Irving Park Pizza & Patio — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

I live in the neighborhood and saw that Easy Street had brunch and so we decided to check it out. Like many brunch spots they have a select brunch menu with their unique spin on the classics. I went with a bagel breakfast sandwich and my husband had a chicken sausage hash. For drinks I chose an Aperol Spritz which was a refreshing alternative from a mimosa and my husband had a Bluemoon/Champaign/splash of OJ mix that Easy Street offered. They also offer bloody mary’s but we didn’t try them.

The down and dirty review is that Easy Street offers a new age twist on the classic brunch which can be nice when you’re in the mood for something a bit different. The cost is about $10 to $15 dollars per plate and drinks are around $12. I do believe they have a $20 drink package for brunch which I’d recommend if you’re going to have more than 1 drink.

For a little more detailed review, Easy Street nailed the food basics, meaning that the quality and flavor of our meals was in line with other brunches I’ve had. The portions were a little more than what you’d need to be full, and the ambiance was very nice for a beautiful day in their open air seating (they also have a sidewalk patio). As a side note I believe they also offered their normal menu which was far more expansive than their brunch menu.

No reservations needed, they have ample seating, but it’s street parking only, but in Irving Park finding a spot usually isn’t a problem. Easy Street offers a clean and spacious dinning area, and their staff was both friendly and helpful. They are primarily a pizza and wing restaurant… I think, so I’ll need to go back and try those, but for a neighborhood brunch spot that’s easy to get, get out, and get on with your Sunday… I was pleasantly surprised by what Easy Street...

First red flag: the sign no longer even said “Easy Street” — now it was “Irving Park Pizza and Patio.” We walked in confused, and no one bothered to greet us or offer any direction. We had to approach the bartender ourselves just to ask if it was seat-yourself, and she rolled her eyes and muttered “anywhere you want” like we were bothering her. The place wasn’t even busy — maybe 4 tables had guests, the rest was empty.

It took another 5–10 minutes before someone dropped off water and menus. No greeting, no “I’ll be right with you” — he literally set them down without a single word and walked away. The menu looked like the old Easy Street one, so we figured maybe things were still fine. They weren’t.

As we sat there, the atmosphere was just miserable. No one around us looked happy to be there. The one server on duty walked by our table multiple times, never once making eye contact, acknowledging us, or showing the slightest bit of urgency. It felt like we were invisible. After sitting unattended for way too long, we gave up and left. We walked across the street for Cuban food instead — where we were actually treated like customers.

When we walked out, not a single staff member noticed, asked if we were okay, or made any effort to keep our business. It was as if the staff simply didn’t care whether people stayed or left.

The whole experience screamed unprofessional. Customer service matters, and clearly it doesn’t matter here. We won’t be back — plenty of restaurants in the neighborhood actually value...

Unacceptable. The service here is deplorable, and unfortunately their rude, dry, lack of customer service will ultimately there downfall in a town full of competition.

My entire family was refused service for attempting to report a poor experience. Rather than receive the feedback and using the simple critics to be better, the bartender literally told 4 people (easily a $200 tap and I am big on tipping over 20%) that he would not serve us. With pride, he said "I am not going to serve you for talking shit about my manager". I would never cause a scene, so we left, but I have traveled the world and lived in multiple big cities, yet I have never been refused service, let alone for expressing frustration with a previous interaction. I am going to lodge a complaint with the Alderman, as I not sure that is even legal. I will update my revieew with the progess.

Over the years I have spent thousands of dollars dining at Easy Street. The first time, 4 years ago, was by far the best time. Each time we return, hoping for a similar experience, but the service gets slower and slower. The last time that we ordered we waited over 40 minutes for appetizers that arrived cold because the staff were busy congregating at the well. I typically dismiss this behavior if the restaurant is slammed, but we were one of three tables in the...