Caffe Baci
2 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL, 60602
Caffe Baci Menu
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Address :
2 N La Salle St
Chicago, IL, 60602 - Phone (312) 629-2216
- Website https://www.caffebaci.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 5:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Karen C.
I really like Caffe Baci as a lunch option. Yes, this location is always ridiculously busy (but of course, that's always a good sign!), so I wouldn't recommend dining-in, but overall this is a great choice. Their soups are always delicious, and the serving is pretty large for the price. They have specials on rotation... salmon, etc., but you can get almost anything you could imagine. Pizza, salads, sandwiches, soups, you name it, they have it. And it's all delicious!
(4)Cami P.
I had high hopes for this place as they serve everything I love- salads, paninis, pizza, etc. BUT the prices were ridiculously high and the food was actually so terrible. I decided to go with the Tuscan Kale salad and it was just terrible. Tasted like it should be a topping on a sandwich instead of a huge salad. Had a few bites then dumped it out. AND it was $9. Seriously? Probably costed them not even a dollar to make. My friend had the panini and also did not enjoy it at all..she actually thought it was disgusting from the first bite. The sandwich was also $9. We both wish we could have gotten our money back. Very disappointing and will not be back.
(1)Naomi L.
This is how you do it baby! Love dealing with Baci, Ian and his team rock it out hard at work daily. For over 15 years Chicago has a staple in coffee and casual dining! N
(5)Kate P.
Caffe Baci is a fine little lunch spot. I appreciate the large selection: sandwiches, pizzas, salads, pasta, and fish/chicken entrees. The counter spans a good length but you just walk up to whichever section you'd like to order from (e.g. sandwiches, salad, pizza, soups, etc.). They have a great duo or trio salad in which you can select from t wo or three selections of any veggies, caprese, quinoa, pastas, tuna salad, chicken salad, etc. It's fantastic. They have chips, drinks, cookies, brownies, and a gelato/coffee bar. Lots of indoor seating.
(4)Tavi J.
I've been going to Café Baci the last four years now. Not a place I frequent a lot, but it's one of those places when I do go I wonder why I don't go more often. I use to go here more frequently for breakfast and get the country omelet, burrito, or waffles. All were good. For lunch I enjoy the Roma pizza (spicy Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions) and I love the Salmon. I actually had the Salmon yesterday and it comes with red rice and steamed vegetables. A pretty filling meal. My friend opted for the pasta (can't remember which one it was), but he said it was good. I find the meals to be a little on the pricey side, but for the quality of food and the location it's not too bad. I was good, but they do have desserts...hmm....should of gotten a cookie too. Oh well next time.
(4)Alex G.
Cafe Baci is pretty nice option for lunch with several locations in downtown Chicago. Not truly authentic Italian dishes, but rather high quality food, fast, efficient, and fairly priced. Like their soups, sandwiches, and trio of salads options.
(4)Rebecca C.
For around 10-12 bucks, there's some decent salads, sandwiches, personal pizzas, entrees that run the gamut from fish/chicken with sides;pasta and change daily. The vision is generally better than the taste, which runs the gamut from lukewarm to pretty tasty; but a meal at Baci is never a bad meal. The breakfast sandwiches are quite good, but pricey at around $8-9. Most of the sides and snacks are a complete rip-off, of which Caffe Baci is certainly not alone. While the gelato looks like the real Venice/Florence/Rome McCoy - luscious and the flavors tempting, I wouldn't bother. Baci's tastes the same as mediocre American ice cream of the Edy's or any grocery store variety.
(3)Meg S.
So...I've worked across the street from this place for months, and only in the past two weeks have I been bold enough to actually step inside and try it. Right off the bat, I like the interior, very bright. There's never been a rush, which means grabbing lunch has never taken more than a few minutes. Awesome. They have salads, pizza, sandwiches, etc. but I've only tried their entrees which usually consist of a chicken or fish dish complemented with rice/pasta and veggies. So far, I've had their Salmon and Tilapia- both were fresh, cooked perfectly. Basmati and Saffron rice is always flavorful and their veggies, seasoned well and surprisingly filling. I would say the portions are just right, and I've never had a less than stellar meal. Only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because of the price. Averages $12-14 bucks, which for fast food lunch, ist kinda pricey. But overall, Caffe Baci is pretty dope.
(4)Odranre B.
this review is for their catering department...i have been using for the last 10 years - roughly 15-30 events per year for my downtown chicago meetings...there were times when they are not that dependable (mostly when there are staff turnovers)...the main food is good and fresh...we normally have the burritos for the breakfast and fajita bar type sterno buffet for lunch for the main items along with other side dishes and fruits...their desserts are not so good and small in quantity so make sure you increase this (typically 3x more per person)...the cost is very reasonable and competitive...that is the main reason i am still using them...
(3)Vince L.
Fast. Good. Crowded. Clean. It was my first experience in the city for lunch in many, many years. I love a bustling place. it tends to mean it is good and this was. I was a bit confused when I walked in. There was apparently a long counter where you could order various things but there didn't seem to be rhyme or reason to how the folks in the various LINES at the counter were lined up. After going just up to the counter and asking for help I was told there was a line for salads, one for hot plates, one for sandwiches, and so on. He then asked me what I would like. I quickly grabbed a menu and got a wrap named after the place. I then wandered down to the sides and got some veggies. There was no line to check or at the soda fountain. All the seating places were constantly being cleaned and maintained. There was plenty of seating though this was lunchtime. Want to get a weird look? If by yourself, like I was, and sit at one of the long tables with a group. They all stopped and watched me sit. I said "hi" sat and began to eat. They then went back to their group chatter. The inside of the wrap was OK. The wrap itself was a bit dry. Also the steamed veggies must have been cold steamed for they were COLD and crunchy. Not a bad thing if you like them that way (I do) but not what I expected when I ordered steamed veggies. Someone at the end came and took my tray, I refilled my soda, then headed out. Great place to people watch as well.
(3)Toni L.
Cafe Baci is my lunch go to for tre ensalad... Albacore tuna is great, chicken salad, and Baci pasta salad are my go too. Also recommend their sweet balsamic dressing it's the Best! My coworkers love their cookies. As others mentioned don't be worried by the long line it moved fast. The staff is always friendly.
(4)Jessica M.
Tuesday 1pm lunch at Caffe Baci is crowded but service is quick and efficient! Four of us shared a chili bowl, Roma pizza, and two Havana Panini sandwiches. The chili was very cheesy and meaty. It was less of a soup and it definitely fills. The Panini sandwiches were a bit slim but I'm not difficult when it comes to perfectly toasted bread paired with healthy deli meat and pickle. The pizza was an approximate 8 inch and piled with sausage, pepperoni, caramelized onions, and mozzarella. Ingredients aren't as rich but it's an inexpensive price for a quick pizza fix. Would definitely frequent Caffe Baci and also save room for gelato which is conveniently found on the side of the lunch entrees.
(4)Gerry X.
Trying out the Chicken Pillard I asked someone sitting at the table next to me what was good in here and oddly enough it was another employee on their lunch (Sorry!) But she did recommend the Chicken PIllard and shortly afterwards I was in a lethargic state. It was really good...as was teh gelato afterwards. It's a pretty big place with a line you go through and you tell the servers what you want and you hava a decent amount of choices. Plenty places to sit and the atmosphere was friendly...it felt more like a resturaunt than a cafe.
(5)Daniel C.
A great place if you're looking for the on the go lunch! I work in the loop so I'm always looking for something quick to bring back to the office to eat. They have a great variety of lunch items to pick from. Paninis, Wraps, Salads, Soups, and more! What makes this place great is the option to pick your perfect meal. (like many other cafes) If you want to sample more for lunch, you can choose between either a bowl of soup and half sandwich, half sandwich, and a salad, or a salad and a bowl of soup. I go straight for the Tre Insalate where I am able to mix and match any 3 of Cafe Baci's salads. It also comes with a slice of bread, all for $8.99! The combinations are endless as they have around 18 different types of salads. Have fun and enjoy. I never get the same thing every time, which makes this place all the more refreshing.
(4)Michael S.
Delicious chicken sandwich, chicken parmagian and gnocci. Everything is around $10 which is a bit too much for me on a daily basis, but the food is definitely good.
(4)Adriane P.
Facts: A Lovely Loop Lunch (triple "L"s? Is that better than triple "D"'s?) is hard to find. Another fact, four leaf clovers are easy to find for me... I have a preternatural instinct finding irregularities. This seems to be a lunch time hit but it's just ok. I don't like the mess hall cafeteria style of the layout. I had it picked up for me. I ordered: Tre Insalante With Antipasto-genoa salami, Asiago Cheese, and marinated vegetables. Caprese- Fresh Mozzerella, plum tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Couscous- traditional curried couscous. All on bed of romaine with country bread. A bit bland. It could've used more basil. The couscous was smaller size bits than I was used to. I prefer the Isreali and Iraqi preparations of the dish which are much more flavorful and playful. Chicken Rice soup. Again bland! But not too salty and lots of meat. I don't recall the bread. Since I have photogentic memory I assume it was mundane. So. Ok lunch spot but didnt rock my sox. One last fact...salad made of four leaf clovers would taste bad and not cause leprechaun to lead you to pot gold. But can that petite scamp direct to a good triple "L" (Lovely Loop Lunch? Making up slang is fun. Or stupid. These days it's the same thing). Also, can he be tall and hot and pay for it? Now THAT would be lucky!
(3)Joanna T.
Other reviewers are right, Cafe Baci reminds me of Panera. I had a chicken wrap with avocados, lettuce and something described as "Tuscan Ranch Dressing". The wrap was pretty good - there was a ton of chicken and the avocados were fresh and not brown. There wasn't any dressing, ranch, Tuscan or otherwise that I could discern but that was ok, I didn't really want it anyway. I also had a side of fruit, and that was pretty bad - the fruit didn't taste fresh at all. The melon was kind of slimy - yech. It's an "ok" place for lunch if you're in the area. They also do lots of catering/box lunches for local companies.
(3)Stina N.
I was a bit overwhelmed by the cafeteria style ordering and wish there had been someone at the door to greet and direct me. However, I figured it out for myself pretty quickly. I had gone in with the intention of ordering a salad but decided to go for the Mozza e Pom panini which was your basic tomato, basil, mozzarella sandwich on ciabatta. I was initially disappointed when I was handed a prewrapped, cold sandwich to go, but after the first bite, the disappointment quickly disappeared. Despite being premade, the sandwich was very fresh and not at all soggy. Price seemed fair for the area (about $8 for the sandwich and a bag of Sunchips) and quality. I was in an out with lunch in hand in about 5 minutes which is great. There's nothing worse than wasting your lunch hour standing in line waiting for food. I definitely see this becoming a go-to for days I need to pick up a quick breakfast or lunch.
(3)Elizabeth A.
I came in today for the Cajun Salmon with asparagus, green beans, & tomatoes and rice - holy crap, it was really unexpectedly delicious! The salmon was pretty perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spices and a perfectly complementary sauce. Don't let the buffet/deli style setup dissuade you from trying this place!
(4)Jims L.
Yuck.
(1)Sam C.
This place, like many other popular ones in the Loop, is quite mediocre. I have this hypothesis that restaurants within the Loop are systematically mediocre, because there's a lack of competitive drive stemming from patrons (mostly office workers) being constrained to close-by locations for lunch. Caffe Baci is a nice little data point to support my hypothesis. I've had pasta and sandwiches from here. The pasta was boring, nothing special. The sandwiches are really dry and bland, with the bread being very tough and chewy. It's like cafeteria food, except the prices are too high.
(2)Geethan R.
Best Italian place in downtown. I frequent this place at least once a week. I've been a regular for going on 8 years. The manager Dany is good. The food quality is fantastic, although lately its become a bit pricey.. Pizzas are fantastic..
(5)Vishal B.
A must try spot for lunch in the heart of the loop and financial district. Fresh cooked everything! Mostly Italian fare, everything from paninis to pasta is delicious. The way its made is very homely and fresh, I doubt anything sees the fridge at the end of the day. I have eaten here many times and even the bagels in the morning are so soft and their coffees are also above par. You can expect to pay slightly more than fast food, and the tables get crowded, you might even sit with strangers at their big table, but something about that style of dining in the loop has some appeal. For the after work study spot, they have these couches, and big chairs to kick back in with your laptop if you like. Stop by Baci, you will thank me later. Oh, great for vegetarians too!!
(4)Engy A.
Caffe Baci has become a regular lunch spot for me lately. I'm obsessed with the caprese salad so I always get it as part of my trio. Some days I get fruit as well, some pasta salad, or quinoa salad, or whatever my heart desires because there are literally about 15 options and I get to pick 3. That's incredible. I pair it with a small soup (usually Mushroom Barley if they have it) and my lunch is nearly perfect. I've tried their pasta before too which was also great (can't remember exactly what it was) but it changes every day, so be sure to check their online menu before you head out. Otherwise, there's always a caprese salad waiting for you.
(4)Amy H.
Well, I'm going to add this to the pile of "oh, I thought I already reviewed that" reviews. I do love Caffe Baci. They have some solid lunch options and here are some of my favorites: The walnut and apple salad - a nice light lunch with mescaline greens, dried cranberries, and crumbled gorgonzola. The chili - hearty and meaty, and I get mine with extra onions, cheese and sour cream. The Milano pizza - prosciutto, shaved parmigiano and arugula with lemon olive oil. Oh lemon olive oil...how I love you! The brownies - to feed my occasional raging sweet tooth, they're big and chocolaty. They also have a daily special, pastas, and big variety of cold salads. A great lunch spot in the loop.
(4)Erik W.
I happened on this place searching for another place but I couldn't find it. I was in the mood for Italian food, so this place fit the bill. I had the gnocci, and it was just OK. The place is huge inside, but seems to be little more than generic Italian. It kind of felt like a lunch line, taking my tray, ordering, getting my pasta, then moving my tray down the track. Salads looked good, as did the salmon, but the salmon noodles looked really oily. You go down the food line, and pay, then find yourself at the far end of the building, opposite of the door, with only 2 isles between chairs and tables to walk through to get out. It's kind of an annoying design if you aren't staying there to eat. They had a few tables outside with umbrellas, so on those nice days it's a nice option. Price wise, it wasn't bad, but the food wasn't really amazing either, so the price seemed to fit. As a side note, it seemed like there were a lot of cute girls that come there. I would say a good 1/3 of the place was attractive girls (the patrons). Good place, OK food, and I'd probably head back if I was in the area, but there has to be a really WOW kind of Italian place around here somewhere!
(3)Lisette C.
I recently used Caffe Baci for a 250 person conference in Chicago. I can't say enough about my experience with them. For starters, the food was Great! Everything from the breakfast sandwiches, to their apple walnut salad, the roasted vegetable sandwich, the veggie burgers, the kobe burgers, and my favorite, their black and white cookie were all PHENOMENAL! The presentation was great, the taste was savory and satisfying, the staff was on point throughout our event and the prices were competitive. If I were hosting another event in Chicago, I would most definitely utilize Caffe Baci. Andy, Michael and the rest of the team are a dream to work with!
(5)Nichole F.
The first time I went to Caffe Baci, it was during the lunch rush and was so busy and chaotic that I felt it wasn't worth it. The food was good - I had a salad but I wouldn't go during that time again. The last time I went it was after 1:30 and the place was a lot calmer and less busy. I had a delicious panini and enjoyed finding a seat easily and having a somewhat leisurely lunch.
(4)Andrew B.
Not very impressed with customer service. Came here to grab a coffee and get some quick work done. When I asked if there were outlets, an employee just pointed across the room -- didn't even say a word to me. Also, the Wi-Fi is so slow, it's unusable. Maybe come here for food, but not a great spot to get some work done online.
(2)Meghan B.
Since my initial visit with Caffe Baci, I went back to give them a second try. I had a delicious pesto chicken panini and loved it. Since then I've gone back several times, including ordering catering from them. Their catering team ROCKS, by the way. Always on time, always super friendly and helpful, and everything always arrives perfectly. Their salad bar has been a hit with my team. I'm super happy I gave them another shot. Thanks for the great service and tasty food, Caffe Baci! I may not ever get the cobb salad with salmon again, but I will try everything else :)
(4)Colleen D.
If you focus on the pizzas and pastas its probably 4 starts but the rest is just "meh" - twice I ordered a panni and it was forgotten about until it was burned - ridiculous! It wasn't anything really that tasty either.
(3)Kelsey K.
The food is great and fresh, the prices are a little high for a normal lunch. It is what it is and it's good at it.
(4)Mahsa T.
Food: Average (salad, pizza, pasta, etc) Seating: Communal and too close for comfort Speed: Fast Location: Convenient Service: Meh (they forgot to add chicken to my salad) Why do I keep going back to this place, then realizing it's not that great, then promptly forgetting and then going back again? I don't know, because I'm getting old I guess.
(3)Nichole M.
Always delicious. Only problem...too many choices. I use up most of my 30 minute lunch trying to decide on something! I have had their caprese sandwich with proscuitto, to die for. I have also had a lemon chicken dish, which was also really quite good. But usually I get the tre ensalate, which means i can pick 3 salad dishes (and they have a bunch of choices) which goes on a bed of lettuce and you get a roll with it. This is seriously way too much food and i can usually have lunch for the next day. So get your tre ensalate to go, so you can take your leftoverse home with you. In addition to the fact that they have too many choices, which isn't necessarily all that bad, I had their tables and chairs. They are wobbly and uncomfortable. However, this is a quick, grab your lunch n' go spot, so what can you expect? I am sad that pretty soon I will not be working 1 block away from this place anymore.
(4)Halley W.
i really hate writing negative reviews. i don't know that i ever have even. with caffe baci, i can't comment on the food ... just the customer service & website ... -- i'm vegan. so when my office decides to try a new lunch spot, i like to call ahead and find out what is available for me to eat on the menu. caffe baci looked promising. their menu online lists many salads that appear to be vegan (i.e., do not list meat and/or dairy ingredients). but i decided to call anyway. whoever i spoke with on the phone was one of the least helpful people i've dealt with (and i deal with a lot of restaurant people simply because of all the food questions i have being vegan). me : hi, can you please tell me which of your salads are vegan? cb : [silence] me : is the grilled veggie salad vegan? cb : i'd have to ask the chef. me : oh great. can you please ask him which of the salads are vegan then? this means no meat, dairy, eggs, fish or other animal products. cb : um. none of them are vegan. except maybe the steamed vegetables and fruit salads, hun. me : the couscous salad has dairy? cb : um yes, i believe they all have dairy of some sort, hun. me : k, thanks! first, stop calling me "hun." second, we went from you confirming with the chef to you "believing" that they have dairy. so helpful!! since i am used to dealing with incompetent people, so i decided to investigate the caffe baci website further... a nutritional information download! perfect. LEAST HELPFUL DOCUMENT EVER CREATED. none of the allergen catergories are checked on ANY of the salads, paninis, pizzas, soups ... pretty sure a pizza has wheat & milk in it ... and same with any grilled panini. i wonder if cream of chicken & cheese tortellini has milk in it? (not.) maybe i was just in a bad mood. but poor customer service is ridiculous. especially when you are a restaurant and people have dietary needs. step up your game, caffe baci.
(1)Lisa H.
Fresh and healthy fare at reasonable prices. They have a variety of offerings, from pasta and seafood dishes, to wood fire pizzas, fresh sandwiches and salads. Only caveat is it is very crowded (pounce on a table when you see someone get up!) and it is LOUD.
(4)Danica W.
4 Stars for food. 1 star for service. It's an order as you go place, pick your salad/sandwich/soup whatever, get a drink, pay like a cafeteria (but more upscale) and sit down. No wait service but staff will take your trays. Reminded me of Panera. My complaint about service was the manager behind the counter barking answers at my sister and i when we asked questions about the salads and if we could make our own. He was completely rude!! Then after I essentially make my own salad (by nixing and adding to the hand crafted original) even though we were ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE OUR OWN SALAD the guy forgets to complete my sisters salad or tell us to take a piece of bread to accompany it. The salad was fantastic however and made up for the lousy first ten minutes. I got the Walnut Apple Salad with mesculin greens, dried cranberries and sweet vinegar dressing. i also took off the gorgonzola and added tomatoe and artichoke.
(4)ANN R.
I am a Executive Assistant and I am new to working in they city (1 month in) and Caffe Baci is my saving grace on tough days when I need a caterer. Cory G is my catering sales coordinator and goes out of his way to make sure that everything is perfect. Not only is the food great that we receive for meetings (tons of compliments and makes me look great) but Cory will go out of his way - often with 30 second warning to fill my requests. Cory never says no and even when I'm staring at him waiting for him to roll his eyes (because I am) at some of my requests - he just nods and smiles and gets it done - he is avialable through email and if I have to text him he responds within 5 minutes -- not sure what I'd do without him on days like today!!!
(5)Tania H.
Great lunch spot, nice and fresh options, prompt service, I'm happy! We came in here after we wandered around Chicago looking for a Pot Belly?? Anyway, i'm glad we got lost and went in here. The food was fresh, no frills. Served cafeteria style, there was no significant wait but the food seemed pretty fresh and the modern surroundings were pleasing.
(4)Mickey A.
I would group Caffe Baci with Corner Bakery, Au Bon Pain, Cosi, etc. They offer coffee, pastries, salads, sandwiches, soup, and pizza. You can order at different parts of the counter and then pay at the end. I met a few friends today for lunch. I've been to other locations but not at this one. Since it was a lovely day outside, this place wasn't packed. Whoo hoo! There were plenty of tables and chairs to choose from. Today, I decided to do the soup and half sandwich combo. Here's the deal with this option. You get a bowl size for soup (as opposed to a cup size). Soup choices differ every day. If you decide to go with the half sandwich in addition to your soup, you have to choose between the sandwich options offered that day and not from the choices are offered every day. Make sense? Yeah, I learned the hard way. I also learned that this soup/sandwich combo plus a bottle water totaled to about $9 ...for lunch! My soup and sandwich were fine, but definitely not worth the $9. Oh well. It's not like I come in every day. They do offer items for special dietary needs. Oh yeah, a friend found a dead ladybug in her salad, and she was comped for her meal right away. Nice customer service, no?
(3)Alan K.
I loved eating at this small cafe. It was easy just to order the chef's special. Today's special was the breaded chicken breast with mashed potatoes and small salad. My friend had some sort of pizza made fresh in a wood burning oven (very Italian indeed). It was quick, easy, and inexpensive.
(4)Rachel L.
I thoroughly appreciate having this solid lunch spot so close to my office. Not only do I visit for lunch frequently , but I also like to stop in for a breakfast every now and then as well. Their coffee is great, and they have a punch card that allows you to earn a free cup after you pay for 10. The morning star sandwich is pretty good and cooked to order. The cheese danish is exceptional! Way better than the average generic cheese filled pastry, I think perhaps there is a touch mascarpone in the filling that makes it extra light and creamy! Lunch options are great as well. Since I've been on a bit of a pasta kick lately, I usually go for one of the pasta or entree specials. They have a daily pasta, baked pasta, and entree special. Their bolognese is the real deal, not just marinara with ground beef added. The mac and cheese is passable, but only if you're really craving it. Chicken Parm is my favorite, it's served over linguine with some surprisingly delightful grilled veggies. Lunch here will usually run around 9 or 10 dollars, but I think it's worth it for the quality of food and the fact that it's pretty freshly prepared.
(4)Mopsie B.
Overall, it's quite tasty. I don't try any of the poultry because they don't say that it's hormone or antibiotic free. I usually get the little side salads but they also have great soups. The gelato is very authentic. This is a solid, European feeling spot. However, I am getting irritated with this particular location. At the one on S. Michigan, they always allow you to select your own slice of bread when you get a meal. At this one, you have to ask and on two occasions now, the guy has brought me a partially stale pretzel roll! I hate those! The last time, I thought maybe they were out of bread but today I actually saw it. Why does an Italian place even have a pretzel roll??? It goes with nothing they serve!
(4)Kate D.
I need to weigh in on the Baci reviews because of the people complaining about the size of their sandwich and accuracy of their order. To both sets of complainers: they make it in front of you! Smile and politely ask them to add extra chicken salad, or extra arugala, and they load it on at no extra cost! Don't like the size of the bread? Ask for a different kind/shape. And the salads are literally mixed 6 inches in front of your nose. If you're concerned about missing ingredients, pay attention to what's going in (not that this should be necessary... I know... hence, 4 stars). The daily special portions are easily enough for two big meals. Thursday's gnocci feeds me for at least two lunches every time. The employees always apologize if I'm not helped right away and always say thank you, have a nice day. It's your typical $8 loop lunch but I think it's well worth it for the speed, yummy menu, and yes, the portion size.
(4)Cassie S.
I guess I just can't figure out what makes Caffe Baci any better than Cosi, Corner Bakery or Sopraffina. It all tastes the same to me and it's just as overpriced here as it is at any of those places, if not moreso. I'll come here if my dining companion so desires, but on my own, eh, I'll pass.
(2)Bonnie B.
Holy crap, they can cook salmon. My general complaints about Italian restaurants are that the food is bland and they can't cook fish. Neither is true of this little lunch spot. The salmon special they've been running on Fridays is really really good- who knew? This little fast-food place can cook fish. Damn. Tip: get the sauce on the side or not at all. The fish is too good for that stuff. I frequently come here to grab a sandwich, salad or one of the daily specials, and I am always satisfied with my food. Like I said, I'm generally not a fan of Italian restaurants, but this modest little place is exceptional.
(4)Neil R.
Nice little spot in the loop to grab a somewhat quick lunch. Of all the sandwiches I've had, the Havana Panini is probably my favorite. Their soups and salads are good, too. It's a little expensive for the quality of food, but the service is pretty impressive when the lunch crowd slams the place. It can get really crowded and sometimes you may have to wait for a seat, but if you have the time and don't mind, it is worth it.
(3)Nirmal G.
A friend and I met for lunch here last week and neither of us had been there before. We both wanted something light and quick and decided to try a new place. I had the Palermo panini and she had the Bandera panini. Neither of us was thoroughly impressed with the sandwiches. Mine was really oily and the eggplant tasted terrible--I had to pull it out of the sandwich. The only redeeming factor was the arugula. My friend said that her's was only good because it was a little spicy so that kept it interesting. I don't think either of us would order the same sandwich but we might both go back to try another kind of sandwich.
(3)Michael S.
5 Stars for the practicality this place offers. It's huge, which means there is always a seat for at least two people, pretty much no matter how crowded it is and no matter when you go. I use this place as my second Loop office and conference room. They have long community (aka "conference") tables, and smaller ones. You can meet here with any size group. And, nobody doesn't know how to find LaSalle and Madison! Since there is no table service you can eliminate all the extraneous complicatons that come with the who-should-pay-or-how-shall-we-split-the-bill nonsense. I generally have at least two weekly meetings here. I arrive early; get my cup of coffee or sometimes food, and park myself before my guest or meeting colleague arrives, and when they do, they get their own fare, pay for themselves, and join me. The food and coffee are very good enough. And the sound here is not too loud; you can always here yourself think and speak. So, when meeting and not dining is your true agenda, and you want to keep your money to yourself, come here.
(5)Ray P.
Directly across the street from my office, so it is very convenient. My thoughts.... What I like: 1) Convenient as it is across the street 2) Fan of the "tre insalate" (sp?) -- penne with chicken, good. bowtie with balsamic and chicken, also good. Caprese, quite quite good. Bed of lettuce, ok, but does not provide any support for the main cast, which is fine. Don't forget to grab your bread! 3) The service is very fast (even if the lines aren't). Don't hesitate to move around the folks trying to decide on a hot entree if all you want is a salad or sandwich. 4) Even at noon, was able to grab a seat with my lunch date. What I don't like: 1) The tables are WAY too close together. Luckily my incredible video gaming skills came into play as I carried my tray, WITH drink, and wove my way around diners who seated themselves IN the aisles (hey, folks, move your god damn chairs closer to the tables so the rest of us can move through the aisles). Maybe there are too many tables, hard to say 2) Expensive. Tre insalate AND drink cost me over $10. For lunch? WTF That is all.
(3)Neha M.
This rating is just based on one time. The salad was terrible, it tasted old - not fresh at all. I asked for Italian dressing and apparently that meant drenching my salad in OIL. GROSS. I went back to complain and he made me another salad and put some balsamic vinegar on the side. It was still pretty gross, though. What a waste of eight bucks!! DO NOT go here for the salads! I will not be back
(1)Jennifer Q.
I was downtown again today for a work related meeting and had the pleasure of actually eating at the restaurant today. I have had sandwiches ordered up to our meeting in the past. Cute little place. The service was pretty fast -walk up type counter where you get in line in front of what you want to eat -separate lines for salads, soups and sandwiches. I had the tomato and mozzarella sandwich and it was darn good! I really, really like it here. It's such delicious and unique "fast food". Can't wait to visit downtown again since they don't have one near where I live nor my primary work location!
(4)Stephanie F.
I am STUFFED after having lunch here today. I grabbed a quick bite here with a friend to escape my windowless office (*ugh*) and enjoy the great weather. Thankfully it wasn't very crowded, so we had no problem finding a table (at 12:30 pm, mind you!) and ordering food was super quick. Seating at the tables is pretty tight, but no biggie. I got the Amore panini special - mozzarella, peppers and tomatoes (let's hope they were salmonella-free), a bag of Sun Chips and a Snapple for about $10. Not bad. I've had their salads before which are so/so - I'll probably stick to a grilled panini for lunchtime in the future.
(4)Amy J.
I can not believe I have not reviewed BACI before! Ahhh. I am lucky, because one of my best friends works here so I get to have the occasional amazing lunch. Some favorites... Although I love it all! Sonoma Chicken Wrap Mozza E Pom (Caprese sandwich) And when they have it, the Chicken Canneoli Pasta... Oh my god. Hands down the best pasta I have ever had in my life. Everything is good. Seriously, everything. I can't speak for the prices as much because I am usually pretty lucky in getting a deal :) But seriously, it's the best alternative ever to the boring Jimmy Johns, Subway, Corner Bakery, Panera... And their daily specials are always excellent. I've had a lot more here, but I can't think of the names. Seriously though if that chicken canneoli pasta is ever on their list, get over there. :) I love Caffe Baci!
(5)Brad P.
Great variety of food, everything I have was delicious. It can be slow if getting panninis or pizza during the lunch rush.
(4)Alison M.
The Wednesday lunch pasta special is really good-- bowtie pasta with basil, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes. Sometimes it's spicy, sometimes not-- but, it's their best dish. Their trio of salads is also good, you can end up with a pretty healthy lunch if you try-- their tuna salad made with lemon juice (instead of mayo) is especially good. Between the pizzas, sandwiches, soups, and hot entrees there's a lot of choices (although I find most of the entrees too heavy for lunch).
(4)Ben N.
Great location, close to work! Really good food and they let you make your own salads!
(4)Lisa F.
The hubby and I seem to end up here once a week to have lunch together. It's not half way between our work locations, but I don't mind the walk. Unlike the location near my work, this one is less hip. It feels more like a cafeteria to me. The salads don't seem to taste nearly as great in my opinion either. Maybe there isn't enough caesar dressing, maybe it's not tossed enough, I don't know. The seating is much more cramped at this location. We always have to squeeze into tables between couples who don't want to move so you feel like you're talking on top of them as well. The hubby got a roll with his salad last time for free and it was excellent. It was a nice pairing to the salad. I chose a brownie for dessert (I was trying to make salad breath, didn't work) which was excellent as well.
(3)Ellie B.
Delicious breakfast option! I'm obsessed with the egg white omelet and this place does it better than most in the loop. The omelet itself is never greasy, done to perfection, and comes served up with a healthy portion of potatoes. It wasn't crowded and it was easy to get in and get out in a reasonable amount of time. I'd go so far as to call this "fast food." The staff were all incredibly pleasant and proficient. Overall, I was impressed and I'll certainly be back!
(5)Luke S.
I'll start by saying this place is a bit overpriced and I was really confused as to the process of ordering when I walked in. There were a bunch of different food stations and I was unsure where to order. Once I screwed my brain in I found myself standing in front of the panini and wrap station. I wound up ordering the club wrap, which was very good. The bacon was thick and crisp and the turkey was fresh. The pasta and salads looked very tasty. I'll have to come back and try something besides the wrap.
(3)Josh G.
This update should have been made a long time ago. I've been working in the same building as Baci for almost 3 years now and I stop in here for tea almost every morning, if not a bagel and then lunch later that afternoon. I've learned that to avoid spending too much on lunch, always go for their specials or combo deals. But above that they deserve an extra star because of the customer service. Sure, I'm in there almost every day so they are used to seeing me around. But it's nice that they know what tea I like and what bagel I get without having to ask me, they always smile and make polite conversation. There are a few grumpy guys cooking up breakfast in the mornings, but the Baci ladies more than make up for it. Job well done on customer service.
(4)Darin M.
My first experience with Caffe Baci was promising. I am able to order from there through my work's lunch program. I decided on the Coast American Panini. At first, I thought the sandwich looked a little small, until I opened it up. It was stacked miles high with meats and cheese. I could only manage to put down about half of the sandwich. The sandwich is built on height, as the bread is super thick.. they must special order it. For $8, you won't beat the quantity. The actual quality of the ingredients was lacking, which is why I can only give it 4 stars. As far as delivery service, they were right on time, in fact a little earlier than I expected. It definitely has brightened my outlook on the rest of the week.
(4)Fabio S.
Great place. Brightly lit. Many options. What I like about Cafe baci, is that there are many food options. it makes it easy to go whether I am with my family at millennium park, or with colleagues at City hall (boooo). There are several location throughout the city. My wife usually gets the salmon with a nice side dish. My kids of course are thrilled at the mini pizzas. I vacillate between sandwich and salad, or sometimes I hit up their deli case for 3 or 4 taste portions of their salads. It offers a number (maybe 12+) deli salads from Couscous, to caprese salad , to potato salads and fruit salads. One of the smart things they did here is that they separated the espresso bar from the lunch/food cue, so if you are just going in to get your latte or moka, you can just zip in and out. All in all I am always pleased at how high the quality is, versus how reasonable the prices are. I mean it's not McDonald's prices, but it's also not 13 bucks per sandwich!
(5)John O.
I keep coming back here because its close but I'm definitely not happy about it. Mostly I'm not happy that my salad trio could be reasonably portioned or could be absolutely sparse, depending on who is doing the scooping. I view this place like a cheaper but slightly less good Soprafina. The baked pasta specials are tasty (although overly salty) and the salads are decent. Still, this place isn't really that much cheaper than Soprafina and Soprafina definitely has the superior food. The staff works fast here but on the down side seems to rush through everything. I once saw the pizza guy get three orders wrong in a row that he ended up just tossing into the garbage. Sadly, I am weak and lazy and will continue to reward their half-assedness with my continued patronage.
(2)Dane K.
They have really good wood oven pizzas here... (I like the Roma, with sausage, pepperoni, onions)... I had one today and 3 people wanted to steal it from me while I was eating it. Their sandwiches are good but I dislike the hard crusty bread they use... It's too crusty and hurts my mouth to eat sometimes. This place can be a zoo at noon... The sandwich/pizza/pannini stations don't really have enough spacing and people kinda just stand everywhere and hope there's some sense of reasoning in who gets served first. The seating area is tightly packed and it's hard to even walk through to exit sometimes.
(4)Missy M.
I know I should branch out, but sometimes you shouldn't mess with a good thing. Their good thing is the mozza e pom sandwich. It has the right amount of balsamic vinegar, which I love more than anything. Only drawback is that damn crusty bread that tears up the roof of your mouth! Oh, and don't drink the water from the fountain- it mixes with the lemonade and tastes like chemicals. Yuck!
(4)kara c.
I went here with my Mother in law on 11-11-09 after we went to the Field Museum. I just swooped in to get a quick bite and it was awesome. I got a panini and soup combo for only $6.50. The food was really good and filling. I purchased the mozzarella pesto and tomato basil soup. The guy who served the food was very friendly, I'll definitely come back here for lunch. I don't recommend bringing children here because there aren't any booths
(4)Arnab M.
Caffe Baci is one of the better lunch destinations when it comes to picking between chains. They have fresh salads, sandwiches and pasta. They have a broad array of desserts and beverages as well. Personally, I love their portobello mushroom and mozzarella panini sandwich; but in general, their paninis are really good!!! My boss is a big fan of their soups, though I couldn't vouch for them myself but I'll take her word for it.
(4)Erin J.
I like their somewhat predictable menu, and the fact that the line moves relatively quickly. I REALLY like their salads, but John O. called it when he said the portion sizes vary with the person dishing. I did get a sandwich from there once - forget what it was called, but it was their "signature sandwich" or some such - the proscuitto in it was GRAY. And the bread was so hard and crusty I could easily overcome my gracefulness by leaps and bounds and either chip a tooth, or cut my lips/tongue/cheek/inside of cheek/nose/neighbor's cuticle. Blargh. Sticking to salads, and maybe I'll try the pizza. I have heard (on good authority) that the breakfast there is pretty good, so maybe one day when I'm not running late and running for a bus - any bus - to get from from Dearborn and Madison to Wells and Madison (to save time, natch) I will swerve inside and check them out.
(2)Rachelle G.
A great lunch spot in the loop! I love their sandwiches,the ingredients always taste fresh and they definitely fill you up. They have two daily soups and I've liked most of the selections. I think they usually try to have one vegetarian-friendly soup. They also offer half sandwich/soup combos. Unlike other restaurants, you can only pick from two sandwich selections they've chosen to pair with the soup, but still definitely a great deal! Their salads are also delish but I think the sandwiches are a better bang for your buck. I would pass on their pizza and pasta options. The space is clean, a somewhat funkier cafeteria. Lots of tables, but if you go during the lunch rush hour, it'll be hard to secure a table. Service is usually good, although towards the end of the lunch hour rush, they tend to not be as attentive and you might have to flag somebody down to assist you. Definitely stop in if you've had your fill of fast food joints. Update: 9/20/07 I had lunch here yesterday and loved the walnut apple salad so much that I had to update my review. Definitely try it, one of my favorites salads ever. I added chicken to my salad as well but they seriously give you the same amount of chicken as the salad. A bit on the pricey side, but delicious!
(4)Natalie J.
caffe baci is the best for grabbing breakfast on the way to work. it is quick, cheap, and delicious. a bagel with cream cheese is under $2! they also have wonderful scones and croissants. my favorite is ordering an egg and cheese sandwich on an english muffin. as for lunchtime, the dishes at caffe baci always look wonderful and the soups are definitely really flavorful. most everyone who works at this particular location is really nice, as well. it does make a difference.
(4)Andrew T.
Pretty packed at noon. I usually get the pasta special of the day, the best is the creamy white sauce, chicken and mushroom lasagne type dish. It's about 6 or 7 but will keep you full. They have sandwiches, soups, pizzas, etc. and can get packed during the lunch rush.
(3)Amanda M.
Yum Yum Yum! I love Caffe Baci. This place has a heavenly spectrum of different lunch time choices from Salad to Sandwiches, to main course specials like Salmon. They have great soups and have a daily special where you can get a half a sandwich and a cup of soup which is actually so much food for a great price. While this place gets packed at lunch time, I have never had a problem shimmying into a spot to slurp up my soup and mow on my Sammy!
(4)Stevie B.
I don't think you can beat the "price/value" equation for Caffe Baci. I love the rotating specials and the service is fast and friendly. I also like that the staff bus the tables. I think they have the best Caesar Salad for this type of place.
(4)Megan H.
Very good! I had salmon and some fruit and it was pretty good. There is a lot to choose from and seemed to have plenty of open tables during the lunch rush.
(5)George K.
Many selections from sandwiches, pizzas, paninis, salads, soup etc.. Lines were moving pretty fast but crowded during lunch hour and difficult to find seating for 4 people. I thought it was spendy for quality and quanity of food I got.
(3)G G.
Good food, fresh salads, new soups everyday. It's a great spot for lunch.
(4)Dee W.
The food here is pretty good and plenty of selection from sandwiches, paninis, pizza, salads - I always get their trio ensalate so I can pick and choose the different options for my salad - they have two different types of tuna salad and I really like their chicken salad and the mozerella & tomato - yum!
(4)Jill k.
the service could've been a bit more attentive, but for what it is, the place is great. yummy salads, tasty home-style soups, fatty bakes pasta for a very reasonable price. very useful when on the way to the art institute!
(4)