Beatrix Market — Restaurant in Chicago

No human who knows and shows love, kindness, and compassion should ever have to step foot in a space they do not adore. If an establishment has bad service, burnt coffee, bland food, and lighting and decor that screams “corporation trying to come across as cozy”, then why would I subject myself to go in again and again. Because my beautiful wife works at DePaul? Because it’s closer than dunkin and starbucks? Because maybe I hate myself and my subconscious mind brings me back to the self sabotage that is Beatrix Market. Because in downtown Chicago, you will find not a single establishment that is personal or family oriented. You will find, over and over, suffocating corporate businesses trying to make a buck, devaluing the worker, and getting away with it. I say the service is bad because why would it be good? If I worked in a space that made me feel like I was suffocating, I wouldn’t be kind to my fellow man. What would be the point when not one suit will even ask my name or wish me a good morning? What would be the point when they only tip $0.50? What would be the point when my enrichment throughout the day is limited to one TV with sports news on, blaring music, and terrible tasting caffeine? No wonder our young generation can’t get off their phones, the outside world seems to have nothing to offer! Well, to the beautiful and kind red hair with glasses who offered a hello to me: there is a point to this cruel world. To laugh, to love, to smell the breeze by a lake, to hear a humble bumble bee buzz by your ear, to feel a tree’s ancient bark and absorb its wisdom. To experience the warm air outside the doors of Beatrix Market the day you get to leave the soulless cafe job.

To the reader: say thank you to your barista this morning. Ask them their name and where they’re from. Ask them their favorite song. Tell them a story. Annoy them if you must because the human connections we have throughout the day separates us from...

My friend and I meander through the cold and blustering wind on a brisk day in February 2023. The wind whips our face and gives a pink, almost luminescent, glow to our skin. My friend's stomach grumbles - a sign that hunger is near, nay, has but already arrived. We hasten our pace and stop our giggling - things are getting serious. We need food - fast. We have crossed our rubicon. Our weary eyes gaze blankly at the restaurants in front of us - all but too fancy and too elegant for a simple, quick lunch that we so desperately crave. Then - we see it. A star amongst the dark night (this is a metaphor, it was midday). The shadows part to reveal a one Beatrix Market. The smell of freshly baked bread and fast casual splendor draws us in. The market is a small one attached to the bustling Beatrix restaurant. Like ravenous wolves, we scan the room for our prey. Our noses draw us to a large ladle entrenched within a silver bowl, labeled “Turkey Chili”. This was it! This is exactly what we need. We serve ourselves two bowls of the chili. I gaze up and notice small balls of cheese and bread, labeled “Brazilian Cheese Bread (GF)”. GF! WOW! As a gluten-free girlie, I cherish any restaurant or food hall that provides ample options for my dietary needs. I grab two and dunk them in my bowl of chili. As we dig into our bowls, our childhoods dance in front of our eyes, like the critic in Ratatouille when he tries Remy’s delectable entree. I hear the faint hum of the Girl from Ipanema as I my teeth crunch into the cheese bread, both perfectly crunchy on top and chewy within. I dip the bread with exuberance into the chili; together, they are like Batman and Robin, Marlin and Dory, Selena Gomez & The Scene - an iconic dynamic duo. I highly recommend this combination. This is glorious. Our bodies so desperately needed this....

I loooove this Beatrix Market and the only reason why I’m giving it 4 stars is the hot bar service ends way before they close, the WiFi is a bit slow making it not ideal for coworking (even though the downstairs space is GREAT for it), and they don’t serve alcohol on Monday’s (they only serve during happy hour which is Tuesday-Friday).

The first time I came was to cowork on a Monday and REALLY needed a cocktail after the workday lol. That’s when I found out they don’t serve alcohol even if it’s not happy hour. I came back with friends later in the week for happy hour, we arrived probably around 4:30, and the hot food bar was already packed away. I did get to enjoy from the salad bar, but my friend who isn’t a Chicago pizza fan (gasp!) felt limited in her options and ended up getting pizza anyways.

The food is GREAT though, and the cocktails are yummy. I love the space, it is a very chill vibe and they even have events like trivia nights. The WiFi was a bit sluggish when I came to cowork but it could have been because many others were using it too. I would suggest bringing a hot spot for backup if you want to make sure your production isn’t interrupted. No complaints though, it works and it’s free!

I love the market, I enjoy trying new drinks that I haven’t seen in other markets or bodegas, and the selection of choices for snacking or dining is outstanding. Very happy every...