HEYDAY EATERY — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Hello everyone and thank you for reading my reviews!

Yesterday, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, I visited HEYDAY EATERY in Chicago together with my wife and daughter. We came here because we saw recommendations on social media and wanted to try it for ourselves.

First Impressions

The coffee was excellent, and the food was tasty — definitely something unique for this Chicago location. It left a good impression in terms of flavor and originality.

Suggestions for Improvement

This time, instead of giving advice to visitors, I’d like to share some recommendations with the owners, because I truly want this café to become even better: Parking: Please provide clear parking instructions. It’s not obvious where guests should leave their cars. Seating Layout: This is the biggest issue. The seating arrangement is very uncomfortable for almost everyone. The tables may look stylish, but they are impractical. I personally spilled food on myself because I couldn’t sit properly due to my height. I also noticed other guests struggling. Many people peeked inside, saw every table taken, and left. My advice: switch to regular wooden tables and chairs — you can still keep a great design but make it functional. Wait Time: Orders take too long — about 20 minutes on average. It seems you might be short on staff or equipment. Perhaps reconsider the workflow or add technology to speed things up. Outdoor Space: If possible, open a summer terrace. It would be a great addition. Decor: The large yellow stands don’t add much. They take up space and the paint job isn’t great. Good idea, but poor execution. Restroom: Please add paper towels and ideally divide it into two sections. Decorative Touches: The metal flowers are cool, but they would look better on the outside facade. Atmosphere: If you’ve ever visited a Burning Man party, consider bringing some of that creative energy into your design. Menu Additions: Chicago lacks small desserts — please add some to your menu.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely wish you success — I believe this café has potential! Please don’t be upset about my lower rating; my feedback comes from a place of wanting you to...

I am so confused by this place—it’s like the back of the house and front of the house are two separate businesses lol. The food is pretty good, but the service is so weird and a lot of things seem to be overlooked. And why are hot lattes coming out in glass cups?

When we went up to the counter to order, there were three of us, and we ordered a smattering of things and let the gal know we were sharing. But when the food started coming out one by one, we were given one set of cutlery and no bowls or plates to share with. Not to mention when they do call you to let you know your food is ready, they shout and wave at you with the same attitude as when you’re being called up next in line at the DMV. You’d think that since the guy behind the counter has nothing better to do than stand around and play on his phone, he would just come bring your food out to where you’re sitting. It’s a tiny place.

There was also no water anywhere easily available, so you have to go up to the barista station and wait until the barista is done making all their drinks before you can even inquire about possibly getting them to pour you some water from behind the counter.

Anyways, the place has potential if they would just really tighten up the service staff in front of house. Also, they’re definitely gonna have to do something about the coming winter because it was only mid 50s and the place was freezing in there. It’s all glass windows along the front, coupled with the interior being really stark and minimalist—just not a very cozy and welcoming spot...

This is a new-ish place with cafe fare in a bright, modern, lemony-yellow space. What to order: Morning Bowl, hummus, house pickles.

I can't quite place my finger on what cuisines HEYDAY is specializing in, but it feels a bit like whatever the owner likes to eat/drink/make, which might be from the Eastern-Mediterranean (use of labneh, hummus, tahini), Ukraine (syrnyky), Spain (Basque cheesecake, Catalan cream), or Japan (lots and lots of matcha). A refrigerated pastry case featured a tasty-looking chocolate cheesecake, and other chilled items.

Service was very friendly; I got the Morning Bowl (egg of your choice with labneh, hummus, avocado, pickled vegetables, cucumber, edamame, and mixed greens) and the matcha coconut water. The food was well-made and well-seasoned; I particularly liked the beet hummus and pickled vegetables.

If I were to nitpick, maybe labneh doesn't need to go on everything 😂 (I'm sure you can ask for without) e.g. the breakfast burrito filling is just labneh and scrambled eggs which won't scratch that itch if you want a classic breakfast burrito. And the music was a bit loud. As someone already getting tinnitus, I'm sure turning down the volume will be good for everyone who works there, not just the customers.

At any rate, I'll be back to try the syrnyky,...