Mortar and Pestle
| Address: | 3108 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-857-2087 |
| Site: | mortarandpestlechicago.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 8AM–3PM Closed 8AM–3PM 8AM–3PM 8AM–3PM 8AM–3PM 8AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 19
R.
R. M. Walker
I am from Michigan so of course I delight in the Chicago restaurants. This is one of my favorite places for lunch, so I drag my daughter from wherever we are to Lakeview to eat at Mortar and Pestle. It is lively and cozy at the same time, so plan on sharing a table with other diners. However, the service and food are so incredible, that I would have been willing to sit on a stool in the kitchen. Julia M.? She is amazing - warm, knowledgeable and prompt - never kept us waiting, answered our questions and got the orders spot on. Plus, she has a fantastic sense of humor and laughed at my jokes - how much better does it get? I dont even know where to start on the food - everything is beyond perfect, and that is because they dont have a mile long menu. What they have to offer is all flawlessly prepared with the best ingredients. You will drown in their grilled cheese - so even if you are not in the mood for it, try it just to taste perfection. Their homemade sausages (and iced tea!) are also fantastic. Everything here is!! You will not be sorry, and if you get Julia, prepare for the perfect experience!
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Qasim Khan
I had only heard and read good things about this place. A friend and I thus paid a visit on a Saturday morning for brunch. Not surprisingly, there was a 45 minute wait - based on how my colleagues had marvelled about the food and service, I felt it would likely be worth it. The service was exemplary and our server was both enthusiastic and honest in her recommendations. However, with regards to the food, the selection was limited, particularly for a piscetarian and a vegetarian. The crab benedict was tasteful, but lacked the "wow" factor I was expecting. Additionally, the muffin atop which the egg and crab were placed was cold and stale. However, the house coffee was bold, smoky and smooth. Coupling that with the quality service certainly compensated for what they lacked in flavor with regards to the entrees. Overall, a decent outing :). P.S. Check out the lovely French bakery adjacent to the restaurant for some lovely butter croissants while you wait!
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Christina Rago
I was working and in the neighborhood. It was about lunch time and I was liking for a nice restaurant. I really enjoyed this place although I should have come on a date with my girlfriend or for breakfast. It is definitely a nice breakfast brunch place. The prices are high but the selection on the menu is the reason. I hope this area is a good match for this place. I hear its usually packed on weekends of breakfast hours which is good to hear. Should be casually dressed but not in rags. Fancy breakfast restaurant. Presentation is great. Taste is really good and different. Service was amazing. Keep it up.
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Chuck Rogers
Such a great place. Theyre eggs benedict are the best in the area. Big chunks of crab meat and great hollandaise sauce. My girl likes their cappuccinos. A little loud inside, but thems the breaks when you go to a popular place. Best idea: order plenty of appetizers with your meal as sides to what will be average sized entrees. A slight air of smug which starts with some hostesses and waiters does permeate the place, but thats my own subjective, possibly insecure opinion and the only reason it looses a star.
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Alexander Dennis
Horrible. Dont waste your time. The food is contrived, and the staff has a surprising amount of attitude for a pretty new restaurant. They also seem to have an issue with small children. If you want mediocre food, might as well save your money and go across the street to Stellas- at least they are friendly and the food is honest. There are so many consistently better places in Chicago, dont roll the dice with this place.
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Connie Kim
The menu sounds unique and the food is beautiful but the taste didnt blow me away. French fries were solidly seasoned and the dipping sauces were good, but I always find shoestring potatoes a nuisance to eat. The pancakes sounded promising (menu listed Madagascar vanilla and orange thyme butter) but they were bland and dense. I choked down a few bites but had to drown them in syrup.
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Zubair Khan
Phenomenal experience here ordering the perfectly made muesli with caramelized bananas and fresh raspberry and blackberries. Loved the crab Benedict and also the perfectly paired butter toast with avocado. Loved the biscuit and honey butter served with home made jam! Extremely high quality ceramic serving plates and cups, loved every bit of this cool place.
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Joe Graboff
Visiting from NYC - everything about breakfast/brunch was incredible. Came on a weekday at 10am - restaurant was not too busy - chef even came out to ask us what we thought about the special - we were the first customers to try it. All the food is super fresh and you can taste the homemade elements. The Pork Belly Bao was amazing.
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Michael Bleb
If youre looking for fancy brunch (think foie gras french toast or Alaskan crab benedict) this is the place. The owners trained under Art Smith (Oprahs former personal chef and owner of Table Fifty-Two). The food is delicious and the service is great. Be prepared to wait if you go on the weekend.
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Ivana Chen
If you want a unique brunch spot thats abbot hipster with amazing food, this is the place for you! Their avocado toast, cheese curds, and spaetzle were all made to order and absolutely delicious. Given the small venue, it took an hour of waiting to get a seat, so arrive expecting to wait!
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Bekah Schickler
Absolutely delicious. The staff were great, they didnt mess up our orders at all even though it started raining and we were moved from the patio to a table inside. My sister ended up not liking the drink she ordered and they didnt charge her for it, which was very kind of them.
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Cindy C
This brunch spot has a cozy, cute environment. There are a lot of creative and delicious food items on the menu. Definitely worth checking out at least once for brunch. Keep in mind that due to busy-ness and space constraints, each table is limited to 1.5hrs.
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Krem Zee
Great brunch spot with amazing dishes. I got the french toast and the flavor, texture and presentation of the meal blew me away. A little pricey but definitely worth it. Very nice brunch atmosphere and great overall vibe to the place
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Erica Schwartz
Came here for the first time on Mothers Day. The food was delicious and the staff was incredibly accommodating of our 9 month olds desire to drop sugar packets on the floor the entire time. Loved it, and will definitely it be back.
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David W
Should have taken pictures, food was comprehsively delicious with sincere service. King crab Benedict and brisket cubana were both off the charts. Instantly rises to one of my favorite breakfast spots.
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Mark Takesuye
Pricey place, but brunch here is phenomenal. Anything that sounds weird is probably awesome. Plates are kind of small, so probably share 3 things per 2 people. Its all worth it though. Be adventurous.
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najwa aboudaye
Mortar and pestle is me and my boyfriends favorite place to have breakfast in Chicago. The mushroom tart and middle eastern breakfast with chicken apple sausages are my personal favorite menu items.
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Nathaniel Behrens
Delectable French toast, very moist on the inside while light and crisp on the outer edges. I enjoyed mine with a side of grits and a pair of over easy farm eggs.
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Analissa M
Visiting my friend and she decided to take me to Mortar and Pestle. Had the Fois and Eggs - so amazing! Definitely adding to my favorites and will come back.
