Chicago Health Foods — Restaurant in Chicago

Had a super weird experience here. Had been one time before and had a great smoothie so was excited to come back. Last time I went, they handed me my ticket once I ordered the smoothie and let me know I should pay up front. My partner and I hung out in the seating area and once they called out my order was ready, I grabbed my smoothie and paid at the front before leaving. Tonight I decided to stop in and get another smoothie and browse around a bit. I ordered my smoothie and the employee handed me my ticket that said $8.99. I kept my ticket in my basket and browsed around the store while I waited. I heard them call my name so I went back to the smoothie area. A different employee asked for my ticket, so I handed the ticket the first employee had given me (that said $8.99). The new employee looked at my ticket and informed me that they have a new policy where you have to pay for your smoothie up front first, then bring a different small receipt back as a proof of payment. I was like oh sure, totally get it (I don’t blame them at all for wanting to do that)! But then when I turned to walk up to the register, the employee was like, oh hey let me see your receipt again, then looked at the $8.99 and was like “oh wait we actually raised our prices today and this smoothie is now $9.99” so then she wrote me a new ticket for $9.99 instead. I was honestly pretty shocked so I should’ve said something but didn’t- but if you raised your prices, why didn’t you update it on the sign somehow? Or make sure all of your employees know about the price change? And maybe explain the policy change for paying when people are ordering instead of after the smoothie is already ready? I totally get a price increase in today’s economy and would gladly pay $9.99 for a solid smoothie, but the fact that I had a ticket from your own employee that said $8.99 only to have that taken away after the smoothie was already ready and say, wait actually it’s $9.99, is so crazy to me! Like honor the price of the ticket you gave me, you know? But anyways… the smoothie was delicious so I was super happy with that. Just thought that was a super weird...

Chicago Health Foods is a hidden gem of Chicago! It is a small supplement store with bath products and a small sandwich/smoothie counter in the back. As someone with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for high quality, thoughtful ingredients, their entire menu is amazing! Their store-made items are packed with protein, alternate sugar options, very vegetarian friendly, and taste delicious. However, it being a "hidden" gem may not be as accurate anymore because the sandwich/smoothie counter gets completely packed with people at peak times – I guess the word is out on how good the menu is. So as long as you plan your timing with that in mind, you should be fine. One of my favorite items on the menu is the PB smoothie. It tastes unbelievable and even though my general preference with smoothies is to make them myself at home, this is one that I would go out of my way to get at this shop. Recently tried their vegan peanut butter chocolate pie parfait. It is made with almond milk, tofu, vegan chocolate chips and PB – and it is amazing! One time, I was trying to learn about various supplements and greens mixes. The front desk person tapped the owner, who explained lots of things to me and made me some samples to try, and gave me some take home packets so I could get a better sense. I've also purchased a shampoo and conditioner from the shop. I really like that they're primarily made of aloe and mango, and the other ingredients are natural too. It smells pretty mango-y, but that's what you get when it's real ingredients and not perfume! Lastly, the staff is fantastic. Shop has a small and homey feel to it. Very...

Yesterday, I was prepared to give an outstanding review, but after reading that their produce isn't organic from another post, and today's experience, I will likely not be going back. I went 2 days in a row. 1st day - Green Juice and Green Goddess wrap, both delicious. 2nd day - OMG smoothie and Green Goddess wrap, again - yes, the wrap is very good. However, now that I know the produce isn't organic, why bother? Also, I was very disappointed to see them add concentrated apple juice, basically chemicals, to my smoothie. Really?? I can't stand that stuff! It literally makes me sick. If you're going to add in garbage, at least list it on the menu with the other ingredients, so I may choose to avoid it! I paid for my smoothie and wrap, walked out, and realized this cool gem that I found is not a cool gem. Also, the guy who was checking me out had to ring everything up a second time for some reason. Then we he had the new lower total, still seemed uncertain of the ring, but he waved his hand and said, "Oh, whatever," like he was doing me a favor. I see that he charged me $3.38 for a 1.5oz bag of pretzel crisps marked at $1.49. It's not that difficult, I had 5 items! I was so excited yesterday and now completely...