Beatrix — Restaurant in Chicago

I definitely enjoyed my meal; however there weren't enough menu options available with regards to half portions and or more varieties to choose from.

Apparently their old menu listed here on Google has outdated pricing information and food options. This evening when I entered the restaurant for the first time the hostess spent a lot of time assisting a customer who was seeking a carry out order. I was very patient and she then took care of a caller for a few more moments so again I waited. I just wanted to tell her I was seeking a table outside but she seemed busy and I could see she might have needed extra help.

As I waited I noticed several empty tables outside; but the hostess said I'd need to wait an additional 20 minutes for outside seating so I agreed to join the wait list and took a seat by the juice/coffee bar and decided to try a kale green juice. It was $8 but Google states it's $6.50 regardless it tasted good and I sat comfortably waiting for an outside table to be cleaned.

My phone alerted me my table was ready and the hostess approached me and asked me to wait a bit longer as she took care of other guests inside the restaurant. I decided to step outside to wait for her and she showed me a clean empty table where I sat waiting for my server to approach me.

I took some time to figure out what I wanted and I picked the ahi tuna tartar and chicken tortilla soup. I would have loved a half portion of their larger salad; but my server stated there are no half portion options. Later on after I ordered i asked another sever about smaller salad options and she said they actually do have tomatoes with arugula for $7.95 but she said my server was new and not completely familiar with all the options here.

My tortilla soup was excellent and well portioned. I definitely loved the tomato based broth and rich textures like crunchy chips and well made tender chicken pieces. The ahi tuna however was pretty tiny for the $14.95 I was charged and I really would have appreciated less avocado and much more raw tuna considering the price.

I would have also loved a bit of bread 🍞 served with my soup or before my meal but they don't offer bread here. The dinner menu is a bit pricey so a serving of complimentary bread would have been appreciated.

I'm leaving 3 stars because the service here was a bit slow and my tuna appetizer just wasn't a good value for the money. Both my dishes were tasty but the prices should be lower if they have tapas style options here.

Great place for people watching though! I also noticed the breakfast items listed are more reasonably priced so I'm assuming most people come here to enjoy...

Nestled in the heart of the city, Beatrix is a hidden gem that combines the warmth of a cozy café with the sophistication of a fine dining establishment. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in an inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Coffee Perfection:

Beatrix takes its coffee seriously. The baristas are true artisans, meticulously crafting each cup with precision and care. Whether you’re a latte lover or prefer a bold pour-over, their coffee menu caters to all tastes. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a serene coffee plantation.

Dessert Wonderland:

Now, let’s talk about the desserts. Brace yourself for a symphony of flavors! The pastry chef at Beatrix deserves a standing ovation. The chocolate lava cake? Decadent, gooey, and utterly sinful. The lemon tart? A zesty explosion that dances on your taste buds. And don’t even get me started on their macarons—they’re like little clouds of happiness.

Ambiance and Service:

Beatrix strikes the perfect balance between chic and comfortable. The rustic wooden tables, plush cushions, and soft lighting create an atmosphere where you can linger for hours. The staff, attentive without being intrusive, adds to the overall charm. They’re knowledgeable about the menu and happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences.

Hidden Gems:

While the coffee and desserts steal the spotlight, Beatrix surprises with its savory offerings. The avocado toast with poached eggs? Creamy, dreamy, and Instagram-worthy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the curry katsu sandwich—it’s a fusion of flavors that’ll leave you craving more.

Final Verdict:

Beatrix isn’t just a café; it’s an experience. Whether you’re catching up with friends, having a solo moment with your laptop, or enjoying a date night, this place delivers. Yes, it’s a tad pricey, but trust me, every penny is well spent. Treat yourself—you deserve it!

Remember, this review is based on my own experience, and individual preferences may vary. Bon...

Pretty good food but not a place I would come back to or recommend to someone as a top priority to eat at. We had a party of 6 and each ordered coffee and an entree. The coffee drinks (latte, cappuccino) were really good and the pastries (which we did not get) look amazing. So, for coffee and pastries, I think this might be THE place for it. But for the rest of the menu, the food was just okay.

2 guests in our party ordered steak and eggs and both dishes had the steak way over cooked, which is disappointing because a thin steak is not difficult to cook.

2 guests had the eggs, bacon, and cheddar sandwich and that dish was pretty good actually. The bacon was thick, savory bacon and cooked well. The egg was premade, not fresh - think of McDonald’s quality eggs for their sandwiches. But the sauce and cheddar for the sandwich was really good. It’s served on a brioche bun and I can attest, that bun was excellent.

2 guests had the eggs your way and they seemed to really like this dish - eggs were cooked to order perfectly, toast was high quality and tasty and bacon was same as for the sandwich and highly praised.

All 6 of us shared the lemon blueberry pancakes - don’t get it. It was recommended by the server and it’s a good concept, just not done exactly right. The ricotta was not sweet enough and it was possibly over cooked. It was like a watered down drink or soda that went flat. There are likely other sweet dishes that are better.

Lastly, we had a reservation for ~2 months - and they sat us in a table in the back in the corner, that was halfway in the kitchen. I found it odd and asked for a different table and was told they had no other tables - even though I saw 4 different tables that were open that sat 6 people. I’m not sure why my request couldn’t be accommodated. My thought is why have a 6-person table that is halfway in the kitchen? Instead change it to 2 or 4 top that is more suited...