Smack Dab Chicago — Restaurant in Rogers Park Township

There are a lot of reasons to love Smack Dab, but here are my top 3: The food. The food is glorious. Handmade, you can taste the passion that these folks have for good food. There is no substitute for food that is both delicious and full of sustenance. They always have gluten free and vegan options, and are adventurous in their combinations and dish choices. They use local and seasonal ingredients when available, so the menu is full of food that is perfectly matched to the moment. Some of my favorites are their breakfast sammies, but don't sleep on the pizzas. They aren't offered every day, so when you see that email in your inbox announcing a pizza night, take action fast! The people. You'll find very few who can match the passion that Teeny and Axel put into Smack Dab. It's a wonder. Every time you go in there everyone has smiles and a kind word. I've seen them give food to some folks in need outside their shop; I've also donated to efforts they've done to help local drives, like feeding hospital workers during the height of COVID and placing food in the neighborhood love fridge, a public fridge focused on feeding people who need help with groceries. You can't buy compassion like that, and every time I eat at Smack Dab, I know I'm contributing to my neighborhood. The inclusive commitment. I have a trans son and Smack Dab is committed, not just in word but in deed, to supporting marginalized communities. From their staff to the restaurant environment to the work they do with local and national charitable efforts, I know the money I spend is not only kept in the community but also going to a business that shows up for kids like mine. Bonus highlight! They take care of their employees! It's really important to remember that not every business is doing their level best to give employees good health care and good wages. Smack Dab is a small business that does just that. So next time you think about where you want to grab some grub, know that when you eat at Smack Dab, you're supporting a small business that does what many multi-billion dollar corporations claim is impossible: pays their employees fairly and offers...

Smack Dab is an absolute gem of a restaurant that you must try. It started as a pop-up in Roger Park, but it's become a beloved fixture in the community thanks to its incredible menu of scratch-made dishes and its charming, cafe du monde-inspired atmosphere.

One of our favorite things about Smack Dab is the menu. Every dish is prepared from scratch with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. You can taste the care and attention that goes into each dish, from the fluffy buttermilk pancakes to the savory pulled pork hash. And don't even get us started on the biscuits and gravy I always get the “fake meat option” I can’t tell the difference anymore, can you?- they're out of this world!

But Smack Dab is more than just great food. It's also an experience. The restaurant is filled with cafe du monde-inspired artwork and decor that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can sit and chat with friends over a cup of coffee. There’s a main dining room and two patio areas outside.

Love coming to Smack Dab for brunch. It's become a weekly tradition for us. If we had to pick a favorite, it would have to be sandwiches. The flavors are so perfectly balanced, and the dish just oozes with Southern charm.

But really, everything at Smack Dab is delicious. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or savory, they've got you covered. And the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food.

But perhaps the best thing about Smack Dab is the people who work there. Everyone from the owner to the servers is incredibly friendly and welcoming. They make you feel like family from the moment you walk in the door. And even when the restaurant is packed (which it often is), they never seem stressed or rushed. They take the time to chat with customers and make sure everyone is having a good time.

Smack Dab is a local gem that deserves all the love and support it can get. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty brunch or a casual dinner with friends, this is the...

I never left a review? OH MAN forgive me!

Smack Dab is an absolute neighborhood GEM: A casual but trendy, modern and inclusive café with phenomenal breakfast / brunch sandwiches, small-batch hand-made donuts, killer specialty lattes, and just the sweetest most amazing owners and employees. I have been visiting off and on for over 4 years now and took it for granted that I must've left a glowing review ages ago.

I love the ambiance: cozy and clean, relaxing and trendy. The interior has grown over the years to allow for more seating (proving how popular it is with us locals), including the lovely outdoor patio. The food is excellent: I think the size actually increased. I appreciate the multiple options for different dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose intolerance, etc.), but also, it's just gourmet and delicious. And, the menu changes seasonally, which is fun. The March Special Corned Beef Sandwich was DREAMY and I love the seasonally inspired cake donuts and baked goods. (Shout out to my past go-to's, the Quiches with side salad and I Bee-lieve her Lattes, which sadly are no longer on the menu. 💔)

Smack Dab are great people: They have an email newsletter, offer multiple coupons and deals, rewards points, does Pizza nights (or used to do these, at least?), and charitably FEEDS THE COMMUNITY.

HIGHLIGHTS: Specialty Lattes, Breakfast Sandwiches, Cake Donuts. Great value Combos available at times! (Thanks for extending the Northside Restaurant Week combo deal $20 for Bestest Sandwich, Latte, and 3 Donuts!)

Seriously, everything is pretty freaking awesome, you really can't go wrong. Highly recommend for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, or just Coffee and...