican Tortilla (roasted tomatoes and sweet corn with black beans, garlic and red onion in a cumin and chili powder spiced chicken broth, another outstanding thick and hearty soup) and finally a Classic Chicken Noodle (slow cooked chicken, long flat noodles and plenty of fresh veggies that really hit the spot). So I decide on a large New England Clam Chowder for $7.95 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon on it. My wife orders a small Classic Chicken Noodle for $5.85 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon and a tomato on it. Both grilled cheeses were really hearty and delicious sandwiches. Finally my daughter ordered a bread bowl Classic Chicken Noodle for $7.85 with wheat bread. It was sooo good we also ordered her another small for home, she is still feeling under the weather. Well our total came to $29.32 with tax. The service was SUPER friendly. The place is clean and small. Do we recommend Soupbox, HECK YEAH! Will we be back, HECK YEAH! Should you stop by 2943 N. Broadway and give the soups a try, HECK YEAH! I am hoping after our next visit the Soupbox will get the ultimate 5 star, "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" rating.
(4)Femme C.
I love the lobster bisque, this is my fave. My only complaint is it is too salty. I have the soup and then die for water. Less salt, Soupbox!
(5)Joes L.
That's right 5-Stars. Go ahead. Judge me. This place is so damn good I treat her like a favorite family member - I miss her when I'm away, everywhere I go I wish I could take her with me, I post photos of our good times together on my cubicle wall, and when I have to make tough decisions I say to myself "What would Soupbox do?" And then I do it knowing that somewhere out there Soupbox is nodding with approval. The fact is Soupbox is my favorite place to eat of all time. Best of all is the....wait for it.....soup, but to say it's different versions of the same thing is an outrageous understatement. To all you skeptics toss out the idea that soup is just a cold weather dish: every one in every season can find something they like here. (Note: Soupbox opens up its Italian Ice offering "Icebox" in the summer.) Chicken & Wild Rice, Cream of Asparagus, Broccoli & Cheese, Hearty Vegetable...stop me before I dribble all over my keyboard. It fits my every mood and my tastes have broadened people. And guess what? When you're feeling a little daring try mixing the soups. I'm a fan of the lobster bisque clam chowder, myself. Ok, so that's my big plug for Chicago eats. It's definitely worth a go.
(5)Chris W.
Breaking down my entire first experience here I'm going to start with the environment and finish with the soup. If you prefer to read in any other fashion, feel free! THE ENVIRONMENT: ****/5 Imagine walking into a sort of dim Empty Bottle without the bar area or having stairs or any of that. Just the dance floor. Then imagine a few sparse tables and some high chairs along the windows facing the street (we're modifying the space here for all intensive purposes). If the stage was the 'kitchen' where the cauldrons of soups labeled and on a table with relatively quirky or laid back employees more than willing to give you a sample cup of any soup, you'd see that in 'the middle of the dance-floor' people gather together to pick soups, make orders, and most people seem to do the takeout thing. New, seems to be that they make grilled cheese on a panini thing. It smelled good I must say. What I mean to say with all of the traffic in and out of locals and shoppers is that we weren't bothered or crowded or anything of that nature while we were sitting down and eating. It's a nice place for a quick or long lunch and a nice conversation. A cute date starter-spot too. If you'd like a drink they have a mostly canned selection of pops, iced tea, and some bottled IBC cream soda, root beer and diet root beer. Water as well. When I went to pick out something to drink I realized a lot of what was in the cooler must have JUST been put in there before we got there so make sure to grab yourself something nice and COLD. They're all mixed up next to each other. THE SOUP: *****/5 They have 12 soups available daily (plenty of vegan options) and my friend got the Select Cream of Potato and Leek. The flavor of such was enhanced with some black pepper. They have spices next to the counter and the drink cooler. He got his Potato & Leek soup in a bread bowl. There are three price ranges for the soups which are 'regular' 'large' and 'bread bowl'. Regular is about 6 bucks and Bread Bowl is about 8.50. Beware you get all of the innards of your multigrain or sourdough bread bowl alongside of your meal and because all of the creamier soups (that I've had thus far) are SO RICH TASTING it's going to be a struggle to finish. I was almost grumpy when we got there about the prices for the sizes, having no idea a regular bowl of Lobster Bisque with a side of sourdough that comes with the soup (well, your choice of bread does) was going to make me need to be carried to the car. Speaking of Lobster Bisque - I've sampled 3 of such soup in my lifetime, this one surprisingly did not have any chunks of meat or anything in it. It was strictly liquid, but that was fine with me. Of the 3 lobster bisque's I've had, this one was in the top 2. A bread bowl and a regular bowl of soup were approximately the same price as what we would have paid at Panera for two pick 2's and a drink. I can't wait to try more soup soon!
(4)Ramya P.
Yum soups and grilled cheese sandwiches. Fast food soup place with plenty of veggie soups. What's great is the option to mix and match the different soups. Broccoli and cheddar soup would've been too cheesy and creamy for me, and I really appreciated it when mixed with the red lentil soup. Taste a few of their options before deciding. The grilled cheese sandwiches were simple and perfect. Great place to drink hot soup on a cold winter evening.
(5)Julia B.
THEY NOW DELIVER AND HAVE GRILLED CHEESE!! Ok, now that I got that out of the way...This is downtown Soupbox's older, more hip, but smaller sister. Yes this location is quite small (RE: not much room to sit), but it still a great place to get a cup of soup in Lakeview. Now that I think about it, it might be one of the only places in Lakeview, that's not Asian, where you can some good soup. Which is precisely why I love it so so much! All of the soups are great, but my favorite is the New England Clam Chowder because I am a huge Clam Chowda fan. Soupbox's version is pretty delicious and does really taste like it was made from scratch, pretty close to a fancy restaurant's version. The lobster bisque is my second favorite and tastes super delicious mixed with the clam chowder. They have plenty of other flavors that alternate everyday and they always have free samples. The newest edition of Grilled Cheese has to be one their greatest ideas. $2.50 with a soup and $3.50 without any soup, is a sweet deal, and it tastes perfect. And it actually a pretty decent size grilled cheese. I got mine with pepperjack cheese and ham. but there are several options for the cheese and meat. When I get the grilled cheese and soup I can't actually eat both in one meal, which is both good and bad. Good because I now have two meals, but neither soup nor grilled cheese taste good reheated. However, if you have a huge appetite, you can probably handle both, and who doesn't love grilled cheese? The friendly employees make the soup buying experience quite pleasant and since I am usually here on a depressing, rainy or sick day, this makes all the difference. Can't wait to order delivery when the weather get's colder!
(4)Julie V.
Soup samples delivered indiscriminately. Well-done. A variety of hot steaming soup in black kettles, served with a chunk of soft bread. Such a simple concept, but a brilliant one. Soup works on so many levels to make the body feel happy. And the Soupbox has mastered this strategy. My only suggestion is: Offer the original cream-based Chicken Dumpling more often. The Rosemary broth version is mediocre, but the former is exemplary. AND --ever thought of a divided, disposable bowl for 2 soups in one? Oh and open another location in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square!
(4)Mishele K.
I can't get enough of this place. In winter I can't resist some soup and grilled cheese action, and their summer treats are delicious, too. The prices are reasonable, the line usually isn't too long, and the food is yummy--and they have a nice selection to choose from, so you can take your picky siblings there and everyone can still be happy. Stop in if you're in the neighborhood!
(5)Sharon S.
Ran out of chicken noodle soup when I went:( But it was also towards the evening so I guess it's okay, but it's my stable soup! I got the leftovers of the soup but only the soup and a few noodles. I also got the wedding soup which was good but needed a little more flavor. I heard really good things about Soupbox so I'll have to come give it another shot. Plus I'm sure once winter comes around I'll be stopping for soup more often!
(3)Sopla R.
I'm gonna let you in on a secret. Really exceptional soup takes time. Of course, this can be said for all food prep, but since we are talking "Soupbox"... We all get that nostalgic pang that we get when we think of soup right? It's comforting, and makes a chilly day seem perfect. I've been to this place three times now. Each time, I left feeling like I spent too much for the quality of soup/portion that I got. Soups start with a "base or a roux" and these guys use the same base for pretty much all their creamy soups/clear soups. Which is fine/standard if* they actually took the time to simmer these soups and use real stock along with fresh herbs/produce.. as well as to make them distinct not only by adding or deleting a protein. I always taste flour in these soups and they have no real flavor profiles. With the clear soups, I always have an aftertaste and usually this means that they used some of those bulk spices (that may or may not be flavor "enhancers".. And the reason I still taste flour in these soups? Is because they are not building flavor profiles. Because building flavor takes time (simmering,) Which is the POINT of me going to a shop called "Soupbox" in the first place!! I want exceptional soup not just "OK" soup!! Which anyone can do at home with leftovers and frozen bag of veggies.. just toss together for a quickie "frig cleanup soup." Bottom line, they are cutting LOTS of corners and it shows.. I usually make a few batches of soups throughout the year at home. I spend no less than 3-5 hours from start to finish on any given soup. I don't taste that here at all. I always thought that homemade soup equaled love after all. I would challenge those 4 and 5 star reviewers to find a soup recipe that starts from scratch. Make it all the way through (even using boxed stocks because I usually use both in mine homemade and boxed :) Then, come back and see if Soupbox is really worthy of these 4 and 5 star reviews..Not to mention, it makes your house actually feel all cozy and nostalgic!! Update: I have to give props to the management for responding to my review and offering me to come back and try them. Unfortunately, I found them to be the same as I said before. Nothing special (like any supermarket deli high end or otherwise) you'd never know the difference. To be fair, I think, for the price point and given this hipster location, my review's not going to effect their biz anyways. I always appreciate when I'm heard nonetheless.
(2)Hilary P.
Oh SoupBox, you could not be more perfect to me. Selection of 12 delicious soups on all the chilly days you'd want to eat soup? Amazing idea! I wish you existed in California every time the temperature dips below 65 and I crave soup. Oh and your lobster bisque is kind of amazing so that's nice too! Great rotating selection, friendly service, patient employees who let you sample whatever you want when you're feeling indecisive, all great things here at SoupBox!
(5)William L.
This is one of those neighborhood places we sometimes take for granted and fail to give them the kudos they deserve. I just finished another amazing bowl of Lobster Bisque and realized I never gave them a review. Bad Will... Good SoupBox! They have a dozen or so soups made fresh daily! You can sample them, too. The portions are large and priced reasonably, along with a side of fresh bread. An enjoyable meal on a hot or cold day! Today I also tried the Grilled Cheese - yummy. Sometimes, the simple things like a grilled cheese sandwich and soup really hit the spot! The staff are super friendly, always smiling, engaging, and they seem proud about their store and product. Since they are a few blocks away, I will be back...
(4)Annette J.
I've been dealing with a never ending cold/allergy amalgamation the last few weeks so that coupled with the cooling temps have really put me in a soup kind of mood. Thankfully Soupbox is just up the street from my apartment to accommodate my recent cravings. Soupbox is a small space with a warm vibe. A few tables and chairs (additional seating outside in warmer temps) and the counter with their 12 kettles of delectable soups for the day fill up the room. Flavors range from a Cream of Asparagus to Bacon Cheddar Beer to the vegan/gluten free Cuban Black Bean and you can see what's offered before you head over there via their website at thesoupbox.com . Also nice--the website lists the nutritional info so if you're watching calories you can plan accordingly. I was surprised to find that some of my favorite soups were not as indulgent as I thought which was AWESOME. If you're anything like me you might get overwhelmed by the variety but luckily the staff is open to give you free samples of soups to help you make your choice. If you're torn between two flavors you can even get them to mix them for you. Just yesterday I had a mix of two of my favorites--lobster bisque and clam chowder. That ish was gooooood. Also all the staff I've encountered are super passionate about their product so if you're feeling brave ask them to whip up a special mixture of some of their favorites just for you. I've seen them come up some interesting combinations. It can be kind of pricey for a bowl of soup but the two sizes--regular (12oz for around $5-6) and large (16oz $6-7) come with a side of bread so it can be a filling meal. If you're feeling kind of Renaissance Fair-y get thy soup in a bread bowl! In the summer months they expand to include "Icebox" offerings--Italian ice and gelato. Admittedly with Bobtail a few doors down and Paciugo up the street I don't go to Soupbox for their icy treats but they've got it if you want it. In the winter months they offer a delivery service which I've only used once--when I was deathly ill last January. I felt like a tool ordering delivery when they were not even a block away but desperate phlegmy times call for desperate measures. At least I gave the guy a good tip! A cooler houses some canned and bottled beverages and Pastoral next door offers some kick ass gourmet sandwiches if you want a soup and sandwich kind of deal but as far as I'm concerned the hearty flavorful soups at Soupbox are perfect on their own.
(4)David K.
Stopped by the Chicago Avenue location this evening before taking in a film. I had a much better experience this time around, partly because I visited during off-hours, when it is not so crowded. Their cream of chicken and wild rice soup, which I requested with a side wedge of bread, was delicious, although I think I still love the bread bowl concept (against my dietary better judgement). Thanks to this experience, I would definitely go to Soupbox again, and that would include the Broadway location, now that I have had the chance to try a different menu item during a less hectic time of day.
(4)Derek B.
Nothing to complain about! Great soup, they're very efficient. I really like the ability to mix soups, and the "mix of the day" they have on the menu board.
(4)Gary C.
I can't wait until winter. I'm going to slide down Broadway in my rear-wheel drive car and park my butt in front of two of my favorite spots in the city of Chicago: Soupbox and [insert chicken wing place across from Soupbox...hey, I'm not getting paid to plug Crisp. Oops!]. Better yet, I don't need to wait until winter. At the rate that this city is going, temperatures could hit 100 tomorrow and 40 the day after. Bah. Regardless, I'm going make my way down to Soupbox. With twelve different soups a day you'll find something that tickles your fancy. The folks over at the 'Box rotate between almost thirty different cauldrons of liquid goodness. I drove home with two regular sizes: the chicken & wild rice and clam chowdaaaaa. I came to this decision after minutes, yes minutes, of taste testing. That's right. Taste test away, my dear friends. Try them all...and then try them all again. Only then will you be able to decide which lucky hot thang will accompany you home that night. But on a serious note, the two that I wound up taking home were excellent, and remained tasty even after my 20+ minute car ride home. Some of the others that I tried that night were the lobster bisque [a fan favorite and something I would take home given the mood be right] and the rosemary chicken dumpling, which had an awesome rosemary scent and flavor. Beyond the soup, the 'Box has some awesome staff. Everybody is friendly and ready to answer any questions. PLUS they have both saltine crackers AND oyster crackers for those who prefer one over the other...or both [like me]. So if you're itchin' for some soup, as I know I do at times, skip the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks from that faux-Italian chain and make the trip to Soupbox. Just be sure to sip it like it's hot once you get it [ metacafe.com/watch/21593… The Real JT [not Johnny haha] wouldn't want you to burn your tongue while sippin' on this sizzzzzoup.
(5)Melissa S.
Point deduction for making me walk 4 blocks from the 1 parking spot I found. There is construction galore and NO WHERE to park! I only have an hour lunch people... 15 minute drive to get there PLUS finding parking left me less than 10 minutes to eat before I had to walk back. A point deduction for reading reviews about their "signature lobster bisque" that was all bisque and no lobster. Maybe it's just me, but I'm used to having the chunks of lobster in my lobster bisque (at least that's how I like it). The grilled cheese was good (basic) but the fact that they have BOTTLED root beer and cherry coke was a BIG plus (re-gained a star). Might be coming back here soon!
(4)Debbie F.
Lobster bisque: 4/5 stars. Not as creamy as Lobster (Squash) Bisque from Whole Foods, but it's still delicious. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice: 5/5 stars. Amazing; best I've tasted in my life...and I don't even like chicken. Grilled multigrain turkey sandwich with pepper jack + mozzarella: 3/5. Maybe I ordered the wrong ingredients, but the sandwich was nothing special. Cheese was perfectly melted though.
(4)Nicolas R.
I'm currently sick with allergy madness and feel like I want to die. So soup. Right? I had a tomato florentine, which I was a bit skeptical about, but as I was sold on a grilled cheese sandwich, it was a logical choice. The soup tasted FRESH and not canned, and sill had the richness of being cooked for hours. Brilliant. The beef stock rounded out the savory and the vegetables still had a little bit of crunch to them - not mush. The pasta in the soup held its shape, again, not mush. I had my grilled cheese with mozzarella cheese and it was great! It was closer to a panini, but still buttery without being greasy. It came with some sourdough bread that was SOFT and complemented the soup perfectly. So, yeah. FIve stars. I mean, it's kind of the only soup restaurant I've ever been to, so I'd say it's as good as it gets in my book. And I think it brought me back from the brink of death.
(5)Jennifer L.
What could be more amazing than their vast selection of fresh soups made daily? GRILLED CHEESE!!! The weather outside is getting colder, and so my body has been craving soup. The other day, I got a regular sized tomato basil soup and tried their grilled cheese on wheat bread with mozzarella. They brought the grilled cheese over to me almost immediately after I found a place to sit. I just have to say, I'm going back today for sure. I think I'm addicted. PS: the lack of 5 stars is due to the fact that the place is TINY. I really wish they had more seating. If you can, I would get everything to go.
(4)Jennifer C.
I've fallen into a stage 3 food coma from the pure awesomeness that is their Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup, so please forgive me if my tip is incomprehensible. Ask for samples. It might make the decision process harder, but it'll be worth it, especially if you decide to blend soups. Oh yes. They do that too.
(4)Brent H.
Provides a quick bite but it is easy to make better soup at home; overrated.
(2)Elliott C.
If you have an issue with this place then it's your fault and you have no friends. It's quick service, the soup is amazing and it's always hot. I've never had 1 problem and I've ordered from here about 40-50 times over the past couple of years.
(5)Jennie P.
Ok - I gave Soupbox another chance on a cold evening with an under the weather husband and they've moved up in my book. I will say, this experience was much better! My soup was DELISH, I got the small and wish I ordered the large. I chose Lobster Bisque and my husband had some sort of Sausage Gumbo which I also tried...it was also VERY good! We both ordered multi-grain bread to go with the soup and what's interesting is it comes in this little plastic wrap. Naturally, you would think it's just hard bread they toss with the soup BUT it's not! It was so soft, it was REALLY good! Similar to the last time I came in the store - the people working were incredibly helpful and SO nice and friendly. They really have great customer facing employees. If you're looking for great soup - give Soupbox a chance. It's still not 5 stars because I didn't sample ALL the soups and I haven't had a sandwich yet. I'm prepared to return though and sample a lot and grab a sandwich. Great job Soupbox, looking forward to returning.
(4)Sara M.
I love when I watch Phantom Gourmet, they rave about a certain place, and then I immediately get up to eat there. That is what happened with this place. I was so enamored with the various types of soup they described that I wanted it immediately. I mixed the lobster bisque and the clam chowder for a delicious steaming bread bowl of deliciousness. I bathed in the wafts of flavoured steam and it warmed me to the tips of my toes. I have also tried and enjoyed the potato leek and the chicken with wild rice. They are all very good with the right consistency, amount of solid ingredients, and spice. So go do what I did - read the reviews on Yelp and leave to get some of this satisfying soup.
(4)Eric M.
Now that the 40 degree days are arriving, Soupbox is going to become a regular haunt of mine. I've yet to have a soup here that I don't enjoy. The cream-based ones are decadent and the broth-based ones are nice and savory. I'd skip the bread bowl and just go large, you get any extra bread for free. Keep in mind this place is small so come on off times or be prepare to take it to go. Also, they have IBC Cream Soda which is amazing.
(4)Lindsey W.
Another one of my neighborhood gems, I literally stalk the website to see what soups are being served each day. You can't go wrong. Just make sure if you want one of the super popular ones *ahem* Cheesy Baked Potato... get there early or it will be gone fast.
(4)Julia C.
How much do I love SoupBox? THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH! Daily soups online are the best. I can tell if it's worth a trip over that day or not, depending on which veggie soups they have. Also worth trying? combining two different soups into something delicious. I often combine Broccoli Cheddar and Potato Leek. I love that they become IceBox in the summertime too. Best for a quick bite of something cold, depending on the temp. of the office that day!
(5)Laura S.
Ohhhh Soupbox. How you tempt me with your luxuriously creamy broccoli cheddar soup, your crispy-outside-yet-tender-inside bread bowls, and your delectable chocolate chip cookies. But I must resist you, Soupbox, and you know why. I have only myself to blame, I suppose. I couldn't help but look at your nutritional information. How could you deceive me so? I feel so...so...disappointed. I won't divulge your little secret; no, that would be cruel. But for the sake of my waistline, I have to leave you behind. Don't worry about me, I'll be ok. I'll console myself with homemade soup that, while much healthier and cheaper, doesn't have your decadence. Perhaps one day I shall return, when a few pant sizes have dropped and I can allow for your heapings of fat. Until then, adieu, Soupbox. I will miss you.
(4)Nate D.
The soup is WAY overpriced. The store smells like burnt cheese (and has for years). The staff is stoned all the time, and I mean the entire staff is really really high (they've never heard of Visine apparently). For $6 I'd rather buy a nicklebag from the soup dude than a bowl of mediocre expensive liquid.
(1)Dayna C.
I have to say I was a little disoriented when I went in. The set up is a little odd--there is all this soup in pots on a counter. I was a bit overwhelmed by the choices. At the time I was the only person in "line" (more on this in a second) and I was asked if I wanted to taste anything. I tried one black bean soup, which was okay, but not what I wanted. I continued to ponder my options as a wave of people appeared out of nowhere. Because I wasn't ready to order I let folks go ahead of me. So back to the line thing, there really seems to be no rhyme or reason to the ordering process, it's just a free for all. Some people don't mind stuff like that, but I'm use to being directed to where to place my order and pay. Also, the location of the menu was difficult to locate at first. Anyway, after feeling anxious about the whole order I just picked a chicken and dumpling soup and added a grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was really good. As I ate the soup I felt like it was missing something. It wasn't bland per se, but it just needed a kick of something. Eventually I put in a dash of hot sauce and it was good to go! I will say that it is a bit pricey. The only reason I bought the soup was because it was cold outside and I thought it would be nice. I got the regular size which was $6.50. It was basically a small size. The grilled cheese was only $2.50. So the short end of it all, if you are in the mood for some soup, give this place a try. They have a of options so maybe you will find one that you really like. Plus up you can taste test them (I wish I would have just tried a few more options.)
(3)Astra W.
Went to this Lakeview location with my cousin while I was in town for a visit. The lobster bisque and the chicken wild rice are my faves! I also love to have the staff do half of each in a cup, and they won't charge you more for it..pure awesomeness! Too bad they ran out of the chicken wild rice this time. My cousin ordered the clam chowder and I ordered the lobster bisque. One thing that's a bummer is that sometimes the soup isn't piping hot like we prefer it to be. The clam chowder was hot, but it wasn't as piping hot as the lobster bisque. Maybe it's because the chowder's consistency is just way thicker than the bisque. Staff here was friendly, and they even have a choice of either sourdough bread or wheat bread to go with your soup. Can't say no to carbs to go with delicious soup! I only wish there was Soup Box in Southern California...!
(4)Jason M.
Just ate here this early afternoon. The lobster bisssssque haha is amazing also you have to try the grilled cheese. Delish!
(5)Hannah S.
Yes, their soup is good, but ICEBOX is da bomb! I discovered Icebox at lunch after having Soupbox, and then had another a few hours later IT WAS THAT GOOD. It doesn't get old :) It's like a healthier and more delicious version of Hawaiian shaved ice where every bite is made with fresh fruit. No yucky artificially flavored syrup (unless you prefer that stuff). It's the most refreshing, on-the-go dessert you can have on a hot summer day in Chicago. Better than froyo!
(5)Jelena Z.
UPDATE 2/24/08: The owner messaged me on Yelp and apologized for my prior negative experience. He said that he'd leave a gift card for 2 free soups of my choice, any size, at the Broadway location. I was so impressed that he personally reached out to me. I went there today and tried the Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup. Off the charts delicious! The smoked bacon gave the soup amazing flavor without overwhelming. The consistency was perfect too-- thick but not too chunky. I think I have a new favorite. The staff was so friendly and accommodating-- it's obvious that they are making customer service their #1 priority. Thanks again Soupbox, for making good on a past so-so experience and changing my mind! Can't wait to return to try another flavor. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I was so excited to try Soupbox. And I was so very let down. I called to place my delivery order right before 8 pm on a Sunday evening. I was told the wait would be an hour. Sure, no problem. I ask for an order of Lobster Bisque. I'm told I must order 2 soups. Um, what's your minimum order? Because it's just me, and I don't WANT 2 soups. Maybe I can order a couple of bottled waters and a Diet Coke. Also, I'm ordering the most expensive soup on the menu. Sorry ma'am, 2 soup minimum. Okay... um, I guess I'll take 2 small Lobster Bisques then. 9:30 rolls around. I'm growing impatient. I decide I'll give them another 10 minutes before I call. 9:40. Where's my damn soup? Now I'm really hungry, too. I call them, and talk to a frantic manager. Sorry, the delivery guy is just around the corner. Should be there any minute, ok? Sounds good. I'll just watch ANOTHER movie. 10 pm comes and goes, and now it's 10:15. 2 hours and 15 minutes after my order was placed! I call them again, and let the manager know that I want a credit issued for one of the soups. He says that why don't I come in instead for a free soup on them? All I have to do is mention his name. No bueno-- I push for the credit and finally get it. Finally-- 10:25 pm and my soup arrives. At this point, I'm ready for bed! But still, I'm starved, and ready to find out what all the hot fuss is about. So, the lobster bisque is so thin that I think it's a joke. No lobster chunks here... just some runny nonsense. And not very flavorful, either. The lobster bisque that some McDonald's on the East Coast serve in the summer is much better than this stuff. I can't speak for the other varieties of soup, but the horrible service and lobster bisque-wannabe killed my appetite for more Soupbox. And I wanted to like it, too-- Soupbox is so close to where I live and I love soup!
(4)Jesse S.
Tonight it was the creamy chicken and wild rice that won over my palate with promises of satiety... and it did not disappoint. Service was quite friendly, no-nonsense, and delivered the goods with the quickness. One soup-slinger even recognized me from around the neighborhood. She must have an eagle eye, cause I'm pretty sure I don't go out that much. Even so, within moments, I was home and tucking right in to my dunkable din-din. $8 and 16 oz. later, I'm sitting pretty full, sourdough bread nugget (the end piece... extra crusty crust... yesssss) and soupy ricey chickeny goodness melding together in my digestive bits. Sated. Soupbox, you did it again.
(4)Kyle O.
It's a rare occasion that I just have soup for a meal and feel full, but this place is amazing! The lobster bisque is quite good as is the mozzarella grilled cheese is great too!
(5)Don W.
It's like Panera without the bread, pastries, or sandwiches. Okay, so I get it - the concept is soup & only soup. That's cool. Even though one of my usual criteria for a great eatery is a menu that is both distinct and diverse, I won't dock em because of the originality (and frankly the daring) of the soup only concept. What surprises me though is that their soup is so mediocre. I've now sampled and/or purchased 5 flavors from Soupbox, and only one has been flavorful enough to merit my return. To be fair, I am a bit of a tough critic, and both their management and employees are both polite and professional. Nonetheless, I cannot honestly rate the dining experience well without some really good food. Likes: I did (to my surprise) enjoy the creamy asparagus soup, which was thick, creamy, and flavorful. The vegetarian chili was interesting and pretty spicy, though not greatly to my taste (I'm not used to red bell peppers in chili, so it reminded me more of an enchilada soup). I am impressed by their cookies, which are also pretty tasty. I like that they deliver, though apparently not during the summer. Dislikes: The soups generally lack great flavor, though they are okay in general. The chicken dumpling soup is more like gnocchi in a flavorless cream sauce without any detectable amount of meat and no veges at all, which was quite a disappointment to this southern-born foodie. I actually had to spit out the lobster bisque that I sampled, though you shouldn't read too much into that since I don't generally care for seafood. The bread bowl was okay but a little tough on the inside - not as good as a Panera bread bowl. They also make their own sort of Italian ice, which I did not care for (sampled 2 flavors, cherry & cantaloupe). Just as a general note, I find it kind of hard to justify a $5 bowl of soup, though with the bread thrown in it's not a bad deal. I was just surprised to see a total of $17 for a few small items. All in all, I can see how some people would love this place, but it's just not my cup of soup.
(2)Edwina B.
This mainstay is right down the street from me and in the past when I'm jonesing for a good lobster bisque would not hesitate to grab a bowl here to go. My husband is a big fan of the chicken wild rice and I'm also a big fan of the chili. My big rub? The constant increase in prices....for their smallest size, expect to spend $8. I have no issues with the quality of their product (though on occasion we have had a watered down batch or two - staff was gracious to give us a refund) but I know I can go to a restaurant and get soup and tip for much cheaper!
(3)Jilly Pop S.
Despite the fact that it is summer, I had a craving for great soup. Bought the Groupon because this place came highly recommended. Went there after hours and it wasn't too busy. Everything was great except for the way you order and pay. I felt like I was in the way of the waiting patrons. The tables could be a bit bigger and less wobbly (not good for eating hot soup). I had the soup and sandwich combo which is a great deal! The bread bowl was awesome with Lobster Bisque. What I enjoyed the most is the freshness of the bread. I highly recommend the Soupbox and watch out for the wobbly tables.
(4)Jeremiah R.
Yeah! Soupbox is awesome. Especially in the winter. Broc-ched (in the parlance of soup connoisseurs) is great. Lob-bisque is also great. Get a grilled cheese while your at it, but bring an oral anesthetic/analgesic with you because the bread might scratch up the roof of your mouth. Still worth it though.
(4)Jeffrey P.
Well, I'll be honest. I have been here maybe 40 times over the past few winters and ordered the same thing each time. I haven't even tasted another soup even though the employees there seem to be very happy about getting people to try free samples of anything you would like. Despite my lack of variety and excitement, the lobster bisque which I order again and again is just superb. As Seinfeld says, 'the soup is the meal' and that couldn't be more true at this place. Portions are large and the fresh baked bread is perfect. All for under $8. This place almost makes me wish winter would stick around for a few more months......FALSE.
(4)Rebecca T.
Ah Soupbox, I love thee. Every time I'm back in town I make a stop there. A good standby is always Creamy Chicken w/Wild Rice mixed w/Chicken noodle. SO good! Next time, though, I should avoid eating the huge chunk of whole grain bread that came with it - carb overload! Tonight I also tried a yummy Sweet Potato and Chipotle Chili bisque and the Clam Chowder. I'll most definitely be back!!!
(5)Ali W.
Yum! I got the Chicken and dumpling in a bread bowl and it was delish! However, I don't really think it was worth the $10 bucks. I do like the fact that they are fresh and there are new soups everyday. You can choose between a sour dough or whole grain (i think) bowl. On the website there is also nutritional facts if you're into that stuff. I think I would come back to try different soups- the guys working there highly recommended the tomato bisque, but i'm not really into tomato soup. When I do come back, I'd probably skip the bread bowl even though it was great and filling-- and go with a cup or something. I also thought it was really cool that they let you mix soups and also have a mixed soup of the day...definitely will need to try that too.
(3)Brian L.
I started writing about my first experience at Soupbox after feeling like crap for a few days and needing some homemade, soupy goodness in my tummy. The rosemary chicken with dumplings didn't completely cure me but it sure did taste good and made me feel a little better. I rated this experience at 5 stars but realized I needed another round at the SB before making the final call. Days later, I was feeling better and in need of something creamy... Lobster Bisque? What is this now, a fancy shmancy steakhouse? Thanks, Soupbox, for allowing us mere commoners to enjoy a delicious bowl of heaven that I'd usually only get to experience at a David Burke's or Capital Grille. Perfectly spicy and creamy though I do wish there was more lobster, but then again, isn't this usually the case with lobster bisque? (Well unless you're at Capital Grille where they give you more lobster than soup, which is never a bad problem to have) Ps. The breadbowl (sourdough or whole wheat) is an excellent addition but for the already semi-hefty price for a bowl of soup, I convince myself I don't need the extra carbs and stick to the bowl of soup which comes with a roll on the side anyway.
(4)Rocky H.
I love you Soupbox. I hate winter with a sick passion and you make it better for me. I love how you can try a couple soups before making your final decision. From the Lobster Bisque to a simple Chicken Noodle, they're all good. Great friendly staff here, I always leave in a great mood!
(5)Sara F.
Great Cheddar broc soup--- seriously one of my absolute favorite meals in the city of Chicago. I have been here too many times to count. I always sample the soups, but usually end up ordering my old standby (Ched broc) . The bread is 9 times out of 10 very doughy and fresh and the soup is always piping hot and delish. Consistent taste, consistent good service, and great for cold days or sick days. Low key and good value!
(5)Lauren K.
Look I'm picky, ok not picky but perhpas particular. I was just not impressed by soupbox. I like that samples were offered. I tasted: Tomato Florentine: This was what the guy working said was his favorite. I probably shouldn't have tasted as I am not a tomato fan but I once upon a time loved a tomato bisque (Strawberry Street Cafe in Richmond VA). Not impressed at all! Cream of Asparagus: Ignored that it was green and not impressed. Realized it was green and just felt icky Clam Chowder: There was a really strange aftertaste. I love Clam Chowder, this made me sad. Potato Bacon: It was ok.. I was able to eat half a cup. Overall I was really disappointed. I was just getting over a strange illness and was looking forward to soup and it made me just want to go make my own or go beg the chef at Globe Pub to make the potato soup I have dreams about. I am glad someone else paid because I do not think I could have justified spending my money here.
(3)Michelle G.
What can I say about this place, other than its great! I literally make the drive out from the O'Hare area just to get their yummy soups. I love the setup with all of the soups keeping warm in big kettle-style pots towards the back. Also love how they give you sample tastes, (just remember to blow on them, cause they are HOT!) and how they allow you mix the soups up creating a unique flavor thats all your own. A bit pricey, but in my opinion totally worth it. Also, the parking is a bit of a problem, but once you've found a spot you are all set! I have suggested and recommended this place to all of my friends. Can't wait to battle it out for this yummy soup during the bitter cold chicago winter months.
(5)Erin K.
Soupbox is the best news I've heard in a looongg time! How wonderful! 12 soups fresh daily?! I think I'm gonna cry!! One Monday early evening I happened to be leisurely meandering through my neighborhood. On my way to get some ice cream, in fact. And what do my wondering eyes spy? A place dedicated solely to soup! Heavens to Murgatroy! So I've tried the NE Clam Chowder, Lobster bisque, and Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar. Yum-o-la! Lobster bisque was my fave but there is truth to what Ryan K says about the thinness. I could go on for days. This place really did make my day! Oh - say what? They deliver? Geez oh man, there is a god!
(5)Frank Q.
Home made soup! Delicious daily and rotating soups so call ahead or check their website to see what's available for the day. During the summer they have Icyfruit, I still need to try it out. Wish they would open one near me, parking in the neighborhood is hard to come by but the soups worth it.
(4)Tung L.
Soup wasn't too bad. Maybe I got the bottom of the barrel but it wasn't as chunky as I was hoping. Besides that grilled cheese was great and staff was friendly. I got to try other soups but the clam chowder was decent, nothing to write home about. However its great to just find a soup joint in general.
(4)Lulu J.
I have been here a number of times this Winter. My mom actually knows the guy who started the Soupbox and that's how I found out about it! Everything about this place is superb. I love the name, the pots each soup are in, and the fact that you can mix soups! If you're not sure what to mix there's always a "suggestion" on the chalkboard of what soups are good together. If you like to try new soups this place is the place to go. I try to get something different every time but it never happens! I can never shy away from the Broc Cheddar & Cream of Asparagus. They all look so amazing, soon I will get a different soup. The only thing I'd have to say about the broc cheddar soup, is that it could be thicker. It still tastes amazing though so obviously it's not too much of a problem! Definitely go try it out on a cold day! Staff is very friendly too... =)
(5)Devon S.
Update: 09/12/2011 One must stick to facts I guess. I have a dedicated e-mail address for my Yelp account. I used a pseudonym. I initially contacted this establishment using my real name via their direct website to alert them of the situation below. This is the first and only time I've done so using my dedicated Yelp e-mail address. I am now receiving a barrage of e-mails from the owner which I delete. Okay, I can deal with that. Now someone, using variants of my real name, is subscribing me for subscriptions to such sites as Narth and the Genesis Project to name a few of the over half dozen subscription confirmations I've recieved from various websites of that ilk. I am putting two and two together - but, please, draw your own conclusions. The owner just doesn't get it. He responded to my original review stating that his staff acted appropriately and that he had "complete" trust in his manager. In comments to him, I mentioned that there were three staff members on duty and exactly two customers in the shop. His response? He creates an excuse about why he had three employees on duty that particular afternoon (something about a Groupon event having just passed) missing my point entirely. Several times this summer I've gone into the Lakeview location only to find there wasn't sufficient soup for my order or, worse, it had been clearly adulterated by water. This never used to happen - period. This establishment is called the Soupbox, am I correct? Soup is their bread and butter, correct? The staff was lackadaisical at best and has been for several months. The owner used to have better kids behind the counter - I never dreamt I would have to write this sort of review for the Soupbox and I've been coming here since I think 1996. There's something suspicious about these other positive reviews. Moreover, an owner who is supsects some sort of ulterior motive for a bad review must highly suspect himself. The owner refuses to listen to criticism until my Yelp review is posted - and then hell hath no fury. Simple facts. I've gone into the store several times for an order. One time the employee himself was horrified at the watery consistency of the soup. The other times the employee seemed to be aware that the several of the soups were inedible, but seemed to be driven by economics to sell it anyway, or more damagingly, too lazy to cook some more. I can put up with stale bread (several times) and a dirth of crackers (once), but bad soup at Soupbox? You've just lost a customer. There is absolutely no excuse for an inferior product being on floor - plain and simple. And if the owner can't see that, he needs to sell the business or take a vacation until he can return with a clear mind.
(1)dave h.
Even though I really like this place, I have to start my review with a complaint because it's been so persistent: Everytime I go to Soupbox, they're sold out of something I want....and I'm not talking about walking in 10 minutes before they close. Last night, I tried ordering some corn chowder a little bit before 6 pm, and it was already gone. The time before that, they were out of grilled cheese. The time before that, they were out of bread bowls. This place has been in business long enough that it should be better able to manage its supply. That said, obviously I keep going back because I really like the soup. I really don't have any complaints (aside from the above...but that criticism is sort of a back-handed compliment). On a cold winter night, this stuff really hits the spot...plus SB delivers.
(3)Kate P.
Remember that Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi, who would scream, "No Soup For You!" Well I'm happy to announce that Soupbox is NOT like that at all. When I walked in I was promptly welcomed by the very nice people working behind the counter. I love that you can sample any of the 12 different and delicious home made soups before you buy. I sampled their lobster bisque and their vegan specialty, and decided on a regular size 12 oz bowl of lobster bisque. It was scrumptious and fresh and came with a side of bread, your choice either Italian or Multi-grain. I chose Italian and it was delicious. All in all, if you're looking to warm up on these not so spring like nights, I recommend that you stop at Soupbox if you're in the area. It's a light but hearty meal that's good for your gullet, as well as, your wallet.
(4)Neil R.
Very delicious soup from a cozy shop in Lincoln Park. They let you try all the soups and you can even mix them! I had the tomato and basil bisque in a bread bowl and it was fantastic. A friend mixed the lobster bisque and clam chowder and I'll admit, I was jealous. I've personally never thought of mixing soups, but next time I go back (and there will be a next time) I will give it a shot. You can also buy cans of soda and bottled water, but they don't have fountain drinks. I can't say how crowded it gets since we went about 2pm, but at that time there were only 2 other people in the place. Looking forward to getting back and concocting a masterpiece!
(4)Mike C.
Ugh....what a disappointment. Are you serious that a large tomato tortellini soup is $7.50? Not to mention that when I got home, it was barely 3/4 full. Then, on top of that, it had no flavor whatsoever and the torelllini was so over cooked that it was falling apart. Don't even get me started on how awful the grilled cheese was too. This place is not worth your time or money.
(1)Jennifer T.
Their chicken noodles soup was ok. I liked the noodles but it felt like a glorified version of Campbell's. You know the one. Their sourdough bread was really yummy though. I'd go back just for that. I think I need to try another soup before I write it off or not.
(3)tr y.
Its getting to be the perfect time for this little neighborhood Gem. I Had two soups last night one was the creamy chicken it was amazing and the chow der, then I even bought an extra soup for the bum outside, I treated him to the rosmary chicken. He was passed out so i put it by his feet, i ate mine later and really loved it. In fact, Im ordering from there now because THEY DElivER!!.
(4)Carolynne M.
Someone here compared the soup quality to Campbell's. I don't know if I would go quite that far, but I do agree that for the price being charged, this soup needs me to go "WOW" and start plotting the next time I can come here. Aaaaannd, it really didn't. I had the Spicy Mayan Chicken Enchilada. A nice soup, but not spicy & nothing really special or "enchilada" about it. The bread given was "sopping" bread, which is just a fluffy bread that on its own has little flavour, and whose sole purpose is to sop up the remnants of liquid at the bottom of the bowl. Basically, here's my take on this joint: It's great if you cant cook to save your life, if you are lazy with a fat wallet, or if you are short on time and starving.
(3)Phil K.
I thought $17 for two servings of soup was somewhat pricey. While it was tastey, it would be nice if they gave you actual soup spoons and perhaps real bowls when you eat there as opposed the paper cups they serve it in. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(2)Kimberly C.
Amazing. Have never been disappointed. The chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort food for winter days in Chicago. The fresh fruit italian ice hits the spot during the summer. Each time I go to visit my boyfriend in Cleveland he requests that I bring a few containers of the chicken and wild rice soup with me! Not sure what he looks forward to the most...me or the soup!
(5)Ryan K.
I was surprised to learn that their most popular soup is chicken and wild rice... until I tried it. Very good. I haven't had a bad soup there yet. Their lobster bisque, though thin on the seafood chunk (i'm not sure if there is any) is still very good. They all come with a piece of bread. Good stuff from top to bottom.
(4)April P.
They have a pretty great variety of soups, which rotate on their menu. However, they are on the pricey side, as chicken noodle soup does not account for an $8 meal. Love their lobster bisque, creamy, rich in flavor with great bits of lobster included. They do allow for you to sample the soups, prior to purchase.
(4)Isla E.
I'm not sure what to think of this place given the rumor that the soups are actually Campbells Restaurant Quality that are just thawed, heated, and served. On the one hand, its nice to have a quick soup stop. On the other its not cool to charge $4.95 for 12 oz. of what is essentially watered down butternut puree from a bag, and claim that it is "fresh". Its not so much the price that bothers me, it's the irresponsible marketing. However, I don't know for certain where their soup comes from, so for now I remain neutral. If, in fact, the soup comes from a bag, than all the ingredients listed on the bag should also be listed on the giant soup pots. No fair glossing over such as printing "Butternut squash, shallots, sage, vegetable broth", when in fact there are 15 other ingredients in there, most of which are chemicals with no nutritional value. The service was great, no problems there. But I want to know the truth about the soup. I don't trust the labels on the soup pots. Maybe I will go back and ask like a crazy lady, if so, I will update the yelp community.
(3)Mobs N.
This place is good! The best soup is the lobster bisque!
(4)Hayley M.
Oh, soup. How I love you. You warm me up when I'm cold, cheer me up when I'm sad, and make me feel better when I'm sick. I even crave you in the summertime. The Soupbox is perfect for such cravings. I'm a huge fan of broccoli soup, and the Soupbox makes a great one. Yes, as everyone else has written, their prices are a tad high. However, the soup is heavy enough to be a meal, and it comes with bread. For me, a $6 meal is pretty awesome. And let's be honest: Cheesy Beer Soup? Aren't you intrigued? At least a little bit?
(3)Mindy C.
Lobster bisque. Yum! I was surprised to see how "not bad for you" it was. I was expecting something much worse when I looked at the calorie count. My fiance swears by the Potato and Bacon soup. He gets very excited when I bring it home. We also enjoy the Beer Cheese soup... but that one is a rare find and sells out quickly. And of course... the Icebox is the bomb. Totally delicious on a hot summer day - Raspberry and Lemon combo can't be beat! The staff is very friendly and greets you like they see you everyday. They're a Lakeview staple.
(4)Ern E.
I love having lunch or an early dinner at this place. For around $8 bucks I can get a small soup (which is enough for me), some bread and a drink. Soupbox pretty much has the greatest creamy chicken & wild rice soup on the planet. Everything about it is amazing. Well, I kind of wish there was more chicken...and better quality chicken (it's kind of sketchy--so much like the canned soup chicken) in the soup. Everything else is perfection. I may grab lunch here tomorrow :)
(4)Colleen B.
The staff at Soupbox/Icebox knows me as the kind, yet crabby, woman who goes in frequently during the spring and scowls because they aren't yet carrying their Italian Ice. Isn't their name Soupbox/Icebox? Wait for Memorial Day to roll around, and then stop in and get their blueberry Italian ice. It has real blueberries in it. All of the other fruit flavors have real pieces of fruit in them, too.
(4)H G.
UPDATE (2/6/12): I was contacted by the store manager, who offered apologies and amends. I appreciate the effort. I'll update the review when I visit again. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â-------------- Soupbox is a bit pricey and slightly slow with service, but fairly filling and tasty. I had lunch at this location with a friend in early fall 2011. The cashier/server allowed me to taste any of the soups. I ended up tasting almost all of them. I appreciated that aspect. My ultimate decision was based on what I couldn't easily re-create at home. I chose the LOBSTER BISQUE ($6.50). It came with a hearty chunk of bread. Also, I ordered a large ICY-FRUIT because I like all things icy. I think it was a mix of mango and coconut. I was actually more impressed with the variety of icy flavors than the variety of soup. I found the lobster bisque to be too salty though. It wasn't helped by the huge salt pellet that I found in the sourdough bread. Even so, I enjoyed the meal, particularly helped by the delicious icy-fruit.
(3)Tina B.
The lobster bisque and the creamy chicken wild rice soups here are perfect. The idea of a bug falling from the ceiling onto my food is kind of disturbing though. Mainly because I don't want to share. As long as there's NO biting...http://www.yelp.com/biz/japonais-Ârestaurant-chicago#hrid:k3m0kh9_OiTWgSWleZzZeg The staff here will give you samples and will mix up multiple flavors for you into one bowl, which is amazing, so you can make up your own flavor - lobster bisque creamy chicken rice, perhaps? It all costs a little more than it should, but I think that's a dictate on this stretch of street. I just wish they didn't switch to the Icebox in the summer. I can get frozen icy shit all over the city. What I need is some more soup. I wish they were located in my kitchen. Who am I kidding, I really wish they were located in my bedroom - sooo cooold....
(4)Kathy K.
I went to the Soupbox to redeem an expired Groupon for the value that I paid for it as outlined in the Groupon policy. The establishment said that they would only honor it for half the value that I paid for it even though I repeatedly showed them that it was supposed to be honored for the full amount. When they refused to relent, I left. I can't comment on the quality of their food since I never got to taste it, but I can comment on the quality of their customer service - lousy. I'm grateful that Groupon does not share their poor customer service and is going to refund my money.
(1)Kate S.
The Soup Box is one of those places that can get 5 stars or 3 stars, depending on what you order. I, for one, am not a huge fan of thick, puddingy soups, which The Soup Box seems to have a lot of (particularly the broccoli cheddar; your spoon literally stands up in the bowl if you leave it). However, the lobster bisque is quite excellent. They also win me over by giving extra bread for free when requested and for delivering. I also really have to give them credit for having good vegetarian soups. Often soups like cream of potato or broccoli cheddar are made with chicken stock, but The Soup Box makes a point of having multiple vegetarian soups, and at least one vegan soup, daily. And I appreciate how clear they make that, so I don't have to spend a lot of time asking and worrying that I'm getting incorrect information.
(4)Melissa M.
Whenever my mom comes to town, we have to go to 'the soup place'. When anyone comes to visit, she tells me to take them to 'the soup place'. She's from a small town so they don't have anything like it where she is from, but I must agree I enjoy going there. Today I stopped in due to lack of groceries at home and again, they didn't disappoint. I am always impressed by the friendliness of the staff. I've never been in there (busy or slow) when they haven't taken the time to ask how my day is going. Sometimes I am taken aback because no one seems to take the time to be so sincere. As far as the soup goes, as others have said, the chicken and wild rice never disappoints and I love that they put a special mix soup on the board that you can try for an interesting unique blend. Wanna try a soup? No problem. Don't like that one? Try another. Want extra bread? Why not. Going to the Soupbox is a great experience, from the staff, to the misc. bottled beverages. Can't miss with this one! I plan to try the italian ice this summer!
(5)Lindsey B.
I heart SoupBox. The best part is you can mix and match your soups. I always get the Lobster Bisque mixed with Clam Chowder. OH yeah. They get your order right 99% of the time, it's cheap, and it's awesome. AND they ride around on bicycles and still get it to you quickly! I applaud those guys. I suggest trying out this comforting winter soup oasis.
(4)trina b.
I would say probably really 4 and a half stars. My husband is addicted to Crisp across the street from the Soupbox and being a vegetarian, there aren't many options for me there. So I have decided that I will just try all the surrounding restaurants while he munches on his chicken! I'm a bit embarrassed to say I haven't had The Soupbox until last night. And I'm glad I finally tried it! They have a couple of really nice vegetarian selections which is always a thrill for me when eating out. It was super cold and super snowy last night and we are in the process of moving, so takeout was a must. And my hubby was nice enough to go in and order my soup for me. So I can't comment on how it looked inside or service. However, I can comment on flavor!! YUM. I could leave it at that, but then it wouldn't really be one of my reviews! :0) I ordered two soups, don't judge me it was cold and snowy! They were both fantastic! I had the Potato Leek soup and the 7 Bean Melange. The 7 bean had lots of smoky flavor to it and did taste like beans but had very little beans floating around in it. I doubt there were even 4 kinds of beans in there. But there were lots of veggies in the soup. It was very yummy but I loved the Potato Leek Soup a bit more. It was creamy and full of yummy veggies and it was full of taste. I love the taste of taste! But again, didn't really taste a lot of leek flavor and didn't see much in it either. However, my grandmother and mother and now me, have an awesome recipe for potato leek soup, so most other recipes don't stand up to it. But I loved this soup for what it was, which I'm not totally sure what it was. But it was VERY tasty. And I will soon be ordering it again if I have my way! Oh and the soups come with a giant chunk of tasty bread! And crackers if that's your soupy thing! The reason for holding back one star is what I've basically already said. The names of the soup don't totally match up with what the soup is. But that's a small complaint because the soups are still fantastic and tasty. I just wish they were more aptly named. But it won't stop me from trying more soups from the Soupbox! Delish!
(4)Alex D.
My first experience at Soupbox was in the summer when they were serving their homemade Italian Ice (with chunks of fruit in the mix!). It was really delicious and they give samples! I was devastated when they shut down their Italian Ice operation in the fall, but I had to face the facts: it was getting cold. Now that I've fully recovered, I have reached an appreciate for Soupbox's headliner, the soup. Their Chicken and Wild Rice is delicious, as is their Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. You get a nice chunk of sour dough bread or whole grain bread with your soup unless you decide to get a breadbowl. A friend of mine blew my mind when he recommended I combine multiple soups together (a cream based and a non-cream based soup). I couldn't go for it myself, but I did get a taste of his delicious Chicken and Wild Rice/Lobster Bisque combo. I highly recommend giving this a shot. And ask for recommendations! The staff know what's going on. Service here is fast and simple. Not much can go wrong. I'll be back many times.
(4)Leang E.
This is such a great spot for comfort food. There are those times where you just don't feel well and all you can seem to stomach is liquid food and warmth. They have plenty of options here, and the soup is piping hot! I like the fact that you can sample the soups as well so you can be sure you get what you want. I wasn't super impressed with the soups that I have gotten here, both were different. I think I had smaller selection by the time I got there. The prices are decent and the staff was alright. Great spot for bonus points if you have a significant other that is sick and needs food.
(3)Rob A.
Great little place! Went here for lunch on a rainy day and it hit the spot. Had my soup in a bread bowl and it more than filled me up. My only gripe is that, on the day I was there, they only had one non-cream/dairy based soup available. Not good for someone with lactose issues. Luckily, there was one serving left of the tomato based one so I had that. But if that last serving wasn't available, they would have lost a customer that day. Also, it would have been nice to have at least one more soup to choose from that wasn't cream based. I was kinda surprised they didn't have at least one more option--not only for people with lactose issues but also for the large number of vegans out there. I'm sure they're losing customers because of this. I just don't get why they don't see this. But the soup was really good. I'll just have to remember to check ahead before I go next time. I advise all vegans out there to do the same. ************************ Update 8/12/10-I received a very courteous and professional email from the manager apologizing about the lack of vegan friendly soups available with a promise that it will be rectified. The fact that he took the time to do this is testament to the level of customer service at this restaurant.
(5)Christina R.
I had the chicken and wild rice soup (I always have the chicken and wild rice) and today i chose to add chicken dumpling to the mix. So good! So warm and cozy and yummy in my tummy! They make 12 homemade soups daily. You can sample any before buying and you mix them together if you want. It's my favorite thing about winter.
(5)Heather R.
For as much soup as Chicagoans consume in the winter months, I gotta say, the Soupbox disappoints me. Yes, they have excellent choices and tasty soups, I'll give 'em that...but as far as customer service, delivery time (my soup showing up cold an hour and 15 minutes after I order it), and the price you charge...you're overrated. I can get the same thing from the likes of Jason's Deli or McAlister's for half the price. Very, very, very, disappointed.
(1)Laura L.
I LOVE the chicken and wild rice soup. On a cold rainy day, there is nothing better than grabbing a bowl of this with some of their delicious bread. The always have a good range of soups and it's always piping hot and so yummy!
(4)Adam L.
It's soup. It's bread. It's delicious. I highly recommend the chicken and rice, lobster bisque, and clam chowder. Also, ask for extra bread. Don't cost nothin'.
(4)ALFREDO L.
AWESOME if you like soup! About ten different kinds almost every day, my wife and I love to stop everytime we are in that area
(5)Ashley B.
I've only been here once so I want to come back and try it again, especially since I'm so close to it. The soup I had was pretty good but the salads were kind of blah. It just felt like a weird place overall. I do like that they let you taste test it before you buy, which, think about it, not a lot of restaurants do that, period. All in all, it's nice if you're nearby and in need of something quick and warm. However, I think I could make a better soup and spend a lot less moola doing so!
(3)Jared D.
Just went here armed with a $5 for $10 groupon. Probably wasn't the best idea to go get soup when it's 93 degrees out, but was overall pretty good. Had the chicken noodle and grilled cheese. The soup had good flavor, but too much broth and not enough chicken/noodles/veggies etc. The sandwich was good. This place is probably much better in the winter, so hopefully there's another $5 groupon because soupbox is not cheap.
(3)Kiki M.
I have been to both the Broadway and Chicago locations many times. The soup has a very good favor to it, but it's not hardy enough. I've had many of your soups, and I'd say that 95% of them are do not have enough veggies or filler to them. In addition, I went to get soup today, and I'm sorry to say that it is going to be the last time. It is OUTRAGOUS to charge $5.50 for a VERY SMALL soup that is practically all liquid.
(1)Lisa T.
What a great place, especially for Chicago weather. Always a good selection, with meat, seafood or vegetarian friendly soups, and always um, um good!
(3)Gladys C.
12 different soups every day!!! The split pea, lobster bisque, chicken with wild rice and corn chowder are really good. It's really hard to choose, but they let you sample as many as you want! You also get free bread chunks and those are really yummy compared to their bread bowls. I don't like their bread bowls - the bread is not soft enough (I prefer Au Bon Pain's) and doesn't make it want to eat it. Friendly service!
(4)Aubrey K.
Great concept...The Soupbox is open in the cold season and it offers Italian Ice as the Ice Box in the warmer months. I love coming here and picking up a rich soup. The staff is always patient as I end up sampling at least 4 varieties and am so indecisive since they are all equally tasty. Some of my favorites are good old Chicken Noodle and the Chicken with Wild Rice.
(4)Sydney K.
As a self-prescribed soup fanatic, I'm always on the lookout for good homemade soup. Soupbox not only has 1, but 12 daily homemade soups that comfort you on a blustery Chicago day. But your soup selection is only limited by your imagination - they encourage mixing soups to create whole new creations. One of my favorites is the lobster bisque and corn chowder mixed together. The italian bread that comes with the soup is delicious and don't be shy about asking for extra. Want to know what kinds of soups they're offering today? Visit their website thesoupbox.com to see their soups du jour.
(5)Chelsea P.
If you want an "OK" soup for $10, come here. First time I had SoupBox was about a year ago, ordered the Lobster Bisque which was very delicious but over priced. Just had SoupBox again about 5 mins ago - my soup, "Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar" was as runny as water, not thick or cheesy at all. In fact I had to add my own shredded cheese and when my boyfriend dumped my remaining soup into his cup, I wasn't looking and I thought he poured water into his cup. No exaggeration. If you hate Panera Broccoli Cheddar soup A) you're not human and B) you'll love SoupBox.
(2)Pamela B B.
Great soups of many varieties. Very friendly and helpful staff. The soups are delicious, especially on any cold, snowy or rainy day. The lobster bisque is "killer", which I mean in a good way. The prices are fair for a great hearty bowl of soup. They also have a delicious vegetarian chili. Around $6.95 for a good hot cup of soup. Prices vary depending on the size. You can always ask for a sample to taste. Enjoy!
(5)Dayana R.
Awesome place for soup, your allowed to have tasting samples before making your choice. I recommend in a bread bowl
(4)Michelle S.
Two words. Icy Fruit. Sure they have soup. And it's delicious. And fresh made. But the Icy Fruit. The icy fruit made it onto my summer bucket list. All the way from Denver. I dragged (yes. dragged) my husband in one VERY hot afternoon in June and we ordered a large lemon and cherry icy fruit to share. I'm happy to say that I converted him to an icy fruit enthusiast. I can't wait to go back and visit this fall and get my hands on some soup!
(5)Matt D.
Great place for a quick lunch. It's always delicious. I recommend mixing the chicken and wild rice and lobster bisque. The result it a real treat!!
(4)Shantel T.
Sunday morning and you're feeling a little beat up from the night before. This is the first thing we always get to--by feet or on all fours, we make it there. The lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice soup are the ones we always get. So good. So good I love burning my tongue on it because who can wait for their soup to cool down? Not I. It cures everything--hangovers, heartaches, headaches, stupidity, death, you name it. Happy eating!
(4)Sarah O.
I have found 'THE' soup...the one soup that I want to eat for the rest of my life. Soupbox's Lobster Bisque is the most exquisite soup I have ever put in my mouth. Particularly fitting was the fact that this was my last meal while visiting Chicago and I was quite sad (near devastated actually) to be leaving... there's nothing like some amazing soup to soothe the soul. The service was super great, as I wanted to look at each soup before I chose and the guy obliged my little quirk. He also threw in tons of extra bread and was super gracious. I tried some of my friend's potato soup and was equally impressed by that flavour, but seriously...Lobster Bisque. Sigh.
(5)Emily C.
All I've got to say is that if you specialize in soup and even win awards and get recognition for your soup, it had better be some pretty good soup. This soup was just okay. I think I got some kind of cheddar broccoli soup. It tasted like it came from a can. Which is actually fine because canned cheddar broccoli is A-OK. It might just be that cream-of soups can only get so good, and it peaks at the canned level. If so, this place is the pinnacle of good soup! Let me remind you that two stars means, "Meh. I've experienced better." And I have. Not even necessarily from a restaurant. The sourdough bread was really good though.
(2)Jessica B.
I've been to Soupbox three times now. All three were $10-for-$5 Groupons. I've never been disappointed. I've had creamy soups all three times: cheddar and broccoli the first time, then the potato and bacon, and finally the creamy asparagus. All three times I had it served in a sourdough breadbowl. That thing is almost as big as my head and could easily serve two (and I'm a huge glutton for eating the whole thing alone). The sourdough is respectably sour, but I don't think you get as much soup as you would in the large cup. The prices are why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. The breadbowl soups are ~$7.50 on average, which is a little high for soup. Today's breadbowl plus a bottled root beer was $11 and change. If I could use the $5 Groupons every time, this would be an easy 5 stars. I'll still go there without the Groupons (especially since I'm moving a few blocks from the State location), but not as often as I would with. The Broadway location also serves really tasty Italian ices during the summer. They are also a little pricey.
(4)William B.
It's January, so New Year's guilt is still in effect and I managed to force myself in here rather than going to Crisp across the street. And doesn't Chicago winter need a place that serves only soup? My chicken dumpling soup was tasty, with a complex and flavorful broth. My small bowl was a little scant on both chicken and dumplings, but that could have been the luck of the ladle. It's worth putting in the rotation. I've heard they do ice cream in summer.
(3)Sarah Y.
For some fast and convenient soup, Soupbox has you covered. But when you're in the mood for some decadent, gourmet ingredients soup or bisque, I'd say Soupbox falls a little short. I liked my lobster bisque but it definitely couldn't done with even a tiney portion of lobster to give the soup some dimension and texture. The folks who work here are very friendly and patient, you can try as many options as you want before you commit, mix different kinds of soups, and receive a heel of bread to go with your soup. My bacon grilled cheese was alright, but missing that buttery, chewy but crunchy shell that I love.
(3)Alana S.
I love soup. The lobster bisque is good but be sure to get them to scoop from the bottom (otherwise no chunks!). Soupbox is a good standby for a chilly day, but take it to go because it's so quiet in there that eating in is usually awkward.
(3)Emily C.
Take my review with a grain of salt if you must, but honesty is the best policy. I am not a soup person. But when I get sick, I need something hot and easy to swallow (that's what she said). So then, soup is the solution. I was really excited about this place and had heard great things about the lobster bisque. So I came in and ordered a massive ammount of the stuff and went home all excited. And? Eh. I thought lobster bisque would have...well...lobster in it? I tasted the vague flavor of lobster, but there was not one little smidge meat in it! A truly awesome seafood bisque shouldn't make you wonder if there's a such thing as dehydrated lobster.
(2)Heidi R.
Four soup, Soup Box nails it! This soup is unreal. The guys working behind the counter were so friendly and offered my boyfriend and I samples of anything we wanted to try. I sampled one and ended up going with the Tomato Florentine which was UNREAL! My boyfriend had the beer cheese and bacon soup. Both of us had hunks of sour dough bread to dip in the soup and loads of saltine crackers. Soup Box is pricey for soup, so its def a treat when I do go there. I absolutely love Soup box!
(4)Sarah L.
The chicken and wild rice soup is by far the best soup I've ever had! The sourdough bread is also good and the staff is great.
(5)James S.
The chicken and rice soup was pretty good and the multigrain bread was really good. Had a bacon grilled cheese which was decent. Would go back.
(4)Nats A.
Well it was 84 degrees out and I still made my way over to soupbox to use my groupons. It only took me a half hour coming from Niles (Fullerton is a bitch no matter what time of day). But I was still able to find a parking spot right in front. Soupbox is very small. Like tiny, meaning it must be cray cray during the cold months. Seating is limited, probably 6 or 7 tables max. Bought the lobster bisque and broccoli and white cheddar. The lobster bisque is good BUT there are no chucks of lobster, and a little salty. Broccoli and cheddar is yummy. Better than paneras! I seriously got an awesome deal with both of my groupons. I walked out of Soupbox with 2 large soups, 1 bottle of water, 1 cookie, and 1 bag of chips. You can't beat that. I will be back Soupbox, count me in as a frequent customer.
(4)Daphne Z.
As a vegetarian, I absolutely love when places have more then one 'meat-free' option. Out of the twelve soups they serve daily both times I've been to Soupbox they had 4 or 5 options for me. I have only tried the potato and leek and cheesy broccoli but both were delicious. With your soup you are offered a piece of whole grain or sour dough bread, the sour dough is delishhh. Sorry Panera, you've been out souped.
(5)Tom C.
This place gets 5 stars for awesome soup, but only 1 star because they are so incredibly overpriced. That works out to the three stars I gave them. What does soup cost? 10 cents a bowl? Two dollars maybe if you include business costs and high quality. And you charge me 8 dollars? Seems crazy. But the quality of the soup is definitely good, I just can't stand going there more than once every few months. If they have a Groupon, it is definitely a good deal. I'm no hippie, but little kids in India can eat for weeks while you eat one bowl of soup from this place. I just can't justify it. If you are really hungry for good soup, its the place to go, but making a habit of it will be a bad financial decision in the long run. Also, they are always very, very busy so make sure you go there with 30 minutes to spare so you can stand in line.
(3)Lauren L.
Love this place! When you are stuck in the Windy City and the air is just cool enough for a good cup of soup, SoupBox is the place to pop your head in! They have 20 different soups everyday to choose from and you can taste as many as you want before deciding what to eat! My favorite, as of late, is the chicken & wild rice soup! I appreciate a good, creamy, hot soup on a chilly day! Another great addition to the soups is the grilled cheese sandwich you can add on for only $2.00 or so! They also have great salads that you can create yourself if you are feeling like having something on the lighter side!
(4)Caroline M.
Beer cheese soup!? Yum! One 12oz portion of this velvety, creamy, cheesy soup fulfilled my soup cravings. I particularly like how you are offered bread to accompany your personal soup fest. My wedge of sourdough had a nice crust and made a lovely accompaniment to the soup. I like crackers and Soupbox had 'em! Cheesy Beer Soup (carbs) + bread (carbs) + a sprinkling of crackers (carbs) = my perfect (carb heavy) meal. Loved it.
(4)Vaidehi T.
Yum soup that warms up your soul on a cold winter day! This place is just what the doctor prescribed :) They only do soups and they do it right. They have pots of soup displayed in the front that are available that day. You can try samples of them before you decide on what to order. They also have a good number of vegetarian options which is a good thing. The bread (multi grain) that came with the soup did nothing for me. But the grilled cheese sandwiches are really good. Grilled cheese with a warm hearty soup to dunk it in - perfecto!!
(4)Colleen M.
When visiting Chicago on travel I stumbled upon this little spot. Being a vegetarian in Chicago -- one that does NOT eat pizza -- makes it pretty difficult to find a decent meal. I was glad to eat here a few times during my stay. I enjoyed the options and the suggestions for soup combinations (like 1/2vegetable, 1/2 black bean). The salad I got to accompany my meals was always fresh and delicious. I only regret that there isn't one of these where I live.
(4)Rod D.
If soups your thing, this place is for you. I'm not too big on soup but did enjoy some of the flavors they have. What's nice about this place is they also recommend soups that you can mix together that can make for a delicious meal. With all that being said, I can't constitute paying $9-10 for soup. I don't care how gourmet it is. Soup is like a pre-meal for me...I can't get full off of soup. I liked the soup but it's not worth the money for me. It's a place that I would go to once and a while but not a place I would frequently visit because of the prices.
(3)Marka C.
My favorite soup place by far, and one of my favorite places in all of Chicago. I've been to both locations and the staff is always very friendly and helpful, and more than willing to let you try as many soups until you find your perfect match. They'll also mix them together if you want! I've yet to have something from here I didn't like. On this particular visit I had the beef stew, which was great because I was feeling sick and it helped me get back to work by the end of my lunch break! I will always eat at soupbox, and will often stop by if I happen to drive by. I highly recommend getting the tomato soup with a grilled cheese. A classic but so good!
(5)Matthew M.
Thought I would try the local favorite for soup. After all, you would expect that soup would be the specialty here, eh? Unfortunately I have been here twice and both times have not been impressed. Sure, there are literally 10-15 soups available on the menu each day to choose from, and so having a wide selection to choose from is not the problem. The staff is friendly & chatty enough. Everything looks in order. Nope, I've tried the lobster bisque & the wild rice & chicken soups. These soups just aren't quite doing it for me. Both were overpriced, watery and salty. I guess this place is just not my cup of tea---er, I mean soup.
(3)Jeka M.
This was just fine. The soups were all good (tried chicken noodle, beef stew, and cream of potato leek), but there wasn't much beef in the stew (literally two pieces. tons of potatoes) and the sizes are fine. One large and two regular soups comes out to about $30, which makes for a lunch that isn't very filling for the price. Tasty but for the price needs to be better quality.
(3)Marq C.
Well I may have had too much expectations walking into this place. I guess I was expecting a soup nazi experience... I was totally let down. This place sells only soups... 10-12 different kinds of it. My bad, they do have grilled cheese to pair with any of the soup they have and you will get a $1 off their grilled cheese if you get their $7 soup, YES $7 for a cup of soup. You have an option to add tomato (+$.50) and meat (+$1) to your $2.99/$3.99 (without soup) grilled cheese (choice of multi grain OR sourdough). Let's talk soup... I sampled their signature lobster bisque -- SKIP this. I tried my bf's tomato bisque-- mehhh. I had cream of mushroom -- mehhh 2.5/5 rating. It's just not creamy and rich. Although I'm sure it's fresh, it's just lacking the texture and taste for a $7 cup of soup. Not worth it. Sorry. So I gave this place 2 stars because there's no half ratings. Plus it's way too expensive for the taste. NEEEEEEEEXT!!!!
(2)Cait F.
Delicious and flavorful! Like seriously soo good. It's a little pricier than I'd want to pay for soup, but it's quick, close and appetizing.
(4)Troy M.
Was walking blast night and noticed the new shaved ices in the window. I got a large cherry and watermelon. It was so delicious I came back an hour later and got a raspberry lemon. This morning I was craving it again and went back! You have to try it!
(5)Andrey P.
Great place to eat your lunch.
(5)Ken O.
It was cold outside so I stopped in for some great soup. I had opted for the Cream of Cheese and Potato. I've never had this one before, what the heck. Didn't even try it - just ordered a cup to go. Between the accompanied bread, oyster crackers and the soup, I was a happy camper. As always, never a disappointment.
(5)Asenath N.
My boss and I came here for lunch and loved it! They have over 10 different soups to pick from each day, that's amazing! They let you try it before you buy also. My boss and I both got a cup of soup and a grill cheese and it was plenty for lunch, it also comes with bread. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 star is for the price, some of the soups were a bit pricy for the size. This place will be great for fall and winter.
(4)Tanya J.
I ordered a couple cream of chicken and wild rice soups... The soup was thinner than water; it literally looked like I was drinking a cup full of milk with a spoon. Actually, it tasted like sour milk too. I thought cream-based soups were supposed to be thick?! Very, very disappointing. Looking at the other negative reviews, it seems like running soups are one thing this place has in common. $17 for two bowls of unidentifiable liquid? I'll go back to Panera. And here I thought Panera's quality had slipped... The Soupbox changed my mind.
(1)Hannah H.
My husband and I came here to try out their soups. I like how they have 12 different soup featured on a daily basis, such as Hearty Beef Stew, Broccoli & White Cheddar, Chicken & Dumplings, Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, and Minestrone. I tried out their Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice, which contained roasted chicken, wild rice, carrots, onion, thyme, and cream - it was creamy and thick with the nice chunks of chicken - hearty and warm. It comes with some bread and you can either dine in or outside on their patio. I loved how the soup are contained in those little kettles - very cute! I'm glad I was able to try this place out! +Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice +all about them soups!
(4)Karolina T.
I love soup and this place has tons of choices. Both times i've been here, I have had their cream of chicken and wild rice. i love it, super creamy. You get a pretty big portion too. I only wish their bread was better.
(4)Stuart D.
Glad to see that the Soupbox is still around. One of the first restaurants that I tried when I moved to Chicago in '99. Great variety of soups available --- definitely worth trying.
(4)Brent V.
7$ for chicken broth and some dainty vegetables?!?!?! I receive more satisfaction sitting on a soggy public transportation seat.
(1)Debra L.
Halloween 2014 was wet, windy and crazy cold. This kind of night cried out for hot soup. I love that Soupbox has around a dozen offerings, including both vegan and a vegetarian soup. There's something for everyone. The restaurant is a plain carryout place, but the swell folks that work there never mind if you want a taste sample before you buy. My crew all opted for bread bowls of chicken noodle soup, and the vegan soup was Cuban black bean. I can't speak for the chicken noodle soup but I'm guessing by the empty bowls it was really good. Speaking of empty bowl, I made short work of the Cuban black bean. It was rich and thick, and well spiced with a hearty texture. I also love the whole grain bread. What's soup without bread? With winter around the corner I'm glad we have Soupbox.
(4)Jim S.
Best soup in the city. I've had Soup Box delivered probably 20 times and I've visited the restaurant about 10 times, you can't go wrong either way. If delivered, the soup comes as ordered, hot, and delicious. I always recommend the lobster bisque, it's absolutely unreal. Highly recommend Soup Box.
(5)Kory R.
So I came here after listening to friends talk this place up that it is the most AMAZING soup place. I was disappointed. Yes, you have all those soups to choose from and try, but after visiting several times and just having an average experience, I'm not impressed. The soup is over priced and tastes like it all comes from a mix or can. The grilled cheese is good, but there's Cheesies if you're looking for that. My advice, skip it and heat up some Campbell's because it'll pretty much be the same thing.
(3)Rick T.
You know what thought came to my mind as I sat here eating? The Great Depression. People lined up around the block at soup kitchens for a free cup of soup during that era. Soupbox is the exact, polar opposite of a depression-era soup kitchen. I don't think there is a pricier cup of soup on planet Earth: $7.61 Seven. Dollars. And. Sixty. One. Cents. For a cup--literally, 8 ounces--a CUP of rosemary chicken dumpling soup. That's $122.00 PER GALLON for God's sake. Son of a BITCH, man. And, NO, it was not "good" soup. There were a couple--literally a couple--of shreds of chicken. The vegetables were so thin, I could see through them. Again. Not exaggerating. I could *see through* the carrot and celery shavings. Oh, right. This was "rosemary chicken dumpling" soup. There were two "dumplings." Both were the size of a very small gnocchi. Come to think of it, they may have been very small gnocchi. Small. Tasteless. Pitiful. Lonely Gnocchi. In a runny, bland, depression-era-worthy cup of water. This is another one of those places that I've walked past a zillion times without going in. It will be a zillion more times before I return.
(2)Kimmy L.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!! I also have an odd obsession with soups. I could eat soup all year round - hearty soups (loaded baked potato), light soups (chicken noodle), Thai soups (tom YUM), Vietnamese soups (chao & bun bo hue), Korean soups (rice cake and dumpling soup) the list goes on and on.... So the concept is that they make fresh soup daily (approx 20 different soups per day) hence the name SoupBox, but during the hot summer months they also make this delicious homemade mixture between an italian ice and a slurpee with real chunks of fruit mixed in. YUM. Chicagoans refer to them as IceBox during the hot months. Isn't that cool?!?!?! I felt like a kid in a candy store as soon as I walked in. They even encouraged me (forced me) to sample each ice flavor and each soup flavor before making my final choice. The soups were ALL AMAZING! I was torn between the chicken dumpling, lobster bisque, and chicken with wild rice......they even mix soups together!!! I wasn't that adventurous but the soupman tells you which soups make good combinations together (i.e. lobster bisque and clam chowder) -Chicken with wild rice soup was amazing and served with a side of wheat or sourdough bread -I got an Ice combination of Raspberry, Strawberry, and Lemon - SO REFRESHING!! I discovered this place the last 2 days we were in Chicago so I made everyone come back the next day as well. So good!
(5)Zack H.
I thought I walked into Knockturn Alley when I came in here. It was three guys wearing black silently standing behind bubbling cauldrons. That potion that was based mostly of chicken and rice was pretty good. That grilled cheese was weaker than Jerry Sandusky's knees in a shower full of little boys. I make better grilled cheese in my sleep and I'm the least talented cook I know. It was an okay experience but not worth doing again. Kind of like going home with a big girl.
(3)Jill H.
So this appears to be a local chain, and it is delicious! It didn't matter that it was a 90 degree day, the soup was incredible. Got the creamy chicken and rice soup, with a side caesar salad. Both were well-portioned and surprisingly filling by the end.
(5)Asper K.
I recently found out about a hot new trend about to sweep the country. Toast. thisamericanlife.org/rad… That's right, courtesy of some hard nose investigative reporting from this American Life, it's been revealed that toast is back, it's artesanal, and it's most definitely hipster kryponite. And much to my delight, it turns out that provenance of this trend is none other than Trouble Coffee company on Judah St in SF, across the street from the 7-11 where back in the day, I used to play Double Dragon and elbow punch the bejesus out of anybody too stupid to know what was good for them. Then I'd buy some twizzlers and ride my bike home. I was basically a badass. Still am. Too bad for Soupbox, right now toast is trending instead of soup. Because they have all the hipster-food-place must haves already in place . A sloppy interior that seems vaguely vintage. Random decorative elements.. two large hersheys cocoa cans on a shelf, another shelf with different kinds of hot sauce. They have awards in frames on the walls. Yes, about 20. Some from as early as 1996, and from meaningless organizations like some students union saying soupbox is recommended. This might be the winking hipster humor I read about on wikipedia. As for the soup. It's soup. Pretty well made too. They also have grilled cheese sandwiches. And that's it. Perfectly simple, thank you very much. But alas, the hipster gods are finicky. Soups' time in the hipster sun has not yet come. Maybe soon soup will be the classic dish made new by bike riding artesianinals. If this happens these soup box motherfckers are going to clean up. And probably secretly buy new cannondale road bikes, which have more than one gear.
(5)Owen R.
OK.. is the word that comes to mind. Tried 3 kinds of soup, nothing exceptional. Having said that, if I lived in the area I'd return, try others.. Was expecting more, which often equals disappointed..
(3)Courtney C.
Soupbox was one of the first places that I bookmarked upon learning how to use Yelp's bookmarking feature. I FINALLY made it here this past weekend after lusting at the heavenly looking pictures of their soups for almost a year. Of course I wasn't let down!! After all, I've always been under the impression that soup is a culinary art form. I love that they let you try as many as you want. I wanted to try all 12, but stuck with trying 3: potato and leek, mayan chicken enchilada and the lobster bisque. I liked all 3 of them, but of those 3, the enchilada was the best. It had a good amount of kick and flavor that you wanted to just keep eating until there was none left. However, my husband ordered it before I could even open my mouth, so I went with the next best, which was the lobster bisque. (The potato and leek is a vegetarian option. I liked it a lot, but I thought that I may tire of it halfway through the bowl, so I ordered the bisque instead.) I was swayed to try the bisque by the Yelp reviews. It was very creamy and light which was perfect since it was my "pre-dinner", but I noticed that there wasn't a single lobster chunk in my soup. Kind of a letdown, but it was still really good. All soups come with a piece of sourdough or wheat bread. We both went with the sourdough and liked it a lot, although I could only finish about 1/2 of my bread. I loved Soupbox and know I'll come back when I find myself in the city on a cold day again, which I pray to the god of soup is sooner rather than later.
(4)joe t.
Once again Dru and crew continue to keep rocking!! This time I went a little crazy. After looking at the current soups I went a little crazy. First stopping at the Chicago Ave location. Picking up a Potato and Leek. Then went to the Broadway shop and got the Thick & Rich bacon and potato and of course the White Cheddar and Broc. Got home and made my own blend. All I can say is, why didn't I get 2 of each?!?! If you're visiting or live here and haven't been I highly recommend you go. Whenever we have company in from out of town, first stop is Soupbox and second is Montis! You guys make this soup guy very happy!!! Thanks again for the years of getting me through illnesses, cold days, and just plain hunger!! Oh and IMHO you have to try, when they have it, Cream of Asparagus, broccoli, white cheddar and the thick and rich potato! #NomNomNomNomNom
(5)Amanda B.
In the city of chicago, where we all too often have cold and wet weather this is too perfect. You can sample as many soups as you like, mix them together, and really there's nothing better than a hunk of sourdough and their lobster bisque or chicken chili.
(4)La Tonya G.
This is the first time I have ever gone to a place that is mostly dedicated to soup! I love all kinds of soups and to be honest when I stopped by I had no real intent on buying anything. Then the guy with bubbly energy and a great smile asked "Would you like a sample?" A sample you say my brain immediately said go for it girl, so I did! The first soup I tasted Broccoli with white cheddar wasn't really doing it for me but my friend she loved it! I was heading towards the door and the same guy asked "Could I interest you in another sample?" Another sample you say well how could I turn that down so I tasted the creamy corn chowder, boom bam pow, the flavors were explosive and as I savored the tasty treat I just had to get some soup to go. I pay for my soup and the guy behind the counter talks about how mixing the Lobster bisque and the creamy corn chowder is really good! I'm like yes one day I will have to try that and he basically said why do you have to wait for one day when you are in the store today. Yes, you guessed it he said those 5 delicious words to me "Would you like a sample?" why yes if you insist I will take another sample!! It kicked the chowder up a notch and I as I was turning to leave he said "Wouldn't it be nice to mix that at home, then you and your friend could both have a hearty bowl of soup later!" Well, you know what I thought as I still savored the taste of my sample on my tongue and did my ultimate happy dance as I stood and looked at the young man, you are so so right! Give me a Large(16oz) of Lobster bisque so that I may take these lovely soups home and mix them myself! Now, this place is kind of pricey because I never in my life thought I would spend 15 dollars for 32oz of soup and two pieces of bread. It was truly worth it and I know I will go back again on a day I feel like splurging! I think they should have some soup that is maybe in an 8 or 10oz cup where the price point is a little less, I think that people would flock to this place more often, hey but that's just my opinion! I know I will be back maybe not as often as I would like due to the pricing but the Soupbox and the man that had such a bubbly personality has made an impression me!!!
(4)Claire Y.
Soup bowls paired with bread and crackers. Lobster Bisque was great for my upset stomach. Price is reasonable.
(4)Ada H.
SoupHeaven! That's what it really should be called. I caught a cold. In June. And of course, I need soup to make me feel better. But I hate soup in can and didn't want soup from Panera or Potbelly. So I looked up soup near my home. And Soupbox was the very first result! Yelp to the rescue again! When I went in the, the soup scooper at the counter asked me if I had any questions. I told him that I was sick (he could probably tell from the way I looked and my hoarse voice any way), and wanted something strong so I can still taste it. I really wanted chicken noodle soup, but noticed that they had chicken and wild rice and also rosemary chicken dumpling soup. He suggested the rosemary chicken dumpling. It was basically like chicken noodles but dumplings instead of noodles. He also offered me a tasting of some of the other soups, but I declined since my sick tastebuds probably wouldn't have been helpful any way. It was exactly what I needed. The rosemary really came through even with my impaired sense of smell. It was filling even though I didn't expect it to be. Besides the dumplings there were good chunks of chicken and veggies. It also came with a large piece of bread which I couldn't finish. I also ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. I was enticed since it's only $2.50 if you get it with a soup. Funny because the sandwich is a side when usually soup is the side. It's a build-your-own with a choice of sourdough or multigrain, several different cheese, and some add-on extras like bacon or tomato. I chose multigrain with Mozzarella and Pepper Jack. This is the best combination of cheese for grilled cheese in my opinion. The mozzarella balances out the pepper jack and makes it extra gooey. Love it!!! When I got it, it was more like a panini with thinner slices of bread (see pic). But it's really a perfect little sandwich. Complete with criss cross griddle marks. My only slight gripe is that the soups are any where from $5-$9 depending on the size and type of soup you get. My small cup of RCD was $6.50. With the $2.50 and $1.50 bottle of water, it was kinda pricey. However, I think the flavors were worth it. And the price of the soup is balanced out by the price of the delicious sandwich. I will definitely be back! PS. I heard another customer mention a Groupon deal for this place. So check that out too!
(5)Brian W.
You may think its hard to mess up soup, but it is and Soupbox never has! Tons of choices for any type of flavor you wish. The lobster bisque is always my favorite, the chicken and dumpling is a winner too. The panini style grilled cheese with different kinds of breads and cheeses are good if you want a little more to eat. I'll keep coming back soupbox thank you!
(5)Gen C.
This is the ideal restaurant for a cold place like Chicago. All I wanted was soup, and Soupbox delivered! The place was small and relatively empty; I could foresee it getting crowded on a busy day. All of the soups of the day sounded great but I decided to go with the lobster bisque (no regrets!). They only have soups and salads, so if you're craving an intense meal, you might want to save this for another day!
(5)Gareth R.
Decent soup watch the consistency though.
(4)Jessica K.
Oh yes, 5 stars for hot soup in 100 degree weather. Well, actually it was more like 98 degrees with a high humidity factor but who's counting? And I am thrilled I came in armed with my Economist, a whole crapload of podcasts and a hearty appetite. I figured no one would want to eat soup on such a hot night so I would have a guaranteed spot in their tiny tiny shop. I sort of hemmed and hawed over the lobster bisque and the chicken tortilla and the nice man behind the counter helped me settle on a cup of the lobster bisque with a turkey and pepperjack sandwich (I mentioned I was hungry, right?) The lobster bisque is definitely very thick and heavy so anything more than a cup would probably make you sick. The turkey and pepperjack sandwich is a great addition to any soup but it's nothing spectacular. Think of Carl Buddig deli meat, cheese and a panini press. It's tastes so good when you dunk it in the bisque! This is not a healthy meal by any stretch of the imagination but it's tasty, fresh and still desirable in the summer.
(5)Lauren H.
This place is great if you just want a quick cup of soup and grilled cheese. I was actually surprised they made the lobster bisque the right way. Being a culinary graduate I can be a huge picky soup nazi. I can't wait to go back and try the other soups.
(3)Rachel B.
Love the lobster bisque. They let you try anything you want first, which is always a tasty experience. They started doing grilled cheese a while back, which is great, but it also makes the place smell a little smoky. Because of that, and it always being quite warm in there, I recommend take out only.
(4)David R.
My parents were coming for a four-day visit. I asked my mother, "What do you want to do while you're here?" She said "Your dad wants to see the planetarium and I want to go to Soupbox." How's that for a compliment? My mom has excellent taste. I'm still a super-fan of this joint after all these years, because they are still friendly as hell, and the soups are still phenomenal. Free tastes, an occasional gratis extra chunk of bread, and twelve-ounce bowls of joy. Soupbox is an all-time great.
(5)Kyle P.
Been here about 10 times over the past ten years and always walk away happy. Nice people, decent prices for what you get and always have new choices. I know the area and sales dictate but I wish they had more meat options and spicy. but I guess I can do that after.
(4)Lauren F.
It was freezing outside and I was sick...what better time than to stop in at Soupbox?! I tried the Lobster Bisque, Broccoli and Cheddar, and Chicken and Wild Rice soups with sourdough bread and they were all delicious, but I will say that the Lobster Bisque was the favorite for both me and my husband. I will definitely be returning very soon for more soup and to give one of their make-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches a try!
(4)Lindsay R.
It's okay/average....probably a good place for lunch, pretty affordable, nice selection of soups, great staff....the vegetable soup and the chicken noodle soup were just kind of bland and boring.
(3)S G.
I love Soupbox. I know their menu is basic, something you can easily prepare at home etc., but that's the beauty of Soupbox, a simple, quick fix like getting treated by your friend at collage! However on my last visit to this location, I was disappointed. The staff there were nice as always (and just like the river north location we typically go to) , thus I cannot just give one star, but yesterday after we had a couple of Lobster bisque and grilled cheese (our standard choice) for lunch, both my boyfriend and I had upset stomach throughout the day and until this morning. Also we noticed the bread of the grilled cheese got much thinner and overall, the experience was a lot less satisfactory than how we remembered it..and we are sorry about that.
(2)Ashley D.
Two words: PRISON SOUP! I'm soooooo disappointed in The Soupbox! I used to go here all the time and the last 3-4 times I've gotten nothing but flavorless hot water. I could buy Campbell's in the can that tastes a lot better for a lot less money. I kept giving Soupbox a chance since I used to love it so much, but after tonight, never again. Sorry Soupbox, you are officially off my " go-to favorites" list.
(1)Gino W.
Years ago when I went to St. Louis, I stumbled upon a "soup kitchen" where I fell in love with the cups of flavour. I was surprised that I had not seen any soup cafe in Chicago, as big as Chicago is. A year after my St. Louis visit a friend hip me to Soupbox. Lobster bisque. Clam chowder. Italian wedding. I had gone to the location on Chicago Avenue since it was closer to work. High energy and always full. And the soup was always good. The location in Lakeview on Broadway is where I go mostly, especially during the winter when I want to get a seat and enjoy my soup with the complementary slices of sourdough bread. Happiness. Note: Soupbox is a hangout spot for all the hipsters. Haha.
(4)Haley S.
I am NOT a soup person but Soupbox has changed me forever. This is seriously the most delicious warm meal you will ever have! Highly recommend the lobster bisque in a sour dough bowl! AMAZING!
(5)Daniela R.
This place is great.. I felt like I HAD to make a review after reading a bad one someone else wrote.. I wished I could down-vote it! This place is great, pricey; yeah. But worth it. The staff is FANTASTIC; so nice and helpful. Every soup i've tried here has been better than the next; lobster bisque is delicious and you can mix it with many others to make your own amazing cup of soup.. If people is going to complain about prices, lets start with other businesses.. I can see them hating on soup while sipping a $6 venti coffe at starbucks.. At least Soupbox tastes great!
(4)Kassie H.
Totally overpriced! This soup is just watery. It tastes like nothing. I got the chili which is supposed to have meat but where is it? And the beef stew, where's the beef and did they dump Cambpbell's in here? We got two small soups $15. Never ever going back, they have let the quality slip!
(1)U H.
I've been eating here for years and they've always been constant with their great flavors. Love the new England clam chowder!
(5)Patrick H.
Definitely not a place I'd recommend. The soup is overpriced, and about as salty as it can get. But then again, salt stimulates the appetite when food cannot. Move along to the next place.
(1)Beast B.
Service & the bread was great, but too bad their soups weren't. My girlfriend & I spent $56 to try out several of their different soups & grilled cheese. All of the soups we tried was simple, lacked flavor & taste. I honestly wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a can of progresso & their soup. Seriously!!! Definitely over hyped & way over priced for what you get. Literally 4 micro pieces of chicken in their chicken noodle soup it had more broth than noodles, chicken & veggies. Won't waste my time commenting on their other soups.
(1)andrew l.
Soupbox is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. How can an establishment selling soups hold a candle to the competition? Well for one, the soup is restaurant quality. You can sample any soup there, and mix soups together. My favorite is Chicken with Wild Rice and a mix with Lobster Bisque. A tad bit pricey for soup but the friendly atmosphere and really cool employees make up for that 10x. This is one of those places you make a personal staple.
(5)Bethany K.
This is a great little place to grab a warm bowl of soup on a cold night. I often stop by on my way home from work, after waiting too long in the cold for a too long bus ride. They offer a great selection and send you home with some bread in your bag for dipping. It's a bit pricey , when you can buy a can of soup at the grocery store for a buck, but it's definately worth it.
(4)Jack B.
The last time I was here, which was a while ago, I had this beer battered soup that was awesome. I keep meaning to go back for more because I really liked it, but haven't found the time. Hopefully they still have it there!
(4)a w.
The bread bowl here is the best. You get lots of soup and some great fresh baked breads. And there's always plenty of soups to choose from -- and if you can't decide, you can always try as many of them as you'd like. This is a really neat place that also turns into an the Icebox in the summers, offering lots of different flavored Italian Ice.
(5)Mark P.
Pretty good soups. But too heavy on the cream.
(3)Stephanie M.
In the summer when this place becomes Ice Box, they have the best frozen ice slushee treats. Everything is made with real fruit so its not too sweet and you can really taste the real fruit flavor. They come in a bunch of different sizes from really tiny to huge. They give free samples too. Blueberry is good. Strawberry is good. Watermelon is good. They are all good and good for u.
(4)Julia B.
Awesome soups! I love soup-so this is a great place for me to go in the winter when I want to grab a quick lunch. In the summer it is the Ice Box which has more frozen selections..I prefer the soups though!!!
(3)Daphne Z.
As a vegetarian, I absolutely love when places have more then one 'meat-free' option. Out of the twelve soups they serve daily both times I've been to Soupbox they had 4 or 5 options for me. I have only tried the potato and leek and cheesy broccoli but both were delicious. With your soup you are offered a piece of whole grain or sour dough bread, the sour dough is delishhh. Sorry Panera, you've been out souped.
(5)Saurabh P.
I love this place. Its so good and comforting. They have so many delicious soups. My favorite thing to do is combine two of my favorite soups into one delicious soup. How is this possible??? Anything is possible at the soupbox. This is what I have learned. Go, enjoy, be happy.
(5)U H.
I've been eating here for years and they've always been constant with their great flavors. Love the new England clam chowder!
(5)Patrick H.
Definitely not a place I'd recommend. The soup is overpriced, and about as salty as it can get. But then again, salt stimulates the appetite when food cannot. Move along to the next place.
(1)Bridget M.
The soup was wonderful and the staff couldn't be friendlier. They also let you try the soup first so you know you'll enjoy it!
(5)Emily C.
All I've got to say is that if you specialize in soup and even win awards and get recognition for your soup, it had better be some pretty good soup. This soup was just okay. I think I got some kind of cheddar broccoli soup. It tasted like it came from a can. Which is actually fine because canned cheddar broccoli is A-OK. It might just be that cream-of soups can only get so good, and it peaks at the canned level. If so, this place is the pinnacle of good soup! Let me remind you that two stars means, "Meh. I've experienced better." And I have. Not even necessarily from a restaurant. The sourdough bread was really good though.
(2)Colleen M.
When visiting Chicago on travel I stumbled upon this little spot. Being a vegetarian in Chicago -- one that does NOT eat pizza -- makes it pretty difficult to find a decent meal. I was glad to eat here a few times during my stay. I enjoyed the options and the suggestions for soup combinations (like 1/2vegetable, 1/2 black bean). The salad I got to accompany my meals was always fresh and delicious. I only regret that there isn't one of these where I live.
(4)Sarah O.
I have found 'THE' soup...the one soup that I want to eat for the rest of my life. Soupbox's Lobster Bisque is the most exquisite soup I have ever put in my mouth. Particularly fitting was the fact that this was my last meal while visiting Chicago and I was quite sad (near devastated actually) to be leaving... there's nothing like some amazing soup to soothe the soul. The service was super great, as I wanted to look at each soup before I chose and the guy obliged my little quirk. He also threw in tons of extra bread and was super gracious. I tried some of my friend's potato soup and was equally impressed by that flavour, but seriously...Lobster Bisque. Sigh.
(5)Alana S.
I love soup. The lobster bisque is good but be sure to get them to scoop from the bottom (otherwise no chunks!). Soupbox is a good standby for a chilly day, but take it to go because it's so quiet in there that eating in is usually awkward.
(3)Emily C.
Take my review with a grain of salt if you must, but honesty is the best policy. I am not a soup person. But when I get sick, I need something hot and easy to swallow (that's what she said). So then, soup is the solution. I was really excited about this place and had heard great things about the lobster bisque. So I came in and ordered a massive ammount of the stuff and went home all excited. And? Eh. I thought lobster bisque would have...well...lobster in it? I tasted the vague flavor of lobster, but there was not one little smidge meat in it! A truly awesome seafood bisque shouldn't make you wonder if there's a such thing as dehydrated lobster.
(2)Hayley M.
Oh, soup. How I love you. You warm me up when I'm cold, cheer me up when I'm sad, and make me feel better when I'm sick. I even crave you in the summertime. The Soupbox is perfect for such cravings. I'm a huge fan of broccoli soup, and the Soupbox makes a great one. Yes, as everyone else has written, their prices are a tad high. However, the soup is heavy enough to be a meal, and it comes with bread. For me, a $6 meal is pretty awesome. And let's be honest: Cheesy Beer Soup? Aren't you intrigued? At least a little bit?
(3)Mindy C.
Lobster bisque. Yum! I was surprised to see how "not bad for you" it was. I was expecting something much worse when I looked at the calorie count. My fiance swears by the Potato and Bacon soup. He gets very excited when I bring it home. We also enjoy the Beer Cheese soup... but that one is a rare find and sells out quickly. And of course... the Icebox is the bomb. Totally delicious on a hot summer day - Raspberry and Lemon combo can't be beat! The staff is very friendly and greets you like they see you everyday. They're a Lakeview staple.
(4)Heidi R.
Four soup, Soup Box nails it! This soup is unreal. The guys working behind the counter were so friendly and offered my boyfriend and I samples of anything we wanted to try. I sampled one and ended up going with the Tomato Florentine which was UNREAL! My boyfriend had the beer cheese and bacon soup. Both of us had hunks of sour dough bread to dip in the soup and loads of saltine crackers. Soup Box is pricey for soup, so its def a treat when I do go there. I absolutely love Soup box!
(4)Sarah L.
The chicken and wild rice soup is by far the best soup I've ever had! The sourdough bread is also good and the staff is great.
(5)James S.
The chicken and rice soup was pretty good and the multigrain bread was really good. Had a bacon grilled cheese which was decent. Would go back.
(4)Autumn H.
Fresh made yummy and healthy soups. I love that they make it from scratch. I love the multigrain breads. Grilled cheeses done on a panini grill. (might i recommend paperback cheese and turkey). They do delivery, YES! And they have a condiment station where you can season and spice up your soups.
(4)Emily D.
Had the rosemary chicken and dumplings soup and a cheddar grilled cheese on multigrain bread. Everything was delicious, if a little expensive. Boyfriend ordered the lobster bisque and a turkey sandwich and loved both. Staff was nice, but slow. It took our server 10 minutes to make two plain sandwiches. That said, they were still delicious and worth the wait.
(3)Kate H.
I could live on the lobster bisque. YUM! The staff is super friendly and always offer samples. Service is always pretty quick too even when a lot of other people are in line. And in the summer they make delicious homemade italian ices (usually they put an employee outside with samples to lure you inside for more delicious treats). Plus they are open surprisingly late. Not sure I'd call it a late night spot necessarily but I've definitely gotten soup after 9p which is awesome when you're walking home after normal dinner time hours, are hungry & don't want to prep a full meal that late. Especially when the weather turns freezy freakies on us in the 773. Awesome neighborhood spot - I'm very lucky to live right around the corner from the Soupbox. The only negative is that I spend too much money here!
(4)Timothy M.
I love love love soup box. During these brutal Chicago winters I can think of no place better. The baked potatoe soup in a bread bowl is a winter warmer if ever there was one... It's cool because they will let you taste the soups before you commit. You can even mix two soups together. I've combined the potatoe with the beef stew before and it is phenomenal. If you've never been here you should definitely try it out. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
(5)Jennie T.
I sampled the cream of chicken with wild rice, the lobster bisque, and a hearty beef one... I forgot the actual name of it. All of them were good. The boyfriend and I ended up sharing the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl. It was delicious, but I think we should have ordered one of the other two for the bread bowl instead... I didn't think the lobster bisque went as well in a bread bowl as I thought it would. The staff was very friendly and nice though.
(4)Beast B.
Service & the bread was great, but too bad their soups weren't. My girlfriend & I spent $56 to try out several of their different soups & grilled cheese. All of the soups we tried was simple, lacked flavor & taste. I honestly wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a can of progresso & their soup. Seriously!!! Definitely over hyped & way over priced for what you get. Literally 4 micro pieces of chicken in their chicken noodle soup it had more broth than noodles, chicken & veggies. Won't waste my time commenting on their other soups.
(1)Pamela B B.
Great soups of many varieties. Very friendly and helpful staff. The soups are delicious, especially on any cold, snowy or rainy day. The lobster bisque is "killer", which I mean in a good way. The prices are fair for a great hearty bowl of soup. They also have a delicious vegetarian chili. Around $6.95 for a good hot cup of soup. Prices vary depending on the size. You can always ask for a sample to taste. Enjoy!
(5)Dayana R.
Awesome place for soup, your allowed to have tasting samples before making your choice. I recommend in a bread bowl
(4)Matt D.
Great place for a quick lunch. It's always delicious. I recommend mixing the chicken and wild rice and lobster bisque. The result it a real treat!!
(4)Chelsea P.
If you want an "OK" soup for $10, come here. First time I had SoupBox was about a year ago, ordered the Lobster Bisque which was very delicious but over priced. Just had SoupBox again about 5 mins ago - my soup, "Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar" was as runny as water, not thick or cheesy at all. In fact I had to add my own shredded cheese and when my boyfriend dumped my remaining soup into his cup, I wasn't looking and I thought he poured water into his cup. No exaggeration. If you hate Panera Broccoli Cheddar soup A) you're not human and B) you'll love SoupBox.
(2)Tanya J.
I ordered a couple cream of chicken and wild rice soups... The soup was thinner than water; it literally looked like I was drinking a cup full of milk with a spoon. Actually, it tasted like sour milk too. I thought cream-based soups were supposed to be thick?! Very, very disappointing. Looking at the other negative reviews, it seems like running soups are one thing this place has in common. $17 for two bowls of unidentifiable liquid? I'll go back to Panera. And here I thought Panera's quality had slipped... The Soupbox changed my mind.
(1)Hannah H.
My husband and I came here to try out their soups. I like how they have 12 different soup featured on a daily basis, such as Hearty Beef Stew, Broccoli & White Cheddar, Chicken & Dumplings, Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, and Minestrone. I tried out their Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice, which contained roasted chicken, wild rice, carrots, onion, thyme, and cream - it was creamy and thick with the nice chunks of chicken - hearty and warm. It comes with some bread and you can either dine in or outside on their patio. I loved how the soup are contained in those little kettles - very cute! I'm glad I was able to try this place out! +Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice +all about them soups!
(4)Karolina T.
I love soup and this place has tons of choices. Both times i've been here, I have had their cream of chicken and wild rice. i love it, super creamy. You get a pretty big portion too. I only wish their bread was better.
(4)Michelle S.
Two words. Icy Fruit. Sure they have soup. And it's delicious. And fresh made. But the Icy Fruit. The icy fruit made it onto my summer bucket list. All the way from Denver. I dragged (yes. dragged) my husband in one VERY hot afternoon in June and we ordered a large lemon and cherry icy fruit to share. I'm happy to say that I converted him to an icy fruit enthusiast. I can't wait to go back and visit this fall and get my hands on some soup!
(5)Asenath N.
My boss and I came here for lunch and loved it! They have over 10 different soups to pick from each day, that's amazing! They let you try it before you buy also. My boss and I both got a cup of soup and a grill cheese and it was plenty for lunch, it also comes with bread. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 star is for the price, some of the soups were a bit pricy for the size. This place will be great for fall and winter.
(4)Stuart D.
Glad to see that the Soupbox is still around. One of the first restaurants that I tried when I moved to Chicago in '99. Great variety of soups available --- definitely worth trying.
(4)Brent V.
7$ for chicken broth and some dainty vegetables?!?!?! I receive more satisfaction sitting on a soggy public transportation seat.
(1)Kyle D.
The soup here is fantastic but sometimes the management seems a bit off. One day I went in and wanted to order the lobster bisque to eat there. The staff told me I couldn't have any because they were saving the bisque for deliveries. My main issue with this is if I am standing right there in your store wouldn't you think to serve the customer you have rather than the customers you "might" have later? Also I ordered about 5 soups for pick up another time and 2 of the soups were completely wrong and I was told I couldn't change the order once I paid for them. Again great soup just some bad management here and there.
(3)Elise K.
A bit expensive for soup, but really good soup! I had the Tomato Basil soup and paired it with a grilled cheese on sourdough. All soup comes with bread too. There is no wait time for soup and just a short time for the sandwich. The service was so nice! It truly was - the guy behind the counter was wonderful. I've had samples of their ice things before. I'm not sure what they're called - just low calorie flavored ice. They are fine for a sample, walking by, but even though they are low calorie doesn't mean the taste has to be blah! I won't buy that. I would go back for soup, but would prefer to go with a Groupon again!
(3)Jessi B.
I happened in here while in the neighborhood. It was very good. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and the lobster bisque and a cookie. I was offered samples, but declined. There were about 5 that I could have eaten, easily. While the soup was delicious, I would have liked something a little more filling. It was kindof on the thinner side... so it was kinda of awkard to eat it, since I was mostly drinking it, from a spoon. So, if offered a sample, definitely partake. The cookie was devine. It was a nice little set-up. I ate outside on the sidewalk (it was a beautiful day). I look forward to having again.
(4)Zack H.
I thought I walked into Knockturn Alley when I came in here. It was three guys wearing black silently standing behind bubbling cauldrons. That potion that was based mostly of chicken and rice was pretty good. That grilled cheese was weaker than Jerry Sandusky's knees in a shower full of little boys. I make better grilled cheese in my sleep and I'm the least talented cook I know. It was an okay experience but not worth doing again. Kind of like going home with a big girl.
(3)Jill H.
So this appears to be a local chain, and it is delicious! It didn't matter that it was a 90 degree day, the soup was incredible. Got the creamy chicken and rice soup, with a side caesar salad. Both were well-portioned and surprisingly filling by the end.
(5)William B.
It's January, so New Year's guilt is still in effect and I managed to force myself in here rather than going to Crisp across the street. And doesn't Chicago winter need a place that serves only soup? My chicken dumpling soup was tasty, with a complex and flavorful broth. My small bowl was a little scant on both chicken and dumplings, but that could have been the luck of the ladle. It's worth putting in the rotation. I've heard they do ice cream in summer.
(3)Vaidehi T.
Yum soup that warms up your soul on a cold winter day! This place is just what the doctor prescribed :) They only do soups and they do it right. They have pots of soup displayed in the front that are available that day. You can try samples of them before you decide on what to order. They also have a good number of vegetarian options which is a good thing. The bread (multi grain) that came with the soup did nothing for me. But the grilled cheese sandwiches are really good. Grilled cheese with a warm hearty soup to dunk it in - perfecto!!
(4)Y V.
I've only been here in the summer, so this review is for the Icebox... Wow, I used to come here every week for my Italian ice fix. It was definitely my favorite place to go on a hot, summer day with friends. I loved their coconut, passion fruit, watermelon, and pineapple ices. Not sure what you want? Just ask for a sample or two (or three, or four). You can mix flavors, too. The staff is always very helpful and friendly.
(4)min. r.
Love the Soupbox! The staff has always been friendly when I've gone in, or called to place an order. They've let me sample soups before deciding what I wanted, and one of their employees was the one who suggested mixing the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder together - heaven! I've tried a few other soups and haven't found any to be as good as the bisque/chowder, so I don't order anything else anymore. I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers are talking about with stale bread. Sure, the crust is a crispy one, but the inside is soft and fluffy everytime I've had it. Besides - if you dip it in the soup you'll never notice. :) They're a touch expensive for the size, they only take cash, and delivery can be slow - they're far from perfect, but if you're looking for a homemade soup taste without the effort, Soupbox is the way to go.
(4)Michael S.
Lotsa soup; fast service. The soup was okay. I had lobster bisque that could have been a little thicker, but the flavor was there. Nice people, too. What do these folks do in summer?
(3)Bari L.
I like this place. I don't go there that often because its not anywhere near where I live but I do try to make it out there at least a couple of times during the winter for some good comfort soup. There is nothing like a heaping bowl of yummy hot soup in the cold of a Chicago winter. I will say that it is expensive so that may be another reason my trips there are few and far between but I like how you can mix the soups and try all of them if you want.
(4)Robert W.
There is nothing Flashy about this place, but the soup is good. The prices are very reasonable too. If you are not sure what to get, ask for a sample, they are very willing to let you try many types before you chose.
(4)Jason D.
I love soup and I love this place. Walk right in and the place is steaming with twelve different fresh, tasty, and hot soups every day. The bonus is there is always a friendly and personable person ladling them up. They always have a vegan offering and a good number of vegetarian ones, all underlined on the board. You are not only invited to taste them, but you are also invited to mix them to make your own creations. Soup always comes with a generous piece of bread and help-yourself crackers and butter. Check the website after 11am to see what soup are being served that day. Having a hard day? Stop in and get a bowl. Soup fixes everything.
(4)Matt S.
Ever since I moved to North Center, I have missed the Soup Box (I'm outside of their delivery area now). They have an amazing beef stew. And an amazing lobster bisque. My favorite is a mix of the lobster bisque and the clam chowder. The location is sparse, with very little seating, but it's definitely a place for carryout or delivery. The service is ALWAYS friendly. Great joint. Give it a try.
(4)Annie Y.
Apparently the people who shop on Michigan Ave have very early bedtimes, because when my friend and I went to the Water Tower to grab dinner at 8:30, everything was closed. We wandered down the block and found this place. it's a cozy little pub-like place similar to Potbelly's. They only serve soup and salads. They keep their soup in these big cauldrons and offer samples. The clam chowder sample tasted good, but it was far too watery, and my friend could only stomach about five or six bites before she got sick of it. I got the beef stew in a bread bowl, which was good, but also a tad bit watery. The bread is good, but next time I think I'll just go to Panera.
(3)Kristin C.
I use to frequent the Soup Box a lot back in the day. I thought it was reasonably priced, hearty and damn tasty. I also remember having friendly conversations with the staff who were eager to give out free samples and chat about well, anything. Last night I went back and I was SO excited about it all day. Visions of the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup danced in my head. Blisters were formed on my feet as a result of my walk to Broadway (basically this was due to my mad uncomfortable shoes though). I was getting soup and nothing was going to stop me. Before the suspense of my excursion gets too intense, let me just say my visit was kind of a buzzkill. The employees weren't as friendly as I remember (but they weren't unfriendly either to their credit). The soup seemed pricey (four-fity for a regular and it wasn't filled up all the way?). And the bread - Good god, was it always that HARD? They did give me extra but thinking about biting into that stuff makes my teeth ache - eeks! All in all, I was let down. But the soup IS tasty and fresh so I think I will return again anyway. I just wish I got more bang for my buck.
(3)Tari M.
Sweet Mother of Pearl. Anyone who doesn't love this place must a) be allergic to soup, b) have something against deliciousness or c) be very very dangerous. I love this tiny little soup place! I tend to go for the Tomato Florentine or the Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar Broccoli, but all of the soups I've tried have been over the top delicious. Other perks include the friendly staff and the free samples to make sure your tummy is going to make friends with just the right soup every time. You also get a hunk of yummy bread. Yep. Good stuff. If you go in the summer, be prepared to sweat a little while you wait for your soup - it tends to get a littel balmy in there. I've never eaten inside, but this is a great place to grab your food and run.
(5)Lauren D.
Soupbox has quickly become a "go to" for me on cold empty fridge nights (or afternoons really). Their veggie friendly soup choices have never failed to fill me up and make me slightly less bitter about the fact that this winter has been awful. My only gripe is the minimalist drink selection.
(4)Amber H.
#1 thing I miss about not working on the North Side of the city anymore! I was a big fan of the Potatoe & Leak. My work staff and I were known by name and they knew the address by heart when we called for deliveries. Great staff. I LOVE THESE GUYS. -1 star for no CC accepted
(4)Kristy B.
I love this place, not only is the soup tasty, it is always hot! I also like the service in this small shop. The people they work there are always offering a taste of the soups and always through in fresh cut bread. This place is great, especially now that the weather is turning colder.
(5)Jim S.
Yo, am i missing something? I live right around the corner and just went in there for some soup. The smallest size they have costs $5! I think $5 is way too expensive given the small size of the container. Also, this location does not have salads like the one near the Magnificient Mile does. Also, they did not have as good of a selection of soups. The staff was friendly, however this is way too overpriced for such small portions.
(2)D.L. P.
I give these four stars on the basis of a great staff - always friendly - and a good variety. You can get Lobster Bisque, Chicken and Wild Rice, and some other standard soups each day. They also have some specials during the winter. The Chicken and Wild Rice is solid. Its really thick and is a really good hangover helper. Since I work, most of the days I go are Saturday or Sunday mornings, and those always have the potential of me trying to shake off a "headache". Why not 5 stars? I think the quality of a few of the soups could be better, namely the Lobster Bisque. Its basically just a broth. And, no credit cards? Come on, jump into the 21st century. Overall, pretty decent though.
(4)Meredith H.
soup is my favorite food group, always has been. my roommate had raved about the soupbox so much, my boyfriend was begging to go there, and my little brother was in town recovering from mono, so we went for a late lunch on saturday. crowded, but nothing we couldn't deal with. 3 large soups, 1 breadbowl, 1 diet coke, 2 diet root beers for just under $30. expensive but i think worth it. bread comes with the soup and you can ask for more. we had the beef stew, lobster bisque, and fiesta southwest been or something. i really wanted broccoli cheddar but decided to think outside the box. soupbox. ha! ok, maybe not funny. i'll be back to sample more soups for sure.
(4)Kay S.
YUM! Since Chicago is Winter three-fourths of the year, it is a good thing there is Soupbox. And, during the other fourth of the year, they have Icebox. The soup is delicious and fresh and the workers quite delightful...always ready to hand out a sample. Also, they deliver....very cool when I am too lazy to make soup or leave the house for soup. mmmmm....soup.
(4)Jason W.
Really 3.5 stars. Their soup is awesome, but they rape you on the price. Yesterday I got 2 soups with no bread bowl and it was $15. Cmon.
(4)Susan L.
The soups are great. Try combining them--ask for suggestions from the knowledgeable staff. I went here so many times I couldn't handle it anymore. Now living on the East Coast, I strike myself down for squandering such a good thing! COME TO ME SOUPBOX!!! The ice, I can take or leave.
(5)Nycole H.
I love soup. I brought my grandmother here before we went to the Lakeview Arts Fest. I had the Lobster Bisque which is always good. My grandmother tried the Mexican tortilla but decided on potato and loved it. The girl who worked there was very nice and polite. Nothing like soup and cream soda for lunch I was a happy girl!!
(5)Bravo C.
Great place to run to on a cold, snowy night. The guys are friendly and the Lobster Bisk is wonderful. Go get some soup!!
(4)val f.
Oh, Soupbox. Why must you always tease me on my way to work? Why do you smell so damn good? In the winter time, I eat here at least once or twice a week. If they took debit/credit cards I'd probably eat there four or five times a week. No, seriously. It's THAT good. The people that work here are awesome, and they always give me extra bread. My new favorite thing to do is order an IBC Cream Soda with my soup. So good!
(5)Stefanie W.
Best store-bought soup ever. Period. I love how any time Soupbox is mentioned, people go all dreamy-eyed. The mere mention of the name bonds complete strangers, I tell you! Chicken and Wild Rice is my absolute fave, Tomato Basil Bisque and Potato and Leek are equally awesome. The chunk of bread that comes with it is always nice and fresh. Staff is always cheery and efficient. I prefer this location to the Chicago Ave. store.
(5)Rachel H.
I'm a major soupbeast and I will frequently stop by here after going to the gym... that is when I go to the gym... anyway.... I like that you can sample the many soups though I tend to stick with cream of chicken and rice. Everything I've tried, I've liked. The only thing that sucks is that its cash only and I've forgotten that on occasion.
(4)Carolyn A.
Oh wow!! A restaurant that is just devoted to soup, what a fantastic idea!!Mama like! Ok so since I'm throwing exclamation points around all willy nilly I will explain why. This tiny, unassuming restaurant with a couple tables and chairs makes some really good soup. I ordered the cream of chicken and wild rice (?). The name is a blur as I was overcome by it's deliciousness, homina homina. My husband ordered the beef stew which was pretty good too. We were supposed to share but I'm a pretty fast eater so he lost that contest. The guys behind the counter were so helpful and friendly and they gave out free samples of their soupy goodness too! I brought home a small serving of their tomato florentine which I am about to dig into. The only reason why I'm giving 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because for soup it was a little pricey but that will not, I repeat will not stop me from coming back again soon.
(4)Anna H.
A new year, a new craving for icy frozen treats...my man and I had spent the day traipsing around Lakeview, and I was in terrible need of a pick-me-up. Despite my misgivings regarding Icebox based on last summer's experiences, it was the closest place to get something fruity, so we stopped in. To my surprise and delight, the lady behind the counter was attentive and good-natured, even laughing when the bf inquired jokingly if they'd ever considered making lobster-bisque flavored ices. It was a great trip, the icy treats were lovely as always, and I'll most likely be back the next time I'm in the mood for something kind-of (but not really) like Italian ice.
(4)Marc N.
I stopped in there on the way home from work one night a few weeks ago - I was wearing a tie (as I am sometimes known to do) and was feeling quite conspicuous. To make matters worse, I tripped over a mat on the floor as I walked in, nearly felling a young couple on their way out - steaming bags of soup and bread were clutched a little tighter in terrified anticipation... Crisis averted, I ordered some soup (w/ extra bread...) and offered the young clerk my credit card. "Sorry man, we only take cash." "Fuck." So then I had to scurry down to the corner, leaving my poor bag of soup on the counter while I grabbed some cash to release it into my custody. The soup was totally worth the experience. It always is.
(4)David N.
This place has some amazing soups! I took a couple friends there this week who were visiting from Atlanta. We all tried something different and we were all satisfied with our choices. I got the butternut squash with sage soup and WOW! It was so full of flavor. The guy who waited on us was so friendly, he let us try samples of different kinds of soups and made suggestions too. All soups are served with a choice of multi-grain or sour dough bread. This place I will definitly be coming back to again, especially with the cold winter months approaching!
(4)Jenny M.
Soupbox is delish! They have so many different soup choices that it's hard to make a decision. Good thing they let you sample. :) My favorites are the lobster bisque & the chicken & wild rice. They also give you a ton of bread with your soup. I love their soup so much, I get the half-gallon size & reheat. Icebox is equally as good & a much healthier alternative to ice cream. I've also been to their newer location on Chicago & I wish that the Lakeview location would also do freshly tossed salads as well.
(4)Eric V.
What could be better on a cold winter's day than a rich, hearty bowl of soup. Soupbox has several soups to choose from on a daily basis. Samples are free so don't be shy! From Chicken & Wild Rice to Potato Leek, I haven't been disappointed once.
(4)Taylor F.
One of my favorite things about Soupbox is walking through the door on a cold winter day and being enveloped in an amazing, steamy, soup-smelling cloud of warmth that makes my glasses fog up for a good two minutes. I've never had a soup here that didn't evoke actual moans of pleasure, and if you order it in a bread bowl and manage to eat the entire thing, you'll be too full to move for the rest of the day, which I count as a plus. My absolute favorite is their signature chicken and rice, but the rotating specials are also consistently amazing. I once had a cauliflower and cheese soup here that I dreamed about for weeks afterward, and curse the fact that I have yet to stop by on a day when they've made it again since.
(5)Ron S.
Good number of quality soups, a little overpriced
(3)Paige W.
Twelve kinds of soup every day. Hmph. Sure, guys, blame it on the fact that somebody had a neckache and didn't show up to make the soup this morning. At any rate, when we stopped in at Soupbox on Broadway (after spending close to half an hour looking for parking), there were six kinds of soup left to try. The rest of the kettles were covered with overturned sample cups to signal there was none left. At $4.25 for a small soup, I'd at least hoped to sample one of my first choices, but no such luck. All the flavors I'd considered, including beef stew, chicken noodle and chicken with wild rice, were gone, gone, gone. I settled on a cream of potato and leek that ended up being mostly cream and nearly no flavor. What mine lacked in taste, my boyfriend's chicken enchilada soup made up for in punch. I ate half my piece of bread to soak up the heat after one sample bite of his. And sadly, after that one taste, my soup sucked even more. Boooooo. On this particularly frigid day, it was also a bad time for Soupbox's door to have a faulty latch. I kept my coat on through the meal, and we were out the door after 20 minutes. And I had a stomachache. I should've cut my losses and just hit Bobtail up the street for a hot fudge sundae. That stomachache would have been MUCH more satisfying.
(2)Chris N.
I'm not a religious man, but if I was, my Mecca would be The Soupbox. Every so often, I brave the elements (and ex-frat guys from Michigan) and make the pilgrimage to Lakeview to obtain some of my beloved soup. And each and every time, it never disappoints. You want to talk about service? The cats at this place couldn't be more helpful and pleasant. And while the price may be a bit steep, they always offer me additional bread at no extra cost, so I still end up being pretty satiated by the end of my dining experience. The power of soup cannot be underestimated.
(5)Andrea R.
After not feeling well for a few days and reading many wonderful reviews about soupbox I just tried it for the very first time. Great chicken noodle soup- definitely has that homemade taste! It was exactly what I wanted and was delivered within 20 minutes! I'm looking forward to trying the icebox this summer....
(4)Brad G.
Soups are all very tasty, hot and fresh. A nice little neighborhood joint or spot to pick up soup for a sick girlfriend.
(4)Nick D.
First time there tonight after walking past it for the past nine months...I am a convert for life. Had the chicken noodle (which, admittedly, is a little hard to mess up) which was quite good. Bought the large which with the bread was the perfect amount to fill me up on this chilly night! Service was quick and the people were nice, and for $6.96, not a wallet-buster by any stretch of the imagination!
(5)Bryan C.
I go here when I'm sick because it's close to my apartment which is why it gets four stars instead of three (one extra star for taking the place of mom). The soup is expensive, but they tell me it's because of the sales tax. Other than that the flavors are great and the location is convenient!
(4)Heather D.
I'm so happy that there's a Soupbox on the north side. I'm grateful that they make a wide range of vegetable soups with vegetable stock and not chicken stock. Lots of choices for me. And I should also mention delicious! Definitely visit the Broadway or Chicago Ave location!
(4)Dave S.
Before last week, it has been years since I have been here. I see the place is still doing well and busy as hell. It is a good sign that it is not going anywhere. I sure hope that it does not go anywhere anytime soon. I have always been a monster fan of the lobster bisque. I had the chance to try their corn chowder this time and of course it did not disappoint. The service was as pleasant and efficient as I remembered it. The place is a little pricey but it does fill you up adequately. I am looking forward to more visits here this winter.
(4)K L.
Awesome soup. Great selection. Can mix and match. Good bread. Can be hard to park sometimes.
(5)Mary S.
this past week i've been a bit under the weather, and have depended on soup at lunch and dinner to give me the strength to get my work done every day. the other day i ventured down to the great frame up on broadway to get a couple of posters framed and on my walk home, i passed by the soup box. it was like i stumbled upon my mecca!! i had heard people talk about this place before, but i never realized how accessible it was to me! i was completely sick of broth-y soups at this point so i ordered a small potato/leek soup to go (after salivating at many of the other many many soups they offer) and was on my way. when i got home, i made a half-sandwich to accompany my bowl o' sunshine and.... yeah. it was a great dinner. the potato leek soup was so creamy and... buttery? i didnt put my finger on what it was, but it was great! i look forward to trying the lobster bisque (even though i was told there are no lobster chunks in it -- which i suppose makes sense)
(4)Kirstie S.
As I stated on the review for the other Soupbox, the selection for vegetarians is scarce and doesn't change tremendously. They typically have a range of 5 soups total to draw from (Vegetable, Broccoli Cheddar, Cuban Black Bean, Veg. Chill or Indian Lentil) and choose three out of these over and over again. The one thing I wanted to write differently is that over the past years, this specific location has had things like Artichoke Bisque and Cream of Asparagus that are phenomenal. They seem to always run out of these soups by mid afternoon and that should tell them something and still very rarely do they ever bring these options back. Again, we get the same three out of 12 soups on a regular basis. After awhile, you realize that there's much better options. Again, it's 2010. Don't call yourselves a soup specialty place with such limited choices for vegetarians...it really does the culinary art of soup a massive disfavor.
(2)Maura M.
SoupBox you conned me and broke my heart. I love soup. I used to make a 30min trek to get soup box soup. Guess what? It is campbells restaurant quality. I found out because I was friends with some people who worked there. I've been in the back...all they do is thaw out soups and sometimes add cream. It is pathetic...it is a farce. When I complained to my SoupBox friend about it he laughed and me and said "what?! do you think we get here early and chop up vegetables or something?" Well....that's exactly what I thought. Apparently I was wrong.
(1)Lauren C.
This place makes the best soup I have ever eaten! I've been coming here for about a year and I have never been disappointed. The staff is very friendly and is quick to give you samples. My favorites are the broccoli cheddar, cream of asparagus, and chicken and wild rice. You can mix 2 soups together if you simply can't choose one, which is what most of my friends like to do. Soup always comes with fresh bread (they often ask you if you want extra) and as many crackers as you want.
(5)Steve L.
I've walked by this place many times, but for some reason it just always happens to be right after I've already eaten. Then I think to myself, DAMN it smells good here, why didn't I remember to go to Soupbox? Well, today I remembered. It was quite good. The chicken enchilada soup (yup) was tasty and had enough kick to clear my it's-just-that-time-of-year allergy sniffles. The service was great as well. Very, very friendly and had great opinions on everything. Minus one star because two soups with 2 drinks was almost 16 dollars. I don't care how good it is (which it was), but soup for two should never cost that much. I'm excited to try it when it's Icebox. I hope it's as kick ass as Becky O'Shea. (That was a Little Giants reference.)
(4)Andrew M.
Sometimes you just want soup. Maybe it's cause you're sick and it's what your mama used to feed you, or maybe the Chicago winter has just taken its toll on you. Either way, there is no better place to fill your body with warm goodness than at Soupbox. With a selection of 12 delicious soups, you can try each one until you've found one you like and then choose from a variety of sizes. All soups come with a generous side of bread as well. Take it home, snuggle up and stay warm! Also, in the summer, Soupbox serves a tasty variety of Italian Ice.
(4)Kenneth H.
If I could give more stars I would......!!!!! The atmosphere is friendly and energetic. The staff is both creative and fun. They are very generous with the bread which totally rocks. They are about what they do and don't treat their jobs like it's a transitional step. It's unfortunately unusual to find people in the service business that actually not only do what's necessary but actually go over and above the call to get it right. If I had a larger business I wouldn't hesitate to employ any one of them. I've enjoyed every trip to my favorite soup place. I have a suggestion... Sweet & sour cabbage & shortrib soup. It's so good and I know you guys would do it right. I would never leave and you could just strap me in a chair and install an IV. It would be a good addition to an already excellent inventory of "liquid love" that you bless us with everyday. Thank you... Canine Specialist Ken Henry & my dog "Coral Reef III" Any questions concerning this review I can be reached at caninecitysurvival.com
(5)M Z.
Yummers. that is all.
(4)bj f.
From the simple vegetable to the crab/corn chowder, every soup I've ever ordered has been flavorful, not too salty, and totally satisfying. The selection is varied, and if that's not enough, they let you make your own combinations; the lobster bisque/clam chowder is a great one. Staff is always friendly, and when it's too cold or I'm too lazy to walk to satisfy my soup jones, they deliver. The only downside: the bread offered is plentiful, but I really wish they'd offer a hearty, chewy, whole grain alternative to the kooshy white variety they serve. And I agree with the door observations; start a "fix the lock fund" and make the place as cozy as the soup!
(4)Tiff B.
You can't go wrong with this place! Awesome soup in the winter, tasty Italian ice during the summer. I wish they served the soup during the summer though too. The chicken and wild rice there is my favorite. I've never had anything less than great there though. And it's cheap! So much better tasting and cheaper than the chain restaurant/lunch spots. Soupbox puts Panera to shame! I'm so sad that I don't live within walking distance of Soupbox anymore. I will have to make a few pilgrimages there this winter though for my soup fix.
(5)Alice L.
I am a soup-aholic! Tomato, split-pea, minestrone, veggie, black bean, chowders....mmmmm! The soups are fresh and oh so tasty! The biggest drawback is the cost...a wee bit on the pricey side.
(4)Kathryn M.
LOVE THE SOUPBOX! Right when you walk in, you're bombarded by the heavenly smell of soup. They have 12 different soups each day. The guys working when I went in were fabulous. They were so friendly and funny. It felt like I had made instant friends (dorky, I know). I ordered chicken noodle soup in a bread bowl. The soup was great and the bread bowl was hearty, super filling meal. If you're dining in, it's a little crowded because the store is small, but that's really the only negative. I'm giving 4 stars because I've only had 1 soup, I'll revise as necessary once I sample more tasty soup!
(4)Brandon B.
The soup is amazing. Obviously, some are better than others; so I suggest trying a sample before you order a bowl.
(5)Jennifer B.
The soup is really good, as the other yelpers have attested. It is fresh and there are always a lot of different choices. It's pretty expensive though, about $4 for a small and $7 for a large (which isn't very filling) I usually only go here if I need a little something to eat.
(3)Jessica D.
The soups at The Soup Box are very tasty! It is a good treat on those Chicago cold winter days. The cream of broccoli soup is my favorite, but they also have a good variety of good soups to try (Lobster bisque, gumbo, wild rice, etc.) The staff is very pleasant and they allow you to try the different soups if you are having a hard time deciding. Just talking about it makes me want to go and get some soup now!
(4)Candice C.
I have wanted my youngest to eat soup for the longest time and it is the Chicken and Wild Rice soup here that finally made it happen. I have tried multiple flavors and they are always hot, tasty and perfectly seasoned. I have even eaten here on a hot day just because I craved the flavor. I haven't yet tried the Icebox items but look forward to it. Parking is difficult but we usually ride our bikes. Seating is limited but so far I guess I have been lucky. The guys that work here (at least when I have been) have all had such a great outlook on life. I leave with a smile on my face and a happy tummy.
(5)k m.
there are so many good soups it hard to choose one. it would be cool if soupbox offered a flight of soup... i.e.. intead of buying one, 12 oz soup for $4.35, let people choose a flight of three, 4 oz soups for a bit more, maybe $5.95.
(5)Dee W.
I love all the different types of soups & breadbowls! In the summer, they turn into IceBox (but still offer soup) and offer a great way to cool off. But they are cash only and the prices are a bit high but that's Lakeview for you!
(4)Ang R.
Yum. I can't wait to try more types of soup. I had the creamy chicken and wild rice, and it was very tasty. I didn't love the bread bowl (and I think I wouldn't get one again), but I do plan on ordering the soup again. Frankly, I think it's pretty incredible that on a cold winter night, someone will deliver better than average soup to your door, so that you get the benefits of a steaming bowl of soup and can sit on your couch (or play Rock Band) up until the minute it arrives. Love that aspect of it.
(4)amy k.
love it love it love it. want some right now. i cannot even think of this place without wanting soup, let alone walk by it. like many folk it's hard for me to stray from the lobster bisque, but i have taken baby steps and tried the chicken dumpling (not so much) and the cream of mushroom (good good). i've always had great service, even when piles of people are waiting for their warmth lately. definitely gets five stars if it weren't for their prices, a bit steep, and their disdain for my credit card.
(4)Heather S.
LOVE the soup! Home made and very tasty. I wished I lived closer and could stop by more often. Its a great concept for a takeout store!
(5)Nina W.
Um, yum. I went for a cup of raspberry ice and it was amazing and all natural. I can't wait to head back here before summer is over. Girl behind the counter was super nice. I'll definitely be back.
(4)A. M.
Thank you for delivering, Soupbox! I've strayed from the lobster bisque a few times, and each time I've been somewhat let down. Thus, I stick w/ what I know is the best. It may seem pricey for soup, but my boyfriend and I have found that a regular bowl of lobster bisque plus the bread makes for a very filling meal.
(4)Marissa D.
I give the Soupbox four stars for a great concept carried out well. Last winter I ODed on their Lobster Bisque soup and now I can't have it anymore. It was good before I went overboard. I've tried a some of the other soups since then and I've never been disappointed. I also like that they're very nice about letting you taste the soups before you commit to one. No five stars because their bread could be better and their prices could be lower. OMG if Soupbox had amazing bread I would be a much happier person.
(4)Travis P.
I stopped in here last night for a quick bite to eat. I had a delicious order of broccoli and cheese in a bread bowl. With an ever-changing menu and autumn on its way, I'm sure I'll be back here many, many times over the next few months. Edit: I've been here about three more times since my initial review and have tried the lobster bisque, beef stew and clam chowder...they all deserve raving reviews. This place rocks and will remain a cold-weather staple for me.
(5)Qbz Q.
Absolutely love soupbox. Lots of different soups - but the best is that they tell you what is truly vegetarian, and which soups are made with chicken stock. If you keep kosher, as many of us do in this neighborhood, that's perfect! They actually have vegetarian cream soups! Coconut ice in the summer is unreal!!!
(5)Peter M.
Kind of overwhelming and a small, confusing space with excellent soups. There is a counter with lots of people ordering bowls and samples across 12 or so kettles. They handed me an over-flowing sample of a delicious spicey enchilada soup with hearty veggies but it was scalding and spilling onto my hand, which not a convenient thing to happen when you are crammed into a small mob of soup activity. Found a seat outside but those tables are wedged into these little fenced-off areas in the sidewalk and I really jammed my back trying to get into the seat. I know I'm sounding like an old man in this review and I'm okay with that. I ended up getting the New England clam chowder which was just fine and had not so much clam in it (I'm from New England so perhaps unfair standard... I was craving it though and it was not the best order decision). My companion had the cream of mushroom which was excellent. It would be four stars if there was just more space.
(3)Alan R.
While recently in Florida I had a chance try the Soupman (Al Yeganah who the {in}famous Soup Nazi is based on owns it). It is nowhere near as good as Soupbox. Everything there is good and the Lobster Bisque is amazing. For soup five stars, for ice, three. Go to Mario's in Little Italy for the best and most authentic Italian Ice.
(4)Audra S.
A low-fat & calorie alternative to the usual ice cream cone. Icebox has a great selection of flavored ice (my favorite is the pineapple), and it's all made from natural ingredients. In the winter, this shop switches out its awning and instantly becomes Soupbox, but in the summer, they still carry a couple soups, for the die hard fans.
(4)Evann G.
We went for the Icebox, and the Italian ice was perfect and SO refreshing on a 90+ degree day. Plus, cheap. Cheap cheap cheapety-cheap cheap CHEAP! And all of the flavors are so yummy together... kiwi-mango, summery tropical heaven in my mouth.
(4)anthony g.
"NO Soup For You", ala Soup Nazi from Seinfeld's. Don't worry, this a great Place for soup and the staff is just Fine. Great Hot Soup's at a reasonable price. Try The New England Clam Chowder, it's excellent. Good Service, Nice People. Comes With Bread (Unlike Seinfelds Soup Nazi) and cracker's. Eat in, or Take it to go.
(4)Shannon S.
If you love soup, this is the one of the best "go to" places that I have found. I love their Lobster Bisque soup so much that I have only strayed once or twice to try other soups... but I always find that it is still my favorite. I usually get my soup in a tasty breadbowl too. This place is also great because it DELIVERS to the Lakeview neighborhood which is convenient when you don't want to leave your pad on a cold winter day or evening. You do have to order two soups though in order for them to deliver.
(5)Niall C.
This place is the greatest place in the city for soup. They make their soups daily with fresh ingredients. I've been coming here since I was in 4th grade. The service is always friendly and the best part is taste testing all the soups before ordering what I always get, Lobster Bisque!!!
(5)steve h.
i've been coming here off and on for about the past 8 years. i don't think its quite worth the money but when i consider how much cash i plunk down at the bars, it doesn't seem like a bad deal to actually put something of nutritional value into my body. anyways, the soup itself is about a 3.5. i give this place 5 stars though for my first trip here. i came in with a girl i had just started dating. the soup guy proceeds to make some small talk with us (mainly her) and then at the end of our meal (i had the tasty lobster bisque), gives her (and only her) a coupon for free soup! (NO SOUP FOR ME! COME BACK ONE YEAR!) thats some balls son! so anyways, she left me for the soup guy (she was smitten with the broccoli cheddar).
(5)Eric n.
This place is like Mom to me. LOL I only Order it when I'm sick and need soup. I really should get it more often cause man is it GOOD! The bread bowls rock!
(4)Gregory A.
I love the Soupbox! We went there for some lunch the other day and being a soup lover I thought this place was great. They have so many types to choose from, by the way did I tell you I love soup!! Well anyway I had the beef stew and my wife had the cream of chicken with wild rice. Now there is one thing you should know about me, I despise onions! And since I hate them so much I am always looking for soup that does not have any onions. If anyone out there has ever tried picking tiny little onions out of soup you know it can be very frustrating, by the time you are done the soup is cold! This has always been a huge problem, since I love soup so much, did I already say that? That being said the nice man behind the counter told me they don't usually use onions in there soups since they can really take the flavor over, I just wanted to give him a great big hug! As far as I can tell if the word onion is not in the description they won't be in the pot either. Both soups were absolutely delicious and I would go back again and again. Only I live by Midway Airport so they need to open one on the south side! My only complaint was the $16 and some change for two large soups and two drinks seemed a little pricey, but it was so worth it! A definite must if you like a good bowl of soup, and I love soup, in case you missed that.
(5)mary o.
This place does soup and it does it right. Their vegetarian offerings are hearty and satisfying, I'm sure the meaty choices are carnivore-pleasing. The people who work here are very chill and don't mind giving out extra bread(which is pretty awesome as well). Really nothing is better than a warm cup of soup on a miserable Chicago night. I love soup!
(5)maeve P.
Oh soup box I love you so. I've been going for years now and you've never let me down. I've introduced many people to your lovely soups over the years. My favorite is the lobster bisque. I don't even like lobster and I love your bisque. I always get it in the bread bowl, the bread is kickass too!
(5)shane h.
I love chicken noodle soup just as much as the next guy and while I do think 6 bucks is a bit much to spend on a bowl of the stuff, it was fantastic. It was the first time since eating chicken in Munich at Oktoberfest that I looked like a moron trying to make sure I consumed every possible bit and piece of the meal possible. I almost had to go out and buy more bread to get the extra broth off the bottom. What an embarrassing display that was...
(4)Sarah C.
I LOVE this place. Best soup and ice EVER!!!! The beer, bacon and cheddar soup, wild chicken and rice soup and the lobster bisque are to die for. The ice is also fabulous. I just wish that I lived closer.
(5)Brad C.
It started here. Soups amazing! Be sure to check out the Chicago Ave location too, they have salads and more seating.
(5)Stephanie M.
Great soup for when you are feeling under the weather. Prices are astronomical. Not worth the $7.
(2)Heather M.
Very simple place. They pretty much just have soups and grilled cheese. Some of the soups I've had have been very good, others bland. The staff is super friendly though, and an awesome atmosphere.
(3)Jeka M.
This was just fine. The soups were all good (tried chicken noodle, beef stew, and cream of potato leek), but there wasn't much beef in the stew (literally two pieces. tons of potatoes) and the sizes are fine. One large and two regular soups comes out to about $30, which makes for a lunch that isn't very filling for the price. Tasty but for the price needs to be better quality.
(3)Shantel T.
Sunday morning and you're feeling a little beat up from the night before. This is the first thing we always get to--by feet or on all fours, we make it there. The lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice soup are the ones we always get. So good. So good I love burning my tongue on it because who can wait for their soup to cool down? Not I. It cures everything--hangovers, heartaches, headaches, stupidity, death, you name it. Happy eating!
(4)Sarah Y.
For some fast and convenient soup, Soupbox has you covered. But when you're in the mood for some decadent, gourmet ingredients soup or bisque, I'd say Soupbox falls a little short. I liked my lobster bisque but it definitely couldn't done with even a tiney portion of lobster to give the soup some dimension and texture. The folks who work here are very friendly and patient, you can try as many options as you want before you commit, mix different kinds of soups, and receive a heel of bread to go with your soup. My bacon grilled cheese was alright, but missing that buttery, chewy but crunchy shell that I love.
(3)Marka C.
My favorite soup place by far, and one of my favorite places in all of Chicago. I've been to both locations and the staff is always very friendly and helpful, and more than willing to let you try as many soups until you find your perfect match. They'll also mix them together if you want! I've yet to have something from here I didn't like. On this particular visit I had the beef stew, which was great because I was feeling sick and it helped me get back to work by the end of my lunch break! I will always eat at soupbox, and will often stop by if I happen to drive by. I highly recommend getting the tomato soup with a grilled cheese. A classic but so good!
(5)Matthew M.
Thought I would try the local favorite for soup. After all, you would expect that soup would be the specialty here, eh? Unfortunately I have been here twice and both times have not been impressed. Sure, there are literally 10-15 soups available on the menu each day to choose from, and so having a wide selection to choose from is not the problem. The staff is friendly & chatty enough. Everything looks in order. Nope, I've tried the lobster bisque & the wild rice & chicken soups. These soups just aren't quite doing it for me. Both were overpriced, watery and salty. I guess this place is just not my cup of tea---er, I mean soup.
(3)Marq C.
Well I may have had too much expectations walking into this place. I guess I was expecting a soup nazi experience... I was totally let down. This place sells only soups... 10-12 different kinds of it. My bad, they do have grilled cheese to pair with any of the soup they have and you will get a $1 off their grilled cheese if you get their $7 soup, YES $7 for a cup of soup. You have an option to add tomato (+$.50) and meat (+$1) to your $2.99/$3.99 (without soup) grilled cheese (choice of multi grain OR sourdough). Let's talk soup... I sampled their signature lobster bisque -- SKIP this. I tried my bf's tomato bisque-- mehhh. I had cream of mushroom -- mehhh 2.5/5 rating. It's just not creamy and rich. Although I'm sure it's fresh, it's just lacking the texture and taste for a $7 cup of soup. Not worth it. Sorry. So I gave this place 2 stars because there's no half ratings. Plus it's way too expensive for the taste. NEEEEEEEEXT!!!!
(2)Cait F.
Delicious and flavorful! Like seriously soo good. It's a little pricier than I'd want to pay for soup, but it's quick, close and appetizing.
(4)Troy M.
Was walking blast night and noticed the new shaved ices in the window. I got a large cherry and watermelon. It was so delicious I came back an hour later and got a raspberry lemon. This morning I was craving it again and went back! You have to try it!
(5)Andrey P.
Great place to eat your lunch.
(5)Ken O.
It was cold outside so I stopped in for some great soup. I had opted for the Cream of Cheese and Potato. I've never had this one before, what the heck. Didn't even try it - just ordered a cup to go. Between the accompanied bread, oyster crackers and the soup, I was a happy camper. As always, never a disappointment.
(5)Kimmy L.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!! I also have an odd obsession with soups. I could eat soup all year round - hearty soups (loaded baked potato), light soups (chicken noodle), Thai soups (tom YUM), Vietnamese soups (chao & bun bo hue), Korean soups (rice cake and dumpling soup) the list goes on and on.... So the concept is that they make fresh soup daily (approx 20 different soups per day) hence the name SoupBox, but during the hot summer months they also make this delicious homemade mixture between an italian ice and a slurpee with real chunks of fruit mixed in. YUM. Chicagoans refer to them as IceBox during the hot months. Isn't that cool?!?!?! I felt like a kid in a candy store as soon as I walked in. They even encouraged me (forced me) to sample each ice flavor and each soup flavor before making my final choice. The soups were ALL AMAZING! I was torn between the chicken dumpling, lobster bisque, and chicken with wild rice......they even mix soups together!!! I wasn't that adventurous but the soupman tells you which soups make good combinations together (i.e. lobster bisque and clam chowder) -Chicken with wild rice soup was amazing and served with a side of wheat or sourdough bread -I got an Ice combination of Raspberry, Strawberry, and Lemon - SO REFRESHING!! I discovered this place the last 2 days we were in Chicago so I made everyone come back the next day as well. So good!
(5)Asper K.
I recently found out about a hot new trend about to sweep the country. Toast. thisamericanlife.org/rad… That's right, courtesy of some hard nose investigative reporting from this American Life, it's been revealed that toast is back, it's artesanal, and it's most definitely hipster kryponite. And much to my delight, it turns out that provenance of this trend is none other than Trouble Coffee company on Judah St in SF, across the street from the 7-11 where back in the day, I used to play Double Dragon and elbow punch the bejesus out of anybody too stupid to know what was good for them. Then I'd buy some twizzlers and ride my bike home. I was basically a badass. Still am. Too bad for Soupbox, right now toast is trending instead of soup. Because they have all the hipster-food-place must haves already in place . A sloppy interior that seems vaguely vintage. Random decorative elements.. two large hersheys cocoa cans on a shelf, another shelf with different kinds of hot sauce. They have awards in frames on the walls. Yes, about 20. Some from as early as 1996, and from meaningless organizations like some students union saying soupbox is recommended. This might be the winking hipster humor I read about on wikipedia. As for the soup. It's soup. Pretty well made too. They also have grilled cheese sandwiches. And that's it. Perfectly simple, thank you very much. But alas, the hipster gods are finicky. Soups' time in the hipster sun has not yet come. Maybe soon soup will be the classic dish made new by bike riding artesianinals. If this happens these soup box motherfckers are going to clean up. And probably secretly buy new cannondale road bikes, which have more than one gear.
(5)Owen R.
OK.. is the word that comes to mind. Tried 3 kinds of soup, nothing exceptional. Having said that, if I lived in the area I'd return, try others.. Was expecting more, which often equals disappointed..
(3)Courtney C.
Soupbox was one of the first places that I bookmarked upon learning how to use Yelp's bookmarking feature. I FINALLY made it here this past weekend after lusting at the heavenly looking pictures of their soups for almost a year. Of course I wasn't let down!! After all, I've always been under the impression that soup is a culinary art form. I love that they let you try as many as you want. I wanted to try all 12, but stuck with trying 3: potato and leek, mayan chicken enchilada and the lobster bisque. I liked all 3 of them, but of those 3, the enchilada was the best. It had a good amount of kick and flavor that you wanted to just keep eating until there was none left. However, my husband ordered it before I could even open my mouth, so I went with the next best, which was the lobster bisque. (The potato and leek is a vegetarian option. I liked it a lot, but I thought that I may tire of it halfway through the bowl, so I ordered the bisque instead.) I was swayed to try the bisque by the Yelp reviews. It was very creamy and light which was perfect since it was my "pre-dinner", but I noticed that there wasn't a single lobster chunk in my soup. Kind of a letdown, but it was still really good. All soups come with a piece of sourdough or wheat bread. We both went with the sourdough and liked it a lot, although I could only finish about 1/2 of my bread. I loved Soupbox and know I'll come back when I find myself in the city on a cold day again, which I pray to the god of soup is sooner rather than later.
(4)joe t.
Once again Dru and crew continue to keep rocking!! This time I went a little crazy. After looking at the current soups I went a little crazy. First stopping at the Chicago Ave location. Picking up a Potato and Leek. Then went to the Broadway shop and got the Thick & Rich bacon and potato and of course the White Cheddar and Broc. Got home and made my own blend. All I can say is, why didn't I get 2 of each?!?! If you're visiting or live here and haven't been I highly recommend you go. Whenever we have company in from out of town, first stop is Soupbox and second is Montis! You guys make this soup guy very happy!!! Thanks again for the years of getting me through illnesses, cold days, and just plain hunger!! Oh and IMHO you have to try, when they have it, Cream of Asparagus, broccoli, white cheddar and the thick and rich potato! #NomNomNomNomNom
(5)Amanda B.
In the city of chicago, where we all too often have cold and wet weather this is too perfect. You can sample as many soups as you like, mix them together, and really there's nothing better than a hunk of sourdough and their lobster bisque or chicken chili.
(4)La Tonya G.
This is the first time I have ever gone to a place that is mostly dedicated to soup! I love all kinds of soups and to be honest when I stopped by I had no real intent on buying anything. Then the guy with bubbly energy and a great smile asked "Would you like a sample?" A sample you say my brain immediately said go for it girl, so I did! The first soup I tasted Broccoli with white cheddar wasn't really doing it for me but my friend she loved it! I was heading towards the door and the same guy asked "Could I interest you in another sample?" Another sample you say well how could I turn that down so I tasted the creamy corn chowder, boom bam pow, the flavors were explosive and as I savored the tasty treat I just had to get some soup to go. I pay for my soup and the guy behind the counter talks about how mixing the Lobster bisque and the creamy corn chowder is really good! I'm like yes one day I will have to try that and he basically said why do you have to wait for one day when you are in the store today. Yes, you guessed it he said those 5 delicious words to me "Would you like a sample?" why yes if you insist I will take another sample!! It kicked the chowder up a notch and I as I was turning to leave he said "Wouldn't it be nice to mix that at home, then you and your friend could both have a hearty bowl of soup later!" Well, you know what I thought as I still savored the taste of my sample on my tongue and did my ultimate happy dance as I stood and looked at the young man, you are so so right! Give me a Large(16oz) of Lobster bisque so that I may take these lovely soups home and mix them myself! Now, this place is kind of pricey because I never in my life thought I would spend 15 dollars for 32oz of soup and two pieces of bread. It was truly worth it and I know I will go back again on a day I feel like splurging! I think they should have some soup that is maybe in an 8 or 10oz cup where the price point is a little less, I think that people would flock to this place more often, hey but that's just my opinion! I know I will be back maybe not as often as I would like due to the pricing but the Soupbox and the man that had such a bubbly personality has made an impression me!!!
(4)Claire Y.
Soup bowls paired with bread and crackers. Lobster Bisque was great for my upset stomach. Price is reasonable.
(4)Ada H.
SoupHeaven! That's what it really should be called. I caught a cold. In June. And of course, I need soup to make me feel better. But I hate soup in can and didn't want soup from Panera or Potbelly. So I looked up soup near my home. And Soupbox was the very first result! Yelp to the rescue again! When I went in the, the soup scooper at the counter asked me if I had any questions. I told him that I was sick (he could probably tell from the way I looked and my hoarse voice any way), and wanted something strong so I can still taste it. I really wanted chicken noodle soup, but noticed that they had chicken and wild rice and also rosemary chicken dumpling soup. He suggested the rosemary chicken dumpling. It was basically like chicken noodles but dumplings instead of noodles. He also offered me a tasting of some of the other soups, but I declined since my sick tastebuds probably wouldn't have been helpful any way. It was exactly what I needed. The rosemary really came through even with my impaired sense of smell. It was filling even though I didn't expect it to be. Besides the dumplings there were good chunks of chicken and veggies. It also came with a large piece of bread which I couldn't finish. I also ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. I was enticed since it's only $2.50 if you get it with a soup. Funny because the sandwich is a side when usually soup is the side. It's a build-your-own with a choice of sourdough or multigrain, several different cheese, and some add-on extras like bacon or tomato. I chose multigrain with Mozzarella and Pepper Jack. This is the best combination of cheese for grilled cheese in my opinion. The mozzarella balances out the pepper jack and makes it extra gooey. Love it!!! When I got it, it was more like a panini with thinner slices of bread (see pic). But it's really a perfect little sandwich. Complete with criss cross griddle marks. My only slight gripe is that the soups are any where from $5-$9 depending on the size and type of soup you get. My small cup of RCD was $6.50. With the $2.50 and $1.50 bottle of water, it was kinda pricey. However, I think the flavors were worth it. And the price of the soup is balanced out by the price of the delicious sandwich. I will definitely be back! PS. I heard another customer mention a Groupon deal for this place. So check that out too!
(5)Brian W.
You may think its hard to mess up soup, but it is and Soupbox never has! Tons of choices for any type of flavor you wish. The lobster bisque is always my favorite, the chicken and dumpling is a winner too. The panini style grilled cheese with different kinds of breads and cheeses are good if you want a little more to eat. I'll keep coming back soupbox thank you!
(5)Gen C.
This is the ideal restaurant for a cold place like Chicago. All I wanted was soup, and Soupbox delivered! The place was small and relatively empty; I could foresee it getting crowded on a busy day. All of the soups of the day sounded great but I decided to go with the lobster bisque (no regrets!). They only have soups and salads, so if you're craving an intense meal, you might want to save this for another day!
(5)Gareth R.
Decent soup watch the consistency though.
(4)Jessica K.
Oh yes, 5 stars for hot soup in 100 degree weather. Well, actually it was more like 98 degrees with a high humidity factor but who's counting? And I am thrilled I came in armed with my Economist, a whole crapload of podcasts and a hearty appetite. I figured no one would want to eat soup on such a hot night so I would have a guaranteed spot in their tiny tiny shop. I sort of hemmed and hawed over the lobster bisque and the chicken tortilla and the nice man behind the counter helped me settle on a cup of the lobster bisque with a turkey and pepperjack sandwich (I mentioned I was hungry, right?) The lobster bisque is definitely very thick and heavy so anything more than a cup would probably make you sick. The turkey and pepperjack sandwich is a great addition to any soup but it's nothing spectacular. Think of Carl Buddig deli meat, cheese and a panini press. It's tastes so good when you dunk it in the bisque! This is not a healthy meal by any stretch of the imagination but it's tasty, fresh and still desirable in the summer.
(5)Lauren H.
This place is great if you just want a quick cup of soup and grilled cheese. I was actually surprised they made the lobster bisque the right way. Being a culinary graduate I can be a huge picky soup nazi. I can't wait to go back and try the other soups.
(3)Rachel B.
Love the lobster bisque. They let you try anything you want first, which is always a tasty experience. They started doing grilled cheese a while back, which is great, but it also makes the place smell a little smoky. Because of that, and it always being quite warm in there, I recommend take out only.
(4)David R.
My parents were coming for a four-day visit. I asked my mother, "What do you want to do while you're here?" She said "Your dad wants to see the planetarium and I want to go to Soupbox." How's that for a compliment? My mom has excellent taste. I'm still a super-fan of this joint after all these years, because they are still friendly as hell, and the soups are still phenomenal. Free tastes, an occasional gratis extra chunk of bread, and twelve-ounce bowls of joy. Soupbox is an all-time great.
(5)Kyle P.
Been here about 10 times over the past ten years and always walk away happy. Nice people, decent prices for what you get and always have new choices. I know the area and sales dictate but I wish they had more meat options and spicy. but I guess I can do that after.
(4)Lauren F.
It was freezing outside and I was sick...what better time than to stop in at Soupbox?! I tried the Lobster Bisque, Broccoli and Cheddar, and Chicken and Wild Rice soups with sourdough bread and they were all delicious, but I will say that the Lobster Bisque was the favorite for both me and my husband. I will definitely be returning very soon for more soup and to give one of their make-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches a try!
(4)Lindsay R.
It's okay/average....probably a good place for lunch, pretty affordable, nice selection of soups, great staff....the vegetable soup and the chicken noodle soup were just kind of bland and boring.
(3)S G.
I love Soupbox. I know their menu is basic, something you can easily prepare at home etc., but that's the beauty of Soupbox, a simple, quick fix like getting treated by your friend at collage! However on my last visit to this location, I was disappointed. The staff there were nice as always (and just like the river north location we typically go to) , thus I cannot just give one star, but yesterday after we had a couple of Lobster bisque and grilled cheese (our standard choice) for lunch, both my boyfriend and I had upset stomach throughout the day and until this morning. Also we noticed the bread of the grilled cheese got much thinner and overall, the experience was a lot less satisfactory than how we remembered it..and we are sorry about that.
(2)Ashley D.
Two words: PRISON SOUP! I'm soooooo disappointed in The Soupbox! I used to go here all the time and the last 3-4 times I've gotten nothing but flavorless hot water. I could buy Campbell's in the can that tastes a lot better for a lot less money. I kept giving Soupbox a chance since I used to love it so much, but after tonight, never again. Sorry Soupbox, you are officially off my " go-to favorites" list.
(1)Gino W.
Years ago when I went to St. Louis, I stumbled upon a "soup kitchen" where I fell in love with the cups of flavour. I was surprised that I had not seen any soup cafe in Chicago, as big as Chicago is. A year after my St. Louis visit a friend hip me to Soupbox. Lobster bisque. Clam chowder. Italian wedding. I had gone to the location on Chicago Avenue since it was closer to work. High energy and always full. And the soup was always good. The location in Lakeview on Broadway is where I go mostly, especially during the winter when I want to get a seat and enjoy my soup with the complementary slices of sourdough bread. Happiness. Note: Soupbox is a hangout spot for all the hipsters. Haha.
(4)Haley S.
I am NOT a soup person but Soupbox has changed me forever. This is seriously the most delicious warm meal you will ever have! Highly recommend the lobster bisque in a sour dough bowl! AMAZING!
(5)Daniela R.
This place is great.. I felt like I HAD to make a review after reading a bad one someone else wrote.. I wished I could down-vote it! This place is great, pricey; yeah. But worth it. The staff is FANTASTIC; so nice and helpful. Every soup i've tried here has been better than the next; lobster bisque is delicious and you can mix it with many others to make your own amazing cup of soup.. If people is going to complain about prices, lets start with other businesses.. I can see them hating on soup while sipping a $6 venti coffe at starbucks.. At least Soupbox tastes great!
(4)Kassie H.
Totally overpriced! This soup is just watery. It tastes like nothing. I got the chili which is supposed to have meat but where is it? And the beef stew, where's the beef and did they dump Cambpbell's in here? We got two small soups $15. Never ever going back, they have let the quality slip!
(1)Frances B.
Soup in Chicago doesn't get better than this, period. I live right around the corner from this place and I feel like I won the real estate jackpot. I've been to the downtown location and this one, and the soup and service is the same, but the downtown one gets jammed at lunchtime, especially during the winter. I adore the broccoli cheddar, chicken & wild rice, the mayan tortilla soup, the chicken noodle, the vegetable and the chili. My boyfriend can't bring himself to order anything besides the lobster bisque because he says it's just too good not to get. I also love the fact that if you're torn between 2, you can mix them! And they let you try any of the soups and soup mixes you want if you're not sure. All cups of soup come with delicious bread, but sometimes I go for the grilled cheese because it's hard not to. So if you're craving soup, or you're sick, or just generally cold COME HERE it's amazing.
(5)Lizz M.
I've been pretty annoyed at how hot it's been out because I cannot come to the Soupbox. I have solved this issue. I can just crank my AC until it's cold enough. BOOM! Anyway, Soupbox makes me happy (check out Facebook for my soupbox group...while groups are still a thing). Picking a favorite is what it must be like to choose between your children. Some of my top picks: chicken and wild rice, broccoli and cheddar and chicken gumbo. Their potato and leek is also good, I just wish it were a smidge thicker. I've only seen this done at the Chicago location, but you can also mix soups. I haven't tried this but a friend did and she loved it! If you're unsure on what to choose, you can always sample before you commit. Both locations are top notch, so you really can't go wrong. Service is always fantastic. Oh, and if you want something more than soup? Grilled cheese. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Michelle C.
Love the Lobster Bisque! Ask them to mix the pot around before they scoop into your cup because there was an instance where I didn't get any lobster pieces :( The oyster crackers that come with the soup are the best!! I eat it by itself if I don't have anymore soup.. haha. They could probably get more than 1 computer to make things easier. It was really busy the last time I went and the guy couldn't keep track of who's soup he had already poured and whether he entered it into the computer already.
(4)Ron M.
I was in the mood for some soup post polar vortex, so I figured this would hit the spot. I was regretting my decision two spoonfuls into it. The chicken/rice soup was runnier than my nose. If you have an extra $8-$10 bucks burning a hole in your wallet and want some average soup, this is your spot.
(2)Gladys C.
12 different soups every day!!! The split pea, lobster bisque, chicken with wild rice and corn chowder are really good. It's really hard to choose, but they let you sample as many as you want! You also get free bread chunks and those are really yummy compared to their bread bowls. I don't like their bread bowls - the bread is not soft enough (I prefer Au Bon Pain's) and doesn't make it want to eat it. Friendly service!
(4)Aubrey K.
Great concept...The Soupbox is open in the cold season and it offers Italian Ice as the Ice Box in the warmer months. I love coming here and picking up a rich soup. The staff is always patient as I end up sampling at least 4 varieties and am so indecisive since they are all equally tasty. Some of my favorites are good old Chicken Noodle and the Chicken with Wild Rice.
(4)Sydney K.
As a self-prescribed soup fanatic, I'm always on the lookout for good homemade soup. Soupbox not only has 1, but 12 daily homemade soups that comfort you on a blustery Chicago day. But your soup selection is only limited by your imagination - they encourage mixing soups to create whole new creations. One of my favorites is the lobster bisque and corn chowder mixed together. The italian bread that comes with the soup is delicious and don't be shy about asking for extra. Want to know what kinds of soups they're offering today? Visit their website thesoupbox.com to see their soups du jour.
(5)andrew l.
Soupbox is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. How can an establishment selling soups hold a candle to the competition? Well for one, the soup is restaurant quality. You can sample any soup there, and mix soups together. My favorite is Chicken with Wild Rice and a mix with Lobster Bisque. A tad bit pricey for soup but the friendly atmosphere and really cool employees make up for that 10x. This is one of those places you make a personal staple.
(5)Kiki M.
I have been to both the Broadway and Chicago locations many times. The soup has a very good favor to it, but it's not hardy enough. I've had many of your soups, and I'd say that 95% of them are do not have enough veggies or filler to them. In addition, I went to get soup today, and I'm sorry to say that it is going to be the last time. It is OUTRAGOUS to charge $5.50 for a VERY SMALL soup that is practically all liquid.
(1)Lisa T.
What a great place, especially for Chicago weather. Always a good selection, with meat, seafood or vegetarian friendly soups, and always um, um good!
(3)Bethany K.
This is a great little place to grab a warm bowl of soup on a cold night. I often stop by on my way home from work, after waiting too long in the cold for a too long bus ride. They offer a great selection and send you home with some bread in your bag for dipping. It's a bit pricey , when you can buy a can of soup at the grocery store for a buck, but it's definately worth it.
(4)Jack B.
The last time I was here, which was a while ago, I had this beer battered soup that was awesome. I keep meaning to go back for more because I really liked it, but haven't found the time. Hopefully they still have it there!
(4)a w.
The bread bowl here is the best. You get lots of soup and some great fresh baked breads. And there's always plenty of soups to choose from -- and if you can't decide, you can always try as many of them as you'd like. This is a really neat place that also turns into an the Icebox in the summers, offering lots of different flavored Italian Ice.
(5)Mark P.
Pretty good soups. But too heavy on the cream.
(3)Stephanie M.
In the summer when this place becomes Ice Box, they have the best frozen ice slushee treats. Everything is made with real fruit so its not too sweet and you can really taste the real fruit flavor. They come in a bunch of different sizes from really tiny to huge. They give free samples too. Blueberry is good. Strawberry is good. Watermelon is good. They are all good and good for u.
(4)Julia B.
Awesome soups! I love soup-so this is a great place for me to go in the winter when I want to grab a quick lunch. In the summer it is the Ice Box which has more frozen selections..I prefer the soups though!!!
(3)Terrance H.
Thanks for the offer of the free soup Dru. Went to the soupbox the other day and got the Lobster bisque and the Tomato basil. It was last Monday when it was rainy and windy out, perfect day for soups. Had samples of the beef stew and something else which escapes my mind at the moment. The workers were again very helpful. All was good on this trip as well. Only issue is I was there would have been pieces of lobster in the bisque but I understand. Otherwise another good experience here..
(4)Beth M.
A winter time staple. Must go in to the store for the samples. I like the plain old chicken noodle and the rosemary chicken. Maybe slightly overpriced for soup but everything is made fresh. They also deliver.
(4)Kenny O.
Unlike its other location in River North, this Soupbox unfortunately doesn't have a mini-salad station for making these perfect soup+salad combinations. The ambiance: I went there a few weeks ago and it was empty. I'm used the RN location always hustling and bustling with people, so this was a surprise. It was nice, though. Quiet alone time with my beloved bread bowl and soup. Mmmm. The food: I really like Soupbox and have been here a good amount of times now. I went with a cream of chicken and wild rice and it was delicious served inside a sourdough bread bowl. I still personally think it's a steal at around $8, since that's what I paid for subpar soup breadbowls at Boudin in California as my lunch multiple times a week (and Boudin wasn't nearly as good as Soupbox either). The service: Friendly and fast. TL;DR. Always good. More laid back version of Soupbox compared to River North. No salads.
(4)Denise W.
The boyfriend and I came here on two separate occasions. Both times we used a Groupon deal: $5 for $10 worth of food. The first time was during the late afternoon and the small eatery was quiet with just a few people inside. The guys behind the counter greeted us and offered us some samples of their soup menu. While all the samples were delicious, we both decided that lobster bisque was the best. We glanced at the prices and our one $10 Groupon barely covered 2 small cups of soup. I placed an order for a sourdough bread bowl of lobster bisque while the boyfriend quickly bought another Groupon on the spot to get another order of the same. Both guys were really nice and filled our bread bowls to the brim. There was also chips, cookies, and day-old bread for sale for 99-cents per roll of bread. Small packets of oyster crackers were on the house so we stocked up on a few before bringing our bread bowls to a table. The lobster bisque was rich and smooth and was complemented really nicely by the sourdough bread bowl. The free oyster crackers added a nice crunch to the repeatedly creamy texture. The second time we went to Soupbox was late night, about 9pm. Instead of getting two soup bowls this time, we split a bread bowl and added a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for $2.50. You can customise your sandwich with types of bread and cheese, and toppings for extra charge. We ordered a Broccoli and Cheddar soup in a sourdough bread bowl, but they had run out of sourdough and only had multi-grain. To compensate, they only charged us the price of a large soup rather than the price of a bread bowl. We added on a roll of day-old sourdough bread for later and they were willing to give it to us free of charge. I'm not sure if it was because they didn't have any more fresh sourdough bread bowls, or because it was almost closing time. We sat down with our soup and shortly after, the guy brought out our grilled cheese sandwich. All together, it looked and smelled delicious. We loaded up on oyster crackers again and couldn't wait to dig in. The soup was so rich and creamy, and the oyster crackers added the extra crunch to mix up food textures. The grilled cheese was pretty standard, but while it was still hot and the cheese was still melting, it tasted amazingly good. Awesome service, awesome soups, and awesome bread, even if it is day-old. It is a little bit on the pricey side without the help of a Groupon, but I can imagine this place being really crowded on a cold and stormy day.
(4)Kelly A.
Excellent soup! Fast delivery and awesome service. Got the cheesy baked potato soup and rosemary chicken soup. Both were delivered hot and delicious. Would highly recommend over Panera or other soup options.
(5)Debra L.
Halloween 2014 was wet, windy and crazy cold. This kind of night cried out for hot soup. I love that Soupbox has around a dozen offerings, including both vegan and a vegetarian soup. There's something for everyone. The restaurant is a plain carryout place, but the swell folks that work there never mind if you want a taste sample before you buy. My crew all opted for bread bowls of chicken noodle soup, and the vegan soup was Cuban black bean. I can't speak for the chicken noodle soup but I'm guessing by the empty bowls it was really good. Speaking of empty bowl, I made short work of the Cuban black bean. It was rich and thick, and well spiced with a hearty texture. I also love the whole grain bread. What's soup without bread? With winter around the corner I'm glad we have Soupbox.
(4)Jim S.
Best soup in the city. I've had Soup Box delivered probably 20 times and I've visited the restaurant about 10 times, you can't go wrong either way. If delivered, the soup comes as ordered, hot, and delicious. I always recommend the lobster bisque, it's absolutely unreal. Highly recommend Soup Box.
(5)Kory R.
So I came here after listening to friends talk this place up that it is the most AMAZING soup place. I was disappointed. Yes, you have all those soups to choose from and try, but after visiting several times and just having an average experience, I'm not impressed. The soup is over priced and tastes like it all comes from a mix or can. The grilled cheese is good, but there's Cheesies if you're looking for that. My advice, skip it and heat up some Campbell's because it'll pretty much be the same thing.
(3)Rick T.
You know what thought came to my mind as I sat here eating? The Great Depression. People lined up around the block at soup kitchens for a free cup of soup during that era. Soupbox is the exact, polar opposite of a depression-era soup kitchen. I don't think there is a pricier cup of soup on planet Earth: $7.61 Seven. Dollars. And. Sixty. One. Cents. For a cup--literally, 8 ounces--a CUP of rosemary chicken dumpling soup. That's $122.00 PER GALLON for God's sake. Son of a BITCH, man. And, NO, it was not "good" soup. There were a couple--literally a couple--of shreds of chicken. The vegetables were so thin, I could see through them. Again. Not exaggerating. I could *see through* the carrot and celery shavings. Oh, right. This was "rosemary chicken dumpling" soup. There were two "dumplings." Both were the size of a very small gnocchi. Come to think of it, they may have been very small gnocchi. Small. Tasteless. Pitiful. Lonely Gnocchi. In a runny, bland, depression-era-worthy cup of water. This is another one of those places that I've walked past a zillion times without going in. It will be a zillion more times before I return.
(2)Sean R.
My first time visiting this place. I actually checked it out because a friend only could eat soup that day. I think it is a great idea of a place, and the soup I had was pretty good. I like the vibe of the place and the concept of the pots for the soup. Only drawback and this applies to most places in that area is that parking is terrible.
(4)Kristy D.
Love, love, love this restaurant!!!!! The soup and bread bowl was yummy!!! My husband and I had dinner for $20 and we were stuffed!! MUST go back to try other soups!
(5)Izzy N.
No matter what the weather is like outside, burning hot temps- sometimes all I want is soup. Southeast asians are notorious for that.. a big bowl of pho or bun bo hue in hot tropical weather in the motherland? Hell yes. Have you seen the average temperature in Vietnam during the winter? It's in the 70s and 80s. I thought I'd give soupbox a try since I wasn't able to venture out for pho. It's pretty decent.. I usually go for the creamier soups like cream of asparagus and lobster bisque because I don't like most american non-creamy soups except for chicken noodle once in awhile. I like Whole Food's rendition of broccoli cheddar better. It's cool they offer a choice of sourdough or multigrain bread with your soup and there's plenty of extras to add to your soup on the side counter. I like adding lots of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to mine. Solid place for some soup.
(3)Marissa G.
My friends and I spent quite some time at soupbox last summer and I am so glad we did. I have very fond memories of this place. The staff is extremely helpful and lets you sample all of their soups, which are cooked fresh every day, to decide which one you want. They are very encouraging, so i don't have to feel like I should settle for a soup because I feel awkward asking to taste another. They are very fast at checking the customer out and I have seen them with extremely long lines of customers that they've been able to pump through within minutes. I loved their chicken noodle soup, their broccoli cheddar, chicken and wild rice, and their beef stew. All of it is so good, you can get bread and butter with it (I highly recommend dipping the bread in the butter and then eating it with the soup -- totally fatty but totally delicious). I am a big fan of their dirty chips too! Get the sweet onion! Salt and vinegar is good too :)
(5)Nichole F.
I love Soupbox especially when it is cold outside. We live close enough to the location in Lakeview to get delivery. Yay! I love getting the lobster bisque in a sourdough bread bowl! So delish!
(5)Jeff S.
When you need soup, for what ever reason...the weather, not feeling great, comfort food, or you just love good soup, any reason you can come up with--Soupbox is the answer. Even though we live on the North Shore, every so often have to do a Soupbox run. Wish they'd open one up in the Evanston area, so I wouldn't have to drive all the way into the city. Their soups are delicious, decadent and a treat for your taste buds. The selection is terrific, with the free bread--you have a hearty, filling meal. And I always buy extra to freeze. With all the snow and frigid cold we're having right now, it's time for a run into town to get some soup. Haven't tried their sandwich yet, but will have to give them a go too.
(5)Rachel O.
World's best soup in the world ever. Amazing delicious everything. My absolute favorite is the Lobster Bisque, but I have sampled many others and they're all wonderful. The bread is fantastic, especially the multi-grain in my opinion. If you're hungry for more than soup, add a grilled cheese for a few bucks and you will not be sorry. I like how they make simple grilled cheese instead of the over-the-top and expensive kinds many places make nowadays. The employees are always so nice. Delivery is extremely fast, soup comes piping hot, and there's only an $8 minimum. I love you Soupbox.
(5)Nats A.
Well it was 84 degrees out and I still made my way over to soupbox to use my groupons. It only took me a half hour coming from Niles (Fullerton is a bitch no matter what time of day). But I was still able to find a parking spot right in front. Soupbox is very small. Like tiny, meaning it must be cray cray during the cold months. Seating is limited, probably 6 or 7 tables max. Bought the lobster bisque and broccoli and white cheddar. The lobster bisque is good BUT there are no chucks of lobster, and a little salty. Broccoli and cheddar is yummy. Better than paneras! I seriously got an awesome deal with both of my groupons. I walked out of Soupbox with 2 large soups, 1 bottle of water, 1 cookie, and 1 bag of chips. You can't beat that. I will be back Soupbox, count me in as a frequent customer.
(4)Jerry W.
I have to start by saying I am a huge soup fan. And so is my wife and oldest daughter. So the three of us decide to stop on in at the Soupbox on Broadway. My wife and I are dropping our daughter off at her place. She is feeling under the weather. So we need a good lunch spot with hot soups. We start by sampling several of the twelve soups cooking today. I tried the New England Clam Chowder (a thick and rich classic white clam chowder with fresh clams, potatoes, onion and celery in a cream base that was truly outstanding), the Hearty Beef Stew (slow roasted beef, carrots, potatoes and peas with a touch of onion in beef stock that was good, but the sample cup needed to be bigger), Authentic Mexican Tortilla (roasted tomatoes and sweet corn with black beans, garlic and red onion in a cumin and chili powder spiced chicken broth, another outstanding thick and hearty soup) and finally a Classic Chicken Noodle (slow cooked chicken, long flat noodles and plenty of fresh veggies that really hit the spot). So I decide on a large New England Clam Chowder for $7.95 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon on it. My wife orders a small Classic Chicken Noodle for $5.85 with sour dow bread and a Grilled Cheese sandwich for $2.50 that also had bacon and a tomato on it. Both grilled cheeses were really hearty and delicious sandwiches. Finally my daughter ordered a bread bowl Classic Chicken Noodle for $7.85 with wheat bread. It was sooo good we also ordered her another small for home, she is still feeling under the weather. Well our total came to $29.32 with tax. The service was SUPER friendly. The place is clean and small. Do we recommend Soupbox, HECK YEAH! Will we be back, HECK YEAH! Should you stop by 2943 N. Broadway and give the soups a try, HECK YEAH! I am hoping after our next visit the Soupbox will get the ultimate 5 star, "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" rating.
(4)Femme C.
I love the lobster bisque, this is my fave. My only complaint is it is too salty. I have the soup and then die for water. Less salt, Soupbox!
(5)Caroline M.
Beer cheese soup!? Yum! One 12oz portion of this velvety, creamy, cheesy soup fulfilled my soup cravings. I particularly like how you are offered bread to accompany your personal soup fest. My wedge of sourdough had a nice crust and made a lovely accompaniment to the soup. I like crackers and Soupbox had 'em! Cheesy Beer Soup (carbs) + bread (carbs) + a sprinkling of crackers (carbs) = my perfect (carb heavy) meal. Loved it.
(4)Joes L.
That's right 5-Stars. Go ahead. Judge me. This place is so damn good I treat her like a favorite family member - I miss her when I'm away, everywhere I go I wish I could take her with me, I post photos of our good times together on my cubicle wall, and when I have to make tough decisions I say to myself "What would Soupbox do?" And then I do it knowing that somewhere out there Soupbox is nodding with approval. The fact is Soupbox is my favorite place to eat of all time. Best of all is the....wait for it.....soup, but to say it's different versions of the same thing is an outrageous understatement. To all you skeptics toss out the idea that soup is just a cold weather dish: every one in every season can find something they like here. (Note: Soupbox opens up its Italian Ice offering "Icebox" in the summer.) Chicken & Wild Rice, Cream of Asparagus, Broccoli & Cheese, Hearty Vegetable...stop me before I dribble all over my keyboard. It fits my every mood and my tastes have broadened people. And guess what? When you're feeling a little daring try mixing the soups. I'm a fan of the lobster bisque clam chowder, myself. Ok, so that's my big plug for Chicago eats. It's definitely worth a go.
(5)Ashley B.
I've only been here once so I want to come back and try it again, especially since I'm so close to it. The soup I had was pretty good but the salads were kind of blah. It just felt like a weird place overall. I do like that they let you taste test it before you buy, which, think about it, not a lot of restaurants do that, period. All in all, it's nice if you're nearby and in need of something quick and warm. However, I think I could make a better soup and spend a lot less moola doing so!
(3)Jared D.
Just went here armed with a $5 for $10 groupon. Probably wasn't the best idea to go get soup when it's 93 degrees out, but was overall pretty good. Had the chicken noodle and grilled cheese. The soup had good flavor, but too much broth and not enough chicken/noodles/veggies etc. The sandwich was good. This place is probably much better in the winter, so hopefully there's another $5 groupon because soupbox is not cheap.
(3)Lia V.
Nothing better than soup on a chilly day... or when you're hungover. Creamy chicken and wild rice - MY FAVORITE. I tried the clam chowder today too and it was surprisingly very good. I've never tasted a bad soup from there. Get the multigrain bread for dipping and an IBC rootbeer and your tummy will be a happy camper.
(4)Lyn L.
If you go, get a mix of their lobster bisque and their cream of chicken and wild rice. Yummy!
(4)Lauren L.
Love this place! When you are stuck in the Windy City and the air is just cool enough for a good cup of soup, SoupBox is the place to pop your head in! They have 20 different soups everyday to choose from and you can taste as many as you want before deciding what to eat! My favorite, as of late, is the chicken & wild rice soup! I appreciate a good, creamy, hot soup on a chilly day! Another great addition to the soups is the grilled cheese sandwich you can add on for only $2.00 or so! They also have great salads that you can create yourself if you are feeling like having something on the lighter side!
(4)Chris W.
Breaking down my entire first experience here I'm going to start with the environment and finish with the soup. If you prefer to read in any other fashion, feel free! THE ENVIRONMENT: ****/5 Imagine walking into a sort of dim Empty Bottle without the bar area or having stairs or any of that. Just the dance floor. Then imagine a few sparse tables and some high chairs along the windows facing the street (we're modifying the space here for all intensive purposes). If the stage was the 'kitchen' where the cauldrons of soups labeled and on a table with relatively quirky or laid back employees more than willing to give you a sample cup of any soup, you'd see that in 'the middle of the dance-floor' people gather together to pick soups, make orders, and most people seem to do the takeout thing. New, seems to be that they make grilled cheese on a panini thing. It smelled good I must say. What I mean to say with all of the traffic in and out of locals and shoppers is that we weren't bothered or crowded or anything of that nature while we were sitting down and eating. It's a nice place for a quick or long lunch and a nice conversation. A cute date starter-spot too. If you'd like a drink they have a mostly canned selection of pops, iced tea, and some bottled IBC cream soda, root beer and diet root beer. Water as well. When I went to pick out something to drink I realized a lot of what was in the cooler must have JUST been put in there before we got there so make sure to grab yourself something nice and COLD. They're all mixed up next to each other. THE SOUP: *****/5 They have 12 soups available daily (plenty of vegan options) and my friend got the Select Cream of Potato and Leek. The flavor of such was enhanced with some black pepper. They have spices next to the counter and the drink cooler. He got his Potato & Leek soup in a bread bowl. There are three price ranges for the soups which are 'regular' 'large' and 'bread bowl'. Regular is about 6 bucks and Bread Bowl is about 8.50. Beware you get all of the innards of your multigrain or sourdough bread bowl alongside of your meal and because all of the creamier soups (that I've had thus far) are SO RICH TASTING it's going to be a struggle to finish. I was almost grumpy when we got there about the prices for the sizes, having no idea a regular bowl of Lobster Bisque with a side of sourdough that comes with the soup (well, your choice of bread does) was going to make me need to be carried to the car. Speaking of Lobster Bisque - I've sampled 3 of such soup in my lifetime, this one surprisingly did not have any chunks of meat or anything in it. It was strictly liquid, but that was fine with me. Of the 3 lobster bisque's I've had, this one was in the top 2. A bread bowl and a regular bowl of soup were approximately the same price as what we would have paid at Panera for two pick 2's and a drink. I can't wait to try more soup soon!
(4)Hilary P.
Oh SoupBox, you could not be more perfect to me. Selection of 12 delicious soups on all the chilly days you'd want to eat soup? Amazing idea! I wish you existed in California every time the temperature dips below 65 and I crave soup. Oh and your lobster bisque is kind of amazing so that's nice too! Great rotating selection, friendly service, patient employees who let you sample whatever you want when you're feeling indecisive, all great things here at SoupBox!
(5)Julia B.
THEY NOW DELIVER AND HAVE GRILLED CHEESE!! Ok, now that I got that out of the way...This is downtown Soupbox's older, more hip, but smaller sister. Yes this location is quite small (RE: not much room to sit), but it still a great place to get a cup of soup in Lakeview. Now that I think about it, it might be one of the only places in Lakeview, that's not Asian, where you can some good soup. Which is precisely why I love it so so much! All of the soups are great, but my favorite is the New England Clam Chowder because I am a huge Clam Chowda fan. Soupbox's version is pretty delicious and does really taste like it was made from scratch, pretty close to a fancy restaurant's version. The lobster bisque is my second favorite and tastes super delicious mixed with the clam chowder. They have plenty of other flavors that alternate everyday and they always have free samples. The newest edition of Grilled Cheese has to be one their greatest ideas. $2.50 with a soup and $3.50 without any soup, is a sweet deal, and it tastes perfect. And it actually a pretty decent size grilled cheese. I got mine with pepperjack cheese and ham. but there are several options for the cheese and meat. When I get the grilled cheese and soup I can't actually eat both in one meal, which is both good and bad. Good because I now have two meals, but neither soup nor grilled cheese taste good reheated. However, if you have a huge appetite, you can probably handle both, and who doesn't love grilled cheese? The friendly employees make the soup buying experience quite pleasant and since I am usually here on a depressing, rainy or sick day, this makes all the difference. Can't wait to order delivery when the weather get's colder!
(4)Julie V.
Soup samples delivered indiscriminately. Well-done. A variety of hot steaming soup in black kettles, served with a chunk of soft bread. Such a simple concept, but a brilliant one. Soup works on so many levels to make the body feel happy. And the Soupbox has mastered this strategy. My only suggestion is: Offer the original cream-based Chicken Dumpling more often. The Rosemary broth version is mediocre, but the former is exemplary. AND --ever thought of a divided, disposable bowl for 2 soups in one? Oh and open another location in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square!
(4)Mishele K.
I can't get enough of this place. In winter I can't resist some soup and grilled cheese action, and their summer treats are delicious, too. The prices are reasonable, the line usually isn't too long, and the food is yummy--and they have a nice selection to choose from, so you can take your picky siblings there and everyone can still be happy. Stop in if you're in the neighborhood!
(5)Rod D.
If soups your thing, this place is for you. I'm not too big on soup but did enjoy some of the flavors they have. What's nice about this place is they also recommend soups that you can mix together that can make for a delicious meal. With all that being said, I can't constitute paying $9-10 for soup. I don't care how gourmet it is. Soup is like a pre-meal for me...I can't get full off of soup. I liked the soup but it's not worth the money for me. It's a place that I would go to once and a while but not a place I would frequently visit because of the prices.
(3)Sopla R.
I'm gonna let you in on a secret. Really exceptional soup takes time. Of course, this can be said for all food prep, but since we are talking "Soupbox"... We all get that nostalgic pang that we get when we think of soup right? It's comforting, and makes a chilly day seem perfect. I've been to this place three times now. Each time, I left feeling like I spent too much for the quality of soup/portion that I got. Soups start with a "base or a roux" and these guys use the same base for pretty much all their creamy soups/clear soups. Which is fine/standard if* they actually took the time to simmer these soups and use real stock along with fresh herbs/produce.. as well as to make them distinct not only by adding or deleting a protein. I always taste flour in these soups and they have no real flavor profiles. With the clear soups, I always have an aftertaste and usually this means that they used some of those bulk spices (that may or may not be flavor "enhancers".. And the reason I still taste flour in these soups? Is because they are not building flavor profiles. Because building flavor takes time (simmering,) Which is the POINT of me going to a shop called "Soupbox" in the first place!! I want exceptional soup not just "OK" soup!! Which anyone can do at home with leftovers and frozen bag of veggies.. just toss together for a quickie "frig cleanup soup." Bottom line, they are cutting LOTS of corners and it shows.. I usually make a few batches of soups throughout the year at home. I spend no less than 3-5 hours from start to finish on any given soup. I don't taste that here at all. I always thought that homemade soup equaled love after all. I would challenge those 4 and 5 star reviewers to find a soup recipe that starts from scratch. Make it all the way through (even using boxed stocks because I usually use both in mine homemade and boxed :) Then, come back and see if Soupbox is really worthy of these 4 and 5 star reviews..Not to mention, it makes your house actually feel all cozy and nostalgic!! Update: I have to give props to the management for responding to my review and offering me to come back and try them. Unfortunately, I found them to be the same as I said before. Nothing special (like any supermarket deli high end or otherwise) you'd never know the difference. To be fair, I think, for the price point and given this hipster location, my review's not going to effect their biz anyways. I always appreciate when I'm heard nonetheless.
(2)Stephanie T.
Many of my coworkers order from here all the time and love it! So I figured I would try it. I ordered the hearty vegetable soup. I thought since it was "Hearty" that it was going to be filled with yummy veggies in every bite. Yea ooookkk!! All I got was a bland broth with about 5 slices of carrots, about 8 peas, and two thin slices of celery! Are you kidding me!!??? I paid about $11 for basically a broth. I will NOT be ordering from here again and I will make sure my coworkers won't either!
(1)Shelly M.
My boyfriend and I tried this restaurant out and we ordered the lobster bisque and chicken and wild rice. Both were delicious and perfect on a cold night. The sour dough bread was perfect with our soups. We will be going back to try more!
(4)Dean K.
winter is around the corner. i like to bring home a large bowl of lobster bisque with plenty of bread and butter and have that with a bombay sapphire and tonic (don't know why this works). it is the perfect lazy afternoon meal on a cold and blustery weekend.
(4)Annette J.
I've been dealing with a never ending cold/allergy amalgamation the last few weeks so that coupled with the cooling temps have really put me in a soup kind of mood. Thankfully Soupbox is just up the street from my apartment to accommodate my recent cravings. Soupbox is a small space with a warm vibe. A few tables and chairs (additional seating outside in warmer temps) and the counter with their 12 kettles of delectable soups for the day fill up the room. Flavors range from a Cream of Asparagus to Bacon Cheddar Beer to the vegan/gluten free Cuban Black Bean and you can see what's offered before you head over there via their website at thesoupbox.com . Also nice--the website lists the nutritional info so if you're watching calories you can plan accordingly. I was surprised to find that some of my favorite soups were not as indulgent as I thought which was AWESOME. If you're anything like me you might get overwhelmed by the variety but luckily the staff is open to give you free samples of soups to help you make your choice. If you're torn between two flavors you can even get them to mix them for you. Just yesterday I had a mix of two of my favorites--lobster bisque and clam chowder. That ish was gooooood. Also all the staff I've encountered are super passionate about their product so if you're feeling brave ask them to whip up a special mixture of some of their favorites just for you. I've seen them come up some interesting combinations. It can be kind of pricey for a bowl of soup but the two sizes--regular (12oz for around $5-6) and large (16oz $6-7) come with a side of bread so it can be a filling meal. If you're feeling kind of Renaissance Fair-y get thy soup in a bread bowl! In the summer months they expand to include "Icebox" offerings--Italian ice and gelato. Admittedly with Bobtail a few doors down and Paciugo up the street I don't go to Soupbox for their icy treats but they've got it if you want it. In the winter months they offer a delivery service which I've only used once--when I was deathly ill last January. I felt like a tool ordering delivery when they were not even a block away but desperate phlegmy times call for desperate measures. At least I gave the guy a good tip! A cooler houses some canned and bottled beverages and Pastoral next door offers some kick ass gourmet sandwiches if you want a soup and sandwich kind of deal but as far as I'm concerned the hearty flavorful soups at Soupbox are perfect on their own.
(4)Sharon S.
Ran out of chicken noodle soup when I went:( But it was also towards the evening so I guess it's okay, but it's my stable soup! I got the leftovers of the soup but only the soup and a few noodles. I also got the wedding soup which was good but needed a little more flavor. I heard really good things about Soupbox so I'll have to come give it another shot. Plus I'm sure once winter comes around I'll be stopping for soup more often!
(3)Dan K.
I really really REALLY wanted to love Soupbox. I've lived just down the street from it for about 6 years now. Even Rachel Ray loved it, so I should, right? Maybe I like food with flavor? The potato leek soup is not soup. It's gravy. Like what you would put on biscuits and it has NO flavor...I had to salt mine heavily and I actually never ever put salt on my food. The lobster bisque tastes like tuna...it should not taste THAT fishy. The good thing is they deliver, so when it's cold it could nice....and they let you sample as many soups as you want, also nice. The clam chowder was pretty tasty...but I think this place is a bit overrated.
(2)Gary C.
I can't wait until winter. I'm going to slide down Broadway in my rear-wheel drive car and park my butt in front of two of my favorite spots in the city of Chicago: Soupbox and [insert chicken wing place across from Soupbox...hey, I'm not getting paid to plug Crisp. Oops!]. Better yet, I don't need to wait until winter. At the rate that this city is going, temperatures could hit 100 tomorrow and 40 the day after. Bah. Regardless, I'm going make my way down to Soupbox. With twelve different soups a day you'll find something that tickles your fancy. The folks over at the 'Box rotate between almost thirty different cauldrons of liquid goodness. I drove home with two regular sizes: the chicken & wild rice and clam chowdaaaaa. I came to this decision after minutes, yes minutes, of taste testing. That's right. Taste test away, my dear friends. Try them all...and then try them all again. Only then will you be able to decide which lucky hot thang will accompany you home that night. But on a serious note, the two that I wound up taking home were excellent, and remained tasty even after my 20+ minute car ride home. Some of the others that I tried that night were the lobster bisque [a fan favorite and something I would take home given the mood be right] and the rosemary chicken dumpling, which had an awesome rosemary scent and flavor. Beyond the soup, the 'Box has some awesome staff. Everybody is friendly and ready to answer any questions. PLUS they have both saltine crackers AND oyster crackers for those who prefer one over the other...or both [like me]. So if you're itchin' for some soup, as I know I do at times, skip the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks from that faux-Italian chain and make the trip to Soupbox. Just be sure to sip it like it's hot once you get it [ metacafe.com/watch/21593… The Real JT [not Johnny haha] wouldn't want you to burn your tongue while sippin' on this sizzzzzoup.
(5)Melissa S.
Point deduction for making me walk 4 blocks from the 1 parking spot I found. There is construction galore and NO WHERE to park! I only have an hour lunch people... 15 minute drive to get there PLUS finding parking left me less than 10 minutes to eat before I had to walk back. A point deduction for reading reviews about their "signature lobster bisque" that was all bisque and no lobster. Maybe it's just me, but I'm used to having the chunks of lobster in my lobster bisque (at least that's how I like it). The grilled cheese was good (basic) but the fact that they have BOTTLED root beer and cherry coke was a BIG plus (re-gained a star). Might be coming back here soon!
(4)Debbie F.
Lobster bisque: 4/5 stars. Not as creamy as Lobster (Squash) Bisque from Whole Foods, but it's still delicious. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice: 5/5 stars. Amazing; best I've tasted in my life...and I don't even like chicken. Grilled multigrain turkey sandwich with pepper jack + mozzarella: 3/5. Maybe I ordered the wrong ingredients, but the sandwich was nothing special. Cheese was perfectly melted though.
(4)Nicolas R.
I'm currently sick with allergy madness and feel like I want to die. So soup. Right? I had a tomato florentine, which I was a bit skeptical about, but as I was sold on a grilled cheese sandwich, it was a logical choice. The soup tasted FRESH and not canned, and sill had the richness of being cooked for hours. Brilliant. The beef stock rounded out the savory and the vegetables still had a little bit of crunch to them - not mush. The pasta in the soup held its shape, again, not mush. I had my grilled cheese with mozzarella cheese and it was great! It was closer to a panini, but still buttery without being greasy. It came with some sourdough bread that was SOFT and complemented the soup perfectly. So, yeah. FIve stars. I mean, it's kind of the only soup restaurant I've ever been to, so I'd say it's as good as it gets in my book. And I think it brought me back from the brink of death.
(5)Jennifer L.
What could be more amazing than their vast selection of fresh soups made daily? GRILLED CHEESE!!! The weather outside is getting colder, and so my body has been craving soup. The other day, I got a regular sized tomato basil soup and tried their grilled cheese on wheat bread with mozzarella. They brought the grilled cheese over to me almost immediately after I found a place to sit. I just have to say, I'm going back today for sure. I think I'm addicted. PS: the lack of 5 stars is due to the fact that the place is TINY. I really wish they had more seating. If you can, I would get everything to go.
(4)Aja G.
As a person who could eat soup and/or ice cream 365 days a year, the soupbox is a dream cone true. The other reviews are on the money: the staff is handing out loads of free samples, the soup is high quality ,delcious and various. What is not so delightful are there prices. 12 oz of soup for 5+ bucks? I am sure their lease is high, and Chicago is squeezing every dime out of them for permits, but i could live with the soupbox passing on the pricing pinch. The also don't have fountain drinks so no free water. Certainly go if you are in the hood, but be prepared to spend 7+ plus bucks on soup and water.
(3)Jennifer L.
I am very impressed with Soupbox and cannot wait until I go back there so I can sample more of their delicious soups. I had heard about Soupbox and had been meaning to visit. A Groupon purchase definitely solidified my need to go. And so, my boyfriend and I went. We decided on the Lakeview location - in part because Bobtail Ice Cream is right next door and we wanted to avoid the crowds by Water Tower. The staff was incredibly friendly and offered us samples of the soup. He had the New England Clam Chowder, which he loved. I had the Lobster Bisque, which was fantastic as well. We both got a chunk of sourdough bread to go along with it. The bread didn't seem to taste sourdoughy enough. But, it was still good nonetheless. We debated on getting a grilled cheese, but passed. We will try it when we return. Overall, just a wonderful place. I really like soup and enjoy soup and a sandwich as a meal. I really wish that I lived closer or they had a location by me so I could eat here all the time - especially when the weather gets colder!
(4)Will K.
How have I not reviewed Soupbox yet?? This place is one of my favorites in the Chicago area... in all seasons. If you are looking for soup the wide selection and ability to taste them before purchasing make this a great place to visit. I tend to eat cream based soups while the significant other is more willing to try other things and we both always leave happy. The portions are great, the bread isn't anything amazing but a good compliment, and the servers area always very nice. The main reason to try this location rather than the other is that you can get IcyFruit here... haven't had it.. it's the best frozen treat in Chicago in my opinion. 3 sizes to choose from, usually at least 8ish flavors, and the ability to combine them to create you own... sounds like perfection. I always go with a lemon base and add something else to create my own flavors. If you happen to be in the area in the summer do a walk by.. they are usually outside sampling the Icyfruit, plus there are lots of options in that area as well for other fun/eating/drinks.
(5)Mironda R.
Any place that offers me a variety of FRESH soups EVERY SINGLE DAY deserves 3 stars right off the top. Then when you tell me I can try everything and everything leaves me more confused then before I started based on title alone - another star and then service is fantastic - another star. Yep 5 stars means purrfection. I opted for the soup and sandwich combo of sorts. I had the Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice. Talk about chunks of goodness? Ooo it was fantastic and perfectly season. *exits dreaming of the return visit*
(5)Adrienne T.
i just finished off their tomato basil soup and sourdough bread. pretty good stuff. I just returned from three years in Korea so after eating massive meals for 5 dollars over there and only getting 12 oz of soup and bread for about 7 dollars at this joint, I couldn't give it the full 5 star rating. all things considered, this place was pretty good and I will definitely be back to try some more soup. the tomato basil bisque was quite delicious and so was the bread. btw, they do allow sampling of their soups before ordering. Definitely a plus.
(4)Tab B.
We were looking for a light fare and thought we would try Soup Box since we stay nearby while visiting. As many here have said you are better off opening a can of soup. I had the Bayou Gumbo. If you like sliced hot dogs in your soup then go for it. I expected andouille sausage in the gumbo. The only decent tasting soup seemed to be the asparagus. I avoided the Mexican soup bc I have never had decent Mexican soup anywhere but in a Mexican restaurant. This place may be good to fill the gap when you are hungry but I will stick to my own soup or get it from my nearby grocery deli where I find the soup to be good. For a non-professional cook, I can do much, much better than this. Yes, my expectations are high whenever I eat out because I expect the food to be better than what I prepare at home since I have this weird notion that restaurants are in the business of preparing and serving food.
(2)Matt C.
I can't help but imagine the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld every time I go to Soupbox. I feel like at some point I'm going to ask a weird question about one of the soups and the guy working the register will snatch my soup away from me while shouting "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" That would be pretty awesome, minus the not getting soup part. Seriously though Soupbox has a massive array of awesome soup varieties. All homemade, all extremely good. I've tried the Lobster Bisque, the Signature Chicken and Rice and the Rosemary Chicken. All the best soup I've had of that soup varietal. To me the standout is the Lobster Bisque, but like Jerry and the crew in the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode, everyone I've repeatedly eaten with at Soupbox has a flavor that they salivate over. Also I have to note that I ordered delivery once and they were there lightening-quick, almost Jimmy Johns fast. Almost.
(4)Jennifer C.
I've fallen into a stage 3 food coma from the pure awesomeness that is their Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup, so please forgive me if my tip is incomprehensible. Ask for samples. It might make the decision process harder, but it'll be worth it, especially if you decide to blend soups. Oh yes. They do that too.
(4)Brent H.
Provides a quick bite but it is easy to make better soup at home; overrated.
(2)Elliott C.
If you have an issue with this place then it's your fault and you have no friends. It's quick service, the soup is amazing and it's always hot. I've never had 1 problem and I've ordered from here about 40-50 times over the past couple of years.
(5)Jennie P.
Ok - I gave Soupbox another chance on a cold evening with an under the weather husband and they've moved up in my book. I will say, this experience was much better! My soup was DELISH, I got the small and wish I ordered the large. I chose Lobster Bisque and my husband had some sort of Sausage Gumbo which I also tried...it was also VERY good! We both ordered multi-grain bread to go with the soup and what's interesting is it comes in this little plastic wrap. Naturally, you would think it's just hard bread they toss with the soup BUT it's not! It was so soft, it was REALLY good! Similar to the last time I came in the store - the people working were incredibly helpful and SO nice and friendly. They really have great customer facing employees. If you're looking for great soup - give Soupbox a chance. It's still not 5 stars because I didn't sample ALL the soups and I haven't had a sandwich yet. I'm prepared to return though and sample a lot and grab a sandwich. Great job Soupbox, looking forward to returning.
(4)Ramya P.
Yum soups and grilled cheese sandwiches. Fast food soup place with plenty of veggie soups. What's great is the option to mix and match the different soups. Broccoli and cheddar soup would've been too cheesy and creamy for me, and I really appreciated it when mixed with the red lentil soup. Taste a few of their options before deciding. The grilled cheese sandwiches were simple and perfect. Great place to drink hot soup on a cold winter evening.
(5)Sara M.
I love when I watch Phantom Gourmet, they rave about a certain place, and then I immediately get up to eat there. That is what happened with this place. I was so enamored with the various types of soup they described that I wanted it immediately. I mixed the lobster bisque and the clam chowder for a delicious steaming bread bowl of deliciousness. I bathed in the wafts of flavoured steam and it warmed me to the tips of my toes. I have also tried and enjoyed the potato leek and the chicken with wild rice. They are all very good with the right consistency, amount of solid ingredients, and spice. So go do what I did - read the reviews on Yelp and leave to get some of this satisfying soup.
(4)Eric M.
Now that the 40 degree days are arriving, Soupbox is going to become a regular haunt of mine. I've yet to have a soup here that I don't enjoy. The cream-based ones are decadent and the broth-based ones are nice and savory. I'd skip the bread bowl and just go large, you get any extra bread for free. Keep in mind this place is small so come on off times or be prepare to take it to go. Also, they have IBC Cream Soda which is amazing.
(4)Lindsey W.
Another one of my neighborhood gems, I literally stalk the website to see what soups are being served each day. You can't go wrong. Just make sure if you want one of the super popular ones *ahem* Cheesy Baked Potato... get there early or it will be gone fast.
(4)Julia C.
How much do I love SoupBox? THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH! Daily soups online are the best. I can tell if it's worth a trip over that day or not, depending on which veggie soups they have. Also worth trying? combining two different soups into something delicious. I often combine Broccoli Cheddar and Potato Leek. I love that they become IceBox in the summertime too. Best for a quick bite of something cold, depending on the temp. of the office that day!
(5)Laura S.
Ohhhh Soupbox. How you tempt me with your luxuriously creamy broccoli cheddar soup, your crispy-outside-yet-tender-inside bread bowls, and your delectable chocolate chip cookies. But I must resist you, Soupbox, and you know why. I have only myself to blame, I suppose. I couldn't help but look at your nutritional information. How could you deceive me so? I feel so...so...disappointed. I won't divulge your little secret; no, that would be cruel. But for the sake of my waistline, I have to leave you behind. Don't worry about me, I'll be ok. I'll console myself with homemade soup that, while much healthier and cheaper, doesn't have your decadence. Perhaps one day I shall return, when a few pant sizes have dropped and I can allow for your heapings of fat. Until then, adieu, Soupbox. I will miss you.
(4)Nate D.
The soup is WAY overpriced. The store smells like burnt cheese (and has for years). The staff is stoned all the time, and I mean the entire staff is really really high (they've never heard of Visine apparently). For $6 I'd rather buy a nicklebag from the soup dude than a bowl of mediocre expensive liquid.
(1)William L.
This is one of those neighborhood places we sometimes take for granted and fail to give them the kudos they deserve. I just finished another amazing bowl of Lobster Bisque and realized I never gave them a review. Bad Will... Good SoupBox! They have a dozen or so soups made fresh daily! You can sample them, too. The portions are large and priced reasonably, along with a side of fresh bread. An enjoyable meal on a hot or cold day! Today I also tried the Grilled Cheese - yummy. Sometimes, the simple things like a grilled cheese sandwich and soup really hit the spot! The staff are super friendly, always smiling, engaging, and they seem proud about their store and product. Since they are a few blocks away, I will be back...
(4)Kate C.
The soup is really good, but the service is hit or miss. Some of the guys working there act like they just don't give a shit. I love their lobster bisque, but I'm not so much a fan of the eyerolls that sometimes come with my order :/
(3)L A.
The best soup hands down. I love it. There is always something different everyday. Expensive, definitely! Even though prices are high, I go there once a week and stock up. I normally end up eating it in 3 days, but so good. It keeps well. Great bowl of soup for the Chicago winter weather.
(5)Dayna C.
I have to say I was a little disoriented when I went in. The set up is a little odd--there is all this soup in pots on a counter. I was a bit overwhelmed by the choices. At the time I was the only person in "line" (more on this in a second) and I was asked if I wanted to taste anything. I tried one black bean soup, which was okay, but not what I wanted. I continued to ponder my options as a wave of people appeared out of nowhere. Because I wasn't ready to order I let folks go ahead of me. So back to the line thing, there really seems to be no rhyme or reason to the ordering process, it's just a free for all. Some people don't mind stuff like that, but I'm use to being directed to where to place my order and pay. Also, the location of the menu was difficult to locate at first. Anyway, after feeling anxious about the whole order I just picked a chicken and dumpling soup and added a grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was really good. As I ate the soup I felt like it was missing something. It wasn't bland per se, but it just needed a kick of something. Eventually I put in a dash of hot sauce and it was good to go! I will say that it is a bit pricey. The only reason I bought the soup was because it was cold outside and I thought it would be nice. I got the regular size which was $6.50. It was basically a small size. The grilled cheese was only $2.50. So the short end of it all, if you are in the mood for some soup, give this place a try. They have a of options so maybe you will find one that you really like. Plus up you can taste test them (I wish I would have just tried a few more options.)
(3)Astra W.
Went to this Lakeview location with my cousin while I was in town for a visit. The lobster bisque and the chicken wild rice are my faves! I also love to have the staff do half of each in a cup, and they won't charge you more for it..pure awesomeness! Too bad they ran out of the chicken wild rice this time. My cousin ordered the clam chowder and I ordered the lobster bisque. One thing that's a bummer is that sometimes the soup isn't piping hot like we prefer it to be. The clam chowder was hot, but it wasn't as piping hot as the lobster bisque. Maybe it's because the chowder's consistency is just way thicker than the bisque. Staff here was friendly, and they even have a choice of either sourdough bread or wheat bread to go with your soup. Can't say no to carbs to go with delicious soup! I only wish there was Soup Box in Southern California...!
(4)Jason M.
Just ate here this early afternoon. The lobster bisssssque haha is amazing also you have to try the grilled cheese. Delish!
(5)Hannah S.
Yes, their soup is good, but ICEBOX is da bomb! I discovered Icebox at lunch after having Soupbox, and then had another a few hours later IT WAS THAT GOOD. It doesn't get old :) It's like a healthier and more delicious version of Hawaiian shaved ice where every bite is made with fresh fruit. No yucky artificially flavored syrup (unless you prefer that stuff). It's the most refreshing, on-the-go dessert you can have on a hot summer day in Chicago. Better than froyo!
(5)David K.
Stopped by the Chicago Avenue location this evening before taking in a film. I had a much better experience this time around, partly because I visited during off-hours, when it is not so crowded. Their cream of chicken and wild rice soup, which I requested with a side wedge of bread, was delicious, although I think I still love the bread bowl concept (against my dietary better judgement). Thanks to this experience, I would definitely go to Soupbox again, and that would include the Broadway location, now that I have had the chance to try a different menu item during a less hectic time of day.
(4)Derek B.
Nothing to complain about! Great soup, they're very efficient. I really like the ability to mix soups, and the "mix of the day" they have on the menu board.
(4)Viper B.
Overhyped. If I'm going to pay $7-9 for takeout soup, it should be better than this. The soup was nothing to rave about. I didn't dislike it but it lacked the depth, freshness, and flavor I'd expect even with an appetizer at a cafe. Add to that service that was unnecessarily curt (they were not busy) both over the phone and in person. The kicker: I ordered tomato and tortellini soup and got tomato soup with shell pasta. These are not similar, other than they're both pasta, and it would have been easy for them to point this out so I could change my order. On the plus side, the soup wasn't cold. Heat up some Campbell's garden fresh soup and save yourself $6 and some disappointment.
(2)Robert W.
Great soups and selection, though it's priced steeply.
(4)Tom C.
This place gets 5 stars for awesome soup, but only 1 star because they are so incredibly overpriced. That works out to the three stars I gave them. What does soup cost? 10 cents a bowl? Two dollars maybe if you include business costs and high quality. And you charge me 8 dollars? Seems crazy. But the quality of the soup is definitely good, I just can't stand going there more than once every few months. If they have a Groupon, it is definitely a good deal. I'm no hippie, but little kids in India can eat for weeks while you eat one bowl of soup from this place. I just can't justify it. If you are really hungry for good soup, its the place to go, but making a habit of it will be a bad financial decision in the long run. Also, they are always very, very busy so make sure you go there with 30 minutes to spare so you can stand in line.
(3)Liz C.
It was one of those days where I had a hankering for some tasty soup. Went to Soupbox and again was blown away by how tasty their soups are. I typically get the chicken & wild rice which is ridiculously amazing but this time I wanted to try something new so I ordered the Tomato Florentine and it was GREAT! Oh Soupbox you never let me down. Sidenote, I'm not going to take away a star but some soups are $8 for a large, which seems a little pricy...I mean it's soup... but I love them and the magic they create so I'll be back for more
(5)Yani W.
I am shocked that so many people like this place. I thought there multi grain bread was alright. The grilled cheese was alright. The soup was not that good. It was not seasoned enough in my opinion. I guess this place is a good place to get a snack for locals possibly, but if you are visiting chicago skip this place. SOme lady getting takeout took forever to use the single bathroom and she definitely stunk it up... there is a starbucks right near the place so use that to take a boom boom. The soup was not very hot either. Also, when one claims a soup to be a creamy soup, then it shouldn't be watery. My friend got broccoli cheddar and I got creamy chicken and wild rice, and they had a watery consistency. THat is all.
(2)Jessica B.
I've been to Soupbox three times now. All three were $10-for-$5 Groupons. I've never been disappointed. I've had creamy soups all three times: cheddar and broccoli the first time, then the potato and bacon, and finally the creamy asparagus. All three times I had it served in a sourdough breadbowl. That thing is almost as big as my head and could easily serve two (and I'm a huge glutton for eating the whole thing alone). The sourdough is respectably sour, but I don't think you get as much soup as you would in the large cup. The prices are why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. The breadbowl soups are ~$7.50 on average, which is a little high for soup. Today's breadbowl plus a bottled root beer was $11 and change. If I could use the $5 Groupons every time, this would be an easy 5 stars. I'll still go there without the Groupons (especially since I'm moving a few blocks from the State location), but not as often as I would with. The Broadway location also serves really tasty Italian ices during the summer. They are also a little pricey.
(4)Jelena Z.
UPDATE 2/24/08: The owner messaged me on Yelp and apologized for my prior negative experience. He said that he'd leave a gift card for 2 free soups of my choice, any size, at the Broadway location. I was so impressed that he personally reached out to me. I went there today and tried the Beer, Cheese and Smoked Bacon soup. Off the charts delicious! The smoked bacon gave the soup amazing flavor without overwhelming. The consistency was perfect too-- thick but not too chunky. I think I have a new favorite. The staff was so friendly and accommodating-- it's obvious that they are making customer service their #1 priority. Thanks again Soupbox, for making good on a past so-so experience and changing my mind! Can't wait to return to try another flavor. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I was so excited to try Soupbox. And I was so very let down. I called to place my delivery order right before 8 pm on a Sunday evening. I was told the wait would be an hour. Sure, no problem. I ask for an order of Lobster Bisque. I'm told I must order 2 soups. Um, what's your minimum order? Because it's just me, and I don't WANT 2 soups. Maybe I can order a couple of bottled waters and a Diet Coke. Also, I'm ordering the most expensive soup on the menu. Sorry ma'am, 2 soup minimum. Okay... um, I guess I'll take 2 small Lobster Bisques then. 9:30 rolls around. I'm growing impatient. I decide I'll give them another 10 minutes before I call. 9:40. Where's my damn soup? Now I'm really hungry, too. I call them, and talk to a frantic manager. Sorry, the delivery guy is just around the corner. Should be there any minute, ok? Sounds good. I'll just watch ANOTHER movie. 10 pm comes and goes, and now it's 10:15. 2 hours and 15 minutes after my order was placed! I call them again, and let the manager know that I want a credit issued for one of the soups. He says that why don't I come in instead for a free soup on them? All I have to do is mention his name. No bueno-- I push for the credit and finally get it. Finally-- 10:25 pm and my soup arrives. At this point, I'm ready for bed! But still, I'm starved, and ready to find out what all the hot fuss is about. So, the lobster bisque is so thin that I think it's a joke. No lobster chunks here... just some runny nonsense. And not very flavorful, either. The lobster bisque that some McDonald's on the East Coast serve in the summer is much better than this stuff. I can't speak for the other varieties of soup, but the horrible service and lobster bisque-wannabe killed my appetite for more Soupbox. And I wanted to like it, too-- Soupbox is so close to where I live and I love soup!
(4)Jesse S.
Tonight it was the creamy chicken and wild rice that won over my palate with promises of satiety... and it did not disappoint. Service was quite friendly, no-nonsense, and delivered the goods with the quickness. One soup-slinger even recognized me from around the neighborhood. She must have an eagle eye, cause I'm pretty sure I don't go out that much. Even so, within moments, I was home and tucking right in to my dunkable din-din. $8 and 16 oz. later, I'm sitting pretty full, sourdough bread nugget (the end piece... extra crusty crust... yesssss) and soupy ricey chickeny goodness melding together in my digestive bits. Sated. Soupbox, you did it again.
(4)Kyle O.
It's a rare occasion that I just have soup for a meal and feel full, but this place is amazing! The lobster bisque is quite good as is the mozzarella grilled cheese is great too!
(5)Don W.
It's like Panera without the bread, pastries, or sandwiches. Okay, so I get it - the concept is soup & only soup. That's cool. Even though one of my usual criteria for a great eatery is a menu that is both distinct and diverse, I won't dock em because of the originality (and frankly the daring) of the soup only concept. What surprises me though is that their soup is so mediocre. I've now sampled and/or purchased 5 flavors from Soupbox, and only one has been flavorful enough to merit my return. To be fair, I am a bit of a tough critic, and both their management and employees are both polite and professional. Nonetheless, I cannot honestly rate the dining experience well without some really good food. Likes: I did (to my surprise) enjoy the creamy asparagus soup, which was thick, creamy, and flavorful. The vegetarian chili was interesting and pretty spicy, though not greatly to my taste (I'm not used to red bell peppers in chili, so it reminded me more of an enchilada soup). I am impressed by their cookies, which are also pretty tasty. I like that they deliver, though apparently not during the summer. Dislikes: The soups generally lack great flavor, though they are okay in general. The chicken dumpling soup is more like gnocchi in a flavorless cream sauce without any detectable amount of meat and no veges at all, which was quite a disappointment to this southern-born foodie. I actually had to spit out the lobster bisque that I sampled, though you shouldn't read too much into that since I don't generally care for seafood. The bread bowl was okay but a little tough on the inside - not as good as a Panera bread bowl. They also make their own sort of Italian ice, which I did not care for (sampled 2 flavors, cherry & cantaloupe). Just as a general note, I find it kind of hard to justify a $5 bowl of soup, though with the bread thrown in it's not a bad deal. I was just surprised to see a total of $17 for a few small items. All in all, I can see how some people would love this place, but it's just not my cup of soup.
(2)Edwina B.
This mainstay is right down the street from me and in the past when I'm jonesing for a good lobster bisque would not hesitate to grab a bowl here to go. My husband is a big fan of the chicken wild rice and I'm also a big fan of the chili. My big rub? The constant increase in prices....for their smallest size, expect to spend $8. I have no issues with the quality of their product (though on occasion we have had a watered down batch or two - staff was gracious to give us a refund) but I know I can go to a restaurant and get soup and tip for much cheaper!
(3)Jilly Pop S.
Despite the fact that it is summer, I had a craving for great soup. Bought the Groupon because this place came highly recommended. Went there after hours and it wasn't too busy. Everything was great except for the way you order and pay. I felt like I was in the way of the waiting patrons. The tables could be a bit bigger and less wobbly (not good for eating hot soup). I had the soup and sandwich combo which is a great deal! The bread bowl was awesome with Lobster Bisque. What I enjoyed the most is the freshness of the bread. I highly recommend the Soupbox and watch out for the wobbly tables.
(4)Jeremiah R.
Yeah! Soupbox is awesome. Especially in the winter. Broc-ched (in the parlance of soup connoisseurs) is great. Lob-bisque is also great. Get a grilled cheese while your at it, but bring an oral anesthetic/analgesic with you because the bread might scratch up the roof of your mouth. Still worth it though.
(4)Jeffrey P.
Well, I'll be honest. I have been here maybe 40 times over the past few winters and ordered the same thing each time. I haven't even tasted another soup even though the employees there seem to be very happy about getting people to try free samples of anything you would like. Despite my lack of variety and excitement, the lobster bisque which I order again and again is just superb. As Seinfeld says, 'the soup is the meal' and that couldn't be more true at this place. Portions are large and the fresh baked bread is perfect. All for under $8. This place almost makes me wish winter would stick around for a few more months......FALSE.
(4)Rebecca T.
Ah Soupbox, I love thee. Every time I'm back in town I make a stop there. A good standby is always Creamy Chicken w/Wild Rice mixed w/Chicken noodle. SO good! Next time, though, I should avoid eating the huge chunk of whole grain bread that came with it - carb overload! Tonight I also tried a yummy Sweet Potato and Chipotle Chili bisque and the Clam Chowder. I'll most definitely be back!!!
(5)Ali W.
Yum! I got the Chicken and dumpling in a bread bowl and it was delish! However, I don't really think it was worth the $10 bucks. I do like the fact that they are fresh and there are new soups everyday. You can choose between a sour dough or whole grain (i think) bowl. On the website there is also nutritional facts if you're into that stuff. I think I would come back to try different soups- the guys working there highly recommended the tomato bisque, but i'm not really into tomato soup. When I do come back, I'd probably skip the bread bowl even though it was great and filling-- and go with a cup or something. I also thought it was really cool that they let you mix soups and also have a mixed soup of the day...definitely will need to try that too.
(3)Brian L.
I started writing about my first experience at Soupbox after feeling like crap for a few days and needing some homemade, soupy goodness in my tummy. The rosemary chicken with dumplings didn't completely cure me but it sure did taste good and made me feel a little better. I rated this experience at 5 stars but realized I needed another round at the SB before making the final call. Days later, I was feeling better and in need of something creamy... Lobster Bisque? What is this now, a fancy shmancy steakhouse? Thanks, Soupbox, for allowing us mere commoners to enjoy a delicious bowl of heaven that I'd usually only get to experience at a David Burke's or Capital Grille. Perfectly spicy and creamy though I do wish there was more lobster, but then again, isn't this usually the case with lobster bisque? (Well unless you're at Capital Grille where they give you more lobster than soup, which is never a bad problem to have) Ps. The breadbowl (sourdough or whole wheat) is an excellent addition but for the already semi-hefty price for a bowl of soup, I convince myself I don't need the extra carbs and stick to the bowl of soup which comes with a roll on the side anyway.
(4)Rocky H.
I love you Soupbox. I hate winter with a sick passion and you make it better for me. I love how you can try a couple soups before making your final decision. From the Lobster Bisque to a simple Chicken Noodle, they're all good. Great friendly staff here, I always leave in a great mood!
(5)Sara F.
Great Cheddar broc soup--- seriously one of my absolute favorite meals in the city of Chicago. I have been here too many times to count. I always sample the soups, but usually end up ordering my old standby (Ched broc) . The bread is 9 times out of 10 very doughy and fresh and the soup is always piping hot and delish. Consistent taste, consistent good service, and great for cold days or sick days. Low key and good value!
(5)Lauren K.
Look I'm picky, ok not picky but perhpas particular. I was just not impressed by soupbox. I like that samples were offered. I tasted: Tomato Florentine: This was what the guy working said was his favorite. I probably shouldn't have tasted as I am not a tomato fan but I once upon a time loved a tomato bisque (Strawberry Street Cafe in Richmond VA). Not impressed at all! Cream of Asparagus: Ignored that it was green and not impressed. Realized it was green and just felt icky Clam Chowder: There was a really strange aftertaste. I love Clam Chowder, this made me sad. Potato Bacon: It was ok.. I was able to eat half a cup. Overall I was really disappointed. I was just getting over a strange illness and was looking forward to soup and it made me just want to go make my own or go beg the chef at Globe Pub to make the potato soup I have dreams about. I am glad someone else paid because I do not think I could have justified spending my money here.
(3)Michelle G.
What can I say about this place, other than its great! I literally make the drive out from the O'Hare area just to get their yummy soups. I love the setup with all of the soups keeping warm in big kettle-style pots towards the back. Also love how they give you sample tastes, (just remember to blow on them, cause they are HOT!) and how they allow you mix the soups up creating a unique flavor thats all your own. A bit pricey, but in my opinion totally worth it. Also, the parking is a bit of a problem, but once you've found a spot you are all set! I have suggested and recommended this place to all of my friends. Can't wait to battle it out for this yummy soup during the bitter cold chicago winter months.
(5)Erin K.
Soupbox is the best news I've heard in a looongg time! How wonderful! 12 soups fresh daily?! I think I'm gonna cry!! One Monday early evening I happened to be leisurely meandering through my neighborhood. On my way to get some ice cream, in fact. And what do my wondering eyes spy? A place dedicated solely to soup! Heavens to Murgatroy! So I've tried the NE Clam Chowder, Lobster bisque, and Fresh Broccoli and White Cheddar. Yum-o-la! Lobster bisque was my fave but there is truth to what Ryan K says about the thinness. I could go on for days. This place really did make my day! Oh - say what? They deliver? Geez oh man, there is a god!
(5)Frank Q.
Home made soup! Delicious daily and rotating soups so call ahead or check their website to see what's available for the day. During the summer they have Icyfruit, I still need to try it out. Wish they would open one near me, parking in the neighborhood is hard to come by but the soups worth it.
(4)Tung L.
Soup wasn't too bad. Maybe I got the bottom of the barrel but it wasn't as chunky as I was hoping. Besides that grilled cheese was great and staff was friendly. I got to try other soups but the clam chowder was decent, nothing to write home about. However its great to just find a soup joint in general.
(4)Lulu J.
I have been here a number of times this Winter. My mom actually knows the guy who started the Soupbox and that's how I found out about it! Everything about this place is superb. I love the name, the pots each soup are in, and the fact that you can mix soups! If you're not sure what to mix there's always a "suggestion" on the chalkboard of what soups are good together. If you like to try new soups this place is the place to go. I try to get something different every time but it never happens! I can never shy away from the Broc Cheddar & Cream of Asparagus. They all look so amazing, soon I will get a different soup. The only thing I'd have to say about the broc cheddar soup, is that it could be thicker. It still tastes amazing though so obviously it's not too much of a problem! Definitely go try it out on a cold day! Staff is very friendly too... =)
(5)Devon S.
Update: 09/12/2011 One must stick to facts I guess. I have a dedicated e-mail address for my Yelp account. I used a pseudonym. I initially contacted this establishment using my real name via their direct website to alert them of the situation below. This is the first and only time I've done so using my dedicated Yelp e-mail address. I am now receiving a barrage of e-mails from the owner which I delete. Okay, I can deal with that. Now someone, using variants of my real name, is subscribing me for subscriptions to such sites as Narth and the Genesis Project to name a few of the over half dozen subscription confirmations I've recieved from various websites of that ilk. I am putting two and two together - but, please, draw your own conclusions. The owner just doesn't get it. He responded to my original review stating that his staff acted appropriately and that he had "complete" trust in his manager. In comments to him, I mentioned that there were three staff members on duty and exactly two customers in the shop. His response? He creates an excuse about why he had three employees on duty that particular afternoon (something about a Groupon event having just passed) missing my point entirely. Several times this summer I've gone into the Lakeview location only to find there wasn't sufficient soup for my order or, worse, it had been clearly adulterated by water. This never used to happen - period. This establishment is called the Soupbox, am I correct? Soup is their bread and butter, correct? The staff was lackadaisical at best and has been for several months. The owner used to have better kids behind the counter - I never dreamt I would have to write this sort of review for the Soupbox and I've been coming here since I think 1996. There's something suspicious about these other positive reviews. Moreover, an owner who is supsects some sort of ulterior motive for a bad review must highly suspect himself. The owner refuses to listen to criticism until my Yelp review is posted - and then hell hath no fury. Simple facts. I've gone into the store several times for an order. One time the employee himself was horrified at the watery consistency of the soup. The other times the employee seemed to be aware that the several of the soups were inedible, but seemed to be driven by economics to sell it anyway, or more damagingly, too lazy to cook some more. I can put up with stale bread (several times) and a dirth of crackers (once), but bad soup at Soupbox? You've just lost a customer. There is absolutely no excuse for an inferior product being on floor - plain and simple. And if the owner can't see that, he needs to sell the business or take a vacation until he can return with a clear mind.
(1)dave h.
Even though I really like this place, I have to start my review with a complaint because it's been so persistent: Everytime I go to Soupbox, they're sold out of something I want....and I'm not talking about walking in 10 minutes before they close. Last night, I tried ordering some corn chowder a little bit before 6 pm, and it was already gone. The time before that, they were out of grilled cheese. The time before that, they were out of bread bowls. This place has been in business long enough that it should be better able to manage its supply. That said, obviously I keep going back because I really like the soup. I really don't have any complaints (aside from the above...but that criticism is sort of a back-handed compliment). On a cold winter night, this stuff really hits the spot...plus SB delivers.
(3)Kate P.
Remember that Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi, who would scream, "No Soup For You!" Well I'm happy to announce that Soupbox is NOT like that at all. When I walked in I was promptly welcomed by the very nice people working behind the counter. I love that you can sample any of the 12 different and delicious home made soups before you buy. I sampled their lobster bisque and their vegan specialty, and decided on a regular size 12 oz bowl of lobster bisque. It was scrumptious and fresh and came with a side of bread, your choice either Italian or Multi-grain. I chose Italian and it was delicious. All in all, if you're looking to warm up on these not so spring like nights, I recommend that you stop at Soupbox if you're in the area. It's a light but hearty meal that's good for your gullet, as well as, your wallet.
(4)Neil R.
Very delicious soup from a cozy shop in Lincoln Park. They let you try all the soups and you can even mix them! I had the tomato and basil bisque in a bread bowl and it was fantastic. A friend mixed the lobster bisque and clam chowder and I'll admit, I was jealous. I've personally never thought of mixing soups, but next time I go back (and there will be a next time) I will give it a shot. You can also buy cans of soda and bottled water, but they don't have fountain drinks. I can't say how crowded it gets since we went about 2pm, but at that time there were only 2 other people in the place. Looking forward to getting back and concocting a masterpiece!
(4)Mike C.
Ugh....what a disappointment. Are you serious that a large tomato tortellini soup is $7.50? Not to mention that when I got home, it was barely 3/4 full. Then, on top of that, it had no flavor whatsoever and the torelllini was so over cooked that it was falling apart. Don't even get me started on how awful the grilled cheese was too. This place is not worth your time or money.
(1)Jennifer T.
Their chicken noodles soup was ok. I liked the noodles but it felt like a glorified version of Campbell's. You know the one. Their sourdough bread was really yummy though. I'd go back just for that. I think I need to try another soup before I write it off or not.
(3)tr y.
Its getting to be the perfect time for this little neighborhood Gem. I Had two soups last night one was the creamy chicken it was amazing and the chow der, then I even bought an extra soup for the bum outside, I treated him to the rosmary chicken. He was passed out so i put it by his feet, i ate mine later and really loved it. In fact, Im ordering from there now because THEY DElivER!!.
(4)Carolynne M.
Someone here compared the soup quality to Campbell's. I don't know if I would go quite that far, but I do agree that for the price being charged, this soup needs me to go "WOW" and start plotting the next time I can come here. Aaaaannd, it really didn't. I had the Spicy Mayan Chicken Enchilada. A nice soup, but not spicy & nothing really special or "enchilada" about it. The bread given was "sopping" bread, which is just a fluffy bread that on its own has little flavour, and whose sole purpose is to sop up the remnants of liquid at the bottom of the bowl. Basically, here's my take on this joint: It's great if you cant cook to save your life, if you are lazy with a fat wallet, or if you are short on time and starving.
(3)Phil K.
I thought $17 for two servings of soup was somewhat pricey. While it was tastey, it would be nice if they gave you actual soup spoons and perhaps real bowls when you eat there as opposed the paper cups they serve it in. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
(2)Kimberly C.
Amazing. Have never been disappointed. The chicken and wild rice soup is the perfect comfort food for winter days in Chicago. The fresh fruit italian ice hits the spot during the summer. Each time I go to visit my boyfriend in Cleveland he requests that I bring a few containers of the chicken and wild rice soup with me! Not sure what he looks forward to the most...me or the soup!
(5)Ryan K.
I was surprised to learn that their most popular soup is chicken and wild rice... until I tried it. Very good. I haven't had a bad soup there yet. Their lobster bisque, though thin on the seafood chunk (i'm not sure if there is any) is still very good. They all come with a piece of bread. Good stuff from top to bottom.
(4)April P.
They have a pretty great variety of soups, which rotate on their menu. However, they are on the pricey side, as chicken noodle soup does not account for an $8 meal. Love their lobster bisque, creamy, rich in flavor with great bits of lobster included. They do allow for you to sample the soups, prior to purchase.
(4)Isla E.
I'm not sure what to think of this place given the rumor that the soups are actually Campbells Restaurant Quality that are just thawed, heated, and served. On the one hand, its nice to have a quick soup stop. On the other its not cool to charge $4.95 for 12 oz. of what is essentially watered down butternut puree from a bag, and claim that it is "fresh". Its not so much the price that bothers me, it's the irresponsible marketing. However, I don't know for certain where their soup comes from, so for now I remain neutral. If, in fact, the soup comes from a bag, than all the ingredients listed on the bag should also be listed on the giant soup pots. No fair glossing over such as printing "Butternut squash, shallots, sage, vegetable broth", when in fact there are 15 other ingredients in there, most of which are chemicals with no nutritional value. The service was great, no problems there. But I want to know the truth about the soup. I don't trust the labels on the soup pots. Maybe I will go back and ask like a crazy lady, if so, I will update the yelp community.
(3)Ern E.
I love having lunch or an early dinner at this place. For around $8 bucks I can get a small soup (which is enough for me), some bread and a drink. Soupbox pretty much has the greatest creamy chicken & wild rice soup on the planet. Everything about it is amazing. Well, I kind of wish there was more chicken...and better quality chicken (it's kind of sketchy--so much like the canned soup chicken) in the soup. Everything else is perfection. I may grab lunch here tomorrow :)
(4)Colleen B.
The staff at Soupbox/Icebox knows me as the kind, yet crabby, woman who goes in frequently during the spring and scowls because they aren't yet carrying their Italian Ice. Isn't their name Soupbox/Icebox? Wait for Memorial Day to roll around, and then stop in and get their blueberry Italian ice. It has real blueberries in it. All of the other fruit flavors have real pieces of fruit in them, too.
(4)H G.
UPDATE (2/6/12): I was contacted by the store manager, who offered apologies and amends. I appreciate the effort. I'll update the review when I visit again. --------------------------------------------------Â--------------------------------------------------Â-------------- Soupbox is a bit pricey and slightly slow with service, but fairly filling and tasty. I had lunch at this location with a friend in early fall 2011. The cashier/server allowed me to taste any of the soups. I ended up tasting almost all of them. I appreciated that aspect. My ultimate decision was based on what I couldn't easily re-create at home. I chose the LOBSTER BISQUE ($6.50). It came with a hearty chunk of bread. Also, I ordered a large ICY-FRUIT because I like all things icy. I think it was a mix of mango and coconut. I was actually more impressed with the variety of icy flavors than the variety of soup. I found the lobster bisque to be too salty though. It wasn't helped by the huge salt pellet that I found in the sourdough bread. Even so, I enjoyed the meal, particularly helped by the delicious icy-fruit.
(3)Tina B.
The lobster bisque and the creamy chicken wild rice soups here are perfect. The idea of a bug falling from the ceiling onto my food is kind of disturbing though. Mainly because I don't want to share. As long as there's NO biting...http://www.yelp.com/biz/japonais-Ârestaurant-chicago#hrid:k3m0kh9_OiTWgSWleZzZeg The staff here will give you samples and will mix up multiple flavors for you into one bowl, which is amazing, so you can make up your own flavor - lobster bisque creamy chicken rice, perhaps? It all costs a little more than it should, but I think that's a dictate on this stretch of street. I just wish they didn't switch to the Icebox in the summer. I can get frozen icy shit all over the city. What I need is some more soup. I wish they were located in my kitchen. Who am I kidding, I really wish they were located in my bedroom - sooo cooold....
(4)Kathy K.
I went to the Soupbox to redeem an expired Groupon for the value that I paid for it as outlined in the Groupon policy. The establishment said that they would only honor it for half the value that I paid for it even though I repeatedly showed them that it was supposed to be honored for the full amount. When they refused to relent, I left. I can't comment on the quality of their food since I never got to taste it, but I can comment on the quality of their customer service - lousy. I'm grateful that Groupon does not share their poor customer service and is going to refund my money.
(1)Kate S.
The Soup Box is one of those places that can get 5 stars or 3 stars, depending on what you order. I, for one, am not a huge fan of thick, puddingy soups, which The Soup Box seems to have a lot of (particularly the broccoli cheddar; your spoon literally stands up in the bowl if you leave it). However, the lobster bisque is quite excellent. They also win me over by giving extra bread for free when requested and for delivering. I also really have to give them credit for having good vegetarian soups. Often soups like cream of potato or broccoli cheddar are made with chicken stock, but The Soup Box makes a point of having multiple vegetarian soups, and at least one vegan soup, daily. And I appreciate how clear they make that, so I don't have to spend a lot of time asking and worrying that I'm getting incorrect information.
(4)Melissa M.
Whenever my mom comes to town, we have to go to 'the soup place'. When anyone comes to visit, she tells me to take them to 'the soup place'. She's from a small town so they don't have anything like it where she is from, but I must agree I enjoy going there. Today I stopped in due to lack of groceries at home and again, they didn't disappoint. I am always impressed by the friendliness of the staff. I've never been in there (busy or slow) when they haven't taken the time to ask how my day is going. Sometimes I am taken aback because no one seems to take the time to be so sincere. As far as the soup goes, as others have said, the chicken and wild rice never disappoints and I love that they put a special mix soup on the board that you can try for an interesting unique blend. Wanna try a soup? No problem. Don't like that one? Try another. Want extra bread? Why not. Going to the Soupbox is a great experience, from the staff, to the misc. bottled beverages. Can't miss with this one! I plan to try the italian ice this summer!
(5)Lindsey B.
I heart SoupBox. The best part is you can mix and match your soups. I always get the Lobster Bisque mixed with Clam Chowder. OH yeah. They get your order right 99% of the time, it's cheap, and it's awesome. AND they ride around on bicycles and still get it to you quickly! I applaud those guys. I suggest trying out this comforting winter soup oasis.
(4)trina b.
I would say probably really 4 and a half stars. My husband is addicted to Crisp across the street from the Soupbox and being a vegetarian, there aren't many options for me there. So I have decided that I will just try all the surrounding restaurants while he munches on his chicken! I'm a bit embarrassed to say I haven't had The Soupbox until last night. And I'm glad I finally tried it! They have a couple of really nice vegetarian selections which is always a thrill for me when eating out. It was super cold and super snowy last night and we are in the process of moving, so takeout was a must. And my hubby was nice enough to go in and order my soup for me. So I can't comment on how it looked inside or service. However, I can comment on flavor!! YUM. I could leave it at that, but then it wouldn't really be one of my reviews! :0) I ordered two soups, don't judge me it was cold and snowy! They were both fantastic! I had the Potato Leek soup and the 7 Bean Melange. The 7 bean had lots of smoky flavor to it and did taste like beans but had very little beans floating around in it. I doubt there were even 4 kinds of beans in there. But there were lots of veggies in the soup. It was very yummy but I loved the Potato Leek Soup a bit more. It was creamy and full of yummy veggies and it was full of taste. I love the taste of taste! But again, didn't really taste a lot of leek flavor and didn't see much in it either. However, my grandmother and mother and now me, have an awesome recipe for potato leek soup, so most other recipes don't stand up to it. But I loved this soup for what it was, which I'm not totally sure what it was. But it was VERY tasty. And I will soon be ordering it again if I have my way! Oh and the soups come with a giant chunk of tasty bread! And crackers if that's your soupy thing! The reason for holding back one star is what I've basically already said. The names of the soup don't totally match up with what the soup is. But that's a small complaint because the soups are still fantastic and tasty. I just wish they were more aptly named. But it won't stop me from trying more soups from the Soupbox! Delish!
(4)Alex D.
My first experience at Soupbox was in the summer when they were serving their homemade Italian Ice (with chunks of fruit in the mix!). It was really delicious and they give samples! I was devastated when they shut down their Italian Ice operation in the fall, but I had to face the facts: it was getting cold. Now that I've fully recovered, I have reached an appreciate for Soupbox's headliner, the soup. Their Chicken and Wild Rice is delicious, as is their Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. You get a nice chunk of sour dough bread or whole grain bread with your soup unless you decide to get a breadbowl. A friend of mine blew my mind when he recommended I combine multiple soups together (a cream based and a non-cream based soup). I couldn't go for it myself, but I did get a taste of his delicious Chicken and Wild Rice/Lobster Bisque combo. I highly recommend giving this a shot. And ask for recommendations! The staff know what's going on. Service here is fast and simple. Not much can go wrong. I'll be back many times.
(4)Leang E.
This is such a great spot for comfort food. There are those times where you just don't feel well and all you can seem to stomach is liquid food and warmth. They have plenty of options here, and the soup is piping hot! I like the fact that you can sample the soups as well so you can be sure you get what you want. I wasn't super impressed with the soups that I have gotten here, both were different. I think I had smaller selection by the time I got there. The prices are decent and the staff was alright. Great spot for bonus points if you have a significant other that is sick and needs food.
(3)Rob A.
Great little place! Went here for lunch on a rainy day and it hit the spot. Had my soup in a bread bowl and it more than filled me up. My only gripe is that, on the day I was there, they only had one non-cream/dairy based soup available. Not good for someone with lactose issues. Luckily, there was one serving left of the tomato based one so I had that. But if that last serving wasn't available, they would have lost a customer that day. Also, it would have been nice to have at least one more soup to choose from that wasn't cream based. I was kinda surprised they didn't have at least one more option--not only for people with lactose issues but also for the large number of vegans out there. I'm sure they're losing customers because of this. I just don't get why they don't see this. But the soup was really good. I'll just have to remember to check ahead before I go next time. I advise all vegans out there to do the same. ************************ Update 8/12/10-I received a very courteous and professional email from the manager apologizing about the lack of vegan friendly soups available with a promise that it will be rectified. The fact that he took the time to do this is testament to the level of customer service at this restaurant.
(5)Christina R.
I had the chicken and wild rice soup (I always have the chicken and wild rice) and today i chose to add chicken dumpling to the mix. So good! So warm and cozy and yummy in my tummy! They make 12 homemade soups daily. You can sample any before buying and you mix them together if you want. It's my favorite thing about winter.
(5)Heather R.
For as much soup as Chicagoans consume in the winter months, I gotta say, the Soupbox disappoints me. Yes, they have excellent choices and tasty soups, I'll give 'em that...but as far as customer service, delivery time (my soup showing up cold an hour and 15 minutes after I order it), and the price you charge...you're overrated. I can get the same thing from the likes of Jason's Deli or McAlister's for half the price. Very, very, very, disappointed.
(1)MELEK L.
Seriously, how could you not love Soupbox? Hot and hearty soups that you can mix and match, making your own creation. Fun! Don't forget to dunk your wedge of bread deep inside the bowl for extra goodness. In the summer when I'm having a sweet fit, nothing beats the refreshment of the Icebox treats. I love all of the fresh flavors. It quenshes my heat stroke nicely. Check out this very special "hole in the wall".
(4)Kelly W.
I went here once and was extremely disappointed. I hate a place with a small indoor eatery where people are practically mauling each other for a table--or simply setting down some napkins to "save their seat." Um, hello. If you want to save a seat and there are two of you, have one person order while the other sits... It isn't rocket science, just common courtesy. It was chilly outside (when sitting and not walking) the day we went which we soon realized upon sitting outside in their logistically impossible patio area. Unless you are the size of a toddler, good luck finding a seat around a table. The soup sounded and smelled delicious. However they did not live up to the expectation and left me feeling very dissatisfied. I have had better tasting (and cheaper) soups at bakery chains. I will not be back here any time soon.
(2)Mike P.
More than 3 years later and they can still kick it live on the soup front. Since Chicago decided to go from pleasant mild summer and imitate some depressing Canadian town near the Arctic Circle soup is in high demand around my house. The pregnant wife demanded this past Sunday, so we headed down to our old hood in East Lakeview and dived in. The wife had the beef stew, I had the Chicken dumpling w/ Rosemary. Copious amounts of rosemary, actually but it was still quite good. My wife had some slight buyer's remorse on the stew but we're definitely going back. We've been faithful to Soupbox since 2004, why change?
(5)Lesley G.
I'm hot and cold on the soupbox. I want to love it, but I don't. I work in the area, so I pick up soup or get it delivered often enough. And it sure is tasty. BUT, it's really really expensive, so I always end up feeling less than satisfied. I got a large today at lunch and it was over $7. And it wasn't even among their most expensive soups. I was surprised, even for soupbox. Their cream based soups are, in my opinion, just ok. The potato and leak, which is usually my favorite type of soup, is ok, but the cream often overwhelms the rest of the flavors. I do have a coworker who swears by the lobster bisque, but i've never tried it. The rosemary chicken dumpling and the italian wedding soup are both really good. And the beef stew is super tasty.
(3)Chan K.
The soup here is decent but definitely overpriced. I tried the clam chowder which was creamy and had some nice fresh clams. I've had better chowder, however, for much less. The bread they give you is nothing special either, lacking in crispiness and flavor.
(2)Nannette P.
This place rocks!! I used to live right around the corner from here and would order soup to go or deliver it in during the freezing Winter months. I always order the Chicken with Rice (creamy, hearty, comfort food type of soup - I'm sure loaded with tons of calories and fat, but oh so good) or the Lobster Bisque. Both are excellent choices. They give you a hunk of bread with the soup and it is soft and yummy. The staff has always been super polite and friendly and the delivery guys have always been fast! P.S. The potato and leek ain't too bad either
(5)Laura P.
Put the lime and the coconut and mix them all up. That is one way I get my colada on, non-alcoholic style. It's all good until you get a chunk of real lime. Yikes, those are sour times. Seriously, though, we've been coming here for years. Even after I've moved from Lakeview to other climes, I find myself craving Soupbox or Icebox (way back it would be one or the other, now they have both icyfruit and soup). Recently we had the pomegranate, which was too subtle but a decent companion to their passion fruit icyfruit. Hubby adores their icy mint for the clean flavor and tiny chunks of chocolate. I know that Bobtail is a different product, but I'm surprised that two icy dessert places on the same block can survive!
(4)Sarah P.
Good stuff! The staff is always friendly and welcoming. They let you try as many kinds of soup as you want. Soupbox serves 12 types of soup per day, so there is a lot to choose from. The interior is quite small, however I have never had difficulty finding a table. It's cozy on a snowy winter afternoon to go here and enjoy a cup of soup and bread. The chicken with wild rice is delicious. I recently had the chicken noodle, which was good. If you are really hungry, go for the bread bowl. Note, this location does not have fountain drinks or salads. The Chicago Ave location does! The Broadway location only has canned soda.
(4)courtney p.
I actually LOVED Soupbox until I just read that guys review about how they just defrost soups in the back. They shouldn't say made fresh daily if they're not really made fresh daily. :( And they are pretty expensive. On the other hand, I have never been disappointed by the soups, I love them all and I love the multi-grain bread that comes with them. I LOVE SOUP, I seriously could eat this place everyday, and I have thought about getting a job there just so I could eat it for free. However, I bartend and that would be a huge demotion. I also love that they have salads now. I will still eat here just as much despite the new info about how they make the soups.
(3)Mobs N.
This place is good! The best soup is the lobster bisque!
(4)Laura L.
I LOVE the chicken and wild rice soup. On a cold rainy day, there is nothing better than grabbing a bowl of this with some of their delicious bread. The always have a good range of soups and it's always piping hot and so yummy!
(4)Adam L.
It's soup. It's bread. It's delicious. I highly recommend the chicken and rice, lobster bisque, and clam chowder. Also, ask for extra bread. Don't cost nothin'.
(4)ALFREDO L.
AWESOME if you like soup! About ten different kinds almost every day, my wife and I love to stop everytime we are in that area
(5)Heather D.
The Lobster Bisque here is amazing. It's so good that if I order any other soup I still have to get a Lobster Bisque as well. They feature about a dozen soups that are freshly made and I have yet to be disappointed with my choice. Each serving of soup comes with a nice sized hunk of break (multigrain or sourdough were the options last time I was there). I've only been here a handful of times, but I think this is going to be my new go-to place for dinner this winter.
(4)Jamie O.
We all know the the soup is fantastic (Groupon got me going here!), but the service is outstanding! I've gone a couple times in the evenings and the folks behind the counter are amazingly nice and helpful. They let you try any soups before you purchase and you can mix soups if you are so inclined. It's always a tough decision when choosing. I finally had a grilled cheese and it was awesome with my potato and cheddar soup!
(5)lauren p.
Yum. There is nothing I love more than a piping hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Somehow, I had never experienced the Soupbox until the day after Christmas. I'm guessing if there was one around where I live or work, I would be there whenever I had an extra $5 in my pocket. We took the boyfriend's parents and sister here for a pre-movie lunch on Friday. We were lucky enough to actually find parking right across the street, but I'm guessing that's pretty rare. It was pretty warm outside (in the 40s) and inside the Box it was probably 85 degrees. There's just a few tables, and the drink selection is pretty sparse. But really, you're there for the soup. I love that they let you sample the soups before you buy- very considerate since they have so many options. I went with the creamy chicken and wild rice, which was very tasty, but no where near as delicious as the boyfriend's lobster bisque. Holy hell, that was some tasty bisque. Enough to make Elaine Benis go "Yadda yadda." ("I mentioned the lobster bisque. . . ") I'm not sure what everyone else had because I was so blinded by the bisque, but we all enjoyed our soup and bread. No one went for the bread bowl- frankly I think they're a rip off since you don't eat all the bread, and you can just get bread on the side. All in all, a great, hearty, cheap lunch. If I find myself in Lakeview again, I'll stop in and grab a cup.
(4)Sonia B.
Soupbox is a gourmet soup shop that is pretty awesome. The menu at Soubox changes on a daily basis and they offer great quality soups. You can sample them when you arrive. The cool thing is that it isn't just your typical chicken noodle soup. They have some awesome ones like potato & bacon, lobster bisque, creamy chicken and wild rice, cheddar, chili, etc. You can even mix a couple of soups...they provide suggestions of what you should mix. They have a couple of different sizes they offer and bread bowls. Your soup also comes w/ a side of bread. The only thing is that Soupbox could be deemed to be a little pricey for just soup. You end up spending close to $9 for soup and a drink. They do use the best ingredients though. So, it's a trade off. I still end up going there every now and then when I really want some soup...every soup I've had there has been yummy! It's hard for me to get others to go because they can't justify spending $9 on a bowl of soup.
(3)Stephen R.
Delicious, tasty soups just a stone's throw from my apartment! I love the SoupBox! The Lobster Bisque infects my brain on a routine basis. Oh, it's so good. Soupbox is not inexpensive fare so watch your wallet if you're going here often! And while I haven't gone all summer, it's an anti-hot thing. But when that cool, fall air kicks in, it will most definitely be SoupBox season!
(4)Justin B.
I'm my father's son and I love soup. And if you want soup in Lakeview, there really is only one place for it: The Soupbox. This stuff is OMG good. It is so good, it is was the only thing I could stomach after my bachelor party. Not even Chicago's own and greatest Gino's East could save me, but Soup Box did. So when your stomach should be pumped due to alcohol consumption and you are looking for a savior, the Soup Box is it ...
(4)Katie G.
Best soup in Chicago. When I first moved here I HATED soup...then a friend dragged me there. I ate their soup 4 other times that week. Also, a few weeks ago I was really sick with a cold and they delivered to me in 30 mins. At the time I didn't have any cash on me, but they had just started accepting credit cards so it wasn't an issue. I completely recommend this place to everyone, especially if you are a huuuge soup lover like my girlfriend. Some of my favorites you should try out are: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, Cream of Mushroom, & Chicken Dumpling.
(5)Steve S.
I like soup...Always hot for some reason. I was in town for a conference and looking for deep dish pizza and somehow settled for soup. Soupbox has 12 different varieties that you can try to preempt buyers remorse. They also have an array of salads to seemingly please any pallet. I did not really love the chicken noddle, but to be fair it was about closing time...Perhaps, I ate the refuse of what could have been a truly memorable soup. Then again maybe not...It is worth a try. Just let me know
(3)Matt P.
I'll be damned if you can find a better beef stew in the city ... Soupbox's is just great. The staff is equally cool as their counterparts on Chicago Ave ... but I still think it's a little expensive. Two large soups, a can of coke, and two cookies was $20+. Even still, it's great food as a treat, or when it's super cold and crappy out!
(3)Damon A.
The lobster bisque soup was good. The lackluster service knocked a star off. These guys could give a shit if you buy the soup. The girl at the counter didn't know how to count back change. She had to use a calculator. But that all aside the soup is decent and I will continue to come back..
(3)Rosemary L.
I want to retract my previous negative review about the Soup Box as I was in error. I had complained about the price of the soup and didn't realize that, just as in a restaurant, lobster is one of the most costly items on the menu depending on its market value. Same goes here. Next time I'll stick to good old tomato! My mistake, Soup Box!! Sorry!!
(5)Katarina X.
Best Potato Soup Ever! More vevety than rich velvet- it's a terrifically creamy indulgence when facing one of our legendary Chicago Winters. Even if you have to mortgage the house to pay for it.... those little cups of soup add up!
(4)Aaron S.
I stop here about twice a week now since it is so close to my apartment. Their Chicken & Wild Rice and Spicy Mayan Enchilada are my favorites by far! I hear you can mix soups much like how I used to mix soda at fast food restaurants as a wee lad. Haven't tried that though. They also have a free bread policy that I abuse every time I go there. The bread, itself, is quite decent. If you are afraid that soup won't fill you up, always ask for more bread! Like I said before, I'm addicted! I can't comment on their Ice Cream since I haven't tried it yet. Maybe next summer?
(5)Kenji M.
A friend told me that this place was awesome and I agree in part. I ordered the Lobster Bisque soup which was very satisfactory, especially because it came with Italian bread that filled me up-ish. The price was reasonable and I would definitely go back again. Wish List: It would be awesome if they served salad, but they don't.
(3)iddells E.
Mmmm, the soups are good! We did carry-out because there was nowhere to sit! We went on a Sunday night; the place was tiny and there weren't many tables. I ordered the chicken wild rice and the clam chowder. I really wished I could have sat down and try a bread bowl because it looked sooo good. I was drooling watching the other customers eating theirs. However, I didn't want to bring a soggy bread bowl back home. They ran out of a couple selections and I don't think they were going to make anymore since it was already a couple hours to closing. Both of my soups were delicious!! I will return again and try even more soups out. I just hope I can find a place to sit!
(4)Amy S.
My favorite part about the soupbox is that you can mix the soups! I love mixing creamy with a tomato base. They have great vegetarian selections. I have yet to have a soup that I don't like there. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. They used to not take credit cards, but they finally upgraded, but I've had the issue where their machines are down and that's kind of a pain when you don't normally carry cash. So I always bring cash with me just in case.
(4)Dejan B.
The soup here is abundant and delicious. I visited with three other members of my family and they all loved it as well. The only drawbacks is that it is _ tiny _ (though we were able to find a table even before ordering) and does NOT have a bathroom otherwise it would be a immediate and unhesitating five star rating. All that said, if you are wanting a tasty and hot soup you MUST try this place and tell your friends!
(4)Chas V.
This review is based strictly on the summer version of the shop "The Ice Box" (I've never had the soup) It is my experience that this is the second best Italian Lemonade in the city. (Mario's on Taylor Street being the best) When my in-laws visit from out of town, they DEMAND a visit to the Ice Box. I am more than happy to oblige.
(4)Jay R.
I had been anxious to try The Soupbox for a while so when the temp dropped into good soup eating zone it was time to give it a try. As you first walk in you will see a counter full of cauldrons containing the soups of the day.There were maybe 10 or 12 choices im guessing and they were all marked. The service was great and the guys working were friendly and happily tell you their favorite soups and show you what each soup looked like in the pot as they give it a stir. As this was dinner we both decided on the large 16 oz serving I decided on Chicken Noodle my wife chose tortellini which had a tomato base. The Soup comes with a choice of bread and there are butter and crackers for the taking. Ok here comes the problem neither the chicken noodle or the tortellini soup was really that good. I have had just as good out of a can and better at other restaurants that have a full menu and don't just specialize in soup. I kinda feel if you decide to sell one thing you better do it pretty darn good but sadly the Soupbox fell short. I like noodles aka stuff in my soup and a fair amount of broth but the servings in both soups had lots of broth and a small amount of noodle I love broth but if im eating this as a meal I want a generous amount of noodles too. If this was a $4.50 bowl of soup it would be one thing but 2 16 oz servings of soup cost just shy of 15 bucks seems steep. One of my fav delis is up the street you can get a quart / 32 oz of some damn good chicken noodle soup plus a half loaf of bread for 7 bucks. In my opinion Its just alot of money for mediocre soup.
(2)g b.
this place is just what the doctor ordered! a HUGE selection of soup (lobster bisque is the best). the bread-bowls are pretty yummy, and if you go for a traditional bowl, you get a huge wedge of sourdough bread- YUM! my mouth is watering already!
(4)Cori C.
12 varieties of soup. You can taste test all of them before deciding. You can mix soups for the perfect combo. My fav is chicken and wild rice, but each one is unique and delicious. Now you can get a grilled cheese too! In the summer, the shaved ice steals the show.
(5)Rocky B.
Okay, I've yet to try their soup but mmm, their italian ice is delicious. Bobtail is right next door but on a blazing hot summer day I just don't feel like doing the dairy route. My husband stopped in there one day last week and picked us a couple of small italian ices. I asked for the lemon. I usually love lemon italian ice but the flavor was way too subtle and it almost didn't taste sweet at all. We tried it again on Sunday and this time I got strawberry and pineapple. OMG, both flavors were super yummy. Big chunks of strawberry and big chunks of pineapple. Last night, I know...I tend to get obsessed with stuff, we went again and I got strawberry, pineapple and coconut. Yep you guessed it....big shreds of coconut. It was so good. I plan on trying their soups when the temps drop back down to below being able to fry an egg on our car.
(3)Van D.
Tried this place for lunch on a frigid Chicago friday. All they have is soups so don't expect anything else. They have 12 different flavors . Its great that they let you taste the different soups before committing. Also nice of them to let you mix and match soups to your liking. It is kinda pricey though. Some of the fancier soups cost over $7 for a medium size soup. Soups taste good but not sure if they are worth the price
(3)Stephen D.
Good idea for a restaurant, but the prices are out of control. Maybe it's just me and I'm not in tune with the cost of producing soup these days, but last time I made it the main ingredient was water. $5.69 for a CUP and a crust of bread??? I would be a regular at this place because I live right by it, but I can't shell out 5.69 for soup when it's not even a main dish. Get down in the $3 range Soupbox and you will have a loyal customer. On a positive note, the Sundried Tomato was very good. The Potato and Leak....Meh.
(2)Amber B.
The creamy chicken & wild rice was super tasty when we stopped in yesterday after walking all over the area & realizing we were starving. If the commute from Arizona wasn't so far, I'd stop in at least once a week!
(5)Eme L.
When I lived in the neighborhood, we used to frequent this place during the summers. Although I've had the soup (good, but not great), I'm reviewing the Icebox. They usually have interesting flavors that are very refreshing on a hot/humid Chicago day. We usually go for the strawberry, cherry, lemon combo - sweet and tart. This visit, I had the lemon. It was refreshing and the consistency of the ice was very good - sometimes, they have hard chunks of ice that are off-putting. Worth a try if you're in the neighborhood and are looking for refreshment that isn't ice cream.
(3)Jean G.
I adore this place. Soup is always delicious. I've tried every soup they have to offer. Service is always prompt, and the people that work there are nothing but friendly!
(4)Kyung P.
I'm sick today, and I'm craving Soupbox, so I thought I'd write a review. Soupbox is really friendly people serving delicious soups. They always offer samples and don't rush you to make a decision. If you need help making a decision though, I love the chicken and wild rice (it's the creamy kind), and the lobster bisque and new england clam chowder mixed together is soooo good! It is expensive but worth it. If you're hungover (and you look like it) on Saturday or Sunday mornings/early afternoon, they always offer you extra bread!
(4)Katie H.
YUM. I got sick this winter and ate nothing but Soupbox for an entire week. My favorites are the lobster bisque, potato and broccoli. They will mix two soups if you want and the breadbowls are delicious and so filling. I haven't tried the Icebox yet, but I'm a little sad they don't have the Soupbox open in summer. Who says I don't want soup in summer? Ohhh, soup sounds good.
(5)stephanie c.
Great flavors, but holy crap, most soups have 2400mg of sodium on average!! Would think that they could make them a LITTLE bit healthier!!
(2)Debra M.
Very nice staff and great soup!
(5)Chaviva G.
I heart Soupbox, and I'd never been to this location, so I popped in on a rainy Saturday for some of that classic Chicken and Wild Rice goodness. Luckily, when I got there they were done making the C&WR, but about half of the soups were not finished, which was too bad for the other patrons. BUT, mad props to the employees for fixing up a container of soup to go for the couple who were waiting on one of the tomato concoctions but never got the chance to down it. The soup was hot and delicious, of course. I love that they offer two different bread options, and I don't recall the other one ever doing this. My only gripe is that they don't have fountain drinks, but rather just cans and jars. It's definitely tight quarters, but they make it happen and they make it work. Oh! And also, they take cards, which the other Soupbox doesn't, so that's automatic props for these guys! Oh Soupbox, you are my Soup mecca! (Sidenote: The patron who got the free soup because of the delay, said as he left, "You guys are awesome! Like the soup Nazi, but without the Nazi!" It made me giggle ...)
(4)Cat D.
Soupbox and Icebox are one of the few establishments I miss since moving from Lakeview. Not only is everything completely delicious, but I also have fond memories of the staff encouraging a mixing of soups for even more excitement. When oh when will you please bring your tasty variety of warm, comfort-filled, soup-ness (and fresh, fruity ice-ness) to Logan Square?
(4)Bharat S.
I just got delivery from here, and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. I got the cream of asparagus and the chedder and broccoli. Both stayed hot through the delivery and were delicious. Decent price too. Would suggest it if youre cold and don't feel like going outside.
(4)Jen S.
I always look forward to the days that I can convince my coworkers to order soupbox. Its so good. its fresh, fast and usually delivered by a really cute boy! yay! Potato Leek = #1 Soup Ever.
(5)Jo Ann F.
Any time of year this is a great place for something great to eat!
(4)Luke S.
This was a very good decision Friday night. I didn't want to eat anything real heavy, because I was celebrating St. Patrick's day the next day so I figured soup would be a nice meal. I love both lobster bisque and clam chowder and the server told me that it is great when you mix the two. She wasn't kidding, it was really good! Their bread was also fresh. My only complaint is that for a soup and a fountain drink I paid over ten dollars. I look forward to coming back and trying other soups.
(4)Amanda G.
Soupbox is good. I really like the place and I think Soupbox holds a special place in the heart of many Northsiders. They offer 12 rotating soups a day. My favorite that I regularly get is the lobster bisque. The prices are reasonable and soupbox is the place you want to go when its freezing or if you have a bad cold. I also think they have pretty fresh bread. I also like the people who work there, they are nice and friendly!
(4)Erin C.
I like the idea of a soup place in the neighborhood and had been meaning to stop in for some time now. I went when I was hungry and in the mood for something small. I had a small lobster bisque and didn't eat half. It was fine, nothing special, nothing worth that much money. It wasn't particularly remarkable in flavor and had no chunks of lobster. I doubt I would go back, it was a definite 'meh'
(2)Katie R.
I want to give it three and a half stars. I think I'll end up upping the stars here at some point - but at this moment, I can only say that the Broccoli and White Cheddar soup was less cheesy than I would have liked. It was more like Cream of Broccoli soup. I plan to try more soups and hope to be more impressed in the future. Can't complain that they deliver at lunchtime (work soup is going to become a frequent activity). And the bread bowl was tasty too. Second tasting (1/18/08): Loved the Creamy Chicken Wild Rice so that merits an extra star. But this time the bread bowl wasn't as tasty as I remember, so that takes it down to only an extra half.
(4)Nichole F.
I've been to the Soupbox twice now. The 1st time I had the clam chowder, the second time the tomato &basil bisque. Both times were disappointing. I have no idea why the place gets such rave reviews. The soup is not good! It has no flavor. The tomato bisque was basically a really watered down version of tomato soup. Bisque is generally thicker and hearty but not this one. I had to dump a ton of salt and pepper in it to make it somewhat worth the nearly $6 bucks I paid. It's overpriced and not good. FYI I also sampled the broccoli cheddar soup and it tasted like warm cream--again, no flavor. Sorry but Panera has better soup. The best thing about it is the bread that comes with it but pretty sure you could go to Red Hen and get the same bread there. Soupbox, you are out!
(2)Michael G.
The broccoli and cheddar soup is so deliciously thick and wonderful I've had it 3 days in a row. This place is amazing. Be sure to get the sourdough bread for dipping pleasure! Other notables are the potato soup, the lobster bisque and the new england clam chowder. For an excellent changeup get a mixed cup of soup with half lobster bisque and half broccoli and cheddar. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed! The one over-riding awesome thing about this gem: you can sample each soup!
(5)Saira C.
Soup Box might be my favorite place. But they only deliver in the winter months and I don't live near one. Booooo! Seriously this place makes my heart pitter patter.
(5)Eric G.
I went to Soupbox on Sunday after church and played it safe with the potato and bacon soup. I was very tempted to get the artichoke puree, but changed my mind at the last minute. The soup had hearty chucks of "taters" in it with a lots of minced bacon pieces. The flavor was superior to any soup at Panera, Potbelly, or Corner Bakery. A generous piece of sourdough bread that reminded me of San Fransisco was served with my soup. They also offer the breadbowl as an option. The two guys behind the counter were very friendly and offered samples to customers contemplating which one of the ten daily soups to order. Overall, I had a great experience at Soupbox. I will be more adventurous in my soup selection when I return in the future.
(4)Ngoc H.
Pretty good place for a chilly day. You can sample the soups before you buy them! A little pricey in my opinion but its worth it. You get bread along with your order, their multi-grain is amazing! Parking is kind of a pain but I'm sure you'd want to circle around of you're really a soup fan.
(4)kevin c.
This location is in a great spot on Broadway. The soup I tried was the veg. red lentil. It was good, but did not really stand out. I would like to try again with one of there other soups.
(3)Ben F.
The service was pretty good speaking that I called for delivery and the person had to call me back three times to confirm my CC number, they had it right the first time! The soup was pretty good but they really need to work on improving the recipes. I had the Broccoli & White Chedder and I have to say it was seriously lacking in the flavor department and seemed thinned out. I also tried the Potato & Bacon something and it was really missing salt, like tasted like it didn't have any salt at all! Dunno if I would rather pay almost $5 for a bowl of this or go pay like 99c for a can of pretty much the same thing. Sorry but if your a restaurant that sells only soup it should atleast great or better!
(2)Margaret N.
The boyfriend recently had his tonsils removed. As a result, there was a liquid diet in effect for a number of weeks. I stopped here almost daily to pick up soup for him and we tried a bunch of different kinds. The basic Chicken Noodle, the Lobster Bisque, the Potato Leek, the Chicken & Wild Rice, the Clam Chowder. You get the idea! I admit they were all tasty but absolutely nothing special. Especially not for THAT price!!! 6 bucks for an average cup of Chicken Noodle is a bit steep.... I read that they deliver in the winter. I could probably be talked into that on a cold blizzardy Chicago evening.
(3)Robin W.
Eh it's just okay soup. If you are named "The Soupbox," your soup should be "slap your mama" good! And I wasn't terribly impressed. I tried a couple samples before ordering, the potato and leek was okay, the broccoli and white cheddar was decent but not that great. All I wanted was some broccoli and cheese... what's so hard about that? I got the bread bowl, because I love a hot soup in a bread bowl, but it ended up being disappointingly dry and almost stale white bread. And it was almost $9!!! For soup?! I think next time I want soup, I'll stop by Panera a few blocks away. Overall that chain has far better soups and bread bowls and is almost half the price. I love local shops and wish I liked this place more, but not impressed. I think this place deserves 2 1/2 stars, but I can't be mean enough to leave the 2 star review. Plus it's Chicago in the winter... I might be freezing cold enough to give this place another try.
(3)Melissa R.
Oh Soupbox...how you have saved me during the chilly Chicago winters. As well as your buddy Icebox during the hot summer months. I used to live around the corner from this place for 3 years, and I had to practice some serious willpower not to dine here all the time. I'll tell you this, there is nothing that makes me feel better when I'm sick than a bowl of their chicken and wild rice soup...although pity from my mother also seems to help me feel better. Their smaller serving size is large enough for two servings, especially when you dip some of the delicious bread in it. And they always ask if I want more bread...like I will ever answer "no" to that question. Their bread-bowls are also wonderful and it hard to determine if I enjoy the soup in them more or the actual bread bowl after it's been emptied and is soaked up with the delicious soup...tricky. In the summer months they also feature their italian ices which are so refreshing. I usually get their kid-cup size because you don't really need much more than that, and I almost always go with the cherry. It's fantastic because you can see and taste all the real fruit they put in it. Another perk, they hand out free samples on the streets in little cups to people passing by...that mini treat has made past afternoons perk up a little. Their staff is also fabulous. It's all young hipsterish types that are so friendly and let you taste as many of the soups/italian ices as you want...and don't get annoyed when you ask for your seventh sample. *I just looked on their website and they have the nutritional information posted. This made me gasp because I was almost afraid to look. Um...it's not that bad at all, especially considering how creamy and dreamy it is. Check it out: thesoupbox.com/default.a… . Now I'm kind of annoyed with myself I didn't eat there more often...silly girl.
(5)Melissa M.
If you're hungry but not in the mood for anything heavy, then Soupbox is a good option. Make no mistake though... you can easily fill your belly with the options here. Soupbox has 10-12 different soups everyday. I recently had the chicken noodle which was okay... kind of tasted like it wasn't necessarily homemade. However, I had tasted the cream of potato leek beforehand and it was great. In fact, after eating my chicken noodle, I kept thinking "Darn! I should've had the potato leek!" A simple soup isn't even to fill you up you say. Most of their soups are quite hearty and satisfying and come with a fairly large piece of bread. They also have the bread bowl option. You have to love fresh bread! But wait! This location now offers grilled cheese as well! Aaaand... you can add meat to it! Pretty filling I'd say. But wait! There's more! During the summer months, Soupbox also has Icybox. Basically, they have about a dozen flavors of Italian Ice. This day I ended my meal with a small strawberry lemondade combination. There is no doubt that I was defintely full by the time I was done. Still have to go back for that potato leek though.
(4)Iris H.
Vegan Tomato something or other. . . Very decent and just right for a rainy spring afternoon. Too expensive - the 3 stars purely due to geography. After all, I get some credit for bravin' big bad bug-people-land. The land of shake-n-baked (and I helped!) tans, barbie-round, stuck-on, color formed boobage and ginormous paris-esque suntardening glashes. $4.00 for a small in Lick-on Park. Where have all the crackheads gone, long time passing. . . Very friendly hash slinger tho, I must say.
(3)Ted C.
It's just really good soup. I got it in a bread bowl and I was stuffed.
(4)Barb F.
First of all, I am not usually a soup fan....but this place may change my view. I stopped in because of the cold, sunny day and I was going next door. I decided to go in and take some soup back to my boyfriend when I noticed the one soup I liked, lobster Bisque, was on the menu. I ordered the broccoli and cheese and the chicken with wild rice for him and still did not order the bisque, but the server said to try it. One bite or slurp and I was sold. This was great lobster bisque! The other soups were great, according to my guy. We will make this place a destination for now on!
(4)Max and Drew R.
This is a solid 4 1/2 star operation, however Yelp is trying to make my life a living hell by not allowing me to award Soupbox the credit it deserves... Great soup, crowded yet very efficient, helpful staff. Since I was a rookie I played it pretty safe, but they have enough selection to keep things interested (I heard some maniac mixing three soups together in a bread bowl, that guy is my f*cking idol). I will be back for sure, any place that packs the house and gets away with charging $6 for a bowl of soup is obviously doing something right. Parking sucks so try to work around it. Respect.
(4)Arlene M.
the only reason as to why i'm writing about this now is because it's winter it's cold- and i wanted something warm and satisfying- i'm talking about a nice cup of soup- who could resist?? i love this place! i've been here a number of times i don't know why i never yelped it. i love all of their soups- that i have tried at least- i've have their broccoli and white cheddar- their cream of chicken and wild rice, lobster bisque- beef stew- and their potato and leek---- when they say it's hot its really really HOT- (temperature wise) if you're not sure or a virgin here- feel free to try every single one if u really must to make your decision- and u can feel free to have as much bread as u would like- just ask for it.
(5)Hansol G.
LOVE THIS PLACE! LOVE the simple idea of "soup. bread. served and done." Love how cheap and filling it is. Love all the non-typical soups they offer. Love how warm it is in there on a really cold day. Love how they cure my flu. .... If you like soup and you haven't tried this place,... well, there's really no reason you wouldn't like it.
(5)Melanie K.
You will never eat Campbells again after you have tried the Soupbox! The soups are incredibly fresh AND there are so many to choose from, that everyone can be happy (and full!) the bread bowls are amazing (if you aren't afraid of carbs) personal faves...beef stew, lobster bisque, chicken and dumpling, corn chowder in the summer, the icebox is a great cold treat that you can't feel too guilty about. Mix flavors like kiwi and strawberry...yum!
(5)Edith P.
If you live in Chicago and you haven't been to the Soupbox, you should hang your head in shame! This place is ..simply put... a staple to Chicago in the winter. Don't be afraid to try combinations of soups either. My personal favorite is the Cream of Potato w/ Leak and the Broccoli Cheese..mix together - it's awesome. The employees there are laid back kids in their 20s looking to feed you some soup. Go get some soup!
(5)Melissa B.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats their lobster bisque. Yes, it's a teeny tiny bit expensive. But so worth it. Oh yes, and their Icebox in the summer is perfect when the temp goes up. If you want something not quite as heavy as Bobtail, this is perfect.
(4)Dallas F.
I love this place. Its so nice that I can mix up my soups if I want and enjoy my own creations. The ice stuff I really like too.
(4)courtney g.
This pertains mostly to delivery, now that I am posting on the right location (duh!) - 12 different soups everyday, bread bowls - who doesn't like that, esp at this time of year. I mostly order from work, for lunch, and delivery is sometimes slow, as in over an hour slow. Also, they will not deliver for less than two soups, which is crappy if everyone else in the office planned ahead; I don't blame the Soupbox, but I'm just saying - I wanted the soup! The cream of broccoli was more creamy and less discernable broccoli. I wasn't trying to be a hater when I started this, but apparently i am a bit more ambivalent than I realized. And, yes, it's a bit pricey just to be soup. I've eaten in before, and perhaps that is a better way; you're on your own schedule, you can order just one, etc.
(3)