The Lunchroom at SPACE 519 (Gold Coast) — Restaurant in Chicago

I’m a regular here, but honestly I can’t give 5 stars. I have dined in and bought stuff from the bakery multiple times. The atmosphere is very chic and intimate yet still has a casual feeling. The cafe is within a boutique. You can feel the passion and effort the owner put in down to the little details, which I appreciate. The pastries are made fresh there everyday. I love their almond croissants. The food is expensive for what you get but it’s always well done and tasty and the setting is nice in a good location. It’s also good to support small, local businesses.

However, I don’t like dining in because there were a number of times that I thought the waiters were a little snooty. For example, I dined in recently as a treat and asked a few questions at the end of my meal about a take-out container, the promotion, and payment. I’m a pretty low-key customer who just wants to eat and go and don’t like wasting people’s time. I didn’t think I asked that many questions and thought they were all reasonable. The waiter, who was a tall man with dark hair and glasses, politely answered them but because the setting was pretty small, I could hear him quietly complaining about me to his coworkers from across room even though multiple tables were filled. I felt extremely uncomfortable and was deeply offended. It pretty much ruined my whole morning. I almost left a $0 tip but still gave the standard 15%.

If this was a one-off thing then I wouldn’t even mention it. However, I’ve had multiple lackluster dining experiences like this here. Just because I’m not an old rich lady with deep pockets doesn’t mean I’m a less valuable customer. I buy the same food, tip the same as everyone else, and leave relatively quickly compared to other people who take their time to sit around and converse. Waiters should expect to answer customers’ questions as part of the job and not look down on people. I’ll still get their pastries and coffee to-go but I wont dine in again nor recommend colleagues...

I originally didn't care to write a review but How we treated didn't sit well with me all things considered. My friend I arrived and their were 3 other groups already seated prior to us. A lady reading a book just enjoying her day, another doing the same but with her dog, and another two ladies enjoying each others company. My friend I were just having lunch and a few drinks. In the space of time it took us to do this none of the other parties seated before us had left but coming up on the conclusion of our meal, we requested the check with the intent of sitting and finishing our drinks while we waited for our Uber. However upon immediately receiving the check, before I even got to sign it the hostess immediately came over and said "I will have to ask if you can leave we need the table back". I look around confused as I see a few other tables open so I wonder why is he so hard pressed for this table? Long story short I didn't appreciate after spending so much money here being pushed out like that. Granted we had someplace to be so we were leaving anyway. But this treatment was not given to any other of the patrons who were their before us from the lady just sitting reading to the lady enjoying a cup of coffee and beautiful day with her dog. I do not care to make this an issue of color but it sure came off like that when the only difference my group and other patrons were that we were black men and they were white women. To conclude I do not of awareness or if he cared to exercise of awareness but I truly did not appreciate being treated like that. Space 519 needs to reevaluate their management as some may have unconscious biases and treat people like how my friend and I was treated. The food was good though, as well as the drinks, but the hostess I assume or whoever rudely addressed us...

My experience at The Lunchroom was elevated by the exceptional service provided by Drew M. From the moment we arrived, Drew’s warm demeanor and impeccable interpersonal skills set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. His attention to detail, personalized recommendations, and genuine enthusiasm created a welcoming atmosphere.

The Lunchroom itself is a unique gem, offering a blend of inviting ambiance and creative cuisine, but Drew’s outstanding customer service truly set it apart. He effortlessly balanced professionalism with a friendly touch, ensuring every aspect of our meal was perfect. It’s rare to encounter someone who genuinely enhances the dining experience, but Drew M. did exactly that. Highly recommend and will recommend...