First Slice
4401 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60640
First Slice Menu
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Main
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Main
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Address :
4401 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL, 60640 - Phone (773) 506-7380
- Website https://www.firstslice.org
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:30 am - 7:3
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
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 : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Glen W.
Second-best pie in Chicago, after Hoosier Mama. Pecan is a stand-out.
(4)Shoshana B.
Still going there after 5 years for the prepared food, and still delicious! We also get extra soups, and often a treat while there for pick-up. Great food, great value, great cause (and great staff too!)
(5)Brianna B.
Always excellent pie, even if it's not the very best I've ever had. They have three locations; this one is inside the Lillstreet Art Center (which is not actually on Lill Street). I've had slices of their their key lime, chocolate peanut butter, raspberry cheesecake, and cherry, and I think cherry is the best. They also sell savory food, so you can eat a legit lunch and not just pie. Their Pi Day special was also a good one: two for one slices (at every location; we made an afternoon of it a few months ago and walked to all of them for endless pie).
(4)C.C. H.
Yummy sandwiches, excellent pie, has wi-fi, but a dearth of outlets.
(4)Zachary A.
I stumbled into this place with a friend after a visit to the Story Studio Chicago, just a few blocks south. It is inside a gallery / art studio center and has such a great vibe mixed with the artist's space and small gift shop. I wasn't expecting to eat much, and to be honest, expected it to be a pizza joint when I heard the name. I got a simple bowl of turkey chili and it was quite delicious. I also got a lemon heart and I recommend any of their little sweets selection. It's a charming little cafe that does good food very well without a huge price tag or pretentiousness. Also, there is some sort of subscription-based service they provide that is for a good cause, but I a haven't investigated it enough to know the details. The service, particularly the one gentleman, was absurdly pleasant! If you're in the area (or if you need a reason), then I'd absolutely recommend stopping here -- -as I will be!
(4)Jes L.
Best pie ever!!! Polka dot pie is perfect to satisfy the craving and its gluten free!!!
(4)Tammy L.
I've only been here once, but I love their mission and the cherry pie was very tasty. I picked up a whole cherry pie to bring to someone for his birthday and he said it was fantastic. Success! Will for sure have to come back to try lunch sometime. Definitely support this lovely organization!
(4)Samantha J.
The michigan sour cherry pie was a hit in my office. I thought I'd bring my team a treat and the entire pie was gone by lunchtime. I'll definitely be coming here for all my pie needs.
(5)Deanna S.
I visit this place for lunch about once a quarter. They serve up pretty tasty food and have a nice selection of delicious treats but sadly, I've never tried their pie. Their grilled cheese is super yummy! I love that they serve a fresh side salad with most of their sandwiches. I must go back to try the pie!!!!
(5)Adriana F.
Amazing pies for great cause. You got to go there.
(5)Bradley S.
I enjoyed one of the best sandwiches in the city here. Duck confit in sandwich form...whoda thunk? It was delicious. The accompanying greens were fresh and appropriately dressed. The cappuchino was great. The piece de resistance, the pie (Balsamic Raspberry Pear) was devine.
(5)Katarina X.
Someone mentioned the disgrace of starving children whilst I enjoyed a mighty fine slice of pie with coffee.... To which I responded "mmmm first slice". They feed the hungry, homeless and needy- and if you have ever been hungry you can respect that mission! They also serve sandwiches, sublime soup, salads and a decent cup of coffee. Parking up front and that is if you aren't casually strolling from the Montrose Brown Line train. Plus, the Lill Street art center has gifties great for upcoming Mothers Day! Plates, Mugs, Jewelry... Hint... Hint. Don't forget your momma, and donate to a good cause! Make all Chicago proud and enjoy some pie!
(5)LadyBird X.
Here's my experience... 70's style salads: I can personally vouch for the Mango Jicama, Chicken Cucumber, and Chicken Curry (if you're eating-in, just make sure to mix it up as the chopped lettuce is at the bottom of the bowl). Not many places go beyond tuna salad, so it's refreshing to see these on a menu. Ingredients seem fresh too. Beverages: Colectivo brand out of Milwaukee. It's awesome, my expectations were exceeded. I love their iced teas, and I'm obsessed with their Custom Palmers (mix any iced tea with any of their lemonades!). Pie: Their sour cherry hand pies are my favorite breakfast on the go (though they could stand to have a bit more filling in them); the portion is just enough to cure my pie craving without the guilt. Their other pies are just as good; I love that they consistently offer so many different flavors! Vegan Goods: I've only tried their vegan carrot cake and I'm sorry to say it just wasn't very good (lots of pineapple, carrot, and coconut). I would love to see them experiment more with vegan items though and would be open to trying more. Customer Service: The same guy is usually working there most days and he's super awesome. Service is quick, easy, and polite (which is surprisingly rare in most cafes). If you're ordering to-go he'll personally bring you the to-go bag (instead of yelling that your order is ready). He'll also ask if you need a top off of coffee after you've added the cream (who else does that?!). SOLID. I live in the neighborhood and I'd say I spend equal amounts of time here as I do the Julius Meinl down the road (the coffee! the cinnamon rolls!), but First Slice is definitely a unique place. I'm giving it 4 stars in comparison to other joints in the neighborhood, but it's probably in my top 5 favorites cafes in the city.
(4)Heather D.
I work near First Slice and find myself walking the short distance there for lunch often. Some of my fav dishes: Greek Grain Salad - TOP PICK! different grains, thinly sliced lettuce, feta, fresh tomatoes, warm fresh flat bread, just really great! Spinach goat cheese quiche. Comes with a small side salad. Yum. The chocolate cream and coffee pies. Mint malt balls! Yay! Things I'd pass on in the future: Pretty much all their cookie bars. They are a bit hard and have a strange taste/texture: grainy, sugary. Not a fan. Give me a regular ol' cookie any day! Final Verdict: Artsy, laid-back vibe, usually pretty busy but always fast with service, definitely run by hipster or hipster-like people who are not always seemingly happy about working there, and overall a good place to grab a healthy lunch that is a bit pricey but not outrageously so.
(4)Jessica G.
Really nice little cafe. It can be a touch hectic and crowded, but it is located right in the Art Center. Bonus for all of the cool clay crafts you see around - and an extra star for the super-awesome humongous squid sculpture that was being worked on right out front. Squid-chick, you ROCK! Tasty food and a good deal too. $10 got me a generous slice of delicious quiche, a mixed greens side salad (no limp iceburg and tomato slice here), a Boylan soda and a homemade cookie. Not too shabby!
(4)Susan M.
When we were planning our wedding, my husband and I had three rules. 1. By the end of our wedding day we had to be married. 2. Our guests had to have a great time. 3. We had to stay under-budget and avoid falling for ridiculous wedding costs. Especially in a market as saturated and ludicrous as Chicago's. The first rule was all on us and our officiant, but First Slice largely helped us accomplish the second and third. I'm not generally a fan of fondant or wedding cake, so getting pie seemed like the natural solution. From our tasting (hint, they give you huge, whole slices at pie at the tasting) all the way to the delivery (on time and even pre-sliced for us) Alyssa was incredible to work with. She was super responsive to my compulsive e-mails and I never got the sense that she was trying to sell me on anything. I guess that's a sign of their awesome business model. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the pies and many out of town folks asked if they shipped, so they could order some for their next family gathering. People also really seemed to like the alternative to wedding cake and the ability to try many different flavors. We had a good mix of chocolatey and fruity and threw in coconut for something unexpected. The stand-outs were the Michigan Sour Cherry (my personal favorite) and the Toffee Coffee. With 150 guests, everyone got multiple slices and we had about 5 pies left over at the end of the night which guests gladly took home. The best part? We only spent about $500, which was far less than the $1,000 and upwards quotes I got when I was researching other bakeries. Overall, I highly recommend First Slice for like-minded-brides who are open to breaking traditions a bit. Viva Pie!
(5)Grace F.
This place is a savior to those of us who prefer the pie life in a cupcake city. It's an adorable space (in the Lillstreet Art Center) with some really, really, really good pie (and given my rural Indiana roots, I consider myself a pretty qualified pie evaluator). My usual go-to is key lime or anything cream based, but lemme tell you what, it's their crust that really blows my mind. I've never had their "real" food, but the other people there with me really seemed to love it. There's only 5 or 6 tables, though, but it's never been too busy when I've gone in. If you're planning something with a bigger group (I know I've had meetings at First Slice, because meetings are infinitely better with pie), I know the Manor location off of the Francisco Brown Line has more seating. Other perks: 1) Free Wifi 2) Portion of the proceeds go to feeding the homeless/hungry 3) I really like their plates. They're cute. 4) If you're baking challenged like I am, you never have to buy terrible grocery store pie (with terrible grocery store crust) again, because you can buy a whole pie from these guys and take it home. 5) I'm pretty sure there were 2 or 3 first dates going on in the half hour I was there, so if you're looking for a spot, apparently this place is popular
(5)Jessica C.
Took a group of seniors for lunch here today--and they were so accommodating and awesome! RJ was a great "hostess", she sat aside a table for us, she prepared pamphlets and information about the cafe and it's mission, and she took the time to give us a wonderful talk of the organization, the cafe, the helpful things they do for the community...and the food was VERY yum. Even my usually picky older eaters, were "ooh"ing and "ah"ing about the grub! Thank you for your patience with an "older" crowd, and thank you for all that you do for our Chicago area folks in need!
(4)Anne M.
Went here for the first time today to grab a sandwich and coffee to go for lunch at the beach on this chilly spring day. What a wonderful hidden gem! It is located inside the Lillstreet Art Center on the corner of Ravenswood and Montrose. There is usually easy street parking unless there is an event going on. First Slice is a comfortable and inviting cafe with a good variety of gourmet sandwiches, sweets, and coffee. Sandwiches will cost you around $8.00, coffee and sweets have a pretty standard price tag. The sandwiches are a BIT on the small side, but the quality makes up for it. The bread is soft and perfectly textured. I ordered the goat cheese sandwich with roasted veggies- excellent but would have loved to have a bit more goat cheese. It came with a small salad with a few small slices (like small straws) of apples. Very tasty! I also ordered the cafe au lait, which was excellent and reminded me of coffee I would typically order in New Orleans. While you wait for your food, you can wander around the shop in which the cafe is located. It is filled with original pieces of art, mostly mugs, dishes, kettles, and bowls. Prices on these items are reasonable, and all are one of a kind. I look forward to doing some shopping here in the future. There is a seating area where you can hang out, visit with friends, kick back with a book, or catch up on work. Very pleasant and relaxing environment. They do take plastic, which was a nice surprise. I always forget to carry cash!
(5)Jeff G.
I have lived nearby for four years and finally found myself going in here. That was a mistake. My slice of coffee toffee was pretty darn good. I consider myself a good judge of desserts, this place does good things. The shop that sells ceramic works is cool too. Now that the seal has been broken I might need some new bigger pants. Between this place and margies, good lord .
(5)Amy L.
Plus one star because their take on french silk pie is amazing! Bakers square makes theirs too sweet with too thick a layer of chocolate mousse. This place made it perfectly with a nice crispy thin crust and a not too sweet layer or too thick layer of mouse. Only thing I wasn't fond of was that the chocolate shavings basically covered all the whipped cream portion. That was a bit much for me but still I really liked the pie!
(4)Stuart B.
great atmosphere and great staff. they do a super job with prepared foods (salads, lasagna, etc) and their deserts and coffee are also excellent. Not to mention their pie. This is my go - to spot for a healthy lunch in the Ravenswood area. Their southwest lentil salad is one of my favorites.
(5)Simeen A.
Yikes. Maybe I'm spoiled by Hoosier Mama but the slice of pie I had was SAD. It was teeny tiny, and tasted like grocery store pie. I'm not knockin' Dominicks bakery pie, but if you're charging $3.50 for a small slice it should at least be good. And it wasn't. Wah wah. Extra star for nice people working there, and I appreciate their mission but if you're looking for good pie, keep a' lookin'.
(2)Sharee M.
I bought a few of my students to this location for a community engagement day. First Slice welcomed us to their location and gave us a great lesson on their founding, mission, and services to the community. We also had a slice of their unique pies and cakes. It s a cool place to spot by and support.
(4)Mari Y.
When I peruse the furniture at Nadeau, I walk past the art center and always wonder. I wonder what is inside, what kind of art they must have, what kind of sandwiches they serve. My questions were finally answered this weekend. We went in for a quick bite and I made a game time decision, swayed by the taped article on the glass for Chicago's Best Sandwiches - it noted the duck confit sandwich as number 36. This was served in a sort of pocket/panini bread but not pressed. Mozzarella, mushrooms and sun dried tomato, hold the onions. It was a filling sandwich, great flavors, felt healthy. It was served with a side salad with chili spiked dressing and potato chips. It was so filling that I had to get a box to take my other half home. Now, I've decided to forgive First Slice for this error - there was a line of folks waiting to order as well as pick up their to go sandwiches. I was trying to get the attention of someone behind the counter and when I did, I said, "Can I get a box for my sandwich?" and he said, "Sure, they're coming in a box." Huh? So I responded, "I already ate half of my sandwich over at that table." He responds, "Oh...I thought you were together," pointing to an Asian woman behind me. Sheeeeeesssshhh. Why is that two Asian people can't stand next to each other without having to know each other or assumed to be related?!?!?! Seriously. No one ever assumes that two white people standing next to each other MUST know each other or be related. We weren't even the same kind of Asian. OK, deciding to make this three stars now.
(3)Ellie R.
DELICIOUS. I stopped here frequently before and after my art class in Lillstreet. I was always happy with whatever I ate, although the Michigan Sour Cherry Pie and the Apple Pecan Cheesecake were both standouts in my memory (and to my blood sugar). Living in an area with lots of delicious places to eat just a stone's throw away, there are few places that I'm willing to use public transportation to reach when I'm hungry. This is one of them - I already can't wait to come back! Another thing they offer (which I don't take advantage of, but comes highly recommended by an acquaintance) is their meal subscription program - they cook meals (3 per week) that you pick up, frozen, and can eat throughout the week.
(5)Cheyanne M.
I ate here because it is adjacent to the Lillstreet Art Gallery Shop - which has items made from local artists. I had a sandwich and a slice of their apple pie with ice cream. I ate it in the afternoon and I was so full that I just wanted to go home and sleep. It was very good. Everything in the store looked good and the shop which is in Lillstreet Art Center just beckons to come be eaten at.
(5)B C.
They make a very good French silk chocolate pie and it's reasonably priced at $3.50/slice. It's right across the way from the CTA Montrose stop, situating it perfectly for what I refer to as an afterwork "dinnersnack." I liked the art gallery that shares the common area space next to the cafe too. It gave me plenty of stuff to look at from my table while mentally unwinding from the day. From the looks of it, this is also a great location for an informal work meeting. It's casual and comfortable, but quiet (at least at 6:00pm) and cleanly set up.
(4)Justin N.
1st Tip: Get their pie! Amazing flavor and decadent. I had their chocolate peanut butter. great place for organic and well prepared food. i'll be going back for salads and sandwiches!
(4)Natalie S.
A friend works at Lill Street and when we decided to meet for lunch, she suggested First Slice. I'd walked through when dropping my stepdaughter off at summer camp but I'd never actually eaten there. I'm always down to try something new so off I went. I had the duck confit and mozzarella sandwich. Yum! It's slightly pricey at $9 but the sandwich is HUGE and comes with chips and a small salad. I got the kids grilled cheese for my little dude and it was so giant he only got through half. I did not have the pie. I literally sat there for 5 minutes after I finished my sandwich, debating if I should pie it up. But I was so stuffed I seriously couldn't manage. Next time. The service was honestly a little slow. A lotta slow. We were waiting on our food for 15 minutes or so, longer than you would expect for a sandwich place like that. There's not many tables so be prepared to share one. Overall, a good experience. I'm looking forward to going back and trying some pie!
(4)Bristol C.
Best pie! Best choice for our wedding! Alyssa was great at communication for our order of 20+ pies and all we heard from our guests is how delicious everything was. Sour cherry and polka dot pies are especially phenomenal!
(5)marilyn W.
Great Pies, Horrible Service!.... I've eaten here before with several co-workers. We work in the area and it's a nice place to escape too, within our hour timeframe. Today's experience was horrifying and unexpected. I walked in around 11:30 this morning wanting to buy a pie. I walked in and waited at the counter and was never acknowledged by any of the three people there. There were two persons behind the counter chatting and what appeared to be wrapping something. I was never acknowledged even though both the young lady and young man looked at me briefly and then continued chatting. Another woman with green hair approached me and I smiled because I thought she was going to be my helper. She zoomed past me and whisked behind the counter without even giving me eye contact. After what appeared to be hours, more like six minutes, I said something to the fact, " can I get some help", the young woman looked up slowly as though I was bothering her. She walked slowly over to the counter, all while my mouth was opened and I was appalled at her rudeness. She had this bothered look on her face and said "can I help you", imagine Lurch from the Adams family, you rang kind of demeanor. I know... I'm aging myself. I said Hi, how are you, she responded, fine how can I help you. At this point my wallet was saying, they don't deserve my money. I walked out. Never again will I return and I'll tell this to my lunch buddies, co-workers, cycling and running team.
(1)Jaime G.
Perfect little hole in the wall cafe with beautiful sandwiches, salads, pies. Try the duck con fit sandwich and Greek grain salad. Delish! Add a fresh pie with a latte and your set.
(5)Erin W.
So good! And nice people!
(5)David R.
All right! Now THIS is what I'm talkin' aboot--get rid of the cupcake joints on every corner and fill the city with cookie and pie specialists. Between First Slice and Cookie Bar, we have a good start. Perhaps cupcakes were a staple of everyone else's youth, but my grandmother baked cookies and PIE. Pie, glorious pie. So many good ones, but usually the basic fabulous four--apple, cherry, pumpkin, and lemon meringue. Occasionally peach, strawberry, or shoo-fly. For most of my youth, my favorite was cherry, but in college I switched to lemon meringue. Later on my mother contributed a few excellent new varieties such as fudge walnut pie. I found a great recipe in New England in 2002 and have made it my Thanksgiving dessert of choice--maple walnut pie. And on my birthday in 2005, I consumed the single greatest piece of pie in my entire life: chocolate-coconut-macadamia nut. Pie and I have a long and loving history. I should be ashamed that it has taken me so long to essay First Slice, but I swear that I am making up for lost time. Chide not thy tardy son, First Slice! So far I have tried: Michigan sour cherry: mmfbfmmmppbbfft...holy shit. First bite, right out of the gate, astonishing pie. I pray that my grandmother never discovers the internet, because this is better than any cherry pie that I've ever had at home. Lemon meringue: The meringue was sort of depressed, but overall this was a very good piece of pie. On another visit I saw some dramatically more robust meringue on another pie, so perhaps my slice was not the norm. Coffee toffee: Criminally rich. Even with a glass of milk, one cannot consume an entire slice in a single sitting. So it's double your dessert pleasure. Apple: Hrm, curiously pedestrian, although chock-full of apple slices and not over-sweet like some mass-produced apple pies tend to be. Mint chocolate: Wow, my favorite ice cream flavor in pie form! Sadly, although the flavor is good, the texture is off-putting--somewhere between dense foam and stale bread. Sweet potato praline: This version impersonates a slightly less sweet pumpkin pie, with nuts in the bottom. Which is all to the good in my book. Key lime: To be fair, this is a tough pie to pull off, especially in Chicago in November; although it was tasty, there was too little tartness and key lime flavor. Red wine poached pear: Ah, now here is the work of a master. While it didn't astonish me like the cherry, and it isn't as overtly decadent as the coffee toffee, this pie demonstrates real craft. Wine-poached pears? Never would have occurred to me, but it works very well, and the crumbly/nutty top lends a satisfying texture and flavor compliment. A lovely piece of pie. Carmel brownie: Whoa, seriously soft and gooey...is there some marshmallow in there? I prefer mine a little more solid, but it tasted fantastic. See, even from pie one has to take a break every once in a while. So, three mild disappointments and a couple of knockouts among several very solid performers? That's a success in my book. They will be seeing me periodically for a long time to come.
(4)Kendrah R.
1. Went a few times and had a hard time choosing what to order because the display is so extremely unappetizing looking. 2. I once ordered soup and saw the chef pick his nose while he was ladling it up - I walked out immediately. 3. Gave it a last try because I needed to grab something before my art class began. Got a cheese scone - cakey weird texture and I was extremely sick after eating it - but that could have been coincidence.
(2)Erica I.
I stopped by to get some pie slices to go after reading the good reviews, and I definitely think pie is a better dessert than cupcakes. We need more pie shops in Chicago! Anyway, there was a tall display case of about 10 different pies, and some were already pre-cut and ready to take home! It was very hard to choose just 2, and I'll probably come back and try all the others over time, but I picked the Chocolate Cream Pie and Blueberry Supreme Pie. I LOVED the Chocolate Cream, and scarfed it down so fast I didn't get to take a picture like I did with the Blueberry. The Blueberry was pretty good, but just not as good as the chocolate. They also had a bunch of baked goods up on the counter, and I tried a cinnamon pecan roll thingy, but I was confused because I ate it the next day and it was SUPER greasy and kind of hard? It was strange, but still tasty. So next time, I'm hoping they have the peanut butter pie that others say is awesome, and I'll probably try the sour cherry pie, along with the coffee toffee pie. Maybe I will try some of their lunch food as well! The space inside is cute, with art to look at while you're there, and just a relaxed atmosphere to read a book or just hang out.
(4)Craig R.
This place is tucked away in what is essentially an artist stuiod/store. It is a gem of a find and deserves your patronage. The food is first rate with really well made pies but they also offer sandiwches, baked goods, salads and more. The place was reasonably busy when we went on a sunday afternoon. We split a piece of French Silk pie but i must admit there were several flavors i wanted to try. The Franch Silk was wonderful - creamy, chocolatey and the crust was just so. It was very good and when i am in the area i will return to sample other deliciousness they are serving up. The staff is very friendly and funny as well. Have some pie - it will make you feel better!
(4)R T.
One of my friends is a huge fan of french silk pie so I decided to get one for his birthday. I searched on yelp and this was one of the places that popped up. This was my third choice. I had two other places in mind but one business's tel is no longer in use while the Swedish bakery's phone service insisted they were closed despite during their working hours. So First Slice it is. The gal that took my phone order was very nice and professional. When I got there to pick up my order, the girl at the counter was very polite and helpful as well supplying me with tons of forks since I forgot to get those plastic forks :P Now to the pie. This is simply divine! A great yummy chocolately pie with the thinnest crust I have ever seen. The whipped cream on top cuts through the richness of the chocolate. So yummy! Definitely try the French silk pie where you're there next! :D
(4)Emily Y.
Well, First Slice, I guess we can't be in the honeymoon phase forever. You just charged me $6 for some lukewarm blackbean soup? $6 for 8-10oz of SOUP? I know you're making the world a better place and feeding hungry people on the streets. And I like to help out where I can. But I'm a STUDENT. And you also serve ARTISTS. And soup should not cost $6 anywhere except for Moscow. I'm only docking you one star, because I love you. Good relationships involve communication, right? Get yer soup straight.
(4)Jack P.
I had me a little weekend breakfast here with me British mates. It was a quiet Sunday morning in this little cafe, imbedded in the first floor and next to the gift shop of the Lillstreet Art Center. The breakfast choices are mostly pastries and quiches, so it's not the spot to look for a cooked-to-order plate of eggs, bacon and hash browns. Think lighter fare. There were however three kinds of quiche: broccoli/cheddar, bacon, and mediterranean. We tried one of each. The quiche was richly delish and the green side salad with a light unobtrusive dressing, and granny smith apple chunks was a refreshing accompaniment. The coffee is served in original pottery and it is excellently bold and fresh. The remainder of the menu is sandwiches, salads and wraps, a couple of hot plates like lasagna, a daily special, and an enticing array of desserts, pies and cakes. A good place to cop that under $10 meal. Self-service ordering but brought to the table by friendly artsy staff. This is a high quality cafe with good food at good prices.
(4)Jelena Z.
Diverse menu stacked with dishes comprised of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, consumption for a cause, and LOTS of pie. Did I mention my love affair with pie? Fruit pie, cream pie, top crust pie, two-crust pie, holiday pie, savory pie, pot pie, pizza pie, and my favorite... all-American apple pie. But to test the waters, I ordered a lemon bar instead. Huh? This was quite possibly the most perfect lemon bar I've ever tried. Harmonious balance of tart and sweet, with a rich, buttery crust. It was probably meant to serve 2 people but no, all mine. Can't wait to return for some lasagna. And pie.
(5)Matt S.
I've had a lot of the non-pie food here, and it's all incredible. The portions are very fair, considering the price and the quality and creativity of the food. The staff is extremely friendly, the food diverse and incredible, and it doesn't hurt at all that they feed the homeless and needy as a significant part of their mission as an organization. You're also right in a little art gallery when you're ordering, and it's just next to the Montrose Brown Line station. Awesome.
(5)Colleen C.
My biggest pet peeve lately?Places that aren't open for lunch on Mondays. What is that!? I am here to say, First Slice is open EVERY DAY for lunch, yay! Their "regular, non-pie" food is absolutely excellent. I had the grain soup (veggie broth with legumes, rice, etc), which was perfect on a chilly day. ($4). The chicken cobb was fresh, crisp, and had a lot of good "stuff" on it...$8, served in a HUGE bowl, I couldn't even finish. Counter service only. Big tables to seat yourself at...hodge/podge arrangement. I dig it. Go for the pie. Return for the food. Come back again and again for the purpose.
(5)Chris C.
Took the wife here after dinner at Glenn's Diner (personal favorite--check it out!) and got a slice of cherry pie and a slice of chocolate peanut butter pie. GOOD STUFF! The staff was also super nice (especially since we snuck in right at closing). Apparently they're a not-for-profit cafe (they also have other baked goods and great looking quiche) that funds a homeless shelter in the area. Good food while feeling like you're doing a great thing! One downside--they only had a few varieties of pie, but, like I said--they had a ton of other baked goods. With a name like "first slice" though we were expecting more variety. Maybe if we showed up earlier in the day they'd have more?
(4)Ali H.
Five stars for the pies and pastries. Doesn't get any better than this. Minus one star for the worst mocha and vanilla latte I've ever had in my life (we actually brought them back after we were half way home, which I've NEVER done before). Anyway, go here. Get pie. Be happy! The peanut butter pie is unreasonably amazing. I had a pumpkin cheesecake last year around this time that was similarly outstanding. I've also had something blueberry, and a toffee or mocha themed one. The prices are good too, I think it's 3-4 bucks for a slice. Plus, they donate money to help fight hunger in Chicago. Can't rag too much on a social cause that has great pie. The store downtown makes tea lattes which are actually really delicious. I was surprised at the unique terribleness of the drinks we got at this store. Even after he remade them, they didn't taste right. Waaaay too much milk, not enough espresso or flavor. But, you live and learn. Next time I'll make my coffee at home and spend the money I saved on more pie!
(4)Laurie V.
Love, love, love this place. I used to take pottery classes at Lill street and one of my favorite parts of the experience was making time for lunch at First Slice. We hadn't been in for a long time but today we were in the neighborhood and made the special trip. Oh yes, it was as delicious as I remembered. I ordered the trio of salads picking out tuna, a pesto tortellini and curry chicken. All three were equally delicious and the little grilled cheese garnish was perfect. My 20 month old shares my meals and these were all a hit with him as well! It was a fresh, quick and tasty meal for just $8. I also love the huge selection of baked goods. Scones, pies, brownies, cookies, etc. I will say that my latte was a bit off and I do wish they would invest in at least one sugar free syrup option. The coffee is the reason I only give the place 4 stars. They also have a good selection of ready made meals like lasagna and soups to purchase and heat up at home. You can't go wrong with a great meal that's reasonably priced and supports a good cause!
(4)Erica T.
Pie is the quintessential American dessert. And you can find a boatload of it here. Take a peek into the dessert case next to the counter and you can find at least 6 different kinds. I brought home the sour cherry and chocolate peanut butter, and both were great. I look forward to trying more (although my waistline begs to differ). I must also mention that the mission of this establishment is very admirable and just makes any purchase of pie even sweeter.
(4)Laurie S.
According to the First Slice Web site, the eatery is a self-supporting charity that helps fight hunger. Who wouldn't want to support a place like that, especially when they serve such delicious pie?! Today I went to First Slice for the first time with my friends just to pick up some dessert, and so I can't speak about the meals they serve, but the menu has diverse soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche at reasonable prices. There are several items that I would like to try on my next visit. And now about the pie.... Warning: it may be addictive! One of my friends and I got the Chocolate Peanut Butter pie, and it was was both rich and awesome! Another friend got apple pie which she said was very good. Two friends got ice cream from there, which they really liked...but what's not to like considering it's from Peterson's?! The staff were very friendly. I look forward to coming back here and trying some new things...or maybe just sticking to the Chocolate Peanut Butter pie!
(4)Joshua H.
Yum. My review is solely of their pie. I had some kind of coffee chocolate slice of heaven. Quite rich, but come it's pie. I also split a scone which was quite good as well. I like the idea that backs first slice so A+ Great spot to meet for afternoon coffee and pie.
(5)Yeliz Z.
Last time I was here I had a great experience and had great food; this time was really bad! I ordered bagel and cream cheese, delicious right!? Well small problem, the cream cheese had a small black bug in it. Instead of flipping out like I always do, I nicely went back and showed the bug to the person at the register. She looked and asked me if I wanted to have anything else. At that point I had no appetite. She walked over to her manager and the manager looked at the bug and made a gesture like "whatever". I did not get a refund for the bagel and cream cheese (which I did not ask but figured that it should have at least been offered) or any apologies for the bug that was in the cream cheese! Even though it is close to my house and I like Lill Street Art Center I would never go to First Slice again.
(1)David G.
Props for giving to the needy. First Slice is a bit of a cafe/charity that takes donations to send food to needy families. Their food is pretty good, too. They appear to specialize in pie, but the menu goes way beyond that, offering sandwiches, salads, home made cookies, all made with fresh ingredients. I had a chicken, bleu cheese, spinach and sun dried tomato sandwich. Though it was a little on the tough side, it was still tasty. I had to bring it home because the cafe was very crowded (conveniently located on the first floor of Lillstreet). The sandwich came with a mixed greens salad and chips. Can you believe I never had the pie? I have had a oatmeal cherry cookie before an art class, and it was pretty good. My goal for next week... try the pie. I've heard rave reviews about the Michigan Sour Cherry and the Apple Pie. Everything on the menu looks delectable.
(4)Sarah B.
Every time I am down Ravenswood way (and I find myself often down that way.) My friend and I pass Lillstreet Art Center and usually stop in to see what kind of classes they are offering and what sort of pieces are out on display. Generally all this looking about comes with: "man, we should get something to eat at First Slice everything looks so good." Of course we don't. Today, however was the exception! We were planning on going to Wolcott's but they didn't open till 12 (despite the website stating 11am open) so we stopped inside to grab some lunch. I had the smoked turkey sandwich with cranberry chutney with a cafe au lait and she had the smoked ham with a cappuccino. I can't speak for her sandwich but mine was delicious, the bread was nicely toasted and the chutney added a nice bit of tang. The salad and the chips were nice sides and gave the meal a good bulk. The Cafe au lait was also good, good and milky without that burnt flavor coffee can get if it's been sitting out too long. It's a great place to sit down and catch up, the employees are friendly and helpful and the meal was reasonably priced. I can't speak to the pies but perhaps on our next stop back we'll try one (or all of them they looked delicious.)
(4)Christine F.
So, when I first ate here I didn't really realize that part of the proceeds of this cafe go to feeding the homeless. That's awesome. That's like, a doubly good reason to go to this place. Though, their food does stand on it's own. I was super starving before my art class yesterday and I needed some food asap. I dashed into First Slice and ordered the goat cheese/pear/roasted vegetable sammich. It sounded good. But would it taste good? Yes! I will say, I am of the feeling that you can never have too much goat cheese in anything, and this sammich was made for people like me. WOOT. TONS of tangy goat cheese, subtle/sweet pears and then the roasted vegetables included red onions, cauliflower, and mushrooms. It came with a side of greens with blueberries that were dressed in a nice vinaigrette. Also came with a side of potato chips, which is a great accompaniment to any sandwich. I will have to try some of their pies next time. I hope they have key lime next week. FYI: Their coffee beverages are also the awesomesauce. Good stuff. So good. I will definitely be back here again, and again, and again.
(4)John B.
While pie may not be the cure for all of life's worries, it comes awfully close. And while First Slice serves more than just pie, it serves some mighty fine pie. Like the pecan pie that just went down my pie hole. Served warm and topped with whipped cream. Mama happy. And because I've been feeling sick and blue, I chased it down with some hot chocolate. Mmmmm. Does it make me feel good that by eating at First Slice I'm helping to feed the hungry? Sure. But it feels better that I'm eating pie. Conveniently located in the Lill Street Art Center, so you can look at hand made pottery, ceramics, and jewelry while you eat.
(4)Stacey A.
1) I really really like pie. 2) A lot. 3) I have no time or desire to actually make pie (there are exceptions, but generally, I don't care to bake a pie.). 4) I enjoy good causes. 5) First Slice donates a portion of its sales of PIE (and other tasty looking snacks) to a GOOD CAUSE (homeless shelters, and food shelters and so on). 6) I can walk to it from my house. 7) Also, they have poached pear pie. Suck it, Baker's Square.
(4)Alicia S.
How did I live in Chicago 8 years and only visit this place AFTER I moved away?! Everything is good, but I highly recommend a full bowl of the Beet Salad! Chicken Curry is also great and the pie is YUM.
(4)MELEK L.
I cannot believe that First Slice has been only 5 blocks from my place all of these years and I have never been there before! I had a lovely turkey sandwich. They graciously gave me more salad instead of chips. And I washed it all down with a yummy bottle Black Cherry drink. I love that there are hand crafted items on display in the lobby. You can peruse them before, after, or during your meal. I found most of the offerings to be a little out of my price range, but I enjoyed the displays nonetheless. Be sure to read the pamphlet explaining the way the place came about. The owner and her staff do a great job and really care about people. Nice! I can't wait to go back and enjoy a few of the sweet treats they had displayed throughout the space. They even have whole pies available to take to that last minute dinner party you were just invited to!!
(4)Brett F.
Love, Love, Love the concept here!! Feed your soul while you feed your belly... how often is it that you get to give back simply by doing what we have to do everyday already, eat. First Slice and it's owner, Mary Ellen Diaz are incredibly admirable in their efforts to fund high-quality meals for the needy through funneling the proceeds of the business back into the community. Also noteworthy is that First Slice actually serves in-house the same food items that they provide to the low-income families in our area. Pretty nifty, right? Well, I knew none of this prior to getting my pie there, so admittedly my business to First Slice was originally pretty self-serving. I love pie. That's it. And theirs is actually quite good... as a big sucker for cherry pie, every once in awhile I just need to get my hands on one before I go crazy. First Slice does a 'sour' take on the classic with sour cherries and positively no goopy filling - if you're a fan of the sticky sweet, bright red cherry filling, you're not going to find it here. The pie looked and tasted very homemade, like it came straight out of Mom's kitchen! I definitely enjoyed it and it certainly helped me with my pie fix, but I would have enjoyed a little more sweetness to the dessert. The sour aspect is really prevalent and didn't manage to knock at least both my socks off. But hey, that's just preference. The crust was fabulous with a nice salty undertone... I love that and of course, at the end of the day, it's all for a good cause. My sweet tooth will rear it's ugly head again soon giving me more than enough cause to head back for the quiche (yum, looks great!!) and their peanut butter pie... now the only question is, who's coming with me?
(4)Katie T.
I love this place! I stopped in and got a salad, a peanut butter cookie and an iced coffee. I loved their coffee so much that I went back to get another the following weekend. I want to go back so that I can try all their goodies. Their soups look really good and so do their quiches and their pies!!!! Soon enough I'll be going back.
(5)Randi R.
Ok so I feel conflicted about this place. I like their pastries, and I like that they are helping the homeless, but their counter service sucks. I just went in there to buy a pound cake, and the guy taking the order had to chat with the first guy in front of me about his bag, the second girl about his break up with his girlfriend. You get the idea. And this is not an isolated incident. I don't expect the staff to be surly, but really if you want to chat with your friends, hang out with them when you are not working the counter. Their service really just blows. So slow.
(2)Alison M.
Such a cute place-- tasty sandwiches, salads, and quiche. Plus loads of great baked goods (muffins, cookies, brownies, and of course... delicious amazing pie). The cafe itself is pretty small and on the weekends it gets busy, so it's not really a place to linger with a bunch of friends. Also, it's a little pricier than other similar cafes, but considering its proceeds go towards helping feed Chicago's hungry, it's hard to complain. Mmmm...helping people tastes delicious.
(5)Annie R.
I love this place. Latin hip hop salad has to be the worst-named, tastiest salad ever. Their soups and sides (tuna, especially) are great. Pastries are not as great as I'd expected but that is probably a good thing because I'm a regular here.
(5)Lizzy W.
This place is easy to get to. I hopped off the Montrose stop and just across the street is a tasty, community conscious cafe. This place donates some o f the proceeds to the homeless, which is so awesome. Okay, so its easy to get to and has a good set of ethics, but let's get to it -the food! The prices for a cafe, run a tad steep, but totally worth it. Creme Soda! Yum, I don't drink soda often, but when Creme Soda is organic and offered, I'm down. I went with a friend and we ordered the chicken cobb salad and the roasted chicken sun dried tomato blue cheese sandwich. The salad was huge, plenty to share. It has candied pecans, crumbled bacon, blue cheese, apple, chicken that had a dry rub on it, a tangy dressing, and scallions. It was loaded with toppings making the salad filling, but at the same time not heavy. It was a good mix of spicy and sweet. The sammy was good, it came with chips and salad. It was a bit messy, which is understandable, how are you suppose to keep blue cheese crumbles inbetween to slices of bread? The only problem was that the bread was tough. It was more chewy than what I expect. It had grill marks on it, which makes me think that it was panini-ed. For panini's I prefer a sour dough, something that has substance, and a crunch, not something that you have to wrestle with to get a bite. DESSERT This place makes a killer Michigan sour cherry pie. It had big cherries and a nice cinnamon flavor. I took a snicker doodle home for later snacking, and when I later unwrapped it, it was not chewy as expected. It was a crisp cookie. It tasted good, I just dunked it in my cookie, to get a bit softer. All in all this place is great. I did go at closing, which could explain the bread. I plan on going back, and want to bring my friends to this great lunch spot. Oh, did I mention you get to sit amongst art, total plus for me! Oh and sometimes the credit card machine isn't working, so make sure you bring your back up aka cash.
(4)Kate P.
Yummy vegetarian dishes abound in this fun little cafe! I was here just yesterday and tried their green lasagna community plate. A community plate is a sample meal First Slice shares on the streets to help fight hunger and I have to admit it was absolutely scrumptious. Green, for organic vegetarian, this lasagna dish was chocked full of fresh vegetables like spinach, butternut squash, tomatoes, and eggplant. For those who are more carnivorous they do have a meat lasagna community plate as well. But that's not all, oh no it's not, with your slice of lasagna they also give you a very green salad with sliced apples in it, coated with a light balsamic dressing which compliments the main dish very well. If your looking for a tasty beverage look no further than their fresh brewed iced teas. I especially like their English Breakfast with just a little bit of honey to curb my sweet tooth. All in all, support local businesses, but also help fight hunger with your fork by going to First Slice. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jill M.
Terrific sandwiches - I got the turkey and smoked cheddar with cranberry cherry chutney that rocked! Solid vibe, good coffee, and the pies - oh my heavens me. The pecan was - sorry Mom but you're been outdone. The lemon bars were terrific. The apple was overstuffed. I am SERIOUSLY going back for more.
(5)Caroline M.
My intentions were to head down the street to Sweet Sensations bakery to pick up a sweet treat. Sweet treat pangs had kicked into full on give-me-sweets-or-give-me-death mode.Upon seeing that Sweet Sensations was closed on Mondays, my level of flustration (flustered and frustrated, of course) was palpable. Distraught, I started heading back homeward. Salvation awaited at First Slice Cafe. This cozy little cafe was my own little paradise. Homebaked goods, sweet treats galore, pies, coffees and tea served up with sincere hospitality. I got a blueberry scone which had the appropriate brittleness on the outside but was pleasantly soft and bread-y on the inside. I also grabbed a slice of carrot cake which I was suprised to learn was vegan (how did they make the damn good frosting!?). The seating area is charming-a perfect blend of rustic tables, homemade ceramic plates, and plenty of browsing room to peruse all the artsy-craftsy stuff. First Slice is the perfect reprieve from the unforgiving urban scene.
(5)Laura R.
Overall, a great food experience. First the good, then the reasons I did not give it a 5 star. The food all tastes fresh, homemade and it is very comforting! Terrific soups, full-flavored pies and crunchy, fresh salads. I go there often with my 3 children and it has a college-type, casual atmosphere. Some of the items are a bit too salty for my taste and because I am vegetarian, I would like to see more of those items on the menu. But overall- Yay! I am a fan.
(4)Katie R.
I feel I should update and explain that I have a new obsession with the cheddar broccoli quiche. I want a slice anytime I think about First Slice. I still haven't eaten any other savory food...but this quiche is to die for.
(5)Franny S.
This place has really yummy food for a really great cause. Yeah, the prices are a bit on the high side, but knowing that the proceeds are put towards feeding the homeless takes the sting out of that. The curried chicken salad is always a winner, the cheddar broccoli quiche is really good, and the desserts are to die for. Plus everything is totally organic! So that gives me another reason to justify eating a nice big slice of coffee toffee or peanut butter or chocolate key lime pie. What's not to like? Added 12/21: I've been doing their meal subscription program for a few months now and I really like it. For $35 a week (the family subscription costs more), I get three entrees and six sides. The food is great and it's so convenient...pick up the week's food over the weekend, stick it in the freezer and then cook according to the directions whenever. All the funds raised from the program are used to feed homeless and struggling people (mostly kids) the very same food we receive. And I do NOT cook for myself normally, so it's a somewhat selfish way for me to support a very worthy cause!
(5)Emmitt R.
Well i came here looking for pie for my step fathers birthday and tried a slice of their apple pie and peanut butter chocolate pie. Both were very good although the peanut butter pie was a little heavy which i do not say very often. The apple pie had cinnamon sprinkled on top which gave it a bit of a different taste from traditional apple pie that i have tasted. There seemed to be a great selection of other dishes that i might want to try for lunch, especially the curry chicken :). As side note cool art is always good to check out when you are standing around waiting in line.
(4)Darren B.
Great chill atmosphere, great friendly service and tasty reasonably priced food.
(4)kay b.
i am at first slice now, using their wi-fi. i felt compelled to write about the salad i just inhaled and the lovely clay serving bowl it was in. pie is an art form within an art form. there's baking, then there is baking pies. i am not an artist in this field, i cook savories and every once in awhile when i have the time time time, a pie will come about from my oven. first slice takes this art form to an earnest and serious level on lill st. my first interaction with their pie was during a party when someone brought their pecan pie for dessert. it had chopped pecans and a sweet composed slice, with a crust that was buttery and with just the right amount of salt. the slice held form and shape, the organic ingredients stood out and over all it was a stellar dessert that is only on par with homemade pies i am blessed with by spirited loving friends who are bakers. now the savory: eat this salad. chicken cobb salad is delicious, fresh, the proportions of smoky bacon, bleu cheese, grilled paprika chicken, chives, granny smith apples, radishes, and fresh lettuces with a light dressing is well executed in its simplicity. a friend had the broccolli and cheese quiche which she lives by. it arrived with a nice mixed greens salad and looked as delicious as the quiche. additionally, we had an orange hot chocolate that balanced the rich chocolate flavor with a hint of orange that added just the right balance of fruity essence plus a ginger plum iced tea that was refreshing and not overpowering. i've arrived here during the lunch rush and it had a quick turn around. the service was helpful, kind, quick and informative. for just under $10, using sustainable ingredients, serving tasteful food atop tasteful serving pieces, and with their community dedication to the youth, homeless, and arts community, first slice pleases in spirit and flavor. expect a range of fresh salads, quiche, dinner entrees and large slices of pie of the fruit and chocolate persuasion. there could be more vegetarian and vegan options and more diverse patrons (a lacking of people of color). [4.25 stars]
(4)Jen B.
Um delicious! I take a class at Lill Street and have to stop by for something sweet and some tea almost every time I go in. Peach and blueberry pie, lemon bars, tons of cookies, cheddar scones....you really can't go wrong. There are about a million options at this place. I also had a veggie sandwich and my boyfriend got the roast beef one day. Once again, they were both super tasty and came with chips and a side salad. One bad thing: Cucumber Lemonade - I thought it could be delicious and subtle, but it was kind of like drinking pickle juice. Also, I think they only take cash.
(4)Leigh R.
The pie was de-lish. (Always start with the positive.) I took my parents in to pick up a pie (note: my parents live in NJ and are uber-suburban - I try to impress them with the eclectic and wonderful offerings of non-chain, urban establishments). My mom was blinded by the toffee chocolates on the counter so we grabbed some of those too. The total came to $23 and change. First Slice only takes cash and all we had was a $20 and a $100. I understand not taking the $100 because you don't have the change. Fine. But, after a 5 minute long rigmarole between the cashier and the manager, we were told they couldn't accept the $100 because it might be counterfeit. Not that I was personally offended but my parents sure didn't like being told that they were suspect of transacting with counterfeit currency. They should have just said they couldn't make the change and it would have been a whole other review! But, the pie was fantastic. (End on a positive!)
(4)Erika G.
Fantastic sandwiches! I esp. liked the simple green salad with vinegarette dressing that was included, rather than a ton of bad potato chips. The salad dressing . . . just how I like it, vinegar-y and strong. Located within an art gallery, tucked away in a really cool, up and coming part of Ravenswood. Lots of hidden gems here.
(4)T M.
I feel like I should have been informed more clearly about the existence of a pie cafe. Something is obviously wrong with the universe. Besides the pies, they also sell the best lemon bars I've ever had and these really tasty brownie bites (well, probably two bites) that are soaked in espresso and only cost $1. I understand that they charge more to subsidize free and cheap meals for the needy. I think that's a good thing, and the fact that I wouldn't have noticed had the posters and signs not told me so, because the prices are otherwise indistinguishable from the prices charged at other places, if not cheaper. Slices of many of the pies are $3, which doesn't seem like a bad deal to me. I mean, it's not a slice of pie so huge that it causes the sun to cast a triangular shadow, it's just a normal slice (the kind that when eaten responsibly will not enfatten). You can also get full, gourmet-type meals, which I haven't done yet, and they have an ice cream case. Their coffee is also pretty good and, if anything, cheaper than the coffee sold at places with less care for people than their own pocketbooks.
(5)nicole d.
I take classes in the same building as the First Slice Cafe so I have had many occasions to eat there. Every order has blown me away... the quality, presentation and taste of their food is exceptional. It is a little gem of a cafe, tucked away in an unlikely spot. I often invite friends and family to join me there and so far everyone has loved it. Disclaimer: I haven't dared to try the pie because I worry that I will develop an addiction.
(5)Sarah F.
This is one of my favorite places in all of Chicago. While the gallery is overpriced and kind of boring (to me), First Slice is fantastic. The roasted pear sandwich is delicious. And I don't even LIKE peanut butter pie, but I crave theirs. That my $$ goes to help feed the homeless and eradicate hunger just makes everything taste better!! The only downside is that they are slow on communication. I tried to sign up for their subscription (you pay something like $25/week and get 3 meals to go) and they were too full to take new people. And I've tried to use them for catering but have found them slow to respond (okay, in fairness, my company tried to use them--I didn't call directly, so I HEARD they never called back). My pal Kevin uses them for all his catering functions and it's always great. Bottom line: If you haven't been, do go. It's a great cause and delicous food.
(4)Marlene S.
Went to Lillstreet to see the art and was happy to find food! I left with beet salad and a piece of cherry pie. Loved them both. Thought it was really rude for the cashier to take my money, walk away to answer her cell phone, and them come back to give me my change.
(4)Apple B.
The most amazing pie ever! They have a VERY nice selection of pastas, and salads, as well as just delicious sandwiches- first slice is great! I can't wait to visit another one of their locations!!
(4)Kelly B.
This place not only has amazing food, a large portion of the proceeds go to a charity for the homeless. I went there for lunch and had the quiche with a salad. The menu consisted of various unique kinds of small and large salad options, sandwiches, vegetarian items, turkey chili, etc. They have a TON of desserts and they all look amazing. And they also have a great coffee bar. Your order may take some time simply because they make it after you order it. But the prices are reasonable, the portions are just right, and everything tasted wonderful. I believe we paid $36 for three of us to have a meal and soft drinks. I read an article on the wall that said the owner used to be the head chef at Let Us Entertain You. She was trained in France and is very well known. She started this cafe to help the homeless as it is a charity close to her heart. FYI that you can also get the cafe to deliver your family three meals for a family of three each week an proceeds also go to charity. AND the cafe is under the same roof as an art gallery with amazing pieces such as jewelry, journals, wallets... not just paintings, although they have those, too. And the prices for much of the are fairly reasonable considering they are one of a kind pieces.
(4)Shawn C.
Great place! It's a non-profit, which is already cool, so check out their website for info. However if being a good citizen isn't what drives you to cafes, how about this: price and quality. This might be the best priced cafe in the north side, and the food is great! A few bucks for a latte and 2 bucks for a huge, freshly made cupcake? Amazing.
(5)David S.
Do it. Go here. Great pastry goods and wonderfully friendly service. The coffee is delicious, too. I even got to walk around the lovely store while drinking my coffee. The store has all kinds of wonderful items for sale that were lovingly crafted by people, not machines. One of a kind items that are gorgeous. The pastries I tried, by the way, were utterly fantastic. You really need to try them. I inhaled this iced lemon pound cake thing (hope I describe it correctly) that was just so out of this world. And the cheddar cheese scone was superb. Anyways... The cafe was filled with people who sounded happy to be there, if you know what I mean. Some cafes just sound "dead", but not here. Very cool vibe, if a bit small. Which is okay with me, because I'm not a big sit down and eat kind of person...so, I didn't. I just got my goods, drank my coffee, and looked around at the great arts and crafts for sale. Please. Give this place a try. Very much worth it. :) Namaste.
(5)Courtney P.
Really yummy food, especially the desserts! A little pricey compared to usual cafe style but I don't mind because it's nonprofit and delicious. The salad combos are perfect for lunch or light dinner
(4)Diane S.
Great food and a great cause, for certain. Everything I've had has been delish. I have mixed feelings on the atmosphere. On one hand, it's fun to be dining in a gallery/art school as the staff and students wander in and out, but on the other hand it gets incredibly chaotic and crowded very quickly. Definitely worth a visit, though.
(3)Emily C.
I've wanted to go to Baker's Square for a while now, but almost every Baker's Square I know of is closed or closing. I could go to the grocery store and buy a pie, but then I'd have to eat an entire pie, which is not so hot for my girlish figure. I'm a pie-by-the-slice person, all the way. So the craving hit tonight and Stacey A. and myself HAD to get some pie. We just kept talking about it and talking about it until we realized we'd both be really crabby if we didn't eat pie soon. That's when somewhere in the dark recesses of my brain, I remembered there was a pie place near the Montrose Brown line with "slice" in the name. A quick Google and a short walk later, we entered First Slice and holy crap is it cute! There's art and little hand-crafted coffee cups all over one side of it and a little cafe on the other side with four or five different types of pie. I got the red wine poached pear pie (say that five times fast!) and Stacey got the chocolate cream. They heated up my pie and put some whipped cream on it and I was treated to a deliciously warm pear pie with a distinct cinnamon flavor and buttery, crumbly topping. Stacey's was still a little frozen, but as far as chocolate pies go, when I tasted it, I was thinking, "Baker's who?" I've always thought Baker's Square has weird whipped cream and uses way too much of it on their French Silk pie; this was way better whipped cream, the real deal, and there was just enough. The sandwiches and soups look good here too, as does the chai latte. The kicker is the charity business. It's awesome to counteract my slight guilt from stuffing pie in my pie hole with the good feeling that my money was spent at a place that does something helpful for the homeless with a chunk of the proceeds. Mmmm...delicious, delicious humanitarianism.
(4)Julie B.
I agree with the reviewer who felt that the universe is a flawed for not having informed him of a pie cafe earlier. Excuse me, did you say a PIE cafe? Located in an ART GALLERY that is also a nonprofit that FEEDS THE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS? Hello universe, do you know me at all? It's not just that they have awesome pie. It's a place where you can go hit up the other food groups, too. And do it deliciously! Fresh ingredients, great execution of the classics - the turkey chili rocks. And the food sold to customers and distributed charitably is of the same first quality. Could there be a better place to eat? Now open on Sunday!
(5)R P.
I went for the first time, recently for lunch with a friend. I had a quiche that was very tasty and her ham and cheddar she claimed was delicious. I brought home two desserts to share with the family. One slice of Chocolate Peanut Butter pie...very bland, and a lemon bar...very good. I was very disappointed in the pie which is a good two inches of peanut butter filling topped with a thin layer of chocolate. The texture was terrific, but there was almost no flavor at all. The lemon bar is great, sufficiently tart, not too sweet like most places make it. The iced tea (English Breakfast) was some of the best I've had. I'll go back, there are lots of yummy looking desserts other than pies.
(4)Joel S.
Reminds me a lot of a small little coffee shop/deli/bakery that you would find down in Urbana. Just a relaxed kinda vibe, good looking bakery and pies. The sandwich I got here the other day was a ham and cheese with grilled red onion (not onions). Yep, my only complaint, please put more than one single solitary string of onion on my sandwich next time. Maybe they donated the other part of my onion? Regardless, seems like a chill place and I will likely be back.
(4)Rob L.
Would you like not only feed your stomach, tantalize your tastebuds, but at the same time help those a little less fortunate and "shake out the jive bring in the love" to your soul? You just might want to stop by here. Tucked away in a corner in the Lillstreet Art Center, this space not only offer some really well done and very tasty food, but part of the proceeds helps to feed those who are homeless or who need a hot meal. How do you participate in such a karma boosting activity? Eat some really tasty food... can it get any better? Oh yes. It can. Let's, just for a moment, talk about this food. Duck and mozzarella sandwich, butternut squash chowder, apple pie, lemon squares all of which I did not have, but looked great. I did have the duck and French onion soup, which was not only flavorful, had some nice meaty chunks of duck meat in, but for once it wasn't all onion. Yes, there were caramelized onions, but so often when I have it its a little bit of broth and a whole lot of onion, this time, some onions and some good broth. Really good broth. It came with a slice of toasted baguette with melted cheese, (mozzarella perhaps?), and of course the only sane thing was to dunk said bread in to said soup... it made for a very happy me. Then we come to my sandwich, nestled in between two very warm and crunchy piece of French bread, were some nice good pieces of chicken breast, sauteed spinach, sun dried tomatoes, some gooey warm blue cheese and caramelized red onions. Seeing as I had enough onions before, (and I didn't know that they came on the sandwich), I picked off the onions, but I was left with a warm, satisfying and delicious sandwich. Coming on the side was a mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette and chips. This was some really good stuff. As evidence and testimony to that statement I present my clean plate, don't mind the onions, they don't count. My belly was full and nearly screaming "Stop!! Captain! She can't take it no more! They dylithium..." Oh wait, sorry.... my bad. It didn't go all Star Trek on me, but it was getting rather full... but when before me lay over a dozen sweet treats to top my meal off, what can I do but ignore and march on? I was looking at some of the pies and even the lemon bar that Jelena Z raved about, (they are huge and looked nearly irresistible and quite possibly the most perfect lemon bar ever), I ignored them all and went with a caramel chocolate brownie. Yum - mers!! Soft, chewy and full of chocolate chips as well. I ate half and saved the other half for later. I like to savor some of my prey.. I mean treats.... like once a year... but who is counting? The service is table side, but you order at the counter. The woman behind was friendly and brings out the food. Also, you bus your own table. Be nice and do it. Don't make me grab you by the ear and pinch and twist until you do it. I will. Just like Gary the No Trash Cougar says, "Give a larbage; throw out your garbage." Feed your soul a little bit and feed your belly. Come and support this place.
(5)Eric X.
First Slice offers so many great ways to enjoy lunch or dinner while still eating healthy at a reasonable price. Afterwards, be sure to get a dessert. I recommend the chocolate creme pie! It is delicious!
(4)CJ S.
Love this place. We go here for lunch all the time and the food is always great.
(4)Andrea G.
I love it here. All of the entree items are good and fresh (soups, salads, sandwiches, etc.) and the pie is DELICIOUS. My only complaints are: 1) It does get crowded (especially on weeknight evenings) and seating is limited 2) There are only a few highchairs which is probably ok most of the time but on a couple of visits with my toddler son they have all been taken 3) The self-service station for water, utensils, dirty dishes, etc. is too small and not in an easy to use location 4) They call out the name of the food item when it's ready as opposed to the name of the person who ordered it...when more than one hungry person is waiting for the same item, it can then be awkward deciding who came first 5) The slices of that DELICIOUS pie are just not big enough!
(4)Stephanie M.
I LOVE FIRST SLICE. Thanks to my Discover Chicago class at DePaul, I got to try this wonderful little place a few years ago. I've been in love with the place ever since! I haven't tried a single thing here that isn't amazing. The sandwiches are awesome, my personal favorite is the chicken guacamole sandwich that's usually listed under the specials menu. Their lemon bars are as good as they look. The pies that I've tried are all to die for. Basically everything is good. Plus, your money that you give them is supporting a good cause. I don't really have a problem with the prices; I figure that since I only go there once in a while and my money is going toward something worthwhile, it's not a big deal. I like that First Slice is conveniently located right off the Montrose brown line stop too. In the end, I think that everyone should try First Slice...at least once, but I'm sure you'll want to go back ASAP. :)
(5)Slu S.
Great cause and great food. Being an actuary, I am stuck studying for months on end for exams. I spend days studying at first slice, sampling tamales, quiche, coffee, pie, and salads. Their service is always very friendly and the food is wonderful. My favorite is the Latin Hip Hop Fusion salad. The coffee and key lime pie make shutter just typing about them.
(5)Lauren H.
This supports a great organization, a self-funding community kitchen to help feed Chicago's needy. But aside from being for a great cause, the food was so good! I had a mediterranean quiche with a side salad, and it was so tasty! Everything looked so good it was very hard to choose. And all the meals I helped pack for the subscriber's program (see their website for more info firstslice.org ) looked very good too. Plenty of free parking, and shares the space with an art studio/school. Definitely will go back.
(5)Lindley E.
Great food, good cause, and, more importantly, for people too busy to cook, these guys have a terrific subscription program. Once a week families come down to the cafe to pick up their meals for the week. They are always delicious, exquisitely prepared and varied. For nearly a year the cafe space in which they operate was empty. Now that they are in the Gallery at Lill street, hungry students can always find something really good to eat. Pies are great, soups are delicious, and the tamales are pretty tasty too. Everything is seasonal and reflects changes in produce availability. This is one cafe both in synch with the community and with agriculture. To do justice to your visit, make sure you time it to one of Lill's great gallery shows. You can find out more at lillstreet.com/DEPGAL.ht… .
(4)Mike D.
Really good sandwiches, salads and pies, and I can feel a little bit of good about eating there since it supports a great program fighting hunger. A bit pricey, but worth it for the same reasons.
(4)Ross F.
Great gormet-ish style lunch type food. Plenty of salad type stuff, good sandwiches, and a creative menu. They give the 'First slice' of their profits (and I assume food) to good causes so you can fill up on good karma while catching a quick bite. No credit cards accepted so bring your green stuff. (i think they may have started accepting credit cards)
(5)Pandora P.
First Slice is not only socially conscious but, has amazing food! They even have food prepackaged to take home for dinner. They are located in the Lill Street Art Studio and you can gaze at many interesting displays while you graze. The prices are pretty good on sweets (the salads are priced a bit high but, when a portion is going to charity and the food is good how can you miss?). They have a lemon bar that is to die for and also some very good coffee! There is usually easy parking on Ravenswood and once the Montrose EL stop is reopened it is even more convenient. Pick up a brochure for classes while you're there, they have a bunch of interesting classes for adults and kids!
(5)rachel p.
came to first slice for dinner mainly because i had a hankerin' for some pie... i read the other reviews on yelp and saw a lot of good comments about the non-pie fare. the food did not disappoint. i had a tasty sammich with smoked turkey, aged cheddar and an apple/cherry chutney (festive and fall like). my dining buddy had a butternut squash lasagna that was also quite good. *one problem w/ the lasagna though... it wasn't exactly what i would call hot. however, the girl behind the counter was happy to warm it. the pie... also quite tasty. we tried the sour cherry and the pecan. the cherry had a nice cinnamon flavor to it and the pecan a nice maple finish. the menu was a definite step up from regular cafe eats; mostly seasonal ingredients (which i dig) and ya know, the many varieties of pies (including whole ones that you can order up for the holidays). thats always a win in my book. oh... and one last thing; they don't take cash (although randomly they do accept checks).
(4)Q.P. G.
The best cafe lunch option in Ravenswood. The Cobb salad is really great and the molasses cookies are incredible. It's a little pricey but the money goes toward feeding Chicagoans in need.
(4)Shayna W.
The food isn't very vegan friendly so I had a sandwich without cheese and it just wasn't that good, but the waitress was friendly and helpful and high-larious which was a plus.
(3)bj f.
i've only eaten their fresh and tasty offerings as take out fare, but the atmosphere of its light and art filled space is very welcoming to me, though it may be a bit bare bones for some. scones are tender, flavors distinct, veggie and goat cheese/duck sandwiches are my favorite, veg quiches are tasty. beet/pear salad refreshing and savory. even the salad dressing is unique.no complaints with anything i've tried. and knowing that your enjoyment is helping others with even more basic needs is an added, welcome, bonus.
(5)Tim V.
I wonder why restaurants limit their market by putting a dessert item in their name when they serve awesome regular food. I wonder if these people know the founder of Hot Chocolate. Whatever. I thought this place specialized in pie (per the name), but it's their sandwiches that are awesome. Honestly, the pie is just ok. Get the smoked ham and cheddar...thick ham, delicious cheddar, and grilled, thin bread. Awesome meat/cheese to bread ratio. The curry chicken salad is also good, although the regular chicken salad isn't. It's weird, I know. You should also know that some (or maybe all) of the profits go to the attached art center, which is nice.
(4)Mike H.
I had a terrific smoked ham and cheddar sandwich with red onions, served with potato chips and a mixed greens/apple salad. The desserts looked fantastic, and they even sell homemade pies-to-go that you bake in your oven for an hour. The atmosphere was relaxed and casual, with a view of the gallery from the cafe. There aren't too many good places to eat in my immediate neighborhood, and even fewer that aren't fast food, so finding this gem was a real score. I'll definitely be going back, and not alone the next time...
(5)stephen r.
We've been wanting to go there and happened to think of it on the way home after running some errands. We swung on over, parked along the tracks in the snow and had ourselves some good vittles. I ordred the chicken and blue cheese sandwich, which comes on their flatbread with chips (ridged!) and a side salad. My wife ordered the turkey chili. Both were very good. You literally sit in a gallery which is a fun lunch time experience. Busing your own table somewhow makes your feel part of the action as well. We didn't buy any art, but we grabbed a delicious molasses cookie for home.
(4)Megan B.
First Slice never fails to impress me. Great pie, wonderful for a meal, beverage, or snack. I stop in here weekly when I come to classes at LillStreet. I also love the selection of frozen stuff to take home.
(5)A. L.
I have to say that I am completely shocked by the rave reviews about the pie at this place. I went into First Slice to get my boyfriend a pie for his birthday. The worker there was nice (so that's why I will give 1 star). I even feel bad writing this review because of the great deeds they do for the community, but let it be told the chocolate peanut butter pie was horrific! They basically took 5 jars of peanut butter and plopped it in pie crust. It was terrible. You could tell there was no effort or thought put into this pie creation. I served it to about 10 drunk people with ice cream and no one except our friend "Bulldozer" (who eats anything) ate the middle peanut butter center. Oh man not a good birthday pie at all! Well at least some of the proceeds go to helping others! Otherwise I advise go elsewhere for pie...
(1)James K.
Delicious sandwiches, at a good price. But no high chairs. And the kids' grilled cheese was mostly burnt bread. But the chocolate cream pie ruled!
(4)Shelu B.
i like this place. it's bright and sunny and attached to an art gallery. the added bonus is they support local causes, as all the other reviews mention.
(5)Nina W.
Located in the Lill Street Arts Center is a tiny cafe by the name of First Slice Pie. I've wanted to try this cafe for weeks, so this was the first place I recommended to my sister for lunch. We arrived at 1 p.m. only to see that First Slice was packed, so we took a seat at the only available table, which stood in the center of the cafe. Unfortunately, we were constantly being bumped into by the staff, which had to squeeze by in order to deliver food. I ordered the black bean and mushroom tamales, which came with a small salad smothered in Pumpkin seeds, while my sister ordered a cranberry and turkey sandwich. We agreed that both meals were delicious and that they should think about carrying another line of pop since we both thought the Boylan's Black Cherry and Root beer soda tasted disgusting. After spending $22.00 for two lunches and two pops, I felt indifferent about my experience. I know that First Slice is doing great things to help feed the hungry and homeless in Chicago through subscriptions, donations, and the very selfless volunteers, but I think next time I come, I'll get my food to go.
(3)