I dined in two times, once on Christmas eve and once on a Tuesday late morning. It is always full and maybe you have to wait standing while waiting for the order and one of the tables will eventually open, although I haven’t seen a line outside, most probably it happens on weekends during brunch time. So yes, it ia a bit annoying if you have to decide where to brunch and you have to think about place availability but let’s look at the bride side: every good spot has the same issue ☺️ I really hope their new location will have more space though.
Now that we’ve covered the things that most complain about, let’s get to the coffee and food.
I am a big coffee lover and not the 16oz ones, overall, so if your taste is different, it might not be relevant to you. I like my coffee short, 4oz to 8oz is perfect, 12oz occasionally. In a big “coffee drink” you can hide the taste of coffee with all the additives, in a cortado or espresso- not so much. So I tried the cortado, cappuccino and macchiato and they were silky, the roast is perfect and it seems to me to be lower on acidity which I love. Balance is the word fore to describe it. Love it! I have a favourite spot near my where I go for coffee and id Soloway would have been closer, I would have changed the location.
Food: I have tried the Avocado and burrata sandwich and loved it! The eggs were fluffy and buttery, I am usually not a egg lover and avoid eating eggs out but this was good. The bread was delicious and the burrata had that milky taste that many times is missing in other places. Seems like quality. And i loved their new side to this dish, green beans 👌
Syrniki - oh it reminded me of a family brunch made by mom but with a fancy twist. The cream in top of the syrniki taste a little bit like raffaello, not too sweet and not too overpowering. Syrniki themselves had great texture, nice balance between cottage cheese and dough, although I would have loved them to be more in the protein side from the nutritional aspect- so mostly cheese (but that’s the gym rat in me). Loved them.
My husband had the Turkey sandwich, I haven’t tried it. tasty but nothing to remember - those were his impressions.
Croissant 🥐 - i tried strawberry one, since I like mu sweets less sweet it was a perfection. In the past I did order some plain croissants from Dan the Backer and I can confirm the croissants are just as good but better, because of the fillings 😀 I think they confirmed they source them from him so to indulge a perfectly crispy, layered and buttery goodness. As for the strawberry added - the chocolate on top is sweeter than the filling itself which made a perfect combination for me. They definitely know how to enhance an already amazing dish. Update: I went for a pistachio croissant on another occasion and it was fantastic! I was afraid of the heaviness that usually comes with pistachio paste, but not at Soloway. They balanced it perfectly 🤌
Cake Napoleon - we ordered a whole cake for holidays and let me tell you it is the real deal! Since we came to US I was in a hunt for a good Napoleon and they all disappointed me, good filling cream is the crucial. First Soloway’s Napoleon has the right milky, buttery, yellowish but yet silky cream, not some store bought whipped cream which hardens like rock or has no texture to it. The taste was balanced - sweet but not crazy sweet(I am not a sweet tooth), with a hint of vanilla, butter and something else that I couldn’t quite determine. So if you like French millefeuille - definitely try Soloway Napoleon, its an upgraded version! (Trick: usually it tastes even better 1-2 days after it was cooked since the layers get soaked even deeper 🥰).
Donuts 🍩 - they had a short while when you could order donuts and we looooved the mango& passion fruit and Raspberries & vanilla. Plenty of filling, but not that overwhelming situation where you fin yourself in need to carve some of it out.
Will be back to try more items...
Read moreI drove 1 hour and 20 minutes one way to try this coffee place, and it was absolutely WOW, definitely worth the drive. As a coffee and pastry enthusiast, I wanted to experience as much as possible, so I ended up trying almost the entire menu.
Food: • Croissants: Absolutely to die for! They are perfectly flaky on the outside and soft on the inside, with a rich buttery flavor that makes every bite a delight. • Canele: As perfect as it could be. They have a beautifully caramelized crust with a soft, custardy center, capturing the essence of this classic French pastry. • Avocado Toast with Burrata: Absolutely delicious. The creamy burrata pairs perfectly with the fresh avocado and the crispy toast, making it a standout dish. • Cheesecake: Exceptionally creamy and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The crust is just right, adding a lovely texture to each bite. • Chocolate Brownies: Rich and decadent, with a deep chocolate flavor and a wonderfully fudgy texture. • Banana Bread: Moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a comforting classic done perfectly. • Macarons: Light, airy, and bursting with flavor. Each macaron is a little piece of heaven. • Pistachio Cheesecake: A unique and delightful twist on the traditional cheesecake, with a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the creamy filling.
Service: The service was impeccable. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. They made excellent recommendations and ensured that I had a fantastic experience from start to finish.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Soloway Coffee is incredible. The interior is beautifully designed, with a cozy and welcoming ambiance that makes you want to stay for hours. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee and a good book, or to catch up with friends.
Great job to such an amazing team for creating an unforgettable experience with top-notch service and delicious bakery items. I will definitely be back soon and I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for exceptional coffee, pastries, and a...
Read moreIf you’re searching for a delicious breakfast and truly great coffee, look no further than Soloway. Nestled in the heart of Chicago, this charming spot stands out not only for its cozy atmosphere but also for its exceptional coffee—a rarity in the city when it comes to finding high-quality, well-roasted beans.
The cafe was founded by Ukrainians, and you can feel their warmth and hospitality in every detail. The breakfast menu is a perfect balance of classic favorites and unique European-inspired dishes, all made with fresh ingredients and great attention to flavor. Whether you go for a fluffy omelet, homemade syrnyky (cheese pancakes), or a hearty avocado toast, you won’t be disappointed.
But the real highlight? The coffee. Unlike many places that serve generic or over-roasted brews, this cafe takes coffee seriously. You’ll find expertly selected beans, perfectly brewed espresso, and velvety smooth lattes that can compete with the best specialty coffee shops.
With its inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and outstanding quality, Soloway is a hidden gem that deserves a visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by—you...
Read more