Okay, so I live in Lincoln Park and I resent when people say negative things about the "type of people" that live here. Toast seems to fit into all of those stereotypical characteristics but I love it anyways. I'm giving it four stars for the food, not the service. They are always packed and the seating space is ridiculously small. They also do not take reservations which I thought was extremely rude when my group of 10 called two weeks in advance. They made us wait almost two hours along with everyone else. Oh well, I guess we could have gone somewhere else. The eggs benedict is my all-time favorite and the coffee is amazingly strong and tasty. I'm not big on pancakes or french toast but even to me all of the options sound so tasty. I bring all my out of town friends here and they always love it. The servers are all extremely friendly as well. If I could stomach the wait, I would be here every weekend.
(4)
Pat H.
I've heard a lot of good things about this place...and i had big expectations as I waited in line for an hour before being seated for brunch a few weekends ago ... but toast didnt do it for me. It's a pretty small place (hence the long lines on the weekends) I give them credit for the creative menu items that you wouldnt see at other popular brunch spots. But for me the execution just was not there & it was disappointing. The service was good - i think it would have to be if people are waiting in line for an hour ... and the atmosphere was decent ... nothing to write home about. If my friends want to go anytime soon - I'm coming up with a lame excuse to not tag along ... then going to nookies...
(2)
Jessica W.
Very cute place with an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items. We were luckly enough to sit on the back patio on a beautiful day, definitely added to our overall experience. They are BYOB so be prepared. We brought a bottle of champagne and they provided fresh squeezed OJ and strawberries for $8, great deal! I also had an iced coffee and it was killer...think they serve Intelligentsia but not sure. I had Whole Wheat Pancakes, they were super light and still hearty. Husband had the BELT with avocado and loved it. Friends had stuffed french toast and Chilaquiles, both were very satisfied. Our server was friendly enough although he seemed to disappear a bit. No worry for us, we had our champagne in arms reach!
(4)
Rand M.
I know, I know, I still love Yolk for all it's eggy freshness but Toast is still my go to place. Right off of Oz Park and the BEST plate full of multi-flavored french toast goodness you can get. As anyone who knows me knows, I love good coffee. Not just coffee. Good coffee. Toast has good coffee. If you want the place to meet for a comfortable breakfast meeting, this is it. Don't stay too long unless you flirt a lot though --- the manager can get a little testy with you if she wants the table.
(4)
Chris K.
Total yumminess! Great food, excellent service. Often a wait, but well worth it!
(5)
David G.
I love orgies. My favorite has got to be Toast's stuffed french toast orgy which has a choice of stuffed french toast covered in yogurt, granola, and berries!! The coffee is also excellent. It's usually a long wait for Toast, but I will definitely be going back for the orgy :)
(4)
Meghan H.
Toast had been on my list of places to try for a while and unfortunately all that I found enjoyable was the service, the quaint atmosphere, and the hashbrowns... Whenever I go out for breakfast food I am expecting, or at least hoping, for all components of the meal to be of the best quality because the actual cooking is fairly elementary as far as my usual order of eggs and bacon is concerned. How hard can it be for them to toss bacon in a pan or bread in a toaster?? It is expected that they not burn either, so what elevates certain breakfast restaurants above the rest more so lies with the quality of the ingredients than with the actual preparation of the meal. And unfortunately at Toast this quality of ingredients was lacking. As a true bacon addict, I can attest that their bacon definitely needs some help. It was way too paper-thin and had no meat or real flavor to it at all, not to mention how it was cooked to way beyond crisp... Sadly these same bad comments go for their toast as well. I found that it was not the flavor-packed, seedy, hearty, multigrain bread I was hoping to enjoy, but rather a dull imitation of a loaf of the generic stuff from the grocery store. A true disappointment especially considering that "toast" is the name of this place! You'd think they pride themselves on their delicious breads with a name like that... Just when I was sure that all hope was lost, I took up a fork-full of their house potatoes and my mouth instantly watered. I crave them to this day. Of all the breakfast places I have visited since my experience at Toast no restaurant has been able to come close to the deliciousness of that side of wonderfully seasoned, perfectly-prepared, baby red potatoes. The potatoes are what save the rating of this place because unfortunately the rest of this place was a disappointment.
(3)
Jamie B.
This place is really good for breakfast/lunch/brunch. The service was attentive and prompt. The menu is very versatile, with offerings for the health conscious and vegetarian crowd. It is a small space with very high ceilings, so it feels a lot larger inside than it is. The food was great, everyone at our table was happy. I had a vegetarian egg-white omelet with fruit that was really good. My husband had the breakfast burrito, which came with a homemade spicy sauce in a spinach wrap. The in-laws had and omelets as well, one of which was the smoked salmon omelet. This received rave reviews at the table. I wish I lived in the neighborhood, but I will venture back often this summer.
(5)
Josh G.
Toast is my favorite place for a (sober) brunch in Chicago! It has a very cool atmosphere with little toasters from all generations spread out threw out the restaurant. Food was simple and delicious, but they have other options that are great twists like chorizo and fresh pico de gallo.
(5)
Allan B.
Had to wait for about 45 minutes, but it was definitely worth it. Pancake orgy and pesto scrambler were amazing. Food/10 Service/10 Definitely coming back.
(5)
Sun P.
We brought my in-laws here for brunch on a weekday morning, and we were able to be seated right away. The atmosphere is nice, and the service is decent. The food was unmemorable, and just kinda "blah" and forgettable. My husband and his father each ordered the "French Toast Orgy" and "Pancakes Orgy" (okay, maybe an extra half star for interesting names for their dishes), but they both said their meals were a little too sweet. That's saying a lot coming from these mega-sweet tooths. Ever the savory breakfast person, I got the breakfast burrito (which I order at every brunch place as my consistent measure between restaurants), and it was forgettable. And actually rather small. It was, as Yelp describes its 3-star rating, A-OK. Just not super remarkable. I think if you're going to go all out and wait for a good brunch somewhere in the city, go elsewhere. This place isn't that impressive.
(3)
Alison H.
Surprised at lukewarm reviews. The food I had was pretty delicious. Highly recommend the Crabby Benedict. The hollandaise sauce is so buttery and good. The potatoes on the side were a little weird (i.e. burnt-ish) but tasty. Pancakes were solid. I did order a short stack with fruit and whipped cream and it only came with the fruit (strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, melon, and grapes - some of which don't go with pancakes very well). The Heavenly Lemonade (with champagne) is tasty but pricey. I loved the meal, really, but knocked off a star because of the 1 hour wait and cramped setup.
(4)
Caroline M.
Squeaked in right before the Saturday morning brunch rush. No wait at 9am! As I pursued the menu I realized I had quite the dilemma on my hands: Sweet (super delicious yummy sounding french toast) or Savory (super delicious yummy sounding omelet). Sigh. Oh, the decisions in my life! I settled on the chocolate french toast, while my man friend got the lorraine omelet. We were both very pleased with our selections. My french toast was a tower of squishy, soft carbs, surrounded by fresh fruit and dusted with powdered sugar. The omelet was really great with the bacon, gruyere and veggies, toast on the side. Service was fast. Our beverages were replenished often and the food was divine. Remember to arrive early to snag a seat!
(4)
Jacki P.
Great meal, great atmosphere. Fast service and Tyler is very helpful and fun! Awesome shirt too!! :)
(5)
Stephanie T.
My sister raves about this place. I trust her, so I thought why not? It was a hot Sunday morning in Chicago. I stepped into Toast and I thought I was a piece of toast in a toaster. It was cooler outside than it was inside. I was so hot, I started taking off jewelry and any accessories that made me uncomfortable. When we were seated, I made it a point to sit beneath the ceiling fan. My mom wasn't so lucky. She was sweating profusely throughout our meal. Nothing really jumped out at me from the menu. I ordered the B.E.L.T. and a side of chocolate ship pancakes. The food was solid, however, when I looked behind the bar, I noticed the specials menu. I would have chosen the bacon, tomato, asparagus and Gruyere omelet had our waitress informed us about it.
(2)
Jessica L.
Indulgent brunch-lovers, this is your go-to spot! Savory eggs benedict, rich, sweet french toast...your tastebuds will thank you for starting the day off deliciously. This morning, I took advantage of an awesome Groupon deal here ($10 for $20 worth). A friend and I arrived around 10am. No wait for a table for two, although Toast was bustling with guests by then. The first thing I noticed was the warm, inviting lighting-- peachtone walls and casual hanging lights. [Contrary to the previous review, I found the storefront to be charming-- an industrial feel with a red brickwall, and a cozy corner location.] We decided to go for halfsies on the French Toast orgy, and the Veggie Eggs Benedict. **French Toast orgy: Marscapone is genius-- a creamy, soft flavor complements the sweet maple syrup. As for the Mexican Chocolate and Strawberry-- the decadent flavors were there, but I found the consistency of the french toast to be a bit tooo soggy...I missed the nice seared texture of a solid french toast. **Veggie Eggs benedict: HANDS-DOWN one of the best benedicts I've ever tasted. The Hollandaise sauce was rich and buttery, but the spinach and chunks of artichokes provided a savory and vegetal component. The runnyness of the egg yolk was perfect-- the English muffin base soaked it right up. It was served with their house potatoes, which were hearty and cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Lastly, I enjoyed their house coffee very much! Toast serves Julius Meinl coffee, a gourmet Viennese roasting company. As a Peet's Coffee barista, I have befriended many a coffee bean, and I was impressed with Julius Meinl's nutty aroma and smooth finish. A mild, ease-into-the-morning cup of joe. I'd definitely venture back to Toast to try their lunch menu (croque monsieur, or ahi tuna with grilled fennel?!! SOLD.) Their prices are reasonable, for the ingredient quality, comfortable setting and decent service (excuse the following digression: their host service was not very attentive..a coffee refill once, and no "check-in" after meal arrived). All in all, I enjoyed my Toast!
(4)
Jillian P.
I've been wanting to try out this joint for a while and I finally got a chance to see what the hubbub was about. It was a Friday brunch hour, we were welcomed and sat right away. Immediately, we were offered coffee, given menus, but then our waiter disappeared, for what it felt like, foreverrrrrr. Literally, I was almost done with my coffee, by the time he took our order. I'm not a fast coffee guzzler. Overwhelmed by so many choices, I decided to go with the stuffed French toast. He suggested the cheese was the best, but I decided to get one of each, strawberry , chocolate & ricotta. Our food came after a while, honestly, I was kind of disappointed. Slightly mooshy, lukewarm, and didnt have the custardy texture I usually like about french toast. I also expected full, fresh strawberries, oozing chocolate & fluffy cheese. I admit, the cheese was good, but nothing ro rave over. Although,I did have a bite of my friend's chicken sausage, it was boooooooomb! So much that I took the whole link. Sweet, mapley, peppery goodness with a snap. Can I buy some of that?! Anyways, I ate half of my food and saved the leftovers, but.... I had a feeling it wouldn't be as good as a leftover, given the moosh factor, so I ended up leaving it be in the fridge. The 3 stars could've been 4, if the service was a bit more prompt, other than that, I'll probably give it another try, just for an "orgy" on a plate.
(3)
David L.
Very friendly staff and food that will put you in a wonderful food coma.
(5)
Bee S.
Went to Toast for the first time this weekend... consensus = YUMMMMMY! The wait was long (1 hour). It's quite small inside and there were already people waiting so we just went to starbucks down the street and sat around for 40 minutes. The host was nice, and his retro coca-cola t-shirt and funky glasses were fun. He remembered us from before and when we went to wait outside for the last 20 minutes or so, he came outside in the cold to tell us our table was ready instead of just passing it off to a party waiting indoors. I got the eggs benedict. Nothing to complain about here, pretty standard. The side of home fries were yummy. My friend got the pancake orgy and OMG I had a bite and it was delicious. 3 different flavored pancakes (blueberry, poppy-seed, and ?) stacked with yogurt, granola, and fruit galore. My boyfriend got 3 lemon poppy-seed pancakes and I thought they tasted so sweet and delicious that you didn't even need to put syrup or anything on them. Overall everyone loved their food. I tried a little of everyone's pancakes and they are hands-down some of the best (if not THE best... seriously) pancakes I've ever had. Honestly. The lemon poppy-seed was the bomb and the overall combo of the yogurt and granola on pancakes is so clever I might start doing it at home. It tasted wonderful. Next time I'll get pancakes instead of the benedict. This brunch for 4 people = $40. A steal if you ask me.
(5)
Erin H.
Toast is a unique little breakfast spot that is a definite must TRY, but not really a must RE-VISIT for me. We got there on a busy sunday morning (brunch time) and were told we had a 45 minute wait after the hostess looked at me blankly for a few seconds which made me wonder if she was actually the hostess or just someone eating there considering when I walked in she was sitting at the bar/stool area eating. We waited outside for a while, then ended up inside after the other parties before us got seated. There is VERY minimal seating for those waiting. I had the infamous French Toast Orgy. I was impressed, although I wasn't really clear on the ordering options so I asked for all strawberry french toast. I was served a plate with 3 rather large logs of stuffed french toast, covered with fresh fruits and berries. When we got our food (because that was when the waitress actually came back to our table after taking our order) I requested a side of potatoes because they looked REALLY good. The potatoes were on my table within seconds. The strawberry was AMAZING. But after getting through that one log, I was a little sad to realize, I almost didn't have enough room left for the other 2. I dug my fork into log #2 only to realize that I was served all 3 flavors, instead of just strawberry. First, I tried a bite of the mexican chocolate, maybe I've never had "mexican" chocolate before, but jesus christ was that rich. I felt like a dog trying to get peanut butter off the roof of my mouth after that single bite. It was really good, and I'm sure chocolate lovers devour it within minutes, but I'm not much of a chocolate person so I moved on to try the mascarpone. Plain and simple, I didn't like it. It was too bland for my tastebuds. The service was... ok. What can you really expect in a small diner on a busy sunday? I would definitely recommend my friends check this place out if they want a sugary dough-y breakfast, but it just wasn't for me. I had to go home and spend the next hour or so relaxing just to feel normal again.
(3)
Jeff K.
1 star is too many. I went there about 2 years ago and things might have changed, at least I hope they did but I still thought I would share this review because it was the worst service I have ever gotten!!! The big problem is that they have a rule that you cannot sit down until your entire party has arrived. My younger sister was coming from the suburbs and running very late and my other sister needed to get to the airport. So we sat down and then of course 20 minutes after we sat (after we waited 45 min for a table) my younger sister arrived. We had already ordered and they would not allow her to sit down with us. There was a seat available and they wanted her to stand or for us to give up the table. What a stupid rule!!! Especially since we had already ordered, what are they crazy especially since there was a seat avaliable at the table. So, we stormed out and went to nookies instead. I would never eat at any of there locations again. There a ton of other breakfast places with better service, try one of those instead!!
(1)
Dennis L.
I visited Toast for a weekday business lunch with a client and had a good experience overall. It is always a must for a breakfast joint to have excellent coffee. Thankfully, Toast serves bottomless cups of Julius Meinl. For my meal, I ordered the Spinach, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Omelet with home fries and sourdough toast. The omelet was excellent with a perfect about of goat cheese inside and visually appealing with the spinach mixed into the egg. The home fries were flavorful and the toast was good (shouldn't it be!) The restaurant is small and cozy. I am not a huge fan of the endless side by side tables, but they are pretty limited by the space. Our server was very friendly, and he kept my coffee coming.
(4)
Matt C.
This is the best breakfast food I have had at a restaurant in Chicago. Period. Toast shines because of it's simplicity. They offer expertly cooked breakfast staples featuring fresh, delicious ingredients. I have tried the Smoked Salmon Omelette, Crabby Benedict, and the almighty Breakfast Burrito. I recommend any of these dishes, all are delicious, but to me the Burrito is easily the star. I have tried making breakfast burritos a few times, and have ordered them in a few restaurants, but no egg-based burrito has come CLOSE to how good the Breakfast Burrito is at Toast. It's a very simple dish, but everything inside (and outside) that delicious green tortilla is cooked to perfection. I recommend getting it with Avocado, it's awesome. Also the Grilled Chicken Sausage with Apple and Gouda is really, really, good and be ready for the huge portion they offer as a side. Actually Toast has pretty large portion sizes in general -- you would probably be fine splitting an entree with someone (but good luck deciding on one dish to order). The wait for a table can be a little long on the weekend (it's a very small restaurant). If you can find time to get there on a weekday I highly recommend doing that -- the few times I have been there on a weekday there was zero wait for a table. The service at Toast is great -- the servers are friendly, attentive, and good at getting people in and out without making you feel rushed. Also I have no idea what magic cooking component they put in their house potatoes, and frankly I don't want to know, but they are really damn good.
(5)
Heather C.
One of the reasons why I wish I lived in Chicago! The food was FABULOUS! I ordered a spinach/gruyere/prosciutto omelet with house potatoes and fresh fruit. It was superb. The mimosa was amazing as well! Waiter was attentive and kind. I had a couple of special requests and he got everything right! I'm giving this 4 stars because the wait was terrible (1 1/2 hrs).
(4)
David G.
I like this place. I like the owner( Detroit chics rock!)...she tells it like it is and there aint no bs there. Most importantly the food rocks...had the medley of pancakes and they were awesome
(4)
Laurel T.
Pancake Orgy! Terrific pancakes one of every flavor topped with yogurt and granola- you don't even need to add syrup! Word of caution they will put you into a food coma... Cute place and a great atmosphere. They have great mimosas with multiple flavor options!
(5)
Kelly C.
I believe it was groupon who originally introduced me to this great little breakfast/brunch spot. I have been here a couple times and enjoyed it both times. The first time I went to Toast was with my mom and sis who were in town. Because it was a Friday morning we didn't have a wait which based on other reviews is odd! My mom had the french toast orgy and my sis had the pancake orgy - the amount of food that came out was insane! They both enjoyed there choices and left at least half on the plate. I'm not a fan of sweet breakfast foods (give me eggs dammit) so I had the BELT sandwich with avocado and it was amazing. I substituted the potatoes for the fresh fruit and was pleasantly surprised when the fruit consisted of berries and not just the standard mango/cantalope mixture you get at most places. Since my original visit I have had good experiences, a couple times a bit of a wait but nothing too terrible. My only problem is I liked the sandwich so much that I haven't tried anything else on the menu - and they have lots of items that look tasty! I will definitely be back. Try it out during the week and avoid any crazy wait times.
(4)
Jack B.
WOULDN'T COME BACK HERE IF YOU POINTED A GUN TO MY HEAD. However, I'm just a regular person! If you're a single dad with a cute kid, this is the place for you. The hostess will fawn over you, bring you (and ONLY you) a hot cup of coffee while you wait, and give you the first available table even though several other parties of two were in line ahead of you. But if the hostess isn't interested in flirting with you, you'll be lied to and ignored until you eventually walk out and give your Groupon to the people in line behind you (who may or may not have ever gotten a table, they were two girls with no cute kid). I honestly couldn't have been more offended by the way the hostess treated us. Maybe you expect that kind of snobbiness at trendy nightclubs or something, but this is a mediocre diner in Lincoln Park. Get over yourself. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE.
(1)
Colleen C.
Soooooooo, I go on a carb protest and end up eating at a restaurant aptly named, Toast. Sigh. I love carbs. Good thing Toast has some ridiculously tempting egg options. I swung for the Lorraine omelette with applewood smoked bacon, gruyere and veggies. Slam (egg) dunk! One of the best I've ever had with just the correct egg: filling ratio. Ya know, you can only eat so much egg, so the balance is good. Skip the potatoes, shared the toast with Andrea, and...kept the omelette and hot coffee with SPLENDA to myself. Good girl. Service was adequate, the host was brusque. Seating is limited, I wouldn't touch this place on a weekend with a ten foot sausage. (Poles have carbs, I think). Joking. You get it. If you can sneak in mid-week, do it. It even filled up as we were dining... I refrained from viewing the rest of the menu. I had my "carbless-eyes" on. Also know as my "angry eyes." Next week, stay tuned for my dining adventures at Potato Cafe, White Flour Bakery and Rice!
(4)
Lana S.
Huevos With Chorizo & Cheddar. End of review. No, really though, amazing breakfast place in Lincoln Park. Everything is cooked to perfection and comes out relatively quickly. Unfortunately you have to kind of expect a wait with this place, it's delicious and holds about 30 people, that may even be generous. Seriously, try this place if you haven't, and if you have I'm sure you've gone back multiple times.
(5)
Laura K.
I have been twice. The first time was pretty unmemorable, but I just went this past weekend again and loved it! I think a big plus was that we went at 8:30 am and therefore there was no wait at all. We were seated right away and service was good - definitely not rude like some of the other people seem to have experienced. Food was delicious. I ordered the veggie eggs benedict with spinach and artichoke which was really tasty. There were also so many other things on the menu that I wanted to try. It is definitely not your typical breakfast joint as the choices offer more than your standard omelet/egg dishes. I definitely want to go back, but I don't think I would want to wait an hour so I will be sure to go a little on the earlier side the way we did this time.
(4)
Meghan R.
This is by far the best brunch in Chicago!! I have been coming here for 7-8 years and the food consistently blows my mind. I have tried almost every item on the menu and I have yet to find something I do not enjoy. The eggs Benedict is my favorite on the menu and my favorite in the city. Additionally, the wait stuff is incredibly friendly and attentive. One of the waiters has been bussing there since I first came here and he always remember me. Great place!!
(5)
Brian S.
Almost as good as Orange for brunch food. Toast's half-hour plus wait gets annoying, but their food is good, especially whatever the special french toast is the day of your visit. Why doesn't Lincoln Park have more places like Toast and Orange? It seems like they'd make as much money as they want!
(4)
Janice L.
I would not mind a 30 minute wait for very good service and a good meal but the waistress confused our order twice and the place doesn't have whipped butter for pancakes. She brought out my pancakes and had to wait until I ask her to bring the maple syrup and the little packets of butter, come on really?? For how small the place is, you think the service would be better
(3)
Andrea C.
i am sorry, but i do not see what all of the fuss is about! i was up early with the bf one snowy morning this past winter and we decided to use his groupon to toast that was about to expire. i'm glad we got there early because the restaurant is teeny tiny. the atmosphere is cute and cozy- and i will say, it was especially nice on that snowy day. because of this, i really wanted to like toast- but i just left feeling on the fence. i had the eggs benedict (with the prosciutto) and felt like something was off. for some reason the sauce and i did not agree. the bf had the stuffed french toast and seemed pleased overall, but not wow-ed. the reason im being harsh with stars, though is that service was not great from start to finish. it took forever for our waiter to initially get to us...and after he took our orders, it seemed like we were forgotten! no water refills, no check-ins. finally, when the bill came, it was pretty close to the amount of the groupon...our waiter said that he wasn't allowed to charge less than $10 on a card, so my poor bf had to go out into the snow and find an atm to withdraw cash! i mean i understand that some restaurants have policies like that, but $10 seemed a little bit high. i hate to be down on this place because so many people do seem to like it, but our experience was just subpar. toast...burned.
(2)
Erin H.
Let's start with the cute guy working behind the breakfast bar who always wears flannel. Even when the wait is 45 minutes and they're supposed to close in 10, this guy keeps a smile! He's super friendly, pours the fastest cup of coffee in town, and makes you feel like what you ordered couldn't be less than pure genius. The breakfast burrito keeps me coming back, add the chorizo if you're feeling salty. Pancake orgasm will cure your maple-must-have craving for months. If you're shy about any of the toppings they happily put them on the side, though I guarantee you'll throw it all on top as they recommend, in the end. Who doesn't love table cloths you can write on? Bring a Red-Eye on weekend mornings because you'll wait, but the staff doesn't mind at all if you enjoy a cup of coffee in their waiting area or head over to Starbucks to kill 20 minutes and caffeinate.
(4)
Maegin C.
Food was fantastic! I had the special Chorizo and Pico de gallo Benedict with a side of potatoes. I also wanted to try the stuffed French toast but I didn't want a whole order so he let me try one slice of the mascarpone stuffed French toast and it was to die for! Still sweet but not too much to overpower it. Definitely would recommend trying both! Will be coming back for sure. Be careful though, the restaurant is small and gets packed fast!
(5)
Zach B.
Went here a couple of weeks ago with some friends. Place was real small and I felt crammed while eating my meal. My friend wanted the wheat pancakes but they didn't have the batter ready??? I ordered the grill cheese which was dry and bland. Only thing I liked was the one beer they had. You're better off going to Clarkes or Golden Nugget if you want good breakfast sad to say. Wont be back.
(2)
Matt B.
How can you not love Lemony Truffle Hollandaise Sauce? Although the wait and the crowded seating isn't the greatest. Watch out for the Wasabi Bloody Mary... it's HOT!
(3)
Isabella W.
Toast is one of my favorite brunch places (among Hot Chocolate, Southport Grocery & Cafe, X/O). The stuffed french toast is the #1 thing to get here (it comes in 3 flavors - strawberry, chocolate, and mascarpone).. and mascarpone is the one to get (you can mix & match your french toast, and/or get all one flavor, which is what I do). I would endure a 2 hour wait just for the french toast. Their omelettes are good too, as are the mimosas (notably the peach mimosa).
(4)
Eric H.
The hostess said the wait would be 45 minutes. I waited 47 minutes. She has a very good understanding of time, apparently. I was the best dressed male and third best looking person on the sunday that I dined there. It wasn't raining. I had the grilled tenderloin benedict. The dish came out with two circular objects covered with what appeared to be yellow stuff over poached eggs and meat chunks. Upon closer inspection, the eggs turned out to be eggs, the meat chunks turned out to be grilled tenderloin, the yellow stuff turned out to be truffle hollandaise sauce and the aforementioned circular objects were english muffins. Forgive me for not capitalizing english. The grilled tenderloin was relatively medium, as requested. Bites 1, 6 and 8 of the circular object number one were my favorite. Bites 11 and 18 of circular object number two were also delicious. My favorite piece of silverware was the huge, wooden steak knife. There was a child at another table to my right that wouldn't stop staring at me at one point. I told him to mind his business. The dish also came with free home fries. Home fry number 1 was crisp and delicious. Home fry number 2 was wet and gross. I hated it. Home fry number 3 tasted like the smell of a tennis ball but i really liked it. Home fry number 4 was eaten by my accomplice. Home fry number 5 was decent. I didn't eat anymore home fries after home fry 5. I paid the bill and left. I'll go back again.
(4)
Erin K.
I must say that I was very pleased with my experience. Despite the fact that I went at peak brunch hours today, we were seated immediately (yay!). Unfortunately, I ended up in the awkward seat closest to the bathroom, so people had to squeeze past me to get to it every once in a while. Food-wise, I ordered the stuffed french toast, with one of each option (chocolate, strawberry, and mascarpone cheese). Wow to the chocolate. It tasted exactly like a chocolate souffle inside a piece of french toast. I was so excited about it. The strawberry one was my second favorite, but it was not nearly as good as the chocolate. I'm not quite sure what turned me off to it, perhaps it was just the fact that it looked like raw meat. Awkward. The mascarpone was a little heavy for me. I had to continually eat the fruit and gulp coffee in between each bite. I think it was the fact that it separated a little bit, so with the oil soaking into the bread and the cheese still being intense, it was way too rich. But more power to you if you like lusciously heavy breakfast and would love it. The coffee was great. I wouldn't expect any less from a restaurant owned by Julius Meinl. Service was that perfect in-between attentiveness. I hate having a good conversation frequently interrupted by a server, and I hate it when you can't get a refill on your drinks because your waiter refuses to return to your table to check on you. It's gotta be in the middle of the spectrum. My server was within that perfect range. Loved it.
(4)
JP D.
I live right above this place so the wait isn't too big of a deal with me. I've been here probably like 5 or 6 times, most likely because of the proximity to me. Now the food is pretty good. But there are some things that turn me off to this place. 1) The lady manager that works there and drives the mini, always illegally parks in front of the place. She kinda has this snotty attitude, like yeah, I'm a restaurant manager, but I'm still better than you. I don't know, maybe I made a false read, but she just gives me that impression. I went there for a business breakfast and after the meal I felt like I was rushed out. 2) The black host guy. He is flamboyant and tries to be funny, but again, I do not like his attitude. I noticed he doesn't write your name down when you wait and he picks who is next based on who he sees waiting the longest. So, with him, you might get screwed if you don't wait in the restaurant.
(3)
Kathe E.
Thanks for your review, Chris A -- could not agree with you more. I only wish it were possible to give negative stars. My fiance and I waited months to go to Toast until we both had a weekday morning off (since attempting a weekend breakfast there is insane, we learned after several attempts). We were unceremoniously waved to the third table from the window, next to an architect (at the 4th table) who was looking at his 'etchings.' The owner/manager/crazy lady was teetering around on high heels, lost her balance, and fell against our table, GRABBING ME BY THE NECK to keep from hitting the floor. The jostling of our table sent our coffee flying all over us, and all over the sketches the architect was working on. Crazy Lady said "Whew! That was close! See, I almost hurt my hand!" and showed us a red mark on her palm, which she then compared to stigmata. I repeat, STIGMATA. I WISH I were making this all up. She did not offer anything to help us mop up, and was oblivious to any damage she had done to the man's drawings -- just kept blathering on and on about her own wipe out. She did have them move us to another table, but offered no apology and did not ask if I was okay. Once we got there, the service was slow (they were way understaffed), the food was only okay, and our first cups of coffee were tepid. We almost left several times during the meal, but decided to stick it out. When we were done, it took forever to get our bill, and when we got it, no deduction of any kind had been made for the incident at the other table. To our credit, we did tip our waiter well, since none of it was his fault and he was obviously in the weeds, but we will NEVER go there again. Phooey on Toast.
(1)
Barnaby F.
Quite good, if not great. I would come try it again before trying any of the other spots in the area.
(3)
Michelle M.
GREAT! I love this place. The food was delicious and the hostess Jill was so warm and welcoming and soooo funny! I will be back there for sure! I love this place. Great food, great company, great service. Oh and try the french toast!!!!
(5)
Philippe F.
They shouldn't be called toast because their toast sucks!!!! I kid. They certainly have some good eatin'. The most memorable moments of the breakfast was the BELT. Altered it a bit to "A BELT"....a lil avocado "neva hurt nobody". Bacon was clispy and dericious!!! Egg of course is fried sunny side as it should be. Lettuce was green, as it should be as well. And tomato is a fruit! Unfortunately that was my favorite meal, and it happened to be my girlfriend's....BOO! I can't remember what I had....but I did order a side of their Chicken Apple Sausage. I now get that every grocery run. NUMMY NUMMY! Haven't been back in awhile....need to go back soon....want to go now!!!!
(4)
Mariana P.
I went here about a month ago with some friends and we were told that it was an HOUR AND A HALF wait. So, we did not eat there. However, a friend and I went back today and it was great. They open at 8 and we got there at 8:30, so there was no wait and we were seated right away. The waitress was great, we got our food within 10 mins. of ordering, and they were playing some great tunes. When we were seated they were playing Roxanne, and after that they played some Led Zeppelin and some Elton John. It was a great experience overall. My only advice would be to get there early so that you don't have to wait! Oh, I also recommend the stuffed french toast with mascarpone.
(5)
caroline k.
Walked in at 10:30 on a Sunday AM and though told to wait 30-40 minutes (party of 2) was seated within 15 minutes at the bar. The marscapone french toast (3 large brick-like pieces with a scattering of berries) was creamy, dense, and surprisingly un-sweet - and helped by plenty of maple syrup. The veggie egg benedict was average- addition of artichoke hearts was different but the accompanying home fries were mushy and somewhat cold. Cobb salad came with mounds of grilled chicken, avocado, and bacon. Friendly staff and am curious to try the other location, Toast Two.
(3)
Lindsey S.
I love Toast, but I definitely don't love the fact that every time I try to go there the wait is upwards of an hour. Oh well, I guess it's because the food is so darn good. Their pancakes are my favorite -- they have unusual little touches like lavender butter so that they're not just your boring run-of-the-mill IHOP variety. And if you're a Bloody Mary fan you must try theirs. Super spicy with tons of sliced bell peppers on top and a touch of wasabi! Plus the lady that owns Toast is usually working at this location and she is absolutely hilarious. Once you get her talking she won't fail to entertain with stories of dates gone bad, etc. If you find yourself with a weekday off I would definitely recommend checking this place out and saving yourself the trouble of waiting in line.
(4)
Greg M.
The food is really really good, but do you really want to wait outside for 90 minutes with a hangover on your day off? Personally I prefer to head to Nookie's or Salt n Pepper Diner for some greasy food with a fraction of the wait time.
(3)
Amanda S.
By far my favorite breakfast place in the city! The waitstaff are accomidating even on their busiest days. The food is to die for as well.. mascarpone stuffed french toast, eggs benedict, and some of the best scrambles I've had. There's a huge selection of breakfast items, and the lunch is pretty good too. There's normally a pretty long wait on the weekend, but it's well worth it!
(5)
David S.
My family and I went to Toast this past weekend and had an outstanding meal. We arrived early and were seated immediately by a very friendly and social woman...I think she's the manager. Anyways, brunch was awesome. We ordered some omelets and the french toast sticks, and some sausage. It all came out piping hot and fresh, surprisingly fast for a busy Sunday brunch. The manager was very attentive, asking us how our meal was, and generally doing what you'd expect of a professional owner or manager. Here is where our experience went south. While she was making some small talk with us, another patron, one of those LP chicks that thinks the world revolves around her (you know the type, right?) really rudely interrupted us and started going off about her boyfriend being on the way. I gather this has something to do with their policy of not seating parties unless they are all present (which is posted right on the front door/window)! She was pissed that this longstanding and common restaraunt policy was being applied to her. Honestly, sometimes I just don't get how arrogant some people can be. Anyways, the manager/owner was very soft spoken and polite with her, in the face of this girl's bitter rant. Ultimately, to our great entertainment, this girl storms off and doesn't even pay for her drinks! Classy. All in all, we didn't expect to get a meal and a show, for the low price of a meal, but that was our morning. We will absolutely go back for great service, fresh food, warm hospitality....and maybe another classic LP show!
(5)
Zainab M.
So I've been meaning to join yelp for over a year now, but sheer laziness had kept me from it. I finally got the extra nudge i needed when i went to toast and was so horribly DISGUSTED by the customer service there. We had a group of 6 people and arrived around 130pm on a saturday afternoon, they told us we would have a 1.5hr wait, which i suppose can be expected for brunch. After being told this, our group began to discuss if we actually wanted to stay. The woman that told us it'd be 1.5hrs, she seemed to be the owner/manager, listened intently to our conversation and with no hesitation butt in and said 'no you cant do that... no you have to be back by this time...if you leave you risk your spot on the list...the whole party has to stay" SHEESH woman give us a chance to THINK. so we decided to stay and wait for a table. Then the madness continues: - We ask if we can have some coffee or juice and are told no, go to starbucks. - Then we're told we cant be seated unless we get off our cell phones....but did not receive any further explanation. maybe this is a common policy, but i had never heard of it before and it was communicated very rudely. - The food was not that good, i got the stuffed french toast which seemed to be the only decent thing that any of us ordered. my friends got eggs that weren't that good. and got charged extra for salsa on the side of their tijuana omelettes! - the waitress was not very friendly or helpful - my hot choc was CARNATION, i noticed after i ordered it that they had the box on display -- have some shame if youre going to serve crap like that at a restaurant! - the sign outside said 'due to..a problem...we can only take exact cash or credit cards'; once we got our check we found out it was either exact cash or only two cards and the bill had to be split down the middle - after we paid, i talked to the owner/manager lady about how the customer service was a little lacking and she ARGUED with me and tried to say that they had to be rude in telling us to get off our phones because we didnt listen the first time! are you KIDDING me? i can't wait until this business diminishes because of its poor customer service. the food is not good enough to make up for their uppity crap!!
(1)
Jordan P.
This breakfast spot is awesome! The drawback is that it is tiny and you will have to wait to sit down. But it is worth it! The crab egg benedict rocks! Also they're pancakes are the best I have ever had. Fluffy inside and just a little crispy on the outside- great! The service is very friendly and prompt- its not "semi-rude diner-like service." Go here now!!!
(5)
Keith W.
Ok, I have so many better things to do with my time, but Jeff H's review was so erroneous and melodramatic, I had to post... I am the guy that was sitting at the counter on Saturday afternoon. T-shirt, jeans, ballcap. I've been coming to Toast for over 10 years. I always sit at the counter when Jill's working. First off... I'm not sure what kind of fantasies you've been having, but Jill wasn't wearing high heels. She was wearing UGGs. Wierdo. Second of all, you and your girlfriend need to invest in Q-tips to clean the wax outta your ears. When you came in, Jill told you where to sit. You ignored what they said as though you didn't understand English. Ok... let's get to the heart of it all: 1) You specifically visited Toast BECAUSE you read all the reviews of the "Toast Nazi" 2) In your post, you say: "I am a serious pushover. I am usually the type that cowers when someone's rude to me..." 3) Here's your chance to visit Toast, intentionally provoke Jill and then post a REVENGE review on Yelp and CitySearch to get back at all the times that EVERYONE's walked all over you. 4) Don't you feel better now that you did? Yea, probably not. You're still a schmuck. Ok... on to your "verbatim" conversation with Jill. I was sitting at the counter less than five feet from you and Jill.... 1) Your voice was not weak and quivering. And if it was, you've got to be the most emasculated male I've ever come across. 2) You did NOT say that you really enjoyed the food or anything to that effect. 3) You shouldn't swear to God, especially when you're lying through your teeth. 4) "Up to now I was keeping my voice quiet..." Um... you never raised your voice beyond your lttle squeak. 5) You did say, "I just came in for brunch, and..." No ya didn't buddy! You came in because of Jill's reviews. And when Jill didn't meet your expectations, you provoked her and verbally attacked her while I sat at the counter five feet away. I would like to thank you and your rude behavior for ruining an otherwise great breakfast. 6) You said it yourself in your review... "...the food there is pretty darn good." :-) I hope you find a good shrink to work through your issues.... Happy Holidays! Keith
(5)
liz d.
Being in here a handle full of times, this place is always consistent in their service, food, and super friendly attitudes. I hate saying this, but that stuff is so hard to find all in one place. Maybe that's why there is always at least a 30 minute wait. It's hard to hold yourself back from drooling all over other people's food, while you wait to be seated. However, you can order a selection of drinks at the "bar," including mimosas, screwdrivers, and Bloody Marys. The Bloody Marys are packed full of veggies, and is like having a salad sitting on top of your drink. I love it. The chicken sausage just oozes over the top with flavor, as well as the Crabby Benedict I gobbled up in 2 minutes. I always leave this palce with a stupid grin on my face, but each and every experience keeps me wanting more.
(4)
Jess S.
This Toast is tops. The food is great at both locales, but this one .... Way more cozy. Way better service. I love the owner (I'm assuming the bubbly & clever woman who is always at the LP location is the owner) I had the Eggnog pancakes yesterday - delish! No syrup needed. Very filling. Wish I had more chances to go during the week! (Because we all know how crowded it gets on the weekend)
(5)
Jodi B.
LOVED LOVED LOOOOVED THIS PLACE! Upon entering my boyfriend and I were greeted kindly and with a BIG SMILE! On a busy Saturday afternoon we were given a wait time of just 10 minutes then got sat almost immediately after sitting to wait! We order mango mimosas for a bubbly and refreshing treat! And they WERE delicious!! For brunch I got the spinach, goat cheese, and tomato omelette! SCRUMPTIOUS! Perfect size and ratio of goat cheese to spinach! The wheat toast came with a jelly that had these plump, juicy chucks of raspberries in it! Even the jelly was ridiculously good and obviously homemade! I don't know if taking shots of it would be appropriate, but I certainly considered it! My boyfriend ordered the marscapone and mexican chocolate stuffed french toast! OH MY WORD!!! A delectable heaping pile of sweet sweet heaven! The marscapone stuffed was unbelievable! Sink your fork in and let that french toast melt around it! TO DIE FOR! The server was awesome! He was as polite as ever! And recommended the mango mimosas and the marscapone! That man should get a raise for inviting us to the two most delicious items ever consumed! What I'm saying here folks is GET THERE! Don't let the other reviews alarm you, This place rocks! Prepare to wait. Its busy but worth the wait!! Other items of interest: Dean Martin playing on the radio A picture of Audrey Hepburn hanging in back An assortment of vintage toasters on the shelves (with a guest appearance by The Brave Little Toaster!!)
(5)
Michelle H.
I went on a Wednesday a.m. - so super easy to park and get a table. I can see how weekends would be total hell. This is breakfast in the middle of mommy-ville, so not entirely relaxing. The food was good and they kept the diet cokes coming... Solid experience.
(4)
Laura H.
My favorite brunch in Chicago... and my parent's favorite brunch too. This place always looks crowded, but honestly I've never waited more than 20 minutes to be seated even on a weekend. I love ordering and eating the pancakes "orgy": three different types of pancakes, yogurt, granola, fruit and honey. They have the most fantastic fresh fruit even in the dead of winter. I am a bit of a brunch connoisseur, and I've taken my parents to the Bongo Room, Orange, Angelina's, Melrose Diner, Ann Sather and Bistro Zinc... all solid options, but Toast gets the parental seal of best brunch in Chicago.
(5)
Regina S.
"They have really good toast here," said my adorable sister as we entered Toast. Wow! Toast is really, really hard to make, so I was excited about trying the place out. I can see how people can like this place. Quaint decor, reasonable prices, standard breakfast fare, but nothing surprising here. It's as simple as, well, toast. The host was a total doll, getting me coffee and pretending like he was as excited about the snow outside as I was (he's a local, I'm from CA). The waitress, however, didn't write anything down and messed up my order for 2 eggs over medium. Give this place a try if you're in the Park but don't go out of your way.
(2)
Leslie M.
Ok, first of all, let me tell you....this review sucks to write because this was my favorite place for breakfast...the eggs benedict are amazing. BUT, sadly after regularly going here I will not be going back anymore. This is 100% due to the management. I go there for breakfast with some out of town guests, which I often do. The three of us sit down and my boyfriend last minute calls and says he'd like to join us and he'll be there in 10 minutes. So, the server comes to take our order, I order an extra meal for my boyfriend who will be there any minute. She says I cannot order for him....that he can join our table, but is not allowed to order any food. So, he should come sit and watch us eat our food while he is hungry??? The manager...or owner...whoever she is...comes over and says that is there policy and has been for 14 years. She says what happens if he doesn't show up or he comes 30 minutes later. Yea...so??? I would be paying for the food regardless! She said that because it's busy, they can't let him order (which, btw I was ordering at the same time as our food...makes no sense. She said then we would take up the table for a longer period of time. So wait, let me get this straight, let's say we never had this talk...and my friends and I were chatting for 20-30 minutes after eating, which happens sometimes when you're catching up....would she have come over and told us to please leave??? The logic there makes no sense...the table next to us couldn't believe it either. So we left! She tried to make things better with me, but not gonna happen. After getting us coffee and drinnks...she asked why she couldn't just re-seat us when he got there in a few minutes....you know, when the wait would have been 20 -30 minutes. Yea, let's do that....um NO!!! She said she was upset I was leaving with a bad taste in my mouth...but she could have changed that. Sorry, Toast, not going back! Went to YOLK instead and had an amazing breakfast with amazing service. By the way, saw the Groupon review...that is hilarious that they woudln't let them use the groupon on a droid, only an iphone...makes absolutely no sense! WOW!!!
(1)
C G.
Quaint environment and they have outdoor section as well during summer time! Anywho.... they definitely have a tasty breakfast selection but a bit on the high side for pricing (12-14.00 per person easy). Considering they have been there for years... it must be paying off! Parking is streetside which can be a headache. Overall i would go back if I'm near by and I have 20.00+ for breakfast!
(3)
Kouichi K.
I wanted some breakfast food and I found this place on Yelp. It was cute little place with decent service and atmosphere. I didn't have to wait to be seated which is a plus on a Sunday morning. I ordered the french toast with fresh berries stuffed with mascarpone. It was quite good, but nothing out of this world. I don't live in Chicago so I doubt I will ever come to this place, but it would be a potential Sunday brunch joint if I did. All in all a solid 3.5 stars.
(3)
Ji K.
The wait is seriously annoying, but that's to be expected for such a cute, small place . . . in Lincoln Park . . . at 10 on a Saturday morning . . . on a gorgeous fall day. Luckily, my friend and I had reading material and conversation to keep us entertained, and we were seated at exactly the time they had quoted us. By then, we were starving, so we ordered in record time. My eggs benedict was just alright-- probably because the prosciutto they use is really salty and a bit on the tough side. But other than that, everything else was really yummy. The toast that came out before the meal was hearty and soft, my friend thought her spinach/goat cheese omelette was flavorful . . . and we both agreed that their French toast orgy (see picture) is phenomenal. Seriously. I don't really care for an overload of sweets, but this was sooo good. My favorite piece was the strawberry, but my friend loved the chocolate. Who knew that such a messy concoction could be so delicious!? Everyone else around us was understandably mesmerized by it, so my friend and I devoured it quickly enough to end their suffering. Good stuff . . .
(4)
Maya T.
I really wanted to like this place because it is so charming. But the service was super slow. I mean SLOooooooW! It took forever for someone to take our drink orders, and then actually get them. And when we finally got our food - the eggs on my eggs benedict were well done, as hard as a rock. I didn't send it back because we were running late (due to the slow service). Not a good way to start the day :o(
(2)
Kate B.
This is my absolute FAVORITE brunch place. I have a sweet tooth that could knock out a small elephant on most days, but their french toast trio shows that sweet tooth who is boss. Typically I don't come here on weekends because I know of the wait, but I have waited on a Sunday or two just to get a fix. Its best during the week, for those "sick days", you can sit anywhere and the wait staff isn't jumping all over you - its a good leisurely place to hang. Plus they have good coffee and they always make sure that your cup is full. Oh yea and fresh fruit on your plate can never hurt!
(5)
Lindsey C.
I've been to Toast quite a few time, because friends who own a locar bar have said the food is great. The food IS great, but the wait is always insane. And, to agree with another reviewer, the lady in charge is rude, obnoxious, crude, and in other words, a b****. She is always flittering around and flirting with customers instead of working. She makes inappropriate and sexual comments to no end. She has made me and my friends uncomfortable on more than one occasion. But, I love the chorizo with eggs and my fiance LOVES the breakfast burrito, so we still go occasionally and put up with the crap.
(4)
michael b.
No espresso machine and very crowded on weekends. Fits the neighborhood
(3)
Nick N.
French Toast Orgy... It really is a party in your mouth, with three succulent varieties of french toast and loads of fresh fruit invited. Also, the bacon was top-notch, which is essential for any self-respecting breakfast place, imho. On the negative side, the wait can be ridiculous and the prices are... trendy, shall we say? I left happy, but not falling over myself to hurry back.
(4)
robert s.
This place is a riot. Similar to cheers with good food. I have been there at least a dozen times now. Conceptually brilliant. The food is creative, rich and consistent. The staff is gentle and kind, given the velocity of the environment, that is an accomplishment. (Some actually remember my name). After reading some of the negative yelps, it will never cease to amaze me the extent some will go to embarrass themselves. I am now familiar with the rules at toast. Thank you for not standing in the doorway keeping it open, It makes me cold or sweaty depending on the season. Thank you for respecting my personal space at the counter, yes your derriere does not compliment my meal. Thank you for not splitting you check every which way and wasting my servers time while my food sits in the window and gets cold. Thank you for not sitting and waiting for your derelict friend, while we wait patiently behind you. Thank you for getting off the phone! I do not wish to be privy to your conversations. Thank you for not joining your 2 friends, the restaurant is not designed for it. Every time i have witnessed this type of selfish behavior corrected I am thankful that the people at Toast care enough about my experience to do it, no matter how difficult it is. The amount of people you satisfy on a daily basis is impressive. My last word on this establishment is, if the charm and character of this place eludes you, do not waste a trip to the Matchbox. Cheers to Toast from ownership on down Bob
(5)
Alex S.
Toast is a fun kitschy place. The portions are overly ample, and watch out for the killer Bloody Mary. Every vegetable under the sun seems to be in this beauty. Watch out for the broccoli in it...it seems to absorb all of the vodka and will give you an instant buzz if you eat just one floret. As far as the food goes, I love any of the orgies. French Toast orgy, Pancake orgy...they are all good. The place is typically crowded, but some of the fun of the place is the people watching outside while waiting to get in. I have always had a good time here...and the service is usually pretty decent.
(3)
s b.
I love this place! I go all the time, as the food is great and Jill is one of the funniest people I have ever met. I'm a big fan of their scrambled eggs with chorizo, cheddar, and jalapenos. I also love the scrambled eggs with cheese and peppers. If they have chilequiles on the specials- they are fantastic, as is the rice it comes with; don't miss it. The pancakes/french toast are yummy if you're looking for sweet as opposed to savory. Their veggie burger rocks too. To the guy who thinks Jill is racist/homophobic, you couldn't be more wrong. People come in to eat *and* talk with Jill. Jill is friendly and as such she makes friends all the time. Part of her thing is to kid around and make jokes a and as such, she goofs with people she knows. She wants everyone to have a good experience and does what she can to make it a fun high energy place. To the people who are annoyed by the wait and/or the seating policy- it's a small popular place, so seats are a premium. Seating whole parties helps to make the wait less than it would be otherwise. They do try to turn the tables quickly, which also means fresh hot food as its cooked to order.
(5)
Joseph B.
The food is pretty good (which is why I gave it three stars), but let's face it - the atmosphere isn't very good. The tables are packed together super tightly, you're rushed in and out (after a long wait), and it's pretty pricey for whate you get. I'd be glad to do takeout from toast, but eating there is like dining on the Red Line at 8:30 on a monday morning. I prefer Mitchell's or Nookies overall.
(3)
Jesster A.
A toast to Toast - especially with one of those Vodka soaked salad-in-a-glass Bloody Mary's - which probably contains at least 3 servings of veggies and more than enough booze to make your brain go "Boing!" Anything but leisurely - and you can feel all those anxious stares eyeing your table - which (as J B. noted) may distract from your dining pleasure - or for some folks - may enhance it. The trick is getting out of here without a triple whammy buzz: from the booze, caffeine and sugar highs that are inevitably followed by liver lows.
(3)
Wendy L.
My french toast, while accompanied by yummy fresh berries and topped with yogurt, was undercooked and soggy--it was inedible. I decided to send it back, and go with safe pancakes instead. The server went to ask the manager, and came back to report that if I wanted pancakes, I would have to pay for them additionally. The only thing they could do was "fix" it--which she said would mean they would scrape the yogurt off the french toast, put the toast back on the grill, and then put the yogurt back on the "fixed" toast. I decided to just eat the fruit and yogurt.
(1)
Adrian P. Z.
Excellent breakfast spot. The chicken sausage is the best. The restaurant is not so big so if you plan to dine on a sunny weekend morning, prepare for a wait. Or, just do what I do and order it to-go and enjoy a breakfast picnic across the street in Oz Park.
(4)
Andrea R.
Toast is one of my favorite brunch spots in Chicago. It's best to go during a not so popular brunch time because this place gets crowded and you will end up waiting for over an hour. However, if you don't mind the wait or are lucky enough to get a table they have really good food. The french toast and omelette's are so good, but my favorite is the fruit bowl with granola, yogurt and honey. The berries are so fresh and delicious!
(4)
KM I.
Good good good, small location but accommodating for a Sunday morning. Had the pesto scramble, yummy but I was totally full after the 2 big pieces of brioche toast so I had a few bites, potatoes were yummy. Boyfriend had the boring eggs and toast and he did enjoy that. Server was attentive, decor is kinda old fashioned and boring, but whatever
(5)
Lucy B.
This place is cute and in a fun location, but is always very crowded and the wait time is always longer than they say it will be. The pancakes and french toast are a little sweet for my taste, but I really like the "pesto scrambler" and the omelette selection, and despite the chaos of brunchtime, the hosts and waitstaff are very patient and friendly.
(3)
Niki C.
My bf swears up & down, "You will NEVER catch me in that place. Buncha hippies & soccer-moms-in-training." (SMITs) I tell him, "Hey ... *I'VE* been there about a half dozen times." He responds, "Like I said...." I just shake my head. But he does have a valid argument when pressed. It's just another overpriced coochie-coo brunch-erie. Gimme a counter seat where you can see the guys in the funny white hats flip over your home fries over this any day. & maybe I'll even splurge with the money I saved on a shake. That being said, I supposed if I had to choose, Toast would be my favorite brunch spot in my neighborhood (there's another place - can't remember the name, though, & it's not in my 'hood). But if you see my bf in here, the Cubs must've just won the World Series because Hell just froze over.
(3)
Liz K.
This Toast is not as good as the Damen Ave. one. Croque monsieur made me sick. Too greasy.
(3)
Leslie M.
I strongly disagree with the posters sighting rude management. Toast is a Lincoln Park icon, and part of what makes it such IS the people that work there, ESPECIALLY THE HOSTESS. Look, we know Toast is the size of a typical Gold Coast closet, so don't expect to arrive at a prime time and get a table. That is it's charm. It is a neighborhood gem. The food is unique and delicious, atmosphere cool with a hostess that is warm and bubbly and fun to chat with. Hell, she's half the reason we go there. We never eat the same thing cause there is always something new and tasty to try, which she points out to us. On a slow morning she even shares jokes with us. We always feel welcome. Uptight people should go to the Four Seasons for breakfast, where servers are expected to kiss your ass. If you want to feel like you're part of a delicious neighborhood secret go to Toast.
(5)
Jess Z.
Went today for breakfast on a whim and it was SUCH a great decision! My boyfriend and I got there at 10:30 on a Sunday morning and did have to wait about a half hour for a table. When seated the waitress immediately came over to us and was extremely friendly and helpful. The hot chocolate was amazing and the food was INSANELY good. I got the huevos with chorizo and each bite was better than the last. Both my boyfriend and I agreed it was the best breakfast, service and experience we had gotten in a long time. Will definitely go back!
(5)
Ling L.
If you go early enough you will be seated right away. Our group of 4 walked in at 10:30am on a Sunday morning and snagged seats right away at the last available table. My friends who go there all the time told me horror stories of waiting outside for 2+ hours. For brunch! The Crab Benedict was absolutely delish! I tried my friend's french toast and it was really yummy as well. Wish we had places like this closer to where I live!
(4)
Matthew R.
I had heard some great things about Toast but was kind of disappointed in it. I went there for a late lunch on a Thursday afternoon - about 2pm when the place was starting to get quiet. The service was good in sitting me right away at a good table, but I found the food to be merely OK. Not bad really - but nothing too special considering what I paid for it. I had a goat cheese and spinach omelet and a coffee and including tax and tip paid about $16. The omelet was fine - but I've had much better omelets for less money. The potatoes that came on the side were kind of soggy and flavorless. So overall just a kind of "meh" reaction to it. If it were a bit less expensive I might consider going back, but I don't need to pay $15 for a mediocre lunch.
(2)
Jocelyn L.
"french toast and bellini were awesome. so was the company."
(4)
Samantha L.
Delicious crabby benedict, but this place is INSANELY crowded circa brunch time and really needs to be much bigger. Because of the crowd and the ridiculously long wait, you feel rushed to finish up and leave so the next table can come. I really enjoyed the food, but I think it would be great if this place were bigger and the wait wasn't so long. Oh, fresh-squeezed OJ is good as well.
(4)
Gfiddy F.
Delicious beef & eggs benedict, also, fun nanobrew.
(5)
Heidi C.
A couple of friends and I decided to try a new place and Toast looked like a good candidate for a quick, satisfying bite for an early sunny day. Seemed to have a nice atmosphere. food was alright, but I can say that it's not worth the prices. There are a few brunch spots I can think of at the top of my head that taste better for less. The biggest problem I had was the service. Awful. I think we only saw our server two separate times. one to take our order (after waiting for what seemed like eternity) and the second to drop our bill on the table. The busboy was more helpful than the waitress! Overpriced food and an ultra rude waitress is not my idea of starting out the day. Oh and screaming toddlers at the next table was a great bonus. No more Toast for me.
(2)
Elizabeth B.
I tried Toast a couple months back and was very pleasantly surprised. I had the stuffed french toast and it was amazing!! We did have a bit of a wait but it was worth it. Unfortunately, I don't live in this area but next time I am in the neighborhood, I'll definitely by stopping by!
(5)
Hanna A.
The food is good. If you beat the 9 am crowd, you usually don't have to wait. It is KIDS galore, so if you are looking forward to a quiet, calm relaxing breakfast, you may want to think elsewhere. I do always feel surrounded by babies but sometimes they're cute and well behaved so I don't mind. On the other hand, the last time I went the manager was playing with some customers baby (I mean literally for 15-20 minutes) so it was really distracting to be honest with you.) I mean she was walking with him, swinging him around, handing him to other waitstaff (which they are probably thinking "why the f-k would I want to babysit this child while working?" But one of those situations they kind of had to act interested.) And I am not the greatest morning person so it was kind of annoying for me. But with that said, could you imagine going here and the manager is taking care of your child to keep you as a customer? She's smart, really. So those parents will probably have the greatest review in the world. And good for them being able to enjoy their food out for once. I usually get the goat cheese omelette but I finally tried the breakfast burritto I always wanted to- I think it would be excellent if you like breakfast burrittos, a little heavy for me. But the huevos rancheros is awesome. And I love their rye toast and they have great coffee. If you can make it before 845-9 I think it's pretty groovy because I keep going back.
(4)
Cristina P.
Today was my first time at Toast. My husband and I went to celebrate a belated birthday brunch. He had a Mimosa and the Veggie Burger; came with a side and he opted for hash browns. I had the Vegetarian Omelette, hash browns and coffee. I tend to be super picky about my food and if the food taste like the animal product I very much dislike it. Eggs are one of those foods where I like them, but risk getting them and not eating. If they smell and taste like the egg, I don't eat it (don't know how I became so picky). Anyway, needless to say the food was amazing. It had the right amount of seasoning spread throughout the entire dish and had me and my husband extremely happy. It is hard for me to find a spot where the food is just right. I recommend this spot, it is small and cozy, but the food is great and the portions are just right. Not too much, not too little. I was full and satisfied. OH! They have a lot of veggie options, that gave us a lot more to look forward to. Not a lot of places are health conscious, I want to say Toast is. We will be back! ;)
(5)
Suzanne V.
I came here with a friend on Sunday morning--obviously their busiest time. The wait was an hour, but we walked around for a bit after putting our names in. It is a small place, but cute and cozy. My friend felt a bit in the way as we were near the kitchen, but that's just how some tables were set up. The menu had enough choices without being overwhelming. The breakfast burger caught my eye, and though it doesn't say, it comes with breakfast potatoes. The ciabatta roll was toasted, and everything about it was spectacular. It was cheesy, gooey (from the fried egg yolk), salty (the beef patty), fresh (spinach), and packed with flavor from the pesto mayo. Though it was messy to eat, I enjoyed every single bite. I could have done without the potatoes. They were boiled, though somewhat unevenly, whereas I prefer crispy breakfast potatoes. My friend ordered the lemon poppyseed pancakes, which looked delicious and got a thumbs up from her. Quick and friendly service, cute decor, fun and interesting menu, and walking distance from the Fullerton red line stop. I'll be back!
(4)
David R.
The food was great. So many different options to choose from. The inside is a little small, so may not be great for larger groups. The pancake orgy and the Lorraine omelet was amazing!
(4)
R R.
Not bad. Not great. Their french toast, and related options, are consistently A-OK, but it's not going to impress you. That said, it's not likely to disappoint, either. I'm always surprised with the wait here, given the number of other high-quality options nearby.
Creative yet simple. Great place for people watching. Yummy fresh OJ and good coffee. Only downside is the wait and being packed in like sardines. Worth the reputation of neighborhood favorite.
(4)
Ray B.
My girlfriend and I happened to come here after being disappointed with End Grain being closed. I'm so glad we did happen to stumble on this Lincoln Park treasure. We waited about 5 minutes before being seated around 1130 on a Friday; not bad. My girlfriend had started with the mimosa flight. It consisted of 3 good pours of classic orange, raspberry lemonade, and peach. She said they were good and she enjoyed them. I had started with the Wasabi Bloody Mary and that's where the star comes off. The garnishes consisted of jalapeños, mushrooms, broccoli and were pretty good. The overall consistency was too thin and it wasn't spicy enough. I'm really not too picky with drinks, but I am a bloody connoisseur and it was drinkable with some good flavors, but it was not a bloody. Now to the reason I wrote this review....the food. I had ordered the chorizo egg Benedict and she had the regular egg Benedict with pancetta. Both were absolutely amazing and I will be coming back to try the crab Benedict. The hollandaise sauce was absolutely spot on from taste to consistency, which most restaurants cannot manage. The chorizo was awesome on this dish. I highly recommend Toast for a breakfast.
(4)
Michele N.
No reservations accepted, you have to put your name on the list, in person, and everyone in your party has to be present to get seated. Those are the rules...you better follow them!! They don't waiver from this policy, but they sure do a great job of getting everyone seated and served, considering how small the restaurant is. We went for brunch with a group of eight people and everyone was hungry on arrival and left behind plates that appeared to be licked clean! The omelets are delicious, the pancakes are fluffy and light, and the egg combo plates were hearty. You can't go wrong here, whatever you order, everything is fresh and delicious. They also have a variety of fresh juices and awesome coffee!
(5)
Madison P.
Not only is its name the same as my sister's nickname, but the cute little cafe carries my favorite type of food- breakfast food! I am a sucker for oatmeal, so of course, I ordered a bowl of the Irish oats... they did not disappoint! Everything was fresh and steamy hot! Next on the list, though- the French Toast Orgy. I almost reached across to the next table to steal it right from in front of the strangers next to us! The staff was incredible and so kind! Quick service and Warm and Cozy atmosphere!
(4)
Victoria W.
Thoroughly impressed. The only negative would be that they do not itemize a check, you can split the bill but you'll have to split it amongst the number of members in your group, they will not individually charge what you actually ordered. With that said, I ordered the apple, pear and brie toast, extremely delicious, and i don't really even like brie. Perfectly executed, serious this place ranks as the second best crepe place I have ever been too, and I have tried A LOT. My crepe was topped with honey and thin green apple slices. Also tried my friend's mushroom and swiss crepe, very delicious and hearty, and I don't usually like salty crepes even, so I had high standards. It was not too over powering, just right. The portion of the crepe is a good size too, it comes folded into 1/4 of the size of a circle. I also ordered a watermelon soup, bad idea, it was cold, I didn't really like it. But that's just my personal taste, not the restaurant's fault. Every table comes with fresh flowers and honey. A cute little place, definitely looks very popular. The people who work here are also very courteous and professional. A great atmosphere, will be back!
(5)
Mariola L.
My boyfriend and I were in need of good breakfast food and we did not have enough time to head to our favorite spot (Over Easy). We found this place since we were nearby and the reviews were decent, so we gave it a shot. We were expecting the worst from a few reviews. The restaurant looked much nicer than what we expected from the reviews. Less cramped than other places, tall ceilings, and overall a nice look. I ordered the eggs Benedict with thinly sliced prosciutto and my boyfriend ordered some pancakes with lavender, mascarpone and a small serving of fruit. My Benedict was covered in the lemony hollandaise sauce. By covered I mean you could only see 1/10 of the muffin at the bottom. It was delicious until I had too much of it the sauce. Then the whole sauce slid off in a whole piece which left a soggy muffin. The prosciutto? I will admit the only I've had is from Costco so my standards are very low. Forget the thinly sliced prosciutto, I got some nice THICK pieces. They were also very tough and made it difficult to bite into. Trying to rip that thing with my teeth made me look like a rabid dog. I just gave up and left it on my plate. I don't like potatoes but I was expecting similar to other cafes; small cubes of potatoes fully cooked with a few sides nice and crispy. What I got was large chucks, some falling apart from being over cooked, some still RAW in the middle. The f**k?! My boyfriends pancakes... soaked in something upon arrival. Oil? Possibly because some parts of the pancake were crispy. Um, since when do we cook pancakes to a CRISP? I think they are supposed to be nice and fluffy. Also, by small fruit salad do you mean two strawberries and two small pieces of orange? Right.. Both of us felt nauseous after eating here but yeah, I'll never come back. Try Over Easy, M. Henry, or Milk & Honey instead.
(2)
Brian M.
Stopped going here for several years because of the long waits. Have rediscovered it and its lunch is just as good as the breakfast. Excellent service as well.
(5)
The Sams X.
Grabbed a delicious breakfast at this restaurant on the way out of town this morning. You will recognize the sign because it actually is a piece of toast (clever). It is a long narrow restaurant and the ambience is very welcoming. The coffee was excellent (strong). I ordered the Bennie special (asparagus/bacon) it came with crispy home fries and was a very large portion. Hollandaise sauce was exceptional. My partner in crime ordered the b.e.l.t. (Bacon egg lettuce tomato) and thought it was good. Service was great and thank you for a great start to the day;)
(4)
Ashling I.
Loved the Scrambled peppers and atmosphere. Was a nice place with good food and good people. Would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(5)
Paige S.
Came here this morning to meet friends for brunch while in town. The atmosphere is very cute, as it's a pretty small place. Overall, the food was very good. Their breakfast potatoes were amazing. I had the regular French toast which was really good. My only complaint is that hostess was not very attentive and communicative, but once we were seated our waiter was wonderful and very attentive. Overall, I would return again.
(4)
Leslie B.
I wish I woke up early enough to visit Toast more often. Unfortunately, a line forms super early and lasts outrageously late. Seriously, that many people are brunching at 2:00 PM? If you can get there early enough, one of the most quaint and delicious brunch spots in the city. I went on Christmas Eve morning, it was a good move as we had zero wait. Toast has very limited seating, it's a tiny restaurant and you're almost dining with the tables next to you. However, the servers deftly move between tables and everyone seems to embrace the small atmosphere. Many of the menu options are simple, but very well executed. You can't go wrong with their famous french toast, but it's a LOT. I love sweet things, it's too sweet for me to have an entire meal of. I went with the smoked salmon omelet and loved it. Dill havarti, capers, red onions, and smoked salmon, this was flavorful and executed perfectly. I also loved their breakfast potatoes. The boyfriend had the french toast orgy, nom. I gladly accepted the bite(s) he offered me. He also ordered a side of their grilled chicken sausage stuffed with apple and gouda. I think I'd go back for this alone, best chicken sausage I've ever had. Overall, Toast may be a little fussy with some of their rules (who can't split a check these days?!) but you're going for the delicious breakfast food. So go early and enjoy!
(5)
Allison M.
Hoorayyyy brunch! Any place where breakfast food is the focus, not simply a concession offered to me if I happen to get out of bed and get my butt to the restaurant early enough-- that's a win in my book. I had the stuffed french toast here, which was extravagant and over-the-top... but I actually wish I had gotten the eggs, and not because of the caloric catastrophe I wreaked upon my digestive system. The french toast came with one of each-- a mascarpone-filled, a strawberry-filled, and a Mexican chocolate-filled. The best was by far the Mexican chocolate-filled french toast; it had the most filling, the most flavor, and the most moisture. The french toast are sort of strangely shaped, like big bready logs, which could be really cool but I didn't really feel like the flavor matched my hopes and expectations. The eggs being served at all the tables around me, though, looked hot and perfectly cooked and delicious. I love the vibe here, it's super cute... So I'd definitely like to come back and try something else on the menu that actually is as good as it sounds!
(4)
Lauren W.
Loved this place! Went here today with my parents and we were seated immediately at the counter around 930am on a Sunday. We opted for the counter, as the wait was about 25-30 minutes for a table. The service was awesome; people constantly came around to fill up our water, clean away our dishes, ask us if we needed anything, etc. The food was reasonably priced, plentiful, and delicious. I had the choose your own stuffed french toasts, and I picked fresh strawberry and dark chocolate. They were amazing and I loved the fresh fruit. My mom picked the strawberry crepe and my dad had the stack of pancakes, and they raved about them as well. I would come back here in a heartbeat!
(5)
Emma K.
I came here this past Saturday for a birthday brunch with my boyfriend. This is probably the 3rd or 4th time I've tried to come here, but have been deterred by the 45 min + wait that is usually quoted. I called around 1pm on Saturday and was informed the wait for 2 would be 15 minutes. When we arrived 15 minutes later, the wait had grown to 30 minutes. We grabbed a drink at Glascott's in the meantime since the waiting area was very crowded inside. A lot of items on the menu looked really good, but I couldn't pass up getting the crabby benedict. It wasn't spectacular, but was yummy. The BF got the stuffed french toast that came with three large pieces each filled with a different filling - mexican chocolate, mascarpone, and strawberry. The mexican chocolate and strawberry were okay, but the mascarpone one was delicious - definitely the best thing on either of our plates. I got a mango mimosa and the BF got a beer, and our meal came to $37. The service was very slow. I'm not sure what was going on. I know there are only about 15 tables or so in the restaurant, but I only saw one waiter the entire time. On the other hand, I saw 5 other employees - one hostess, two guys clearing tables, one guy making coffee and drinks, and one eating lunch at the counter. It seemed a little bit strange since waiting for our drinks and the check took a long time (although the food did come out very quickly). I probably won't be back unless I'm coming with somebody else; there are so many places in Chicago to try, and I wasn't blown away by this one.
(3)
Jennifer J.
I'm a fan of this place.. specifically their benedicts. The hollandaise sauce is has truffle oil in it.. and who dislikes truffle? (Nobody I know!) The traditional benedict is amazing and when I come here with my vegetarian bestie, we opt for the soyrizo benedict. You can't go wrong with either! They also have a solid breakfast burrito and the chorizo and eggs is great as well. I'm big on sweets for breakfast or brunch, but I always get a side of the marscapone stuffed french toast because it's just that good. There is always a wait on the weekends, so be sure to go early (like at 9am).
(4)
Conglar C.
food is very good....wait staff is hit or miss...and Today....The Hostess was really snotty....cavalier and totally unaccomodating....to the Whatever level
(1)
Simon S.
Delicious breakfast, great service and staff. Cute local joint in Lincoln park. Would stop by here daily if I lived in Chicago.
(4)
Benjamin A.
Great food, great atmosphere. Everything on the menu is probably amazing. Everything our table ordered was just as wonderful. My favorite place for breakfast by far.
(5)
Talitha G.
This place is awesome! The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because it was very crowded and loud. But it adds to the lively atmosphere! Came here with my husband and daughter and we all enjoyed it. The prices are very reasonable! Will be coming back for all brunch needs :)
(4)
Stephanie R.
Delicious! The french toast orgy pretty was amazing. Ordered the mascarpone and strawberry. Definitely enough to share. The hubby had the Lorraine omelette with potatoes and an English muffin. He's a big eater and it was enough for him. Street parking only. We arrived around 8:45 on a Saturday and there was about a 15 minute wait.
(4)
Joey M.
This place was kick a$$. I ate there for breakfast with a friend of mine during a trip to Chicago. Took the red line to Fullerton Ave and then it's in walking distance from there. The chef here is not only an amazing chef but an artist. The food is displayed so distinct, crisp, colorful, and perfect! I went on a limb this time and got crab with eggs benedict. Soooo good. real crab meat! Also try there wasabi bloody Mary but just don't try it with the Eggs Benedict. I should have ordered it after I ate. Not a complaint, just a quick tip! Any time I go to Chicago, I go to Toast.
(4)
Frank P.
Excellent place to have breakfast or lunch. I've been eating there since it opened in the 90's. Hip upscale break fast lunch food. Great place to go for conversation too.
(5)
Sean B.
How this place only has 3.5 stars is beyond me.. I've tried many of the amazing brunch spots in Chicago, and this is one of my top 2. The atmosphere, service, food are all amazing. You'll have to deal with the constant DePaul crowds, especially on weekends, but it's worth it and in a great location.
(5)
Caitlyn M.
Amazing. Service, food, ambiance...couldn't get any better. From the Apple, pear and brie crepe/crab benedict even to the busser....everything is perfect.
(5)
Emily R.
Absolutely loved this restaurant in Lincoln Park. The staff was friendly and the service great. I had the b.e.l.t. It was delicious. Egg with bacon, lettuce on a French roll with their amazing house potatoes on the side.
(5)
Dustin T.
Errrbody always obsessing about brunch and now I know why. I am not a vegetarian but I decided to get the vegetarian eggs Benedict and man was it delicious. Unfortunately I did not try any of their toast but a friend ravaged down 4 pieces along with his own meal. Definitely make a reservation or come at an odd hour because this place is PACKED.
(4)
Shasha C.
Execellent food!! I had the scramble eggs with pesto and prosciutto with the French toast and marscapone. FANTASTIC!
(5)
Ruth S.
Breakfast and service is good. Small place so brunch wait is to be expected. Potatoes are AMAZING! Menu has good variety. I had a yummy omelette. Exponentially better than like Jam and Honey down the street. Good breakfast spot in LP!
(4)
Hannah J.
Toast is my favorite brunch spot in Chicago. There is just so much to love. Yes, the place is small, so there can be a wait, but I like the intimate vibe. It isn't loud and bustling, as some brunch places can be, and because there is essentially one row of tables, customers aren't smushed back-to-back. It's very pleasant. I love the food options. They have great sweet options, but also amazing savory and spicy options. I have gotten the huevos with chorizo and cheddar scramble and the chorizo/pico de gallo benedict. They were both amazing. The hollandaise sauce here has a nice lemony flavor. Recently, they started serving Bow Truss coffee, which is roasted right here in Lakeview. It's strong and delicious! The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. I've been here twice and coffee and water is consistently filled and servers have smiles on their faces. I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Danielle S.
We came here for a quick breakfast on a Friday morning, so we didn't have to wait. I really love the atmosphere here - it is a small quaint place (so I could definitely see how there could be a wait on the weekend). It's very open with a breakfast bar that you can sit at. It reminds me of an updated diner, but still has the vintage flare. We ordered coffee and 2 of the specials of the day - mine was a salad, and my friend's was a breakfast sandwich. Both were unique and were not things that I would normally find on a breakfast menu. The whole menu is kind of that way - they do have some traditional items, but I didn't feel like it was just like everywhere else. The only thing that I thought was lacking was the service. It wasn't busy and there were not that many people there, but we still waited for our food for a while, as well as our check and refills. However, it isn't enough to keep me from coming back!
(4)
Ivan G.
Came in here during the middle of a storm and had to wait 20-25min for a seat but it was definitely worth it. The restaurant is relatively small. It has a bout 12-15 tables I would say and a bar area. Once we sat down we were debating on various menu items. They have a great selection of drinks including mimosas, bloody Mary's, and spiked coffee (makers mark or baileys). I chose the coffee with baileys and it was on point. Even got free baileys refills. The food was delicious. I ordered the stuffed French toast and had each flavor. All which were very delicious but I can say I've had a slightly better French toast. The service was great. Quick, friendly, and knowledgeable. The lady taking names for seats was extremely friendly and was great to converse with. Our server Felix was great, he knew his stuff on all the menu items we asked about and even gave us advice. All in all I will definitely go back a number of times.
(5)
Lynn M.
Amazing blueberry pancakes and great ambiance. The waiter and entire staff was super friendly. Hoping to come back again sometime for a Bloody Mary!
(4)
Kate K.
Toast was fine, but nothing spectacular. We went around noon on a Sunday and still waited over an hour for a seat - the restaurant is really tiny. My omelet was fine and the rest of the group reported about the same. They do offer many types of toast, but they are still just generic flavors and store-bought quality. The only distinguishing/fun aspect I can point out is that they give you crayons for the paper tablecloths. At the end of the meal the waitress told us she could only split the bill between two cards. This seems kind of ridiculous at a brunch spot since brunch is almost always a group meal. Overall, not bad but not great.
(3)
Patrick L.
The food is amazing, the service is not. It was a busy Sunday brunch, my friend and I were seated at a table for 4. Another friend happened to be nearby in the neighborhood and we invited him. We tried to place orders for all 3 of us and were flatly told that he wouldn't be allowed to sit at the table. I understand that they need to turn tables over when busy but there were 2 empty seats at our table and we were putting in everyone's order at once.
omg! Perfect pancakes! Perfect coffee! Perfect eggs Benedict & top class service! My new fav spot! Thanks Felix for the great service!
(5)
Madeline S.
This was a great spot for brunch! I met up with a friend I hadn't seen in years and we only waited 15 minutes. There is so much on the menu that sounds delicious and a few specials that I was intrigued by. I ended up going with the lemon poppy seed pancakes. The service was prompt and the food fresh and delicious, very solid. We stayed for a good two hours and they didn't rush us even though there was a slight wait.
(4)
Jeff M.
Sad to see this place gone downhill. Ordered my favorite classic eggs Benedict. First time one egg was cooked all the way through, had broken into two pieces, put back together, and served. Asked about it and the waiter immediately took it back. Second plate the yolk was still partially solid and the meat had so much fat that the steak knife provided couldn't cut through it. Manager proceed to explain how some people liked the new meat, and not listening that it was the second try, explained that I could order soft poached eggs?!?! Too bad, loved this as a local breakfast place.
(1)
Jean C.
The food was wonderful. The service was excellent. I will return.
(5)
M K.
This place is just ok - not bad, but not great either. Our table got the pancake orgy and the french toast orgy. The french toast orgy was slightly better than the pancake orgy. Points for creativity, but it just didn't taste as amazing as it sounds. French toast orgy - Had three types of stuffed french toast "logs", so we had one of each - mascarpone, pureed strawberries, and dark chocolate. Marscarpone was by far the best, the others were just ok (chocolate slightly better than the strawberries). Pancake orgy - Three types of pancakes, but it was hard to tell what they were. It was only lukewarm when I ate into it, and not as moist as I would have liked. I've been to many brunch places in my life (in Chicago and outside) and nothing to write home about. I'm glad I tried it, but I probably won't be back for seconds.
(3)
Kelsey G.
Toast is nearby, so I have gone a handful of times on weekend mornings when I'm too lazy to walk more than a minute. It is always busy on weekends and there is guaranteed a long wait during peak hours. When you do get a table, you will be about an inch and a half from the next table. Food is overall decent. I usually get an omelet. Sometimes I get a good portion size and the flavors are prominent. Sometimes it comes out smaller and bland. Overall, this place is decent. Worth trying, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
K S.
This location is decent. Definitely an above average breakfast/brunch spot. I had the traditional french toast and house potatoes. These potatoes were probably some of the best I've had that were not cooked at my house! My bf had the B.E.L.T and added some goat cheese to it. He was pretty satisfied and full after having that! Service wasnt speedy but was slower than expected it to be on a Tuesday morning.
(3)
Nekia N.
Visted Toast yesterday morning with a friend. When we arrived the hostess said that it was going to be a 30 min wait for 2. Luckily these two customers were leaving the bar so we got seated right away. I preferred sitting at the bar because the table seating looked so cramped. Yes, the place is super small so if you opt for table seating be prepared to feel like the person sitting next to you is damn near sitting on your lap. The waitress we had was super nice. We were a little bit disappointed when we found out it was BYOB. Before coming to to Toast we searched for the establishment on Yelp. Yelp said it had a full bar and served mimosas as well as Bloody Marys but when we arrived I saw on the window it said BYOB. The Orange Juice was really good and my friend said that his Bloody Mary (which took longer to make than our food) was really spicy so I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. However, I had the Strawberry Crepes and he had the Pesto & Prosciutto Omelette. I felt the food came out too quickly. Like if they microwaved it or something. I mean I love that I didn't have to wait too long for my order but with it coming out soooo quickly it made me wonder about the freshness of the item. I enjoyed my food though. I might go back and try something else. I see a lot of reviews raving about the Eggs Benedict. All in all not too bad of a brunch experience but not the best either.
(3)
Eunice J.
Such a cute place! And the food is very yummy. It's quite small though so I wouldn't recommend going with a large group. They're also a lot better at their sweets menu vs savory - in my opinion.
(4)
Adam K.
I was a bit disappointed with the underestimated wait, but it's nothing Toast can do other than expand or take reservations. The wait was so long, I was starting to lose blood sugar after going on 45 minutes for the wait. I personally will go back again, but not if the wait is longer than 20 minutes, the food is just not worth it. Anyway, service and underestimated wait time aside, the food and service were bittersweet: food was good but service a bit disappointing since they asked us to sit at the bar when my friend was 7 months pregnant. I had the pesto scramble and my friend had the special orange zest pancakes. Both entrees were good.
(3)
Eric S.
Try the stuffed French toast.. This place lives up to the name. Highly recommended for breakfast in Lincoln Park
(5)
Chelsea B.
Best eggs Benedict EVER! The place gets really busy, so if you get there after 9 expect to wait a while.
(5)
Kristine N.
Cute breakfast restaurant with limited and intimate seating. You're sitting so close with your neighbors, so get cozy. Our server was so friendly and funny, he really made our morning. He was patient and great with recommendations. I ordered the pesto scramble and it is one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten. The pesto gives it a rich buttery taste. Came with breakfast potatoes which were a little on the soft side. Normally I like my potatoes extra crispy but these had such a strong herb flavor, they were excellent. My bf got a breakfast burrito with bacon and was raving about it. It was a big burrito wrapped in a basil wrap, I think. Very delicious, very friendly, very reasonably priced.
(5)
Liz L.
We go to Toast a lot. At one point every weekend. And we order take out even more. Until today when we were told they couldn't accommodate to go orders. And who ever answered the phone was super rude and gave no explanation and hung up on me. The food is great, obviously or we wouldn't want it every weekend, but service here needs some work. And if you one day decide you're not taking to go food, you're going to lose a lot of loyal customers.
(3)
Cris O.
I absolutely recommend and love this place! I've come here only 2 times(for which both times I've had the french toast orgy) and plan on coming here more often, even though I live closer to the other Toast's location in Bucktown (which was disappointing). ---It seems like they have two recipes for the french toast orgy, because it tastes incredibly much better here. The mexican chocolate is by far my favorite: tastes so delightful. It's a dream in heaven. The french toast orgy is definitely worth the half-hour or so wait to be seated on a Saturday or Sunday. They also have a very friendly staff from the waiters to the busboys. A friendly staff adds a charm and liking to a restaurant, and this toast's location has that. :) I'll definitely be back to try something other than the french toast orgy, even though I will find that very hard to do.
(5)
Kelly P.
This was a yummy adventure. We made the choice to go on a weekend when it would potentially be the busiest. It was. But the process was painless. We put our name in and strolled around the area while we waited. The food was pleasantly delicious. It's kind of a small place, so I wouldn't suggest bringing a big group. There just isn't room.
(4)
Amy R.
The place is small and the tables are cramped, but the food is oh so good. I haven't gotten a lot of the savory items because this place seems to live for truffle oil, to which I am highly allergic. But I don't even mind. That French toast... Oh, that French toast. There are times during my quest for the perfect brunch that I pause and say "I can't order this. It's too simple. It's not worth paying for." Often, French toast is one of those items. Like, I can really go home and dunk some bread into milk and egg and save myself $10. But not here. The French toast is thick, fluffy, flavorful. And when you get it stuffed with the chocolate cream? Forget it. You can't recreate this stuff. The wait is often long - usually if its more than 30 mins, we'll head somewhere else. But if you can manage the wait and love a rich twist on the classic French toast, this place is worth it.
(3)
Nish R.
This is a great brunch spot. We had to wait in line for about 45 minutes but one of the girls in our group was late anyway so we didn't mind the wait. But if you go on a Sunday keep that in mind there could be a long wait. Other than that service is friendly. We were there chatting long after we finished our meal and no one gave us evil looks and tried to shove us out the door. Food is good. I loved their Potatos. I had the Peso Scramble. It was very good. Others in out groop ordered pan cakes, toast, Egg Benedict and crepes. Everything was good and ingredients were fresh. I didn't like my Wasabi Bloody Mary too much. I guess it's an acquired taste. I'd rather have a regular bloody Mary. Someone in our group ordered a Mimosa and she said that seemed like just organge Juice. I'd go there again even with the long wait.
(4)
Katie D.
The hostess wasn't friendly but everything else age up for it. The chorizo Benedict was on point along with the pesto scramble. I wouldn't recommend the Bloody Mary of you like spicy or thicker ones. Also, the pear apple crepe could've been better. At least the portions are huge so you can share to make sure everyone has delicious bites.
(3)
Lauren B.
Staff is always lovely and I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes. I heart the Crabby benedict and the spinach, goat cheese omelette but the next time I come in I think I am going to have to breakdown and try the stuffed french toast.......you only live once right?!? Strong coffee! Happy Servers! I will update the review after my foray in the stuffed french toast.
(3)
Jennifer N.
I finally got to try Toast and I will definitely be coming back. The Julius Meinl coffee is delicious and they bring as many refills as you can drink. I ordered the special omelet which had prosciutto, asparagus, tomatoes, and gruyere....it was probably the best omelet I've ever had. My boyfriend ordered the French toast with berries...we were expecting a couple of berries thrown on top but his food was covered in berries. We were pleasantly surprised. We came on a Sunday so there was a bit of a wait, but it was totally worth it.
(5)
Alec K.
Looking to find some good breakfast is always a good time and and we found an amazing place in Toast. I was surprised to see that this place only had a three and a half star rating because it was way better than that. It took a little bit of time to sit down because the place is a little small but it was well worth it. The portion size for my order of chocolate chip pancakes was huge and for 8 bucks it was totally worth it. Best pancakes I've had in a long time! Will definitely be going back. Ask for felix the server he's the bomb.
(5)
Judith B.
Love Toast and apparently everyone else does too because it's pretty packed on the weekends. We usually do carry out and everything is ready ASAP and just as delicious as sitting down and enjoying breakfast at Toast.
(5)
Melissa A.
Loved the chorizo Benedict and banana but pancakes! Their real maple syrup was the perfect touch. Definitely try this place so worth it!
(5)
Jeremy C.
Great place, great pancakes with tasty fresh fruits and orange juice. Coffe was good, nice music and the service was good too. I'll come back, definitely!
(4)
Dan E.
I have had much better luck at this Toast location than the other (in Bucktown). The food is similar if not the same. However, the wait is usually shorter and the staff friendlier.
(4)
Angel R.
Really good breakfast place! The place is pretty cramped, would be nice to have an outdoor seating esp at this time of year, but still my go to breakfast place. Had the 2 eggs with chicken sausage and toast, best marble rye I've ever had! Also had the classic Benedict, good flavor on the hollandaise. Totally worth the drive to the city
(4)
Keyla R.
Being that we lived in easy walking distance from Toast for several years, this became a favorite go-to breakfast spot for us. Now that we drive there, ehh, not as often, but that's because Lincoln Park parking is tough. Plus, to be honest, the wait at Toast can be bad so the last thing you want to do is drive there hungry and find yourself waiting for a long-time. Logistics aside, the food is good - better than good, even -, the service is friendly and fast, and the space is cozy. I judge a breakfast place by the quality of their eggs. Mainly because I am so damned picky about my eggs. Funny thing is some idiot once told me being picky about food was a sign of immaturity. I call her an idiot because being picky is actually a sign that you are mature enough to know how your food is supposed to be prepared. Eggs should be light and fluffy, cooked over low heat so that when they come to the table they do not bounce. Toast gives me eggs that are tender and light. Perfect. So try any of there omelets or scrambles. They will happily leave of any ingredients you don't like and they will bring to the table some mighty good eggs. Second, you must have either their pancakes, which are good, or their french toast, which is better. But most especially you have to try their french toast STUFFED with sweet mascarpone and strawberries. It is a huge plate of food, that can easily be shared by two, but so damned good that you won't want to. Say hello to wider hips because this stuff is addictive. Oh, and for you local Julius Meinl fans who need to get your fix, this is the place to do it. They serve JM coffee at this joint.
(4)
Jennifer R.
Toast is charming. I loved my experience there. The menu was solid and the prices seemed right. I had the special which was a sort of breakfast burger. It was very good. I noticed the owner walking around and helping fill waters or bring food to tables. I liked seeing how she was involved in her own business and how approachable she presents herself. The waitress we had was excellent. She did a fabulous job and everything tasted delicious. This is a great place to grab some brunch or breakfast with a small group of friends. It's not a very big place, so I could see how there could be a wait time at peak dining hours, but thankfully I didn't come across that. With the charming details of the fresh flowers on the table to the plethora of vintage toasters all around the establishment, this place felt authentic and welcoming. They do their own bread and jams from what I remember and I am excited to come back and try more.
(4)
Kara B.
I really enjoyed our Memorial Day brunch at Toast today. I expected it to be packed when we got there...it was busy but not overcrowded. The hostess sat us at the counter right away. The guy serving the counter (who seemed to be manager/owner maybe?) was so friendly and took very good care of us. When our food took awhile to come out, he apologized and made sure to refill our coffee numerous times. We didn't care since we had nowhere to be. Food was phenomenal...I got the omelette Loraine (chives, bacon, gruyere cheese....yum) and my husband got the prosciutto eggs Benedict- both were great! We didn't feel rushed at all (like some brunch places) and had a great experience. Very neighborhood, small town, fun/easy going people kind of feel and we will definitely be back....next time we will get one of their bloody Mary's that looked insanely good.
(4)
Laurie D.
Liked the area this restaurant was in. Hard to find parking. The restaurant was very busy on the Sunday morning that we went, but four of us got seated right away. Very few tables. Nice menu with lots of good choices. All of us enjoyed our breakfast. Two of us did veggie omelettes and toast and red potatoes. Another one did the salmon omelette.everyone was happy.
(4)
J C.
If you're coming here, be prepared for a few things: A super long wait Amazing food I was on vacation so I may be biased but I enjoyed it thoroughly!
(4)
Jackie L.
This is my hands-down favorite neighborhood place for brunch (yes, much better than Nookies)! The highs: Delicious food, both sweet and savory (pepper eggs, anyone?); speedy and attentive service (my coffee mug is never empty); reasonable prices. The lows: Only a few tables typically means a wait on weekends - but you can always use this as an excuse to walk through Oz park or pop into a shop on Halsted.
(4)
Stephanie E.
We went to Toast this past Monday during a visit to Chicago. We waited less than 10 minutes for our party of 3 to be seated. The decor is totally cute and the wait staff were very attentive, immediately bringing us water and offering coffee. We each ordered an eggs benedict dish: 1) a grilled tenderloin eggs benedict, 2) eggs benedict with thinly sliced prosciutto and 3) chorizo and pico de gallo (special of the day). OMG - each of the dishes were so tasty and flavorful. Plus - the breakfast potatoes were by far some of the best bfast potatoes I've tasted. Then we decided to also order and share 1 dish of the stuffed french toast (with pureed mascarpone. These were so airy, fluffly and delish!! Anyone that comes to Toast must try these!! You'll be like, "how did I ever live without these?!?" Anyways, we can't wait to come back to Chicago and pay another visit to Toast. By far, the best breakfast we've had since, well....forever! Now if only you opened a Toast in Miami and make my day!!
(5)
Hillary V.
Cute restaurant. Pleasant wait staff. The toast (French, stuffed French, Challa, etc) is all tasty which is good considering the name. Their omelets (including veggie) are also great.
(4)
Amy D.
Breakfast is the meal of champions and Chicago knows how to serve this important meal. Toast is one of my favourite breakfast joints, each time i go the food is spectacular and the service is very warm. We started our day off right, each ordering a mimosa, and at Toast they do not water them down with OJ, there was an ample amount of champy in them. I had the straight up original pancakes with bacon and real maple syrup. The pancakes were straightforward, there was nothing fancy on them, they had great texture, and were just simply delicious. My sis ordered the Tijuana omelet with jalapeños, onion, tomato, chihuahua cheese and cilantro. It was just spicy enough for a breakfast dish, it wasn't over kill, and the eggs were beautifully cooked. Overall if you are looking to go to a great restaurant in a fun neighbourhood, and experience good food, then go to Toast.
(5)
Alex M.
I've been here a couple of times and the food is always delicious. I've had the stuffed french toast orgy, the crabby benedict, and the B.E.L.T. All are highly recommended. It's a small place so there's usually a wait on the weekends starting at 9:15-9:30am. I like to sit at the breakfast bar. The bartender is honest and knowledgeable about the menu so don't be afraid to ask questions. It gets a little warm by the breakfast bar so be prepared to sweat a little, especially if you're drinking coffee. The bloody mary is fantastic. That little bit of wasabi really puts it over the top.
(4)
Caitlin F.
Best place for brunch I have yet to experience in the city. Don't let the crammed waiting area and unimpressive interior steer you away. The turnaround is always quick and the food will blow you away. They use nothing but the freshest ingredients and every bite is better than the last. The Wasabi Bloody Mary is one of the best I've ever had. Breakfast burrito is my favorite and the house potatoes are a must!
(5)
Angela Z.
I would really appreciate it if the manager would contact me as I am very upset by something that just happened. I drove across the city specifically because I am longtime customer and love your food and got there before 2:45, just after 2:30 only to be told you were not serving anymore when everything online says you are open till 3pm. I was starving, I wasted a lot of time, and it made an already bad day even worse. If your hours have changed then please amend every source online to reflect that. But if not, then that wasn't right. My time and money were affected by going out of my way only to get turned away 25 minutes prior to closing time.
(1)
Tisha K.
It's a smaller brunch place in Lincoln park but it has a great atmosphere to it. It typically gets pretty packed on the week ends so you may have to wait a few minutes before you get seated but they do a great job of bringing the food out quickly and getting their customers in and out. The prices are very reasonable and their food is always fresh. I had their pancakes and I have no complaints about them. They were nice and light and fluffy and with their syrup it was a great start to my morning. :)
(5)
Laura F.
The food might still be good here but sadly, without the manager, Tyler, we won't be going back anymore. He was what made this restaurant a great experience for me and my family. He was a great manager, server and host! Whatever restaurant he is at now is so lucky to have him! It's not just about the food-people make a restaurant!
(1)
Caeleigh R.
I loved this place! My boyfriend and I agreed that not only was Toast in the top three for the best brunch places but it was the top. The service was efficient and friendly. The hostess was quick to welcome us and our waitress (I don't remember her name but she has gorgeous red hair) was friendly and always made sure my coffee was full and we were happy. The busboy was friendly and always made sure my boyfriend's glass of water was full which in itself makes or a breaks a place for me because he drinks water like he's standing in front of a never ending fountain and if he's happy, I'm happy. Everything was delicious. The coffee was smooth, the tijuana omelette was to die for and the stuffed french toast was amazing. I chose to not have cilantro in my omelette and I got fruit instead of potatoes. The cheese was melted perfectly and there were just enough jalapenos in my omelette. The fruit cup was fresh and they give you quite a bit! My boyfriend got the breakfast special (salmon and asparagus benedict) and said it was the best benedict he'd ever had. He said the house potatoes were yummy and not over seasoned. We also got the stuffed french toast to split; we decided to try a piece of each different type. The Mexican chocolate french toast WAS TO DIE FOR. It is bitter, so don't expect something super sweet, but my god, it was good. I HATE french toast and think it's repulsive, but I had to fight my boyfriend for the last bite. I want to go back just for the french toast.
(5)
Shannon S.
I love Toast because it offers amazing twists on classic brunch fare. I have gotten their special of Chorizo & fresh pico de gallo twice now and I'm really hoping they add it to their regular menu! HINT, HINT ;) Other favorites of mine are the cinnamon swirl toast and their Blood Mary. It comes fully garnished and basically could be a meal on its own. There is usually a large wait on the weekends, and they won't seat you unless your whole party is there, so heads up! But for me, it's always been well worth the wait!
(5)
Courtland H.
Great brunch and lunch spot, though i have eaten there so many times i dont really order off the menu anymore i have a few dishes that i would cook myself, but with some of there best ingredients! always good for any type of Benedict, omelet, and the specials rock - you can drink as well but i dont generally at lunch or brunch. I hear they have some good bloody mary's Toast is a awesome homelike place, highly recommend to anyone!
(5)
Danielle S.
If you're coming here, be prepared for a few things: A super long wait Amazing food That's about it. It's worth it though. If you're coming and waiting by yourself, bring a book. If you're waiting with friends, bring a board game or something to keep you entertained.
(5)
Susan P.
Best eggs benedict I've ever had, and it was the Chorizo & Pico de Gallo special. The entire thing melted in my mouth. The potatoes were also amazing (especially with the cholulo hot sauce provided!). It was super busy in there with a wait, but we were able to hop on to 2 seats at the bar right away. Will definitely be going back.
A neighborhood staple and I've never been. Just a short walk from my house, I enjoyed the Julius Meinl coffee, the service (albeit quick turnover once we were seated we were out in less than an hour) and my delicious breakfast food. It tasted really really great, chorizo scramble with cheese, my own avocado addition and side of potatoes. Really great, I probably don't need to tell you to go here for brunch, you have either been here or heard about it from one of the 441 people to review this spot. Yay for being 442!
(4)
Amanda M.
Definitely specializes in benedicts and french toast/pancakes. Not a fan of sweets but the french toast orgy was out of this world. Benedict was also one of the best I've had.
(5)
Eames E.
Almost all the menu options at Toast are great, but you have to be cognizant of one thing before going there and that is the blatant level of false advertising. The restaurant's name is "Toast" but they only have about 6-7 types. When you go to a place called toast you expect lots of toast, i actually expected a menu exclusively comprised of toast but this was not the case. The food here is good but if you're expecting to try different toasts from around the world you will be sorely disappointed by their meager half dozen types of toast.
(5)
Jelena Z.
In the morning, I generally only want three things: A keg of hot, freshly-brewed coffee. Eggs (poached or scrambled, please). More sleep. Two out of three ain't bad, right? And Toast delivered the duo beautifully. My dining companion (and savvy expert bruncher) Andrea R recommended the pesto scramble and rightfully so - with its medley of tomato, prosciutto, gruyere and fresh housemade pesto, the delicious dish was made for scooping with pieces of whole-grain toast. Yes, I am a dipper. The lunch options also deserve a special shout-out: Ahi tuna sandwich with fresh fennel, a chicken mango chutney salad, and my sandwich darling, the Croque Monsieur! Service was noticeably kind; this cozy eatery is run with that warm, family touch. The space is so small that I'd be reticent to brave what I'm sure is a gnarly wait on the weekends. Parking can also be an issue in these parts so do consider public transportation... especially if you'll be downing a mimosa or six!
(4)
Kim N.
Too bad I had just eaten down the street. They have breakfast items named with the word "orgy". That certainly is an attention getter. Instead I got a iced Ceylon tea to go, while have a nice chat with the workers. Super nice folks. Too bad I didnt have more time to come back, it could have been a better lunch if I had known better.
(4)
Evonne L.
LOVED TOAST. i dont love many brunch places, but this one was especially good. why? 1. one of a kind. yes, very small, probably fits 50 people MAX in the entire restuarant, including one offs at the bar. we had to wait a good 30 minutes for a seat, and they could have been smarter about organizing the seating so that we would be seated before other smaller parties got seated. but the place is super cute, very quaint and bright, exactly how i think a brunch place should look. it was a perfect place to impress out of towners and dates! 2. pancake orgy. definitely beats the french toast orgy, which was a soggy mess. the pancakes actually kept their form while being seated beneath yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, and maple syrup goodness. definitely a dish that should be shared. fresh and delicious! 3. the breakfast burrito. all i need to say is yum. yum yum yum.
(4)
Josh B.
Today was my second time at Toast, a local place around the corner from our condo in Lincoln Park. Both times we have been here there has been a bit of a wait; however, the hostess has been fairly spot on with quoted times and they have a small corner area to sit and wait. Our waiter took our order right away and had drinks right out. We started out with coffee, a mimosa and a Bellini. Thumbs up on the alcohol, down on the coffee (I drink more coffee than anyone should so might be a little picky). I swear we didn't wait for more than 5 minutes for our food to come out just as ordered. I had the omelette Loraine and Caitlin the Veggie Benedict. Give the hollandaise sauce on the Benedict a huge thumbs up (I stole more than a bite). The omelette was as expected (nothing too fancy but done right). All and all a nice neighborhood place we will be back to but not a destination to seek out.
(3)
Alissa T.
yum, yum, yummmm strolled in one random summer day. would recommend this place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. all their menus look delish. service was great. i look forward to returning :]
(5)
Sruts A.
You have to be prepared to wait if you get there after 10 but it's definitely worth it! Try their pancake or toast orgy - absolutely delicious! A harmony of flavors that aren't too much but just enough to tease your taste buds I rate it 3 only because there are other places in the city where you can get food as good as this, or even better.
(3)
Kaman T.
Toast is one of those "not bad, but not amazing" places. Smoked salmon omelette: Tastes good, but small. The potatoes were too buttery for my liking. Cinnamon Raisin toast: incredibly yummy. the sugar crust is nice and crunchy, but again super small. Stuffed French Toast: It was good, but not amazing. A little too "wet". The chocolate one was my fav. Mango Mimosa: This came with a giant strawberry attached to the cup. It was good, but I couldn't taste the mango at all. Also it costs $7. Not worth it for the size. Overall, I wouldn't mind eating here if I was hungry, but it definitely would not be my first choice and definitely not worth over 15 minutes wait.
(3)
Melissa T.
French Toast Orgy - how have I never had anything similar to this before?! I can't even decide on a favorite flavor; add the yogurt and granola, YUM! It is amazing and a must try. My friends also ordered some benedicts which were also delicious. My friend had a bloody mary, he said it was one of the best he's ever had. It was very peppery to me but definitely very flavorful. I liked the strawberry lemonade champagne idea - not too strong but very refreshing. We went on a Sunday morning around 1pm and it was about a 45 minute wait. Fine by me because we just walked around the gorgeous Lincoln Park neighborhood and Oz Park. The restaurant is already very small and I feel like if it were an SF restaurant, they would have squeezed in three more tables and sacrificed some seating comfort. I'm not sure if I would have preferred a slightly faster wait or the spaciousness. Service was nice and attentive. The ambiance is great for a brunch setting although maybe a little difficult to seat groups bigger than 4. I know I'll be craving those french toasts! My real rating is a 4 but this place does not deserve to be an avg 3.5!
(5)
Craig U.
Toast is a great spot for breakfast in Lincoln Park. Nice atmosphere and staff, and great food as well. Standard breakfast fare, well executed. It looked like we beat the rush, but being a small breakfast spot I have no doubt it gets really crowded as the hangover crowd piles in. Their potatoes are some of the best I've had, crispy but not burnt, and soft on the inside. I had the BELT sandwich with goat cheese, I'm a huge fan of being able to select from a variety of cheeses to suit your mood or taste. The sandwich was really good, although I would have preferred two eggs opposed to one. The wife had the Crabby Benedict which was also excellent. The crab was a little extra crabby IMO but she didn't seem to mind since none remained!
(4)
Chris S.
Very solid brunch spot! It's small inside so you may have to wait for a table if you arrive at peak brunch times on a weekend. Their Bloody Mary was great. Eggs Benedict were so-so, but definitely above average. All in all - I'm a fan and I'll be back next time I'm visiting Chicago!
(3)
Mikey M.
Went there for breakfast with some friends recently and found it to be pretty good. portions are sized well at about 8-10 bucks a main entree. I had the French toast orgy combo and it was satisfying and presented well. The downside is the wait times. I went on a holiday weekday and there was still a 30-45 wait but the food was brought out without too much delay. Weekend wait times are nutty from what I hear but I won't ever stick around longer than 45 minutes for breakfast anyway. Any longer than 30 minutes to wait for a table, tries my patience. Overall it is a good place to eat and I'd have their food again.
(4)
Azaa T.
This place was so busy when we walked and seated us right away. The service was nice and efficient. I Loved the veggie omelet and will try their French toast next time :)
(5)
Lyn C.
I love Toast! This is the cutest little place plus I love the name. I've been to the one in Bucktown too but I like this location way better. It's super cozy and has kind of an old school feel to it and it's a great place to come for brunch. It's pretty small and also very popular so expect a LONG wait. I have been here multiple times where the wait was an hour plus. So, I mean I can see where people think that's ridiculous but at the same time you know it's gonna be like that so if you're not down to wait just go somewhere else. There are shops and bars around the corner if you need to kill some time (unless it's winter then you're just screwed). The Crabby benedict is my favorite thing I've tried but honestly everything on the menu is pretty good. BLTE and pepper eggs are a couple other faves. They have a couple different flavored mimosas that are good and they have a wasabi bloody mary that I've always wanted to try. You won't be disappointed by Toast!
We thought the french toast was going to be amazing since the place is named toast and there is always a line in front. Big dissapointment as the French toast reminded me of Frozen french toast sticks I used to make in the microwave when I was a kid. Two stars since they serve intelligentista coffee and the restaurant decor is kinda cool. Don't think I will be back.
(2)
Hina Q.
Looking for a new breakfast/brunch location, we were told about this place by a close friend. So we ended up going on a brunch double date. This place isn't too big and gets packed. There's usually a line up I hear for about 30 mins if not more. Well, that's true. When we got there we had to wait for about 20 mins until our table for 4 was ready. There was someone walking around with a clipboard to take names as you walk in. Anyways, we got our table and started looking over the menu. It is quite extensive. They don't only have breakfast/brunch dishes, they actually have regular food for lunch as well, like sandwiches and all. Looked over the menu and ordered our food. I got the Tijuana omelette and the wife got the egg burrito...I don't remember what that was called though. In my opinion the portion was a bit smaller than what I'm used to at these breakfast/brunch places. That was the only thing that crossed my mind. Other than that, the house potatoes were pretty good and the dishes were tasty. Our friends had ordered the french toast and they were quite delicious. They don't look like regular home-cooked french toast but taste amazing. And they are stuffed, on top of that. It was a good experience and the food was good. The service was pretty friendly as well. It was a fun brunch date. I would definitely go back and try their french toast orgy...yes, that's the name. That dish is what they are known for, so why not? Going back in the near future!
(3)
Cindy W.
Meet up with 5 friends for a late lazy Saturday afternoon brunch. This place has great stuffed french toast but I was craving savory omelette's. I got the pesto scramble (eggs, tomato, prosciutto, gruyere, and home made pesto). It was good but not fantastic. I think the reason is because my scramble had crunchy egg shells in them. :( A total Debbie downer for me....its actually unacceptable. I am in the food business and I think cooks and prep service should be more attentive in what they do. Some friends got crabby Benedict. Was shocked with the real crab on top. And the chicken mango chutney salad. It looked good but I did not try it. Food portions are great and filling. And nothing can BEAT BYOB!!! Order some OJ and bring your champagne. TIP! One more thing...make sure everyone in your group is present. They won't seat you until they are all accounted for. :(
(2)
Bryan C.
I went to the one in Bucktown off of Damen because my boss recommended the place and I am glad i stopped in. The previous weekend I had been at The Bongo Room and got two eggs over easy, bacon, toast, and a side of potatoes. Since Toast had the same thing on their menu i got the same to compare. Toast blew Bongo Room out of the water. The eggs were much better and just seemed heartier than the ones at Bongo Room. The potatoes were seasoned much better, and everythign else was just better. The price was about a dollar more but for the qaulity difference it was worth it. The only downside of this place,at least the Bucktown location, is that there isn't much seating and the layout is pretty poor so if you get there during a busy time or pretty much anytime from like 8-12 expect to wait a little bit. I would recommend coming in groups of no more than two as it will reduce wait time greatly. Overall this is a great spot for breakfast and I would insist you try it if you haven't already.
(4)
sandy L.
Small venue, young crowd. Nice servers, great bus boys! Very disappointed in host. Tells us specifically we are next! Waited 30 minutes, we're. ? Sat two other groups before us, then sat us at last table, where we were knocked continuously by patrons using bathrooms and staff accessing back area. Didn't like. Food was undercooked. Not a great experience for us
(3)
Jessica S.
Small place, nice service and decor. didn't love the french toast orgy as much as I wanted to but it was good. pesto scramble was very good.
(4)
Mary W.
I've been here a couple times, and while I really want to like it, it has never wowed me. One of my biggest complaints is the wait- I've waited over an hour on the weekends, I wouldn't mind if the food is fantastic, but it's just ok. The french toast tastes like something I can get from a diner for half the price- honestly wouldn't waste my time going here when there are much better places in the area. Given the long wait, I always feel rushed when I am eating so that they can turn over my table. Bottom line: Long wait, rushed service, mediocre food.
(2)
Luke S.
I am glad that Groupon offered a deal here. It took me way too long to redeem my Groupon, but once I got around to it I was very happy! Here is a breakdown of what we got: Lox Omelet (A+) - It was a great combination of cheese and lox. I didn't think that this would work, but it was somewhat mind blowing. Cobb Sandwich (B+) - I loved that it tasted exactly like a cob salad, but was on hallah bread. I do wish they offered it in a wrap. Hashed Brown Potatoes (A) - I'm not normally a potato guy, but these were yum yum. The seasoning was awesome and they were browned just right. Our service was also very good even though the place was packed. I can't imagine how busy it gets on the weekend, because it was packed at noon on a Wednesday. This is a great spot for brunch!
(4)
Bernadette R.
There are numerous Toasts in CA, the famous one being in LA. I thought that this would be affiliated somehow, but it was not. The place is cozy inside but you'll definitely will be waiting for awhile on the weekends. I ordered a caprese sandwich that came on ciabatta bread. It was good, but nothing special. The house potatoes that it came with were delicious. They were perfectly cooked, semi burnt and crunchy. I'll be coming back.
(3)
Todd G.
We have been working thru the breakfast place in the area and this one rates pretty high. There was a 30 minute wait, not too back for 10:30 on a Sunday morning.. The wife has hit this place a few times, unknown to me, so she had a pretty good handle on the menu. I had the BELT, very nice but after seeing the French Toast and the Pancakes I did have buyer remorse... Very good but the Stuffed Toast really called to me... She had a Salad with a mustard vinaigrette that totally rocked...
(4)
Robin M.
Toast toast toast toast, toast toast toast toast! You know, I just love me some Toast. Have not had a bad experience yet. The pancake orgy is fantastic. scoop off the granola and fruit/yogurt and eat that as a parfait, and then you have fluffy pancakes. Man, it was amazing. Their granola is homemade I think. It sure tasted like it. I have also had their eggs bennies and they were mighty tasty. Bacon cooked just like you like it, as are the eggs on the regular menu. If you get there too early you can't have that champagne lemonade cocktail, which sucks, because it is good. No matter have some coffee and stop drinking for breakfast, it's not good for you! The host (boyfriend with glasses is adorable), the manager (really nice) and the service has always been first rate -- THANKS, FELIX! Always a smile from everyone, even when it is jammed up in there. And it often is, which isn't so fun. The seating space is limited and I wish they would put a bench outside for those of us too tired or old to stand for long periods of time. But no matter. I will take my big ole booty to Toast and wait as long as needed. It's fantastic all around!
(5)
Patty T.
Ehhh. Toast is ok - no more, no less. You're better off going to Yolk or Nookies - but if you end up at Toast, then here's what you need to know.... It's cash only, so make sure you bring some $$. Their french toast and pancakes are delicious, but omelets are subpar (instead of integrating their ingredients into the eggs, they simple plop them in the middle of a cooked egg and fold it over). Service is generally fast/good, but you're almost always going to wait Saturday/Sunday during the brunch hours. Also, I'm not positive that they have air conditioning...in the summer, they often open the doors and have the fans going and it can get kinda toasty (no pun intended :) ) If you're stranded in LP, then Toast is a solid brunch option...otherwise, head south to Nookies/Yolk for a larger menu and better value.
(3)
Alex S.
Fantastic Brunch spot not overly crowded for the Bucktown area. The Garbage Omelet and the Crab Jalapeno Benedict were both outstanding, also great coffee. I would highly recommend this place and plan on going back.
(4)
Kyle M.
This place is consistently great. The food is fresh and it has a quaint atmosphere. Be prepared to wait a long time before sitting.
(5)
Christina F.
Went here for brunch once and got the french toast with yogurt, granola, and fresh berries. It was gigantic and from what I recall quite delicious. But the prices were more than I had expected.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
Great food! Want a mimosa? Go somewhere else...like Fork! :)
(3)
Frank L.
Incredibly accommodating staff. We started out as a party of 6 then 7, then 8. Each time the charming redheaded waitress rolled with it and played table tetris until we were all comfortably seated. Our glasses of water and mugs of good strong coffee were never less than half full at all times (the guy refilling them was in it to win it!) I had the mascarpone french toast which was delightfully fluffy and rich without being heavy or cloyingly sweet. As our table traded bites from each others plate, we just kept silently nodding and chewing, all in agreement that this brunch food was exemplary. I would be delighted to come back to this place and enthusiastically recommend it!
(4)
Heather B.
Actually 3.5 stars from me. Wait was about 10 minutes at 10:30am on a Sunday, which i consider very reasonable. Staff was friendly, patient and funny! The menu had a lot of delish-sounding options, but on the recommendation of a friend, I went with the breakfast burrito with avocado. Overall a good dish but a few small complaints: for $2 extra, I got a pretty disappointing chunk of avocado in my wrap. Jalapenos were listed on the description too, and nowhere to be found. Oh, we also ordered a bowl of the veggie chili to sample before our meals came, and it was DELICIOUS! I will absolutely be back, at the very least for the chili, and perhaps to sample some of the other options.
(3)
Allie B.
Alright, don't be a dodo, this place is small (teeny-tiny) so if you have a party of more than 4, go somewhere else, you're gonna take up half the restaurant. That said, for parties of 4 or smaller, definitely give it a try. Yes, you will most likely have to wait for a table (probably for about 30-40 minutes on a weekend) but it's well worth it. I've never had a breakfast here that I didn't enjoy and if given the opportunity to go to Toast or go pretty much anywhere else, I'd say Toast every time. Their crab benedict is stellar and their stuffed french toast fills my tummy with happiness. The atmosphere is casual and inviting and while the prices are a little steep, it's quality breakfast in Lincoln Park, you should be expecting it. Two thumbs up from this girl.
(5)
Becky S.
My boyfriend took me here for a birthday brunch, and we both got crepes. I got the nutella crepe and added strawberries to it. The ratio of nutella to crepe was a little too high, but the strawberries helped cut through the richness. My boyfriend got the brown sugar crepe, which was also really good. All in all still pleased, but I think I need to order something savory next time since my experience with their sweet stuff is that it's a bit rich!
(4)
Sharon H.
I went here for a weekend brunch date with my cousin, which we try to do every now and then. The wait was kind of long, which isn't unusual for popular Chicago brunch places, and also isn't too bad because it's a nice area to walk around and shop for a bit. We always share our dishes- we got their famous stuffed french toast and some egg dish. the french toast was definitely delicious for the first few bites, but waaaayyyy too sweet to eat for a breakfast. sharing the two dishes was a good idea though. And they have mimosas and bloody mary's, which i won't lie, is the main reason I even chose the place :)
(4)
Stacey A.
I took my new roommate to Toast this past weekend. They estimated the wait would be an hour, but then noted that everyone who'd put their name in had then left to go walk around, so if they got called and weren't there - their seats would be deferred to us. Fine by me. We ended up sitting at the counter (within 10 minutes), where we were taken care of by Jill - who is absolutely lovely in every way. Roommate loved her brown sugar & strawberry crepes and I can't ever stay away from the French Toast Orgy (it's like an abusive husband, but I keep going back to it) and then there were mimosas. Experiences like that remind me why Toast is one of my favorite places in Chicago.
(5)
Dan C.
I went here on a Saturday morning with a few friends. We left more confused than anything. After waiting 2 hours for a table (fine...I get it, this city loves breakfast), we finally sat down at a table near the restrooms. This place has a strict "everyone must be present to get seated" policy, which is fine, to a point. One person from our group went to the restroom right after we were seated. The neurotic owner lady, I guess her name is Jill, immediately yelled at our table for not having all 6 people present (after she had chastised us a couple times before for sitting near her precious teddy bears in her completely inadequate waiting area). C'mon lady! So we almost left due to her overall rudeness, but stuck it out. After all, we had been waiting forever and were hungry. We get our food and 2/3 of the raspberries were moldy. After sending the raspberries back we get a whole dish of raspberries with a superior 1:1 moldy berry ratio. The rest of the food was fine (the only reason this place gets 2 stars), but if you are going to have poor customer service, your breakfast better blow me away for me to return. About half-way through the meal, Jill (we nicknamed her Kiki before we knew her real name), came over to our table to seemingly mend fences. She propped up one of her legs all casual-like on the booth and proceeded to poorly explain her rudeness. About 2 sentences in, one of her minions came up behind her and started giving her a backrub. #1: freaking weird, and #2: gross. So yeah. If you like waiting 2 hours to get yelled at by power-hungry strangers on your weekends and eating good (not great) food, please go here. If not, try any one of the gazillion other breakfast places in Chicago.
(2)
Neel S.
Liked the brunch food. Prices were reasonable. Hoping the bucktown location holds up. Didn't have a terrible wait.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Came here on a Saturday my first time, so it was jam-packed. The wait staff was friendly and made sure we got free pancakes since we had to wait longer than usual. I had the eggs benedict, and I have to say they did a great job perfecting that dish. I'm really picky when it comes to a traditional eggs benedict, but the prosciutto instead of canadian bacon was on point. It was also really buttery, which is a plus. The potatoes were eh, okay, but I was so full I didn't care. My friend got the chicken sandwich, which looked really healthy so that's a nice change up. Also, the mango mimosas were de-lish. I definitely need to go back soon.
(5)
Suzi M.
This was my first time eating at Toast and overall I was very pleased. We normally head to Orange for breakfast in the city but decided to try someplace new. My omelette lorraine and my husband's tenderloin benedict were great. The food was hot and served right away. Our side of sausage was a little burnt and their hashbrowns are chunks of potatoes (not my favorite style) but those are minor things. Like all small restaurants in the city, you should plan on waiting a while. It is cheaper than Orange, but their is also no frushi (please go try Orange's frushi if you haven't already). We will definitely go back since I need to try the french toast.
(3)
Crissy I.
I love breakfast, especially pancakes. And the only thing I love more than breakfast is brunch, and Toast serves up a great one in a casual and classy atmosphere. I'll be honest: I was initially put off by the wait. First of all, it was very poorly organized, which was surprising to me because clearly this place gets packed on weekends and this was not the first time they have had to manage a wait. My party was small (3 people), yet we waited for about a half hour outside. Not fun. We definitely would have waited longer if we hadn't been willing to take a table at the bar. I'm never thrilled about having to eat at the bar, but the bar in Toast was cozy and comfy and had a diner feel to it so it made it a lot easier to tolerate. I'd describe the rest of the restaurant in a similar fashion: small and cozy with lots of close tables, and a slight diner vibe but with a more upscale touch. The menu is large and varied, with a focus on eggs benedicts, pancakes, and (obviously) French toast. As a self-described pancake connoisseur, I had to try the pancake orgy (sorry, French toast namesake restaurant). The orgy consists of banana pecan, lemon poppyseed, and blueberry pancakes, but I was able to sub out the blueberry ones for the seasonal special, pumpkin pancakes. The orgy part consists of the topping: vanilla yogurt, honey, fresh fruit, and granola. When the dish arrived, I was shocked at the size of the pancakes and the amount of topping. The plate was overflowing with fresh fruit, berries, and granola with raisins and dried cranberries. Amazing! The topping itself would have made a great light breakfast. Seriously - these pancakes were a work of art, so much so that I took a photo of them. More importantly, the pancakes were fluffy, bursting with flavor, and very hearty and tasty. The real treat of the trio was the lemon poppyseed, which had a distinct lemony tartness and tasted similar to a lemon poppyseed muffin. As for service, our server was very friendly and helpful when it came to ordering, and attentive throughout the meal. He managed to keep his cool even while serving and making drinks on a busy Saturday morning, so I have to give him props for that. I really liked the Toast's ambiance, and their creative breakfast offerings were delicious. Grab your friends and your best stories, some patience for the wait, and a hearty appetite for some unique breakfast specials. Happy brunching!
(4)
Melissa B.
I'll keep this review as short as the stay you're allowed here! Everything on the menu is awesome!! The service is awful. The owner(?) makes you feel like she's challenging you to a fight if you sit longer than 30 minutes! I like to relax with my coffee, so I'm done with this place!
(2)
Alondra G.
One of the best breakfasts I've had in my life! We ordered the Pancake Orgy and the Stuffed French Toast... both were amazing!! We sat at the counter because we didn't want to wait for a table (waiting time was only 30 minutes but we were starving) The waiter was very nice, coffee is great and the OJ is fresh (I wish I had tried the mimosas) I totally recommend Toast, even if there is a long wait time, it is worth it!
(5)
L L.
I have dined here before and I am a big fan is their lemon poppyseed pancakes. However, after two experiences with burnt pancakes, hidden on the bottom of the stack (bad move) and burnt bacon (crispy doesn't mean burnt), I will not be returning. Lastly, when I asked for the pancakes to be redone, it took them 20 minutes, which is when my friend was finished with his meal. Look at the bottom of the stack is you dare to order!
(1)
Dianne S.
FINALLY...FINALLY got to try this place out! Made it in at around 9am on a Saturday and was told by the annoyed looking hostess that the wait would be half an hour. Instead of waiting, the three of us opted to sit at the counter. It's a very small space, but apparently there's a patio in the back which was closed since it was pouring out. I loved that I didn't get a weird look from our waiter when I ordered Coke to go with my breakfast. Got the omlette lorraine with applewood bacon, chives, & gruyere cheese. It was melt in your mouth good. Huge too, so I had plenty to take home. Got toast with it too...of course. My friend let me try her side of chicken sausage (you HAVE to order this!) and I had to hold myself back from eating it all! Their chicken sausage has an amazing bite! I will definitely be setting my alarm clock to come again. (side note: it's BYOB!)
(4)
Glenn H.
Toast has the looks of an old-school diner, but it's been trended up and caters to the yupsters of Lincoln Park. Being a yupster, I'm quite alright with that, but it certainly doesn't cater to every type. I had an omelette, which was pretty good. I won't rave about it, but I won't complain. What I did enjoy was their house-made wasabi bloody mary. I like my bloodies lip searingly spicy, and this fit the bill. I also highly reccommend the brioche toast. I would go back just for this. The girlfriend had a basic 2 egg breakfast with whole grain toast and a mimosa. Again, good, but not great. If I lived in the neighborhood, I could see myself popping back in, but with so many delicious brunch options available, I don't think I will.
(3)
Sarah L.
Small but comfy restaurant located right next to Oz Park. The food is deelish. I know most people come here for brunch, but I stopped in for lunch and had the best tuna steak sammich. Since I went in for lunch, there was no wait at all. I hear the pancake orgy is amazing and will have to try it. Maybe right now..
(5)
Mad I.
Looooooong wait.... pretty yummie crabby benedict, good portion of crab.
(4)
Paul S.
Pass on this one. 9:00am ME: Hi, how long is the wait for a table of three? HOSTESS: 20 minutes ME: Can I give you my name? The other should be here by 9:30am? HOSTESS: Sorry, we don't take names unless your whole party is here. 9:30am: ME: My whole party is here, can I give you me name? HOSTESS: Yes, the wait is 45 minutesto a hour, but check back in 30 minutes. You can wait outside. ME: Can I give you my number? HOSTESS: Sorry, we do not call when a table is ready. 10:00am: ME: Hi, checking back in. HOSTESS: It should be about 10 minutes. The table by the window will open up as soon as those people leave. 10:10am: HOSTESS: We have a little problem, there is a party that just arrived and they are getting the table by the window, do you want to sit at the counter? ME: You mean the people who just arrived? HOSTESS: Yes, their whole party is here now and they gave thier name before, so they get the table. ME: But I offered to give my name an hour ago. ME: (to friends) lets go to Clarkes. Clarkes on Lincoln, great food, nice staff, places to sit. No double standards.
(1)
Sarah J.
I wanted to try Toast on a Sunday morning, but when I called and was told the wait would be 30-40min (which seems shorter than others have experienced), I decided to try on a weekday. On a Monday at noon, I didn't have to wait and got a seat really quickly. I can see why the wait here is so long. First, the interior is really tiny. There aren't that many tables so I can imagine why the wait can get longer on weekends. Second, the food is great. I had the grilled tenderloin eggs benedict, and they cooked the tenderloin medium just as I'd asked. The hollandaise sauce was really tasty, and the eggs with the sauce didn't taste as greasy or heavy as they have at other places. The potatoes were cooked really well, not too dry or greasy. The employees were very friendly, kept my water glass full, and split the check with no problems. The stuffed french toast sounds really good, so I can't wait to go back and try that. All in all, it was a good experience and I'd recommend it to anyone who either is willing to wait a long time on a weekend, or can go during the week when it's less busy.
(4)
Heather C.
First time trying this place and was glad that I did. My friend and I both had Loraine omelets. They were delicious! The breakfast potatoes were good as well. Loved the toast Bellini drink and my friend loved her Irish cocoa drink. The staff was friendly and provided good service! We got lucky because it was not too crowded although I hear that this place gets extremely crowded on the weekends. Will be back!
(4)
Kristin S.
I have eaten here several times and tried to eat here several times and was not able to 1) find parking or 2) wait 1 1/2 hours. Good grub, but I am ready for a few new things on the menu. French toast orgie is great (chocolate, marscapone cheese, etc...) And they make a great omelet.
(3)
Brent M.
Solid breakfast place! I took my son their recently on a visit to Depaul and stopped there for breakfast. Good pancake selection, acceptable coffee, and the best granola I have ever had. A little small but cozy.
(4)
Sonia L.
GROUPON USERS BEWARE!! First of all, the ONLY reason I came to this place was because I wanted to use my Groupon. Let's start with the good. There were two of us and we were seated immediately at ten am on a Saturday. Secondly, the food was good. The eggs benedict and the breakfast burrito were both enjoyable. We were happy... The waitress seemed agreeable when we mentioned our Groupon as we first sat down. When we received the bill, Bryan took out his Android phone, to show her our Groupon (I like to save trees), she immediately said they do not accept Groupons on any phones besides iPhones. What? Really? This REALLY does not make ANY sense, since there is a number on the Groupon, which they can type in to their register! Secondly, how is the Android any different from the iPhone? Oh, it must have a built in printer huh? Obviously, we asked to speak with the manager, who by the way, was a total jerk. She did not even let us finish explaining our case (other restaurants have accepted Groupons from the phone - Devons, Indian Garden, Dinkels Bakery even accepted it with just the Groupon number - I did not even have to print it out or show them my phone). Anyway, the manager was really disrespectful towards us, which I found shocking, and ultimately did not let us use our Groupon. Regardless, I will be calling Groupon to explain this, and probably calling Toast again to complain. Bottom line - if you have a Groupon and no iPhone, Print it out!
(2)
Matthew W.
The following is a tale, never told before. We arrived for brunch on Saturday and got a table in 5 minutes! 5 minutes! 5 minutes! Yeah, the stars must have aligned or something. I almost didn't go because of all the reviews that claimed a 2 hour wait on the weekends. Don't believe the hype, you too can luck out. If you go, try to just go with one other person so that you can avoid the wait also. Ok, now for what happened after the short wait...The restaurant has all the charms of an old-school breakfast counter. Small, tightly packed tables. Bustling waitstaff. Generous portions and quick service. The food was just ok for me. I had the stuffed french toast and was pretty disappointed. I had one Mexican chocolate, one strawberry, and one marscapone. Call me old fashioned but I'll take challah french toast any day over this soggy plate. Overall, it wasn't awful, just not what I was expecting from french toast. The savior for me was the side of potatoes that I ordered. Charred just the right amount and loaded with flavor. Yum. My girlfriend had the eggs benedict (because that's what she does) and it was outstanding! She only gave me 2 bites, that was not outstanding. The staff was never pushy but we could tell they wanted us to stop talking, pay the bill, and let someone else sit down. Overall, I think I just picked a bad menu item and would definitely go back.
(3)
Nicole G.
The service was great and I like the atmosphere, but I'm not sure this is a top breakfast pick. I had the breakfast burrito which was good, but not great. Personally, I think it was WAY over priced ($9+$2 for avocado) and it didn't even come with breakfast potatoes - that would have been another $2. I guess that's just how things go in Lincoln Park?
(3)
Zeeshan D.
The old toaster decor presents itself as a warm, cozy and inviting place but the actual temperature inside was much colder. The host stated the wait would be 40 minutes but we were pleasantly surprised and seated in 30. As many of the reviews had suggested, I opted for the French Toast Orgy which was an incredible indulgence. The portions were definitely more than enough for one person. They have 3 different flavors and you can choose to get a tasting of all 3 (mexican chocolate was the best). Street parking was easy to find but because of the wait time we were scurried around the front of the establishment several times and then ultimately just ordered to go wait outside. The older woman behind the counter and the front door greeter just need better communication as I understand its a crowded place but being friendly makes the wait a lot more bearable. All service is not bad, our wait staff was a sweetheart in checking on us frequently and even being a smart conversationalist. I'd visit this place again if I wanted toast, but never if I was on a time crunch.
(3)
Aprille C.
Tiny place and our last breakfast on our trip. We walked the 6 blocks from the subway and I was expecting a crowd like I'd read. Maybe because it was a Weds we were lucky and got seated right away. I had the Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and avocado. They add truffle oil to their hollandaise which gave it that something extra special YUM! Super delish! He had eggs, bacon and potatoes and enjoyed it.
(5)
Lisa T.
Toast gets 3 stars out of pure frustration. It's really damn good brunch, it's just not worth the hassle. I finally got the chance to try Toast when my boss suggested having a breakfast meeting on a Friday. I suggested Toast because I was hopeful that there wouldn't be a 2 hour wait at 9:15am on a Friday. I was correct. The place was definitely busy and bustling, but we were able to get a table right away. Please note that I've tried to come here 3 or 4 other times during "peak weekend" hours, and found myself with the aforementioned 2 hour wait (which i clearly did not stick around for). I'm sorry.... there are very, very few things that are worth a 2 hour wait. Unless you have the patience of a saint, I'd steer clear of this place on the weekend (unless you're a very early riser and can beat the crowd). The stuffed french toast was legit amazing. The mascarpone was by far my favorite; the chocolate was very good. Strawberry was a distant third place. I would most likely just order all mascarpone if I ever make it back here and don't try something else on the menu. My boss had an omlette that was quite good; but honestly the french toast/pancakes are really the shining stars on the menu. The service was definitely a little bit brusque. You'd think at a cute little brunch place like this would have the type of servers that are overly perky/nice/etc. Not the case. If you're lucky enough to be able to hit up the brunch scene on a weekday, I'd definitely put Toast on your list of places to go. Stay away on the weekends..... there are plenty of other crazies showing up to wait for a table, you don't need to join them.
(3)
Steph G.
It's been over a month and I still find myself thinking of you often. I'm not convinced that I'll ever forget you, Mr. pretzel roll egg sandwich. Your roll was so fluffy and perfectly enveloped all of the deliciousness enclosed within. There was no runny yolk to deal with, the avocado slices were plentiful, and the sauce (which I think was horseradish) really hit the spot. While you could have used a handful of alfalfa sprouts to offer a little crunch, I still found you to be stupendous. I only hope that one day we will find each other again. Until then...
(5)
Gianna N.
Surprisingly was able to walk right in today and sit at the counter with no wait what so ever. The few groups behind us, however, were not so lucky and were faced with a 35 minute wait. Z had the tenderloin eggs Benedict and he pretty much won the "Clean Plate Club" award for the morning. I got the B.E.L.T.. The egg was cooked perfectly and overall was a really good sandwich. I also had a Bloody Mary which was SPICY but burned so good! Overall, a great breakfast. I'll definitely be back to try the french toast!
(5)
Patrick C.
Ok, so I came to this place while I had a cold and fever, but needed SOMETHING to get my energy up. Enter the "French Toast Orgy." Three different types of french toast topped with yogurt and granola and surrounded by fresh fruit. Delish! I came here on a Thursday around noon and some people STILL had to wait for tables. I can imagine that there is a VERY long wait here on the weekends. Also, if you plan on using a credit card, be sure that your bill is over $9, otherwise it's cash only. Enjoy!
The eggs benedict is my Achilles heal.... I will be drawn to toast any day of the week ..., hour waits aside, it's worth it. The truffle hollandaise will haunts your dreams.
(5)
Jennifer B.
Ah, Toast. The quintessential Lincoln Park smashed-up-against-strollers-just-to-get-my-Âbreakfast brunch spot! When I think of Toast immediately two things come to mind: extremely crowded, and awesome Texas toast. Brioche I think? I don't know how Toast does it, but they make the best toast in the world. They deserve the namesake! They also deserve an award for breaking fire codes with the amount of people that they fit into that tiny restaurant. And to add insult to injury, the place is so popular that if you don't want to wait for a table you better set your alarm before the sun rises or plan on having breakfast at 2pm. If you are in Lincoln Park looking for a brunch spot, you just gotta go to Toast. If for no other reason than the kitschy collection of toasters displayed along the juice bar. Sit at the bar, carb-load with yummy toast and dodge those strollers!
(4)
Dustin F.
Haven't tried the toast, but I did have a delicious breakfast. Good service and terrific Eggs Benedict. Enjoyed them with chorizo, pico de gallo, and truffle hollandaise. Potatoes were cooked proper. Mmm mmm.
(5)
Vanessa G.
Admittedly, I've only been to Toast in Lincoln Park once before but I feel absolutely compelled to add another great review to the list. If you look through my yelp review profile you might notice how fickle I am about Eggs Benedict, especially Hollandaise Sauce. Well, I'm pleased to report that I've finally struck gold. Toast's buttery, nutty, truffle oil-infused Hollandaise is, in the immortal words of Drake, "the best I ever had". The eggs were perfectly poached and the potatoes were crispy and richly seasoned. Cons: My guest and I were seated 2 hours after we arrived on a Sunday morning. Also, the coffee tasted bitter and cheap. It gave me a stomach ache. Coffee is really important for me, but someone else might prefer the strawberry lemonade in place of it. I'll go back some day.
(4)
Jessie S.
I can't even think of a word that sufficiently describes how over the moon i am about Toast's veggie benedict - english muffin, artichoke hearts, spinach and hollandaise. If I wasn't positive I would soon start to look like hollandaise sauce, I'd eat it daily. I've yet to order anything else on the menu. Major points also for the fruit - the generic melon medley, one piece of pineapple and red grape fruit salads most diners serve totally bum me out. How does that pass as a fruit salad that I have to pay extra for? Toast provides a delicious mix that includes strawberries, blueberries, bananas, grapes, melon and blackberries. Furthermore, the service is personable and prompt, the interior inviting and the options creative (for example, PB&J pancakes) and fresh - i really have nothing more to say, other than Toast is a favorite for breakfast in a neighborhood with breakfast options galore. Oh, and P.S. they also have mimosas in orange, stawberry and mango.
(4)
Seema A.
I went to the Bucktown location. Oddly, I didn't see a sign, so its kinda hard to find. GIve yourself at least 20 mins to sit and wait if its a Sat. The place is small, but quaint. I had the pesto scramble minus the salty prosciutto and veggie sausage. YUM! They give you potatoes which I don't really care for (and they were the chunky kind). The toast I selected was raisin. Yummy, but a bit too sugary for my taste. A little pricy at $22, but a good choice if you want to go walk down Damen after and hit up boutique shopping :)
(4)
Howard L.
The main review comment here is that Toast is different for it's inventive and creative brunch items. At least for some of the items, you can't expect the classic taste. I had the touted french toast orgy and wife had a BELT sandwich (BLT with egg) on french roll. The BELT tasted as expected. All items had fresh ingredients. The french toast didn't taste like french toast as it was smothered in granola and yogurt, and stuffed with strawberry puree, mexican chocolate, and mascarpone. It was good and filling, and almost overly flavorful. I wasn't sure what to expect, and only knew that it was raved about. I was thinking it was a brunch version of neopolitan ice cream. Anyway, it was a novelty of a stop. The place was filled with Lincoln Park yuppies on a Sunday afternoon. Mostly ladies also, maybe because of the concurrent Cubs game? The restaurant is relatively tiny, holding maybe 30 patrons, and so no surprise that there is often a wait on weekends. Overall, yes, a noteworthy and novel Chicago brunch spot. Service was attentive and friendly.
(4)
Ted C.
Why did it take me this long to come here? I guess when I was in high school the place was a bit too intimidating for me because it seemed 'too cool for school,' if you'll pardon the expression. I had some time to kill after a really early morning and I told my buddy about this breakfast place that was right nearby. Tenderloin benedict, the words alone just make me want to say 'YES!' Instead of wimpy Canadian bacon they switched it up with a filet. I was a little upset that I didn't think of that sooner. My friend is an avowed lover of breakfast and liked it here. He's a DePaul student and I think that he will stop by here more often. I've read some bad things about the service but I thought it was fine. The manager was really friendly and I had nothing to complain about our waiter. A definite repeat and when I'm in the area again for breakfast I will return.
(4)
Bob H.
Wouldn't know how the food or experience was at Toast. We were told by the not so nice hostess that they could not accommodate our party of 5 at 11am, because they were closing early. Meanwhile groups of two and four were sitting there waiting on tables. Ridiculous. We went down the street to Nookies Too instead, and had a great breakfast.
(1)
Suzy D.
The only thing that I have ever ordered here is the french toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese. It is absolutely delicious. My husband has ordered eggs and omelettes here and they seem decent, but not mind blowing. I think this is a french toast kind of place. However, be prepared to wait. Whenever we have come here, we have always had to stand in line for a table, and the restaurant is very small so it takes awhile. If you love french toast, you must try it though.
(4)
Morgan A.
I've heard many great things about toast when we first moved to Chicago. After months of living in the city my boyfriend and I decided to try it. I was really nervous about the wait after reading reviews. Somehow the stars aligned and we only had a 15 minute wait. In all fairness, we did get there around 1pm which is past the common 11-12 brunch hour. On to the main event... SPEEDY service. Seriously in a blink of an eye we ordered our food and it was there on the table. Ok so maybe it was more like 5 minutes but seriously?! that was FAST! Food was hot, delicious, and there were lots of options. Like usual, I won best dish between the two of us. I got the eggs benedict (my fav brunch food). It was one of the best benedict's I've had in Chicago so far! There was a hint of truffle oil in the hollandaise sauce; de-light-ful! The prosciutto was lean and perfectly sliced for a benny. In addition to that, it's served with perfectly browned potatoes, yum! My boyfriend got one of each of the stuffed french toast. The french toast is the baked variety, not the griddled version most people associate with french toast. If you're not familiar, baked french toast is a lot more delicate and moist. Overall, his dish was just OK. I'm giving Toast 4 stars because we got in quick (not usually the case based on other reviews), service was fast, food was tasty (especially mine), they had belini's on the menu (my fav), and the atmosphere was really great. I will say that I felt a little rushed through my meal. While they never said anything, it was clear they were watching all of the tables like a hawk to keep speed of service for those waiting to get in. While I appreciate that when I'm in line, I don't appreciate it while I'm the one eating! I'd say this place is great for 2 people. You're more likely to get seated faster and you won't feel as cramped in the small space.
(4)
Kerri A.
The only reason I'm giving them one star is because the French Toast was good. Probably the rudest staff I've encountered in a really long time. In a world where things are rocky & we have learned that customer service is so very important, it was a bit unreal how rude the hostess and lady manager in charge were. We were originally going to be a party of six then learned that our whole party had to be there before we were seated due to the fact, "you order and we serve you so fast so by the time your other friend shows, you'll already be finished eating." Umm, okay cocky waitress, but you haven't seen how SLOW I eat. Then we learned that our sixth friend went to the wrong Toast (she was at Damen - we were at Webster). We explained this to the hostess, who again, told us that we can't be seated without our whole party. (YEAH, thanks - we got that). So we make an executive decision to just sit and eat as I text our 6th friend to say that they won't seat her even if she makes it in the next 15 minutes so we'd meet up with her after the meal. She arrives maaaaaaaybe six minutes later - mind you, we hadn't even ordered and received all our drinks yet. She says she was berated by the hostess who declared that she absolutely could not sit down. I mean, really - were we being filmed for "Boiling Point"? Do they not realize THEY were losing business by not letting her eat? I get up and speak to the lady manager on duty and she gives a different excuse than the hostess - saying that there's no room at our table (you bet there was...we were sharing a bench - we can squish). No go. Needless to say, this ruined the entire experience because more than half of the charm of a restaurant is how you're treated. We were treated like nothing and it was quite frustrating. Particularly since we were just trying to meet and hang out with an out-of-town. Congrats, Toast on Webster, you're officially never getting my business again.
(1)
Melissa M.
Woooowww!!! I have to STRONGLY disagree with the review saying management is rude. I have been to Toast countless times and each time I've been greeted warmly, told an accurate wait time, asked if I'd like anything to drink and treated with respect and kindness. The hostess has always been friendly and the manager is awesome. I'm sorry anyone had a bad experience -- I'm sure if you go back you'd see differently -- maybe it was just an off day or maybe it was just misunderstandings! I love this place and it's a great establishment with fantastic employees -- and the food is RIDICULOUS to boot! :)
(5)
Gary B.
Headed over to Toast this past weekend to check out a new place. We new that it would be busy and there maybe a wait involved. Showed up around 11:30 on Saturday and to our surprise there was a limited number of people milling outside waiting. We spoke with the host who was very pleasant and gave him our name. He stated that the wait would be about 30 minutes unless we were interested in sitting at the bar which was available. Never ones to shy away from a bar (regardless of booze being served or not) we quickly told him the bar was perfect. Taking a look at the menu it seemed to have your typical brunch foods until I looked up and saw the days special...asparagus, tomato and blue cheese omelet. I was in heaven and was eagerly anticipating this meal. I was not disappointed what so ever and devoured everything on my plate. While Toast is out of our way for an "all the time" brunch spot, I would certainly be back if I was going to be in the area.
(4)
HoboMan M.
Success has gone to their heads! Totally rude staff ... never again; you guys aren't that good
(1)
Richie D.
The breakfast here is absolutely delicious. Their french toast is HUGE with plenty of fresh fruit. While things are a bit pricey, it's nice to go to once in a while. My one complaint is the tiny size of the restaurant. I'd recommend the Toast II (Bucktown) because it's a bit bigger. Still, hands down, one of my favorite breakfast spots.
(4)
Alison S.
Unique brunch food. Love the poppyseed pancakes. Consistently the longest brunch wait I've experienced in Chicago. If there's a wait, head somewhere else. The city has so many great brunch places, there's no reason to wait 2 hrs for a table. Even when you do get your table, you feel rushed, due to the set up of the restaurant. I find it hard to relax and take my time eating while there's a crowd of 20 people at the door waiting for you to finish.
(3)
John A.
while driving x-country stopped in Chicago for a couple of days. Read great reviews on this place and it blew my mind. It was raining out so wasn't busy. The food was AMAZING! Had their pine nut pancakes and steak benedict. Cost was well worth the meal and if ever in Lincoln Park, I plan to be there again.
(5)
Sarah F.
This place is yummy and very accommodating to our random substitutions. We got lucky and didn't have to wait. There is nothing innovative about the food but it's well executed.
(4)
Rob L.
Definitely a great place for some quality breakfast... Got to say the only issue is the line, but that's a no deterrent at all. If you go and you know there's a long wait, you can do what we did and go to the Halsted Harp Irish pub around the corner for Bloody Marys while you wait! There are way too many complaints about this place, don' let them influence you. There are great options on the menu... something for everyone. And the comment about the manager/owner lady, well if you are nice to her she is really cool and funny.
(4)
Sara R.
Was excited to check out Toast due to it's cozy atmosphere, but the food was nothing to rave about. Don't get me wrong, I had an enjoyable time: the place is small enough that you can feel intimate with whomever you go with and the service was attentive. I probably waited for about 20 minutes, which was not bad. I decided to stay in my traditional realm and order two eggs...Absolutely nothing to complain about, but Toast just didn't register as a top-notch, extraordinary place for me. Overall- I would recommend Toast to anyone, more so for it's atmosphere and setting. And one side note- I did overhear the host saying that their head chef was out of town, so that may have improved my experience some.
(3)
Tiffany R.
so after a year of having Toast on my to try list I FINALLY WENT! I ordered the french toast orgy and wow....WOW it was amazing! I seriously was giggling the first 5 minutes of eating. So so good! Everything was fresh. The wait was 10 minutes not bad at all. Coffee was meh...would have got 5 stars if the coffee was good! But for something fun and delicious go GO GO!!!!!!
(4)
Megan H.
The food here was good. So would I ever come back? Absolutely never!!!!! The service here was some of the worst I have ever had in all my experiences at a restaurant. Can I give them negative stars???? Originally, I was supposed to meet 5 friends for brunch. We were to meet at 10 am. When my friend got their first, she was rudely told the wait would be 2 hours. Um, the place is tiny but it wasn't full at that point. Then we found out it would just be the 3 of us. When we informed them of the change they got even more bitchy and told us that the wait would still be about an hour. Sure, whatever, brunch places are a dime a dozen in the city. As my friends and I were debating about where else to go, they came out and told us that they can turn a table sideways so that two of us could share the bench. Whatever, we were hungry. Several times as we were walking in, the hostess and who I think was the manager kept asking us if we were sure that no one else was coming. As we assured them it would just be the three, they proceeded to tell us that even if someone did come, they would not even be allowed to come in and say hi to us. Seriously???? We also witnessed the hostess tell someone who wanted to sit at the counter that they were not doing counter service that day and it would be an hour wait for them to get a table. Um, there were about 2-3 people sitting at the counter eating. I don't get it. Our server was fine and the food was good but it was nothing spectacular. As we got the check and my friends and I started to talk about how we would pay the check, here comes bitchy hostess to tell us that their f'd up policy is that they can put it all on one credit card, split it onto two cards evenly or take only cash. There was no other way they would accept payment. Yes the policy is absolutely stupid and they are physically able to take payments a whole slew of ways but again, it's not what she said but how she said it. So long story short, I would NEVER come here again. I didn't read the previous reviews before going so I didn't know that the manager had a reputation for being a "nazi'. All I know is that if she thinks it's cute, she's a moron.
(1)
Amanda C.
OMG I loved Toast! I went here for brunch with a friend on a Sunday and for two people there was about an hour wait. I was expecting this as I had read previous reviews and knew from those to wait at Starbuck's across Halsted. We had coffee and went back after about 40 minutes and were seated right away at the window table. We ordered Bloody Marys and orange juice to drink. The BM's were not my favorite, but good. They are wasabi-flavored and made from Toast's own mix, with red and yellow peppers on top. Pretty spicy but a lot of people like that. I couldn't tell if the orange juice was freshly squeezed, but I think it was. The menu had so many awesome things to choose from it was difficult to make a decision, and a lot of these involved gruyere cheese and prosciutto, both of which I love. I settled on the Pesto Scramble which was probably the best eggs I have had in my life. The house potatoes are great too and come with most breakfasts. They have meat in them, and my pescatarian friend wished the waitress would have mentioned that. She ordered the Crabby Benedict which I tried and thought was just OK, but that's kind of an unusual flavor anyway. Overall the service was fine and we had no problems using a Groupon. I enjoyed the music, ranging from Queen to Elton John. The food came out so fast but we never felt rushed even though there was a long line. The decor reminds me of an upscale diner. I can see how the long wait and an average meal would make you think less of this place, but my experience was great.
(5)
Christopher G.
I visited Toast after the "4th of July" fireworks. . .i.e. the next morning. My wife and I worked off the meal by walking all the way from Palmer house hilton to Toast . . .it was a long walk. Personally, i would of rather stop by Bongo room (south loop). Toast was decent, the stuffed toast was interesting (basically, a french toast sandwich with something inside). The wait was long, the food was quick, and it was decent. My wife really liked it. . .but I don't think I would drive from the Suburbs to eat at Toast (unlike my monthly trip to a Sunday Brunch at Bongo Room). Decent food. . 3 stars = A okay. . .worth the wait? worth the parking fun? nahhh. . .
(3)
Lindsay C.
The berry pancakes are phenomenal!!! I love that they provide sugar free syrup as an option so I can finish every last bite with out feeling super guilty! Tyler, who usually works behind the bar, is terrific! Super friendly and attentive! Great breakfast spot!
(5)
Elaine C.
What to say about Toast that hasn't already been said. 5 stars for the food. Minus 1 star for making me wait until my friend showed up even though the place was empty. Minus another star for having to sit in a 10-degrees-too-hot room with a bunch of yuppies and college students. Plus 1 star for potatoes that I didn't need ketchup for (rarely happens).
(4)
Cinsou E.
Toast is the place for a gorgeous breakfast. It's absolutely a place to go. Their brioche is just amazing ! The only concern you can have is that yo will probably wait a little bit to be seated. But then the service is great an very quick. The Waitress was wonderful, smily and very nice. We had a very pleasant breakfast.
(4)
Samantha M.
I was very turned off after hearing such great things about Toast to be greeted with a crabby hostess and waitstaff. It was about an hour and half wait to get a seat on a very hot day so as my friend and I walked around the park for a bit, we were quite thirsty when we came back to find that our table still was not ready and so we asked for a couple of waters. The hostess said that she would get them to us, but as we watched her, clearly not busy, talking to co-workers, cleaning menus, etc. we waited in extreme thirst. Finally, around 20 mins had passed and she brought us over the drinks and said "were you the ones who ordered water?". Considering we were the only 2 people waiting and had nothing but sweat running down our faces, it was a pretty sure bet that yes, it was us. As we sat down, we felt rushed because they were so busy. The waitstaff was trying to take our dishes before we were finished and the check was on the table before we could finish our wasabi bloody marys (which by the way were fantastic). The bathrooms...ugh...don't get me started. First off, there was no toliet paper in the womens, and it felt like a nightmare sneaking behind a curtain to even find them. They were small, dirty, and uninviting to say the least. On to the good stuff...the food gets an A++. No complaints here at all! The Nutella crepes were to die for! Unfortunately, there are too many other places in the city that also have great food and service to recommend Toast. The food can only take you so far. Work on the service and I may be back!
(2)
Laura W.
I have been wanting to eat at Toast for the last 14 years and I finally got around to it this summer. Nothing like taking my time with it! I did read some of the other Yelp reviews before I went and I noticed many of them had negative experiences with the owner/staff. I didn't let this deter me and I went in really excited to be eating breakfast there. Two of us arrived there at 8:01am on a Saturday morning. The door was unlocked and we could see the staff in there and as I pulled the door open I was screamed at 'FIVE MINUTES' with a hand held up. Ok... so we walked down the street a bit to check out the restaurant next door and the Redeye newsstand. I would say more then five minutes goes by and we see other parties entering and not coming back out so we assume it is safe to go in. We walk in and say 'two' and we are told 'you can sit at any of the smaller tables in the back'. I also felt this was a bit rude but what can we do. Once we sit down and order things turn around. Our waitperson was friendly and smiley and not rude at all. I ordered the bacon, gruyere, chives, and onion omelette and it was amazing. I really love gruyere and it really made it taste delicious. My friend ordered thehuevos w/ chorizo & cheddar omelette and it was as equally delicious. I am so happy the food didn't disappoint even if I felt it got off to a rocky start. I also read in some of the reviews that people thought the prices were too high, but I don't. I thought it was reasonably priced for the portions and ingredients. The coffee is julius meinl and the OJ is fresh squeezed. My three stars are for the food and I would say that I would go back to try other items on the menu. I do caution about getting there early, by the time we left around 845am or so it was almost completely full. I hate waiting to be seated for breakfast so it was worth getting up early to be seated immediately.
(3)
Laura G.
Solid breakfast spot in LP. A lot of fresh twists on typical breakfast food. I really enjoyed the vegetarian eggs benedict. There was no wait when I went during the week, but I heard it gets very busy on weekends! Definitely worth checking out!
(4)
Heather R.
After months of trying to get in, I finally had brunch here when my friend was visiting last week for business. This place has always been impossible to get in on the weekends, so I figured any place that has a 3 hour waiting list on weekends is definitely a place worth checking out. We went on a Thursday and had no problem getting an immediate table. We were seated right away and although the menu seemed to have a mile-long list of choices, I stuck with my staple breakfast of eggs Benedict. As delicious as the Crab Benedict sounded, I stuck with traditional Benedict. And, ohmylands...hands down it was truly the BEST eggs Benedict I have ever had! And I can confidently give all the credit to the holandaise sauce. It was orgasmic---incredibly light with a hint of lemony sweetness. I could've had seconds. And thirds... my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The service was great and the food was comparable to any brunch place. My only complaint is the lack of space and seating, so I can have that eggs Benedict again on any given weekend without waiting 3 hours!!! One word: EXPAND!!!!!
(4)
Angela C.
I love coming to any Toast for their food because it is fresh and tasty. The food here is the same quality as the Toast in Bucktown. The big difference though (and the reason for only 2 stars) is the service. As noted by another Yelper, it sucks. The issues with service only arise when it gets crowded (which is basically after 9 AM on any given weekend). My friend lives in LP, and so we hopped around the corner to get some brunch. It was pretty crowded at about 11, so we put our name down on the list with the unfriendly hostess (who took about 5 minutes to even notice us standing in front of her). We were then herded into the corner alcove (the "waiting area" if you will). Unfortunately the waiting area overlaps with some seats at the bar, so you are literally standing next to people who are eating. It was freezing that day, so we didn't want to stay outside. I've had bad experience with walking around while waiting to be called and then the restaurant skips over you, so I wanted to stay to make sure we got a seat - and soon. The owner kept yelling at us to not block the doorway (which we weren't), and once we were shuffled back into the corner, we were then yelled at to not get into the bar dining area. Seriously, there is no where else to stand. Thankfully, a couple as called, revealing two seats. My friend and I sat down and had a great conversation with an ex-Pat and her niece. This conversation made the wait less painful. Once we were called, we were seated at the bar even though there was a table available. Upon looking up, I noticed this and asked the hostess if we could switch to the table. She looked annoyed and was hesitant until I verbally suggested to my friend that we should just leave. (Note: the two seats we were taken to at the bar were the same ones that overlapped with the "waiting area"). We were then seated. Once seated, the waitstaff was okay, but our visit was pretty much ruined by the rude hostess and rude owner. If you crave Toast, go to the one in Bucktown. The parking is better, the staff is more chill, and they will let you stand inside when it is freezing cold and not make you feel like a chastized child while waiting for a table.
(2)
Chris S.
One of my favorite brunch spots in the city. Excellent Eggs Benedict and great ambiance. I LOVE walking there on a lazy Sunday to have a relaxing brunch.
(4)
Tera D.
YUM! I live very near to Toast, but even nearer to Nookies, so I never seem to make it over here. My bf and I finally went in for Sunday morning breakfast. I had been warned extensively that the wait gets really long, so we made a big effort to get there early - around 9. Not sure that was totally necessary though, b/c there didn't seem to be a wait even when we left around 9:45. The decor is way cute, perfect for a breakfast place. The crowd is notably different than diner-type places, with a lot more people in the 35+ range. Service was very fast and attentive. But most importantly, the food was sooooo tasty. I ordered the pesto scramble, which may have been the most flavorful egg dish I've ever eaten. It also came with toast and potatoes, which were very tasty as well. My bf got some sort of french toast extravaganza, which was three flavors (chocolate, strawberry, and something else, I think) covered in yogurt, granola and fresh fruit. Very good. I highly recommend Toast next time you want a nicer breakfast outing.
(5)
Jacqueline M.
Hear good things about this place from multiple sources. So I tried it with my cousin this past Christmas weekend. THE GOOD: Very good smoked salmon omelet. Of course, the toast also had to be good. Atmosphere was sunny (brightly colored walls, GREAT modern tunes playing at reasonable decibel level. THE GREAT: Excellent apple sausage with yummy char-grilled flavor. Prompt and friendly waitstaff. THE OK: Why no potatoes/hash browns with the omelet? Omelet selections could have been more plentiful. The omelet was also not as fluffy as I like. Also, it was pretty chilly by the door where we were seated (entrance is literally on top of the first area of seats). THE VERDICT: Very good neighborhood breakfast place near OZ park. Would I come back? Yes, for sure. PLATE ENVY REPORT: Our neighbors on both sides of our table ordered some towering french toast concoction and I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. Looked ridiculously good despite the fact that it would require 10 sessions on the elliptical machine to wear off.
(4)
Alison E.
Oh my god. I would give Toast like 10 stars if I could. Mister and I went there for brunch, and it was pretty much as perfect as a meal can get. The server was really nice and attentive, food was super fast. And DELICIOUS, did I mention delicious? Super delicious. I had lemon poppyseed pancakes, and then we split veggie sausage and a side of potatoes (OMG THE POTATOES, YOU GUYS). Mister had some kind of spicy omelet thing that he was suitably impressed by. He was unsure whether to even put hot sauce on it, which is high praise indeed.
(5)
John G.
Smaller than I liked but the food was good. Hostess and waiter were very nice. Wait wasnt too long, quoted 30 mins at 1st but we got lucky since a party didnt show and got sat in less than 10mins. Got the pancakes with berries, eggs and the chicken sausage....excellent options in my book. It right by Depaul University too.
(4)
Aaliya Y.
The hubby and I were in town for a friend's wedding and after a few bland meals, we were desperately in need of a stand-out brunch. You'd be stupid not to order the mascarpone stuffed french toast! The texture is like that of a donut and it's so creamy with a small note of sugar thrown in the mix. I've been dreaming of this ever since! A close second is the mexican chocolate french toast and coming in strong in third is the strawberry puree stuffed french toast. The hubby had the crabby eggs benedict which were good, not great. But, the lemon zest hollandaise sauce was amazing! Such an unexpected twist.
(4)
Jenny H.
We had the eggs benedict which were delicious, and the pancake orgasm, which had 3 different kinds of pancakes (including the lemon poppy seed). The pancakes may have been better if eaten separately so you can taste the different flavors, but in general, great food- would go back for the eggs benedict.
(4)
Julie H.
O.K. food. I was not impressed with my Avocado Breakfast Burrito. At $11, I expect some flavor. There are much tastier morning burritos at around $3. But I get it, Toast is a chic brunch option, so they price it accordingly. Vicious attitude from the woman in charge. Because of the volume, our party chooses to eat at the bar. From the moment we sit down, throughout the entire meal, we hear the brunt of her inappropriate jokes directed towards customers, some of which include "regulars". She kept talking at us as we tried to enjoy our brunch. This might have been excusable but she crossed the line: Ms. Webster Toast went on to jokingly call my friend "Tits-on-a-toothpick". It didn't stop there, she raucously continued with uncomfortable boob jokes until something else caught her attention. She mistook our reactions for being in good humor, but my friend was mortified, and the rest of us were fed up.
(1)
Chris J.
I just returned from brunch at Toast with friends, and had a bit of a mixed experience. Overall, the food was good - - I had a special ommlette that had peppers, chicken sausage, cheese and spinach. Creative combination, and it was executed fairly well. The problem came when we tried to pay for the check - - there were 3 of us, we wanted to put $20 on one card and the balance on the other card, which is a fairly simple request. The waitress informed us that their "policy' was to only split down the middle. I was a bit surprised; most restaurants offer many payment options - more than I would ever even use - so this was kind of unexpected. To top it all off, as we were signing the credit card receipts, we noticed that they had run the same card twice; when we complained, they said they just printed the receipt twice, they hadn't actually run the card twice. I find that unlikely - - it will be interesting to see once the credit card statement is online.
(2)
Mary S.
Two minute wait to get seated, attentive service, and a plate full of various stuffed french toast smothered in yogurt, fruit, and granola? I hope this meal is indicative of how great the rest of 2010 is going to go! The coffee was piping hot, our server was great (presented with flourish, and a special accent), and the food was delivered really quickly. My only complaint is that the strawberry stuffed french toast somewhat tasted plastic-y.
(4)
Sharon W.
This was our second try on attempting to eat at Toast. We went Sunday morning at 11 and once again, the wait was hour fifteen. Fortunately, the cute boutiques were open to kill the time and we were able to get seated in 40 minutes; next to the bathroom. We were rushed to order from the not so friendly waitress. We ordered the veggie eggs benedict and the french toast orgy. Food: Veggie Eggs Benedict: Great hollandaise sauce. Probably because anything mixed with truffle oil is delicious. But nothing special. The egg was definitely over poached and the potatoes were soggy. The French Toast Orgy - which was a mix of strawberry , chocolate, and marscapone stuffed french toast with yogurt and granola and fruit on top. Sounds delicious and looks scrumptous - but unfortunately was nothing special. You would expect french toast to be stuffed with chocolate, strawberry, and marscapone. However, 1) It didn't really look like french toast, but more of a oversized soggy swiss roll and 2) wasn't really stuffed, but a strawberry flavored french toast, a marscapone flavored french toast, etc. and finally 3) didn't have that much flavor. Service: The waitress wasn't friendly as previously mentioned since she pretty much demanded our order although we weren't ready. The bus boys were friendly and filled my coffee promptly without asking and boxed our soggy french toast without much complaint. Atmosphere: Tiny as flip especially since we sat next to the bathroom! It was also loud, crowded, and claustrophobic. Overall: I cannot believe I tried to come here twice and was willing to wait an hour fifteen minutes to eat something so disappointing! There are several brunch places with a less wait time and better quality food (Meli Cafe, Bongo Room, etc). . .
(2)
Jess F.
I. Love. Toast. SO CUTE. It's a tad too small so its a bit crowded, but i think its cosy. The food is phenomenal. The eggs benedict and the potatoes it comes with are delicious. The stuffed french toast were pretty good too but they were a bit soggy which made it a little less yummy, and plus i discovered in my last few bites that they were a thousand times better with honey than wth syrup, I wish i had realized that before I was practically done haha. My only complaint is the wait. Try to go at an off time, we went on a thursday at 1 which was perfect but ive been there on saturdays and sunays after 9 and its almost always an "hour and a half" wait. However if you sit there most people leave before their names are called and it ends up being a lot less than an hour and a half. I'm pumped to go back next weekend and try the pancake orgy, will let you know how it tastes!
(4)
Erin J.
Don't be scared when they tell you how long the wait will be. It usually doesn't take that long. Dear sweet mother of god, the stuffed french toast was amazing. Also the chirizo scramble was out of this world. Always gets a thumbs up for good orange juice and hot chocolate.
(5)
Kelly S.
Lemon poppyseed pancakes. Drizzled with honey. At 9am on a Monday morning. My week started out brilliantly. My two girlfriends and I were seated in the booth table in the window. Our server was absolutely delightful. Jovial. Efficient. Have you ever seen the TV show Brothers & Sisters? He looked exactly like Teddy. My advice for the best Toast experience possible. Go between 8am and 9am on a weekday morning. No line. No wait. Delicious food, impeccable service, and a terrific cup o joe.
(5)
Lindsey D.
Great service, everyone is polite and prompt. The food however was not very good at all. Breakfast places are everywhere in the city and everyone is looking for something to make them different, but just because you've combined ill-fitting ingredients into a dish doesn't make your food good or give you an edge. Portions not worth the money, and the eggs Benedict was quite terrible. Daring menu choices do not pay off for this sub-par breakfast joint. Also, it smiled like urinal cakes. For real.
(1)
danny v.
My cousin took me here fro my birthday breakfast...........it was delicious!! I had a french toast orgy (that's exactly what it is!) 3 slices of stuffed french toast (strawberry,mascarpone,and mexican chocolate) covered in yougurt,granola,fresh fruit and honey!!!!!!! wow amazing! I had great service, yummy food, and fresh strawberry lemonade. I will be going back. The only down side is that it is small and you may have to wait a bit.
(4)
Janie C.
Curse the Groupon that came out for this place! The wait is usually at least 30-45 minutes on a Saturday or Sunday morning and you can count on it staying that way for a long time to come, so bring a book and some patience, or grab a coffee at the Starbucks down the block. The first time we were at Toast, we sat down next to a lovely pair of women who were just finishing up. We asked what they ordered and what they thought. One woman got the smoked salmon omelette and recommended it. The other got the stuffed french toast (one of each flavor available) and expressed disappointment. We proceeded to order: salmon omelette for the gentleman, huevos w/ chorizo & cheddar for the lady, and the kid's portion of the stuffed french toast (one of each flavor) to share. We make our way through our respective brunch choices and try each others, both egg dishes are yummy and hit the spot. Word to the wise: skip the potatoes and the toast -- they're not that great and they are fillers. You must save room for the good stuff. After one bite of the marscapone stuffed french toast, my partner-in-crime remarks, "That b*tch was crazy!" And we devour the remaining flavors. Marscapone is by far the best, don't bother with the others. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, syrup adds to the gooey deliciousness. And as a bonus, the tables are lined with butcher paper and you can snag some crayons intended for the young-ins, or the young at heart, and doodle away as you wait for your meal. Go on now, doodle away!
(4)
Vonda D.
Toast was awesome when I went! The staff was very friendly. The food quantity was huge. I left feeling stuffed. I also liked that it was BOYB. We dont really have that here in ATL. Perfect place to cure a hangover.
(5)
Froi P.
This is a great breakfast place! I've been here twice and haven't been disappointed. I like the decor which gives it a unique aura with old toasters lining the shelves. SEE PICTURES I've had the steak benedict which I've never seen before. This past visit I had the Lorraine omelette (SEE PICTURE) which I highly recommend! The staff is friendly. The food comes out hot. Every time I come to Chicago I make sure I come here! If you come on a weekend, be prepared to wait a long time. I have no complaints about this place.
(4)
Jenn S.
My friend and I stopped in here for a delicious brunch...and boy was it! Although the space it tiny, which is usually a deterrent for me, it definitely made for an interesting dining experience. Between the children sitting next to me yelling at their parents (they were 3 & 5) and the ladies on the other side of us that caused a bit of a yelling match between my friend and I so that we could hear each other, "interesting" is definitely the word to use. So why do I give this place 4 stars? The food was THAT good! Just when I was about to order a plate of pancakes (which are huge by the way), I looked down the row of tables to see a breakfast burrito at every single one. I knew that something must be good about them if everyone seems to have one. So I got one. Oh Em G...it was so good my mouth is watering as I type right now. I also ordered a side of potatoes which at first looked as though they were burnt. No no no...they were perfect. Not too crispy, not too soft. I will certainly be going there again to try the french toast...and everything else on the menu!
(4)
C C.
After several attempts to eat at Toast (and always got the "an hour to 2 hour wait after 10:30 AM), we finally made it in at 8:30 AM. It was just my husband and I so we were seated fairly quickly. After perusing the menu for 2 minutes, I settled with the "create your own omelet" and my husband had the stuffed french toast. Food - I'm not very picky when it comes to omelets as I don't think you can really screw one up. However, Toast failed my mediocre expectations. I asked for three simple ingredients to add - mushrooms, sausage, and cheddar cheese. I promise you, I think the chef took a cheddar pinwheel and just sat it right on the egg. The cheese ate my omelet! Needless to say, I enjoyed the side items - toast and potatoes. As far as my husband's meal, he seemed to enjoy it as the only thing that was left on the plate was the fruit. Service - This place gets quite busy after 9:30 AM so arrive early if you're in the mood to try this place out. However, I have to say that this place is pretty much, "hurry up and eat your food so we can seat the next guest." I'm a pretty quick eater, but this place takes the cake. Before I was done eating, the waitress brought our check and the busboy took my plate. Overall - I definitely won't be visiting this restaurant again. I felt I had a better brunch experience at Nookies Two, right across the street. Another thing, although I don't have children, I don't think this place is very accommodating for families. It is way too small so expect to wait a while.
(3)
Rachel A.
At first it was all about the name for us. I don't know why else we would have discovered Toast. Call it the Damon Bradley of restaurants for 5 galavanting girls but we went on a wild goose chase in search of Toast on foot and by Taxi. Toast is off the beaten path for tourists but a wonderful excuse to explore a Chicago neighborhood. The housing looked so quaint and the streets were clean with lush trees providing shade. We quickly passed by Oz Park where I spied the Tin Man but had to keep on walking for we were getting closer to Toast. Alas, we reached this restaurant where we were met by the big piece of bread signage. Ecstatic we had found Toast, it was like we stumbled upon an oasis in the desert. We didn't wait long at all for our table, the seats were comfy and service was fast. The French Toast Orgy can't be beat anywhere else. C'mon, french toast filled with marscapone cheese? It was so rich, decadent, and filling that I'd thought I'd discovered the french toasts of all french toasts. I also felt like a local. I'm envious of the neighbors. I'd be here every weekend.
(4)
Betty S.
Love Toast. Be prepared for a wait unless you go on a weekday- I reccomend sending someone early for a group and have them wait at the starbucks down the street :) Eggs are great, everything is great!
(5)
Mary B.
Once you get past the hour long wait to get in to the tiny restraunt, you realize it is totally worth the wait! My favorite brunch place in Chicago by far. The best eggs benedict i have EVER had. They also have EGGcellent scramblers (pesto is my favorite). If you like a little buzz with your brunch, their bloody mary's are strong and spicy- just how they should be. Or for something on the sweeter side, their vodka and strawberry lemonade concoction called the Heavenly Lemonade should hit the spot. My advice to Toast diners: Go put your name in, grab some starbucks, and take a walk down the shops of Halstead or through Oz Park right down the street. Great plan for a leisurely Sunday afternoon.
(4)
Adam B.
Place only sits about 30 so you may have to wait a little but it's worth it. Food was really good and service was a lot quicker than expected. Prices are also reasonable and I will be going back once I move into the city.
(4)
Brittany B.
Ever since I'd seen someone eating breakfast here from the window, I'd really wanted to try this place! Finally on my last visit to Chicago, we stopped here. My thought on the food though, is it looks better than it actually is. I got the French toast orgy (my sister kept referring to it as the french toast orgasm!), but it was less than orgasmic to me. I think there was too much going on with the toast, and maybe too many sweet things - stuffed toast in three flavors, topped with yogurt, granola, berries and honey. Pretty yummy, but too much food made me feel more bloated than anything else. My sister and her boyfriend got the breakfast burritos (they looked like a good choice) and my boyfriend got the pesto scrambled eggs. Top-notch pesto, but a bit more butter and cheese than my stomach could handle.
(3)
Lauren P.
i loveee eggs benedict, so i have had it a numerous restaurants, and this place definitely has one of my favorites. i get the tenderloin eggs benedict, hollandaise sauce on the side, and its so delish every time. the weekends get pretty busy, but its right by tons of great shops, so killing time is easy! def worth the wait...
(5)
Andrea R.
My first trip to Chicago and this place was the most review-worthy. It's small and quaint, great atmosphere. The servers are not overly friendly, but they did their job very well. It was a Monday afternoon, there were about 10-12 patrons in the restaurant. Every person's food looked and smelled delicious. I was starving, so I stuck to my old favorite "Two Egg Breakfast" choice. They couldn't have done it better. My eggs were scrambled perfectly (with cheese and garnish), served with a bit of almost mashed potatoes, and my choices of chicken sausage and multi-grain toast. Everything was delicious. They made a simple meal extraordinary. I cannot wait to go back!
(4)
Polina G.
I am not usually one to write Yelp reviews, but I really thought my opinion needed to be heard in this case. Apparently I'm the only person in Chicago who thought their "french toast orgy" tasted like baby food. Over-priced and over-rated mushy bread that doesn't remotely resemble anything you would consider french toast. After about one bite of each flavor, I had had enough. Well, that's all. Just wanted my voice to be heard. If you go to Toast solely for it's trendiness and their french toast orgy.....you may be disappointed. Probably.
(2)
Danny M.
Expensive Breakfast + Trendy Neighborhood + Average Food + Pompous Employees = Toast. Here is what I know about Toast: - I want to love it, I really do. I'm not a negative person, but Toast always seems to bring out the worst in me. - The food is good, dont get me wrong! The owner always appears to be visible and super nice, so kudos there. - The host always seems to think he is better than me since he controls the wait time. I respect the job because I have done it before, but at the end of the day, you hold a piece of paper and a pen. Lets call a spade and spade, and put a smile on your face, son! Again, no disrespect for the actual job, because I have done it for quite some time ... - You will wait ...for a very long time! The nice thing is that their are some boutique shops in the neighborhood that you can walk too to spend some time. I think my shortest wait time has been an hour. - There is some neighborhood and street parking, but the Halsted bus might be your best choice, if it is an option. - Oh, and dont come with a group. I recommend a table of 4 or less, or block out half the day to get a table. They do not accept reservations! Some great menu items are the Veggie Eggs Benedict, Stuffed French Toast Orgy, and the Pesto Egg scramble. The eggs benedict is great because it is a classic, just with great seasonal vegetables on it. Finally a choice for psuedo-vegetarians! The French toast orgy is three large pieces, individually stuff with strawberries, chocolate, and marscapone cheese. It is topped with yogurt and granola and it is absolutely fantastic! The pesto scramble is great too, but a little pricey for something I could make at home (which this did give me the idea to put pesto in my eggs and has been a breakfast treat ever since). I absolutely love breakfast. Eggs are a staple of my diet! I just find it hard to rationalize spending $15 on my first meal of the day. Sorry Toast, this wont be a frequent visit!
(3)
Gena U.
I love breakfast. Split a chicken sandwich with a friend for the meal (which came with heavenly potatoes), and then proceeded to eat the stuffed french toast orgy -- yogurt and granola, oh my! The mascarpone was delicious, the strawberry next, and I found the chocolate stuffed piece to be a bit dry. It's a bit small inside, and we had a small wait for Sunday brunch/lunch, but worth it.
(4)
Jen B.
A great neighborhood brunch spot near DePaul. You won't find a giant menu like at Yolk but there is a good mix of sweet and savory options. Expect the usual wait between 10 am and 1 pm on the weekends. You can put your name down and head to the Starbucks on the corner for a coffee and crossword while you wait, or stroll through Oz park and take in the statues. I had a fantastic pesto scramble with these really great potatoes and wheat toast. Yes, the toast was especially good (as you would expect given the name). Good coffee and OJ, too.
(4)
Travis B.
This has to be the greatest restaurant with the worst store front I have ever seen. It's so uninviting from the outside w/ its mechanical storm door and hard-to-see-through windows. I don't think its a good mark of a restaurant that the only way I would have known to try this place was the Yelp reviews. The atmosphere (inside) is great. The music is just a few notches too loud though for a breakfast joint (especially with a sound track that belongs in an Express or H&M). That said the food is great (and reasonably priced). I had the eggs benedict and it was probably the best benedict I've ever had. I overheard the guy next to me pointing at my plate and telling his waitress "I want that". The wait is a bit long but I think that's par for the course in some of these well established but smaller restaurants in the city.
(4)
Sarah F.
Aside from the cramped "waiting" area, this place is soooo good. I love the stuffed french toast and the pesto egg dish - honestly, I could eat breakfast here everyday and find a new favorite. The lunch items are also great, but I tend to stick with breakfast fare - it's never been a miss. I don't usually like to go during the rush because the hostess/servers tend to hover when there's a wait, but that's understandable from a former waitress standpoint.
(4)
Linda V.
Marscapone Stuff French Toast is one thing I could eat for the rest of my life and die happy. Seriously. They also have great Eggs Benedict and many other things (I've tried off other's plates), I just can't find it in my heart to not order the French Toast. Same deal at the Bucktown location. Good good stuff. It can be frustrating to be on the list for over an hour, but you can always put your name in, go do a little shopping on Halsted and come back... they should invest in Buzzers. Anyway, you should have stopped reading this review after the first sentence and gone to Toast. What are you still doing? Go Now!
(5)
Meredith J.
Breakfast + Brunch are PERFECT here. If I had someone visiting me from out of town I would take them here; it's guaranteed to become a favorite of theirs too. One thing to be aware of- most of Chicago knows what I just exclaimed, go early or be prepared to wait. Don't complain, you know the saying about the early bird. Everything on the menu is fantastic creative, hearty, warm and delicious. Decor is quirky with all the old and varied toasters lining the walls. Toast is a small restaurant so I would title it as "cozy," often this can leave people feeling claustrophobic while waiting jammed by the front window, grab a paper or magazine and make the best of it. The pesto omelette is hands down my favorite, I highly recommend it to everyone. Other notables: The Lorraine, Tijuana, and the veggie omellette. Another thing to be aware of: the host and hostesses. They may come off snooty and aggressively not caring at all about your presence as you wait, but they do and you will have your turn. Patience is worth it at Toast. IF you're looking for the best brunch in Chicago, go no further!
(4)
Kristin C.
I had only been two Toast 2 not knowing it was 2 of 2 Toasts. Good thing I didn't know that because I NEVER watch a sequel before the original - unless you count Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom which I watched before Raiders of the Lost Ark. . . but that was a Trilogy so I don't know if that counts?? Anypoop, my college roommate was in town and I was blowing off Friday so we hoofed it to Toast on one of those random days in February when it was NOT 30 below. Brunch-bound we were and it started with a bloody. The drinks were good, the garnishes better. I like my bloodies spicy and it delivered but it was not the best I have had. The menu is vast and the lunch items looked especially good. I went for a goat cheese omelet with veggies and a side of bacon and it really hit the spot. My roomie had a salmon scrambly omelet dish that she liked. The set up of this Toast reminds me of Southport Grocery (minus the groceries). The crowd in the morning seemed to be primarily DePaul kids. The girls next to us didn't really make me miss college too much as they discussed weird boy stories and blacking out. Isn't growing up fun? I like this Toast. . . not my favorite brunch spot but good enough to bring me back!
(4)
amanda i.
This morning I took my 60yr old Aunt and 93yr old Great Aunt to Toast for brunch, and we all really loved it. There was a 20 minute wait but the hostess was really sweet and bumped us ahead of another party because they were still waiting on someone. I love a place that has consideration for older-folks. Nice selection of teas. Our waited was friendly and attentive but not overly-perky, which made me happy. We all ordered omelets and each one was delicious, huge and cooked perfectly with all requests fulfilled. The strawberry jam that comes alongside the toast is pretty amazing. I think the test of a good omelet is how good it tastes when it's being eaten as a cold leftover, and I've got to say that Toast has passed the test.
(5)
Marissa J.
My mom was in town so we took her there this past Saturday around 1pm. It was a little crowded, but we only had to wait about 5 min. Bonus. I was very tempted by the stuffed french toast, but the guy at the table next to me ordered it and when it came out it looked yummy, gooey, and huge. I went for the regular french toast and the veggie sausage. The french toast was a little dry, but good. The mimosas were excellent. My bf had the pancake orgy, minus the orgy. He really enjoyed them. My mom had an egg white omelet and she said it was excellent. All-in-all a good brunch place, but with all the places to try I probably won't go back anytime soon.
(3)
James D.
I love this cafe! Toast always has a way of making me feel like a VIP even when I'm ballin' on a budget. The staff is always down to earth, funny, and courteous. I especially dig the manager who has a great smile and one of the most entertaining people I have encountered in Chicago. Yes, you may have to wait a while to be seated, but its a small price to pay for a memorable experience. Don't shit your pants. Just be understanding, patient, and show some common courtesy and the staff will show you love. As far as dining goes I'm partial to the grilled cheese, and pancake orgy. The manager makes a mean mimosa and is the ideal remedy for a groggy Sunday morning after a long night on the town.
(5)
Melissa R.
Toast is my go-to for brunch. It has never done me wrong, and I know it never will. I've been here dozens of times and the food is always excellent. And although almost all of the patrons are Lincoln Park yuppies, it never seems pretentious. The menu items I love: *Eggs Benedict: the hollandaise sauce is perfection *Crabby Benedict *B.E.L.T. (Bacon, Eggs, Lettuce, Tomato) *House potatoes *Fresh Fruit & Raspberry Granola w/ yogurt & honey: this is so filling and only uses delicious fresh fruit...none of the melon filler crap *Veggie Burger *Cobb Club Sandwich *Potato Salad I should also mention that I love the staff at this place. Everyone from the super friendly busboys, smiling host, laid-back waitresses, and sassy manager. I secretly want to work here and be part of "the gang". I know a lot of people complain that there is a long wait, but I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes for a table...and this is a trendy brunch restaurant on the weekend, you have to expect to wait for a table.
(5)
Bernadette S.
Meh. I originally put three stars, but when I started this review with the word "meh," I realized two was more appropriate. This was my second time at Toast in the span of three years, and I remembered it being a lot better. I ordered the french toast orgy. Of the three stuffed french toast flavors, mascarpone, strawberry, and mexican chocolate, only the mascarpone was edible...and all the yogurt/granola/fruit dumped on top. The fruit was quite fresh. The strawberry and chocolate slices were borderline disgusting; the bread was so soggy that it resembled cottage cheese. Gross. Hubby got the chorizo omelet, it was tasty but very oily (product of the chorizo, but still, that makes it unappetizing). Service was friendly to us, but I did not appreciate hearing the bar tender and hostess bitch about a customer less than ten seconds after she walked out the door. That was really unprofessional of them. The best part of the meal was the challah bread french toast and the apple cider (misleadingly called apple juice on the menu). I won't return.
(2)
Chase F.
So far I'd have to say that this is one of the best brunches in the area after living here for 4 years. The service from start to finish was excellent, we were well taken care of. Although expect a wait as this is no hidden secret, Chicago knows this place is spot for sure. We arrived on a Sunday morning at about 9:30AM and had a 25 minute wait, by the time we were leaving the wait was nearly an hour (at 11AM). Also something to keep in mind, alcohol isn't served until 11AM. So we settled for coffee. I'll be back to try the great looking lunch menu and definitely brunch again. A great place to bring out of town guests and very reasonably priced. We had pancakes (orgy & seasonal pumpkin), a breakfast sandwich and I had their well known mascarpone fresh toast - highly recommend it!
(5)
Sharon S.
Heard really great things about this place. Had the orgy French toast. I didnt think it was that great. It was really soggy and didn't taste like French toast, more like soggy bread. And I've had stuffed French toast before and this jut wasn't up to par. Though the group I was with also got the orgy pancakes and burrito and agreed those were a lot better. I'd give it another try though. Just thought if it was called Toast, the French "toast" would've been their signature dish
(2)
Emily Y.
3.5 stars here -- Toast is good, but it is no longer in my Top Five Fancy Brunch Places (which are, for the record: 1. Over Easy 2. M. Henry 3. Bongo Room 4. Julius Meinl 5. Lula Cafe). I've been several times, and none of these times was I completely blown away. Probably the best thing I've had was on my most recent visit -- the Crabby Benedict, an Eggs Benedict made with a yummy crab mixture in place of the ham or bacon. The Hollaindaise was nice and light and had a kick of lemon for freshness. I'd say stick to the brunch dishes, as the lunch stuff is pretty uninspired. Service is usually good, and friendly. My visits have been at off-peak times, so I'm not sure how it gets when crazy weekend busy. My guess is, like most of the fancy brunches -- I wouldn't want to go there on the weekends. It's a very cute and trendy atmosphere, but I prefer my further northside brunch spots so as to avoid the trixie/chad crowd. LP is so early 2000's - Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, and A-ville are where it's at now. ;) Don't bother with Toast if you haven't been to any of the aforementioned Top 5. Get to work on the list, and then if you're still itching for more brunch, THEN try Toast.
(3)
Kat M.
Horrible, weird service, bland food. There are 8 billion places for brunch in this city, do yourself a favor and pick any of the others. The restaurant was too warm, the hostess gave us the evil eye the entire time we were seated, then told us another person couldn't join our table (she was chastised by a manager and told she was wrong), refused to split our check between cash and a credit card. If you want to be a restaurant with unnecessary, pain in-the-ass policies and rude service, fine, go for it, but your food better be spectacular. It wasn't.
(1)
Jessica S.
Having heard of stuffed french toast I wanted to come here and try it. At the time I didn't know you could get a variety plate and I only got mascarpone :( despite this setback of ordering it was good as was the service. The only downside is the f o r e v e r long wait you get at a brunch spot in lincoln park. Typical brunch experience :)
(4)
Lisa B.
My tour of trendy brunches continues with Toast. I was very smug and thought I wouldn't have to wait for a table at 10:45 on a Friday, but I did. Only 15-20 minutes, but you have to understand I'm practically allergic to waiting for food -- and I had my 12 and 9 year olds with me. It is not exactly a child-friendly place, (no kids menu per se) but everyone found something they liked. I really enjoyed my crepe with apples, pears and brie, and my daughter ordered their breakfast potatoes which were nicely browned and flavorful. The boy demolished his eggs benedict. Service was very cheerful, and it was conveniently located near Oz Park, so the kids could romp around afterward. Some people notice the decor of a restaurant, I notice the music playing. As I was bopping along to the lively '80s pop music, I realized that most of the people in the restaurant with me were in diapers when this stuff was popular.
(4)
Jodi M.
My girlfriend and I went here on Super Bowl Sunday for brunch. This was our first time and we heard great things about Toast; however, I was not blown away by the food. The service and food were both decent. I wouldn't say it was worth the hour wait!
(3)
Tuyen T.
Had breakfast here this morning. Wednesday morning = no crowd. I was not impressed. We were seated in the back, near where the waiter does his prepping, when there were two perfectly nice tables in front. I just have a thing for chaos going on behind my back that I can't see. And I'm not even gonna pull the race card here... Anyway, I got the eggs benedict. It was alright. The potatoes were not good. It was messy - most of the skins were falling off and some of it was burnt. My eggs were over done for my preference - they didn't ask me how I liked them though. Prosciutto a little hard to chew. Friend got scrambled eggs with chorizo - which she did not finish. She also got multi-grain bread that she didn't like. I'm not exactly sure why. But, and I quote "how can you ruin toast" ... "toast was TOOO thick, should have been for a sandwich"... Not enough jam, too much butter. Can't complain too much about the service, since there really wasn't any... Didn't take long for food to come, but he was sure quick on his feet to pick up our plates when we finished. Again... not gonna pull the race card... No lie, in and out in less than an hour. And what's up with the brown paper bag like cover over the table cloths?
(2)
Chris K.
My gf and I came across this place for lunch. The interior is bright and welcoming. The food was great; I had chicken soup with pico de gallo and buffalo burgers. I would certainly go again, though the servers could be a little more attentive.
(3)
Caroline D.
We recently moved to Lincoln Park and decided to try this for breakfast on a Saturday morning. We arrived right after 8am when they opened and were seated right away. By 8:30 after seat was taken but there was no line forming yet. The place is very small! I can understand why the wait can be up to 2 hours at times. I had the eggs benedict, my husband had the eggs and peppers, and we split a french toast. All were absolutely delicious! I'll bill came to under $20....you can't beat that. I will definitely be back. The only negatives were that we were rushed somewhat to eat and go once our food arrived. I am not a vaccuum cleaner, but I also don't take forever to eat. I could feel the pressure of the staff to get us out of there as it was definitely getting busier. An unknown person actually grabbed my debit card off of the table and rung up our meal without me seeing the bill first. That shocked me. The manager was there, and she seemed very competent but also highly stressed. Our waiter messed up my order, and when I very politely asked for it to be fixed he was a little rude. I just stood my ground, and my order was fixed. I think that due to the small space and the pressure to move customers in and out on the weekend the whole staff was stressed and acting accordingly. The food was excellent so I will be back, but maybe on a weekday instead; however, I would never wait 2 hours for this food.
(4)
Jojo L.
Would not return !!the lady in the front need to relax and take some chill pills . The food is not that good . I think ihop do better than this place .
(1)
Billy B.
Toast is a solid brunch spot but you need to get there early to get a table. Ate there today, had the vegetarian egg white omelette, left feeling quite fulfilled. Also, they serve a really solid cup of coffee and the servers are usually really nice. It's pretty close to 5 star worthy but isnt quite life changing so I can't give 5 stars. Better than Nookies though.
(4)
Jeff H.
Her name is Jill. Remember that. Mid 40's. Well dressed. Overly tanned. High heels. She's the brunch Nazi at Toast. Go ahead and read all the negative reviews--you'll see see plenty of comments about the manager. The 2 of us go to Toast at around 230pm, saturday. plenty of space at that time, and the waitress tells us to sit where we want. I wanted to sit away from the draft at the door, further inside. All of sudden, I hear this, "No, no, no...!" and i see this woman pointing her 2 index fingers up and down towards the window as if she's directing traffic. I must have seem puzzled, so she rolls her eyes at my slow comprehension and said that they are closing the back. Understandable, i thought. so i about to sit down at the corner booth next to the window, and then hear once again, "no, no no!" i look to her for more instructions. I must sit at a smaller table, she said. Mind you at this point 70% of the tables are empty. Fine, we sit the the table next to the door. I thought, whatever, there must be a good reason for this, so i keep my sweater on to shield myself from the cold, and start to read the menu. More people walk in. they sat anywhere they wanted. Let me explain myself first. I am a serious pushover. I am usually the type the cowers when someone's rude to me, thinking that, hey, it's ok. Everyone has days, and why make things more unpleasant than it already is? But the more i thought about it, the more i felt that i should say something. I've read the comments on Yelp before. Maybe she had no idea how her words are perceived and how she might be hurting the reputation of Toast. So after we ate, i gathered up enough courage to go talk to her. So there she was, at the counter, with her legs propped up on the chairs, having a very loud personal conversation. i waited patiently until she got off the phone. I walked over, and here is the actual conversation that took place: "Excuse me, are you the manager...?" my voice was weak and quivering. "Yes." "What is your name?" "Jill." She rolls her eyes again and sighed impatiently. "Jill, i just wanted to tell you that i really enjoyed the food here, but i don't know if you are aware that people on the internet talk about how you treat customers and it's turning poeple off." "I know." this was accompanied by a proud, so-the-fxck-what-smile. "And...?" I uttered. she must feel compelled to explain herself. Doesn't she? "And what?" "Don't you care?" "I DO care," her voice going up on decibels. "but it's all because people like you who come looking for it!" Looking for it? what is "it"? "Oh, yeah, guys like you hear about me, and you come looking to get it. So i give it to you!" I swear to god is is all verbatim. She acutally thought i went there and spend and hour and $30 just so i can pick a fight? Is she serious? Up to now i was keeping my voice quiet, not wanting to make a scene. but apparently she doesn't care. "What are you talking about? i just came to have brunch, and..." "Oh, yeah, you came looking for it and you know it!" "Look, all i am saying is that you are hurting the reputation of your restaurant..." "You are not the first one to come looking for it. So see you later." I was speechless. i truly had no idea how to deal with this. She stunned me completely. I am not the first one to complain, and she apparently doesn't give a crap anyway! so I left, defeated. The only thing to do, i thought to myself, is to share that horrid experience with the Yelp community. I know i personally will not go back and be humiliated again. Even though the food there is pretty darn good. I feel conflicted asking my freinds not to go, since the only people hurt if the business suffers, are the cooks and waitresses and all the other folks that work with her. All i can do is share this story, and you can decide on your own.
(1)
Philip M.
The food is pretty good, but the owner is an absolute nightmare. Go to Yolk instead - nobody needs attitude and arrogance with their breakfast. I can't imagine this restaurant surviving through 2011.
(1)
Corrie N.
Dude. Jeff H. Seriously? I love Jill. LOVE HER! My husband and I go to Toast just for her. Oh, okay, and the french toast stuffed with chocolate and mascarpone and the hubster enjoys the Lorraine Omelette. But...back to Jill. The first time we went to Toast, my husband realized he had no utensils. When he asked for some, Jill told him politely to "eat with his f@*king fingers." We nearly fell off our chairs laughing. Now, obviously, we had established that we are that kind of smart ass-y couple that you can say things like that to, and we dish it right back out, but that's precisely why we go to toast. Also, I was extra super pregnant the last time I went in, and Jill said "Hi, you're huge." which I was, and I reveled in it. She also treated me to some good old Irish cream in my coffee-yeah, yeah while I was pregnant, but it was only one, so back off people. We love the food and we love the service, so five superstars for Toast, and if you can't handle wait staff with some spunk, hit some other sanitized chain joint, mmmkay?
(5)
Johnny A.
This place was high on my list of brunch options to try and I finally got to go there this saturday. CONS: - at noon, it was a 45 minute wait - not a lot of seating - i got an omelette, which came with only a side of toast for 9 bucks. PROS: - really friendly waitstaff and host - the omelette was actually delicious - pear, apple, brie crepe - fast service/ good turn around rate Overall, this place was great! I'd go back to try more of the menu items... but I'm not jumping at the chance. Definitely a place to go with one other person, not a group.
(3)
Christian T.
This place is hands down my favorite place for breakfast/brunch. I've been coming to Toast for the past couple of years and and have never been disappointed. The food is always good, the coffee is strong and the staff is terrific. There's a reason why there is a line and people waiting on Saturdays and Sundays - you won't find a better place in terms of atmosphere and food. The atmosphere - a very inviting place to sit , eat and relax. Not too loud and everyone is friendly. From the wait staff to Jill the manager, who is possibly one of the most personable and funny person I've had the pleasure to meet, they're absolutely terrific . Best seat in the house? The counter. Trust me. In terms of food - If you're a sweets type of person for breakfast - the French Toast Orgasm(stuffed french toast filled with marscapone, chocolate and strawberry covered in yogurt, fruit and honey) will satiate and possibly overwhelm (in a good way) your sweet tooth. By far my favorite thing on the menu. If you're a salt type of person - you can't go wrong with one of their omelets or the B.E.L.T sandwich. Bottom line - an all around great experience that keeps packing people in and bringing them back time and time again.
(5)
Kali B.
I LOVE Toast. I loooooooooove Toast. I really do!! Their veggie chili and chocolate crepes are the reason to go. They're SO good! I love that they will let you share plates, or put mix-ins in your food. Amazing! Word of caution- go either before 9:30 am or after 2pm. The wait time in between is absolutely insane and can range from 45 minutes to an hour and half. One star off for their ridiculous wait times and for being fussy about splitting credit card charges for large groups.
(4)
Thea V.
The food is fine, but nothing you can't get elsewhere, so I will go elsewhere. The staff was more rude than anyone has ever been to me at a restaurant and the wait is too long. Nuf said.
(2)
Christina R.
This is one of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots for ONE reason... the FOOD. My favorite dish is the French Toast Orgy (all with the mascarpone filling). You get three large chunks of french toast stuffed with mascarpone, strawberry or chocolate (or all three) and it's topped with yogurt, home made granola and fresh fruit. The last time I went, I got the Eggs Benedict. I like their version because they use prosciutto instead of canadian bacon. Their hollandaise was rich and tangy, my eggs were poached perfectly and the english muffin was toasted to perfection to provide the necessary crunch to the complete bite. My only gripe is the wait/waiting area. The restaurant is small to begin with, and their so-called waiting area can comfortably fit maybe 3-4 people. All 3 times I've been to Toast for brunch I was WAY over-quoted on the wait time. Since we didn't want to wait in tiny waiting area we took a stroll and came back 15 minutes before our wait was supposed to be up - only to find out that everyone that was waiting before/after us had already been seated. The staff is friendly, I've only been there when the owner was there once and she was very attentive to the customers. All in all, if you're a fan of breakfast/brunch... it's worth any negative experience you may have once your plate of food gets to your table.
(4)
Gina V.
Where do I begin....the menu was just "o.k." Not many selections...I had the nutella crepe which was dry, I've had much better... The real problem: The snooty owner. What kind of restaurant cannot split tender? THIS ONE. My friend and I wanted to split our bill half credit card, half cash. I eat out at least once a day and do this often, so I know it is possible. I also use registers on a daily basis. Anyhow, the waiter explained that they are not allowed to split between cash and credit nor are they allowed to split up the bill into two separate bills. I explained that I did not want to charge $12 on credit, and would like to speak with the person in charge. Instead of coming to the table and asking what the problem was and trying to use a courteous manner that most restaurant managers or owners do, she immediately came over and said, "We do not split between credit card and cash. We cannot separate the bill. Put the tab on your friend's credit card and pay her back." WHOA.....well thank you for the great service, I will not be returning.....Who doesn't appreciate their customers? THIS LADY.... Trust me...there are MANY great places to eat breakfast in the city....do yourself a favor and go somewhere with a postive atmosphere where the restaurant managers are willing to accommodate!
(1)
Leilani N.
Pros: -Really good eggs. -Yummy rye toast. -Lovely selection of spiked morning beverages for those looking to start the day off right. Cons: -TINY. -A bit expensive. -Stringent rule (i.e.: can't substitute things, can only split the check in exactly half, can't be seated unless entire party is with you, blablabla) Not earth shattering, but definitely a place to try.
(4)
Eric B.
Wasabi bloody Mary and eggs Benedict. Delicious. Cute place.
(4)
IGNACIA G.
Best pancakes in town --- pancake orgy was great !
(5)
Timothy M.
Although I live down the street from Toast's Bucktown location, we went to the LP location because of my girlfriend has mastered the art of two-for-one meals. The food is awesome. I had the Omlette Lorraine, which had cheese, bacon, and onions. Egg Nog pancakes are also good, but I believe they're seasonal (they tasted like a glazed donut, mmmm). All of my food was great; the coffee was strong and refilled often; the waitress (who might be the owner) was jokey and attentive; in all it was a great meal. The location itself was very cutesy and artsy, but I appreciated the spacing given between tables (please, no more Duck Walk dining room nightmares) and the warmth of the place. Next time, just try not to get stuck sitting next to the trixie who's raving about "the new Beamer", extolling the virtues of Lincoln Park, and generally being annoying in that obnoxious spoiled brat voice.
(4)
WindyCityGrl T.
I enjoyed my first visit to Toast. They were very accommodating to me and my daughter (a toddler). We were seated immediately and were very well taken care of by our waitress. It feels cramped because the space is small however it was ok...kind of expected in Lincoln Park. We had the 2-egg breakfast and an order of original French toast with berries. Everything was delicious. My daughter ate pretty much all of the potatoes! We were satisfied customers. I can't wait to visit again and order the breakfast burrito.
(5)
Andrea H.
I so keep wanting to like this place since everyone I know practically has a heart attack every time they speak its name, but I really don't. Been there a few times now and it's always the same. If it's cold outside, people are crammed in the doorway right next to some poor people trying to eat, the wait is ridiculous, and once you are seated, the food isn't good. The eggs benedict sounds amazing, but I couldn't taste anything more than truffle oil...all day long. I like truffle oil and all, but not that much, ugh, and I love eggs benedict but this is the only place I couldn't finish it. Too many other good places.
(2)
Laura N.
This place is amazing. I used to live around the corner from Toast, so as a former frequent customer, I've had my share of the dishes on the menu. In all honesty, I can't say I had anything I didn't like. Everything I've had has been fresh, warm and cooked perfectly, which unfortunately is not something I can say for a lot of fast-paced breakfast spots. Their eggs florentine is phenomenal; I always seem to have a craving for it! My only complaint would be the mimosas -- a little over-priced, but I will say they have delicious bloody mary's that are totally worth it!
(4)
Pascal M.
I use to live down the street from here. We would go here for a nice breakfast, or after a long night of boozin'. I love their French Toast, it's simple but scrumptious. Served with a a nice bouquet of fruit. The Egg's Benedict and their home style potatoes are great too. Cant say much for lunch, as I dont believe I've tried anything. We always have a nice time. Sit by the window, get a paper, go with friends, or sit at the cafe bar. You'll enjoy yourself.
(4)
eileen b.
Breakfast is usually a very simple meal -- eggs and bacon with a side of toast. So I only justify going out for brunch when I know I'm going to get a breakfast unlike anything I can make at home. I chose Toast because the intrigue surrounding their stuffed french toast orgy. 'Bring on the orgy!', I said. My first (and only) orgy was a bad... a mushy mess of soggy toast with runny yogurt. The highlight of the dish was the fresh fruit which I could've bought myself at the grocery store. I admire their attempt at combining so many breakfast staples (french toast, granola, yogurt, fruit) into one dish, but some things are better left apart. The flavors and textures melted together into a sweet and squishy blob that might only be good for those who are used to not chewing their meals. I loved the idea and I love this spots name, but they should find another way of showcasing their Toast instead of drowning it in goo.
(2)
Jessica S.
I cannot help but post this review after being a 1-2 time per week regular for four years. I will not return.... Oh no, it's not because of the food, but the miserable management/service. Here is what happened; 15-20 minutes prior to them closing for the day, I was starving and out for a walk with my two-week-old baby. I struggled to get my baby out of his stroller and went in the door with him in his carseat. The male, blond manager stood there as I struggled to get in the door, and never even thought to open it for me. He then told me (after 4 years of being a patron) that it's way too close to closing time and I couldn't eat there. The place was nearly empty!!! And if he really didn't want my business, he could have told me that when I was outside struggling with my annoying stroller in the first place!!!! The hostesses and manager are inconsiderate, rude, miserable, awful and unwelcoming. I've had it! Adios, Toast! I deserve better treatment after 4 years of loyalty!
(1)
Katie P.
I love Toast! This is my favorite brunch spot in the city! I will easily wait over an hour to order their Eggs Benedict. It is the best I've ever had and everyone I've ever brought here from out of town agrees and loves it! My dad was so impressed he's been trying to mimic the recipe for months now :)
(5)
Shannon R.
I thought the food here was excellent. My roommate and another friend didn't think it was incredible. I had a special of asparagus and bacon benedict. I'm extremely picky about my benedict and thought this was delicious. The wait was very long, but I thought, worth it. They also were listening to Cut Copy in the kitchen which may or may not earn Toast that 4th star. Definitely will go back again.
(4)
Kate N.
Very good. I've been wanting to go to this place for a long time but the line is always out the door. A friend and I went early one Saturday morning and only had to wait 15 min. or so; not bad. Neither of us had the French Toast but two different egg dishes and shared. Both were very good. I will go back for sure.
(4)
Edward J.
A friend and I first came to Toast sometime 5 years ago. From then on, we come any chance we get to visit the staff and enjoy awesome brunch. Let me perfectly clear, if I fly in to Chicago from New York for even 10 hours, my friend and I make a trip to Toast. There are three things I love about this place: 1. I love the atmosphere. It's cozy, cute and very warm. There are two window seats, which are hard to score, but are very romantic. I've only ever come with one other person, and I couldn't imagine coming with more than a party of 4-- it's just not a party place. 2. I love the food. I can never decide brunch or lunch when I'm there. And the toast is amazing. Drinks can get a bit price-y, but stick with mimosas and you're good. 3. I LOVE the lady Jill behind the bar. I never ever leave that place without talking with her and getting a funny story or two. She's friendly, efficient, and knows how to run the place. The rest of the staff is cute and nice, too, though. Jill is just the icing on the cake. In recent years, my friend moved out of Lincoln Park, so getting back to Toast is more of a challenge, but we always make it out there. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone looking for a good brunch in Chicago.
(5)
Rob L.
I came here with my friend Julie and her adorable daughter for lunch. Of course it being Lincoln Park, parking was a B - I - T - C - H my friend. Julie and her wee one lucked out and got parking quickly, which luckily meant she got us a table. I was starving. Mouth watering, about to pass out, rumbly in the tummy starving. I looked over the menu, eagerly anticipating something that would peak my interest. Sadly, I didn't find the one. I found several. Damn it! I don't want to think! I loves me some breakfast and was having some brain cramping hard time going between the eggs and pesto, breakfast burrito, chorizo and eggs and the lunch like the turkey burger, other sandwiches, salads... I finally decided to go with the veggie chili and the Webster salad. Julie second the chili and followed up with the nicoise salad and her daughter had a PBJ with sliced bananas on the side. The place is small, like many brunch and breakfast places, long, some what narrow and about two servers on staff. We chatted away for a little bit before our chili appeared. It was fine, nothing outstanding. I wish a little more thickness to it. I know its veggie chili, but I was hoping for a little heartiness to it, but it had a good flavor. Our salads arrived, Julie's had large slices of tuna seared among the greens, potatoes and eggs. It looked fantastic. However I was quite pleased with mine. Blue cheese, mixed field greens, grapes, walnuts, chicken, tossed very well with not too much dressing. It looked pretty, it looked artistic, it looked yummers. It was. In fact not only was it yummers, the plate was clean when I got done with it, high complements from me. Julie's daughter was okay with her PBJ, though not too high on the J. Now... let's talk why the place is getting an initial 3 stars, (okay 3.5 but you can't give .5's on here). Service. I understand that the place was busy when we got there. Totally understand. She did fine on checking in on us during the meal, however seeing her look around when we had the check book propped open with a card clearly popping out of it, kinda annoyed me. This won't stop me from coming back. In fact I can't wait to come back, because when I do.. I am totally going for that breakfast burrito. And add that avocado and chorizo, I have a feeling I'm going to want to live it up... shoot on that note... I just may add a short stack. I know.. I'm just a little crazy.. that's how I roll.
(3)
Elizabeth W.
toast is one of the best breakfast places I've found in Chicago. I've lived here for 4 years, and any time anyone wants to go out for breakfast or brunch, toast is the first place I think about. Their food is fantastic (breakfast burrito, eggs benedict, 'two eggs,' stuffed french toast, etc.), the feeling inside the restaurant is busy and cozy. The staff is extremely friendly, helpful, and you can usually get in and out pretty quickly. And your meal won't break your budget. Many will tell you that there is always a long wait for a table, especially on the weekend. This is often true, but it's completely worth the wait. If you're going with more than 2 people, you can pretty much plan on having to wait for at least 30 minutes, but it's worth it to plan for that time standing around, and go anyway. You can always put your name on the waiting list (no reservations) and then take a little walk around the surrounding area. Every time I have friends or family visiting, or even want to go out with a friend for brunch, toast is my first recommendation. Definitely recommend it!
(4)
Swedish P.
I used to be in love with this place, but too many things have changed. They used to use the most kick-ass thick-cut-smoked-with-something-super-delicious bacon, but alas. ;( have cheapened out now, and use very ordinary, nothing to write home about bacon now. sigh. Their potatoes used to be amazing, oven-roasted until they fell apart with yummy herbs and garlic, but now they seem to fall sort, and aren't roasted as long and seen hard. I do love the mascarpone stuffed french toast, the others (chocolate and raspberry) are soggy and blah. They did add truffle oil to the benedict, which is always delicious. The most important thing now missing from this former beloved breakfast destination????? Jill, my ray of always comedic, tell it how it is even if the truth hurts, beautiful sunshine no longer resides as manager/host here. We used to go out of our way, via train and walk, whether sleet or snow, to come here, but after our last visit will not be returning. (long sigh.)
(3)
Karen B.
cute. we went for valentine weekends and it was perfect. the hollandaise sauce is nice and the portions are good. the price is whatever, but i would go back for breakfast/brunch
(3)
Madalyn G.
...all the little things that make one smile and glow... 2 eggs. Poached perfectly. Coffee---Julius Meinl, Viennese Sometimes it's not the fru-fru nor the gourmet concoctions that get one's attention. From being greeted with a smile upon entering this quaint spot, to the very attentive service, I'll be sure to return the next time I'm in the area. Life's simple pleasures are the best. Are the best. In all the world.
(4)
Nick S.
Toast has a creative menu and nice ambiance. The service and food were both really good. The location and parking situation aren't so good.
(4)
E D.
The hostess said the wait would be 45 minutes. I waited 47 minutes. She has a very good understanding of time, apparently. I was the best dressed male and third best looking person on the sunday that I dined there. It wasn't raining. I had the grilled tenderloin benedict. The dish came out with two circular objects covered with what appeared to be yellow stuff over poached eggs and meat chunks. Upon closer inspection, the eggs turned out to be eggs, the meat chunks turned out to be grilled tenderloin, the yellow stuff turned out to be truffle hollandaise sauce and the aforementioned circular objects were english muffins. Forgive me for not capitalizing english. The grilled tenderloin was relatively medium, as requested. Bites 1, 6 and 8 of the circular object number one were my favorite. Bites 11 and 18 of circular object number two were also delicious. My favorite piece of silverware was the huge, wooden steak knife. There was a child at another table to my right that wouldn't stop staring at me at one point. I told him to mind his business. The dish also came with free home fries. Home fry number 1 was crisp and delicious. Home fry number 2 was wet and gross. I hated it. Home fry number 3 tasted like the smell of a tennis ball but i really liked it. Home fry number 4 was eaten by my accomplice. Home fry number 5 was decent. I didn't eat anymore home fries after home fry 5. I paid the bill and left. I'll go back again.
(5)
Kris T.
Toast is awkward. Staff: The manager at the front was touchy with the men in our party (on more than one occasion), made inappropriate conversation and refused to accommodate our requests (wouldn't split our check). One of my friends compared her to a desperate cougar at a nightclub. The food is yummy (but nothing mind blowing) and the back-of-house staff and waiter we've had have been lovely but pushy; they left the check halfway through the meal, bussed the table as we were still eating and took away coffee mugs and water glasses while we were still conversing. Atmosphere: Small and cute but limited on space, which is probably why they like to push you out the door. 3 of the tables seem to be in the kitchen. There are probably 12 2-top tables, and it's not a great place if you're looking to have a big group of people, as they won't seat you until the entire group arrives. As a breakfast freak, I'd say there are better places to spend your time and money. Try Nookies (Nookies, Too or Nookies Treehouse) just up/down the street in you're looking to stay close by.
(2)
Andrew B.
I ate here a few weeks ago for brunch because I was visiting a friend in the area. We waited over an hour to be seated, but we expected that since Brunch on a Sunday is a hot commodity. I had the Omelette Lorraine, I believe it was, which had Gruyere cheese, bacon, and chives. It was realllly good and came with brioche. The brioche was not what I expected. It was a few standard pieces of loaf brioche that was most likely bought from some national wholesaler...I was hoping it was homemade or from a nearby bakery...and it may well have been, but definitely didn't taste like it. We each had a mimosa, which was good, but not worth $7 each. It came in a tiny glass and tasted mostly like orange juice, so I've definitely had many a better mimosa in my day. Overall it was a cute place that I would go to again, but I might be hesitant to wait over an hour again.
(4)
Viv C.
0 star for the service. 3 star for the food. If you don't care the bad service but only care the food, this is the place. I care service and food; sometimes, great services transfer the impression to the food they served. As for this TOAST's BAD services, I tried to choose to be unbiased because I felt their chef did a great job! Service: I Don't Like Their Services! Three of us were waiting for a table on a non-special weekend morning. I don't mind taking one hour waiting but the waiters/ waitresses and the owner(a lady with glasses) did a horrible job. They don't care about what you feel. We supposed to get a table for three which may combine two two-seat tables into one. However, we were shocked they just turned a small table from a vertical into a horizontal way. It means three of us squeezed into a small table which could only fit two people. We were not pleasant about this decision they made just because they have a bigger group of 6 waiting too long. We asked them to change a bigger table for three of us and they said it may take an extra 20 minutes.(we had been waiting 1 hour for a table). After we sat, the owner came into and said, it's your last chance for requesting a bigger table. What would you do if you already sit and finished the order? Of course we set up our mind not to change, but I hate the attitude that they don't apologize they didn't have enough room for us. (You know, brunch dishes are always huge! Can you imagine a small table fits at least three big plates at the same time?) Will you feel comfortable eating in that way on a weekend morning? Cleaners throw and clean tables in a noisy way. Why do we have to be treated like Chicago's cab drivers in a brunch restaurant? The services didn't improve since I first went in July 2010. I feel disappointed because this store still remains the low-end services. Food: *French Toast orgy is special! Three different flavors in the stuffed toast, I like the idea! It's a little bit soaked while eating but it's not bad. *Ahi Tuna sandwich, my friend ordered this. Looks very good because it's a big chunk of tuna and cooked perfectly. My friend loves this. I have to say, there have way much better brunch places than this one. I won't go this one anymore and won't recommend this to my friends.
(2)
Stan W.
I showed up on a random Monday morning while playing hooky when most people were at work and had a fine breakfast. No wait, fast service, great food. The place is pretty small, so I'd probably be a little afraid to try it on a Saturday or Sunday brunch.
(4)
Tamara M.
Love this place! Great brunch!
(4)
al k.
Bottom Line: Great brunch/breakfast food at a great price. Pros: Portions are generous; Pancakes and french toast are great. Wait Staff are very polite. Cons: Restaurant is very narrow so it can be hard to navigate through. Pancake Orgy: fluffy, powdered sugar, granola, fruit... it was huge French Toast Orgy: Fluffy, granola, huge, it was great.. however, it did lack a little taste. Bacon: They give you a generous portion Fruit Bowl: It was a little on the expensive side but still good.
(5)
Jessica B.
I heard a lot of good things about Toast and I was pleased from my first visit too. I mean, it wasn't mind-blowing or life-altering but it was small, cute and had a nice atmosphere. And it's close to great Halsted shops (which you'll need because a wait is inevitable). The Lincoln Park location is definitely small (very surprising how small it is) but the food is pretty good. The fresh OJ was very enjoyable and the menu had a lot of great options. I had a hard time choosing but went with the "crabby benedict," basically eggs benedict with crab. I was really pleased with this dish and the breakfast potatoes were delicious and not too crowded on the plate. I would definitely go back but I'm not rushing to be there next weekend.
(3)
Elizabeth T.
We went here for brunch this morning and were told the wait for two was 45 minutes, however we were seated in about 30 minutes. The wait really wasn't bad and the hostesses kept checking up on us, which was really nice. Once we were seated, the service was quick (but not pushy). We had: scrambled eggs, regular french toast, stuffed french toast, juice and coffee. The regular french toast was delicious, as were the scrambled eggs. The stuffed french toast comes in three flavors: (1) chocolate, (2) marscapone, and (3) strawberry. The chocolate was a little strange, but the cheese was very good. Overall it was very good, but probably won't go again for awhile because the wait was so long for fairly regular brunch food.
(4)
Jessie B.
Even though I would never come here normally because it is in the heart of Lincoln Park, parking is a pain in the behind, and it can get a bit crowded. However, coming here in the late morning/early afternoon during the week it isn't so bad. The service was pretty good, and it wasn't that busy. I ordered the breakfast burrito with avocado. It had tons of cheese, bell peppers, eggs, onions, and tomatoes. Yummy! It came with some spicy salsa and sour cream. I also ordered a side of the potatoes because I heard so much about these great things. Boy--were they yummy!! Would I come here on a Sunday morning? Hell no. Would come here on a Tuesday at 11:54 am? Sure would.
(4)
Mandy P.
Love this cozy, little place. There is something on the menu for everyone and it's allllll delicious. I have only good things to say about everyone, including the hostess, servers, prices, and flavor. French Toast Orgy? Yes please!
(5)
Radmila S.
Rudest service ever! Enough to never to back ever again! Went on a Sunday and was first quoted 45 minutes and told "come back in 40", however I stayed because I had friends meeting me. They are crazy sticklers on having all people in your party there prior to seating. The hostess reluctantly sat us with 3 of the 4 of my party and preceded to shoot death stares. The waitress then came and harassed us about 4 times to get our order. What ever happened to the customer is always right? It was very uncomfortable. The food was typical Chicago brunch but after how rude the staff was I will never return!
(1)
Megan S.
This place is great! I have never had mediocre food here, always fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor and try it out on a weekday when you have time, the weekend wait can get lengthy. The place is small but the staff is friendly and it's definitely worth visiting and returning and returning and returning.
(4)
Lisa Z.
Absolutely in my top 3 favorite restaurants anywhere. Toast can do no wrong! I went to college in Chicago but then moved back to the east coast. Now every time I go back, I go to Toast - once at the very least! I was in town for Lollapalooza and the Stuffed French Toast made a wonderful start to my Friday AND Sunday. The Orange Juice is bright and tangy, and the "Monster" Bloody Mary tickles the back of your throat in a perfect Sunday morning way. Get there before 10am to avoid a long wait, any later than that and expect an hour to an hour and a half. But don't worry, there's plenty to do in the area while you wait! Give your name to the very (very!) cute greeter, and then wander down Webster, Halsted and Armitage to find really cute shops. You can also swing by Oz Park to see the statues of the "Wizard of" characters. The Pesto Eggs are also a good choice. I hope to branch out my orders, but so far I can't bring myself to get anything except the French Toast Orgy ("one of each") because it's so amazing. One piece stuffed with strawberry, one stuffed with marscapone, and one stufffed with chocolate (this one will make you sigh delightedly in appreciation) make for a tasty trio, all topped with yogurt and granola (so it's healthy!!) and an array of fresh, cut fruit. There's no attitude at Toast, from servers or patrons. On Sunday, I saw a surly-looking woman walk in, find out the wait, and walk out stomping angrily. If only she knew how good it was, she wouldn't have left. But she is the one who missed out; if she wasn't willing to relax and enjoy a beautiful morning in Lincoln Park, she didn't deserve Toast.
(5)
Sylvia I.
Came here on Sunday for a late brunch at 1:30pm. Place was busy as expected so my friend and I grabbed coffee at Starbucks while we waited. By the time we came back, our table was ready. Food was amazing and service was great. We split the french toast stuffed with marscapone and the eggs benedict. Wow. I didn't even know what marscapone was before but LOVED it. I'm not sure I can eat french toast any other way now. The hollandaise sauce over the eggs benedict was as good as everyone wrote about in their reviews. Will definitely have to come back and try the other dishes.
(5)
Adam R.
Not a good experience. They messed up our food three times. When we finally got our food it was mediocre at best. Our potatoes were unseasoned, chicken sandwich was boring, and the apple smoked bacon was like cardboard. Really didn't think bacon could be screwed up. Check out Bongo Room if you can but if you are in Lincoln Park, go to Nookies. Oh and their bloody marys aren't any good either. I've got 1 more groupon to this place, let me know if you want it...I wont judge.
(1)
James Michael S.
Been here a couple of times and Toast has always been top notch. Get there early or you'll wait in line. French Toast orgy is always a good choice but the omletes are just as good. You won't leave this place hungry!
(4)
Anne Marie J.
I love this place! Everytime I come here, I leave with a happy stomach! Stick with the mascarpone stuffed french toast or the pesto scramble. Both are bursting with flavor. The chocolate and strawberry options for the french toast are not as good as the mascarpone - TRUST ME! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Great customer service, lively atmosphere, bring a paper to read while you wait (for a long time!)
(5)
Gee S.
Not the place to go if you want a relaxing experience. Our waitress was perfectly nice, but I prefer long, cozy, lingering brunches to the experience of being hurried out the door. You will not enjoy a lazy mimosa on a languid Sunday morning at Toast. The "railroad apartment" shape of the space means the busy waitstaff has to squeeze by patrons, and the small tables do not accommodate the large dishes comfortably. I had a bad case of nerves by the time we left. The food was good, if not exceptional. My fellow diner's BELT was like a novelty item or something, clownishly huge. Stick to the adventurous pancakes (Lemon Poppyseed was a standout) and you'll be fine.
(3)
sarah p.
If a place can make a good grilled ham and cheese, they will always have a special place in my heart. I know it sounds simple, but, believe me, more often than not, you get a slice of water packed ham and a slice of cheese. Not so glorious. At Toast, you get high-quality (nearing Honey Baked) ham with Gruyere and just the right amount of Dijon mustard grilled between two delicious thick, but not too thick, pieces of bread. Delish. My table mate had the granola, fresh fruit, and yogurt, and it looked like something you'd be served at a high-end Vermont B&B. Gorgeous AND healthy. The rest of the menu looked inventive as well, which caused great difficulty when ordering. Speaking of, our server was extremely attentive and consistently flashed us a bright, white smile...it was like he was actually happy to be there. Added bonus to any outing.
(4)
David N.
Yay!! I found a new favorite place to go to for breakfast or lunch. I had a Groupon for this place which was about to expire so I grabbed a friend and we came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon. I was very impressed with both the food and the server we had. There was only one other table filled in this place, so we came when it was not so busy. There are some great breakfast and lunch choices on the menu, I ordered the caprese sandwich, which had mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and this fantastic basil pesto sauce on it which was served on this french bolo bread. Delicious!! It also came with a choice of house potatoes or potato salad. I decided to try the potato salad, also excellent! Full of flavor! Our server was very attentive and friendly, as was the busser clearing the tables. I highly recommend this place, I definitely will be coming back here.
(4)
carey C.
There are two people that make this restaurant worth the wait... Jill and the hot cook who makes my breakfast. Love this place... and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!!!!
(4)
Susan K.
Cozy, fun breakfast place with a good menu. A bit on the pricey side. Who really thinks tea is worth $3? Yet it's a fun splurge.
(4)
Annie S.
I LOVE this place! It is one of the best brunch places! Even though the wait is very long (around 45 min-1 hr), it really is worth it. Usually when we go, we shop around Halsted during the wait, so it's not too bad. I love the stuffed french toast!!!! I always get them filled with strawberry, soooooooooooo gooooooooooooood! I've tried the chocolate and even though it's good, it's def not as good as the strawberry. And I don't like cheese, so I would never it stuffed with that. I have had stuffed french toast at other restaurants and they never compare. Most places use cream cheese inside, which I think is very nasty. But to each his own :) You must go if you are in the area.
(5)
Heidi O.
I won't be going back to this Toast. Years ago I lived a block or so from Toast Two and ate there frequently. The interior is cozy and cute, the food is good, and the staff is kind and attentive. Why didn't I go there today instead? The food here was still really good but it couldn't save how grossly bad the service was. When we arrived the manager told us we could sit at any open table with the caveat that we could actually only sit at a two top (in a dead restaurant) because the booths were reserved for groups. That's okay, I get that. But it just went downhill from there. My friend and I had literally been sitting about 4 seconds when the waitress came over and asked if we were ready to order. We looked confused and said no, but asked for coffee. My friend asked for espresso and the waitress said "we don't have espresso" which also would be fine except that the menu says "coffee and espresso." The response was really weird. Okay okay...there are worse things. But the whole time we sat there we were being rushed. Plates grabbed from us before we were really through, bill on the table before we were done. All of this I would have been fine with until that bill arrived. I told the waitress we had a groupon when we sat down. Well, when the bill arrived they gave us two receipts; one with the original total and one with the new discounted total. On the original receipt there was a note that said "THIS IS THE AMOUNT TO BE TIPPED ON." Highlighted. Really?!? I don't know, it really rubbed me the wrong way. Groupon is usually an excuse for me to tip more because I've saved money, but "reminding" me how to tip really bothered me. As someone who has waited tables before I know this is not proper etiquette. GROAN
(2)
Kori M.
After hearing such great things about Toast, I decided to take my friend here for her birthday brunch. At first the wait was a bit intimidating. There were people standing around outside and sitting on the ground. When we went in I was surprised to see how small the place was but I thought it was still very charming. The wait time we were quoted was an hour and a half. We thought about maybe going someplace else but we both really wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Once we were seated (which by the way was way faster than an hour and half thanks to the wonderful manager!) we ordered our food. The food came out really quick and it was delicious! I had the French Toast Orgy with bacon and it was divine. A bit overwhelming but definitely worth it. However, the best part of my visit to Toast was the Manager. She was great! She was chatty and funny. She has a wittiness to her that I found charming! Even if the food weren't as good I would definitely still want to support just based on my interaction with her. I know it sounds like I'm sucking up but she really was that awesome. lol Oh and a side note...the Host at the door was super friendly and cute!
(5)
Eric G.
I had a solid breakfast at Toast this past Sunday. I went with the Chorizo and scrambled eggs which were filled with flavor! It came with 2 big pieces of toast and some yummy potatoes. Good service, good atmosphere. I Arrived at 1:45PM and there was a 45 minute wait for a party of three. I will go back again but not before 2PM.
(4)
Lindsey B.
If you go here, you have to get the stuffed french toast. You just have to. Don't even look at the rest of the menu. I went with my parents and 2 friends, and yeah, there was a long wait, but we knew what we were getting into being a somewhat large party arriving around 11am on a Sunday. The host was incredibly nice - kept us updated on our wait time and even came by the table later to thank us for "putting up with" him. I got the oatmeal...pretty good as far as restaurant oatmeal although they need to be more creative with toppings. Friends both got crepes...pretty standard. Parents both got stuffed french toast and HOLY COW the deliciousness. My favorite flavor was the marscapone, but they were all excellent. Great coffee too...love me some Julius Meinl.
(4)
Loan L.
I really wanted to love this place. Sadly my first visit shall also be my last visit. I had the tenderloin eggs benedict and strawberry cinnamon crepes. The tenderloin was supposed to be medium well however, it was charred when it got to the table and on top of that the hollandaise sauce was bland and too sour. Overall a one star for the benedict. Now onto the crepes... Lord the crepes here are so thick they can almost be considered pancakes and their sauce was way too watery. This dish was a complete failure. I think their name is cute but that is about all they have going for them.
(2)
Fate O.
The waiters are wonderful at the beginning but seem to be tired of us if we stayed there too long, became not too friendly. I tried to tip them big but they didn't take separate credit card (if friends & I were to split the bills). Friend said gratuity is already in the bill if over 8 people so neer mind. As for foods, they can make foods your way if you ask so that's a plus. I wasn't too crazy about trying new foods at the price so I asked for a simpler version and finish it off my plate. :)
(3)
EL G.
The Stuffed French Toast with Mexican Chocolate were undeniable winners. The belt sandwich that my friend ordered looked great and her opinion was "mmmmm!" The wait for a table for two was one hour at 11AM on sun. Not surprising and after waiting about 30 min we were offered a spot at the small bar. We're low maintenance so we had no problem taking the first available seats. The coffee was strong, and the Bloody Mary was just right. Overall great experience with The exception that the sense of humor and sarcasm from the lady running the bar was a bit over the top. I can be very sarcastic and "in ur face" with my sense of humor but it was borderline rude had it been a date. To her credit she added tomato juice to the Mary after I mentioned how spicy it was. She was also nice when we were leaving. So who knows maybe she had a few too many mimosas that morning herself. Overall 4 stars.
(4)
Michelle B.
I know why they are named toast! They have good toast! I know that sounds lame, but seriously, it was some of the most delicious toast I have ever had and I am serious about my toast. It was tough to make the choice between challah and brioche but I was decisive and found the brioche to be amazing. My all-meat Chicago diet was starting to wear on me so I got the veggie omelet and it was perfect. They removed all the water from the veggies so it wasn't a runny mess and it let the cheese shine through in all its magnificent glory. Cute little place that I would try on my next visit to town.
(4)
Evan G.
Ended up here for lunch because O'Fame next door was closed (and has moved - sigh). I used to live in Chicago and was always a fan of Toast for brunch, and if you're going to go, that's the reason you should go. Lunch is - well - not so stellar. Service was inattentive (hello, we'd like to order sometime - is that OK?), and I wonder if they were short staffed. Plus we had to repeat everything to the waiter - from drink orders to asking for the check. And other Yelpers here don't lie - it's soccer moms and strollers (part of the reason we'd chosen not to go to John's Place for lunch, because it's the same crowd - so much for escaping that!). The vegetarian chili was very good. And that was the highlight of the meal. Had El Bucktowno sandwich (grilled chicken breast with spicy mayo and grilled zucchini and onions on it) - asked for it without onions - and apparently that meant "let's add extra" because there were mountains of them - and the zucchini was completely overcooked, a collection of slippery mush. The excess of mayo made the top of the bun slide off the sandwich without even touching it. The potato salad was decent (albeit too oniony, and I'm not an onion-hater, I promise). Wish O'Fame hadn't moved.
(2)
Ben M.
Rarely do I ever feel really inclined to Yelp and when I do it's definitely because I had a good experience. This was definitely not the case at Toast. Before writing this review it was interesting to me to read through others both saying how great this establishment was and then the people on the latter end of the spectrum who had a bad experience. I also appreciated the yelper who decided to come to the defense of Toast. I agree with the can't seat until your party is here thing, I understand the check thing-but still see it as a pain in the ass. But I don't agree with you telling this person to lighten up and chill out because of certain remarks that were stated by the owner that could be seen as racist/homophobic. Bottom line, even in jest. you need to watch what you say when your around other people especially with those kind of remarks coming from the OWNER of the establishment. I get it, she's doing her thing, engaging with customers etc etc but your still running a business bottom line. Be respectful. Thats it. With that said this was your typical breakfast place, super busy which I expected, tiny waiting area, hostess was nice and gave us some water while we waited for like 45 minutes. We had friends there that got seated first and we could not join them for whatever strange reasons they have there. One of our friends announced she was pregnant to the group, in which one of our other friends came to tell us. My friend got up to go say congrats near their table and in no less then 15 seconds was told rudely to go back and sit down in the waiting area and that she couldn't be standing there or some BS. I get it that the place is small but again your providing CUSTOMER SERVICE so perhaps it would benefit you being polite. Just a suggestion. Anyway, we were finally seated, our server was fine although we felt really rushed to get our order in. Our food was okay def not worth the 45 min wait and annoying attitude of the staff. My last gripe is I paid with my credit card, which came back declined because of the fraud detection system it has and mastercard put a hold on my account or whatever they do, anyway, came back declined in which the owner walked up to our table threw the bill in the middle of it, told us it was declined and then walked away. Yet again amazed by the customer service. Won't be returning, lost my business, however in all honesty Toast is probably just to cool to care.
(1)
RJ H.
Everyone loves Toast. Sure, the woman who owns this joint can be a little too eager to dish out a heavy helping of attitude with little to no provocation. And yes, if you go on the wrong day and the wrong time, you will be made to wait for an obnoxious length of time. Sure, the servers are turning tables so fast you rarely catch their name, let alone their attention. No, they never change their menu. And yes, sometimes it is a bit pricey. But none of that really matters when you get down to it, and no one I know truly cares. That's because the food at Toast is consistently solid. I almost always go in for breakfast and rarely stray away from the opportunity to order eggs benedict, o.j., and dark coffee. I've never left Toast unhappy, and I've never taken a guest there who hasn't been satisfied. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Elizabeth K.
My roommate and I were really excited to try this place for our brunch date last week.... We walked in, it looked cute- there was a table of 3 ladies sitting inside that's it- they weren't busy. As soon as we stepped in the door the lady working (or maybe the manager, owner? who knows who she was) who was talking to the only table there looked over her shoulder at us barely and we heard her say "either of these 2". My roommate and I look at each other confused like "was she talking to us?" and again she barely turned her had and said "either of those 2 small ones are fine"..... yes she was talking to us and barking where we should have sat- at either of the 2 dinky tables when there is a completely empty restaurant to choose from!!!!! Needless to say- we turned and walked right out the door. We didn't get a hello, they didn't get our money.
(1)
Megan T.
I have been a long time customer of Toast and have always loved the menu items- eggs benedict especially is delicious. But recently I had a HORRIBLE experience with the hostess. I called to place a pick up order. The woman told me to call back in 20 minutes if I wanted something, she was too busy to help me now. I was frustrated, but tried to be patient and called back in about 20 minutes. When I called back she was rude and rushed me through my order. When I was double checking the order on the sheet that I had scribbled it on, she jumped on me curtly with "maam, i don't have time for you to check anything and put me on hold." It had literally been 1 second!- no exaggeration. I would have had more words for her but she was clearly too stuck up to care and taking care of their customers clearly is not part of the training process. I will miss the eggs benedict, but refuse to support a business that is so proud of themselves they think they can treat customers however they want. They've lost my business for good.
(1)
Gareth D.
I mean it's fine. But is the divaishness and the wait supposed to be part of the allure? I love French toast, granola, coco, etc. but the "orgy" is no bongo room tower.
(2)
JP P.
After hearing about Toast's brunch for several years now, I finally made it for Sunday afternoon brunch. With the expectation that it would be a overpriced, yuppie brunch spot, I came to Toast and realized it was just that, but the food certainly did deliver. We waited for considerably short time (15 minutes) for a table at about 12:30 pm, which is great compared to the two hour waits i had heard about this place. Hint: Groups of two get table faster than groups of three or more. Good thing our friend bailed on us last minute. I had the Pancake Orgy which was a stack of strawberry, lemon poppy, and banana pecan pancakes topped with fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt and honey. The fruit medley of blueberries, strawberries, and melons was unbelievably fresh, which is really hard to find during the winter. The pancakes her light and fluffy, but I couldn't tell that they were three different flavors. At first I was hesitant to pay $9 for this dish, but it was worth it. I think I'll try the french toast orgy next time. My friend had the grilled cheese sandwich which came with potato salad and also got tomato soup. She seemed to enjoy her meal. The service was efficient, but not very warm. Bus boys came several times to take out plates away before we were finished, and we didn't even realize who our waitress was at the end of the meal. Four stars for the food, and not being a disappointment.
(4)
S E.
Just tried to go here yesterday - hadn't been in years but I remembered that it was pretty good and we were in the neighborhood. Well, we never made it in the door. My mom and I stopped with my 9-month old son (in stroller, of course) and the hostess nicely informed us that it would be a 30 minute wait. No problem, we said - but when we returned 30 minutes later, we were told we couldn't bring the stroller in. OK, I know it's a small place and I totally get that they don't have room - but most places let you fold it and leave it in the back. Nope - not only would they not let us do that, they suggested we lock it up outside. We have one of those notorious, large - and expensive - strollers, my one pre-baby splurge. It has a backet on the bottom that was filled with our recent purchases, toys, bottles, diapers, etc - I use it in lieu of a diaper bag. So there was no way we could unload it and I didn't feel comfortable leaving it outside. The reason I'm so ticked off is that had the hostess told us this (and she definitely saw the stroller when we put our names in), we could have put the stroller in the car when I went to feed the meter, which was parked 10 minutes away. Then the owner or manager or whoever she is - the one everyone else is bitching about - came out and rudely told us that we couldn't bring the stroller in. Um, yeah, thanks, we knew that. By the time we got a table at Nookies nearby (an hour after we put our name in at Toast), my son was melting down. I won't try that again - there are too many amazing brunch places in town to give my business to one that thinks I'm doing them a favor by wating there.
(1)
Jaime R.
I was actually excited to brunch at Toast, but I'll never go back based on our experience with the manager. First our wait was over an hour, in the heat, which I understand comes with the territory of going to a hip-brunch spot on a Sunday late morning. Fine. When we were finally seated it was the last table in the back, next to the kitchen and near the bathrooms. I knew the place was tiny but didn't think it was super-tiny. Be warned, if you are the least claustrophobic and don't like sitting practically on your neighbors, or having people fall over you, this is not the place for you. It is also extremely hot inside, very uncomfortable. Not only did it feel like there was no AC on, but being seated next to the kitchen made it 10x worse. Nothing like sweating your way through your brunch. The food was so-so. The stuffed french toast was more like soaked bread with blended strawberries, the sides of potatoes were pretty skimpy (considering the price of each entree) and we've all had better eggs. Our server was the only bright spot to our entire experience. He was WONDERFUL! Thoughtful, kind, friendly, attentive, everything you could ask for. We had no problems with him, we all loved him. But once the check came he disappeared and left us to deal with the manager. The manager was rude and cocked an attitude with us from the very minute she saw our Groupon. First she snapped at us because she believed we wanted to split the check 4 ways, not true. Then seeing we had both cash and a credit card made her even more upset. "We don't split payments here" she kept rudely demanding. "Pick one." We asked politely but all she kept repeating was "we don't split payments", so diners beware. Fine, we gave her our cc and waited. When she finally returned with our updated bill and cc receipt she had, in bright red sharpie marker written all over the bill "TOTAL FOR TIPPING!" and underlined it 3x. I couldn't believe it. We are not new to eating out with coupons, we all know you have to tip on the original total, but to demand a tip like that was rude and uncalled for. Had it not been for our server after that little stunt she (the manager) pulled, we wouldn't have left a tip at all. Tipping is supposed to be gesture of appreciation for services rendered, it's not a requirement. So to demand us to tip on the total really turned us off. Would I go back to this Toast? Never. Would I try the Bucktown location? Maybe. Overall I was really disappointed with our experience.
(2)
Erin S.
A small, but great breakfast place. Always busy, but the staff is amazing and hilarious. Have come here a handful of times and have always tried something different and I have loved everything. The french toast is perfect and the pesto scramble is one of my favorite things to order at any brunch place.
(4)
Joann H.
Oh my god Mediocre at best. SErvice is slow. My husband and I went there for my birthday last tuesday. The coffee was great but the service was just there. The pine nut and berry pancakes were fair at best. This sucked because my husband saw my disappointed face knowing that I was so excited to try these pancakes off the menu. So sad. Go to Southport Bakery and CAfe. AMAZING breakfast there guaranteed.
(3)
Susan A.
I'm disappointed in you Toast! Both locations! I've really enjoyed the food at both Toasts, and am only leaving 2 stars for that reason. I tried the Webster Toast on a Saturday and after dealing with a not-so-friendly hostess and their inability to seat our group without the one person who was parking, we left without eating. The next day we tried the other toast - even worse!! The teenage boy at the front was so rude! My boyfriend asked, "Is the bar seating open?" (Meaning is it first come first serve). The 'host' looks over at the bar and back at us and says, "What does it look like?!" Rude. Nobody wants attitude when all you want to do is enjoy a nice brunch. We left both days without eating. If it weren't for the pesto eggs, I would never go back. Get over yourself Toast.
(2)
William M.
Love! Mmmmmmmmm! Scrumptious, delectable... Just don't stand in the doorway and your experience will be the bomb. And, it's worth the wait.
(4)
Robert N.
Great food, but there always seem to be a wait (expect a 30+ minute wait most weekend mornings) I have the chorizo eggs Benedict special and it was nothing less than amazing!
(5)
Sharon H.
Great French toast...bad service.
(4)
Davoroxy S.
The food is good, if not a little pricey. The service however, not to be desired. The host plays a game with wait times...We were told an hour and a half wait and she wouldn't take a phone number and insisted we check back in an hour. We checked in 20 minutes and they said 10-15 minutes. We later saw her quote many more ridiculous wait times as broadly as "one to two hours" (possibly just to scare folks off), but if a table was available and no one was standing in wait, a walk-in was seated immediately. Not off to a good start. The A/C was broken so it was quite warm in the tight little space, again not doing too well. No friendly apology offered. Then they refused to split the bill, which is inconvenient when dining with friends. I had a special request and the waiter looked at me like I had many heads, then questioned why I would want what I had requested, then had to come back and clarify my simple instructions. Apparently noting an allergy to strawberries didn't make it clear I wanted no strawberries on my plate. All in all, we were brought in by a Groupon and will likely never return, at least not to this location. We ordered four items across the table and the marscapone stuffed french toast and chorizo omlette were certainly the top ranking dishes.
(2)
Caitlin P.
Used a groupon here and would definitely come again for full price. We got the veggie eggs benedict (aMAZing sauce!) and the french toast orgy. Both were delicious. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Rochelle C.
I was visiting Chicago and on Sunday mid-morning I decided to go for brunch, and since French Toast is my FAVE Toast was recommended so I decided to try it out. After I parked, walked up and I saw the crowd, I knew the place was good. After about a 35 min. wait (not a big deal at a popular place... especially since the Host told me it would be 60) and a nice walk around the neighborhood I was seated at the counter. The server was very professional and had a great dry sense of humor that I love. She interacted well with the other customers at the counter, and did a great job of including me in the conversation since I was sitting by myself (which I LOVED since eating alone is a drag). When I said I was there for French Toast she insisted that I get the French Toast Orgy... OMG she was right it was AMAZING! While I was eating I noticed that she was also running the floor, so I assumed she was the manager or owner. She did a great job of keeping things running smoothly, even though the place was packed. I did notice a few antsy people, but they were in parties of 6 or more and didn't want to split up (I guess they didn't know how small the place was and seating a large party would take time and be really difficult). I loved the way the staff all worked so well together, you could tell they were a team and it showed not just in the service but in the food. When I got home I decided to write a review because this place was so awesome! After reading some of the other reviews with negative comments about the staff and service, I have no idea what place those people ate at, because the Toast I went to was amazing and a must visit everytime I'm in Chicago. The person behind the counter (I guess her name is Jill) was hilarious, friendly, professional and more than appropriate... she is well suited for her job. Those people that don't care for that neighborhood flavor should have brunch in a hotel restaurant... that will better suit their personalities... I on the other hand preferred what I experienced and I wish I could move Toast to St. Louis so I could eat there every week!
(5)
John S.
I don't get it. I'm not sure why this place is so popular. And it takes a lot to turn me off from a place, I'm a pretty generous person when it comes to restaurants. You gotta go pretty far to push me the wrong way. That being said, Toast is way overpriced, and the hostess/manager is unprofessional, and kinda racist/homophobic. I got a little dinky breakfast burrito with chorizo for $11. It didn't come with potatoes or fruit or anything else, just some eggs, cheese, and beans in a burrito with a tiny bit of chorizo. flavor wise, it was OK. My niece got a cheese and tomato sandwich for $9, and the tomatoes were awful. Jill, behind the counter, is rude, telling one customer it was "gay" that he shaves his arms, and calling an African American woman "black sugar". She also came over to chat with us while we ate. I don't want to chat with staff while I eat, I'm there to talk with my niece and catch up. Then she walked over and started stroking another customers head, in front of his partner/wife/GF. I don't ever need to eat there again, there are a lot of other places in the city that do brunch a whole lot better, both in terms of price, food, and atmosphere. Also, if you have more than 4 people, it will be a struggle to get you seated. Heck, it was a struggle to get two of us seated, until they decided it was busy enough to seat us at the counter.
(1)
John O.
The wait is always worth wile if you like your eggs served with a side of sarcastic banter.... which is exactly how I like it.
(4)
Janina F.
The food was delicious, my boyfriend and I split the stuffed french toast and eggs Benedict. The reason for the two stars? Basically the rude management. Don't get me wrong the server was great but when we pulled out our groupon and credit card to pay, the owner came over and said "sorry their is a $9 limit" really? I've heard of a $5 limit but that is ridiculous. She then continually stared us down while we (had no cash) were deciding what to do. A minute later she rushed over and In the end decided to let us pay with the card but made sure to write a note saying groupon users should tip generously. She made us feel uncomfortable and like we were being rushed right out of there. She sure knows how to win her guests over.
(2)
chad n.
Food here was really good, but not awesome, and definitely not worth an hour wait for weekend brunch. I actually loved my french toast orgy - i had 3 pieces of stuffed toast - strawberry, chocolate, marscapone, covered with fruit, granola, yogurt and honey. Awesome, but too much sugar and carbs. where's the meat? The peeps i was with had the breakfeast burro and scrabled eggs with potatoes. Both were good but nothing great. Service was great, portions were smaller than average (no food will be left over), and atmosphere was nice. Would receive a 4-star (i'm a fan) but because of the hour wait, I wouldn't go back. There's tons of equally good brunch places in chicagoland.
(3)
Pilar D.
I think Toast has a great concept in their design and name. Vintage toasters, neat names for their foods (french toast orgy?! yes, please!). Overall, I thought the food was okay for brunch. Not extraordinary, not really special. The staff was friendly and attentive, the mimosas are good. I don't think I'll be back, simply because I have a few other favorite brunch spots (and many more places to try).
(3)
Gary Bryan D.
Gourmet-style food at fair prices. I ordered the french toast orgy and paid $10. It came with 3 pieces, thick and fluffy, stuffed with my choice of chocolate-strawberry or mascrapone cheese. Mix both to complete your order if you like. Then it's covered with oatmeal and topped with fresh fruit. I thought it was a great deal, even enough for two. It is a small restaurant and the wait is long. You wouldn't trust a skinny cook or an empty restaurant, so don't complain about the wait. If you appreciate great food like I do, and taste every bite, you'll be happy after waiting for your chance to dig in. There's a starbucks 40 yards away to wait at. Don't miss your quote, it will make the wait even longer.
(4)
Leah L.
Toast is my favorite breakfast place in Chicago. Their French Toast Orgy and Pancake Orgy are like nothing you've ever tasted before. The inside of the restaurant is cozy, the prices are incredibly reasonable for how great their food is, and the service is friendly and quick once you get seated. There can be a lengthy wait on weekends but it's in a great neighborhood with a lot of great shops to browse while you wait for your table.
(5)
Liz M.
The French Toast Orgy was amazing!!! It is something that I could eat every day for the rest of my life!!! I'm so glad that my co-worker recommended it!!!
(4)
Bethany L.
Don't even bother paying a vist to Toast on a Saturday or Sunday morning unless you're ready & willing to wait for awhile. The place is relatively calm on weekday mornings if you're in by 10 or so, and that's the time to go. The staff is always friendly and the small size of the restaurant lends a real feeling of intimacy. Of course, it's doesn't hurt that the food is fantastic. They have delicious Eggs Benedict, and my mom swears by the mascarpone-stuffed French toast which is always chock full of stuffing and accompanied with fresh berries and grapes. Prices aren't bad, either, especially compared to most other brunch options in the area. Toast is one of my favorite places for a low-key late breakfast.
(4)
Rob S.
I've always enjoyed breakfast at Toast. I lived in Chicago when it opened, and come back when I visit. I took my friend there this morning and had a great experience. Thirty five minute wait for a table, but sat down immediately at the bar. The guy working the bar was friendly and accommodating. Food came in a timely manner and was delicious. When we left I asked for a to-go cup and was given a full cup of fresh coffee. The experience could have been completely different if someone else was behind the bar, so kudos to him
(5)
Benjamin B.
With such a plethora of excellent brunch spots in Chicago, and as I had heard excellent things about Toast, I was expecting quite a good experience. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Toast had a number of fatal flaws, including the following: - No espresso, just coffee - Mediocre service (I ordered a side of bacon, and only received it when I was 3/4 through my omelet) - Weak Bloody Mary's The food was reasonable, but not outstanding. My omelet was good, but not exceptional. The tomatoes were slightly hard, and the goat cheese way too fresh. And for a restaurant that calls itself Toast, the toast was nothing special. It rather epitomized the experience.
(2)
Liz S.
food was decent, far from outstanding. The OWNER was incredibly rude, rushing and pushing us out from start to finish. My friend was mid sip of her coffee and the owner grabbed the cup fm her mouth and asked if she wanted it to go! I will never go back. there's no fixing a restaurant when the problem is the owner.
(1)
Kim B.
Yum, yum, yum... This place is amazing. It's small and cute (so I wouldn't recommend it during busy brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays unless you mind waiting), and the food is so good! The ingredients taste fresh and the staff is so friendly and attentive. The veggie eggs benedict w/ avocado and vegetarian chili are my faves! They serve alcohol too :o)
(4)
Alex R.
I have been here at least a dozen times now, and I've never had a disappointing meal. Yes, between the hours of 10:30 and 12, it is a little difficult to get a table, but the wait is never very long. They always say it will take an hour, but it rarely does. The service here is incredible. The wait staff is friendly and responsive. The food is superb, too. I've had everything on the menu. Everything on the menu ending with an "Orgy" is simply amazing. My personal favorite, however, is the breakfast burrito. Sometimes, I also order a side of bacon, which is somehow much more delicious than anything I can make for myself. In summary, don't be afraid of the wait (unless you are a group of 5 or more, in which case the wait time they give you is accurate). The food, atmosphere, and service will make up for it.
(5)
Amy R.
THIS PLACE IS A JOKE!!! ive been to this toast maybe 4 or 5 times, and the one on damen about 3. theres always a terrible wait until after around 1 on the weekends, so ive learned to go after that to not feel rushed. the food is pretty good - nothing to get in a tizzy about but good and at a fair price. however, the service is HORRENDOUS, and that lunatic manager/owner/mental patient jill is the center of it all. the very first time i went to toast, i had a positive experience with jill. the place was empty and her saucy "wit" seemed charming. but beware, its only cute if shes in a good mood, which doesnt seem to be often. I WILL NOT BE BACK TO TOAST ON WEBSTER EVER and heres the final nail in the coffin: like i said, i never go before 1 on the weekend to avoid the crowds. i went on a saturday at 2. the place was busy but by no means packed and we were the only people waiting. there were 2 empty tables, and after staring at these empty tables with no explanation for about 7 minutes, the inhospitable host led us to one saying he didnt want to overwhelm the server. fine, whatever. we waited ANOTHER 7 minutes for our server to acknowledge our existence. after we finally got our bloody marys and had placed our orders, a friend mentioned she was in the area. we invited her to join our party of 3, since we had JUST ordered. when she came in, literally 2 minutes after we ordered, the host INFORMED HER that she was welcome to sit at the table but that SHE COULD NOT ORDER. WHAT?! this is apparently a policy that they dont seat incomplete parties - which is all fine and understandable during the 11am rush, but THERE WERE OTHER EMPTY TABLES AND NO ONE WAITING! it was obviously a situation where an exception could easily be made and a quick "hey, we dont do that" for next time - NEVERMIND THAT WE WERE TRYING TO GIVE THEM MORE MONEY. but no, the charming jill was having none of that. we said fine, if our friend couldnt eat, we would pay for our drinks and go elsewhere. jill informed us that she would CALL THE POLICE for walking out on our bill for the food we had not been served - because the order had already been started! are you KIDDING ME?! after what seemed like forever, she FINALLY acted like SHE was doing us a HUGE favor by letting our friend order. of course, we chatted about how insane the situation was, and in 30 seconds, lovely jill was at our table claiming SHE was trying to take the high road and that we couldnt talk about her in her restaurant! what, all that nonsense and we were supposed to sit down and chat about the weather like nothing happened?! insanity. the "no seating incomplete parties" rule is obviously an attempt to save time, but this ridiculousness took 10-15 minutes, whereas just letting her order would have only taken 2. this is not kindergarden, jill, and we are not children. we are PAYING CUSTOMERS. whatever happened to "the customer is always right"? whatever happened to decent service IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY??? rules are supposed to be in place to help make the dining experience better for the CUSTOMER. this place is hit or miss, but when its a miss, its BAD. i will NOT be back.
(1)
Big Z.
Went here for the first time today and it was very good. Had the B.E.L.T sandwich and house potatoes. Others I was with had the french toast orgy which did not disappoint. Our server was attentive and was very nice. All the negative reviews seem to revolve around wait or check issues (they don't split bills) however, the food is definitely 4 to 4.5 stars and well worth the trip.
Great neighborhood breakfast restaurant. Does get busy on weekend so get there early. Not much seating but worth the wait. In the heart of Lincoln Park so can wonder around while waiting for table. Another restaurant in Bucktown with patio if not in Lincoln Park.
(4)
Jess S.
Stopped in today to redeem our Groupon; my apologies to the regulars. 45-60 minute wait was totally worth it in the end. When you go, I suggest waiting it out at Starbucks on the corner--pretty good Lincoln Park people watching from the corner seats there. Once we finally got seated, service was quick, friendly and reasonably attentive despite the hustle necessary to keep that line out the door moving. The food came out extremely fast, much quicker than expected anyway. Drink refills probably could have been a half step quicker, but certainly forgivable. The food was excellent and, as I said, well worth the wait. I had the Huevos with Chorizo and Cheddar while the wifey got the Mascarpone and Pine Nut Pancakes. The egg dish was a tad simple - I remember thinking to myself that I could easily make this at home - but well proportioned, mixed and cooked perfectly. Simple, but delicious and exactly what I was looking for at the time. The only other knock on the huevos is the presentation - a little slapdash with a relatively empty plate. I mean, it's mostly just scrambled eggs so there's only so much you can do, but too much white space is noticable. The side potatoes could have stood a little more seasoning in my opinion, but they were still tasty and again cooked just right (crispy on one side and soft everywhere else). The pancakes on the other side of the table, however, were something else entirely. A wonderful mix of sweet flavors, both fruit and floral, and well contrasted textures, from soft and gooey to the, for lack of a better term, al dente bite of the cooked pine nuts. My wife called them the best pancakes she'd ever had. I can't say I necessarily agree based on the two or three bites I had, but it's not hard to imagine either. All in all, as regular weekend brunchers we'll probably head back to Toast to explore the menu a little more. Good job Groupon (and Toast!).
(4)
Kate F.
The food was not good enough to excuse the hideously rude behavior of the owner. Not worth it.
(1)
Linda G.
I went there once. Won't go back. They don't even have good toast. Go to Nookies. Better food, better service, half the cost.
(1)
Gabe L.
wait forty minutes sit in extended hallway get french toast orgy
(4)
Lucy S.
Def one of my favorite brunch places. I am completely obsessed with the eggs benedict. It comes with proscuitto and an amazing hollandaise sauce. The house potatos and potato salad is to die for. Also love the veggie eggs benedict. My friends enjoy the stuffed french toast sampler, granola and berries, breakfast burrito and my picky little brother looooved the ham and cheese sandwich. It can be a hugeeee wait, luckily my roomate is the hostess. I'm not sure I would go weekend mornings bc of the wait. Later in the day on weekdays you can almost always sit down when you come in.
(4)
Cindy R.
Marscapone-stuffed french toast with fresh berries: OMG. So ridiculously good I can't even explain. Due to their hideously long lines (1 hour wait at 8AM on a Saturday? Isn't everyone still sleeping? wtf?) I've only had it once but still dream about it. If you get a table, please order it. They lose a star for the horrible wait times. If I were ever able to ACTUALLY EAT THERE again, I think I wouldn't hesitate to give a full 5. It's a bummer.
(4)
Andrew T.
I'm a regular here, usually coming in between classes for lunch during the week. And every time is just as good as the last. The waitstaff is good, food superb, and as long as you're not there on a Saturday/Sunday, the noise level is perfectly fine. Highly recommended!
(5)
Missy M.
It was good, but I thought there would be more to the "Toast". For example, it would be cool if they had crazy good breads for toast and a larger selection of french toast. (I'd take the Bongo's Room stuffed french toast over this restaurant's version any day.) However, the lemon poppyseed pancakes were so delicious!
(3)
Scott J.
Its all been said, however i'll sum up why 4-stars is perfect: 5-Stars Because : if you can get a seat, the food is organic, delicious and unique. 3-Stars Because: You will have to wait for a while because this place is small and people eat slow in the mornings. So on average your experience will be 4-Stars.
(4)
M. R.
so i have been here before and the food is good, i have no complaints regarding the food. However, I do have negative comments about the staff and the owner Jill. Its weird because the first time I came here the service was amazing. The second time I came here, the owner was intruding in conversation and was very vulgar. I was caught off guard when she started saying things to our party, I know she was trying to be funny but it was very inappropriate, she should learn manners seriously. The third time I went we had to wait for 45 minutes which was already a hassle. We had three people with us and when we finally sat down, a family member called to say she was in the area and wanted to stop by. When she came in the male blonde host was very rude to her. He wouldn't let her sit down at our table. He came over to us and was like" um why is she here, you said you only had three people, is she here just to say hi?" It was very strange considering he sat us at a four person table. He never even gave her water or a menu and kept looking at our table it was so pathetic. When we were finishing up, he kept looking at us to see if we were going to leave while we were trying to relax after having to wait to eat here for almost an hour. I'm surprised they are still in business considering the ill mannered behavior of the staff. Please, if you have a business its always customers first.
(2)
M. C.
I get cravings for their French Toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese and with mixed berries on top. It is absolutely delicious. DE-LI-CIOUS. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's the best brunch dish I've ever eaten. Previously, I'd tried the Eggs Benedict, and that was good too, but from here on out, the mascarpone toast is the only thing I can order. Yes, this place is small, and yes, you're going to have to wait outside until a table is available. However, it's worth the wait, and a quick walk down the block for a pre-brunch drink at Starbucks makes the wait go by pretty quickly.
(5)
Aurore L.
When I decide to indulge I indulge all the way... That's why I was thrilled when my friend suggested to have breakfast at Toast before our blissful massage almost next door at Lincoln Park Massage Spa. What better way to start off the day?!? I should always take my friend with me every time I go out because she's a perfect parking spot magnet. Sure enough we parked just in front of the restaurant and headed inside for some much needed coffee. Then the dreaded choice time arrived. See we want to indulge but without taking in the calories.....which is as rational as logic gets with girls and food. Yeah...we are lovely like that and it is fine, believe me. We decided to do the only smart move in such a situation: split. You don't eat as much, you don't feel too guilty because someone else is sinning with you AND you get satisfied. Hehehe.... We shared the Tijuana omelette which was really tasty and deliciously spicy: jalepeno peppers, tomato dices, cilantro, green onion and great chihuahua cheese. But at $9 without sides I thought it was pretty steep. The real indulgence came with the sweet part of the meal: three big and fluffy pancakes whipped with mascarpone, topped with stawberries, orange segments and zests, pine nuts and drizzled with honey and lavender...mmmmm....the combination was as delicious as it sounds - but just a tiny bit on the dry side. We gulped them down in no time though so obviously that wasn't a big downer. The place is really small and was quite full even on a Thursday morning. But service was diligent and right on queue every time (every 34 times) I needed coffee. I don't think I would fight the crowd during the weekend...or maybe in the summer. There is the lovely cutey Oz Park just across the street to make the wait sweeter!
(3)
Zack C.
The Mexican chocolate stuffed french toast comes straight from a Mexican chocolate factory. This fine establishment doesn't quite compare to my favorite toast, the Friendly Toast.
(3)
Abby D.
I hear it's amazing.. too bad I can never get in to get a table. The restaurant is too small and can't accomodate many people.
(3)
Ambrosia C.
I'm not quite sure what all the hype is. I went here because I had the groupon. It's a good breakfast place, but not worth waiting for an hour or two for. It's a normal bourgeoisie type place for brunch, nothing more, nothing less. I could easily go to another brunch place in the neighborhood and be just as satisfied.
(3)
Sue K.
French toast.
(5)
Brigid C.
stopped by once on a saturday around 1030 and was told there was an hour and a half wait. um, no. returned earlier to avoid the line. the service was meh, the owner was rude and bitchy to anyone that walked in and made people wait for their entire party to arrive before seating them (the restaurant was empty, settle down). one woman walked in and asked for a table for two, she pointed to her friend who was locking up her bike outside. the owner demeanded that she sit and wait until her whole party was ready. um, seriously? she sat gossiping with waitresses and it just gave a weird vibe to the whole place. it would have had a lot more cutesy charm if there was friendly atmosphere... the food was, meh. overpriced for what it was. skip toast, and walk over to nookies too. much better value!
(2)
Jenn A.
Okay, this sucks. My first review in Chicago and it's meh. I was so excited to get brunch, I literally craved it all week long. Im from New Orleans and just moved here from San Francisco, and brunch is HUGE in both places so I was really looking to get back into the swing of things! Unfortunately, toast did not do it. bummm-er. I brought in my own champagne (it's byob which isn't my fave) so I had a mimosa. My boy ordered a coke (this is pivotal for later) and also an egg plate with bacon. I got the french toast orgy with the three mixed flavors. The food came and the bacon was barely edible, it looked like it had sat under a heat lamp for hours. My granola and fruit on the toast was great but I do not know if it was the yogurt or what but the french toast was soggy. Like soggy. I barely ate one of the three (and I always CLEAR my plate. i LOVE food and absolutely HATE wasting food, it literally makes me cry) but did eat the granola and fruit. From the time we received our food until the time we got the bill (which we asked for) our waitress did not ask us how anything was. She had only two other tables and one who came in while we were wrapping up so it's not like she was slammed. just talking to friends at the counter. My boy's coke was empty almost the entire meal and the man who cleared our plates is the only one who asked if he wanted a refill (after we had paid). We are not big complainers seeing as I work at a restaurant downtown (which btw I never let my peeps' drinks get below half full, thats just a huge pet peeve) and my guy bar-tended in new orleans but holy cow, what a let down. Ugh, guess we'll retry the Chicago brunch scene next Sunday!
(2)
Jaime S.
this place is alright, but too small and cramped and they really rush you out of there because there is a long line. The french toast orgy is really rich but delicious if you split it with someone else. I just think that it is not a comfortable atmosphere so you lose something with that.
(3)
Justin B.
Go for the bar, stay away from the tables. Man, I wish I would have realized that before I went this past Saturday. I'm not cheap when I tip. Seriously. I usually give 20% standard and often go to 25% with no issues. But the waitress we had was so bad, I actually was using my phone to figure out what we should leave her. She didn't mention any specials, flat out told us "no" when we asked whether we could get a special rather than our order a minute or so later when we figured out they had specials, and needed to be reminded not so gently about a coffee and tea refill. Now, despite an awfully bad service experience, this place maintains a 4 star rating for three primary reasons: (1) it has really, really good brunch food; (2) if you sit at the bar you will be entertained by one of the wittier, saucier "bar" tenders around; and (3) they have a bar that actually serves liquor for breakfast! Seriously, the bartender here is amazingly funny. The first time we ate there, she was bantering with us about some customer showing crack at one of the tables and warning another patron that the guy who was trying to get cozy with her was married. You couldn't script this stuff better. Don't piss her off because she's liable to lay you out WWE style, but she is an amazing entertainer and treats the place as though it were her own. So go for the food and the bar, stay away from the tables.
(4)
Rebecca T.
I honestly don't understand what the lure of this place is; it seems that people inevitably suggest this place and I just want to shake them and say "do you PREFER chain restaurants?!" The food is forgettable (seriously, you can order french toast at any diner - it's not a novel idea), the service is generally horrible, and extremely noisy and cramped. Because so many people are generally waiting for seating, the host just looms over you so you'll leave right when you're done... With so many better options in the city, I just can't understand why people would choose to go here... even though it's conveniently located close to where I live, I'd much rather make the trek to a an actual quality establishment... like Twisted Spoke, Orange, or Yolk.
(1)
ML D.
Had a great first experience. Second time around was a nightmare. We had a party of 4 and waited over an hour while others that came after us kept getting seated before us. The hostess would not let us split up into two separate parties. The final kicker came when our bill was brought. I had a Groupon and the waitress honored it but rewrote in the original total before the Groupon was deducted. Circled it. And wrote "price to tip on". I will not be going back no matter how good the French Toast Orgie is.
(2)
Adam T.
My favorite brunch place in Chicago--I had the french toast trio (with one chocolate, one strawberry, and one marscapone), and it was amazing! the strawberry was the big standout--i didn't expect it to be so good. this place is in a great location close to Lincoln Park shopping and DePaul, and i can't wait to go back and try something else! (one of the specials the day i went was pancakes that tasted like fruit loops--wish i would've tried those too!)
(5)
Jisha A.
We went in at an hour where our wait was thankfully less than 15 minutes. Had high expectations from the menu, based on the hype around the place. We tried the pancake orgy and the veggie egg benedict - the fruits for the pancake orgy were fresh, but the pancakes did not seem that great. As for the benedict, it seemed comparable to what's served at IHOP or even Original Pancake house..nothing much to rave about..Not sure if we missed out on ordering any of their specials...our waiter seemed totally disinterested in helping out with suggestions..overall, might come here again but will not go stand in line for this.
(3)
J L.
Love it - Hey Jill! Crabby benedict like whoa. Come hungry. Hours: 8:00-2:30 M-F; 8:00-3:30 Sat/Sun
(4)
Sriram V.
You had better have a lot of time on your hands if you want to try Toast, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning. However, imho, every minute of your wait is probably worth it. Definitely very vegetarian friendly and their stuffed toast is very memorable. Loses a star for the wait and the slightly cramped (arguably intimate) space.
(4)
Cynthia C.
Went here on a Saturday morning 1100am. In town to celebrate our daughter's birthday, her choice of restaurant. After reading the reviews about the long waits, crabby hostess we were leery but agreed to give it a try. Were told the wait was an hour but actually only waited about 10 minutes. Were seated at a table for 2 (there were 3 of us) but after a few minutes the couple next to us left and the hostess moved that table over. Most of the food was excellent, french toast orgy and eggs benedict with crab. The vegetarian omelette was a little bland-everything else great. The nice hostess even came over to give us a to go cup of fresh coffee!! She was very freindly to other customers as well. A good experience.!!
(4)
Alexandra S.
I love toast, not just the crisp bread but the restaurant as well. This is a great place to go for breakfast or brunch any day with a wide selection of traditional, non-traditional (french toast orgy, crepes) and lunch. I usually get extreme anxiety before going as I have to choose among a lot of yummy options. The service is great and they respect the waiting line. I recommend the crepes and chicken sausage for something different but the Turkey burger rocks as well. Try to go before 9 on weekends otherwise you are in for a long wait.
(4)
Lin C.
Agree with previous poster regarding rude management. There are so many more places to have a pleasant breakfast in Chicago. Toast, hire a new manager for LP and maybe I will come back.
(1)
Maggie H.
If you're looking for brunch with punch, this is the place that you must try! The menu is far from just toast. Try as many things as you can- the pancake or french toast orgy, the chicken sausage stuffed with apple and gouda, the bloody mary's topped with fresh peppers. The Mascarpone-stuffed french toast and the apple, pear and brie crepe tied for 1st place at our table. Skip the eggs because they just aren't that special with all of this competition. The tunes are a bonus at this little hot spot in Lincoln Park. The staff does love you, but can be tough! I smiled, I curtsied, and he still said 2 hours for a party of 5. It turned out to only be 1...and it was worth it.
(4)
Ryan K.
Totally respectable brunch joint in a nice area. Probably overpriced for the food, but they stay packed on the weekend mornings so I certainly don't blame them.
(3)
A.S. V.
I always forget about Toast because the wait is insane on weekends, and it's so tiny and cramped. However, with the disappearance of Leo's and HUE, I'm reminded that it's one of the handful of places that truly specialize in brunch, and do a great job with the menu. This means seemingly endless varations of omelettes, pancakes, breakfast burritos, etc.
(4)
Kristin M.
Toast is probably my favorite breakfast place in town. The wait here on the weekend can be up to 2 hours and the staff is spunky to the point of being rude; however, the one thing that makes it all worth while is the stuffed french toast. Oh my! This is one of those meals that you just sit there and savor every bite. I typically do not talk until I am finished, and prefer not to have any one talk to me due to the fact that I am concentrating on the wonderful goodness on my plate!
(5)
Tiff B.
I've only been to this place on weekdays so I've never had to deal with a long wait. I'm not understanding the rave reviews for this place though. Maybe I've ordered the wrong things. The first time I went, I ordered the french toast and thought it was just o.k. Not bad, but not great. The second time I went I ordered the goat cheese and spinach omelet. Again, it was just o.k. I don't live near there anymore, so I don't think it's worth waiting in line or dealing with parking to return. There are so many great brunch spots in Chicago that this place just doesn't stand out.
(3)
Kelly R.
There are definite cons here - the space, the service and the wait among them. But the French Toast Orgy is an experience that MUST be had so you're just going to have to deal with the other factors. I don't recommend ordering it as your main breakfast entree because that would cause a sugar high I'd never want to witness, but it serves as an amazing group dessert. Go get it.
(4)
Leanne V.
oh my sweet lord! their food is absolutely orgasmic. orgasmic! their marscapone-stuffed french toast bricks are hands down the greatest food i have ever put into my mouth - ever. i take that back. their prosciutto-truffle oil eggs benedict is hands down the greatest food to go down my gullet. minus one star for, dare i say it, the owner. i'm glad i don't live in chicago anymore - i'm afraid i'd get my ass kicked by this chick. while the wait staff is generally pretty lovely, she's a control freak. she's not nice to most people. sometimes she can be, if the mood strikes her. i know she's got a hot commodity and she can pretty much act anyway she wishes and people will still wait for hours on end to dine there. but we're talking about chicago - everyone is nice in chicago. because it's such a small place you're always in her line of fire. makes the dining experience somewhat uncomfortable.
(4)
Bryant C.
I went here for brunch with my dad. The food both of us had was really good. A little on the pricey side for breakfast, but I was still happy. I had a chorizo and egg scramble. My dad had an omelet... it was one of the specials. We left full and happy, ready for a walk all the way down to the loop from LP.
(4)
Maria C.
I would give this place 5 stars if it wasn't for the wait. It's a nightmare. Once you're able to get a table, the food is great. I love it especially during winter, when it's freezing out there and we're enjoying their Eggs Benedict which are to die for.
(4)
courtney g.
Since I live & work in the neighborhood, I skip the weekend frenzy and occasionally pop in for a breakfast-for-lunch thing, or on lazy middle-of-the-week days off; it's much more livable then. The times I've been I've pretty much always had the same waiter, who paused to gossip with us regarding the US Weekly my friend and I were reviewing (you have to have the right reading material for the lazy middle-of-the-week day off - the whole idea is to give your brain a rest). I generally stick to spicy, so I can say that for those of you not tempted by the pancake/french toast orgy, the huevos w/ cilantro & cheddar are lovely. It's cute, it's tiny/cosy, and the food is good. The service is usually quite good. Sometimes I find it a little pricey and I go to a diner instead; it's not really a destination for me. I don't think you'll be let down if you can try it during the week.
(3)
Heather B.
I really enjoyed my breakfast here. It was busy, but not stuffed full, around 11 am Friday morning. My husband had the Omelette Lorraine and liked it a lot. I had the stuffed french toast. I got one of each kind, but the mascarpone one was by far the best in my book. Friendly service, good food, good atmosphere (though the music was club-loud, which seemed a bit odd to me). Highly recommended!!
(4)
Rob C.
the hype is all about the massive stuffed french toast...while it's not truly novel, it's still worthy of fitting in the brunch rotation if you like it, you'll probably like bongo room, tweet, orange, lou mitchells, walker bros somtimes the long weekend lines makes it feel as if it's not worth it I liked the berry-filled ones better than the mascarpone
(4)
Jenna B.
I went to toast when I was suffering from jet-lag. I was up at 6am thought I should take full advantage. "what can i do when i am up this early that I just could not do when I sleep to my usually 10pm on Saturday"....TOAST! I ordered the pancake orgy...which I mistakenly called that "pancake orgasm" on my walk over there. We arrived at opening (8am I believe) and there were only 4 other people in the entire place. My breakfast was amazing, but I could only eat less than half. Left-overs were not good since I wanted to warm only the pancakes and not the fruit and yogurt that was not caked onto them. If you ever find yourself awake early, you should not have to wait.
(5)
Kristine L.
so... I've been trying to eat at toast for the past year, but the wait is always too long and I'm always with a group larger than 2. I finally decided to wait it out with my parents (2 hours) because I had heard so many good things about the place. Well, I will say the food was delicious, but its what I like to call "fancy brunch" and I'm more of a "down-home" brunch type of gal. So, if you are up for something a little different than regular brunch then this is your place, but if you want biscuits and gravy head somewhere else
(3)
k o.
The food has always been consistently wonderful, but the service is appalling. I have eaten at TOAST many times and every single time I have dined there I have been treated with disgust. Each time I have been there, a woman, who I am assuming is the owner, has treated me and my parties in such a distasteful manner that I have since refused to go back. There are plenty of places that can serve french toast topped with berries...and are pleasant.
(1)
Ed M.
Honestly i am so fcuking tired of waiting 45 minutes to an hour just for fucking brunch. Not only toast but this also goes for bongo room, lula's, orange, etc. the wait is totally not worth it to me anymore.
(1)
Christa F.
It's an hour wait on the weekends during prime brunch times. The place is a little small which adds to the long lines. I love the stuffed french toast.
(4)
Geoff M.
I was expecting amazing things after reading all the raves here on yelp. Not very impressed. The hostess reminded me of one of one of the hostesses on Sex and the City, wielding her power with impunity. She kept saying, "Scoot over, get out of the way of the door." Sorry sister, your restaurant has a 5x5 waiting area. Only so many of us can fit there. The wait was 1.5 hours for a group of 4. We passed the time in the neighborhood and the hostess was actually nice enough to have us return at a given hour and she would keep our place on the list even if we had been passed over. The food was decent, but not rave worthy. I had the pancake orgy and found the lemon poppy seed disappointing. My girlfriend's breakfast burrito was outstanding. The rest of our group was satisfied but not elated with their experience. Good enough, but certainly not worth a long wait with so many other great brunch options around.
(3)
Wade M.
Wait a minute, Yelp has two different listings for Toast---there's this one, which features more reviews and mostly positive ones, and another one which only features three reviews, all negative. CONSPIRACY! Anywhoo, this place doesn't actually deserve a rating as low as two stars, BUT I do think it's very overrated. For one thing, the restaurant space is uncomfortably narrow; I was sitting a little too close to a couple who were a little too attractive. Breakfast shouldn't be about glamour, people. The food is fine, but there's no reason to recommend this over other, similar, better breakfast spots. Like what, you ask? Check out The Bongo Room in Wicker Park, which takes a similarly creative attitude towards breakfast with much more satisfying results.
(2)
Matt C.
The food is amazing - their steak benedict is awesome, as is the pretzel roll. I will say that Jill is quite amusing if you are open to her humor. She lightens every meal. The waiting area and seating of only complete parties isnt the most fun, but it is part of the restaurant business. As such a small space, they have quite a large number of patrons.
(5)
Tom F.
Had the pepper eggs and lady friend had the french toast orgy. Both were delicious and the price was reasonable.
(4)
Graham N.
In regards to the comment about the stigmata, I think someone lacks a sense of humor. She clearly was joking. The food is delicious and the cougar at the bar is hilarious (not to mention hot in a Joan Jett sort of way). She is very attentive and keeps the coffee full. You won't be disappointed with the Veggie Eggs Benedict.
(5)
Kari S.
I'm an omlete gal, and they have a wide variety, as well as unique ingredients. I love the french toast, and its something I save for special occasions because it has roughly 1000 calories per bite. Keep in mind they always say the wait is longer than it is, and on a Sunday morning you can read the paper or chat while awaiting your table. Look at all the vintage toasters while you are there!
(5)
faline m.
great food and after reading some of the reviews i was a little weary about the service but i thought everyone was really friendly. i went on a friday so no wait but i can imagine it is very hard to get in on the weekends. someone at the table next to me said: 'you are the alinea of hollandaise sauce'. i thought that summed it up nicely.
(4)
Model Stranger B.
Nice atmosphere, kind service with a smile and above average food. Toast has a fun selection of brunch foods and a decent lunch menu, as well. The food fell short of my expectations but some of the fare was still noteworthy. If you are going the brunch route I recommend one of the Egg Benedict dishes. The English muffins are homemade, moist, soft and crispy at the same time. The hollandaise sauce is magnifico, savory and succulant; I recommend the Veggie Benedict (spinach and artichoke hearts). Another notable is the stuffed french toast; grab the french toast orgy to sample one of each 3 flavors (marscapone, Mexican chocolate and strawberry). The french toast come in a spear-like shape tunneled out and "stuffed" with the proposed ingredients. They are fluffy and full of flavor but a decent approach to toast. Otherwise, I am not very impressed with this cuisine, average at best. I would not tell anyone to not go there, it's worth a try; there are just better brunch places available in the enormous city that is Chicago. However, the service here is very helpful and extremely kind :)
(3)
Jason K.
The goat cheese omelette is the way to go at toast. The wait is long, but what else is there to do on a cold Winter morning anyway. However, for those impatient yelpers you may want to try them after 2 when there is never a wait.
(4)
Reis D.
Good food, but the lady who runs it is a giant wench -- her terrible attitude and lack of customer service will probably stop me from going back.
(3)
Briana J.
Over-hyped. The food is mediocre. Not worth the wait.
(2)
Sandy S.
Isn't brunch the new dinner? or is Brown the new black? Anyhow.....back to brunch. Toast is awesome. Whenever, I am in Chicago - Toast is near the top of my "I gotta do" list. The long narrow room provides a great illusion when looking from one end of the restaurant to the other. The food and atmosphere is well worth the wait. As previously stated the French Toast is to die for. One of the best brunch spots I've been to.
(4)
Sohini K.
The first time I was here we were seated relatively quickly because we chose to sit at the counter. The second time, we were told that it was an hour's wait. It was raining, so my friend an i popped over to the Starbucks nearby. When we got back to Toast (after maybe 30 mins), we were told we'd missed our spot and we'd be put at the bottom of the list for another hour. The food is good, but for the number of brunch options available, I'm not waiting another 1 1/2 for a table here.
(2)
Lindsay N.
I went to Toast today after much anticipation. I was pretty impressed. My BF had the breakfast burrito and it was alright. Nothing to pee your pants over, but tasty. I was in the mood for lunch, so I had their Ahi Tuna sandwich... yummy! I would have liked my tuna a little more rare, but the flavor was amazing and the potatoe salad it came with was great as well! If I were to go back, I would get that French Toast Orgy... geez, that sounded amazing! The guy sitting at the table next to me got it and he probably thought I was checking him out, but really, I was just trying to get a whiff of that fancy french toast!
(4)
Caroline S.
I wanted to thank Toast for a wasted morning. I had heard good things, I was optomistic. I knew there would be a wait, and boy was there ever. Once we were finally seated the service was at a snails pace, which could explain the long wait. The food was lacking and I was disappointed by the fact that after two bites I was over it. Sadly, we won't be returning.
(2)
Lauren F.
Very good breakfast food. As with most popular breakfast spots, be prepared for a wait when you arrive. Otherwise have a cup of coffee, check out the menu and get ready for a great breakfast.
(4)
M M.
I really liked this place! Wasn't too crowded for a Saturday, though we did go around 9 or so. I had the pancake orgy which was amazing- comes with 3 different types of pancakes- blueberry, lemon poppy and banana and then granola and yogurt on the top, though I skipped the yogurt because dairy grosses me out! The potatoes were really good and had a hint of truffle salt on them. The person I was dining with had a crab omelette which he really liked. Prices are reasonable and service is very fast. This is probably my second fav breakfast place after Yolk!!
(4)
Alan R.
The food is amazing, but the wait can be brutal. We went on a Sunday for brunch and had to wait an hour. The seating is also a bit tight. If you deal with all that it is definitely worth it. I had french toast stuffed with berries that was gourmet.
(4)
Chris B.
My wife and 2yo twin daughters love Toast. We go not just for the food, but for the friends we have made (staff and regulars) over the years living in and around the neighborhood. MANY people dislike the ludicrous weekend wait (it is a small/narrow restaurant with few seats), and the oftentimes surly treatment doled out by the staff. Having witnessed and experienced this treatment, I can honestly say it is usually a snappy comeback to a stupid question that they have heard 75 times that morning. Know, however, that if you can fire it back, you're usually in their good graces, and will constantly get good treatment from that point forward! Food highlights -- my wife loves her egg-white omelet with fresh vegetables, and a HUGE bowl of fruit -- I love the breakfast burrito with spicy chorizo and potatoes, with mimosas and kickin' Bloody Marys. For lunch items, the Croque Monsieur and the endive salad with walnuts and bleu cheese hits the spot. Our daughters are smothered with attention, get great food in their bellys, and love the hustle and bustle. Bottom line -- if you want spotless service and a fast brunch, this is NOT the place for you. This is a neighborhood/local spot with long waits and good-natured ribbing. Be smart, be funny, and you'll be a regular in no time.
(5)
Miss O.
i liked this place for the most part - because it's the closest breakfast place to me. it's a bit overpriced for what it is - and i completely understand what it's trying to be - trendy, small, lincoln park cute diner. BUT it's breakfast food, there was nothing really that special... the food was pretty good but again overpriced and i will probably go back here because of the location...
(3)
Mateo S.
Don't come here with a mind to linger... I sat next to two women who decided to do just that. Thankfully for them they were ignorant of the pitchfork + torch wielding mob stamping their feet and rumbling in the waiting pen by the door. They were also oblivious to the manager, who kept making hilarious "off with their heads" motions to the support staff. When the clueless ladies left, said manager sauntered up to my table and said "can you believe how long they sat there??" I am a waiter. Did she see the looks of understanding I flashed to the busboy? Or was it all just awkward? Maybe she was teaching me by example... Who knows? I thoroughly enjoyed the whole exchange but I could see how someone could interpret it as acerbic. Our wait was supposed to be 30 min, but we sat within ten. Food was great but cooked medium well (tuna and steak... both ordered MR), though the sauce and sides made up for any flavor lost. OJ said fresh squeezed on the menu but I saw the waiter pouring it out of a gallon jug. I'd try my luck with the wait again though, and take in the comical theater of servers vs. served. I wish wish wish they had booze. A bloody Mary would have been perfect.
(3)
Skylar C.
Personally I think Toast is worth the long wait. The service isn't great and the waitresses can be a little on the snobby side sometimes, but I love the food. Get the stuffed french toast- it's increidble! If you're looking for a healthier option the fruit bowl is very good as well!
(4)
Nicole E.
Toast is one of the best breakfast places I have ever been to. The food is fantastic, especially the stuffed french toast and eggs benedict. The staff was very friendly and Jill was nothing but nice to us. This will definitely be a place we visit frequently and I can't say enough good things about it!!
(5)
Phil K.
Can't beat Toast for breakfast, brunch, or lunch! The service was very friendly and quick - our waitress gave me a massage for two or three minutes while we were deciding what to order -- your results may vary, but it was pretty excellent. I had a veggie omelet, which was perfectly seasoned and full of fresh vegetables. I also ordered a side of potatoes, which were great. They must boil the potatoes before grilling them because the texture is perfect, all the way through. My friend ordered French toast with fresh fruit, which he said were also good. Ironically the actual toast was good, but not the highlight of the meal.
(5)
Suzanne C.
I love this place.. I always have the best eggs benny in town everytime I go here. The entire staff is always friendly and accomodating. I think it is ridiculous that people can say bad things about Jill or any of her staff. In case all you people who think that Jill is rude, think again, this is one of the busiest brunch/bfast places in Lincoln Park. Toast's policy is only to seat whole parties. That means that every single person must be in the door before you are sat. If they aren't there you can't be sat and have to wait. Learn to deal, the world isn't going to end. And trust me to have Toast's food is SOOOO worth the wait. So enjoy this spot, it is a such a fun, lively place with great food and staff
(5)
Tom C.
I went to this place a long time ago before it was the LP hotspot that it is now. The food is still great but it's a bit pretentious now. We got there at 12:30 PM on Saturday and there was no wait but the waiter insisted that we waited for our other 2 guests. And he wasn't exactly nice about it. I also heard (presumably) the owner yelling at someone on the phone and then talking with an attitude to someone on the staff. The food at this place is definitely 4 stars but I took one star for all the commotion. I had the eggs with chorizo and it was pretty damn good. The plates aren't all that big and it's expensive for what you get, but your at a trendy hotspot why not? Right?
(3)
Shannon B.
This place is darling, and their French toast is amazing. The atmosphere, especially in the wintertime, is cozy and friendly and perfect.
(4)
Vinny S.
PERFECT BREAKFAST / BRUNCH SPOT! Oh yeah....gotta love the manager Jill! Very funny, and always entertaining.......she really does a great job of managing the crowds and trying accomodate everyone. Afterall, it's a no reservations DINER!!!....which happens to have really good food, and a friendly and hardworking staff!
(5)
Chichi O.
Worst customer service I have ever received at a restaurant. EVER! So, my friend and I got a groupon for this place and decided to check it out, we were quite excited as it had generally good reviews. Well, we should have read the bad reviews more closely. So we walk in, and we are told the wait will be about 45 minutes. Not a problem, it's a nice neighborhood anyways so we walked around. Well, we come back after 45 minutes and she's like, we don't have a table ready for you. OK, the waiting area was quite small but we found a place to stand in a way that we were in no way blocking the door. So we are standing waiting for about 10 minutes, another couple comes in and she's like, ok you guys are gonna have to wait out side because they are ahead of you on the list, you guys cant just stand by the door and she waves us out like little kids. It was a VERY hot and humid day, however, we did not mind standing outside if we were asked nicely. So we've been waiting for about an hour at this point. While standing outside, this lady who was obviously very pissed and upset storms out of the restaurant and says, "This is the worst place I have ever been too, I am taking my business somewhere else". Well, good for her, we should have done the same but did not want our groupon to go to waste. Finally, she tells us that we can come in. Great. We go to our very small and cramped table and the waitress comes by. Now, the only reason why this review has one star is the very sweet waitress. So we order our food and it comes out. The food is bland, eggs are not cooked right, my friend's potatoes are burnt. Hmm... Side note: About 20 minutes into our meal, a couple comes to seat at the table beside ours. The waitress takes the order from the lady and the guy says that he already ate, so he's not ordering any food. So she tells him, it's a liability if you sit in our restaurant and don't order any food. Wow, I have never heard anything such as that at any restaurant I have ever been. Weird. So we're done eating, we present our groupon and get the final check. The check says, you need to tip on the pre-groupon price in bold red pen. What ridiculousness is that??? First of all, there is no rule on tipping, it is recommended that a tip is given for good service. Anyways, we put down a credit card to pay for the remaining portion of the check and they refuse to take the credit card as there is a minimum amount you have to spend to use a credit card. Well, can you post your rules on the door or somewhere visible to patrons so that people know to get cash beforehand. Finally, the manager was not friendly, there were people waiting to be seated and she was busy looking at a picture with the hostess and laughing away, while people were standing and waiting to be welcomed. Never going back to that place!
(1)
Ang R.
I must confess that I've never waited for a table at Toast. I've sat at a table and watched the lines form, but I've always had the good fortune of going at a time when no one else was. The food is good. Clearly, or otherwise people wouldn't wait an hour for a table. The French toast is stuffed full of goodness, and the eggs are almost always just right. I have to admit that I wouldn't wait an hour on a hot summer day, or a cold winter one, but maybe in the spring or fall, when it's that perfect temperature outside, and all you can think of is stuffed french toast.
(4)
Meghan R.
What's not to love about Toast? Dining there is an experience. I prefer eating at the counter so I can enjoy Jill's company. She does a great job of making sure things run smoothly and doesn't take any BS. Don't be intimidated if you come in and have to wait to eat...it's definitely worth it. I think a lot of people are turned off by the fact that they have to stand outside and wait...I think they should go to Starbucks, get some coffee and hang out. It's clearly a sign that Toast has great food if so many people are waiting to eat there! Today I had the stuffed french toast with mascarpone & poached eggs. Normally I get the regular french toast but I think I'm converted to stuffed...the mascarpone was light and sweet, so it didn't feel like I was eating a heavy dish. It's also a nice treat when restaurants know how to poach an egg and don't just serve you runny eggs in a bowl. If you don't get coffee while you're waiting for a table, definitely order the coffee at Toast. It's Julius Meinl, which is some of the best coffee around. I definitely recommend going to Toast, just make sure you don't scrape your fork against your plate...management has sensitive ears :)
(5)
Jeremy B.
meh, i'm torn between toast. the food is always good, but it doesn't necessarily warrant the wait that you have to sit through since its so tiny. i've been there 4 or 5 times, always had good service (well except once) and i've tried all different menu items and everything has been good. i suggest going to toast during the week, the lines are a lot shorter. i've been told over 2 hours on the weekend for a table when there were only two other people waiting on tables in front of me.
(3)
Phil H.
Definitely not worth the wait. If you want a standard/nondescript omelette or pancakes or toast and you like to work up that brunch appetite by standing outside for 45 minutes, then maybe this place is worth checking out. I had the tenderloin benedict, which came doused in hollandaise sauce. I suspected that it was disgusting and my body agreed with me since I'm pretty sure I got sick while eating it. And I got a headache. But that may be from me replaying those 45 minutes standing outside wondering if it was all worth it.
(2)
Alia K.
Toast was pretty solid and I'd come back. The pesto eggs were a hit as was the bacon (but really, who doesn't like bacon?). The pancakes were an all around hit. I'd give this place a B-.
(3)
E H.
I thought this place was overrated.
(2)
Jen J.
I have wanted to try this place, but it was built up to be a lot better than it is. We've walked by a few times and the wait was too long. This time we were quoted 20 minutes and there were 2 people waiting in front of us - we sat down over an hour later. The hostess was totally inept-forgetting our name on the list, seating parties that had come after us, telling people to come back in 30 minutes rather than wait nearby. Breakfast shouldn't be so frustrating and uncertain. Food was fine-Yolk or even Nookies would be a better bet.
(2)
Ben C.
Twice a month. Breakfast burrito, no cheese - does me right. Get there early or be prepared to wait. Going there with more than 1 other person will surely double your wait time.
(4)
marisa s.
this use to be my go-to brunch spot, but i have discovered others (like delux, rockit, orange) and i have not been back for a while. but i still feel like i meet the requirements to review TOAST. i like toast, i mean come on, read my prof - you'll see that i like BREAD...a LOT. here's what's good - + shroom omelette + marscarpone stuffed french toast here's what's bunk - the crazy-ass owner's friend (thanks to another yelper - i was informed it's not the owner who is crazy, but her friend that is), who thinks it's a privilege to eat in the joint. hey crazy susan powter look-alike, you might be nice to babies, but you hate customers, especially the ones who are there to eat (all of them). if she turned it down a notch, i might enjoy my brunch there - sundays are not for hollerin' they're for chow-lerin'. why she is nice to babies, i don't get it? they're not paying customers, they don't order booze and they scream and cry. what gives? oh..and it's not her restaurant - take a xany lady! (disclaimer: food is good, and had a few bad experiences with the "atmosphere". i write the truth, i can't help that)
(2)
ann m.
It's been a couple months since I've visited our regular b'fast place. Hey, where is Jill? Where are all the regular servers? Why was the French toast downsized? What happened to this place? New crowd was polite, but it's not the same -- atmosphere OR food. And I doubt that the new crowd can keep the place under control like Jill could!
(3)
Robin W.
I have tried to get a table at this place on several occasions, but the wait was waaaaay too long when I tried to go for brunch over the weekend. I ended up having a day off and went in the middle of the week just to see what all the hype's about. Honestly I didn't think the food would be that good, but it really was great food. I ordered the tijuana omelette (jalapenos, cilantro, onions, cheese), a side of potatoes and coffee. The coffee was excellent, didn't really need cream or sugar (though I added a little). My omelette was tasty and light. The potatoes were really good, reminding me of the potatoes my dad used to make - red skin potatoes, nice and soft, with onions. Yummy food. I will go again, but NOT on a weekend. I don't think most places are worth an hour wait, especially not hungover or sleepy!
(4)
Ria A.
The wait was pretty darn long- over an hour for 2 groups of 3. In the end, we were seated together as a party of 6 which was nice. Cute and cozy but also pretty small and narrow. Our table was a bit cramped at the end right next to the restrooms. But I did enjoy my eggs benedict. There were so many different options for breakfast- pancakes, crepes, french toast, and all kinds of omelettes and eggs benedict variations. The french toast was different than any other french toast I've ever seen- topped with yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, and filled with marscapone. It was a pretty hefty meal that even my husband couldn't finish. I'll definitely come back to Toast for breakfast but I'll try to avoid the rush the next time around. It was a pretty affordable place with most items being around $10.
(4)
Stacey P.
Excellent and unique food, well worth the price. The owner and head hostess, Jill Bryan Hollister are two of the most generous, kind, caring, solicitous people I have met in the business. They are indeed the example of professionalism with a sense of humor. They remain calm in a fast paced environment with demanding patrons of all shapes and sizes. They create a fun, unique, warm atmosphere that you don't want to miss in the Chicago area. This is the young Chicago culture and they are on top of their game at performing the greatest juggling act of serving demanding patrons with a sense of humor and flair. Don't miss it, the food is divine!!! I recommend the eggs Benedict with prosciutto and lemon poppy seed pancakes.
(5)
Ava G.
Minus one-star for the service. Although the men working there are very nice and attentive, the women are AWFUL. I mean, absolutely TERRIBLE. The food is great (I've only had breakfast). The omelettes are huge, the fruit salad is fresh and contains more than just melons and grapes (unlike most other restaurants), the french toast is heaping, and the toast? The best. The orange juice is freshly squeezed, too! Yes, it is definitely on the expensive side, but it's hard to expect anything else in that area of Lincoln Park. Be warned--don't even bother on weekends or at peak breakfast times. I usually try to go around 11 and there isn't much of a seating issue. It is definitely very, very cramped--the people sitting at the next table will know everything about you by the time you leave. Don't come here with big groups. They also do not split checks. Also, thank you to that nasty, nasty woman who works there. You have single handedly taught me to be a better person and to never be miserable at my job.
(4)
Midori G.
Let me begin by saying, that in general I hate breakfast food and French toast is at the top of the list of breakfast foods I dislike. Let me now say that I had their strawberry crepe and have yet to have a better one since; this was over a year ago now. To truly enjoy the dining experience, you should go mid to late afternoon; they are open until 4 (as far as I know) and I have never had to wait to sit or order. I only give four stars, because even when the place isn't packed, the wait staff seems relatively impatient when it comes to how fast you order.
(4)
Aileen O.
Had the french toast orgy and it was delicious! I hadn't expected the portions to be so big so when my dish came out, I was pleasantly surprised! I didn't even make it through half my french toast, but I was more than satisfied. Toast is definitely one of my favorite brunch spots in the city. Only gripe is that the restaurant is a tad small. I felt like I was sitting way too close to the diners beside me.
(4)
bj f.
the stars are for the food, ONLY. i've never before encountered a restaurant that had such a snobbish, disinterested attitude toward its diners. or anyway one diner, as in me. from the non greeting, (liz q, i absolutely get your review) to the unsmiling, off hand service, to the non refill of coffee, it's really hard to wrap my mind around enjoying what turns out to be pretty tasty fare. i hate fawning, over friendly staff, so i don't require coddling, but on the other hand, i don't want to be treated like a disease. i will admit that on two occasions, once alone, once with my husb. along, we had reasonable service, but the four other times have been miserable. on one occasion, with my boston daughter in tow, i thought it was bad enough to leave only a dollar tip, in my non refilled coffee cup. maybe i have an invisible 'kick me' sign on my head, maybe i'm touchy before my morning coffee, maybe...no, i'm a shop owner myself, and i know bad service when i get it. i've finally decided i should stop trying them "one more time", stop b******n' about them, and just stop going back. so be it.
(2)
Kristy B.
Wow - I did not expect to like this place as much as I did! I met up with some friends here for brunch and it was fantastic. The ambiance is great. The interior has the feel of a cozy home. There are seats in the front built into a corner between the wall and the window, like a cute little nook! The combination of the colors and the lighting made it look modern but home-y at the same time. While the ambiance is beautiful, there is one complaint from me: the noise level is very high. The wait time for my party was 30 minutes, and as we waited I could hear the wait times growing to 50 minutes...yikes. That being said, I was expecting a LOT from them in terms of the quality of their food. They definitely delivered! I ordered the eggs benedict with prosciutto. It was delicious! It came with potatoes on the side. The potatoes tasted very homemade and weren't overly seasoned, which tends to happen at some restaurants. My friends ordered the breakfast burrito and some variation of their toast, which they enjoyed as well. Next time we will have to try their mimosas! The service was excellent and I must say they have a very attentive and professional staff. That was something that really stood out to me. They are all very friendly too! The only person who seemed somewhat aloof and not friendly was the hostess. Which is ironic...she should be the MOST friendly. But, I digress. I'm there for the food and it was great. I have found my new brunch spot!
(4)
Christy A.
Best park about Toast is that it's located in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park! The wait is long. The space is tight. The service is OK. The food is good, just not worth the excessive wait and small space. There's barely any elbow room. After you've unraveled from breakfast/brunch here take a walk and check out the neighborhood; there's so many shops to explore. I may not be back to Toast but I'll visit Lincoln Park whenever I'm in the Chi.
(3)
Sarah R.
This is definitely one of my new favorite breakfast spots. We have been here on several occasions and the staff is always very attentive. The Crabby Benedict is amazing. Even the side potatoes are delicious, unlike most breakfast places. The Pesto Scramble is also a favorite. The French Toast Orgy is definitely good, but a bit overpowering and slightly soggy- so just be prepared for that. Also, I applaud their coffee selection of Bow Truss. Also- just to note the place is a bit small, just like most other places in the city.
(5)
Jake C.
The crab Benedict was good, I wish the crab was seasoned with something. The salmon omelet was the best, I would order that again. The jam they gave with the toast was excellent. The place is BYOB so we bought the carafe of orange juice to make mimosas. Server never checked on us so waters were always empty.
(4)
Karen L.
On a friend's recommendation, we met here for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I expected to wait, and was allowed to put my name on the list when I arrived, despite my friend still being on her way. I would estimate we waited about half an hour after she got there. The hostess was nice, but didn't offer a time estimate. The space is small and loud -- I was fortunate enough to get a seat on the bench inside while I waited, but spacious it is not! Seated, we were brought water immediately, but the waiter took a while to show up. I had the crabby Benedict, which was good, though the hollandaise seemed a little overwhelmingly sweet, and there was quite a bit of it on the plate. The eggs were perfectly poached, which was good to see. The potatoes were fine, pan-fried but a little overdone in spots. However, my friend took a few bites of her Ahi tuna and informed me that it tasted...old. The waiter took it back and she ordered the beet salad instead, which arrived within minutes, but it's a little disturbing that a restaurant that's this busy is serving bad fish. My request for more coffee and cream took a while -- when the waiter returned with the beet salad, he remembered and then had to come back again with it. On the plus side, the coffee was excellent. My friend paid, and reported that she was not charged for the tuna or the salad, so I give Toast credit for that at least. We sat for a while, but realized that more people were pouring in, so we stopped at the restroom (disconcertingly behind a curtain in the back, which feels like intruding into service areas) and headed out. Overall, the food was a mixed bag (good Benedict, bad fish...), but the service was pretty inattentive, even for a busy Saturday morning. As others have mentioned, the specials were not pointed out to us, and I just have a hard time with our experience given the vast number of other options in the immediate area. Next time, I'll try one of them. For me, Toast was not worth the wait.
(2)
Arjun S.
We were looking for a brunch spot and decided to go with this one and were not disappointed. Very chill atmosphere with very delicious French toast! I'd also recommend a mimosa ;)
(5)
Ashley M.
This was a very nice looking place with a small yet varietal menu. Nice atmosphere. Would go again.
(3)
Liliana P.
3.5 stars! Because of all the reviews, I expected a wait, but luckily, I came early enough where we were seated right away at the bar, which was nice. Although I was right next to the far end, so that wasn't so fun. This place is definitely really small, but I like all the cute little toasters they have on the shelves. When sitting at the bar, no one came around to take our order for a good 10 minutes. I had to ask the lady behind the bar who was supposed to take our order and she finally paid some attention to us. My friend had the stuffed french toast with one of each flavor. I had the Chorizo Benedict. The french toast was okay. I really liked the idea, but it was all too mushy and the flavors seemed so artificial. My benedict was good, but I can never say no to chorizo. There was a lot of potatoes on my plate, so I definitely couldn't finish that. Overall, this place is okay. I hope they work on their service and try to perfect their dishes some more.
(3)
Isabel C.
You seriously can't go wrong at Toast. It's such a great breakfast or brunch spot in LP. Everything is delicious and the space is cute and cozy. I had the stuffed French toast one in each flavor and all were delicious, sweet, and filling. I also had a side of the potatoes which I loved since they were not crispy like home fries.
(5)
Jeana C.
Small location in the LP area- across from OZ park. Free parking on Webster st. only on the side where the Oz park is. The other side is residential parking. Our server was very nice. The crab Benedict was so good! Con: you have to wait in the extremely small restaurant after you put your name down bc there's a wait (45 mins to an hour was my estimated time). They won't take your number and call you when your table is ready, say, if you want to take your son to Oz park or get coffee at Starbucks.
(4)
Mysel O.
It was my first time I thought I was gonna have to wait forever but luckily I was seated right away the bartender was super nice she recommended the heavenly lemonade my food was great. Place is pretty small but cute. I'll be back!
(5)
Brandon F.
While the size of the restaurant is small, and often you are found seated elbow to elbow with other patrons, the quality of the food more than makes up for it. There always seems to be quite a wait for seating, but I have never had a problem getting a spot under 15 mins. It is a great place for brunch and to bring family, although be aware of their early close time! I Recommend: The French Toast Orgy
(4)
Taryn G.
I went here for breakfast after a job interview last week and was pleasantly impressed with the French toast. It was massive, the berries were incredibly fresh, and it was the perfect level of sweet without being too much. My boyfriend got the Eggs Benedict , one of our favorites but this is why I lowered the rating by a star. The eggs weren't cooked properly. Just like 80% of all brunch places we go to, and we go to a lot, one egg was cooked flawlessly, and the other was basically a hard boiled egg cooked without the shell. The hollandaise was lovely, the bacon was good and everything else was fine, but the poached eggs on a Benedict need to be perfect. Or at least match.
(4)
Diana S.
We went here with her family of 4. Two of them preteens. 1 of them have the crepes with nutella he like them. My husband had a traditional typical breakfest of eggs and bacon. It was just fine. I had a breakfast burrito which I thought it was really good tasting. Toast is okay. Their customer service is very good. I like how the waiters are friendly especially to my kids. Overall toast is a good place to have brunch.
(4)
Praveen K.
I went there on a weekday afternoon and the food wasn't fresh. I guess I made a bad choice. Perhaps, it's over priced for the quality.
(1)
Liz T.
Toast is good--it's really really solid. I wouldn't say it's anything super special, but it's definitely brunch-worthy and serves up all your classic faves. I got the Ahi Tuna sandwich which was solid, but frankly, the sauce was a little much. They created this sauce for the sandwich that was a cross between hollandaise and relish, which super heavy and decadent. My husband got the classic breakfast with a pancake, and was really satisfied with the standard brunch experience. Overall, it's a really lovely space, the wait staff are super friendly and efficient, and it has all the pancakes, benedicts, and scrambles that you would want at breakfast time. It's not my fave int he world, and they lack the flair of Wildberry or Flo. But I would certainly go back, especially if all I want is me some eggs and bacon.
(3)
Sandra D.
Their omelets are amazing! My favorite is the "veggie omelet" you can tell their using the highest quality ingredients
(5)
Jared P.
I'm going to say, this place is hands down my favorite breakfast/brunch place. I mean, I was shocked by the sticker prices, but they give you so much food and it's delicious. I just wish the place was bigger. Let me put it this way, I got 3 pancakes with yogurt and granola on top of them. Additionally, they were all different types of pancakes. Their syrup is delicious and they always fill up your coffee fast!
(5)
Stella H.
The French toast is so good which I never have. The toasts have three favor : butter, berry and chocolate in three different row of toast. It's to amazing good.
(5)
Jenna C.
My experience with Toast was just ok. I came on recommendation from a friend, plus I live in the neighborhood so maybe I came in with too high of hopes? The inside of the restaurant was smaller than I expected, but we only waited for a table about 10 minutes before being seated (9ish on a Sunday). I generally don't prefer the style of set-up where the tables are all lined up next to each other so you feel a bit cramped. But I guess that's city livin at its finest! On the plus side, it wasn't too loud and the restaurant had good vibes. Our waiter was really great - super attentive and accommodating. Coffee was decent but not anything to write home about. I ordered the stuffed french toast and surprisingly would not order it again. I love french toast! But it was not very warm, and the overall taste left something to be desired. My dining partner, on the other hand, ordered a breakfast burrito and said it was really good. The bill came out to be ~$30 for just the two of us.
(3)
Tracy Y.
Some of the best benedicts I've had. The fresh toast is good too. It's a small place and you often have to wait, but Oz Park is nearby so that helps waste a little time. I try to come before the huge breakfast/brunch rush on the weekends. The service has always been good.
(4)
Carolyn K.
I am obsessed with this place. Not only was it hella cute inside with lot of interesting artwork/decor to feast your eyes upon, but literally every other aspect of our visit was just stellar. We were seated immediately. Right by the window. In a booth. With throw pillows. (What what!) Our waitress was prompt... and friendly... and gave some awesome recommendations on the menu. The food... OH MY GOD THE FOOD. I ordered a blood mary and it was served with basically a full salad stop its spicy gloriousness (see pic). For brunch, I had the veggie eggs benedict. The hollandaise was like nothing I have ever put in my mouth before. My boyfriend got the stuffed french toast and of course I helped myself to a bit (ok, four) - words cannot describe its fluffy sweet-and-savory goodness. If we weren't from Ohio, we'd be back as weekend regulars. YEAH TOAST!
(5)
Karma K.
Legit breakie place. Prices and portions are more than fair for LP area. As other have stated, the pesto scramble is great. And, any place that has a pancake and french toast orgies as menu items gets 5 stars from me. Despite the whimsical name, both items are really, really good if you like sweet and decadent fare for breakfast. I'm more of a savory girl so I usually go with one of their egg based dishes. Their breakfast burrito is great but super filling, almost too much to eat. You can be healthy or a fattie here. They have it all covered. Good with coffee refills too.
(5)
Krupa A.
Great location in Lincoln Park, close to Oz park. The wait times on weekends are always nuts and they don't take reservations, hence the subtraction of a star, but other than that the place is amazing! Lots of veggie options as well. I've had the veggie eggs benedict, which was really good and the servers were super attentive. Another time I came on a weekend with a group of 4 for brunch and waited an hour or more for a table. Once we were in they gave us a great booth by the window, but the place was sweltering hot and in need of some cooling. The food, however, was close your eyes and enjoy that warm happy feeling good. I tried my husband's veggie omelet and it was nice and fluffy. The bread choices are also good. The star of the show was the french toast orgy. Very decadent and a must try! I have to admit it was nice to be able to share this dish, because after a few bites I needed to switch over to the omelet and then go back in for more. I would definitely come back here, but only if wait times were reasonable, hence weekdays or early on a weekend.
Stopped here for breakfast the other day. Service was great, waitress took my order quickly and always made sure my drinks were filled. I had the breakfast burrito which was amazing! It's very large- probably could have split it with someone and still been full. The salsa was mildly only spicy but very tasty. Added bacon and avocado and it was divine. The house coffee is a pretty good brew as well. I want to come back and try the French toast or pancake items. Overall, really enjoyed this place for atmosphere, wait staff, and great selection of food and drinks (alcohol and not). Will be back again!
(5)
Yasmeen G.
Had to wait around 30mins for two people but that was to be expected for a weekend. Got their stuffed French toast and it was not overly sweet which I loved. I can't wait to come back and try more off the menu!
(4)
Kulsum J.
Very good! The stuffed French toast was a bit bland tho. Compared to other brunch places, this was average since there wasn't a unique quality to the food.
(3)
Rebecca B.
I'd been wanting to visit Toast after hearing about how great it is. But, after brunch here with a friend who insisted we just had to go to Toast, I have to say that I was not impressed. For starters, the service was severely lacking. Our waitress was neither friendly nor helpful. Maybe she was having a bad day, but she never greeted us or smiled. She approached our table, asked what we wanted, then rolled her eyes and walked away when we said we would need another minute (we had literally just been seated and hadn't even had a chance to open our menus). When we ordered our drinks, my friend asked for juice and I asked for coffee. Well, our waitress brought my friend's juice but not my coffee. I ended up having to remind her three times that I had asked for a cup of coffee. Then, when my cup was empty, she asked if I wanted a refill. I should have said no, because even though I replied that yes, I would like a refill, I never got a refill. It was very good coffee. I wish that I could have had more than one cup. Our water glasses were also never refilled. I ordered one of the specials: peach pancakes. They sounded delightful - pancakes made with fresh peaches (I specifically asked if they were fresh and was told yes) and fresh whipped cream. Sadly, they were terrible. What I was served was a sorry stack of plain pancakes with four slices of canned peaches served on the side. I also asked for real maple syrup, knowing that it cost extra, but I was given the fake stuff (I was still charged extra, though). My friend's meal was 100 times better than mine. Her omelet and potatoes looked great, and she said they tasted fantastic. She did have to ask the table next to us if she could borrow their hot sauce, though, as our waitress brought us our check instead of the bottle of hot sauce that was requested. Based on my experience at Toast, if I'm ever forced to go back by friends, I'll go for the savory options and steer clear of the specials.
(2)
Steph U.
I came here this past weekend for breakfast with friends. It's a fairly small restaurant with very hipster servers. They are extremely strict about having your whole party present to be seated, so be mindful of that. Initially it was supposed to be 6 of us, but one person cancelled last minute, so it was just us 5. When I told them that there was only five of us now, they seated us and then warned that we wouldn't be able to add a 6th person if they were to show up. I understand why such a small restaurant would have policies like this, but the way the hostess told us this seemed very unwelcoming and unfriendly. The food was alright. I ordered the B.E.L.T. (bacon, egg, lettuce, and tomato). It was a lot more bread than I was expecting and surprisingly, the bacon was whatever. It came with potatoes. Half of the potatoes were over-boiled, making them mushy and crumbly. Overall, this restaurant was just okay. Nothing great, nothing incredibly bad. I probably won't be back, though, because there are much better breakfast places around.
(3)
Bethany Q.
Just left Toast after waiting *an hour and a half* for a three-top that the hostess said would be around a 30-minute wait. After about 30 minutes, we wandered inside to see if our table was almost ready and were assured it would be "just a few more minutes." After *another* half an hour, we were still waiting. And look, I understand that when a restaurant is busy and popular it can be difficult to predict the timing. But there's a big difference between "a few more minutes" and an entire additional half hour. At a minimum, the hostess should have come to us at some point and apologized because, say, a closed table was just sitting there taking up space. Instead, we got zero communication and continually had to ask her for updates - and as a bonus, she had this annoyed look on her face like we were somehow imposing by asking for an update when *she* was the one not doing her damn job. Finally, a four-top clears up and she tells us (because we ask, not because she's paying attention to us) we're next. Sweet! My irritation begins melting away at the prospect of imminent food availability. And then another four-top right next to it opens up too. Cool - we must've just gotten caught up in a rush that just abated. Cool deal, hostess could've been nicer, but whatevs. And what happens next? This rude hostess pushes three of the tables together to make a seven-top and gives it to someone below us on the list. BEYOND annoying, although I can sort of understand from a restaurant management perspective, and I see that another table is about to get up. Just one problem - this idiot incompetent hostess has pushed together the *middle* tables, meaning there is an empty two-top on one side and and closing two-top on the other. So instead of leaving the empty two-top next to the clearing two-top she could use to make a three- or four-top, she now has two two-tops. We ask her what's going on and she says "oh, it'll be just a couple minutes, another table is about to leave. But I can turn this table so you three can sit there." Lol no. This table is not built for three people. So we say we'll wait for this supposed table about to leave and she gives the little table to a party of two behind us. So for those keeping count, we've now been passed by a party of seven and a party of two who have been waiting less than the 1:25 we've been waiting. Another five minutes go by and it becomes clear that the only people near leaving are the other two-top that's just gotten up. At this point I've lost patience and say to her that she should have pushed together the two tables to give us a spot. She kind of weakly shrugs and said "oh well the other table started eating" (they hadn't, and that's no excuse for the incompetence of pushing together the tables the way she did anyway). So I ask her point-blank: "look, do you know how long the wait will be or not? Don't tell me a 'couple minutes.' Do you know or not?" She just kind of mumbles and looks away, clearly uncomfortable and completely unequipped to deal with this situation, which was entirely of her own making. We left, and will not be returning. It's really a shame. We've been to Toast before and enjoy the food and regularly meet friends here when we're in town. Not again. I don't pay good money for brunch just so an incompetent hostess can give me irritated looks and ask me to sit at a table that's too small for my party.
(1)
Michael M.
I took my mom here yesterday and I was very impressed. The food was delicious, but that was not the only reason I will come back. The restaurant was very busy, and they still had great service. My water and coffee were both full the entire time, the food didn't take longer than 15 minutes to come out, and the waiter was very kind and personable. Definitely try it out, worth the trip. The chorizo scramble and cinnamon raisin bread I had was delicious! Expect a wait if you're going at peak hours, not a very large dining room.
(4)
Rosalie S.
I come here about once a month in the summer, usually on a Friday morning I have off and it never disappoints! There's never a wait when I come and they serve pretty quickly... Or maybe it's because I order as soon as I sit down. Usually I'll get the stuffed French toast with 2 marscapone and 1 strawberry (I would get 3 marscapone, but I got to break up the richness). If I come with a friend, we'll split that and an omelette. The smoked salmon omelette is amazing! Staff is super friendly too and the atmosphere is nice and lively! Not sure why this isn't at least 4 stars!
(5)
Katrina D.
I don't know how this place only has 3.5 stars. I love it! Toast is such a cute little restaurant in a great area. You can have breakfast then shop along Halsted and Armitage. Fair warning: there is usually a wait. Last time I was there I managed to get a table without waiting. The breakfast gods must have been smiling down on me. Everything that I have ever tried from them I have liked: grilled cheese with tomato and prosciutto, caprese sandwich, omelet Lorraine, veggie omelet, just to name a few. My favorite thing on their menu is their hashbrowns. They are so dang good! The right amount of crisp and melt in your mouth center. Each breakfast comes with toast (because duh) on your choice of bread: sourdough, challah, multigrain, white, etc. It's always fun to try something new. The toast is served with strawberry jam and butter. Think of my last trip has me wanting to go again. I can't wait until next time!
(4)
Lauren S.
Toast's brunch menu is as good as traditional brunches get. If you're looking for something with no fluffs, but hearty as hell, definitely give toast a try! The wait is never bad, and the food is so satisfyingly delicious! Definitely recommend their pesto scramble, so savory it hurts.
(4)
Tiffany H.
Went last Sunday around 10:30 am. The hostess said the wait would be about 5-10 minutes. We waited a little over 10 minutes and got seated. The food came out fast and the service was really good. The food was yummy and filling. It can be a bit overcrowded because it is a small space.
(4)
Tracy H.
Went here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with a friend. Waited about 10-15 minutes then we sat at the bar. Loved it! I had the strawberry lemonade = yummy and the BLT with home potatoes. Basically perfect. The sandwich was great. Lots of bacon, fresh romaine mix and juicy tomatoes. Friend got the gruyere spinach omelette. Stellar. Service was very friendly. We left raving. Will be back for sure.
(4)
Hannah Z.
I went to Toast with a friend for brunch yesterday and it was honestly the worst brunch experience I've had in my life. The wait for a table for two was 35 minutes, which wasn't bad, so we went to the park to wait. When we came back, the hostess was gone and she had took the list of names with her, so we had to wait for her to come back from wherever to seat us. They put paper sheets over table cloths on the table, but whoever had had our table previously spilled something oily and it had sunk through the previous paper sheet, because the actual tablecloth was saturated in it and it absorbed through our paper sheet as well. The waitress was friendly enough, but not really attentive. When she brought our food, she mixed up who ordered what, and brought me toast despite me saying that I didn't want it because I don't eat carbs. The food itself was totally lackluster. I ordered the smoked salmon omelette, tomato slices instead of toast, and a side of bacon. The omelette included a cheese that was not the one listed on the menu and totally overpowered everything else. The eggs were not seasoned and tasted watery and bland. The sliced tomatoes as well as the tomatoes in the omelette were clearly mass produced GMO ones, because the size and colour were so large and pale and they were wholly flavourless. And, my biggest gripe, the bacon was burnt. It wasn't until we were on our way out after paying that we learned that there were specials. My order would have been different if I had known earlier. Also on our way out, the hostess was texting in the corner by the window. The highlight of my Toast experience was the busser, who was the most attentive staff member to us. He was frequently at our table making jokes and asking questions. He was a sweetheart. Also, this wasn't relevant for us, but for anyone else. On the menu, it states that children must use inside voices, that they will not split checks for you, and that if you do split a check on your own there is a limit of two credit cards per group. So, keep that in mind when you choose where to brunch.
(1)
Chris L.
Went here early on a Sunday after mass with my girlfriend and we were very impressed. Very cute place in Lincoln Park. It was early so we got seated right away and served immediately. It was pretty close to full but it was a small place. We got our food right away and it was very good! We definitely would go back.
(5)
Will B.
We had a very tasty brunch here recently. I was particularly impressed with the coffee. Between the two of us, we had a crab benedict and a breakfast burrito. I would order either again. Also, I thought the "Pancake Orgy" looked worth trying: a sample of blueberry, banana pecan, and lemon poppy seed pancakes covered with granola, vanilla yogurt, fruit, and honey. Yum! Service was very quick and friendly. I was happy when the server brought me a "to-go" coffee without my asking for it. The only thing to be wary of is that they do not have an abundance of seating. As such, I imagine there may be a wait at busy times. Also, the dining room felt a bit cramped as servers and customers made their way by our table.
(4)
Noreen D.
I was looking for a place to meet our DePaul Student Children for brunch, and we really LOVED it. The food was EGGcellent as was the service and the staff. Jill treated us royally. We will definitely be back for the stuffed French Toast, the eggs benedict and the cozy atmosphere. I am only sad we didn't find it sooner.
(5)
sandhya k.
I love breakfast, and I specifically love sweet stuff for breakfast. It's always an awesome excuse to have chocolate for breakfast, so when I had the option to have french toast stuffed with chocolate pastry creme I knew I was going to have a wonderful morning. After the disaster at Cafe Matou on Friday with my parents at least Chicago restaurants vindicated themselves this weekend. Even my mom, who isn't a brunch person, enjoyed her breakfast burrito!
(4)
Chris S.
Tripping over babbling Trixies is plenty of fun, but the food/wait/service don't warrant a return trip. This place was overcrowded, and while the food is imaginative, the prices are more than one should be paying to get jammed into a booth for breakfast.
(2)
Tammy N.
best eggs benedict i've ever had in chicago...there is a secret spot to get the best eggs benedict i've ever had in my life which is in champaign, but i digress. the truffle hollandaise is out of this world. the vibe in toast is perfect as well...just make sure you bring a paper to read while you wait or get there early. my husband loves the burrito and my kids love the french toast. oh and i almost forgot, the waitresses indulge my flirtatious nephew who use to live a few blocks away. once he actually starts dating successfully, we'll credit the wait staff to the development of his early mating dances.
(4)
Parke B.
When I think brunch, I think Toast. It's the perfect place to go for a fanastic and creative breakfast/lunch....brunch. I highly reccommend it. (Plus there is an amazingly beutiful waitress who works there on the weekends with a fantastic fro)
(4)
Stephanie P.
i love the food but the staff here was so rude today. they tried to rush us out by coming back to the table about every 2 minutes to see if we needed anything and clear something off the table. then they said to my friend, "do you want your diet coke to go?" they said the wait was an hour and they needed us to leave but there were only 4 people waiting....hmmm. I definitely prefer toast two. i've always had really good service there and have never felt rushed.
(2)
Michelle B.
I work nights as a nurse and I have gone here a couple times when I get done at 8am. Since we are usually waiting outside for it to open we've never had to wait to get a seat. The mimosas are really good (orange, strawberry, and peach) and the pepper eggs are delicious. A friend of mine raves about the breakfast burrito and the stuffed french toast is very good as well. My only complaint is that the strawberry garnish on my mimosas were a little past their prime.
(4)
Mark P.
Quality brunch spot. Creative pancake, french toast, and benedict options.
(3)
Blah B.
I've been here several times and I have to say the food is OK, def. not my favorite place that's for sure! What I still can't figure out is if the staff is just dry or being rude to me. Every time I've been there I feel like I'm being rushed to leave and they try to be somewhat nice bout it about it, I guess?!?!?!?!
(3)
Julia B.
Well I tried to eat here and didn't end up getting in because of the ridiculous line on a Saturday morning. I can't review the food but I can say that the line was long, the hostess was not that nice and I dont think the food looked good enough to wait two hours to sit down.
(2)
phil m.
I tried this back when residing in Chi and the one in my new town PDX is a whole lot better. The food's okay here nothing to wait for a long time when there are other places that are in walking distance. Well, now with the yuppified turned mom's w/stroller neighborhood, there isn't really nothing around that's good anymore. Oh, there's potbelly, bebe, starbucks, DQ....Yeeepiee!
(3)
Lauren H.
I love trying new breakfast places and this was one of them. I had the traditional eggs bacon and toast. And my bf had the ham n cheese omelette and he said he was good. I will need to come back here again to try the other food. The service was good as well.
(5)
Bobuzzi C.
Really good breakfast. I've gotten the salmon omelette both visits. Don't know if I could ever get anything else! It is awsome. The place is very small so if you go at peak breakfast times especially on the weekends you will have a bit of a wait. Try going later before they close - 1:30 or 2ish, or on the weekdays.
(4)
Brian F.
Eggs Benedict lovers rejoice!!! Perfectly poached eggs with runny but warm yolks, thinly sliced Prosciutto, and Hollandaise sauce prepared with a dose of Truffle Oil all over delicately toasted English muffins. OMG they put Truffle Oil in their freshly prepared Hollandaise sauce!! Just an amazing flavor combination! I always go here on weekdays around 8:30a and have never had to wait. Service has always been friendly, attentive, and my coffee cup (excellent coffee) has always been refilled in a timely manner.
(5)
Jeremy E.
Toast is a good Sunday brunch after church joint. I really enjoy the service and atmosphere at Toast, it's very Lincoln Park/DePaul. The french toast live up to the hype with a different take on the traditional dish. My favorite is definitely the cheese filled french toast. However, I am more of a savory breakfast eater. I really enjoy the benedict. Even the most traditional is creamy and tasty in the best ways. A general A + goes to the potatoes served with most meals, incredibly and surprisingly tasty. The food, atmosphere, and service is all good but nothing extraordinary, still good enough to have me coming back though.
(4)
Jill K.
What a solid place. Yes, if you get there on a weekend around brunch time, definitely expect a wait. The first time I tried to come to this place, it happened to be raining and people weren't leaving, so the wait, we were told, would be an hour. I couldn't really be too upset, as I figured that it was intuitive of the hostess to think about how the weather might affect customers' behavior. She was honest with us - a straight shooter - and I respect that. I liked her style and I wanted to come back. Okay, hop into your Delorean, give yourself a helping of 1.21 gigawatts, and fast forward a few weeks. I went back to Toast and had such a wonderful experience that I wanted to Yelp all about it. We arrived around 12pm on a Saturday, so I expected it to be busy and it was, but not too bad. There were only two of us, so that helped speed the wait process up. When we were offered two spots at the counter about 5 minutes later, tables didn't matter. In fact, I highly recommend sitting at the counter because we had a great time interacting with the staff and I always like being able to see what's going on in the kitchen (it says so much about a restaurant). I have to mention our server extraordinaire at the counter. If you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to meet Tyler, he will ensure that your meal is as enjoyable as he is funny. We had a great time chatting with him as he multi-tasked like a pro. WORD TO THE WISE: Try Toast's wasabi bloody mary. Don't think too hard about the "wasabi" part. I am a big sushi fan and love a good hunk of wasabi when I want to clear up my sinuses, so I am familiar with the taste. Toast's bloody mary doesn't taste like wasabi at all - it's just a good, spicy flavor that cuts through a hangover like a knife through butter. One of the best I've ever had. The food - well, the food is top notch, too. Plus, it's reasonably priced. I ordered the smoked salmon omelette and my +1 ordered the omelette lorraine. They were both delicious and perfectly done. My favorite part of that dish might have been the side of potatoes because they were fresh, and cooked to the golden brown crispiness that I crave. Mmmmmm...starch. I needed some protein that morning and Toast definitely hooked it up, although I have to say, I had the urge to also order the french toast orgy and take it to go because it sounded so good. Next time, Jill. Next time.
(4)
Shawn K.
Great option for breakfast, it does get busy though particularly on weekend mornings, typical for this area. The tenderloin eggs Benedict is awesome! It's pretty garlicky though, if your not into garlic in the morning order the hollandaise on the side. (I think it's the hollandaise, not the meat, which is garlicky). They usually have pretty good specials or seasonal options that are definitely worth trying. The space is on the small side which is why there is often a wait. The counter is a good option for parties less than 3 or 4. The ambiance is rustic and artsy, eclectic and warm. The waitstaff can similarly be described. They are somewhat hipster or Alt, I guess. Hard to describe. In any case, they are very welcoming and attentive. Also, even when you eat in, they give you coffee to go. How smart is that?!?! I don't know why everyone doesn't do this. Check out more of my reviews at ShawnKemp.yelp.com
(4)
Andia G.
The best breakfast/brunch joint hands down. I consider myself a breakfast/brunch connoisseur and have been to MANY resturants. Toast is absolutely delicious, even there toast is delicious...Haha. I had the smoked salmon omelette and it was the best one i have ever eaten. Im from the NW so I know all about delicious smoke salmon. Eat here! Your belly will be super happy ;).
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Courtney W.
Okay, so I live in Lincoln Park and I resent when people say negative things about the "type of people" that live here. Toast seems to fit into all of those stereotypical characteristics but I love it anyways. I'm giving it four stars for the food, not the service. They are always packed and the seating space is ridiculously small. They also do not take reservations which I thought was extremely rude when my group of 10 called two weeks in advance. They made us wait almost two hours along with everyone else. Oh well, I guess we could have gone somewhere else. The eggs benedict is my all-time favorite and the coffee is amazingly strong and tasty. I'm not big on pancakes or french toast but even to me all of the options sound so tasty. I bring all my out of town friends here and they always love it. The servers are all extremely friendly as well. If I could stomach the wait, I would be here every weekend.
(4)Pat H.
I've heard a lot of good things about this place...and i had big expectations as I waited in line for an hour before being seated for brunch a few weekends ago ... but toast didnt do it for me. It's a pretty small place (hence the long lines on the weekends) I give them credit for the creative menu items that you wouldnt see at other popular brunch spots. But for me the execution just was not there & it was disappointing. The service was good - i think it would have to be if people are waiting in line for an hour ... and the atmosphere was decent ... nothing to write home about. If my friends want to go anytime soon - I'm coming up with a lame excuse to not tag along ... then going to nookies...
(2)Jessica W.
Very cute place with an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items. We were luckly enough to sit on the back patio on a beautiful day, definitely added to our overall experience. They are BYOB so be prepared. We brought a bottle of champagne and they provided fresh squeezed OJ and strawberries for $8, great deal! I also had an iced coffee and it was killer...think they serve Intelligentsia but not sure. I had Whole Wheat Pancakes, they were super light and still hearty. Husband had the BELT with avocado and loved it. Friends had stuffed french toast and Chilaquiles, both were very satisfied. Our server was friendly enough although he seemed to disappear a bit. No worry for us, we had our champagne in arms reach!
(4)Rand M.
I know, I know, I still love Yolk for all it's eggy freshness but Toast is still my go to place. Right off of Oz Park and the BEST plate full of multi-flavored french toast goodness you can get. As anyone who knows me knows, I love good coffee. Not just coffee. Good coffee. Toast has good coffee. If you want the place to meet for a comfortable breakfast meeting, this is it. Don't stay too long unless you flirt a lot though --- the manager can get a little testy with you if she wants the table.
(4)Chris K.
Total yumminess! Great food, excellent service. Often a wait, but well worth it!
(5)David G.
I love orgies. My favorite has got to be Toast's stuffed french toast orgy which has a choice of stuffed french toast covered in yogurt, granola, and berries!! The coffee is also excellent. It's usually a long wait for Toast, but I will definitely be going back for the orgy :)
(4)Meghan H.
Toast had been on my list of places to try for a while and unfortunately all that I found enjoyable was the service, the quaint atmosphere, and the hashbrowns... Whenever I go out for breakfast food I am expecting, or at least hoping, for all components of the meal to be of the best quality because the actual cooking is fairly elementary as far as my usual order of eggs and bacon is concerned. How hard can it be for them to toss bacon in a pan or bread in a toaster?? It is expected that they not burn either, so what elevates certain breakfast restaurants above the rest more so lies with the quality of the ingredients than with the actual preparation of the meal. And unfortunately at Toast this quality of ingredients was lacking. As a true bacon addict, I can attest that their bacon definitely needs some help. It was way too paper-thin and had no meat or real flavor to it at all, not to mention how it was cooked to way beyond crisp... Sadly these same bad comments go for their toast as well. I found that it was not the flavor-packed, seedy, hearty, multigrain bread I was hoping to enjoy, but rather a dull imitation of a loaf of the generic stuff from the grocery store. A true disappointment especially considering that "toast" is the name of this place! You'd think they pride themselves on their delicious breads with a name like that... Just when I was sure that all hope was lost, I took up a fork-full of their house potatoes and my mouth instantly watered. I crave them to this day. Of all the breakfast places I have visited since my experience at Toast no restaurant has been able to come close to the deliciousness of that side of wonderfully seasoned, perfectly-prepared, baby red potatoes. The potatoes are what save the rating of this place because unfortunately the rest of this place was a disappointment.
(3)Jamie B.
This place is really good for breakfast/lunch/brunch. The service was attentive and prompt. The menu is very versatile, with offerings for the health conscious and vegetarian crowd. It is a small space with very high ceilings, so it feels a lot larger inside than it is. The food was great, everyone at our table was happy. I had a vegetarian egg-white omelet with fruit that was really good. My husband had the breakfast burrito, which came with a homemade spicy sauce in a spinach wrap. The in-laws had and omelets as well, one of which was the smoked salmon omelet. This received rave reviews at the table. I wish I lived in the neighborhood, but I will venture back often this summer.
(5)Josh G.
Toast is my favorite place for a (sober) brunch in Chicago! It has a very cool atmosphere with little toasters from all generations spread out threw out the restaurant. Food was simple and delicious, but they have other options that are great twists like chorizo and fresh pico de gallo.
(5)Allan B.
Had to wait for about 45 minutes, but it was definitely worth it. Pancake orgy and pesto scrambler were amazing. Food/10 Service/10 Definitely coming back.
(5)Sun P.
We brought my in-laws here for brunch on a weekday morning, and we were able to be seated right away. The atmosphere is nice, and the service is decent. The food was unmemorable, and just kinda "blah" and forgettable. My husband and his father each ordered the "French Toast Orgy" and "Pancakes Orgy" (okay, maybe an extra half star for interesting names for their dishes), but they both said their meals were a little too sweet. That's saying a lot coming from these mega-sweet tooths. Ever the savory breakfast person, I got the breakfast burrito (which I order at every brunch place as my consistent measure between restaurants), and it was forgettable. And actually rather small. It was, as Yelp describes its 3-star rating, A-OK. Just not super remarkable. I think if you're going to go all out and wait for a good brunch somewhere in the city, go elsewhere. This place isn't that impressive.
(3)Alison H.
Surprised at lukewarm reviews. The food I had was pretty delicious. Highly recommend the Crabby Benedict. The hollandaise sauce is so buttery and good. The potatoes on the side were a little weird (i.e. burnt-ish) but tasty. Pancakes were solid. I did order a short stack with fruit and whipped cream and it only came with the fruit (strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, melon, and grapes - some of which don't go with pancakes very well). The Heavenly Lemonade (with champagne) is tasty but pricey. I loved the meal, really, but knocked off a star because of the 1 hour wait and cramped setup.
(4)Caroline M.
Squeaked in right before the Saturday morning brunch rush. No wait at 9am! As I pursued the menu I realized I had quite the dilemma on my hands: Sweet (super delicious yummy sounding french toast) or Savory (super delicious yummy sounding omelet). Sigh. Oh, the decisions in my life! I settled on the chocolate french toast, while my man friend got the lorraine omelet. We were both very pleased with our selections. My french toast was a tower of squishy, soft carbs, surrounded by fresh fruit and dusted with powdered sugar. The omelet was really great with the bacon, gruyere and veggies, toast on the side. Service was fast. Our beverages were replenished often and the food was divine. Remember to arrive early to snag a seat!
(4)Jacki P.
Great meal, great atmosphere. Fast service and Tyler is very helpful and fun! Awesome shirt too!! :)
(5)Stephanie T.
My sister raves about this place. I trust her, so I thought why not? It was a hot Sunday morning in Chicago. I stepped into Toast and I thought I was a piece of toast in a toaster. It was cooler outside than it was inside. I was so hot, I started taking off jewelry and any accessories that made me uncomfortable. When we were seated, I made it a point to sit beneath the ceiling fan. My mom wasn't so lucky. She was sweating profusely throughout our meal. Nothing really jumped out at me from the menu. I ordered the B.E.L.T. and a side of chocolate ship pancakes. The food was solid, however, when I looked behind the bar, I noticed the specials menu. I would have chosen the bacon, tomato, asparagus and Gruyere omelet had our waitress informed us about it.
(2)Jessica L.
Indulgent brunch-lovers, this is your go-to spot! Savory eggs benedict, rich, sweet french toast...your tastebuds will thank you for starting the day off deliciously. This morning, I took advantage of an awesome Groupon deal here ($10 for $20 worth). A friend and I arrived around 10am. No wait for a table for two, although Toast was bustling with guests by then. The first thing I noticed was the warm, inviting lighting-- peachtone walls and casual hanging lights. [Contrary to the previous review, I found the storefront to be charming-- an industrial feel with a red brickwall, and a cozy corner location.] We decided to go for halfsies on the French Toast orgy, and the Veggie Eggs Benedict. **French Toast orgy: Marscapone is genius-- a creamy, soft flavor complements the sweet maple syrup. As for the Mexican Chocolate and Strawberry-- the decadent flavors were there, but I found the consistency of the french toast to be a bit tooo soggy...I missed the nice seared texture of a solid french toast. **Veggie Eggs benedict: HANDS-DOWN one of the best benedicts I've ever tasted. The Hollandaise sauce was rich and buttery, but the spinach and chunks of artichokes provided a savory and vegetal component. The runnyness of the egg yolk was perfect-- the English muffin base soaked it right up. It was served with their house potatoes, which were hearty and cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Lastly, I enjoyed their house coffee very much! Toast serves Julius Meinl coffee, a gourmet Viennese roasting company. As a Peet's Coffee barista, I have befriended many a coffee bean, and I was impressed with Julius Meinl's nutty aroma and smooth finish. A mild, ease-into-the-morning cup of joe. I'd definitely venture back to Toast to try their lunch menu (croque monsieur, or ahi tuna with grilled fennel?!! SOLD.) Their prices are reasonable, for the ingredient quality, comfortable setting and decent service (excuse the following digression: their host service was not very attentive..a coffee refill once, and no "check-in" after meal arrived). All in all, I enjoyed my Toast!
(4)Jillian P.
I've been wanting to try out this joint for a while and I finally got a chance to see what the hubbub was about. It was a Friday brunch hour, we were welcomed and sat right away. Immediately, we were offered coffee, given menus, but then our waiter disappeared, for what it felt like, foreverrrrrr. Literally, I was almost done with my coffee, by the time he took our order. I'm not a fast coffee guzzler. Overwhelmed by so many choices, I decided to go with the stuffed French toast. He suggested the cheese was the best, but I decided to get one of each, strawberry , chocolate & ricotta. Our food came after a while, honestly, I was kind of disappointed. Slightly mooshy, lukewarm, and didnt have the custardy texture I usually like about french toast. I also expected full, fresh strawberries, oozing chocolate & fluffy cheese. I admit, the cheese was good, but nothing ro rave over. Although,I did have a bite of my friend's chicken sausage, it was boooooooomb! So much that I took the whole link. Sweet, mapley, peppery goodness with a snap. Can I buy some of that?! Anyways, I ate half of my food and saved the leftovers, but.... I had a feeling it wouldn't be as good as a leftover, given the moosh factor, so I ended up leaving it be in the fridge. The 3 stars could've been 4, if the service was a bit more prompt, other than that, I'll probably give it another try, just for an "orgy" on a plate.
(3)David L.
Very friendly staff and food that will put you in a wonderful food coma.
(5)Bee S.
Went to Toast for the first time this weekend... consensus = YUMMMMMY! The wait was long (1 hour). It's quite small inside and there were already people waiting so we just went to starbucks down the street and sat around for 40 minutes. The host was nice, and his retro coca-cola t-shirt and funky glasses were fun. He remembered us from before and when we went to wait outside for the last 20 minutes or so, he came outside in the cold to tell us our table was ready instead of just passing it off to a party waiting indoors. I got the eggs benedict. Nothing to complain about here, pretty standard. The side of home fries were yummy. My friend got the pancake orgy and OMG I had a bite and it was delicious. 3 different flavored pancakes (blueberry, poppy-seed, and ?) stacked with yogurt, granola, and fruit galore. My boyfriend got 3 lemon poppy-seed pancakes and I thought they tasted so sweet and delicious that you didn't even need to put syrup or anything on them. Overall everyone loved their food. I tried a little of everyone's pancakes and they are hands-down some of the best (if not THE best... seriously) pancakes I've ever had. Honestly. The lemon poppy-seed was the bomb and the overall combo of the yogurt and granola on pancakes is so clever I might start doing it at home. It tasted wonderful. Next time I'll get pancakes instead of the benedict. This brunch for 4 people = $40. A steal if you ask me.
(5)Erin H.
Toast is a unique little breakfast spot that is a definite must TRY, but not really a must RE-VISIT for me. We got there on a busy sunday morning (brunch time) and were told we had a 45 minute wait after the hostess looked at me blankly for a few seconds which made me wonder if she was actually the hostess or just someone eating there considering when I walked in she was sitting at the bar/stool area eating. We waited outside for a while, then ended up inside after the other parties before us got seated. There is VERY minimal seating for those waiting. I had the infamous French Toast Orgy. I was impressed, although I wasn't really clear on the ordering options so I asked for all strawberry french toast. I was served a plate with 3 rather large logs of stuffed french toast, covered with fresh fruits and berries. When we got our food (because that was when the waitress actually came back to our table after taking our order) I requested a side of potatoes because they looked REALLY good. The potatoes were on my table within seconds. The strawberry was AMAZING. But after getting through that one log, I was a little sad to realize, I almost didn't have enough room left for the other 2. I dug my fork into log #2 only to realize that I was served all 3 flavors, instead of just strawberry. First, I tried a bite of the mexican chocolate, maybe I've never had "mexican" chocolate before, but jesus christ was that rich. I felt like a dog trying to get peanut butter off the roof of my mouth after that single bite. It was really good, and I'm sure chocolate lovers devour it within minutes, but I'm not much of a chocolate person so I moved on to try the mascarpone. Plain and simple, I didn't like it. It was too bland for my tastebuds. The service was... ok. What can you really expect in a small diner on a busy sunday? I would definitely recommend my friends check this place out if they want a sugary dough-y breakfast, but it just wasn't for me. I had to go home and spend the next hour or so relaxing just to feel normal again.
(3)Jeff K.
1 star is too many. I went there about 2 years ago and things might have changed, at least I hope they did but I still thought I would share this review because it was the worst service I have ever gotten!!! The big problem is that they have a rule that you cannot sit down until your entire party has arrived. My younger sister was coming from the suburbs and running very late and my other sister needed to get to the airport. So we sat down and then of course 20 minutes after we sat (after we waited 45 min for a table) my younger sister arrived. We had already ordered and they would not allow her to sit down with us. There was a seat available and they wanted her to stand or for us to give up the table. What a stupid rule!!! Especially since we had already ordered, what are they crazy especially since there was a seat avaliable at the table. So, we stormed out and went to nookies instead. I would never eat at any of there locations again. There a ton of other breakfast places with better service, try one of those instead!!
(1)Dennis L.
I visited Toast for a weekday business lunch with a client and had a good experience overall. It is always a must for a breakfast joint to have excellent coffee. Thankfully, Toast serves bottomless cups of Julius Meinl. For my meal, I ordered the Spinach, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Omelet with home fries and sourdough toast. The omelet was excellent with a perfect about of goat cheese inside and visually appealing with the spinach mixed into the egg. The home fries were flavorful and the toast was good (shouldn't it be!) The restaurant is small and cozy. I am not a huge fan of the endless side by side tables, but they are pretty limited by the space. Our server was very friendly, and he kept my coffee coming.
(4)Matt C.
This is the best breakfast food I have had at a restaurant in Chicago. Period. Toast shines because of it's simplicity. They offer expertly cooked breakfast staples featuring fresh, delicious ingredients. I have tried the Smoked Salmon Omelette, Crabby Benedict, and the almighty Breakfast Burrito. I recommend any of these dishes, all are delicious, but to me the Burrito is easily the star. I have tried making breakfast burritos a few times, and have ordered them in a few restaurants, but no egg-based burrito has come CLOSE to how good the Breakfast Burrito is at Toast. It's a very simple dish, but everything inside (and outside) that delicious green tortilla is cooked to perfection. I recommend getting it with Avocado, it's awesome. Also the Grilled Chicken Sausage with Apple and Gouda is really, really, good and be ready for the huge portion they offer as a side. Actually Toast has pretty large portion sizes in general -- you would probably be fine splitting an entree with someone (but good luck deciding on one dish to order). The wait for a table can be a little long on the weekend (it's a very small restaurant). If you can find time to get there on a weekday I highly recommend doing that -- the few times I have been there on a weekday there was zero wait for a table. The service at Toast is great -- the servers are friendly, attentive, and good at getting people in and out without making you feel rushed. Also I have no idea what magic cooking component they put in their house potatoes, and frankly I don't want to know, but they are really damn good.
(5)Heather C.
One of the reasons why I wish I lived in Chicago! The food was FABULOUS! I ordered a spinach/gruyere/prosciutto omelet with house potatoes and fresh fruit. It was superb. The mimosa was amazing as well! Waiter was attentive and kind. I had a couple of special requests and he got everything right! I'm giving this 4 stars because the wait was terrible (1 1/2 hrs).
(4)David G.
I like this place. I like the owner( Detroit chics rock!)...she tells it like it is and there aint no bs there. Most importantly the food rocks...had the medley of pancakes and they were awesome
(4)Laurel T.
Pancake Orgy! Terrific pancakes one of every flavor topped with yogurt and granola- you don't even need to add syrup! Word of caution they will put you into a food coma... Cute place and a great atmosphere. They have great mimosas with multiple flavor options!
(5)Kelly C.
I believe it was groupon who originally introduced me to this great little breakfast/brunch spot. I have been here a couple times and enjoyed it both times. The first time I went to Toast was with my mom and sis who were in town. Because it was a Friday morning we didn't have a wait which based on other reviews is odd! My mom had the french toast orgy and my sis had the pancake orgy - the amount of food that came out was insane! They both enjoyed there choices and left at least half on the plate. I'm not a fan of sweet breakfast foods (give me eggs dammit) so I had the BELT sandwich with avocado and it was amazing. I substituted the potatoes for the fresh fruit and was pleasantly surprised when the fruit consisted of berries and not just the standard mango/cantalope mixture you get at most places. Since my original visit I have had good experiences, a couple times a bit of a wait but nothing too terrible. My only problem is I liked the sandwich so much that I haven't tried anything else on the menu - and they have lots of items that look tasty! I will definitely be back. Try it out during the week and avoid any crazy wait times.
(4)Jack B.
WOULDN'T COME BACK HERE IF YOU POINTED A GUN TO MY HEAD. However, I'm just a regular person! If you're a single dad with a cute kid, this is the place for you. The hostess will fawn over you, bring you (and ONLY you) a hot cup of coffee while you wait, and give you the first available table even though several other parties of two were in line ahead of you. But if the hostess isn't interested in flirting with you, you'll be lied to and ignored until you eventually walk out and give your Groupon to the people in line behind you (who may or may not have ever gotten a table, they were two girls with no cute kid). I honestly couldn't have been more offended by the way the hostess treated us. Maybe you expect that kind of snobbiness at trendy nightclubs or something, but this is a mediocre diner in Lincoln Park. Get over yourself. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE.
(1)Colleen C.
Soooooooo, I go on a carb protest and end up eating at a restaurant aptly named, Toast. Sigh. I love carbs. Good thing Toast has some ridiculously tempting egg options. I swung for the Lorraine omelette with applewood smoked bacon, gruyere and veggies. Slam (egg) dunk! One of the best I've ever had with just the correct egg: filling ratio. Ya know, you can only eat so much egg, so the balance is good. Skip the potatoes, shared the toast with Andrea, and...kept the omelette and hot coffee with SPLENDA to myself. Good girl. Service was adequate, the host was brusque. Seating is limited, I wouldn't touch this place on a weekend with a ten foot sausage. (Poles have carbs, I think). Joking. You get it. If you can sneak in mid-week, do it. It even filled up as we were dining... I refrained from viewing the rest of the menu. I had my "carbless-eyes" on. Also know as my "angry eyes." Next week, stay tuned for my dining adventures at Potato Cafe, White Flour Bakery and Rice!
(4)Lana S.
Huevos With Chorizo & Cheddar. End of review. No, really though, amazing breakfast place in Lincoln Park. Everything is cooked to perfection and comes out relatively quickly. Unfortunately you have to kind of expect a wait with this place, it's delicious and holds about 30 people, that may even be generous. Seriously, try this place if you haven't, and if you have I'm sure you've gone back multiple times.
(5)Laura K.
I have been twice. The first time was pretty unmemorable, but I just went this past weekend again and loved it! I think a big plus was that we went at 8:30 am and therefore there was no wait at all. We were seated right away and service was good - definitely not rude like some of the other people seem to have experienced. Food was delicious. I ordered the veggie eggs benedict with spinach and artichoke which was really tasty. There were also so many other things on the menu that I wanted to try. It is definitely not your typical breakfast joint as the choices offer more than your standard omelet/egg dishes. I definitely want to go back, but I don't think I would want to wait an hour so I will be sure to go a little on the earlier side the way we did this time.
(4)Meghan R.
This is by far the best brunch in Chicago!! I have been coming here for 7-8 years and the food consistently blows my mind. I have tried almost every item on the menu and I have yet to find something I do not enjoy. The eggs Benedict is my favorite on the menu and my favorite in the city. Additionally, the wait stuff is incredibly friendly and attentive. One of the waiters has been bussing there since I first came here and he always remember me. Great place!!
(5)Brian S.
Almost as good as Orange for brunch food. Toast's half-hour plus wait gets annoying, but their food is good, especially whatever the special french toast is the day of your visit. Why doesn't Lincoln Park have more places like Toast and Orange? It seems like they'd make as much money as they want!
(4)Janice L.
I would not mind a 30 minute wait for very good service and a good meal but the waistress confused our order twice and the place doesn't have whipped butter for pancakes. She brought out my pancakes and had to wait until I ask her to bring the maple syrup and the little packets of butter, come on really?? For how small the place is, you think the service would be better
(3)Andrea C.
i am sorry, but i do not see what all of the fuss is about! i was up early with the bf one snowy morning this past winter and we decided to use his groupon to toast that was about to expire. i'm glad we got there early because the restaurant is teeny tiny. the atmosphere is cute and cozy- and i will say, it was especially nice on that snowy day. because of this, i really wanted to like toast- but i just left feeling on the fence. i had the eggs benedict (with the prosciutto) and felt like something was off. for some reason the sauce and i did not agree. the bf had the stuffed french toast and seemed pleased overall, but not wow-ed. the reason im being harsh with stars, though is that service was not great from start to finish. it took forever for our waiter to initially get to us...and after he took our orders, it seemed like we were forgotten! no water refills, no check-ins. finally, when the bill came, it was pretty close to the amount of the groupon...our waiter said that he wasn't allowed to charge less than $10 on a card, so my poor bf had to go out into the snow and find an atm to withdraw cash! i mean i understand that some restaurants have policies like that, but $10 seemed a little bit high. i hate to be down on this place because so many people do seem to like it, but our experience was just subpar. toast...burned.
(2)Erin H.
Let's start with the cute guy working behind the breakfast bar who always wears flannel. Even when the wait is 45 minutes and they're supposed to close in 10, this guy keeps a smile! He's super friendly, pours the fastest cup of coffee in town, and makes you feel like what you ordered couldn't be less than pure genius. The breakfast burrito keeps me coming back, add the chorizo if you're feeling salty. Pancake orgasm will cure your maple-must-have craving for months. If you're shy about any of the toppings they happily put them on the side, though I guarantee you'll throw it all on top as they recommend, in the end. Who doesn't love table cloths you can write on? Bring a Red-Eye on weekend mornings because you'll wait, but the staff doesn't mind at all if you enjoy a cup of coffee in their waiting area or head over to Starbucks to kill 20 minutes and caffeinate.
(4)Maegin C.
Food was fantastic! I had the special Chorizo and Pico de gallo Benedict with a side of potatoes. I also wanted to try the stuffed French toast but I didn't want a whole order so he let me try one slice of the mascarpone stuffed French toast and it was to die for! Still sweet but not too much to overpower it. Definitely would recommend trying both! Will be coming back for sure. Be careful though, the restaurant is small and gets packed fast!
(5)Zach B.
Went here a couple of weeks ago with some friends. Place was real small and I felt crammed while eating my meal. My friend wanted the wheat pancakes but they didn't have the batter ready??? I ordered the grill cheese which was dry and bland. Only thing I liked was the one beer they had. You're better off going to Clarkes or Golden Nugget if you want good breakfast sad to say. Wont be back.
(2)Matt B.
How can you not love Lemony Truffle Hollandaise Sauce? Although the wait and the crowded seating isn't the greatest. Watch out for the Wasabi Bloody Mary... it's HOT!
(3)Isabella W.
Toast is one of my favorite brunch places (among Hot Chocolate, Southport Grocery & Cafe, X/O). The stuffed french toast is the #1 thing to get here (it comes in 3 flavors - strawberry, chocolate, and mascarpone).. and mascarpone is the one to get (you can mix & match your french toast, and/or get all one flavor, which is what I do). I would endure a 2 hour wait just for the french toast. Their omelettes are good too, as are the mimosas (notably the peach mimosa).
(4)Eric H.
The hostess said the wait would be 45 minutes. I waited 47 minutes. She has a very good understanding of time, apparently. I was the best dressed male and third best looking person on the sunday that I dined there. It wasn't raining. I had the grilled tenderloin benedict. The dish came out with two circular objects covered with what appeared to be yellow stuff over poached eggs and meat chunks. Upon closer inspection, the eggs turned out to be eggs, the meat chunks turned out to be grilled tenderloin, the yellow stuff turned out to be truffle hollandaise sauce and the aforementioned circular objects were english muffins. Forgive me for not capitalizing english. The grilled tenderloin was relatively medium, as requested. Bites 1, 6 and 8 of the circular object number one were my favorite. Bites 11 and 18 of circular object number two were also delicious. My favorite piece of silverware was the huge, wooden steak knife. There was a child at another table to my right that wouldn't stop staring at me at one point. I told him to mind his business. The dish also came with free home fries. Home fry number 1 was crisp and delicious. Home fry number 2 was wet and gross. I hated it. Home fry number 3 tasted like the smell of a tennis ball but i really liked it. Home fry number 4 was eaten by my accomplice. Home fry number 5 was decent. I didn't eat anymore home fries after home fry 5. I paid the bill and left. I'll go back again.
(4)Erin K.
I must say that I was very pleased with my experience. Despite the fact that I went at peak brunch hours today, we were seated immediately (yay!). Unfortunately, I ended up in the awkward seat closest to the bathroom, so people had to squeeze past me to get to it every once in a while. Food-wise, I ordered the stuffed french toast, with one of each option (chocolate, strawberry, and mascarpone cheese). Wow to the chocolate. It tasted exactly like a chocolate souffle inside a piece of french toast. I was so excited about it. The strawberry one was my second favorite, but it was not nearly as good as the chocolate. I'm not quite sure what turned me off to it, perhaps it was just the fact that it looked like raw meat. Awkward. The mascarpone was a little heavy for me. I had to continually eat the fruit and gulp coffee in between each bite. I think it was the fact that it separated a little bit, so with the oil soaking into the bread and the cheese still being intense, it was way too rich. But more power to you if you like lusciously heavy breakfast and would love it. The coffee was great. I wouldn't expect any less from a restaurant owned by Julius Meinl. Service was that perfect in-between attentiveness. I hate having a good conversation frequently interrupted by a server, and I hate it when you can't get a refill on your drinks because your waiter refuses to return to your table to check on you. It's gotta be in the middle of the spectrum. My server was within that perfect range. Loved it.
(4)JP D.
I live right above this place so the wait isn't too big of a deal with me. I've been here probably like 5 or 6 times, most likely because of the proximity to me. Now the food is pretty good. But there are some things that turn me off to this place. 1) The lady manager that works there and drives the mini, always illegally parks in front of the place. She kinda has this snotty attitude, like yeah, I'm a restaurant manager, but I'm still better than you. I don't know, maybe I made a false read, but she just gives me that impression. I went there for a business breakfast and after the meal I felt like I was rushed out. 2) The black host guy. He is flamboyant and tries to be funny, but again, I do not like his attitude. I noticed he doesn't write your name down when you wait and he picks who is next based on who he sees waiting the longest. So, with him, you might get screwed if you don't wait in the restaurant.
(3)Kathe E.
Thanks for your review, Chris A -- could not agree with you more. I only wish it were possible to give negative stars. My fiance and I waited months to go to Toast until we both had a weekday morning off (since attempting a weekend breakfast there is insane, we learned after several attempts). We were unceremoniously waved to the third table from the window, next to an architect (at the 4th table) who was looking at his 'etchings.' The owner/manager/crazy lady was teetering around on high heels, lost her balance, and fell against our table, GRABBING ME BY THE NECK to keep from hitting the floor. The jostling of our table sent our coffee flying all over us, and all over the sketches the architect was working on. Crazy Lady said "Whew! That was close! See, I almost hurt my hand!" and showed us a red mark on her palm, which she then compared to stigmata. I repeat, STIGMATA. I WISH I were making this all up. She did not offer anything to help us mop up, and was oblivious to any damage she had done to the man's drawings -- just kept blathering on and on about her own wipe out. She did have them move us to another table, but offered no apology and did not ask if I was okay. Once we got there, the service was slow (they were way understaffed), the food was only okay, and our first cups of coffee were tepid. We almost left several times during the meal, but decided to stick it out. When we were done, it took forever to get our bill, and when we got it, no deduction of any kind had been made for the incident at the other table. To our credit, we did tip our waiter well, since none of it was his fault and he was obviously in the weeds, but we will NEVER go there again. Phooey on Toast.
(1)Barnaby F.
Quite good, if not great. I would come try it again before trying any of the other spots in the area.
(3)Michelle M.
GREAT! I love this place. The food was delicious and the hostess Jill was so warm and welcoming and soooo funny! I will be back there for sure! I love this place. Great food, great company, great service. Oh and try the french toast!!!!
(5)Philippe F.
They shouldn't be called toast because their toast sucks!!!! I kid. They certainly have some good eatin'. The most memorable moments of the breakfast was the BELT. Altered it a bit to "A BELT"....a lil avocado "neva hurt nobody". Bacon was clispy and dericious!!! Egg of course is fried sunny side as it should be. Lettuce was green, as it should be as well. And tomato is a fruit! Unfortunately that was my favorite meal, and it happened to be my girlfriend's....BOO! I can't remember what I had....but I did order a side of their Chicken Apple Sausage. I now get that every grocery run. NUMMY NUMMY! Haven't been back in awhile....need to go back soon....want to go now!!!!
(4)Mariana P.
I went here about a month ago with some friends and we were told that it was an HOUR AND A HALF wait. So, we did not eat there. However, a friend and I went back today and it was great. They open at 8 and we got there at 8:30, so there was no wait and we were seated right away. The waitress was great, we got our food within 10 mins. of ordering, and they were playing some great tunes. When we were seated they were playing Roxanne, and after that they played some Led Zeppelin and some Elton John. It was a great experience overall. My only advice would be to get there early so that you don't have to wait! Oh, I also recommend the stuffed french toast with mascarpone.
(5)caroline k.
Walked in at 10:30 on a Sunday AM and though told to wait 30-40 minutes (party of 2) was seated within 15 minutes at the bar. The marscapone french toast (3 large brick-like pieces with a scattering of berries) was creamy, dense, and surprisingly un-sweet - and helped by plenty of maple syrup. The veggie egg benedict was average- addition of artichoke hearts was different but the accompanying home fries were mushy and somewhat cold. Cobb salad came with mounds of grilled chicken, avocado, and bacon. Friendly staff and am curious to try the other location, Toast Two.
(3)Lindsey S.
I love Toast, but I definitely don't love the fact that every time I try to go there the wait is upwards of an hour. Oh well, I guess it's because the food is so darn good. Their pancakes are my favorite -- they have unusual little touches like lavender butter so that they're not just your boring run-of-the-mill IHOP variety. And if you're a Bloody Mary fan you must try theirs. Super spicy with tons of sliced bell peppers on top and a touch of wasabi! Plus the lady that owns Toast is usually working at this location and she is absolutely hilarious. Once you get her talking she won't fail to entertain with stories of dates gone bad, etc. If you find yourself with a weekday off I would definitely recommend checking this place out and saving yourself the trouble of waiting in line.
(4)Greg M.
The food is really really good, but do you really want to wait outside for 90 minutes with a hangover on your day off? Personally I prefer to head to Nookie's or Salt n Pepper Diner for some greasy food with a fraction of the wait time.
(3)Amanda S.
By far my favorite breakfast place in the city! The waitstaff are accomidating even on their busiest days. The food is to die for as well.. mascarpone stuffed french toast, eggs benedict, and some of the best scrambles I've had. There's a huge selection of breakfast items, and the lunch is pretty good too. There's normally a pretty long wait on the weekend, but it's well worth it!
(5)David S.
My family and I went to Toast this past weekend and had an outstanding meal. We arrived early and were seated immediately by a very friendly and social woman...I think she's the manager. Anyways, brunch was awesome. We ordered some omelets and the french toast sticks, and some sausage. It all came out piping hot and fresh, surprisingly fast for a busy Sunday brunch. The manager was very attentive, asking us how our meal was, and generally doing what you'd expect of a professional owner or manager. Here is where our experience went south. While she was making some small talk with us, another patron, one of those LP chicks that thinks the world revolves around her (you know the type, right?) really rudely interrupted us and started going off about her boyfriend being on the way. I gather this has something to do with their policy of not seating parties unless they are all present (which is posted right on the front door/window)! She was pissed that this longstanding and common restaraunt policy was being applied to her. Honestly, sometimes I just don't get how arrogant some people can be. Anyways, the manager/owner was very soft spoken and polite with her, in the face of this girl's bitter rant. Ultimately, to our great entertainment, this girl storms off and doesn't even pay for her drinks! Classy. All in all, we didn't expect to get a meal and a show, for the low price of a meal, but that was our morning. We will absolutely go back for great service, fresh food, warm hospitality....and maybe another classic LP show!
(5)Zainab M.
So I've been meaning to join yelp for over a year now, but sheer laziness had kept me from it. I finally got the extra nudge i needed when i went to toast and was so horribly DISGUSTED by the customer service there. We had a group of 6 people and arrived around 130pm on a saturday afternoon, they told us we would have a 1.5hr wait, which i suppose can be expected for brunch. After being told this, our group began to discuss if we actually wanted to stay. The woman that told us it'd be 1.5hrs, she seemed to be the owner/manager, listened intently to our conversation and with no hesitation butt in and said 'no you cant do that... no you have to be back by this time...if you leave you risk your spot on the list...the whole party has to stay" SHEESH woman give us a chance to THINK. so we decided to stay and wait for a table. Then the madness continues: - We ask if we can have some coffee or juice and are told no, go to starbucks. - Then we're told we cant be seated unless we get off our cell phones....but did not receive any further explanation. maybe this is a common policy, but i had never heard of it before and it was communicated very rudely. - The food was not that good, i got the stuffed french toast which seemed to be the only decent thing that any of us ordered. my friends got eggs that weren't that good. and got charged extra for salsa on the side of their tijuana omelettes! - the waitress was not very friendly or helpful - my hot choc was CARNATION, i noticed after i ordered it that they had the box on display -- have some shame if youre going to serve crap like that at a restaurant! - the sign outside said 'due to..a problem...we can only take exact cash or credit cards'; once we got our check we found out it was either exact cash or only two cards and the bill had to be split down the middle - after we paid, i talked to the owner/manager lady about how the customer service was a little lacking and she ARGUED with me and tried to say that they had to be rude in telling us to get off our phones because we didnt listen the first time! are you KIDDING me? i can't wait until this business diminishes because of its poor customer service. the food is not good enough to make up for their uppity crap!!
(1)Jordan P.
This breakfast spot is awesome! The drawback is that it is tiny and you will have to wait to sit down. But it is worth it! The crab egg benedict rocks! Also they're pancakes are the best I have ever had. Fluffy inside and just a little crispy on the outside- great! The service is very friendly and prompt- its not "semi-rude diner-like service." Go here now!!!
(5)Keith W.
Ok, I have so many better things to do with my time, but Jeff H's review was so erroneous and melodramatic, I had to post... I am the guy that was sitting at the counter on Saturday afternoon. T-shirt, jeans, ballcap. I've been coming to Toast for over 10 years. I always sit at the counter when Jill's working. First off... I'm not sure what kind of fantasies you've been having, but Jill wasn't wearing high heels. She was wearing UGGs. Wierdo. Second of all, you and your girlfriend need to invest in Q-tips to clean the wax outta your ears. When you came in, Jill told you where to sit. You ignored what they said as though you didn't understand English. Ok... let's get to the heart of it all: 1) You specifically visited Toast BECAUSE you read all the reviews of the "Toast Nazi" 2) In your post, you say: "I am a serious pushover. I am usually the type that cowers when someone's rude to me..." 3) Here's your chance to visit Toast, intentionally provoke Jill and then post a REVENGE review on Yelp and CitySearch to get back at all the times that EVERYONE's walked all over you. 4) Don't you feel better now that you did? Yea, probably not. You're still a schmuck. Ok... on to your "verbatim" conversation with Jill. I was sitting at the counter less than five feet from you and Jill.... 1) Your voice was not weak and quivering. And if it was, you've got to be the most emasculated male I've ever come across. 2) You did NOT say that you really enjoyed the food or anything to that effect. 3) You shouldn't swear to God, especially when you're lying through your teeth. 4) "Up to now I was keeping my voice quiet..." Um... you never raised your voice beyond your lttle squeak. 5) You did say, "I just came in for brunch, and..." No ya didn't buddy! You came in because of Jill's reviews. And when Jill didn't meet your expectations, you provoked her and verbally attacked her while I sat at the counter five feet away. I would like to thank you and your rude behavior for ruining an otherwise great breakfast. 6) You said it yourself in your review... "...the food there is pretty darn good." :-) I hope you find a good shrink to work through your issues.... Happy Holidays! Keith
(5)liz d.
Being in here a handle full of times, this place is always consistent in their service, food, and super friendly attitudes. I hate saying this, but that stuff is so hard to find all in one place. Maybe that's why there is always at least a 30 minute wait. It's hard to hold yourself back from drooling all over other people's food, while you wait to be seated. However, you can order a selection of drinks at the "bar," including mimosas, screwdrivers, and Bloody Marys. The Bloody Marys are packed full of veggies, and is like having a salad sitting on top of your drink. I love it. The chicken sausage just oozes over the top with flavor, as well as the Crabby Benedict I gobbled up in 2 minutes. I always leave this palce with a stupid grin on my face, but each and every experience keeps me wanting more.
(4)Jess S.
This Toast is tops. The food is great at both locales, but this one .... Way more cozy. Way better service. I love the owner (I'm assuming the bubbly & clever woman who is always at the LP location is the owner) I had the Eggnog pancakes yesterday - delish! No syrup needed. Very filling. Wish I had more chances to go during the week! (Because we all know how crowded it gets on the weekend)
(5)Jodi B.
LOVED LOVED LOOOOVED THIS PLACE! Upon entering my boyfriend and I were greeted kindly and with a BIG SMILE! On a busy Saturday afternoon we were given a wait time of just 10 minutes then got sat almost immediately after sitting to wait! We order mango mimosas for a bubbly and refreshing treat! And they WERE delicious!! For brunch I got the spinach, goat cheese, and tomato omelette! SCRUMPTIOUS! Perfect size and ratio of goat cheese to spinach! The wheat toast came with a jelly that had these plump, juicy chucks of raspberries in it! Even the jelly was ridiculously good and obviously homemade! I don't know if taking shots of it would be appropriate, but I certainly considered it! My boyfriend ordered the marscapone and mexican chocolate stuffed french toast! OH MY WORD!!! A delectable heaping pile of sweet sweet heaven! The marscapone stuffed was unbelievable! Sink your fork in and let that french toast melt around it! TO DIE FOR! The server was awesome! He was as polite as ever! And recommended the mango mimosas and the marscapone! That man should get a raise for inviting us to the two most delicious items ever consumed! What I'm saying here folks is GET THERE! Don't let the other reviews alarm you, This place rocks! Prepare to wait. Its busy but worth the wait!! Other items of interest: Dean Martin playing on the radio A picture of Audrey Hepburn hanging in back An assortment of vintage toasters on the shelves (with a guest appearance by The Brave Little Toaster!!)
(5)Michelle H.
I went on a Wednesday a.m. - so super easy to park and get a table. I can see how weekends would be total hell. This is breakfast in the middle of mommy-ville, so not entirely relaxing. The food was good and they kept the diet cokes coming... Solid experience.
(4)Laura H.
My favorite brunch in Chicago... and my parent's favorite brunch too. This place always looks crowded, but honestly I've never waited more than 20 minutes to be seated even on a weekend. I love ordering and eating the pancakes "orgy": three different types of pancakes, yogurt, granola, fruit and honey. They have the most fantastic fresh fruit even in the dead of winter. I am a bit of a brunch connoisseur, and I've taken my parents to the Bongo Room, Orange, Angelina's, Melrose Diner, Ann Sather and Bistro Zinc... all solid options, but Toast gets the parental seal of best brunch in Chicago.
(5)Regina S.
"They have really good toast here," said my adorable sister as we entered Toast. Wow! Toast is really, really hard to make, so I was excited about trying the place out. I can see how people can like this place. Quaint decor, reasonable prices, standard breakfast fare, but nothing surprising here. It's as simple as, well, toast. The host was a total doll, getting me coffee and pretending like he was as excited about the snow outside as I was (he's a local, I'm from CA). The waitress, however, didn't write anything down and messed up my order for 2 eggs over medium. Give this place a try if you're in the Park but don't go out of your way.
(2)Leslie M.
Ok, first of all, let me tell you....this review sucks to write because this was my favorite place for breakfast...the eggs benedict are amazing. BUT, sadly after regularly going here I will not be going back anymore. This is 100% due to the management. I go there for breakfast with some out of town guests, which I often do. The three of us sit down and my boyfriend last minute calls and says he'd like to join us and he'll be there in 10 minutes. So, the server comes to take our order, I order an extra meal for my boyfriend who will be there any minute. She says I cannot order for him....that he can join our table, but is not allowed to order any food. So, he should come sit and watch us eat our food while he is hungry??? The manager...or owner...whoever she is...comes over and says that is there policy and has been for 14 years. She says what happens if he doesn't show up or he comes 30 minutes later. Yea...so??? I would be paying for the food regardless! She said that because it's busy, they can't let him order (which, btw I was ordering at the same time as our food...makes no sense. She said then we would take up the table for a longer period of time. So wait, let me get this straight, let's say we never had this talk...and my friends and I were chatting for 20-30 minutes after eating, which happens sometimes when you're catching up....would she have come over and told us to please leave??? The logic there makes no sense...the table next to us couldn't believe it either. So we left! She tried to make things better with me, but not gonna happen. After getting us coffee and drinnks...she asked why she couldn't just re-seat us when he got there in a few minutes....you know, when the wait would have been 20 -30 minutes. Yea, let's do that....um NO!!! She said she was upset I was leaving with a bad taste in my mouth...but she could have changed that. Sorry, Toast, not going back! Went to YOLK instead and had an amazing breakfast with amazing service. By the way, saw the Groupon review...that is hilarious that they woudln't let them use the groupon on a droid, only an iphone...makes absolutely no sense! WOW!!!
(1)C G.
Quaint environment and they have outdoor section as well during summer time! Anywho.... they definitely have a tasty breakfast selection but a bit on the high side for pricing (12-14.00 per person easy). Considering they have been there for years... it must be paying off! Parking is streetside which can be a headache. Overall i would go back if I'm near by and I have 20.00+ for breakfast!
(3)Kouichi K.
I wanted some breakfast food and I found this place on Yelp. It was cute little place with decent service and atmosphere. I didn't have to wait to be seated which is a plus on a Sunday morning. I ordered the french toast with fresh berries stuffed with mascarpone. It was quite good, but nothing out of this world. I don't live in Chicago so I doubt I will ever come to this place, but it would be a potential Sunday brunch joint if I did. All in all a solid 3.5 stars.
(3)Ji K.
The wait is seriously annoying, but that's to be expected for such a cute, small place . . . in Lincoln Park . . . at 10 on a Saturday morning . . . on a gorgeous fall day. Luckily, my friend and I had reading material and conversation to keep us entertained, and we were seated at exactly the time they had quoted us. By then, we were starving, so we ordered in record time. My eggs benedict was just alright-- probably because the prosciutto they use is really salty and a bit on the tough side. But other than that, everything else was really yummy. The toast that came out before the meal was hearty and soft, my friend thought her spinach/goat cheese omelette was flavorful . . . and we both agreed that their French toast orgy (see picture) is phenomenal. Seriously. I don't really care for an overload of sweets, but this was sooo good. My favorite piece was the strawberry, but my friend loved the chocolate. Who knew that such a messy concoction could be so delicious!? Everyone else around us was understandably mesmerized by it, so my friend and I devoured it quickly enough to end their suffering. Good stuff . . .
(4)Maya T.
I really wanted to like this place because it is so charming. But the service was super slow. I mean SLOooooooW! It took forever for someone to take our drink orders, and then actually get them. And when we finally got our food - the eggs on my eggs benedict were well done, as hard as a rock. I didn't send it back because we were running late (due to the slow service). Not a good way to start the day :o(
(2)Kate B.
This is my absolute FAVORITE brunch place. I have a sweet tooth that could knock out a small elephant on most days, but their french toast trio shows that sweet tooth who is boss. Typically I don't come here on weekends because I know of the wait, but I have waited on a Sunday or two just to get a fix. Its best during the week, for those "sick days", you can sit anywhere and the wait staff isn't jumping all over you - its a good leisurely place to hang. Plus they have good coffee and they always make sure that your cup is full. Oh yea and fresh fruit on your plate can never hurt!
(5)Lindsey C.
I've been to Toast quite a few time, because friends who own a locar bar have said the food is great. The food IS great, but the wait is always insane. And, to agree with another reviewer, the lady in charge is rude, obnoxious, crude, and in other words, a b****. She is always flittering around and flirting with customers instead of working. She makes inappropriate and sexual comments to no end. She has made me and my friends uncomfortable on more than one occasion. But, I love the chorizo with eggs and my fiance LOVES the breakfast burrito, so we still go occasionally and put up with the crap.
(4)michael b.
No espresso machine and very crowded on weekends. Fits the neighborhood
(3)Nick N.
French Toast Orgy... It really is a party in your mouth, with three succulent varieties of french toast and loads of fresh fruit invited. Also, the bacon was top-notch, which is essential for any self-respecting breakfast place, imho. On the negative side, the wait can be ridiculous and the prices are... trendy, shall we say? I left happy, but not falling over myself to hurry back.
(4)robert s.
This place is a riot. Similar to cheers with good food. I have been there at least a dozen times now. Conceptually brilliant. The food is creative, rich and consistent. The staff is gentle and kind, given the velocity of the environment, that is an accomplishment. (Some actually remember my name). After reading some of the negative yelps, it will never cease to amaze me the extent some will go to embarrass themselves. I am now familiar with the rules at toast. Thank you for not standing in the doorway keeping it open, It makes me cold or sweaty depending on the season. Thank you for respecting my personal space at the counter, yes your derriere does not compliment my meal. Thank you for not splitting you check every which way and wasting my servers time while my food sits in the window and gets cold. Thank you for not sitting and waiting for your derelict friend, while we wait patiently behind you. Thank you for getting off the phone! I do not wish to be privy to your conversations. Thank you for not joining your 2 friends, the restaurant is not designed for it. Every time i have witnessed this type of selfish behavior corrected I am thankful that the people at Toast care enough about my experience to do it, no matter how difficult it is. The amount of people you satisfy on a daily basis is impressive. My last word on this establishment is, if the charm and character of this place eludes you, do not waste a trip to the Matchbox. Cheers to Toast from ownership on down Bob
(5)Alex S.
Toast is a fun kitschy place. The portions are overly ample, and watch out for the killer Bloody Mary. Every vegetable under the sun seems to be in this beauty. Watch out for the broccoli in it...it seems to absorb all of the vodka and will give you an instant buzz if you eat just one floret. As far as the food goes, I love any of the orgies. French Toast orgy, Pancake orgy...they are all good. The place is typically crowded, but some of the fun of the place is the people watching outside while waiting to get in. I have always had a good time here...and the service is usually pretty decent.
(3)s b.
I love this place! I go all the time, as the food is great and Jill is one of the funniest people I have ever met. I'm a big fan of their scrambled eggs with chorizo, cheddar, and jalapenos. I also love the scrambled eggs with cheese and peppers. If they have chilequiles on the specials- they are fantastic, as is the rice it comes with; don't miss it. The pancakes/french toast are yummy if you're looking for sweet as opposed to savory. Their veggie burger rocks too. To the guy who thinks Jill is racist/homophobic, you couldn't be more wrong. People come in to eat *and* talk with Jill. Jill is friendly and as such she makes friends all the time. Part of her thing is to kid around and make jokes a and as such, she goofs with people she knows. She wants everyone to have a good experience and does what she can to make it a fun high energy place. To the people who are annoyed by the wait and/or the seating policy- it's a small popular place, so seats are a premium. Seating whole parties helps to make the wait less than it would be otherwise. They do try to turn the tables quickly, which also means fresh hot food as its cooked to order.
(5)Joseph B.
The food is pretty good (which is why I gave it three stars), but let's face it - the atmosphere isn't very good. The tables are packed together super tightly, you're rushed in and out (after a long wait), and it's pretty pricey for whate you get. I'd be glad to do takeout from toast, but eating there is like dining on the Red Line at 8:30 on a monday morning. I prefer Mitchell's or Nookies overall.
(3)Jesster A.
A toast to Toast - especially with one of those Vodka soaked salad-in-a-glass Bloody Mary's - which probably contains at least 3 servings of veggies and more than enough booze to make your brain go "Boing!" Anything but leisurely - and you can feel all those anxious stares eyeing your table - which (as J B. noted) may distract from your dining pleasure - or for some folks - may enhance it. The trick is getting out of here without a triple whammy buzz: from the booze, caffeine and sugar highs that are inevitably followed by liver lows.
(3)Wendy L.
My french toast, while accompanied by yummy fresh berries and topped with yogurt, was undercooked and soggy--it was inedible. I decided to send it back, and go with safe pancakes instead. The server went to ask the manager, and came back to report that if I wanted pancakes, I would have to pay for them additionally. The only thing they could do was "fix" it--which she said would mean they would scrape the yogurt off the french toast, put the toast back on the grill, and then put the yogurt back on the "fixed" toast. I decided to just eat the fruit and yogurt.
(1)Adrian P. Z.
Excellent breakfast spot. The chicken sausage is the best. The restaurant is not so big so if you plan to dine on a sunny weekend morning, prepare for a wait. Or, just do what I do and order it to-go and enjoy a breakfast picnic across the street in Oz Park.
(4)Andrea R.
Toast is one of my favorite brunch spots in Chicago. It's best to go during a not so popular brunch time because this place gets crowded and you will end up waiting for over an hour. However, if you don't mind the wait or are lucky enough to get a table they have really good food. The french toast and omelette's are so good, but my favorite is the fruit bowl with granola, yogurt and honey. The berries are so fresh and delicious!
(4)KM I.
Good good good, small location but accommodating for a Sunday morning. Had the pesto scramble, yummy but I was totally full after the 2 big pieces of brioche toast so I had a few bites, potatoes were yummy. Boyfriend had the boring eggs and toast and he did enjoy that. Server was attentive, decor is kinda old fashioned and boring, but whatever
(5)Lucy B.
This place is cute and in a fun location, but is always very crowded and the wait time is always longer than they say it will be. The pancakes and french toast are a little sweet for my taste, but I really like the "pesto scrambler" and the omelette selection, and despite the chaos of brunchtime, the hosts and waitstaff are very patient and friendly.
(3)Niki C.
My bf swears up & down, "You will NEVER catch me in that place. Buncha hippies & soccer-moms-in-training." (SMITs) I tell him, "Hey ... *I'VE* been there about a half dozen times." He responds, "Like I said...." I just shake my head. But he does have a valid argument when pressed. It's just another overpriced coochie-coo brunch-erie. Gimme a counter seat where you can see the guys in the funny white hats flip over your home fries over this any day. & maybe I'll even splurge with the money I saved on a shake. That being said, I supposed if I had to choose, Toast would be my favorite brunch spot in my neighborhood (there's another place - can't remember the name, though, & it's not in my 'hood). But if you see my bf in here, the Cubs must've just won the World Series because Hell just froze over.
(3)Liz K.
This Toast is not as good as the Damen Ave. one. Croque monsieur made me sick. Too greasy.
(3)Leslie M.
I strongly disagree with the posters sighting rude management. Toast is a Lincoln Park icon, and part of what makes it such IS the people that work there, ESPECIALLY THE HOSTESS. Look, we know Toast is the size of a typical Gold Coast closet, so don't expect to arrive at a prime time and get a table. That is it's charm. It is a neighborhood gem. The food is unique and delicious, atmosphere cool with a hostess that is warm and bubbly and fun to chat with. Hell, she's half the reason we go there. We never eat the same thing cause there is always something new and tasty to try, which she points out to us. On a slow morning she even shares jokes with us. We always feel welcome. Uptight people should go to the Four Seasons for breakfast, where servers are expected to kiss your ass. If you want to feel like you're part of a delicious neighborhood secret go to Toast.
(5)Jess Z.
Went today for breakfast on a whim and it was SUCH a great decision! My boyfriend and I got there at 10:30 on a Sunday morning and did have to wait about a half hour for a table. When seated the waitress immediately came over to us and was extremely friendly and helpful. The hot chocolate was amazing and the food was INSANELY good. I got the huevos with chorizo and each bite was better than the last. Both my boyfriend and I agreed it was the best breakfast, service and experience we had gotten in a long time. Will definitely go back!
(5)Ling L.
If you go early enough you will be seated right away. Our group of 4 walked in at 10:30am on a Sunday morning and snagged seats right away at the last available table. My friends who go there all the time told me horror stories of waiting outside for 2+ hours. For brunch! The Crab Benedict was absolutely delish! I tried my friend's french toast and it was really yummy as well. Wish we had places like this closer to where I live!
(4)Matthew R.
I had heard some great things about Toast but was kind of disappointed in it. I went there for a late lunch on a Thursday afternoon - about 2pm when the place was starting to get quiet. The service was good in sitting me right away at a good table, but I found the food to be merely OK. Not bad really - but nothing too special considering what I paid for it. I had a goat cheese and spinach omelet and a coffee and including tax and tip paid about $16. The omelet was fine - but I've had much better omelets for less money. The potatoes that came on the side were kind of soggy and flavorless. So overall just a kind of "meh" reaction to it. If it were a bit less expensive I might consider going back, but I don't need to pay $15 for a mediocre lunch.
(2)Jocelyn L.
"french toast and bellini were awesome. so was the company."
(4)Samantha L.
Delicious crabby benedict, but this place is INSANELY crowded circa brunch time and really needs to be much bigger. Because of the crowd and the ridiculously long wait, you feel rushed to finish up and leave so the next table can come. I really enjoyed the food, but I think it would be great if this place were bigger and the wait wasn't so long. Oh, fresh-squeezed OJ is good as well.
(4)Gfiddy F.
Delicious beef & eggs benedict, also, fun nanobrew.
(5)Heidi C.
A couple of friends and I decided to try a new place and Toast looked like a good candidate for a quick, satisfying bite for an early sunny day. Seemed to have a nice atmosphere. food was alright, but I can say that it's not worth the prices. There are a few brunch spots I can think of at the top of my head that taste better for less. The biggest problem I had was the service. Awful. I think we only saw our server two separate times. one to take our order (after waiting for what seemed like eternity) and the second to drop our bill on the table. The busboy was more helpful than the waitress! Overpriced food and an ultra rude waitress is not my idea of starting out the day. Oh and screaming toddlers at the next table was a great bonus. No more Toast for me.
(2)Elizabeth B.
I tried Toast a couple months back and was very pleasantly surprised. I had the stuffed french toast and it was amazing!! We did have a bit of a wait but it was worth it. Unfortunately, I don't live in this area but next time I am in the neighborhood, I'll definitely by stopping by!
(5)Hanna A.
The food is good. If you beat the 9 am crowd, you usually don't have to wait. It is KIDS galore, so if you are looking forward to a quiet, calm relaxing breakfast, you may want to think elsewhere. I do always feel surrounded by babies but sometimes they're cute and well behaved so I don't mind. On the other hand, the last time I went the manager was playing with some customers baby (I mean literally for 15-20 minutes) so it was really distracting to be honest with you.) I mean she was walking with him, swinging him around, handing him to other waitstaff (which they are probably thinking "why the f-k would I want to babysit this child while working?" But one of those situations they kind of had to act interested.) And I am not the greatest morning person so it was kind of annoying for me. But with that said, could you imagine going here and the manager is taking care of your child to keep you as a customer? She's smart, really. So those parents will probably have the greatest review in the world. And good for them being able to enjoy their food out for once. I usually get the goat cheese omelette but I finally tried the breakfast burritto I always wanted to- I think it would be excellent if you like breakfast burrittos, a little heavy for me. But the huevos rancheros is awesome. And I love their rye toast and they have great coffee. If you can make it before 845-9 I think it's pretty groovy because I keep going back.
(4)Cristina P.
Today was my first time at Toast. My husband and I went to celebrate a belated birthday brunch. He had a Mimosa and the Veggie Burger; came with a side and he opted for hash browns. I had the Vegetarian Omelette, hash browns and coffee. I tend to be super picky about my food and if the food taste like the animal product I very much dislike it. Eggs are one of those foods where I like them, but risk getting them and not eating. If they smell and taste like the egg, I don't eat it (don't know how I became so picky). Anyway, needless to say the food was amazing. It had the right amount of seasoning spread throughout the entire dish and had me and my husband extremely happy. It is hard for me to find a spot where the food is just right. I recommend this spot, it is small and cozy, but the food is great and the portions are just right. Not too much, not too little. I was full and satisfied. OH! They have a lot of veggie options, that gave us a lot more to look forward to. Not a lot of places are health conscious, I want to say Toast is. We will be back! ;)
(5)Suzanne V.
I came here with a friend on Sunday morning--obviously their busiest time. The wait was an hour, but we walked around for a bit after putting our names in. It is a small place, but cute and cozy. My friend felt a bit in the way as we were near the kitchen, but that's just how some tables were set up. The menu had enough choices without being overwhelming. The breakfast burger caught my eye, and though it doesn't say, it comes with breakfast potatoes. The ciabatta roll was toasted, and everything about it was spectacular. It was cheesy, gooey (from the fried egg yolk), salty (the beef patty), fresh (spinach), and packed with flavor from the pesto mayo. Though it was messy to eat, I enjoyed every single bite. I could have done without the potatoes. They were boiled, though somewhat unevenly, whereas I prefer crispy breakfast potatoes. My friend ordered the lemon poppyseed pancakes, which looked delicious and got a thumbs up from her. Quick and friendly service, cute decor, fun and interesting menu, and walking distance from the Fullerton red line stop. I'll be back!
(4)David R.
The food was great. So many different options to choose from. The inside is a little small, so may not be great for larger groups. The pancake orgy and the Lorraine omelet was amazing!
(4)R R.
Not bad. Not great. Their french toast, and related options, are consistently A-OK, but it's not going to impress you. That said, it's not likely to disappoint, either. I'm always surprised with the wait here, given the number of other high-quality options nearby.
(3)Brian S.
We came to Toast on a whim for a quick breakfast and couldn't be happier with that decision. I had the BELT with cheese and avocado, and my fiancé had the stuffed French toast. Mine was just the right amount of savory, and the avocado added a great twist to the traditional B(E)LT. Her stuffed French toast was phenomenal - it's clearly a staple here. Didn't plan on eating in this area, but will definitely fit Toast into future plans. Excellent!!
(5)Mary T.
Creative yet simple. Great place for people watching. Yummy fresh OJ and good coffee. Only downside is the wait and being packed in like sardines. Worth the reputation of neighborhood favorite.
(4)Ray B.
My girlfriend and I happened to come here after being disappointed with End Grain being closed. I'm so glad we did happen to stumble on this Lincoln Park treasure. We waited about 5 minutes before being seated around 1130 on a Friday; not bad. My girlfriend had started with the mimosa flight. It consisted of 3 good pours of classic orange, raspberry lemonade, and peach. She said they were good and she enjoyed them. I had started with the Wasabi Bloody Mary and that's where the star comes off. The garnishes consisted of jalapeños, mushrooms, broccoli and were pretty good. The overall consistency was too thin and it wasn't spicy enough. I'm really not too picky with drinks, but I am a bloody connoisseur and it was drinkable with some good flavors, but it was not a bloody. Now to the reason I wrote this review....the food. I had ordered the chorizo egg Benedict and she had the regular egg Benedict with pancetta. Both were absolutely amazing and I will be coming back to try the crab Benedict. The hollandaise sauce was absolutely spot on from taste to consistency, which most restaurants cannot manage. The chorizo was awesome on this dish. I highly recommend Toast for a breakfast.
(4)Michele N.
No reservations accepted, you have to put your name on the list, in person, and everyone in your party has to be present to get seated. Those are the rules...you better follow them!! They don't waiver from this policy, but they sure do a great job of getting everyone seated and served, considering how small the restaurant is. We went for brunch with a group of eight people and everyone was hungry on arrival and left behind plates that appeared to be licked clean! The omelets are delicious, the pancakes are fluffy and light, and the egg combo plates were hearty. You can't go wrong here, whatever you order, everything is fresh and delicious. They also have a variety of fresh juices and awesome coffee!
(5)Madison P.
Not only is its name the same as my sister's nickname, but the cute little cafe carries my favorite type of food- breakfast food! I am a sucker for oatmeal, so of course, I ordered a bowl of the Irish oats... they did not disappoint! Everything was fresh and steamy hot! Next on the list, though- the French Toast Orgy. I almost reached across to the next table to steal it right from in front of the strangers next to us! The staff was incredible and so kind! Quick service and Warm and Cozy atmosphere!
(4)Victoria W.
Thoroughly impressed. The only negative would be that they do not itemize a check, you can split the bill but you'll have to split it amongst the number of members in your group, they will not individually charge what you actually ordered. With that said, I ordered the apple, pear and brie toast, extremely delicious, and i don't really even like brie. Perfectly executed, serious this place ranks as the second best crepe place I have ever been too, and I have tried A LOT. My crepe was topped with honey and thin green apple slices. Also tried my friend's mushroom and swiss crepe, very delicious and hearty, and I don't usually like salty crepes even, so I had high standards. It was not too over powering, just right. The portion of the crepe is a good size too, it comes folded into 1/4 of the size of a circle. I also ordered a watermelon soup, bad idea, it was cold, I didn't really like it. But that's just my personal taste, not the restaurant's fault. Every table comes with fresh flowers and honey. A cute little place, definitely looks very popular. The people who work here are also very courteous and professional. A great atmosphere, will be back!
(5)Mariola L.
My boyfriend and I were in need of good breakfast food and we did not have enough time to head to our favorite spot (Over Easy). We found this place since we were nearby and the reviews were decent, so we gave it a shot. We were expecting the worst from a few reviews. The restaurant looked much nicer than what we expected from the reviews. Less cramped than other places, tall ceilings, and overall a nice look. I ordered the eggs Benedict with thinly sliced prosciutto and my boyfriend ordered some pancakes with lavender, mascarpone and a small serving of fruit. My Benedict was covered in the lemony hollandaise sauce. By covered I mean you could only see 1/10 of the muffin at the bottom. It was delicious until I had too much of it the sauce. Then the whole sauce slid off in a whole piece which left a soggy muffin. The prosciutto? I will admit the only I've had is from Costco so my standards are very low. Forget the thinly sliced prosciutto, I got some nice THICK pieces. They were also very tough and made it difficult to bite into. Trying to rip that thing with my teeth made me look like a rabid dog. I just gave up and left it on my plate. I don't like potatoes but I was expecting similar to other cafes; small cubes of potatoes fully cooked with a few sides nice and crispy. What I got was large chucks, some falling apart from being over cooked, some still RAW in the middle. The f**k?! My boyfriends pancakes... soaked in something upon arrival. Oil? Possibly because some parts of the pancake were crispy. Um, since when do we cook pancakes to a CRISP? I think they are supposed to be nice and fluffy. Also, by small fruit salad do you mean two strawberries and two small pieces of orange? Right.. Both of us felt nauseous after eating here but yeah, I'll never come back. Try Over Easy, M. Henry, or Milk & Honey instead.
(2)Brian M.
Stopped going here for several years because of the long waits. Have rediscovered it and its lunch is just as good as the breakfast. Excellent service as well.
(5)The Sams X.
Grabbed a delicious breakfast at this restaurant on the way out of town this morning. You will recognize the sign because it actually is a piece of toast (clever). It is a long narrow restaurant and the ambience is very welcoming. The coffee was excellent (strong). I ordered the Bennie special (asparagus/bacon) it came with crispy home fries and was a very large portion. Hollandaise sauce was exceptional. My partner in crime ordered the b.e.l.t. (Bacon egg lettuce tomato) and thought it was good. Service was great and thank you for a great start to the day;)
(4)Ashling I.
Loved the Scrambled peppers and atmosphere. Was a nice place with good food and good people. Would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(5)Paige S.
Came here this morning to meet friends for brunch while in town. The atmosphere is very cute, as it's a pretty small place. Overall, the food was very good. Their breakfast potatoes were amazing. I had the regular French toast which was really good. My only complaint is that hostess was not very attentive and communicative, but once we were seated our waiter was wonderful and very attentive. Overall, I would return again.
(4)Leslie B.
I wish I woke up early enough to visit Toast more often. Unfortunately, a line forms super early and lasts outrageously late. Seriously, that many people are brunching at 2:00 PM? If you can get there early enough, one of the most quaint and delicious brunch spots in the city. I went on Christmas Eve morning, it was a good move as we had zero wait. Toast has very limited seating, it's a tiny restaurant and you're almost dining with the tables next to you. However, the servers deftly move between tables and everyone seems to embrace the small atmosphere. Many of the menu options are simple, but very well executed. You can't go wrong with their famous french toast, but it's a LOT. I love sweet things, it's too sweet for me to have an entire meal of. I went with the smoked salmon omelet and loved it. Dill havarti, capers, red onions, and smoked salmon, this was flavorful and executed perfectly. I also loved their breakfast potatoes. The boyfriend had the french toast orgy, nom. I gladly accepted the bite(s) he offered me. He also ordered a side of their grilled chicken sausage stuffed with apple and gouda. I think I'd go back for this alone, best chicken sausage I've ever had. Overall, Toast may be a little fussy with some of their rules (who can't split a check these days?!) but you're going for the delicious breakfast food. So go early and enjoy!
(5)Allison M.
Hoorayyyy brunch! Any place where breakfast food is the focus, not simply a concession offered to me if I happen to get out of bed and get my butt to the restaurant early enough-- that's a win in my book. I had the stuffed french toast here, which was extravagant and over-the-top... but I actually wish I had gotten the eggs, and not because of the caloric catastrophe I wreaked upon my digestive system. The french toast came with one of each-- a mascarpone-filled, a strawberry-filled, and a Mexican chocolate-filled. The best was by far the Mexican chocolate-filled french toast; it had the most filling, the most flavor, and the most moisture. The french toast are sort of strangely shaped, like big bready logs, which could be really cool but I didn't really feel like the flavor matched my hopes and expectations. The eggs being served at all the tables around me, though, looked hot and perfectly cooked and delicious. I love the vibe here, it's super cute... So I'd definitely like to come back and try something else on the menu that actually is as good as it sounds!
(4)Lauren W.
Loved this place! Went here today with my parents and we were seated immediately at the counter around 930am on a Sunday. We opted for the counter, as the wait was about 25-30 minutes for a table. The service was awesome; people constantly came around to fill up our water, clean away our dishes, ask us if we needed anything, etc. The food was reasonably priced, plentiful, and delicious. I had the choose your own stuffed french toasts, and I picked fresh strawberry and dark chocolate. They were amazing and I loved the fresh fruit. My mom picked the strawberry crepe and my dad had the stack of pancakes, and they raved about them as well. I would come back here in a heartbeat!
(5)Emma K.
I came here this past Saturday for a birthday brunch with my boyfriend. This is probably the 3rd or 4th time I've tried to come here, but have been deterred by the 45 min + wait that is usually quoted. I called around 1pm on Saturday and was informed the wait for 2 would be 15 minutes. When we arrived 15 minutes later, the wait had grown to 30 minutes. We grabbed a drink at Glascott's in the meantime since the waiting area was very crowded inside. A lot of items on the menu looked really good, but I couldn't pass up getting the crabby benedict. It wasn't spectacular, but was yummy. The BF got the stuffed french toast that came with three large pieces each filled with a different filling - mexican chocolate, mascarpone, and strawberry. The mexican chocolate and strawberry were okay, but the mascarpone one was delicious - definitely the best thing on either of our plates. I got a mango mimosa and the BF got a beer, and our meal came to $37. The service was very slow. I'm not sure what was going on. I know there are only about 15 tables or so in the restaurant, but I only saw one waiter the entire time. On the other hand, I saw 5 other employees - one hostess, two guys clearing tables, one guy making coffee and drinks, and one eating lunch at the counter. It seemed a little bit strange since waiting for our drinks and the check took a long time (although the food did come out very quickly). I probably won't be back unless I'm coming with somebody else; there are so many places in Chicago to try, and I wasn't blown away by this one.
(3)Jennifer J.
I'm a fan of this place.. specifically their benedicts. The hollandaise sauce is has truffle oil in it.. and who dislikes truffle? (Nobody I know!) The traditional benedict is amazing and when I come here with my vegetarian bestie, we opt for the soyrizo benedict. You can't go wrong with either! They also have a solid breakfast burrito and the chorizo and eggs is great as well. I'm big on sweets for breakfast or brunch, but I always get a side of the marscapone stuffed french toast because it's just that good. There is always a wait on the weekends, so be sure to go early (like at 9am).
(4)Conglar C.
food is very good....wait staff is hit or miss...and Today....The Hostess was really snotty....cavalier and totally unaccomodating....to the Whatever level
(1)Simon S.
Delicious breakfast, great service and staff. Cute local joint in Lincoln park. Would stop by here daily if I lived in Chicago.
(4)Benjamin A.
Great food, great atmosphere. Everything on the menu is probably amazing. Everything our table ordered was just as wonderful. My favorite place for breakfast by far.
(5)Talitha G.
This place is awesome! The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because it was very crowded and loud. But it adds to the lively atmosphere! Came here with my husband and daughter and we all enjoyed it. The prices are very reasonable! Will be coming back for all brunch needs :)
(4)Stephanie R.
Delicious! The french toast orgy pretty was amazing. Ordered the mascarpone and strawberry. Definitely enough to share. The hubby had the Lorraine omelette with potatoes and an English muffin. He's a big eater and it was enough for him. Street parking only. We arrived around 8:45 on a Saturday and there was about a 15 minute wait.
(4)Joey M.
This place was kick a$$. I ate there for breakfast with a friend of mine during a trip to Chicago. Took the red line to Fullerton Ave and then it's in walking distance from there. The chef here is not only an amazing chef but an artist. The food is displayed so distinct, crisp, colorful, and perfect! I went on a limb this time and got crab with eggs benedict. Soooo good. real crab meat! Also try there wasabi bloody Mary but just don't try it with the Eggs Benedict. I should have ordered it after I ate. Not a complaint, just a quick tip! Any time I go to Chicago, I go to Toast.
(4)Frank P.
Excellent place to have breakfast or lunch. I've been eating there since it opened in the 90's. Hip upscale break fast lunch food. Great place to go for conversation too.
(5)Sean B.
How this place only has 3.5 stars is beyond me.. I've tried many of the amazing brunch spots in Chicago, and this is one of my top 2. The atmosphere, service, food are all amazing. You'll have to deal with the constant DePaul crowds, especially on weekends, but it's worth it and in a great location.
(5)Caitlyn M.
Amazing. Service, food, ambiance...couldn't get any better. From the Apple, pear and brie crepe/crab benedict even to the busser....everything is perfect.
(5)Emily R.
Absolutely loved this restaurant in Lincoln Park. The staff was friendly and the service great. I had the b.e.l.t. It was delicious. Egg with bacon, lettuce on a French roll with their amazing house potatoes on the side.
(5)Dustin T.
Errrbody always obsessing about brunch and now I know why. I am not a vegetarian but I decided to get the vegetarian eggs Benedict and man was it delicious. Unfortunately I did not try any of their toast but a friend ravaged down 4 pieces along with his own meal. Definitely make a reservation or come at an odd hour because this place is PACKED.
(4)Shasha C.
Execellent food!! I had the scramble eggs with pesto and prosciutto with the French toast and marscapone. FANTASTIC!
(5)Ruth S.
Breakfast and service is good. Small place so brunch wait is to be expected. Potatoes are AMAZING! Menu has good variety. I had a yummy omelette. Exponentially better than like Jam and Honey down the street. Good breakfast spot in LP!
(4)Hannah J.
Toast is my favorite brunch spot in Chicago. There is just so much to love. Yes, the place is small, so there can be a wait, but I like the intimate vibe. It isn't loud and bustling, as some brunch places can be, and because there is essentially one row of tables, customers aren't smushed back-to-back. It's very pleasant. I love the food options. They have great sweet options, but also amazing savory and spicy options. I have gotten the huevos with chorizo and cheddar scramble and the chorizo/pico de gallo benedict. They were both amazing. The hollandaise sauce here has a nice lemony flavor. Recently, they started serving Bow Truss coffee, which is roasted right here in Lakeview. It's strong and delicious! The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. I've been here twice and coffee and water is consistently filled and servers have smiles on their faces. I can't wait to come back!
(5)Danielle S.
We came here for a quick breakfast on a Friday morning, so we didn't have to wait. I really love the atmosphere here - it is a small quaint place (so I could definitely see how there could be a wait on the weekend). It's very open with a breakfast bar that you can sit at. It reminds me of an updated diner, but still has the vintage flare. We ordered coffee and 2 of the specials of the day - mine was a salad, and my friend's was a breakfast sandwich. Both were unique and were not things that I would normally find on a breakfast menu. The whole menu is kind of that way - they do have some traditional items, but I didn't feel like it was just like everywhere else. The only thing that I thought was lacking was the service. It wasn't busy and there were not that many people there, but we still waited for our food for a while, as well as our check and refills. However, it isn't enough to keep me from coming back!
(4)Ivan G.
Came in here during the middle of a storm and had to wait 20-25min for a seat but it was definitely worth it. The restaurant is relatively small. It has a bout 12-15 tables I would say and a bar area. Once we sat down we were debating on various menu items. They have a great selection of drinks including mimosas, bloody Mary's, and spiked coffee (makers mark or baileys). I chose the coffee with baileys and it was on point. Even got free baileys refills. The food was delicious. I ordered the stuffed French toast and had each flavor. All which were very delicious but I can say I've had a slightly better French toast. The service was great. Quick, friendly, and knowledgeable. The lady taking names for seats was extremely friendly and was great to converse with. Our server Felix was great, he knew his stuff on all the menu items we asked about and even gave us advice. All in all I will definitely go back a number of times.
(5)Lynn M.
Amazing blueberry pancakes and great ambiance. The waiter and entire staff was super friendly. Hoping to come back again sometime for a Bloody Mary!
(4)Kate K.
Toast was fine, but nothing spectacular. We went around noon on a Sunday and still waited over an hour for a seat - the restaurant is really tiny. My omelet was fine and the rest of the group reported about the same. They do offer many types of toast, but they are still just generic flavors and store-bought quality. The only distinguishing/fun aspect I can point out is that they give you crayons for the paper tablecloths. At the end of the meal the waitress told us she could only split the bill between two cards. This seems kind of ridiculous at a brunch spot since brunch is almost always a group meal. Overall, not bad but not great.
(3)Patrick L.
The food is amazing, the service is not. It was a busy Sunday brunch, my friend and I were seated at a table for 4. Another friend happened to be nearby in the neighborhood and we invited him. We tried to place orders for all 3 of us and were flatly told that he wouldn't be allowed to sit at the table. I understand that they need to turn tables over when busy but there were 2 empty seats at our table and we were putting in everyone's order at once.
(2)Shruti K.
I loved my visit to Toast. On a weekend trip to Chicago I was introduced to Toast for brunch. We went a bit early (around 10:30am) to beat the crowds. Had to wait about 15-20 minutes for a table for 3. Once seated I realized the decor was quite cute and comfortable. They had cartoon pictures of toasters all over the place. The furniture was simple and comfortable. The yellow walls made it bright and cozy. We started off with coffee and freshly squeezed juice. The juice was refreshing and not too sweet. I ordered the Tijuana scrambled egg. Most eggs are served with house potatoes and a choice of bread. My friends ordered the the pesto scramble and the grilled tenderloin Benedict. We also ordered the stuffed french toast for the table. Everything was excellent tasting. Both the scrambled eggs were delicious. They were bursting with flavors in each bite. The Tijuana peppers were not too hot. The stuffed french toast one came in 3 fillings: puréed fresh strawberry, mascarpone and mexican chocolate. I liked the mascarpone the best. Did not thing much about the strawberry. They were big and quite filling. Overall I really enjoyed my meal. I believe they have some outdoor seating too in the patio. The food is scrumptious. Do get their early on the weekends to beat the line. They do not take reservations and the wait can get long!!
(4)Reyna M.
omg! Perfect pancakes! Perfect coffee! Perfect eggs Benedict & top class service! My new fav spot! Thanks Felix for the great service!
(5)Madeline S.
This was a great spot for brunch! I met up with a friend I hadn't seen in years and we only waited 15 minutes. There is so much on the menu that sounds delicious and a few specials that I was intrigued by. I ended up going with the lemon poppy seed pancakes. The service was prompt and the food fresh and delicious, very solid. We stayed for a good two hours and they didn't rush us even though there was a slight wait.
(4)Jeff M.
Sad to see this place gone downhill. Ordered my favorite classic eggs Benedict. First time one egg was cooked all the way through, had broken into two pieces, put back together, and served. Asked about it and the waiter immediately took it back. Second plate the yolk was still partially solid and the meat had so much fat that the steak knife provided couldn't cut through it. Manager proceed to explain how some people liked the new meat, and not listening that it was the second try, explained that I could order soft poached eggs?!?! Too bad, loved this as a local breakfast place.
(1)Jean C.
The food was wonderful. The service was excellent. I will return.
(5)M K.
This place is just ok - not bad, but not great either. Our table got the pancake orgy and the french toast orgy. The french toast orgy was slightly better than the pancake orgy. Points for creativity, but it just didn't taste as amazing as it sounds. French toast orgy - Had three types of stuffed french toast "logs", so we had one of each - mascarpone, pureed strawberries, and dark chocolate. Marscarpone was by far the best, the others were just ok (chocolate slightly better than the strawberries). Pancake orgy - Three types of pancakes, but it was hard to tell what they were. It was only lukewarm when I ate into it, and not as moist as I would have liked. I've been to many brunch places in my life (in Chicago and outside) and nothing to write home about. I'm glad I tried it, but I probably won't be back for seconds.
(3)Kelsey G.
Toast is nearby, so I have gone a handful of times on weekend mornings when I'm too lazy to walk more than a minute. It is always busy on weekends and there is guaranteed a long wait during peak hours. When you do get a table, you will be about an inch and a half from the next table. Food is overall decent. I usually get an omelet. Sometimes I get a good portion size and the flavors are prominent. Sometimes it comes out smaller and bland. Overall, this place is decent. Worth trying, but nothing to write home about.
(3)K S.
This location is decent. Definitely an above average breakfast/brunch spot. I had the traditional french toast and house potatoes. These potatoes were probably some of the best I've had that were not cooked at my house! My bf had the B.E.L.T and added some goat cheese to it. He was pretty satisfied and full after having that! Service wasnt speedy but was slower than expected it to be on a Tuesday morning.
(3)Nekia N.
Visted Toast yesterday morning with a friend. When we arrived the hostess said that it was going to be a 30 min wait for 2. Luckily these two customers were leaving the bar so we got seated right away. I preferred sitting at the bar because the table seating looked so cramped. Yes, the place is super small so if you opt for table seating be prepared to feel like the person sitting next to you is damn near sitting on your lap. The waitress we had was super nice. We were a little bit disappointed when we found out it was BYOB. Before coming to to Toast we searched for the establishment on Yelp. Yelp said it had a full bar and served mimosas as well as Bloody Marys but when we arrived I saw on the window it said BYOB. The Orange Juice was really good and my friend said that his Bloody Mary (which took longer to make than our food) was really spicy so I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. However, I had the Strawberry Crepes and he had the Pesto & Prosciutto Omelette. I felt the food came out too quickly. Like if they microwaved it or something. I mean I love that I didn't have to wait too long for my order but with it coming out soooo quickly it made me wonder about the freshness of the item. I enjoyed my food though. I might go back and try something else. I see a lot of reviews raving about the Eggs Benedict. All in all not too bad of a brunch experience but not the best either.
(3)Eunice J.
Such a cute place! And the food is very yummy. It's quite small though so I wouldn't recommend going with a large group. They're also a lot better at their sweets menu vs savory - in my opinion.
(4)Adam K.
I was a bit disappointed with the underestimated wait, but it's nothing Toast can do other than expand or take reservations. The wait was so long, I was starting to lose blood sugar after going on 45 minutes for the wait. I personally will go back again, but not if the wait is longer than 20 minutes, the food is just not worth it. Anyway, service and underestimated wait time aside, the food and service were bittersweet: food was good but service a bit disappointing since they asked us to sit at the bar when my friend was 7 months pregnant. I had the pesto scramble and my friend had the special orange zest pancakes. Both entrees were good.
(3)Eric S.
Try the stuffed French toast.. This place lives up to the name. Highly recommended for breakfast in Lincoln Park
(5)Chelsea B.
Best eggs Benedict EVER! The place gets really busy, so if you get there after 9 expect to wait a while.
(5)Kristine N.
Cute breakfast restaurant with limited and intimate seating. You're sitting so close with your neighbors, so get cozy. Our server was so friendly and funny, he really made our morning. He was patient and great with recommendations. I ordered the pesto scramble and it is one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten. The pesto gives it a rich buttery taste. Came with breakfast potatoes which were a little on the soft side. Normally I like my potatoes extra crispy but these had such a strong herb flavor, they were excellent. My bf got a breakfast burrito with bacon and was raving about it. It was a big burrito wrapped in a basil wrap, I think. Very delicious, very friendly, very reasonably priced.
(5)Liz L.
We go to Toast a lot. At one point every weekend. And we order take out even more. Until today when we were told they couldn't accommodate to go orders. And who ever answered the phone was super rude and gave no explanation and hung up on me. The food is great, obviously or we wouldn't want it every weekend, but service here needs some work. And if you one day decide you're not taking to go food, you're going to lose a lot of loyal customers.
(3)Cris O.
I absolutely recommend and love this place! I've come here only 2 times(for which both times I've had the french toast orgy) and plan on coming here more often, even though I live closer to the other Toast's location in Bucktown (which was disappointing). ---It seems like they have two recipes for the french toast orgy, because it tastes incredibly much better here. The mexican chocolate is by far my favorite: tastes so delightful. It's a dream in heaven. The french toast orgy is definitely worth the half-hour or so wait to be seated on a Saturday or Sunday. They also have a very friendly staff from the waiters to the busboys. A friendly staff adds a charm and liking to a restaurant, and this toast's location has that. :) I'll definitely be back to try something other than the french toast orgy, even though I will find that very hard to do.
(5)Kelly P.
This was a yummy adventure. We made the choice to go on a weekend when it would potentially be the busiest. It was. But the process was painless. We put our name in and strolled around the area while we waited. The food was pleasantly delicious. It's kind of a small place, so I wouldn't suggest bringing a big group. There just isn't room.
(4)Amy R.
The place is small and the tables are cramped, but the food is oh so good. I haven't gotten a lot of the savory items because this place seems to live for truffle oil, to which I am highly allergic. But I don't even mind. That French toast... Oh, that French toast. There are times during my quest for the perfect brunch that I pause and say "I can't order this. It's too simple. It's not worth paying for." Often, French toast is one of those items. Like, I can really go home and dunk some bread into milk and egg and save myself $10. But not here. The French toast is thick, fluffy, flavorful. And when you get it stuffed with the chocolate cream? Forget it. You can't recreate this stuff. The wait is often long - usually if its more than 30 mins, we'll head somewhere else. But if you can manage the wait and love a rich twist on the classic French toast, this place is worth it.
(3)Nish R.
This is a great brunch spot. We had to wait in line for about 45 minutes but one of the girls in our group was late anyway so we didn't mind the wait. But if you go on a Sunday keep that in mind there could be a long wait. Other than that service is friendly. We were there chatting long after we finished our meal and no one gave us evil looks and tried to shove us out the door. Food is good. I loved their Potatos. I had the Peso Scramble. It was very good. Others in out groop ordered pan cakes, toast, Egg Benedict and crepes. Everything was good and ingredients were fresh. I didn't like my Wasabi Bloody Mary too much. I guess it's an acquired taste. I'd rather have a regular bloody Mary. Someone in our group ordered a Mimosa and she said that seemed like just organge Juice. I'd go there again even with the long wait.
(4)Katie D.
The hostess wasn't friendly but everything else age up for it. The chorizo Benedict was on point along with the pesto scramble. I wouldn't recommend the Bloody Mary of you like spicy or thicker ones. Also, the pear apple crepe could've been better. At least the portions are huge so you can share to make sure everyone has delicious bites.
(3)Lauren B.
Staff is always lovely and I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes. I heart the Crabby benedict and the spinach, goat cheese omelette but the next time I come in I think I am going to have to breakdown and try the stuffed french toast.......you only live once right?!? Strong coffee! Happy Servers! I will update the review after my foray in the stuffed french toast.
(3)Jennifer N.
I finally got to try Toast and I will definitely be coming back. The Julius Meinl coffee is delicious and they bring as many refills as you can drink. I ordered the special omelet which had prosciutto, asparagus, tomatoes, and gruyere....it was probably the best omelet I've ever had. My boyfriend ordered the French toast with berries...we were expecting a couple of berries thrown on top but his food was covered in berries. We were pleasantly surprised. We came on a Sunday so there was a bit of a wait, but it was totally worth it.
(5)Alec K.
Looking to find some good breakfast is always a good time and and we found an amazing place in Toast. I was surprised to see that this place only had a three and a half star rating because it was way better than that. It took a little bit of time to sit down because the place is a little small but it was well worth it. The portion size for my order of chocolate chip pancakes was huge and for 8 bucks it was totally worth it. Best pancakes I've had in a long time! Will definitely be going back. Ask for felix the server he's the bomb.
(5)Judith B.
Love Toast and apparently everyone else does too because it's pretty packed on the weekends. We usually do carry out and everything is ready ASAP and just as delicious as sitting down and enjoying breakfast at Toast.
(5)Melissa A.
Loved the chorizo Benedict and banana but pancakes! Their real maple syrup was the perfect touch. Definitely try this place so worth it!
(5)Jeremy C.
Great place, great pancakes with tasty fresh fruits and orange juice. Coffe was good, nice music and the service was good too. I'll come back, definitely!
(4)Dan E.
I have had much better luck at this Toast location than the other (in Bucktown). The food is similar if not the same. However, the wait is usually shorter and the staff friendlier.
(4)Angel R.
Really good breakfast place! The place is pretty cramped, would be nice to have an outdoor seating esp at this time of year, but still my go to breakfast place. Had the 2 eggs with chicken sausage and toast, best marble rye I've ever had! Also had the classic Benedict, good flavor on the hollandaise. Totally worth the drive to the city
(4)Keyla R.
Being that we lived in easy walking distance from Toast for several years, this became a favorite go-to breakfast spot for us. Now that we drive there, ehh, not as often, but that's because Lincoln Park parking is tough. Plus, to be honest, the wait at Toast can be bad so the last thing you want to do is drive there hungry and find yourself waiting for a long-time. Logistics aside, the food is good - better than good, even -, the service is friendly and fast, and the space is cozy. I judge a breakfast place by the quality of their eggs. Mainly because I am so damned picky about my eggs. Funny thing is some idiot once told me being picky about food was a sign of immaturity. I call her an idiot because being picky is actually a sign that you are mature enough to know how your food is supposed to be prepared. Eggs should be light and fluffy, cooked over low heat so that when they come to the table they do not bounce. Toast gives me eggs that are tender and light. Perfect. So try any of there omelets or scrambles. They will happily leave of any ingredients you don't like and they will bring to the table some mighty good eggs. Second, you must have either their pancakes, which are good, or their french toast, which is better. But most especially you have to try their french toast STUFFED with sweet mascarpone and strawberries. It is a huge plate of food, that can easily be shared by two, but so damned good that you won't want to. Say hello to wider hips because this stuff is addictive. Oh, and for you local Julius Meinl fans who need to get your fix, this is the place to do it. They serve JM coffee at this joint.
(4)Jennifer R.
Toast is charming. I loved my experience there. The menu was solid and the prices seemed right. I had the special which was a sort of breakfast burger. It was very good. I noticed the owner walking around and helping fill waters or bring food to tables. I liked seeing how she was involved in her own business and how approachable she presents herself. The waitress we had was excellent. She did a fabulous job and everything tasted delicious. This is a great place to grab some brunch or breakfast with a small group of friends. It's not a very big place, so I could see how there could be a wait time at peak dining hours, but thankfully I didn't come across that. With the charming details of the fresh flowers on the table to the plethora of vintage toasters all around the establishment, this place felt authentic and welcoming. They do their own bread and jams from what I remember and I am excited to come back and try more.
(4)Kara B.
I really enjoyed our Memorial Day brunch at Toast today. I expected it to be packed when we got there...it was busy but not overcrowded. The hostess sat us at the counter right away. The guy serving the counter (who seemed to be manager/owner maybe?) was so friendly and took very good care of us. When our food took awhile to come out, he apologized and made sure to refill our coffee numerous times. We didn't care since we had nowhere to be. Food was phenomenal...I got the omelette Loraine (chives, bacon, gruyere cheese....yum) and my husband got the prosciutto eggs Benedict- both were great! We didn't feel rushed at all (like some brunch places) and had a great experience. Very neighborhood, small town, fun/easy going people kind of feel and we will definitely be back....next time we will get one of their bloody Mary's that looked insanely good.
(4)Laurie D.
Liked the area this restaurant was in. Hard to find parking. The restaurant was very busy on the Sunday morning that we went, but four of us got seated right away. Very few tables. Nice menu with lots of good choices. All of us enjoyed our breakfast. Two of us did veggie omelettes and toast and red potatoes. Another one did the salmon omelette.everyone was happy.
(4)J C.
If you're coming here, be prepared for a few things: A super long wait Amazing food I was on vacation so I may be biased but I enjoyed it thoroughly!
(4)Jackie L.
This is my hands-down favorite neighborhood place for brunch (yes, much better than Nookies)! The highs: Delicious food, both sweet and savory (pepper eggs, anyone?); speedy and attentive service (my coffee mug is never empty); reasonable prices. The lows: Only a few tables typically means a wait on weekends - but you can always use this as an excuse to walk through Oz park or pop into a shop on Halsted.
(4)Stephanie E.
We went to Toast this past Monday during a visit to Chicago. We waited less than 10 minutes for our party of 3 to be seated. The decor is totally cute and the wait staff were very attentive, immediately bringing us water and offering coffee. We each ordered an eggs benedict dish: 1) a grilled tenderloin eggs benedict, 2) eggs benedict with thinly sliced prosciutto and 3) chorizo and pico de gallo (special of the day). OMG - each of the dishes were so tasty and flavorful. Plus - the breakfast potatoes were by far some of the best bfast potatoes I've tasted. Then we decided to also order and share 1 dish of the stuffed french toast (with pureed mascarpone. These were so airy, fluffly and delish!! Anyone that comes to Toast must try these!! You'll be like, "how did I ever live without these?!?" Anyways, we can't wait to come back to Chicago and pay another visit to Toast. By far, the best breakfast we've had since, well....forever! Now if only you opened a Toast in Miami and make my day!!
(5)Hillary V.
Cute restaurant. Pleasant wait staff. The toast (French, stuffed French, Challa, etc) is all tasty which is good considering the name. Their omelets (including veggie) are also great.
(4)Amy D.
Breakfast is the meal of champions and Chicago knows how to serve this important meal. Toast is one of my favourite breakfast joints, each time i go the food is spectacular and the service is very warm. We started our day off right, each ordering a mimosa, and at Toast they do not water them down with OJ, there was an ample amount of champy in them. I had the straight up original pancakes with bacon and real maple syrup. The pancakes were straightforward, there was nothing fancy on them, they had great texture, and were just simply delicious. My sis ordered the Tijuana omelet with jalapeños, onion, tomato, chihuahua cheese and cilantro. It was just spicy enough for a breakfast dish, it wasn't over kill, and the eggs were beautifully cooked. Overall if you are looking to go to a great restaurant in a fun neighbourhood, and experience good food, then go to Toast.
(5)Alex M.
I've been here a couple of times and the food is always delicious. I've had the stuffed french toast orgy, the crabby benedict, and the B.E.L.T. All are highly recommended. It's a small place so there's usually a wait on the weekends starting at 9:15-9:30am. I like to sit at the breakfast bar. The bartender is honest and knowledgeable about the menu so don't be afraid to ask questions. It gets a little warm by the breakfast bar so be prepared to sweat a little, especially if you're drinking coffee. The bloody mary is fantastic. That little bit of wasabi really puts it over the top.
(4)Caitlin F.
Best place for brunch I have yet to experience in the city. Don't let the crammed waiting area and unimpressive interior steer you away. The turnaround is always quick and the food will blow you away. They use nothing but the freshest ingredients and every bite is better than the last. The Wasabi Bloody Mary is one of the best I've ever had. Breakfast burrito is my favorite and the house potatoes are a must!
(5)Angela Z.
I would really appreciate it if the manager would contact me as I am very upset by something that just happened. I drove across the city specifically because I am longtime customer and love your food and got there before 2:45, just after 2:30 only to be told you were not serving anymore when everything online says you are open till 3pm. I was starving, I wasted a lot of time, and it made an already bad day even worse. If your hours have changed then please amend every source online to reflect that. But if not, then that wasn't right. My time and money were affected by going out of my way only to get turned away 25 minutes prior to closing time.
(1)Tisha K.
It's a smaller brunch place in Lincoln park but it has a great atmosphere to it. It typically gets pretty packed on the week ends so you may have to wait a few minutes before you get seated but they do a great job of bringing the food out quickly and getting their customers in and out. The prices are very reasonable and their food is always fresh. I had their pancakes and I have no complaints about them. They were nice and light and fluffy and with their syrup it was a great start to my morning. :)
(5)Laura F.
The food might still be good here but sadly, without the manager, Tyler, we won't be going back anymore. He was what made this restaurant a great experience for me and my family. He was a great manager, server and host! Whatever restaurant he is at now is so lucky to have him! It's not just about the food-people make a restaurant!
(1)Caeleigh R.
I loved this place! My boyfriend and I agreed that not only was Toast in the top three for the best brunch places but it was the top. The service was efficient and friendly. The hostess was quick to welcome us and our waitress (I don't remember her name but she has gorgeous red hair) was friendly and always made sure my coffee was full and we were happy. The busboy was friendly and always made sure my boyfriend's glass of water was full which in itself makes or a breaks a place for me because he drinks water like he's standing in front of a never ending fountain and if he's happy, I'm happy. Everything was delicious. The coffee was smooth, the tijuana omelette was to die for and the stuffed french toast was amazing. I chose to not have cilantro in my omelette and I got fruit instead of potatoes. The cheese was melted perfectly and there were just enough jalapenos in my omelette. The fruit cup was fresh and they give you quite a bit! My boyfriend got the breakfast special (salmon and asparagus benedict) and said it was the best benedict he'd ever had. He said the house potatoes were yummy and not over seasoned. We also got the stuffed french toast to split; we decided to try a piece of each different type. The Mexican chocolate french toast WAS TO DIE FOR. It is bitter, so don't expect something super sweet, but my god, it was good. I HATE french toast and think it's repulsive, but I had to fight my boyfriend for the last bite. I want to go back just for the french toast.
(5)Shannon S.
I love Toast because it offers amazing twists on classic brunch fare. I have gotten their special of Chorizo & fresh pico de gallo twice now and I'm really hoping they add it to their regular menu! HINT, HINT ;) Other favorites of mine are the cinnamon swirl toast and their Blood Mary. It comes fully garnished and basically could be a meal on its own. There is usually a large wait on the weekends, and they won't seat you unless your whole party is there, so heads up! But for me, it's always been well worth the wait!
(5)Courtland H.
Great brunch and lunch spot, though i have eaten there so many times i dont really order off the menu anymore i have a few dishes that i would cook myself, but with some of there best ingredients! always good for any type of Benedict, omelet, and the specials rock - you can drink as well but i dont generally at lunch or brunch. I hear they have some good bloody mary's Toast is a awesome homelike place, highly recommend to anyone!
(5)Danielle S.
If you're coming here, be prepared for a few things: A super long wait Amazing food That's about it. It's worth it though. If you're coming and waiting by yourself, bring a book. If you're waiting with friends, bring a board game or something to keep you entertained.
(5)Susan P.
Best eggs benedict I've ever had, and it was the Chorizo & Pico de Gallo special. The entire thing melted in my mouth. The potatoes were also amazing (especially with the cholulo hot sauce provided!). It was super busy in there with a wait, but we were able to hop on to 2 seats at the bar right away. Will definitely be going back.
(4)Cyndi G.
By far one of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots in Chicago. I've hit it so many times over the years and I've never been disappointed,...at least by not by what I ordered/had. My two favorite things on the breakfast/brunch menu are the 1) pesto scramble -scrambled eggs w/ tomato, prosciutto and gruyere w/ fresh house pesto, YUM!!! and 2) stuffed french toast - which has one each: puréed fresh strawberry, mascarpone and mexican chocolate. I'm a chocoholic, but will often op to have substitute the one chocolate one, with strawberry and mascarpone. I usually just get the pesto scramble, but when I dined with a friend or boyfriend who was willing to share, we'd get both the pesto scramble and stuffed french toast, and satisfy both our salty and sweet taste buds. Coffee - Excellent! Juices - Fresh OJ, grapefruit, apple and cranberry! Monster bloody mary, mimosa, or bellini! What more could you ask for?!?! There is usually a wait on the weekends, and it can be a LONG wait,...So be prepared and you'll be fine. Wait staff is usually great. Though the Webster location has one bitter female manager with a real attitude. I don't know what her problem is. Won't hold me back from going back though, I love Toast! One of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots in Chicago.
(4)Alex G.
A neighborhood staple and I've never been. Just a short walk from my house, I enjoyed the Julius Meinl coffee, the service (albeit quick turnover once we were seated we were out in less than an hour) and my delicious breakfast food. It tasted really really great, chorizo scramble with cheese, my own avocado addition and side of potatoes. Really great, I probably don't need to tell you to go here for brunch, you have either been here or heard about it from one of the 441 people to review this spot. Yay for being 442!
(4)Amanda M.
Definitely specializes in benedicts and french toast/pancakes. Not a fan of sweets but the french toast orgy was out of this world. Benedict was also one of the best I've had.
(5)Eames E.
Almost all the menu options at Toast are great, but you have to be cognizant of one thing before going there and that is the blatant level of false advertising. The restaurant's name is "Toast" but they only have about 6-7 types. When you go to a place called toast you expect lots of toast, i actually expected a menu exclusively comprised of toast but this was not the case. The food here is good but if you're expecting to try different toasts from around the world you will be sorely disappointed by their meager half dozen types of toast.
(5)Jelena Z.
In the morning, I generally only want three things: A keg of hot, freshly-brewed coffee. Eggs (poached or scrambled, please). More sleep. Two out of three ain't bad, right? And Toast delivered the duo beautifully. My dining companion (and savvy expert bruncher) Andrea R recommended the pesto scramble and rightfully so - with its medley of tomato, prosciutto, gruyere and fresh housemade pesto, the delicious dish was made for scooping with pieces of whole-grain toast. Yes, I am a dipper. The lunch options also deserve a special shout-out: Ahi tuna sandwich with fresh fennel, a chicken mango chutney salad, and my sandwich darling, the Croque Monsieur! Service was noticeably kind; this cozy eatery is run with that warm, family touch. The space is so small that I'd be reticent to brave what I'm sure is a gnarly wait on the weekends. Parking can also be an issue in these parts so do consider public transportation... especially if you'll be downing a mimosa or six!
(4)Kim N.
Too bad I had just eaten down the street. They have breakfast items named with the word "orgy". That certainly is an attention getter. Instead I got a iced Ceylon tea to go, while have a nice chat with the workers. Super nice folks. Too bad I didnt have more time to come back, it could have been a better lunch if I had known better.
(4)Evonne L.
LOVED TOAST. i dont love many brunch places, but this one was especially good. why? 1. one of a kind. yes, very small, probably fits 50 people MAX in the entire restuarant, including one offs at the bar. we had to wait a good 30 minutes for a seat, and they could have been smarter about organizing the seating so that we would be seated before other smaller parties got seated. but the place is super cute, very quaint and bright, exactly how i think a brunch place should look. it was a perfect place to impress out of towners and dates! 2. pancake orgy. definitely beats the french toast orgy, which was a soggy mess. the pancakes actually kept their form while being seated beneath yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, and maple syrup goodness. definitely a dish that should be shared. fresh and delicious! 3. the breakfast burrito. all i need to say is yum. yum yum yum.
(4)Josh B.
Today was my second time at Toast, a local place around the corner from our condo in Lincoln Park. Both times we have been here there has been a bit of a wait; however, the hostess has been fairly spot on with quoted times and they have a small corner area to sit and wait. Our waiter took our order right away and had drinks right out. We started out with coffee, a mimosa and a Bellini. Thumbs up on the alcohol, down on the coffee (I drink more coffee than anyone should so might be a little picky). I swear we didn't wait for more than 5 minutes for our food to come out just as ordered. I had the omelette Loraine and Caitlin the Veggie Benedict. Give the hollandaise sauce on the Benedict a huge thumbs up (I stole more than a bite). The omelette was as expected (nothing too fancy but done right). All and all a nice neighborhood place we will be back to but not a destination to seek out.
(3)Alissa T.
yum, yum, yummmm strolled in one random summer day. would recommend this place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. all their menus look delish. service was great. i look forward to returning :]
(5)Sruts A.
You have to be prepared to wait if you get there after 10 but it's definitely worth it! Try their pancake or toast orgy - absolutely delicious! A harmony of flavors that aren't too much but just enough to tease your taste buds I rate it 3 only because there are other places in the city where you can get food as good as this, or even better.
(3)Kaman T.
Toast is one of those "not bad, but not amazing" places. Smoked salmon omelette: Tastes good, but small. The potatoes were too buttery for my liking. Cinnamon Raisin toast: incredibly yummy. the sugar crust is nice and crunchy, but again super small. Stuffed French Toast: It was good, but not amazing. A little too "wet". The chocolate one was my fav. Mango Mimosa: This came with a giant strawberry attached to the cup. It was good, but I couldn't taste the mango at all. Also it costs $7. Not worth it for the size. Overall, I wouldn't mind eating here if I was hungry, but it definitely would not be my first choice and definitely not worth over 15 minutes wait.
(3)Melissa T.
French Toast Orgy - how have I never had anything similar to this before?! I can't even decide on a favorite flavor; add the yogurt and granola, YUM! It is amazing and a must try. My friends also ordered some benedicts which were also delicious. My friend had a bloody mary, he said it was one of the best he's ever had. It was very peppery to me but definitely very flavorful. I liked the strawberry lemonade champagne idea - not too strong but very refreshing. We went on a Sunday morning around 1pm and it was about a 45 minute wait. Fine by me because we just walked around the gorgeous Lincoln Park neighborhood and Oz Park. The restaurant is already very small and I feel like if it were an SF restaurant, they would have squeezed in three more tables and sacrificed some seating comfort. I'm not sure if I would have preferred a slightly faster wait or the spaciousness. Service was nice and attentive. The ambiance is great for a brunch setting although maybe a little difficult to seat groups bigger than 4. I know I'll be craving those french toasts! My real rating is a 4 but this place does not deserve to be an avg 3.5!
(5)Craig U.
Toast is a great spot for breakfast in Lincoln Park. Nice atmosphere and staff, and great food as well. Standard breakfast fare, well executed. It looked like we beat the rush, but being a small breakfast spot I have no doubt it gets really crowded as the hangover crowd piles in. Their potatoes are some of the best I've had, crispy but not burnt, and soft on the inside. I had the BELT sandwich with goat cheese, I'm a huge fan of being able to select from a variety of cheeses to suit your mood or taste. The sandwich was really good, although I would have preferred two eggs opposed to one. The wife had the Crabby Benedict which was also excellent. The crab was a little extra crabby IMO but she didn't seem to mind since none remained!
(4)Chris S.
Very solid brunch spot! It's small inside so you may have to wait for a table if you arrive at peak brunch times on a weekend. Their Bloody Mary was great. Eggs Benedict were so-so, but definitely above average. All in all - I'm a fan and I'll be back next time I'm visiting Chicago!
(3)Mikey M.
Went there for breakfast with some friends recently and found it to be pretty good. portions are sized well at about 8-10 bucks a main entree. I had the French toast orgy combo and it was satisfying and presented well. The downside is the wait times. I went on a holiday weekday and there was still a 30-45 wait but the food was brought out without too much delay. Weekend wait times are nutty from what I hear but I won't ever stick around longer than 45 minutes for breakfast anyway. Any longer than 30 minutes to wait for a table, tries my patience. Overall it is a good place to eat and I'd have their food again.
(4)Azaa T.
This place was so busy when we walked and seated us right away. The service was nice and efficient. I Loved the veggie omelet and will try their French toast next time :)
(5)Lyn C.
I love Toast! This is the cutest little place plus I love the name. I've been to the one in Bucktown too but I like this location way better. It's super cozy and has kind of an old school feel to it and it's a great place to come for brunch. It's pretty small and also very popular so expect a LONG wait. I have been here multiple times where the wait was an hour plus. So, I mean I can see where people think that's ridiculous but at the same time you know it's gonna be like that so if you're not down to wait just go somewhere else. There are shops and bars around the corner if you need to kill some time (unless it's winter then you're just screwed). The Crabby benedict is my favorite thing I've tried but honestly everything on the menu is pretty good. BLTE and pepper eggs are a couple other faves. They have a couple different flavored mimosas that are good and they have a wasabi bloody mary that I've always wanted to try. You won't be disappointed by Toast!
(4)Mary T.
Despite living down the street, the ever-present line and counter spots not being first-come-first-serve has kept me at bay for the past 5 years. My two recent (and only) visits were during rare instances when the weekend lines were nil. Having dined here twice, I don't understand why this place is always so mobbed - other than the fact that it's the size of a postage stamp. The food is good, but not fantastic which in turn makes the prices feel a bit steep. On my first visit, I had the strawberry, brown sugar and cinnamon crepes and a side of the breakfast potatoes. Honestly, I don't remember much about the crepes except to say that they were fine. What did resonate was the tastiness of the breakfast potatoes; red potatoes sautéed to perfection. On my most recent visit, I ordered blueberry pancakes and another side of potatoes. For $8 I got 3 medium sized pancakes with real blueberries in and around them (nothing accompanies the pancakes, not even a fruit garnish). Even with the blueberries, I found the pancakes to be rather bland and dense, not light and fluffy. The potatoes, of course, did not disappoint. On both visits, service was stellar; not effusively friendly, but extremely efficient. The kitchen cranks out food quickly and the bussers are extremely attentive, quickly refilling waters, coffees and clearing plates. Bottom line: The food is fine, but if I'm going to brave long waits for breakfast and drop $12 on pancakes and potatoes, the food better be orgasmic (or close to it). To me, this place is a convenience, not a destination; it's not bad by any means, I just don't think it's worth the hype.
(3)Ryan M.
We thought the french toast was going to be amazing since the place is named toast and there is always a line in front. Big dissapointment as the French toast reminded me of Frozen french toast sticks I used to make in the microwave when I was a kid. Two stars since they serve intelligentista coffee and the restaurant decor is kinda cool. Don't think I will be back.
(2)Hina Q.
Looking for a new breakfast/brunch location, we were told about this place by a close friend. So we ended up going on a brunch double date. This place isn't too big and gets packed. There's usually a line up I hear for about 30 mins if not more. Well, that's true. When we got there we had to wait for about 20 mins until our table for 4 was ready. There was someone walking around with a clipboard to take names as you walk in. Anyways, we got our table and started looking over the menu. It is quite extensive. They don't only have breakfast/brunch dishes, they actually have regular food for lunch as well, like sandwiches and all. Looked over the menu and ordered our food. I got the Tijuana omelette and the wife got the egg burrito...I don't remember what that was called though. In my opinion the portion was a bit smaller than what I'm used to at these breakfast/brunch places. That was the only thing that crossed my mind. Other than that, the house potatoes were pretty good and the dishes were tasty. Our friends had ordered the french toast and they were quite delicious. They don't look like regular home-cooked french toast but taste amazing. And they are stuffed, on top of that. It was a good experience and the food was good. The service was pretty friendly as well. It was a fun brunch date. I would definitely go back and try their french toast orgy...yes, that's the name. That dish is what they are known for, so why not? Going back in the near future!
(3)Cindy W.
Meet up with 5 friends for a late lazy Saturday afternoon brunch. This place has great stuffed french toast but I was craving savory omelette's. I got the pesto scramble (eggs, tomato, prosciutto, gruyere, and home made pesto). It was good but not fantastic. I think the reason is because my scramble had crunchy egg shells in them. :( A total Debbie downer for me....its actually unacceptable. I am in the food business and I think cooks and prep service should be more attentive in what they do. Some friends got crabby Benedict. Was shocked with the real crab on top. And the chicken mango chutney salad. It looked good but I did not try it. Food portions are great and filling. And nothing can BEAT BYOB!!! Order some OJ and bring your champagne. TIP! One more thing...make sure everyone in your group is present. They won't seat you until they are all accounted for. :(
(2)Bryan C.
I went to the one in Bucktown off of Damen because my boss recommended the place and I am glad i stopped in. The previous weekend I had been at The Bongo Room and got two eggs over easy, bacon, toast, and a side of potatoes. Since Toast had the same thing on their menu i got the same to compare. Toast blew Bongo Room out of the water. The eggs were much better and just seemed heartier than the ones at Bongo Room. The potatoes were seasoned much better, and everythign else was just better. The price was about a dollar more but for the qaulity difference it was worth it. The only downside of this place,at least the Bucktown location, is that there isn't much seating and the layout is pretty poor so if you get there during a busy time or pretty much anytime from like 8-12 expect to wait a little bit. I would recommend coming in groups of no more than two as it will reduce wait time greatly. Overall this is a great spot for breakfast and I would insist you try it if you haven't already.
(4)sandy L.
Small venue, young crowd. Nice servers, great bus boys! Very disappointed in host. Tells us specifically we are next! Waited 30 minutes, we're. ? Sat two other groups before us, then sat us at last table, where we were knocked continuously by patrons using bathrooms and staff accessing back area. Didn't like. Food was undercooked. Not a great experience for us
(3)Jessica S.
Small place, nice service and decor. didn't love the french toast orgy as much as I wanted to but it was good. pesto scramble was very good.
(4)Mary W.
I've been here a couple times, and while I really want to like it, it has never wowed me. One of my biggest complaints is the wait- I've waited over an hour on the weekends, I wouldn't mind if the food is fantastic, but it's just ok. The french toast tastes like something I can get from a diner for half the price- honestly wouldn't waste my time going here when there are much better places in the area. Given the long wait, I always feel rushed when I am eating so that they can turn over my table. Bottom line: Long wait, rushed service, mediocre food.
(2)Luke S.
I am glad that Groupon offered a deal here. It took me way too long to redeem my Groupon, but once I got around to it I was very happy! Here is a breakdown of what we got: Lox Omelet (A+) - It was a great combination of cheese and lox. I didn't think that this would work, but it was somewhat mind blowing. Cobb Sandwich (B+) - I loved that it tasted exactly like a cob salad, but was on hallah bread. I do wish they offered it in a wrap. Hashed Brown Potatoes (A) - I'm not normally a potato guy, but these were yum yum. The seasoning was awesome and they were browned just right. Our service was also very good even though the place was packed. I can't imagine how busy it gets on the weekend, because it was packed at noon on a Wednesday. This is a great spot for brunch!
(4)Bernadette R.
There are numerous Toasts in CA, the famous one being in LA. I thought that this would be affiliated somehow, but it was not. The place is cozy inside but you'll definitely will be waiting for awhile on the weekends. I ordered a caprese sandwich that came on ciabatta bread. It was good, but nothing special. The house potatoes that it came with were delicious. They were perfectly cooked, semi burnt and crunchy. I'll be coming back.
(3)Todd G.
We have been working thru the breakfast place in the area and this one rates pretty high. There was a 30 minute wait, not too back for 10:30 on a Sunday morning.. The wife has hit this place a few times, unknown to me, so she had a pretty good handle on the menu. I had the BELT, very nice but after seeing the French Toast and the Pancakes I did have buyer remorse... Very good but the Stuffed Toast really called to me... She had a Salad with a mustard vinaigrette that totally rocked...
(4)Robin M.
Toast toast toast toast, toast toast toast toast! You know, I just love me some Toast. Have not had a bad experience yet. The pancake orgy is fantastic. scoop off the granola and fruit/yogurt and eat that as a parfait, and then you have fluffy pancakes. Man, it was amazing. Their granola is homemade I think. It sure tasted like it. I have also had their eggs bennies and they were mighty tasty. Bacon cooked just like you like it, as are the eggs on the regular menu. If you get there too early you can't have that champagne lemonade cocktail, which sucks, because it is good. No matter have some coffee and stop drinking for breakfast, it's not good for you! The host (boyfriend with glasses is adorable), the manager (really nice) and the service has always been first rate -- THANKS, FELIX! Always a smile from everyone, even when it is jammed up in there. And it often is, which isn't so fun. The seating space is limited and I wish they would put a bench outside for those of us too tired or old to stand for long periods of time. But no matter. I will take my big ole booty to Toast and wait as long as needed. It's fantastic all around!
(5)Patty T.
Ehhh. Toast is ok - no more, no less. You're better off going to Yolk or Nookies - but if you end up at Toast, then here's what you need to know.... It's cash only, so make sure you bring some $$. Their french toast and pancakes are delicious, but omelets are subpar (instead of integrating their ingredients into the eggs, they simple plop them in the middle of a cooked egg and fold it over). Service is generally fast/good, but you're almost always going to wait Saturday/Sunday during the brunch hours. Also, I'm not positive that they have air conditioning...in the summer, they often open the doors and have the fans going and it can get kinda toasty (no pun intended :) ) If you're stranded in LP, then Toast is a solid brunch option...otherwise, head south to Nookies/Yolk for a larger menu and better value.
(3)Alex S.
Fantastic Brunch spot not overly crowded for the Bucktown area. The Garbage Omelet and the Crab Jalapeno Benedict were both outstanding, also great coffee. I would highly recommend this place and plan on going back.
(4)Kyle M.
This place is consistently great. The food is fresh and it has a quaint atmosphere. Be prepared to wait a long time before sitting.
(5)Christina F.
Went here for brunch once and got the french toast with yogurt, granola, and fresh berries. It was gigantic and from what I recall quite delicious. But the prices were more than I had expected.
(4)Elizabeth G.
Great food! Want a mimosa? Go somewhere else...like Fork! :)
(3)Frank L.
Incredibly accommodating staff. We started out as a party of 6 then 7, then 8. Each time the charming redheaded waitress rolled with it and played table tetris until we were all comfortably seated. Our glasses of water and mugs of good strong coffee were never less than half full at all times (the guy refilling them was in it to win it!) I had the mascarpone french toast which was delightfully fluffy and rich without being heavy or cloyingly sweet. As our table traded bites from each others plate, we just kept silently nodding and chewing, all in agreement that this brunch food was exemplary. I would be delighted to come back to this place and enthusiastically recommend it!
(4)Heather B.
Actually 3.5 stars from me. Wait was about 10 minutes at 10:30am on a Sunday, which i consider very reasonable. Staff was friendly, patient and funny! The menu had a lot of delish-sounding options, but on the recommendation of a friend, I went with the breakfast burrito with avocado. Overall a good dish but a few small complaints: for $2 extra, I got a pretty disappointing chunk of avocado in my wrap. Jalapenos were listed on the description too, and nowhere to be found. Oh, we also ordered a bowl of the veggie chili to sample before our meals came, and it was DELICIOUS! I will absolutely be back, at the very least for the chili, and perhaps to sample some of the other options.
(3)Allie B.
Alright, don't be a dodo, this place is small (teeny-tiny) so if you have a party of more than 4, go somewhere else, you're gonna take up half the restaurant. That said, for parties of 4 or smaller, definitely give it a try. Yes, you will most likely have to wait for a table (probably for about 30-40 minutes on a weekend) but it's well worth it. I've never had a breakfast here that I didn't enjoy and if given the opportunity to go to Toast or go pretty much anywhere else, I'd say Toast every time. Their crab benedict is stellar and their stuffed french toast fills my tummy with happiness. The atmosphere is casual and inviting and while the prices are a little steep, it's quality breakfast in Lincoln Park, you should be expecting it. Two thumbs up from this girl.
(5)Becky S.
My boyfriend took me here for a birthday brunch, and we both got crepes. I got the nutella crepe and added strawberries to it. The ratio of nutella to crepe was a little too high, but the strawberries helped cut through the richness. My boyfriend got the brown sugar crepe, which was also really good. All in all still pleased, but I think I need to order something savory next time since my experience with their sweet stuff is that it's a bit rich!
(4)Sharon H.
I went here for a weekend brunch date with my cousin, which we try to do every now and then. The wait was kind of long, which isn't unusual for popular Chicago brunch places, and also isn't too bad because it's a nice area to walk around and shop for a bit. We always share our dishes- we got their famous stuffed french toast and some egg dish. the french toast was definitely delicious for the first few bites, but waaaayyyy too sweet to eat for a breakfast. sharing the two dishes was a good idea though. And they have mimosas and bloody mary's, which i won't lie, is the main reason I even chose the place :)
(4)Stacey A.
I took my new roommate to Toast this past weekend. They estimated the wait would be an hour, but then noted that everyone who'd put their name in had then left to go walk around, so if they got called and weren't there - their seats would be deferred to us. Fine by me. We ended up sitting at the counter (within 10 minutes), where we were taken care of by Jill - who is absolutely lovely in every way. Roommate loved her brown sugar & strawberry crepes and I can't ever stay away from the French Toast Orgy (it's like an abusive husband, but I keep going back to it) and then there were mimosas. Experiences like that remind me why Toast is one of my favorite places in Chicago.
(5)Dan C.
I went here on a Saturday morning with a few friends. We left more confused than anything. After waiting 2 hours for a table (fine...I get it, this city loves breakfast), we finally sat down at a table near the restrooms. This place has a strict "everyone must be present to get seated" policy, which is fine, to a point. One person from our group went to the restroom right after we were seated. The neurotic owner lady, I guess her name is Jill, immediately yelled at our table for not having all 6 people present (after she had chastised us a couple times before for sitting near her precious teddy bears in her completely inadequate waiting area). C'mon lady! So we almost left due to her overall rudeness, but stuck it out. After all, we had been waiting forever and were hungry. We get our food and 2/3 of the raspberries were moldy. After sending the raspberries back we get a whole dish of raspberries with a superior 1:1 moldy berry ratio. The rest of the food was fine (the only reason this place gets 2 stars), but if you are going to have poor customer service, your breakfast better blow me away for me to return. About half-way through the meal, Jill (we nicknamed her Kiki before we knew her real name), came over to our table to seemingly mend fences. She propped up one of her legs all casual-like on the booth and proceeded to poorly explain her rudeness. About 2 sentences in, one of her minions came up behind her and started giving her a backrub. #1: freaking weird, and #2: gross. So yeah. If you like waiting 2 hours to get yelled at by power-hungry strangers on your weekends and eating good (not great) food, please go here. If not, try any one of the gazillion other breakfast places in Chicago.
(2)Neel S.
Liked the brunch food. Prices were reasonable. Hoping the bucktown location holds up. Didn't have a terrible wait.
(4)Stephanie S.
Came here on a Saturday my first time, so it was jam-packed. The wait staff was friendly and made sure we got free pancakes since we had to wait longer than usual. I had the eggs benedict, and I have to say they did a great job perfecting that dish. I'm really picky when it comes to a traditional eggs benedict, but the prosciutto instead of canadian bacon was on point. It was also really buttery, which is a plus. The potatoes were eh, okay, but I was so full I didn't care. My friend got the chicken sandwich, which looked really healthy so that's a nice change up. Also, the mango mimosas were de-lish. I definitely need to go back soon.
(5)Suzi M.
This was my first time eating at Toast and overall I was very pleased. We normally head to Orange for breakfast in the city but decided to try someplace new. My omelette lorraine and my husband's tenderloin benedict were great. The food was hot and served right away. Our side of sausage was a little burnt and their hashbrowns are chunks of potatoes (not my favorite style) but those are minor things. Like all small restaurants in the city, you should plan on waiting a while. It is cheaper than Orange, but their is also no frushi (please go try Orange's frushi if you haven't already). We will definitely go back since I need to try the french toast.
(3)Crissy I.
I love breakfast, especially pancakes. And the only thing I love more than breakfast is brunch, and Toast serves up a great one in a casual and classy atmosphere. I'll be honest: I was initially put off by the wait. First of all, it was very poorly organized, which was surprising to me because clearly this place gets packed on weekends and this was not the first time they have had to manage a wait. My party was small (3 people), yet we waited for about a half hour outside. Not fun. We definitely would have waited longer if we hadn't been willing to take a table at the bar. I'm never thrilled about having to eat at the bar, but the bar in Toast was cozy and comfy and had a diner feel to it so it made it a lot easier to tolerate. I'd describe the rest of the restaurant in a similar fashion: small and cozy with lots of close tables, and a slight diner vibe but with a more upscale touch. The menu is large and varied, with a focus on eggs benedicts, pancakes, and (obviously) French toast. As a self-described pancake connoisseur, I had to try the pancake orgy (sorry, French toast namesake restaurant). The orgy consists of banana pecan, lemon poppyseed, and blueberry pancakes, but I was able to sub out the blueberry ones for the seasonal special, pumpkin pancakes. The orgy part consists of the topping: vanilla yogurt, honey, fresh fruit, and granola. When the dish arrived, I was shocked at the size of the pancakes and the amount of topping. The plate was overflowing with fresh fruit, berries, and granola with raisins and dried cranberries. Amazing! The topping itself would have made a great light breakfast. Seriously - these pancakes were a work of art, so much so that I took a photo of them. More importantly, the pancakes were fluffy, bursting with flavor, and very hearty and tasty. The real treat of the trio was the lemon poppyseed, which had a distinct lemony tartness and tasted similar to a lemon poppyseed muffin. As for service, our server was very friendly and helpful when it came to ordering, and attentive throughout the meal. He managed to keep his cool even while serving and making drinks on a busy Saturday morning, so I have to give him props for that. I really liked the Toast's ambiance, and their creative breakfast offerings were delicious. Grab your friends and your best stories, some patience for the wait, and a hearty appetite for some unique breakfast specials. Happy brunching!
(4)Melissa B.
I'll keep this review as short as the stay you're allowed here! Everything on the menu is awesome!! The service is awful. The owner(?) makes you feel like she's challenging you to a fight if you sit longer than 30 minutes! I like to relax with my coffee, so I'm done with this place!
(2)Alondra G.
One of the best breakfasts I've had in my life! We ordered the Pancake Orgy and the Stuffed French Toast... both were amazing!! We sat at the counter because we didn't want to wait for a table (waiting time was only 30 minutes but we were starving) The waiter was very nice, coffee is great and the OJ is fresh (I wish I had tried the mimosas) I totally recommend Toast, even if there is a long wait time, it is worth it!
(5)L L.
I have dined here before and I am a big fan is their lemon poppyseed pancakes. However, after two experiences with burnt pancakes, hidden on the bottom of the stack (bad move) and burnt bacon (crispy doesn't mean burnt), I will not be returning. Lastly, when I asked for the pancakes to be redone, it took them 20 minutes, which is when my friend was finished with his meal. Look at the bottom of the stack is you dare to order!
(1)Dianne S.
FINALLY...FINALLY got to try this place out! Made it in at around 9am on a Saturday and was told by the annoyed looking hostess that the wait would be half an hour. Instead of waiting, the three of us opted to sit at the counter. It's a very small space, but apparently there's a patio in the back which was closed since it was pouring out. I loved that I didn't get a weird look from our waiter when I ordered Coke to go with my breakfast. Got the omlette lorraine with applewood bacon, chives, & gruyere cheese. It was melt in your mouth good. Huge too, so I had plenty to take home. Got toast with it too...of course. My friend let me try her side of chicken sausage (you HAVE to order this!) and I had to hold myself back from eating it all! Their chicken sausage has an amazing bite! I will definitely be setting my alarm clock to come again. (side note: it's BYOB!)
(4)Glenn H.
Toast has the looks of an old-school diner, but it's been trended up and caters to the yupsters of Lincoln Park. Being a yupster, I'm quite alright with that, but it certainly doesn't cater to every type. I had an omelette, which was pretty good. I won't rave about it, but I won't complain. What I did enjoy was their house-made wasabi bloody mary. I like my bloodies lip searingly spicy, and this fit the bill. I also highly reccommend the brioche toast. I would go back just for this. The girlfriend had a basic 2 egg breakfast with whole grain toast and a mimosa. Again, good, but not great. If I lived in the neighborhood, I could see myself popping back in, but with so many delicious brunch options available, I don't think I will.
(3)Sarah L.
Small but comfy restaurant located right next to Oz Park. The food is deelish. I know most people come here for brunch, but I stopped in for lunch and had the best tuna steak sammich. Since I went in for lunch, there was no wait at all. I hear the pancake orgy is amazing and will have to try it. Maybe right now..
(5)Mad I.
Looooooong wait.... pretty yummie crabby benedict, good portion of crab.
(4)Paul S.
Pass on this one. 9:00am ME: Hi, how long is the wait for a table of three? HOSTESS: 20 minutes ME: Can I give you my name? The other should be here by 9:30am? HOSTESS: Sorry, we don't take names unless your whole party is here. 9:30am: ME: My whole party is here, can I give you me name? HOSTESS: Yes, the wait is 45 minutesto a hour, but check back in 30 minutes. You can wait outside. ME: Can I give you my number? HOSTESS: Sorry, we do not call when a table is ready. 10:00am: ME: Hi, checking back in. HOSTESS: It should be about 10 minutes. The table by the window will open up as soon as those people leave. 10:10am: HOSTESS: We have a little problem, there is a party that just arrived and they are getting the table by the window, do you want to sit at the counter? ME: You mean the people who just arrived? HOSTESS: Yes, their whole party is here now and they gave thier name before, so they get the table. ME: But I offered to give my name an hour ago. ME: (to friends) lets go to Clarkes. Clarkes on Lincoln, great food, nice staff, places to sit. No double standards.
(1)Sarah J.
I wanted to try Toast on a Sunday morning, but when I called and was told the wait would be 30-40min (which seems shorter than others have experienced), I decided to try on a weekday. On a Monday at noon, I didn't have to wait and got a seat really quickly. I can see why the wait here is so long. First, the interior is really tiny. There aren't that many tables so I can imagine why the wait can get longer on weekends. Second, the food is great. I had the grilled tenderloin eggs benedict, and they cooked the tenderloin medium just as I'd asked. The hollandaise sauce was really tasty, and the eggs with the sauce didn't taste as greasy or heavy as they have at other places. The potatoes were cooked really well, not too dry or greasy. The employees were very friendly, kept my water glass full, and split the check with no problems. The stuffed french toast sounds really good, so I can't wait to go back and try that. All in all, it was a good experience and I'd recommend it to anyone who either is willing to wait a long time on a weekend, or can go during the week when it's less busy.
(4)Heather C.
First time trying this place and was glad that I did. My friend and I both had Loraine omelets. They were delicious! The breakfast potatoes were good as well. Loved the toast Bellini drink and my friend loved her Irish cocoa drink. The staff was friendly and provided good service! We got lucky because it was not too crowded although I hear that this place gets extremely crowded on the weekends. Will be back!
(4)Kristin S.
I have eaten here several times and tried to eat here several times and was not able to 1) find parking or 2) wait 1 1/2 hours. Good grub, but I am ready for a few new things on the menu. French toast orgie is great (chocolate, marscapone cheese, etc...) And they make a great omelet.
(3)Brent M.
Solid breakfast place! I took my son their recently on a visit to Depaul and stopped there for breakfast. Good pancake selection, acceptable coffee, and the best granola I have ever had. A little small but cozy.
(4)Sonia L.
GROUPON USERS BEWARE!! First of all, the ONLY reason I came to this place was because I wanted to use my Groupon. Let's start with the good. There were two of us and we were seated immediately at ten am on a Saturday. Secondly, the food was good. The eggs benedict and the breakfast burrito were both enjoyable. We were happy... The waitress seemed agreeable when we mentioned our Groupon as we first sat down. When we received the bill, Bryan took out his Android phone, to show her our Groupon (I like to save trees), she immediately said they do not accept Groupons on any phones besides iPhones. What? Really? This REALLY does not make ANY sense, since there is a number on the Groupon, which they can type in to their register! Secondly, how is the Android any different from the iPhone? Oh, it must have a built in printer huh? Obviously, we asked to speak with the manager, who by the way, was a total jerk. She did not even let us finish explaining our case (other restaurants have accepted Groupons from the phone - Devons, Indian Garden, Dinkels Bakery even accepted it with just the Groupon number - I did not even have to print it out or show them my phone). Anyway, the manager was really disrespectful towards us, which I found shocking, and ultimately did not let us use our Groupon. Regardless, I will be calling Groupon to explain this, and probably calling Toast again to complain. Bottom line - if you have a Groupon and no iPhone, Print it out!
(2)Matthew W.
The following is a tale, never told before. We arrived for brunch on Saturday and got a table in 5 minutes! 5 minutes! 5 minutes! Yeah, the stars must have aligned or something. I almost didn't go because of all the reviews that claimed a 2 hour wait on the weekends. Don't believe the hype, you too can luck out. If you go, try to just go with one other person so that you can avoid the wait also. Ok, now for what happened after the short wait...The restaurant has all the charms of an old-school breakfast counter. Small, tightly packed tables. Bustling waitstaff. Generous portions and quick service. The food was just ok for me. I had the stuffed french toast and was pretty disappointed. I had one Mexican chocolate, one strawberry, and one marscapone. Call me old fashioned but I'll take challah french toast any day over this soggy plate. Overall, it wasn't awful, just not what I was expecting from french toast. The savior for me was the side of potatoes that I ordered. Charred just the right amount and loaded with flavor. Yum. My girlfriend had the eggs benedict (because that's what she does) and it was outstanding! She only gave me 2 bites, that was not outstanding. The staff was never pushy but we could tell they wanted us to stop talking, pay the bill, and let someone else sit down. Overall, I think I just picked a bad menu item and would definitely go back.
(3)Nicole G.
The service was great and I like the atmosphere, but I'm not sure this is a top breakfast pick. I had the breakfast burrito which was good, but not great. Personally, I think it was WAY over priced ($9+$2 for avocado) and it didn't even come with breakfast potatoes - that would have been another $2. I guess that's just how things go in Lincoln Park?
(3)Zeeshan D.
The old toaster decor presents itself as a warm, cozy and inviting place but the actual temperature inside was much colder. The host stated the wait would be 40 minutes but we were pleasantly surprised and seated in 30. As many of the reviews had suggested, I opted for the French Toast Orgy which was an incredible indulgence. The portions were definitely more than enough for one person. They have 3 different flavors and you can choose to get a tasting of all 3 (mexican chocolate was the best). Street parking was easy to find but because of the wait time we were scurried around the front of the establishment several times and then ultimately just ordered to go wait outside. The older woman behind the counter and the front door greeter just need better communication as I understand its a crowded place but being friendly makes the wait a lot more bearable. All service is not bad, our wait staff was a sweetheart in checking on us frequently and even being a smart conversationalist. I'd visit this place again if I wanted toast, but never if I was on a time crunch.
(3)Aprille C.
Tiny place and our last breakfast on our trip. We walked the 6 blocks from the subway and I was expecting a crowd like I'd read. Maybe because it was a Weds we were lucky and got seated right away. I had the Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and avocado. They add truffle oil to their hollandaise which gave it that something extra special YUM! Super delish! He had eggs, bacon and potatoes and enjoyed it.
(5)Lisa T.
Toast gets 3 stars out of pure frustration. It's really damn good brunch, it's just not worth the hassle. I finally got the chance to try Toast when my boss suggested having a breakfast meeting on a Friday. I suggested Toast because I was hopeful that there wouldn't be a 2 hour wait at 9:15am on a Friday. I was correct. The place was definitely busy and bustling, but we were able to get a table right away. Please note that I've tried to come here 3 or 4 other times during "peak weekend" hours, and found myself with the aforementioned 2 hour wait (which i clearly did not stick around for). I'm sorry.... there are very, very few things that are worth a 2 hour wait. Unless you have the patience of a saint, I'd steer clear of this place on the weekend (unless you're a very early riser and can beat the crowd). The stuffed french toast was legit amazing. The mascarpone was by far my favorite; the chocolate was very good. Strawberry was a distant third place. I would most likely just order all mascarpone if I ever make it back here and don't try something else on the menu. My boss had an omlette that was quite good; but honestly the french toast/pancakes are really the shining stars on the menu. The service was definitely a little bit brusque. You'd think at a cute little brunch place like this would have the type of servers that are overly perky/nice/etc. Not the case. If you're lucky enough to be able to hit up the brunch scene on a weekday, I'd definitely put Toast on your list of places to go. Stay away on the weekends..... there are plenty of other crazies showing up to wait for a table, you don't need to join them.
(3)Steph G.
It's been over a month and I still find myself thinking of you often. I'm not convinced that I'll ever forget you, Mr. pretzel roll egg sandwich. Your roll was so fluffy and perfectly enveloped all of the deliciousness enclosed within. There was no runny yolk to deal with, the avocado slices were plentiful, and the sauce (which I think was horseradish) really hit the spot. While you could have used a handful of alfalfa sprouts to offer a little crunch, I still found you to be stupendous. I only hope that one day we will find each other again. Until then...
(5)Gianna N.
Surprisingly was able to walk right in today and sit at the counter with no wait what so ever. The few groups behind us, however, were not so lucky and were faced with a 35 minute wait. Z had the tenderloin eggs Benedict and he pretty much won the "Clean Plate Club" award for the morning. I got the B.E.L.T.. The egg was cooked perfectly and overall was a really good sandwich. I also had a Bloody Mary which was SPICY but burned so good! Overall, a great breakfast. I'll definitely be back to try the french toast!
(5)Patrick C.
Ok, so I came to this place while I had a cold and fever, but needed SOMETHING to get my energy up. Enter the "French Toast Orgy." Three different types of french toast topped with yogurt and granola and surrounded by fresh fruit. Delish! I came here on a Thursday around noon and some people STILL had to wait for tables. I can imagine that there is a VERY long wait here on the weekends. Also, if you plan on using a credit card, be sure that your bill is over $9, otherwise it's cash only. Enjoy!
(5)Brian S.
Being a brunch hostess is not an easy task, even at a restaurant that only serves brunch. In particular, the patrons are a difficult bunch to deal with -- caffeine-deprived, groggy, odiferous. Nevertheless, if it's the task of a hostess to manage the house, she needs to manage the house, no matter how difficult the cats strolling in are to herd. I tried to eat here about a month ago, but the hostess told me that, despite the fact that I was one person and they have a counter that seats at least 6 people, I would wait "at least an hour." An hour for counter service? I wish she had been that hyperbolic when she told me how long I'd have to wait for my table this past weekend. "Oh, it'll be a half an hour," she told me as she jotted my name down on the butcher paper. I and my dining companion walked over to Starbucks to get some caffeinated beverages and returned 20 minutes later. I walked up to her and she said, "What's your name again?" I replied accordingly and we sat down. 40 minutes later, we were seated. The two severe-haired ladies who put their name in immediately before mine had already received their food (while sitting at a four-top? Really?) as Zach and I pulled up to our table. Needless to say ,we were disappointed. Zach posited that she actually put my name on the roster twice -- a simple mistake, but one that is difficult to correct without seeming needy. The food was predictably delicious, but predictable all the same: sharp, savory pesto scramble with just the right amount of prosciutto; two slices of "challah" that lacked all evidence of being challah; perfectly sautéed new potatoes that spent just the right amount of time in the pan. Zach had three pancakes with syrup. He approved, but no tears of joy sprung from his eyes. I have a Groupon floating around somewhere for Toast, but I'll likely use it at their Bucktown location.
(2)Kristy C.
The eggs benedict is my Achilles heal.... I will be drawn to toast any day of the week ..., hour waits aside, it's worth it. The truffle hollandaise will haunts your dreams.
(5)Jennifer B.
Ah, Toast. The quintessential Lincoln Park smashed-up-against-strollers-just-to-get-my-Âbreakfast brunch spot! When I think of Toast immediately two things come to mind: extremely crowded, and awesome Texas toast. Brioche I think? I don't know how Toast does it, but they make the best toast in the world. They deserve the namesake! They also deserve an award for breaking fire codes with the amount of people that they fit into that tiny restaurant. And to add insult to injury, the place is so popular that if you don't want to wait for a table you better set your alarm before the sun rises or plan on having breakfast at 2pm. If you are in Lincoln Park looking for a brunch spot, you just gotta go to Toast. If for no other reason than the kitschy collection of toasters displayed along the juice bar. Sit at the bar, carb-load with yummy toast and dodge those strollers!
(4)Dustin F.
Haven't tried the toast, but I did have a delicious breakfast. Good service and terrific Eggs Benedict. Enjoyed them with chorizo, pico de gallo, and truffle hollandaise. Potatoes were cooked proper. Mmm mmm.
(5)Vanessa G.
Admittedly, I've only been to Toast in Lincoln Park once before but I feel absolutely compelled to add another great review to the list. If you look through my yelp review profile you might notice how fickle I am about Eggs Benedict, especially Hollandaise Sauce. Well, I'm pleased to report that I've finally struck gold. Toast's buttery, nutty, truffle oil-infused Hollandaise is, in the immortal words of Drake, "the best I ever had". The eggs were perfectly poached and the potatoes were crispy and richly seasoned. Cons: My guest and I were seated 2 hours after we arrived on a Sunday morning. Also, the coffee tasted bitter and cheap. It gave me a stomach ache. Coffee is really important for me, but someone else might prefer the strawberry lemonade in place of it. I'll go back some day.
(4)Jessie S.
I can't even think of a word that sufficiently describes how over the moon i am about Toast's veggie benedict - english muffin, artichoke hearts, spinach and hollandaise. If I wasn't positive I would soon start to look like hollandaise sauce, I'd eat it daily. I've yet to order anything else on the menu. Major points also for the fruit - the generic melon medley, one piece of pineapple and red grape fruit salads most diners serve totally bum me out. How does that pass as a fruit salad that I have to pay extra for? Toast provides a delicious mix that includes strawberries, blueberries, bananas, grapes, melon and blackberries. Furthermore, the service is personable and prompt, the interior inviting and the options creative (for example, PB&J pancakes) and fresh - i really have nothing more to say, other than Toast is a favorite for breakfast in a neighborhood with breakfast options galore. Oh, and P.S. they also have mimosas in orange, stawberry and mango.
(4)Seema A.
I went to the Bucktown location. Oddly, I didn't see a sign, so its kinda hard to find. GIve yourself at least 20 mins to sit and wait if its a Sat. The place is small, but quaint. I had the pesto scramble minus the salty prosciutto and veggie sausage. YUM! They give you potatoes which I don't really care for (and they were the chunky kind). The toast I selected was raisin. Yummy, but a bit too sugary for my taste. A little pricy at $22, but a good choice if you want to go walk down Damen after and hit up boutique shopping :)
(4)Howard L.
The main review comment here is that Toast is different for it's inventive and creative brunch items. At least for some of the items, you can't expect the classic taste. I had the touted french toast orgy and wife had a BELT sandwich (BLT with egg) on french roll. The BELT tasted as expected. All items had fresh ingredients. The french toast didn't taste like french toast as it was smothered in granola and yogurt, and stuffed with strawberry puree, mexican chocolate, and mascarpone. It was good and filling, and almost overly flavorful. I wasn't sure what to expect, and only knew that it was raved about. I was thinking it was a brunch version of neopolitan ice cream. Anyway, it was a novelty of a stop. The place was filled with Lincoln Park yuppies on a Sunday afternoon. Mostly ladies also, maybe because of the concurrent Cubs game? The restaurant is relatively tiny, holding maybe 30 patrons, and so no surprise that there is often a wait on weekends. Overall, yes, a noteworthy and novel Chicago brunch spot. Service was attentive and friendly.
(4)Ted C.
Why did it take me this long to come here? I guess when I was in high school the place was a bit too intimidating for me because it seemed 'too cool for school,' if you'll pardon the expression. I had some time to kill after a really early morning and I told my buddy about this breakfast place that was right nearby. Tenderloin benedict, the words alone just make me want to say 'YES!' Instead of wimpy Canadian bacon they switched it up with a filet. I was a little upset that I didn't think of that sooner. My friend is an avowed lover of breakfast and liked it here. He's a DePaul student and I think that he will stop by here more often. I've read some bad things about the service but I thought it was fine. The manager was really friendly and I had nothing to complain about our waiter. A definite repeat and when I'm in the area again for breakfast I will return.
(4)Bob H.
Wouldn't know how the food or experience was at Toast. We were told by the not so nice hostess that they could not accommodate our party of 5 at 11am, because they were closing early. Meanwhile groups of two and four were sitting there waiting on tables. Ridiculous. We went down the street to Nookies Too instead, and had a great breakfast.
(1)Suzy D.
The only thing that I have ever ordered here is the french toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese. It is absolutely delicious. My husband has ordered eggs and omelettes here and they seem decent, but not mind blowing. I think this is a french toast kind of place. However, be prepared to wait. Whenever we have come here, we have always had to stand in line for a table, and the restaurant is very small so it takes awhile. If you love french toast, you must try it though.
(4)Morgan A.
I've heard many great things about toast when we first moved to Chicago. After months of living in the city my boyfriend and I decided to try it. I was really nervous about the wait after reading reviews. Somehow the stars aligned and we only had a 15 minute wait. In all fairness, we did get there around 1pm which is past the common 11-12 brunch hour. On to the main event... SPEEDY service. Seriously in a blink of an eye we ordered our food and it was there on the table. Ok so maybe it was more like 5 minutes but seriously?! that was FAST! Food was hot, delicious, and there were lots of options. Like usual, I won best dish between the two of us. I got the eggs benedict (my fav brunch food). It was one of the best benedict's I've had in Chicago so far! There was a hint of truffle oil in the hollandaise sauce; de-light-ful! The prosciutto was lean and perfectly sliced for a benny. In addition to that, it's served with perfectly browned potatoes, yum! My boyfriend got one of each of the stuffed french toast. The french toast is the baked variety, not the griddled version most people associate with french toast. If you're not familiar, baked french toast is a lot more delicate and moist. Overall, his dish was just OK. I'm giving Toast 4 stars because we got in quick (not usually the case based on other reviews), service was fast, food was tasty (especially mine), they had belini's on the menu (my fav), and the atmosphere was really great. I will say that I felt a little rushed through my meal. While they never said anything, it was clear they were watching all of the tables like a hawk to keep speed of service for those waiting to get in. While I appreciate that when I'm in line, I don't appreciate it while I'm the one eating! I'd say this place is great for 2 people. You're more likely to get seated faster and you won't feel as cramped in the small space.
(4)Kerri A.
The only reason I'm giving them one star is because the French Toast was good. Probably the rudest staff I've encountered in a really long time. In a world where things are rocky & we have learned that customer service is so very important, it was a bit unreal how rude the hostess and lady manager in charge were. We were originally going to be a party of six then learned that our whole party had to be there before we were seated due to the fact, "you order and we serve you so fast so by the time your other friend shows, you'll already be finished eating." Umm, okay cocky waitress, but you haven't seen how SLOW I eat. Then we learned that our sixth friend went to the wrong Toast (she was at Damen - we were at Webster). We explained this to the hostess, who again, told us that we can't be seated without our whole party. (YEAH, thanks - we got that). So we make an executive decision to just sit and eat as I text our 6th friend to say that they won't seat her even if she makes it in the next 15 minutes so we'd meet up with her after the meal. She arrives maaaaaaaybe six minutes later - mind you, we hadn't even ordered and received all our drinks yet. She says she was berated by the hostess who declared that she absolutely could not sit down. I mean, really - were we being filmed for "Boiling Point"? Do they not realize THEY were losing business by not letting her eat? I get up and speak to the lady manager on duty and she gives a different excuse than the hostess - saying that there's no room at our table (you bet there was...we were sharing a bench - we can squish). No go. Needless to say, this ruined the entire experience because more than half of the charm of a restaurant is how you're treated. We were treated like nothing and it was quite frustrating. Particularly since we were just trying to meet and hang out with an out-of-town. Congrats, Toast on Webster, you're officially never getting my business again.
(1)Melissa M.
Woooowww!!! I have to STRONGLY disagree with the review saying management is rude. I have been to Toast countless times and each time I've been greeted warmly, told an accurate wait time, asked if I'd like anything to drink and treated with respect and kindness. The hostess has always been friendly and the manager is awesome. I'm sorry anyone had a bad experience -- I'm sure if you go back you'd see differently -- maybe it was just an off day or maybe it was just misunderstandings! I love this place and it's a great establishment with fantastic employees -- and the food is RIDICULOUS to boot! :)
(5)Gary B.
Headed over to Toast this past weekend to check out a new place. We new that it would be busy and there maybe a wait involved. Showed up around 11:30 on Saturday and to our surprise there was a limited number of people milling outside waiting. We spoke with the host who was very pleasant and gave him our name. He stated that the wait would be about 30 minutes unless we were interested in sitting at the bar which was available. Never ones to shy away from a bar (regardless of booze being served or not) we quickly told him the bar was perfect. Taking a look at the menu it seemed to have your typical brunch foods until I looked up and saw the days special...asparagus, tomato and blue cheese omelet. I was in heaven and was eagerly anticipating this meal. I was not disappointed what so ever and devoured everything on my plate. While Toast is out of our way for an "all the time" brunch spot, I would certainly be back if I was going to be in the area.
(4)HoboMan M.
Success has gone to their heads! Totally rude staff ... never again; you guys aren't that good
(1)Richie D.
The breakfast here is absolutely delicious. Their french toast is HUGE with plenty of fresh fruit. While things are a bit pricey, it's nice to go to once in a while. My one complaint is the tiny size of the restaurant. I'd recommend the Toast II (Bucktown) because it's a bit bigger. Still, hands down, one of my favorite breakfast spots.
(4)Alison S.
Unique brunch food. Love the poppyseed pancakes. Consistently the longest brunch wait I've experienced in Chicago. If there's a wait, head somewhere else. The city has so many great brunch places, there's no reason to wait 2 hrs for a table. Even when you do get your table, you feel rushed, due to the set up of the restaurant. I find it hard to relax and take my time eating while there's a crowd of 20 people at the door waiting for you to finish.
(3)John A.
while driving x-country stopped in Chicago for a couple of days. Read great reviews on this place and it blew my mind. It was raining out so wasn't busy. The food was AMAZING! Had their pine nut pancakes and steak benedict. Cost was well worth the meal and if ever in Lincoln Park, I plan to be there again.
(5)Sarah F.
This place is yummy and very accommodating to our random substitutions. We got lucky and didn't have to wait. There is nothing innovative about the food but it's well executed.
(4)Rob L.
Definitely a great place for some quality breakfast... Got to say the only issue is the line, but that's a no deterrent at all. If you go and you know there's a long wait, you can do what we did and go to the Halsted Harp Irish pub around the corner for Bloody Marys while you wait! There are way too many complaints about this place, don' let them influence you. There are great options on the menu... something for everyone. And the comment about the manager/owner lady, well if you are nice to her she is really cool and funny.
(4)Sara R.
Was excited to check out Toast due to it's cozy atmosphere, but the food was nothing to rave about. Don't get me wrong, I had an enjoyable time: the place is small enough that you can feel intimate with whomever you go with and the service was attentive. I probably waited for about 20 minutes, which was not bad. I decided to stay in my traditional realm and order two eggs...Absolutely nothing to complain about, but Toast just didn't register as a top-notch, extraordinary place for me. Overall- I would recommend Toast to anyone, more so for it's atmosphere and setting. And one side note- I did overhear the host saying that their head chef was out of town, so that may have improved my experience some.
(3)Tiffany R.
so after a year of having Toast on my to try list I FINALLY WENT! I ordered the french toast orgy and wow....WOW it was amazing! I seriously was giggling the first 5 minutes of eating. So so good! Everything was fresh. The wait was 10 minutes not bad at all. Coffee was meh...would have got 5 stars if the coffee was good! But for something fun and delicious go GO GO!!!!!!
(4)Megan H.
The food here was good. So would I ever come back? Absolutely never!!!!! The service here was some of the worst I have ever had in all my experiences at a restaurant. Can I give them negative stars???? Originally, I was supposed to meet 5 friends for brunch. We were to meet at 10 am. When my friend got their first, she was rudely told the wait would be 2 hours. Um, the place is tiny but it wasn't full at that point. Then we found out it would just be the 3 of us. When we informed them of the change they got even more bitchy and told us that the wait would still be about an hour. Sure, whatever, brunch places are a dime a dozen in the city. As my friends and I were debating about where else to go, they came out and told us that they can turn a table sideways so that two of us could share the bench. Whatever, we were hungry. Several times as we were walking in, the hostess and who I think was the manager kept asking us if we were sure that no one else was coming. As we assured them it would just be the three, they proceeded to tell us that even if someone did come, they would not even be allowed to come in and say hi to us. Seriously???? We also witnessed the hostess tell someone who wanted to sit at the counter that they were not doing counter service that day and it would be an hour wait for them to get a table. Um, there were about 2-3 people sitting at the counter eating. I don't get it. Our server was fine and the food was good but it was nothing spectacular. As we got the check and my friends and I started to talk about how we would pay the check, here comes bitchy hostess to tell us that their f'd up policy is that they can put it all on one credit card, split it onto two cards evenly or take only cash. There was no other way they would accept payment. Yes the policy is absolutely stupid and they are physically able to take payments a whole slew of ways but again, it's not what she said but how she said it. So long story short, I would NEVER come here again. I didn't read the previous reviews before going so I didn't know that the manager had a reputation for being a "nazi'. All I know is that if she thinks it's cute, she's a moron.
(1)Amanda C.
OMG I loved Toast! I went here for brunch with a friend on a Sunday and for two people there was about an hour wait. I was expecting this as I had read previous reviews and knew from those to wait at Starbuck's across Halsted. We had coffee and went back after about 40 minutes and were seated right away at the window table. We ordered Bloody Marys and orange juice to drink. The BM's were not my favorite, but good. They are wasabi-flavored and made from Toast's own mix, with red and yellow peppers on top. Pretty spicy but a lot of people like that. I couldn't tell if the orange juice was freshly squeezed, but I think it was. The menu had so many awesome things to choose from it was difficult to make a decision, and a lot of these involved gruyere cheese and prosciutto, both of which I love. I settled on the Pesto Scramble which was probably the best eggs I have had in my life. The house potatoes are great too and come with most breakfasts. They have meat in them, and my pescatarian friend wished the waitress would have mentioned that. She ordered the Crabby Benedict which I tried and thought was just OK, but that's kind of an unusual flavor anyway. Overall the service was fine and we had no problems using a Groupon. I enjoyed the music, ranging from Queen to Elton John. The food came out so fast but we never felt rushed even though there was a long line. The decor reminds me of an upscale diner. I can see how the long wait and an average meal would make you think less of this place, but my experience was great.
(5)Christopher G.
I visited Toast after the "4th of July" fireworks. . .i.e. the next morning. My wife and I worked off the meal by walking all the way from Palmer house hilton to Toast . . .it was a long walk. Personally, i would of rather stop by Bongo room (south loop). Toast was decent, the stuffed toast was interesting (basically, a french toast sandwich with something inside). The wait was long, the food was quick, and it was decent. My wife really liked it. . .but I don't think I would drive from the Suburbs to eat at Toast (unlike my monthly trip to a Sunday Brunch at Bongo Room). Decent food. . 3 stars = A okay. . .worth the wait? worth the parking fun? nahhh. . .
(3)Lindsay C.
The berry pancakes are phenomenal!!! I love that they provide sugar free syrup as an option so I can finish every last bite with out feeling super guilty! Tyler, who usually works behind the bar, is terrific! Super friendly and attentive! Great breakfast spot!
(5)Elaine C.
What to say about Toast that hasn't already been said. 5 stars for the food. Minus 1 star for making me wait until my friend showed up even though the place was empty. Minus another star for having to sit in a 10-degrees-too-hot room with a bunch of yuppies and college students. Plus 1 star for potatoes that I didn't need ketchup for (rarely happens).
(4)Cinsou E.
Toast is the place for a gorgeous breakfast. It's absolutely a place to go. Their brioche is just amazing ! The only concern you can have is that yo will probably wait a little bit to be seated. But then the service is great an very quick. The Waitress was wonderful, smily and very nice. We had a very pleasant breakfast.
(4)Samantha M.
I was very turned off after hearing such great things about Toast to be greeted with a crabby hostess and waitstaff. It was about an hour and half wait to get a seat on a very hot day so as my friend and I walked around the park for a bit, we were quite thirsty when we came back to find that our table still was not ready and so we asked for a couple of waters. The hostess said that she would get them to us, but as we watched her, clearly not busy, talking to co-workers, cleaning menus, etc. we waited in extreme thirst. Finally, around 20 mins had passed and she brought us over the drinks and said "were you the ones who ordered water?". Considering we were the only 2 people waiting and had nothing but sweat running down our faces, it was a pretty sure bet that yes, it was us. As we sat down, we felt rushed because they were so busy. The waitstaff was trying to take our dishes before we were finished and the check was on the table before we could finish our wasabi bloody marys (which by the way were fantastic). The bathrooms...ugh...don't get me started. First off, there was no toliet paper in the womens, and it felt like a nightmare sneaking behind a curtain to even find them. They were small, dirty, and uninviting to say the least. On to the good stuff...the food gets an A++. No complaints here at all! The Nutella crepes were to die for! Unfortunately, there are too many other places in the city that also have great food and service to recommend Toast. The food can only take you so far. Work on the service and I may be back!
(2)Laura W.
I have been wanting to eat at Toast for the last 14 years and I finally got around to it this summer. Nothing like taking my time with it! I did read some of the other Yelp reviews before I went and I noticed many of them had negative experiences with the owner/staff. I didn't let this deter me and I went in really excited to be eating breakfast there. Two of us arrived there at 8:01am on a Saturday morning. The door was unlocked and we could see the staff in there and as I pulled the door open I was screamed at 'FIVE MINUTES' with a hand held up. Ok... so we walked down the street a bit to check out the restaurant next door and the Redeye newsstand. I would say more then five minutes goes by and we see other parties entering and not coming back out so we assume it is safe to go in. We walk in and say 'two' and we are told 'you can sit at any of the smaller tables in the back'. I also felt this was a bit rude but what can we do. Once we sit down and order things turn around. Our waitperson was friendly and smiley and not rude at all. I ordered the bacon, gruyere, chives, and onion omelette and it was amazing. I really love gruyere and it really made it taste delicious. My friend ordered thehuevos w/ chorizo & cheddar omelette and it was as equally delicious. I am so happy the food didn't disappoint even if I felt it got off to a rocky start. I also read in some of the reviews that people thought the prices were too high, but I don't. I thought it was reasonably priced for the portions and ingredients. The coffee is julius meinl and the OJ is fresh squeezed. My three stars are for the food and I would say that I would go back to try other items on the menu. I do caution about getting there early, by the time we left around 845am or so it was almost completely full. I hate waiting to be seated for breakfast so it was worth getting up early to be seated immediately.
(3)Laura G.
Solid breakfast spot in LP. A lot of fresh twists on typical breakfast food. I really enjoyed the vegetarian eggs benedict. There was no wait when I went during the week, but I heard it gets very busy on weekends! Definitely worth checking out!
(4)Heather R.
After months of trying to get in, I finally had brunch here when my friend was visiting last week for business. This place has always been impossible to get in on the weekends, so I figured any place that has a 3 hour waiting list on weekends is definitely a place worth checking out. We went on a Thursday and had no problem getting an immediate table. We were seated right away and although the menu seemed to have a mile-long list of choices, I stuck with my staple breakfast of eggs Benedict. As delicious as the Crab Benedict sounded, I stuck with traditional Benedict. And, ohmylands...hands down it was truly the BEST eggs Benedict I have ever had! And I can confidently give all the credit to the holandaise sauce. It was orgasmic---incredibly light with a hint of lemony sweetness. I could've had seconds. And thirds... my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The service was great and the food was comparable to any brunch place. My only complaint is the lack of space and seating, so I can have that eggs Benedict again on any given weekend without waiting 3 hours!!! One word: EXPAND!!!!!
(4)Angela C.
I love coming to any Toast for their food because it is fresh and tasty. The food here is the same quality as the Toast in Bucktown. The big difference though (and the reason for only 2 stars) is the service. As noted by another Yelper, it sucks. The issues with service only arise when it gets crowded (which is basically after 9 AM on any given weekend). My friend lives in LP, and so we hopped around the corner to get some brunch. It was pretty crowded at about 11, so we put our name down on the list with the unfriendly hostess (who took about 5 minutes to even notice us standing in front of her). We were then herded into the corner alcove (the "waiting area" if you will). Unfortunately the waiting area overlaps with some seats at the bar, so you are literally standing next to people who are eating. It was freezing that day, so we didn't want to stay outside. I've had bad experience with walking around while waiting to be called and then the restaurant skips over you, so I wanted to stay to make sure we got a seat - and soon. The owner kept yelling at us to not block the doorway (which we weren't), and once we were shuffled back into the corner, we were then yelled at to not get into the bar dining area. Seriously, there is no where else to stand. Thankfully, a couple as called, revealing two seats. My friend and I sat down and had a great conversation with an ex-Pat and her niece. This conversation made the wait less painful. Once we were called, we were seated at the bar even though there was a table available. Upon looking up, I noticed this and asked the hostess if we could switch to the table. She looked annoyed and was hesitant until I verbally suggested to my friend that we should just leave. (Note: the two seats we were taken to at the bar were the same ones that overlapped with the "waiting area"). We were then seated. Once seated, the waitstaff was okay, but our visit was pretty much ruined by the rude hostess and rude owner. If you crave Toast, go to the one in Bucktown. The parking is better, the staff is more chill, and they will let you stand inside when it is freezing cold and not make you feel like a chastized child while waiting for a table.
(2)Chris S.
One of my favorite brunch spots in the city. Excellent Eggs Benedict and great ambiance. I LOVE walking there on a lazy Sunday to have a relaxing brunch.
(4)Tera D.
YUM! I live very near to Toast, but even nearer to Nookies, so I never seem to make it over here. My bf and I finally went in for Sunday morning breakfast. I had been warned extensively that the wait gets really long, so we made a big effort to get there early - around 9. Not sure that was totally necessary though, b/c there didn't seem to be a wait even when we left around 9:45. The decor is way cute, perfect for a breakfast place. The crowd is notably different than diner-type places, with a lot more people in the 35+ range. Service was very fast and attentive. But most importantly, the food was sooooo tasty. I ordered the pesto scramble, which may have been the most flavorful egg dish I've ever eaten. It also came with toast and potatoes, which were very tasty as well. My bf got some sort of french toast extravaganza, which was three flavors (chocolate, strawberry, and something else, I think) covered in yogurt, granola and fresh fruit. Very good. I highly recommend Toast next time you want a nicer breakfast outing.
(5)Jacqueline M.
Hear good things about this place from multiple sources. So I tried it with my cousin this past Christmas weekend. THE GOOD: Very good smoked salmon omelet. Of course, the toast also had to be good. Atmosphere was sunny (brightly colored walls, GREAT modern tunes playing at reasonable decibel level. THE GREAT: Excellent apple sausage with yummy char-grilled flavor. Prompt and friendly waitstaff. THE OK: Why no potatoes/hash browns with the omelet? Omelet selections could have been more plentiful. The omelet was also not as fluffy as I like. Also, it was pretty chilly by the door where we were seated (entrance is literally on top of the first area of seats). THE VERDICT: Very good neighborhood breakfast place near OZ park. Would I come back? Yes, for sure. PLATE ENVY REPORT: Our neighbors on both sides of our table ordered some towering french toast concoction and I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. Looked ridiculously good despite the fact that it would require 10 sessions on the elliptical machine to wear off.
(4)Alison E.
Oh my god. I would give Toast like 10 stars if I could. Mister and I went there for brunch, and it was pretty much as perfect as a meal can get. The server was really nice and attentive, food was super fast. And DELICIOUS, did I mention delicious? Super delicious. I had lemon poppyseed pancakes, and then we split veggie sausage and a side of potatoes (OMG THE POTATOES, YOU GUYS). Mister had some kind of spicy omelet thing that he was suitably impressed by. He was unsure whether to even put hot sauce on it, which is high praise indeed.
(5)John G.
Smaller than I liked but the food was good. Hostess and waiter were very nice. Wait wasnt too long, quoted 30 mins at 1st but we got lucky since a party didnt show and got sat in less than 10mins. Got the pancakes with berries, eggs and the chicken sausage....excellent options in my book. It right by Depaul University too.
(4)Aaliya Y.
The hubby and I were in town for a friend's wedding and after a few bland meals, we were desperately in need of a stand-out brunch. You'd be stupid not to order the mascarpone stuffed french toast! The texture is like that of a donut and it's so creamy with a small note of sugar thrown in the mix. I've been dreaming of this ever since! A close second is the mexican chocolate french toast and coming in strong in third is the strawberry puree stuffed french toast. The hubby had the crabby eggs benedict which were good, not great. But, the lemon zest hollandaise sauce was amazing! Such an unexpected twist.
(4)Jenny H.
We had the eggs benedict which were delicious, and the pancake orgasm, which had 3 different kinds of pancakes (including the lemon poppy seed). The pancakes may have been better if eaten separately so you can taste the different flavors, but in general, great food- would go back for the eggs benedict.
(4)Julie H.
O.K. food. I was not impressed with my Avocado Breakfast Burrito. At $11, I expect some flavor. There are much tastier morning burritos at around $3. But I get it, Toast is a chic brunch option, so they price it accordingly. Vicious attitude from the woman in charge. Because of the volume, our party chooses to eat at the bar. From the moment we sit down, throughout the entire meal, we hear the brunt of her inappropriate jokes directed towards customers, some of which include "regulars". She kept talking at us as we tried to enjoy our brunch. This might have been excusable but she crossed the line: Ms. Webster Toast went on to jokingly call my friend "Tits-on-a-toothpick". It didn't stop there, she raucously continued with uncomfortable boob jokes until something else caught her attention. She mistook our reactions for being in good humor, but my friend was mortified, and the rest of us were fed up.
(1)Chris J.
I just returned from brunch at Toast with friends, and had a bit of a mixed experience. Overall, the food was good - - I had a special ommlette that had peppers, chicken sausage, cheese and spinach. Creative combination, and it was executed fairly well. The problem came when we tried to pay for the check - - there were 3 of us, we wanted to put $20 on one card and the balance on the other card, which is a fairly simple request. The waitress informed us that their "policy' was to only split down the middle. I was a bit surprised; most restaurants offer many payment options - more than I would ever even use - so this was kind of unexpected. To top it all off, as we were signing the credit card receipts, we noticed that they had run the same card twice; when we complained, they said they just printed the receipt twice, they hadn't actually run the card twice. I find that unlikely - - it will be interesting to see once the credit card statement is online.
(2)Mary S.
Two minute wait to get seated, attentive service, and a plate full of various stuffed french toast smothered in yogurt, fruit, and granola? I hope this meal is indicative of how great the rest of 2010 is going to go! The coffee was piping hot, our server was great (presented with flourish, and a special accent), and the food was delivered really quickly. My only complaint is that the strawberry stuffed french toast somewhat tasted plastic-y.
(4)Sharon W.
This was our second try on attempting to eat at Toast. We went Sunday morning at 11 and once again, the wait was hour fifteen. Fortunately, the cute boutiques were open to kill the time and we were able to get seated in 40 minutes; next to the bathroom. We were rushed to order from the not so friendly waitress. We ordered the veggie eggs benedict and the french toast orgy. Food: Veggie Eggs Benedict: Great hollandaise sauce. Probably because anything mixed with truffle oil is delicious. But nothing special. The egg was definitely over poached and the potatoes were soggy. The French Toast Orgy - which was a mix of strawberry , chocolate, and marscapone stuffed french toast with yogurt and granola and fruit on top. Sounds delicious and looks scrumptous - but unfortunately was nothing special. You would expect french toast to be stuffed with chocolate, strawberry, and marscapone. However, 1) It didn't really look like french toast, but more of a oversized soggy swiss roll and 2) wasn't really stuffed, but a strawberry flavored french toast, a marscapone flavored french toast, etc. and finally 3) didn't have that much flavor. Service: The waitress wasn't friendly as previously mentioned since she pretty much demanded our order although we weren't ready. The bus boys were friendly and filled my coffee promptly without asking and boxed our soggy french toast without much complaint. Atmosphere: Tiny as flip especially since we sat next to the bathroom! It was also loud, crowded, and claustrophobic. Overall: I cannot believe I tried to come here twice and was willing to wait an hour fifteen minutes to eat something so disappointing! There are several brunch places with a less wait time and better quality food (Meli Cafe, Bongo Room, etc). . .
(2)Jess F.
I. Love. Toast. SO CUTE. It's a tad too small so its a bit crowded, but i think its cosy. The food is phenomenal. The eggs benedict and the potatoes it comes with are delicious. The stuffed french toast were pretty good too but they were a bit soggy which made it a little less yummy, and plus i discovered in my last few bites that they were a thousand times better with honey than wth syrup, I wish i had realized that before I was practically done haha. My only complaint is the wait. Try to go at an off time, we went on a thursday at 1 which was perfect but ive been there on saturdays and sunays after 9 and its almost always an "hour and a half" wait. However if you sit there most people leave before their names are called and it ends up being a lot less than an hour and a half. I'm pumped to go back next weekend and try the pancake orgy, will let you know how it tastes!
(4)Erin J.
Don't be scared when they tell you how long the wait will be. It usually doesn't take that long. Dear sweet mother of god, the stuffed french toast was amazing. Also the chirizo scramble was out of this world. Always gets a thumbs up for good orange juice and hot chocolate.
(5)Kelly S.
Lemon poppyseed pancakes. Drizzled with honey. At 9am on a Monday morning. My week started out brilliantly. My two girlfriends and I were seated in the booth table in the window. Our server was absolutely delightful. Jovial. Efficient. Have you ever seen the TV show Brothers & Sisters? He looked exactly like Teddy. My advice for the best Toast experience possible. Go between 8am and 9am on a weekday morning. No line. No wait. Delicious food, impeccable service, and a terrific cup o joe.
(5)Lindsey D.
Great service, everyone is polite and prompt. The food however was not very good at all. Breakfast places are everywhere in the city and everyone is looking for something to make them different, but just because you've combined ill-fitting ingredients into a dish doesn't make your food good or give you an edge. Portions not worth the money, and the eggs Benedict was quite terrible. Daring menu choices do not pay off for this sub-par breakfast joint. Also, it smiled like urinal cakes. For real.
(1)danny v.
My cousin took me here fro my birthday breakfast...........it was delicious!! I had a french toast orgy (that's exactly what it is!) 3 slices of stuffed french toast (strawberry,mascarpone,and mexican chocolate) covered in yougurt,granola,fresh fruit and honey!!!!!!! wow amazing! I had great service, yummy food, and fresh strawberry lemonade. I will be going back. The only down side is that it is small and you may have to wait a bit.
(4)Janie C.
Curse the Groupon that came out for this place! The wait is usually at least 30-45 minutes on a Saturday or Sunday morning and you can count on it staying that way for a long time to come, so bring a book and some patience, or grab a coffee at the Starbucks down the block. The first time we were at Toast, we sat down next to a lovely pair of women who were just finishing up. We asked what they ordered and what they thought. One woman got the smoked salmon omelette and recommended it. The other got the stuffed french toast (one of each flavor available) and expressed disappointment. We proceeded to order: salmon omelette for the gentleman, huevos w/ chorizo & cheddar for the lady, and the kid's portion of the stuffed french toast (one of each flavor) to share. We make our way through our respective brunch choices and try each others, both egg dishes are yummy and hit the spot. Word to the wise: skip the potatoes and the toast -- they're not that great and they are fillers. You must save room for the good stuff. After one bite of the marscapone stuffed french toast, my partner-in-crime remarks, "That b*tch was crazy!" And we devour the remaining flavors. Marscapone is by far the best, don't bother with the others. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, syrup adds to the gooey deliciousness. And as a bonus, the tables are lined with butcher paper and you can snag some crayons intended for the young-ins, or the young at heart, and doodle away as you wait for your meal. Go on now, doodle away!
(4)Vonda D.
Toast was awesome when I went! The staff was very friendly. The food quantity was huge. I left feeling stuffed. I also liked that it was BOYB. We dont really have that here in ATL. Perfect place to cure a hangover.
(5)Froi P.
This is a great breakfast place! I've been here twice and haven't been disappointed. I like the decor which gives it a unique aura with old toasters lining the shelves. SEE PICTURES I've had the steak benedict which I've never seen before. This past visit I had the Lorraine omelette (SEE PICTURE) which I highly recommend! The staff is friendly. The food comes out hot. Every time I come to Chicago I make sure I come here! If you come on a weekend, be prepared to wait a long time. I have no complaints about this place.
(4)Jenn S.
My friend and I stopped in here for a delicious brunch...and boy was it! Although the space it tiny, which is usually a deterrent for me, it definitely made for an interesting dining experience. Between the children sitting next to me yelling at their parents (they were 3 & 5) and the ladies on the other side of us that caused a bit of a yelling match between my friend and I so that we could hear each other, "interesting" is definitely the word to use. So why do I give this place 4 stars? The food was THAT good! Just when I was about to order a plate of pancakes (which are huge by the way), I looked down the row of tables to see a breakfast burrito at every single one. I knew that something must be good about them if everyone seems to have one. So I got one. Oh Em G...it was so good my mouth is watering as I type right now. I also ordered a side of potatoes which at first looked as though they were burnt. No no no...they were perfect. Not too crispy, not too soft. I will certainly be going there again to try the french toast...and everything else on the menu!
(4)C C.
After several attempts to eat at Toast (and always got the "an hour to 2 hour wait after 10:30 AM), we finally made it in at 8:30 AM. It was just my husband and I so we were seated fairly quickly. After perusing the menu for 2 minutes, I settled with the "create your own omelet" and my husband had the stuffed french toast. Food - I'm not very picky when it comes to omelets as I don't think you can really screw one up. However, Toast failed my mediocre expectations. I asked for three simple ingredients to add - mushrooms, sausage, and cheddar cheese. I promise you, I think the chef took a cheddar pinwheel and just sat it right on the egg. The cheese ate my omelet! Needless to say, I enjoyed the side items - toast and potatoes. As far as my husband's meal, he seemed to enjoy it as the only thing that was left on the plate was the fruit. Service - This place gets quite busy after 9:30 AM so arrive early if you're in the mood to try this place out. However, I have to say that this place is pretty much, "hurry up and eat your food so we can seat the next guest." I'm a pretty quick eater, but this place takes the cake. Before I was done eating, the waitress brought our check and the busboy took my plate. Overall - I definitely won't be visiting this restaurant again. I felt I had a better brunch experience at Nookies Two, right across the street. Another thing, although I don't have children, I don't think this place is very accommodating for families. It is way too small so expect to wait a while.
(3)Rachel A.
At first it was all about the name for us. I don't know why else we would have discovered Toast. Call it the Damon Bradley of restaurants for 5 galavanting girls but we went on a wild goose chase in search of Toast on foot and by Taxi. Toast is off the beaten path for tourists but a wonderful excuse to explore a Chicago neighborhood. The housing looked so quaint and the streets were clean with lush trees providing shade. We quickly passed by Oz Park where I spied the Tin Man but had to keep on walking for we were getting closer to Toast. Alas, we reached this restaurant where we were met by the big piece of bread signage. Ecstatic we had found Toast, it was like we stumbled upon an oasis in the desert. We didn't wait long at all for our table, the seats were comfy and service was fast. The French Toast Orgy can't be beat anywhere else. C'mon, french toast filled with marscapone cheese? It was so rich, decadent, and filling that I'd thought I'd discovered the french toasts of all french toasts. I also felt like a local. I'm envious of the neighbors. I'd be here every weekend.
(4)Betty S.
Love Toast. Be prepared for a wait unless you go on a weekday- I reccomend sending someone early for a group and have them wait at the starbucks down the street :) Eggs are great, everything is great!
(5)Mary B.
Once you get past the hour long wait to get in to the tiny restraunt, you realize it is totally worth the wait! My favorite brunch place in Chicago by far. The best eggs benedict i have EVER had. They also have EGGcellent scramblers (pesto is my favorite). If you like a little buzz with your brunch, their bloody mary's are strong and spicy- just how they should be. Or for something on the sweeter side, their vodka and strawberry lemonade concoction called the Heavenly Lemonade should hit the spot. My advice to Toast diners: Go put your name in, grab some starbucks, and take a walk down the shops of Halstead or through Oz Park right down the street. Great plan for a leisurely Sunday afternoon.
(4)Adam B.
Place only sits about 30 so you may have to wait a little but it's worth it. Food was really good and service was a lot quicker than expected. Prices are also reasonable and I will be going back once I move into the city.
(4)Brittany B.
Ever since I'd seen someone eating breakfast here from the window, I'd really wanted to try this place! Finally on my last visit to Chicago, we stopped here. My thought on the food though, is it looks better than it actually is. I got the French toast orgy (my sister kept referring to it as the french toast orgasm!), but it was less than orgasmic to me. I think there was too much going on with the toast, and maybe too many sweet things - stuffed toast in three flavors, topped with yogurt, granola, berries and honey. Pretty yummy, but too much food made me feel more bloated than anything else. My sister and her boyfriend got the breakfast burritos (they looked like a good choice) and my boyfriend got the pesto scrambled eggs. Top-notch pesto, but a bit more butter and cheese than my stomach could handle.
(3)Lauren P.
i loveee eggs benedict, so i have had it a numerous restaurants, and this place definitely has one of my favorites. i get the tenderloin eggs benedict, hollandaise sauce on the side, and its so delish every time. the weekends get pretty busy, but its right by tons of great shops, so killing time is easy! def worth the wait...
(5)Andrea R.
My first trip to Chicago and this place was the most review-worthy. It's small and quaint, great atmosphere. The servers are not overly friendly, but they did their job very well. It was a Monday afternoon, there were about 10-12 patrons in the restaurant. Every person's food looked and smelled delicious. I was starving, so I stuck to my old favorite "Two Egg Breakfast" choice. They couldn't have done it better. My eggs were scrambled perfectly (with cheese and garnish), served with a bit of almost mashed potatoes, and my choices of chicken sausage and multi-grain toast. Everything was delicious. They made a simple meal extraordinary. I cannot wait to go back!
(4)Polina G.
I am not usually one to write Yelp reviews, but I really thought my opinion needed to be heard in this case. Apparently I'm the only person in Chicago who thought their "french toast orgy" tasted like baby food. Over-priced and over-rated mushy bread that doesn't remotely resemble anything you would consider french toast. After about one bite of each flavor, I had had enough. Well, that's all. Just wanted my voice to be heard. If you go to Toast solely for it's trendiness and their french toast orgy.....you may be disappointed. Probably.
(2)Danny M.
Expensive Breakfast + Trendy Neighborhood + Average Food + Pompous Employees = Toast. Here is what I know about Toast: - I want to love it, I really do. I'm not a negative person, but Toast always seems to bring out the worst in me. - The food is good, dont get me wrong! The owner always appears to be visible and super nice, so kudos there. - The host always seems to think he is better than me since he controls the wait time. I respect the job because I have done it before, but at the end of the day, you hold a piece of paper and a pen. Lets call a spade and spade, and put a smile on your face, son! Again, no disrespect for the actual job, because I have done it for quite some time ... - You will wait ...for a very long time! The nice thing is that their are some boutique shops in the neighborhood that you can walk too to spend some time. I think my shortest wait time has been an hour. - There is some neighborhood and street parking, but the Halsted bus might be your best choice, if it is an option. - Oh, and dont come with a group. I recommend a table of 4 or less, or block out half the day to get a table. They do not accept reservations! Some great menu items are the Veggie Eggs Benedict, Stuffed French Toast Orgy, and the Pesto Egg scramble. The eggs benedict is great because it is a classic, just with great seasonal vegetables on it. Finally a choice for psuedo-vegetarians! The French toast orgy is three large pieces, individually stuff with strawberries, chocolate, and marscapone cheese. It is topped with yogurt and granola and it is absolutely fantastic! The pesto scramble is great too, but a little pricey for something I could make at home (which this did give me the idea to put pesto in my eggs and has been a breakfast treat ever since). I absolutely love breakfast. Eggs are a staple of my diet! I just find it hard to rationalize spending $15 on my first meal of the day. Sorry Toast, this wont be a frequent visit!
(3)Gena U.
I love breakfast. Split a chicken sandwich with a friend for the meal (which came with heavenly potatoes), and then proceeded to eat the stuffed french toast orgy -- yogurt and granola, oh my! The mascarpone was delicious, the strawberry next, and I found the chocolate stuffed piece to be a bit dry. It's a bit small inside, and we had a small wait for Sunday brunch/lunch, but worth it.
(4)Jen B.
A great neighborhood brunch spot near DePaul. You won't find a giant menu like at Yolk but there is a good mix of sweet and savory options. Expect the usual wait between 10 am and 1 pm on the weekends. You can put your name down and head to the Starbucks on the corner for a coffee and crossword while you wait, or stroll through Oz park and take in the statues. I had a fantastic pesto scramble with these really great potatoes and wheat toast. Yes, the toast was especially good (as you would expect given the name). Good coffee and OJ, too.
(4)Travis B.
This has to be the greatest restaurant with the worst store front I have ever seen. It's so uninviting from the outside w/ its mechanical storm door and hard-to-see-through windows. I don't think its a good mark of a restaurant that the only way I would have known to try this place was the Yelp reviews. The atmosphere (inside) is great. The music is just a few notches too loud though for a breakfast joint (especially with a sound track that belongs in an Express or H&M). That said the food is great (and reasonably priced). I had the eggs benedict and it was probably the best benedict I've ever had. I overheard the guy next to me pointing at my plate and telling his waitress "I want that". The wait is a bit long but I think that's par for the course in some of these well established but smaller restaurants in the city.
(4)Sarah F.
Aside from the cramped "waiting" area, this place is soooo good. I love the stuffed french toast and the pesto egg dish - honestly, I could eat breakfast here everyday and find a new favorite. The lunch items are also great, but I tend to stick with breakfast fare - it's never been a miss. I don't usually like to go during the rush because the hostess/servers tend to hover when there's a wait, but that's understandable from a former waitress standpoint.
(4)Linda V.
Marscapone Stuff French Toast is one thing I could eat for the rest of my life and die happy. Seriously. They also have great Eggs Benedict and many other things (I've tried off other's plates), I just can't find it in my heart to not order the French Toast. Same deal at the Bucktown location. Good good stuff. It can be frustrating to be on the list for over an hour, but you can always put your name in, go do a little shopping on Halsted and come back... they should invest in Buzzers. Anyway, you should have stopped reading this review after the first sentence and gone to Toast. What are you still doing? Go Now!
(5)Meredith J.
Breakfast + Brunch are PERFECT here. If I had someone visiting me from out of town I would take them here; it's guaranteed to become a favorite of theirs too. One thing to be aware of- most of Chicago knows what I just exclaimed, go early or be prepared to wait. Don't complain, you know the saying about the early bird. Everything on the menu is fantastic creative, hearty, warm and delicious. Decor is quirky with all the old and varied toasters lining the walls. Toast is a small restaurant so I would title it as "cozy," often this can leave people feeling claustrophobic while waiting jammed by the front window, grab a paper or magazine and make the best of it. The pesto omelette is hands down my favorite, I highly recommend it to everyone. Other notables: The Lorraine, Tijuana, and the veggie omellette. Another thing to be aware of: the host and hostesses. They may come off snooty and aggressively not caring at all about your presence as you wait, but they do and you will have your turn. Patience is worth it at Toast. IF you're looking for the best brunch in Chicago, go no further!
(4)Kristin C.
I had only been two Toast 2 not knowing it was 2 of 2 Toasts. Good thing I didn't know that because I NEVER watch a sequel before the original - unless you count Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom which I watched before Raiders of the Lost Ark. . . but that was a Trilogy so I don't know if that counts?? Anypoop, my college roommate was in town and I was blowing off Friday so we hoofed it to Toast on one of those random days in February when it was NOT 30 below. Brunch-bound we were and it started with a bloody. The drinks were good, the garnishes better. I like my bloodies spicy and it delivered but it was not the best I have had. The menu is vast and the lunch items looked especially good. I went for a goat cheese omelet with veggies and a side of bacon and it really hit the spot. My roomie had a salmon scrambly omelet dish that she liked. The set up of this Toast reminds me of Southport Grocery (minus the groceries). The crowd in the morning seemed to be primarily DePaul kids. The girls next to us didn't really make me miss college too much as they discussed weird boy stories and blacking out. Isn't growing up fun? I like this Toast. . . not my favorite brunch spot but good enough to bring me back!
(4)amanda i.
This morning I took my 60yr old Aunt and 93yr old Great Aunt to Toast for brunch, and we all really loved it. There was a 20 minute wait but the hostess was really sweet and bumped us ahead of another party because they were still waiting on someone. I love a place that has consideration for older-folks. Nice selection of teas. Our waited was friendly and attentive but not overly-perky, which made me happy. We all ordered omelets and each one was delicious, huge and cooked perfectly with all requests fulfilled. The strawberry jam that comes alongside the toast is pretty amazing. I think the test of a good omelet is how good it tastes when it's being eaten as a cold leftover, and I've got to say that Toast has passed the test.
(5)Marissa J.
My mom was in town so we took her there this past Saturday around 1pm. It was a little crowded, but we only had to wait about 5 min. Bonus. I was very tempted by the stuffed french toast, but the guy at the table next to me ordered it and when it came out it looked yummy, gooey, and huge. I went for the regular french toast and the veggie sausage. The french toast was a little dry, but good. The mimosas were excellent. My bf had the pancake orgy, minus the orgy. He really enjoyed them. My mom had an egg white omelet and she said it was excellent. All-in-all a good brunch place, but with all the places to try I probably won't go back anytime soon.
(3)James D.
I love this cafe! Toast always has a way of making me feel like a VIP even when I'm ballin' on a budget. The staff is always down to earth, funny, and courteous. I especially dig the manager who has a great smile and one of the most entertaining people I have encountered in Chicago. Yes, you may have to wait a while to be seated, but its a small price to pay for a memorable experience. Don't shit your pants. Just be understanding, patient, and show some common courtesy and the staff will show you love. As far as dining goes I'm partial to the grilled cheese, and pancake orgy. The manager makes a mean mimosa and is the ideal remedy for a groggy Sunday morning after a long night on the town.
(5)Melissa R.
Toast is my go-to for brunch. It has never done me wrong, and I know it never will. I've been here dozens of times and the food is always excellent. And although almost all of the patrons are Lincoln Park yuppies, it never seems pretentious. The menu items I love: *Eggs Benedict: the hollandaise sauce is perfection *Crabby Benedict *B.E.L.T. (Bacon, Eggs, Lettuce, Tomato) *House potatoes *Fresh Fruit & Raspberry Granola w/ yogurt & honey: this is so filling and only uses delicious fresh fruit...none of the melon filler crap *Veggie Burger *Cobb Club Sandwich *Potato Salad I should also mention that I love the staff at this place. Everyone from the super friendly busboys, smiling host, laid-back waitresses, and sassy manager. I secretly want to work here and be part of "the gang". I know a lot of people complain that there is a long wait, but I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes for a table...and this is a trendy brunch restaurant on the weekend, you have to expect to wait for a table.
(5)Bernadette S.
Meh. I originally put three stars, but when I started this review with the word "meh," I realized two was more appropriate. This was my second time at Toast in the span of three years, and I remembered it being a lot better. I ordered the french toast orgy. Of the three stuffed french toast flavors, mascarpone, strawberry, and mexican chocolate, only the mascarpone was edible...and all the yogurt/granola/fruit dumped on top. The fruit was quite fresh. The strawberry and chocolate slices were borderline disgusting; the bread was so soggy that it resembled cottage cheese. Gross. Hubby got the chorizo omelet, it was tasty but very oily (product of the chorizo, but still, that makes it unappetizing). Service was friendly to us, but I did not appreciate hearing the bar tender and hostess bitch about a customer less than ten seconds after she walked out the door. That was really unprofessional of them. The best part of the meal was the challah bread french toast and the apple cider (misleadingly called apple juice on the menu). I won't return.
(2)Chase F.
So far I'd have to say that this is one of the best brunches in the area after living here for 4 years. The service from start to finish was excellent, we were well taken care of. Although expect a wait as this is no hidden secret, Chicago knows this place is spot for sure. We arrived on a Sunday morning at about 9:30AM and had a 25 minute wait, by the time we were leaving the wait was nearly an hour (at 11AM). Also something to keep in mind, alcohol isn't served until 11AM. So we settled for coffee. I'll be back to try the great looking lunch menu and definitely brunch again. A great place to bring out of town guests and very reasonably priced. We had pancakes (orgy & seasonal pumpkin), a breakfast sandwich and I had their well known mascarpone fresh toast - highly recommend it!
(5)Sharon S.
Heard really great things about this place. Had the orgy French toast. I didnt think it was that great. It was really soggy and didn't taste like French toast, more like soggy bread. And I've had stuffed French toast before and this jut wasn't up to par. Though the group I was with also got the orgy pancakes and burrito and agreed those were a lot better. I'd give it another try though. Just thought if it was called Toast, the French "toast" would've been their signature dish
(2)Emily Y.
3.5 stars here -- Toast is good, but it is no longer in my Top Five Fancy Brunch Places (which are, for the record: 1. Over Easy 2. M. Henry 3. Bongo Room 4. Julius Meinl 5. Lula Cafe). I've been several times, and none of these times was I completely blown away. Probably the best thing I've had was on my most recent visit -- the Crabby Benedict, an Eggs Benedict made with a yummy crab mixture in place of the ham or bacon. The Hollaindaise was nice and light and had a kick of lemon for freshness. I'd say stick to the brunch dishes, as the lunch stuff is pretty uninspired. Service is usually good, and friendly. My visits have been at off-peak times, so I'm not sure how it gets when crazy weekend busy. My guess is, like most of the fancy brunches -- I wouldn't want to go there on the weekends. It's a very cute and trendy atmosphere, but I prefer my further northside brunch spots so as to avoid the trixie/chad crowd. LP is so early 2000's - Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, and A-ville are where it's at now. ;) Don't bother with Toast if you haven't been to any of the aforementioned Top 5. Get to work on the list, and then if you're still itching for more brunch, THEN try Toast.
(3)Kat M.
Horrible, weird service, bland food. There are 8 billion places for brunch in this city, do yourself a favor and pick any of the others. The restaurant was too warm, the hostess gave us the evil eye the entire time we were seated, then told us another person couldn't join our table (she was chastised by a manager and told she was wrong), refused to split our check between cash and a credit card. If you want to be a restaurant with unnecessary, pain in-the-ass policies and rude service, fine, go for it, but your food better be spectacular. It wasn't.
(1)Jessica S.
Having heard of stuffed french toast I wanted to come here and try it. At the time I didn't know you could get a variety plate and I only got mascarpone :( despite this setback of ordering it was good as was the service. The only downside is the f o r e v e r long wait you get at a brunch spot in lincoln park. Typical brunch experience :)
(4)Lisa B.
My tour of trendy brunches continues with Toast. I was very smug and thought I wouldn't have to wait for a table at 10:45 on a Friday, but I did. Only 15-20 minutes, but you have to understand I'm practically allergic to waiting for food -- and I had my 12 and 9 year olds with me. It is not exactly a child-friendly place, (no kids menu per se) but everyone found something they liked. I really enjoyed my crepe with apples, pears and brie, and my daughter ordered their breakfast potatoes which were nicely browned and flavorful. The boy demolished his eggs benedict. Service was very cheerful, and it was conveniently located near Oz Park, so the kids could romp around afterward. Some people notice the decor of a restaurant, I notice the music playing. As I was bopping along to the lively '80s pop music, I realized that most of the people in the restaurant with me were in diapers when this stuff was popular.
(4)Jodi M.
My girlfriend and I went here on Super Bowl Sunday for brunch. This was our first time and we heard great things about Toast; however, I was not blown away by the food. The service and food were both decent. I wouldn't say it was worth the hour wait!
(3)Tuyen T.
Had breakfast here this morning. Wednesday morning = no crowd. I was not impressed. We were seated in the back, near where the waiter does his prepping, when there were two perfectly nice tables in front. I just have a thing for chaos going on behind my back that I can't see. And I'm not even gonna pull the race card here... Anyway, I got the eggs benedict. It was alright. The potatoes were not good. It was messy - most of the skins were falling off and some of it was burnt. My eggs were over done for my preference - they didn't ask me how I liked them though. Prosciutto a little hard to chew. Friend got scrambled eggs with chorizo - which she did not finish. She also got multi-grain bread that she didn't like. I'm not exactly sure why. But, and I quote "how can you ruin toast" ... "toast was TOOO thick, should have been for a sandwich"... Not enough jam, too much butter. Can't complain too much about the service, since there really wasn't any... Didn't take long for food to come, but he was sure quick on his feet to pick up our plates when we finished. Again... not gonna pull the race card... No lie, in and out in less than an hour. And what's up with the brown paper bag like cover over the table cloths?
(2)Chris K.
My gf and I came across this place for lunch. The interior is bright and welcoming. The food was great; I had chicken soup with pico de gallo and buffalo burgers. I would certainly go again, though the servers could be a little more attentive.
(3)Caroline D.
We recently moved to Lincoln Park and decided to try this for breakfast on a Saturday morning. We arrived right after 8am when they opened and were seated right away. By 8:30 after seat was taken but there was no line forming yet. The place is very small! I can understand why the wait can be up to 2 hours at times. I had the eggs benedict, my husband had the eggs and peppers, and we split a french toast. All were absolutely delicious! I'll bill came to under $20....you can't beat that. I will definitely be back. The only negatives were that we were rushed somewhat to eat and go once our food arrived. I am not a vaccuum cleaner, but I also don't take forever to eat. I could feel the pressure of the staff to get us out of there as it was definitely getting busier. An unknown person actually grabbed my debit card off of the table and rung up our meal without me seeing the bill first. That shocked me. The manager was there, and she seemed very competent but also highly stressed. Our waiter messed up my order, and when I very politely asked for it to be fixed he was a little rude. I just stood my ground, and my order was fixed. I think that due to the small space and the pressure to move customers in and out on the weekend the whole staff was stressed and acting accordingly. The food was excellent so I will be back, but maybe on a weekday instead; however, I would never wait 2 hours for this food.
(4)Jojo L.
Would not return !!the lady in the front need to relax and take some chill pills . The food is not that good . I think ihop do better than this place .
(1)Billy B.
Toast is a solid brunch spot but you need to get there early to get a table. Ate there today, had the vegetarian egg white omelette, left feeling quite fulfilled. Also, they serve a really solid cup of coffee and the servers are usually really nice. It's pretty close to 5 star worthy but isnt quite life changing so I can't give 5 stars. Better than Nookies though.
(4)Jeff H.
Her name is Jill. Remember that. Mid 40's. Well dressed. Overly tanned. High heels. She's the brunch Nazi at Toast. Go ahead and read all the negative reviews--you'll see see plenty of comments about the manager. The 2 of us go to Toast at around 230pm, saturday. plenty of space at that time, and the waitress tells us to sit where we want. I wanted to sit away from the draft at the door, further inside. All of sudden, I hear this, "No, no, no...!" and i see this woman pointing her 2 index fingers up and down towards the window as if she's directing traffic. I must have seem puzzled, so she rolls her eyes at my slow comprehension and said that they are closing the back. Understandable, i thought. so i about to sit down at the corner booth next to the window, and then hear once again, "no, no no!" i look to her for more instructions. I must sit at a smaller table, she said. Mind you at this point 70% of the tables are empty. Fine, we sit the the table next to the door. I thought, whatever, there must be a good reason for this, so i keep my sweater on to shield myself from the cold, and start to read the menu. More people walk in. they sat anywhere they wanted. Let me explain myself first. I am a serious pushover. I am usually the type the cowers when someone's rude to me, thinking that, hey, it's ok. Everyone has days, and why make things more unpleasant than it already is? But the more i thought about it, the more i felt that i should say something. I've read the comments on Yelp before. Maybe she had no idea how her words are perceived and how she might be hurting the reputation of Toast. So after we ate, i gathered up enough courage to go talk to her. So there she was, at the counter, with her legs propped up on the chairs, having a very loud personal conversation. i waited patiently until she got off the phone. I walked over, and here is the actual conversation that took place: "Excuse me, are you the manager...?" my voice was weak and quivering. "Yes." "What is your name?" "Jill." She rolls her eyes again and sighed impatiently. "Jill, i just wanted to tell you that i really enjoyed the food here, but i don't know if you are aware that people on the internet talk about how you treat customers and it's turning poeple off." "I know." this was accompanied by a proud, so-the-fxck-what-smile. "And...?" I uttered. she must feel compelled to explain herself. Doesn't she? "And what?" "Don't you care?" "I DO care," her voice going up on decibels. "but it's all because people like you who come looking for it!" Looking for it? what is "it"? "Oh, yeah, guys like you hear about me, and you come looking to get it. So i give it to you!" I swear to god is is all verbatim. She acutally thought i went there and spend and hour and $30 just so i can pick a fight? Is she serious? Up to now i was keeping my voice quiet, not wanting to make a scene. but apparently she doesn't care. "What are you talking about? i just came to have brunch, and..." "Oh, yeah, you came looking for it and you know it!" "Look, all i am saying is that you are hurting the reputation of your restaurant..." "You are not the first one to come looking for it. So see you later." I was speechless. i truly had no idea how to deal with this. She stunned me completely. I am not the first one to complain, and she apparently doesn't give a crap anyway! so I left, defeated. The only thing to do, i thought to myself, is to share that horrid experience with the Yelp community. I know i personally will not go back and be humiliated again. Even though the food there is pretty darn good. I feel conflicted asking my freinds not to go, since the only people hurt if the business suffers, are the cooks and waitresses and all the other folks that work with her. All i can do is share this story, and you can decide on your own.
(1)Philip M.
The food is pretty good, but the owner is an absolute nightmare. Go to Yolk instead - nobody needs attitude and arrogance with their breakfast. I can't imagine this restaurant surviving through 2011.
(1)Corrie N.
Dude. Jeff H. Seriously? I love Jill. LOVE HER! My husband and I go to Toast just for her. Oh, okay, and the french toast stuffed with chocolate and mascarpone and the hubster enjoys the Lorraine Omelette. But...back to Jill. The first time we went to Toast, my husband realized he had no utensils. When he asked for some, Jill told him politely to "eat with his f@*king fingers." We nearly fell off our chairs laughing. Now, obviously, we had established that we are that kind of smart ass-y couple that you can say things like that to, and we dish it right back out, but that's precisely why we go to toast. Also, I was extra super pregnant the last time I went in, and Jill said "Hi, you're huge." which I was, and I reveled in it. She also treated me to some good old Irish cream in my coffee-yeah, yeah while I was pregnant, but it was only one, so back off people. We love the food and we love the service, so five superstars for Toast, and if you can't handle wait staff with some spunk, hit some other sanitized chain joint, mmmkay?
(5)Johnny A.
This place was high on my list of brunch options to try and I finally got to go there this saturday. CONS: - at noon, it was a 45 minute wait - not a lot of seating - i got an omelette, which came with only a side of toast for 9 bucks. PROS: - really friendly waitstaff and host - the omelette was actually delicious - pear, apple, brie crepe - fast service/ good turn around rate Overall, this place was great! I'd go back to try more of the menu items... but I'm not jumping at the chance. Definitely a place to go with one other person, not a group.
(3)Christian T.
This place is hands down my favorite place for breakfast/brunch. I've been coming to Toast for the past couple of years and and have never been disappointed. The food is always good, the coffee is strong and the staff is terrific. There's a reason why there is a line and people waiting on Saturdays and Sundays - you won't find a better place in terms of atmosphere and food. The atmosphere - a very inviting place to sit , eat and relax. Not too loud and everyone is friendly. From the wait staff to Jill the manager, who is possibly one of the most personable and funny person I've had the pleasure to meet, they're absolutely terrific . Best seat in the house? The counter. Trust me. In terms of food - If you're a sweets type of person for breakfast - the French Toast Orgasm(stuffed french toast filled with marscapone, chocolate and strawberry covered in yogurt, fruit and honey) will satiate and possibly overwhelm (in a good way) your sweet tooth. By far my favorite thing on the menu. If you're a salt type of person - you can't go wrong with one of their omelets or the B.E.L.T sandwich. Bottom line - an all around great experience that keeps packing people in and bringing them back time and time again.
(5)Kali B.
I LOVE Toast. I loooooooooove Toast. I really do!! Their veggie chili and chocolate crepes are the reason to go. They're SO good! I love that they will let you share plates, or put mix-ins in your food. Amazing! Word of caution- go either before 9:30 am or after 2pm. The wait time in between is absolutely insane and can range from 45 minutes to an hour and half. One star off for their ridiculous wait times and for being fussy about splitting credit card charges for large groups.
(4)Thea V.
The food is fine, but nothing you can't get elsewhere, so I will go elsewhere. The staff was more rude than anyone has ever been to me at a restaurant and the wait is too long. Nuf said.
(2)Christina R.
This is one of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots for ONE reason... the FOOD. My favorite dish is the French Toast Orgy (all with the mascarpone filling). You get three large chunks of french toast stuffed with mascarpone, strawberry or chocolate (or all three) and it's topped with yogurt, home made granola and fresh fruit. The last time I went, I got the Eggs Benedict. I like their version because they use prosciutto instead of canadian bacon. Their hollandaise was rich and tangy, my eggs were poached perfectly and the english muffin was toasted to perfection to provide the necessary crunch to the complete bite. My only gripe is the wait/waiting area. The restaurant is small to begin with, and their so-called waiting area can comfortably fit maybe 3-4 people. All 3 times I've been to Toast for brunch I was WAY over-quoted on the wait time. Since we didn't want to wait in tiny waiting area we took a stroll and came back 15 minutes before our wait was supposed to be up - only to find out that everyone that was waiting before/after us had already been seated. The staff is friendly, I've only been there when the owner was there once and she was very attentive to the customers. All in all, if you're a fan of breakfast/brunch... it's worth any negative experience you may have once your plate of food gets to your table.
(4)Gina V.
Where do I begin....the menu was just "o.k." Not many selections...I had the nutella crepe which was dry, I've had much better... The real problem: The snooty owner. What kind of restaurant cannot split tender? THIS ONE. My friend and I wanted to split our bill half credit card, half cash. I eat out at least once a day and do this often, so I know it is possible. I also use registers on a daily basis. Anyhow, the waiter explained that they are not allowed to split between cash and credit nor are they allowed to split up the bill into two separate bills. I explained that I did not want to charge $12 on credit, and would like to speak with the person in charge. Instead of coming to the table and asking what the problem was and trying to use a courteous manner that most restaurant managers or owners do, she immediately came over and said, "We do not split between credit card and cash. We cannot separate the bill. Put the tab on your friend's credit card and pay her back." WHOA.....well thank you for the great service, I will not be returning.....Who doesn't appreciate their customers? THIS LADY.... Trust me...there are MANY great places to eat breakfast in the city....do yourself a favor and go somewhere with a postive atmosphere where the restaurant managers are willing to accommodate!
(1)Leilani N.
Pros: -Really good eggs. -Yummy rye toast. -Lovely selection of spiked morning beverages for those looking to start the day off right. Cons: -TINY. -A bit expensive. -Stringent rule (i.e.: can't substitute things, can only split the check in exactly half, can't be seated unless entire party is with you, blablabla) Not earth shattering, but definitely a place to try.
(4)Eric B.
Wasabi bloody Mary and eggs Benedict. Delicious. Cute place.
(4)IGNACIA G.
Best pancakes in town --- pancake orgy was great !
(5)Timothy M.
Although I live down the street from Toast's Bucktown location, we went to the LP location because of my girlfriend has mastered the art of two-for-one meals. The food is awesome. I had the Omlette Lorraine, which had cheese, bacon, and onions. Egg Nog pancakes are also good, but I believe they're seasonal (they tasted like a glazed donut, mmmm). All of my food was great; the coffee was strong and refilled often; the waitress (who might be the owner) was jokey and attentive; in all it was a great meal. The location itself was very cutesy and artsy, but I appreciated the spacing given between tables (please, no more Duck Walk dining room nightmares) and the warmth of the place. Next time, just try not to get stuck sitting next to the trixie who's raving about "the new Beamer", extolling the virtues of Lincoln Park, and generally being annoying in that obnoxious spoiled brat voice.
(4)WindyCityGrl T.
I enjoyed my first visit to Toast. They were very accommodating to me and my daughter (a toddler). We were seated immediately and were very well taken care of by our waitress. It feels cramped because the space is small however it was ok...kind of expected in Lincoln Park. We had the 2-egg breakfast and an order of original French toast with berries. Everything was delicious. My daughter ate pretty much all of the potatoes! We were satisfied customers. I can't wait to visit again and order the breakfast burrito.
(5)Andrea H.
I so keep wanting to like this place since everyone I know practically has a heart attack every time they speak its name, but I really don't. Been there a few times now and it's always the same. If it's cold outside, people are crammed in the doorway right next to some poor people trying to eat, the wait is ridiculous, and once you are seated, the food isn't good. The eggs benedict sounds amazing, but I couldn't taste anything more than truffle oil...all day long. I like truffle oil and all, but not that much, ugh, and I love eggs benedict but this is the only place I couldn't finish it. Too many other good places.
(2)Laura N.
This place is amazing. I used to live around the corner from Toast, so as a former frequent customer, I've had my share of the dishes on the menu. In all honesty, I can't say I had anything I didn't like. Everything I've had has been fresh, warm and cooked perfectly, which unfortunately is not something I can say for a lot of fast-paced breakfast spots. Their eggs florentine is phenomenal; I always seem to have a craving for it! My only complaint would be the mimosas -- a little over-priced, but I will say they have delicious bloody mary's that are totally worth it!
(4)Pascal M.
I use to live down the street from here. We would go here for a nice breakfast, or after a long night of boozin'. I love their French Toast, it's simple but scrumptious. Served with a a nice bouquet of fruit. The Egg's Benedict and their home style potatoes are great too. Cant say much for lunch, as I dont believe I've tried anything. We always have a nice time. Sit by the window, get a paper, go with friends, or sit at the cafe bar. You'll enjoy yourself.
(4)eileen b.
Breakfast is usually a very simple meal -- eggs and bacon with a side of toast. So I only justify going out for brunch when I know I'm going to get a breakfast unlike anything I can make at home. I chose Toast because the intrigue surrounding their stuffed french toast orgy. 'Bring on the orgy!', I said. My first (and only) orgy was a bad... a mushy mess of soggy toast with runny yogurt. The highlight of the dish was the fresh fruit which I could've bought myself at the grocery store. I admire their attempt at combining so many breakfast staples (french toast, granola, yogurt, fruit) into one dish, but some things are better left apart. The flavors and textures melted together into a sweet and squishy blob that might only be good for those who are used to not chewing their meals. I loved the idea and I love this spots name, but they should find another way of showcasing their Toast instead of drowning it in goo.
(2)Jessica S.
I cannot help but post this review after being a 1-2 time per week regular for four years. I will not return.... Oh no, it's not because of the food, but the miserable management/service. Here is what happened; 15-20 minutes prior to them closing for the day, I was starving and out for a walk with my two-week-old baby. I struggled to get my baby out of his stroller and went in the door with him in his carseat. The male, blond manager stood there as I struggled to get in the door, and never even thought to open it for me. He then told me (after 4 years of being a patron) that it's way too close to closing time and I couldn't eat there. The place was nearly empty!!! And if he really didn't want my business, he could have told me that when I was outside struggling with my annoying stroller in the first place!!!! The hostesses and manager are inconsiderate, rude, miserable, awful and unwelcoming. I've had it! Adios, Toast! I deserve better treatment after 4 years of loyalty!
(1)Katie P.
I love Toast! This is my favorite brunch spot in the city! I will easily wait over an hour to order their Eggs Benedict. It is the best I've ever had and everyone I've ever brought here from out of town agrees and loves it! My dad was so impressed he's been trying to mimic the recipe for months now :)
(5)Shannon R.
I thought the food here was excellent. My roommate and another friend didn't think it was incredible. I had a special of asparagus and bacon benedict. I'm extremely picky about my benedict and thought this was delicious. The wait was very long, but I thought, worth it. They also were listening to Cut Copy in the kitchen which may or may not earn Toast that 4th star. Definitely will go back again.
(4)Kate N.
Very good. I've been wanting to go to this place for a long time but the line is always out the door. A friend and I went early one Saturday morning and only had to wait 15 min. or so; not bad. Neither of us had the French Toast but two different egg dishes and shared. Both were very good. I will go back for sure.
(4)Edward J.
A friend and I first came to Toast sometime 5 years ago. From then on, we come any chance we get to visit the staff and enjoy awesome brunch. Let me perfectly clear, if I fly in to Chicago from New York for even 10 hours, my friend and I make a trip to Toast. There are three things I love about this place: 1. I love the atmosphere. It's cozy, cute and very warm. There are two window seats, which are hard to score, but are very romantic. I've only ever come with one other person, and I couldn't imagine coming with more than a party of 4-- it's just not a party place. 2. I love the food. I can never decide brunch or lunch when I'm there. And the toast is amazing. Drinks can get a bit price-y, but stick with mimosas and you're good. 3. I LOVE the lady Jill behind the bar. I never ever leave that place without talking with her and getting a funny story or two. She's friendly, efficient, and knows how to run the place. The rest of the staff is cute and nice, too, though. Jill is just the icing on the cake. In recent years, my friend moved out of Lincoln Park, so getting back to Toast is more of a challenge, but we always make it out there. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone looking for a good brunch in Chicago.
(5)Rob L.
I came here with my friend Julie and her adorable daughter for lunch. Of course it being Lincoln Park, parking was a B - I - T - C - H my friend. Julie and her wee one lucked out and got parking quickly, which luckily meant she got us a table. I was starving. Mouth watering, about to pass out, rumbly in the tummy starving. I looked over the menu, eagerly anticipating something that would peak my interest. Sadly, I didn't find the one. I found several. Damn it! I don't want to think! I loves me some breakfast and was having some brain cramping hard time going between the eggs and pesto, breakfast burrito, chorizo and eggs and the lunch like the turkey burger, other sandwiches, salads... I finally decided to go with the veggie chili and the Webster salad. Julie second the chili and followed up with the nicoise salad and her daughter had a PBJ with sliced bananas on the side. The place is small, like many brunch and breakfast places, long, some what narrow and about two servers on staff. We chatted away for a little bit before our chili appeared. It was fine, nothing outstanding. I wish a little more thickness to it. I know its veggie chili, but I was hoping for a little heartiness to it, but it had a good flavor. Our salads arrived, Julie's had large slices of tuna seared among the greens, potatoes and eggs. It looked fantastic. However I was quite pleased with mine. Blue cheese, mixed field greens, grapes, walnuts, chicken, tossed very well with not too much dressing. It looked pretty, it looked artistic, it looked yummers. It was. In fact not only was it yummers, the plate was clean when I got done with it, high complements from me. Julie's daughter was okay with her PBJ, though not too high on the J. Now... let's talk why the place is getting an initial 3 stars, (okay 3.5 but you can't give .5's on here). Service. I understand that the place was busy when we got there. Totally understand. She did fine on checking in on us during the meal, however seeing her look around when we had the check book propped open with a card clearly popping out of it, kinda annoyed me. This won't stop me from coming back. In fact I can't wait to come back, because when I do.. I am totally going for that breakfast burrito. And add that avocado and chorizo, I have a feeling I'm going to want to live it up... shoot on that note... I just may add a short stack. I know.. I'm just a little crazy.. that's how I roll.
(3)Elizabeth W.
toast is one of the best breakfast places I've found in Chicago. I've lived here for 4 years, and any time anyone wants to go out for breakfast or brunch, toast is the first place I think about. Their food is fantastic (breakfast burrito, eggs benedict, 'two eggs,' stuffed french toast, etc.), the feeling inside the restaurant is busy and cozy. The staff is extremely friendly, helpful, and you can usually get in and out pretty quickly. And your meal won't break your budget. Many will tell you that there is always a long wait for a table, especially on the weekend. This is often true, but it's completely worth the wait. If you're going with more than 2 people, you can pretty much plan on having to wait for at least 30 minutes, but it's worth it to plan for that time standing around, and go anyway. You can always put your name on the waiting list (no reservations) and then take a little walk around the surrounding area. Every time I have friends or family visiting, or even want to go out with a friend for brunch, toast is my first recommendation. Definitely recommend it!
(4)Swedish P.
I used to be in love with this place, but too many things have changed. They used to use the most kick-ass thick-cut-smoked-with-something-super-delicious bacon, but alas. ;( have cheapened out now, and use very ordinary, nothing to write home about bacon now. sigh. Their potatoes used to be amazing, oven-roasted until they fell apart with yummy herbs and garlic, but now they seem to fall sort, and aren't roasted as long and seen hard. I do love the mascarpone stuffed french toast, the others (chocolate and raspberry) are soggy and blah. They did add truffle oil to the benedict, which is always delicious. The most important thing now missing from this former beloved breakfast destination????? Jill, my ray of always comedic, tell it how it is even if the truth hurts, beautiful sunshine no longer resides as manager/host here. We used to go out of our way, via train and walk, whether sleet or snow, to come here, but after our last visit will not be returning. (long sigh.)
(3)Karen B.
cute. we went for valentine weekends and it was perfect. the hollandaise sauce is nice and the portions are good. the price is whatever, but i would go back for breakfast/brunch
(3)Madalyn G.
...all the little things that make one smile and glow... 2 eggs. Poached perfectly. Coffee---Julius Meinl, Viennese Sometimes it's not the fru-fru nor the gourmet concoctions that get one's attention. From being greeted with a smile upon entering this quaint spot, to the very attentive service, I'll be sure to return the next time I'm in the area. Life's simple pleasures are the best. Are the best. In all the world.
(4)Nick S.
Toast has a creative menu and nice ambiance. The service and food were both really good. The location and parking situation aren't so good.
(4)E D.
The hostess said the wait would be 45 minutes. I waited 47 minutes. She has a very good understanding of time, apparently. I was the best dressed male and third best looking person on the sunday that I dined there. It wasn't raining. I had the grilled tenderloin benedict. The dish came out with two circular objects covered with what appeared to be yellow stuff over poached eggs and meat chunks. Upon closer inspection, the eggs turned out to be eggs, the meat chunks turned out to be grilled tenderloin, the yellow stuff turned out to be truffle hollandaise sauce and the aforementioned circular objects were english muffins. Forgive me for not capitalizing english. The grilled tenderloin was relatively medium, as requested. Bites 1, 6 and 8 of the circular object number one were my favorite. Bites 11 and 18 of circular object number two were also delicious. My favorite piece of silverware was the huge, wooden steak knife. There was a child at another table to my right that wouldn't stop staring at me at one point. I told him to mind his business. The dish also came with free home fries. Home fry number 1 was crisp and delicious. Home fry number 2 was wet and gross. I hated it. Home fry number 3 tasted like the smell of a tennis ball but i really liked it. Home fry number 4 was eaten by my accomplice. Home fry number 5 was decent. I didn't eat anymore home fries after home fry 5. I paid the bill and left. I'll go back again.
(5)Kris T.
Toast is awkward. Staff: The manager at the front was touchy with the men in our party (on more than one occasion), made inappropriate conversation and refused to accommodate our requests (wouldn't split our check). One of my friends compared her to a desperate cougar at a nightclub. The food is yummy (but nothing mind blowing) and the back-of-house staff and waiter we've had have been lovely but pushy; they left the check halfway through the meal, bussed the table as we were still eating and took away coffee mugs and water glasses while we were still conversing. Atmosphere: Small and cute but limited on space, which is probably why they like to push you out the door. 3 of the tables seem to be in the kitchen. There are probably 12 2-top tables, and it's not a great place if you're looking to have a big group of people, as they won't seat you until the entire group arrives. As a breakfast freak, I'd say there are better places to spend your time and money. Try Nookies (Nookies, Too or Nookies Treehouse) just up/down the street in you're looking to stay close by.
(2)Andrew B.
I ate here a few weeks ago for brunch because I was visiting a friend in the area. We waited over an hour to be seated, but we expected that since Brunch on a Sunday is a hot commodity. I had the Omelette Lorraine, I believe it was, which had Gruyere cheese, bacon, and chives. It was realllly good and came with brioche. The brioche was not what I expected. It was a few standard pieces of loaf brioche that was most likely bought from some national wholesaler...I was hoping it was homemade or from a nearby bakery...and it may well have been, but definitely didn't taste like it. We each had a mimosa, which was good, but not worth $7 each. It came in a tiny glass and tasted mostly like orange juice, so I've definitely had many a better mimosa in my day. Overall it was a cute place that I would go to again, but I might be hesitant to wait over an hour again.
(4)Viv C.
0 star for the service. 3 star for the food. If you don't care the bad service but only care the food, this is the place. I care service and food; sometimes, great services transfer the impression to the food they served. As for this TOAST's BAD services, I tried to choose to be unbiased because I felt their chef did a great job! Service: I Don't Like Their Services! Three of us were waiting for a table on a non-special weekend morning. I don't mind taking one hour waiting but the waiters/ waitresses and the owner(a lady with glasses) did a horrible job. They don't care about what you feel. We supposed to get a table for three which may combine two two-seat tables into one. However, we were shocked they just turned a small table from a vertical into a horizontal way. It means three of us squeezed into a small table which could only fit two people. We were not pleasant about this decision they made just because they have a bigger group of 6 waiting too long. We asked them to change a bigger table for three of us and they said it may take an extra 20 minutes.(we had been waiting 1 hour for a table). After we sat, the owner came into and said, it's your last chance for requesting a bigger table. What would you do if you already sit and finished the order? Of course we set up our mind not to change, but I hate the attitude that they don't apologize they didn't have enough room for us. (You know, brunch dishes are always huge! Can you imagine a small table fits at least three big plates at the same time?) Will you feel comfortable eating in that way on a weekend morning? Cleaners throw and clean tables in a noisy way. Why do we have to be treated like Chicago's cab drivers in a brunch restaurant? The services didn't improve since I first went in July 2010. I feel disappointed because this store still remains the low-end services. Food: *French Toast orgy is special! Three different flavors in the stuffed toast, I like the idea! It's a little bit soaked while eating but it's not bad. *Ahi Tuna sandwich, my friend ordered this. Looks very good because it's a big chunk of tuna and cooked perfectly. My friend loves this. I have to say, there have way much better brunch places than this one. I won't go this one anymore and won't recommend this to my friends.
(2)Stan W.
I showed up on a random Monday morning while playing hooky when most people were at work and had a fine breakfast. No wait, fast service, great food. The place is pretty small, so I'd probably be a little afraid to try it on a Saturday or Sunday brunch.
(4)Tamara M.
Love this place! Great brunch!
(4)al k.
Bottom Line: Great brunch/breakfast food at a great price. Pros: Portions are generous; Pancakes and french toast are great. Wait Staff are very polite. Cons: Restaurant is very narrow so it can be hard to navigate through. Pancake Orgy: fluffy, powdered sugar, granola, fruit... it was huge French Toast Orgy: Fluffy, granola, huge, it was great.. however, it did lack a little taste. Bacon: They give you a generous portion Fruit Bowl: It was a little on the expensive side but still good.
(5)Jessica B.
I heard a lot of good things about Toast and I was pleased from my first visit too. I mean, it wasn't mind-blowing or life-altering but it was small, cute and had a nice atmosphere. And it's close to great Halsted shops (which you'll need because a wait is inevitable). The Lincoln Park location is definitely small (very surprising how small it is) but the food is pretty good. The fresh OJ was very enjoyable and the menu had a lot of great options. I had a hard time choosing but went with the "crabby benedict," basically eggs benedict with crab. I was really pleased with this dish and the breakfast potatoes were delicious and not too crowded on the plate. I would definitely go back but I'm not rushing to be there next weekend.
(3)Elizabeth T.
We went here for brunch this morning and were told the wait for two was 45 minutes, however we were seated in about 30 minutes. The wait really wasn't bad and the hostesses kept checking up on us, which was really nice. Once we were seated, the service was quick (but not pushy). We had: scrambled eggs, regular french toast, stuffed french toast, juice and coffee. The regular french toast was delicious, as were the scrambled eggs. The stuffed french toast comes in three flavors: (1) chocolate, (2) marscapone, and (3) strawberry. The chocolate was a little strange, but the cheese was very good. Overall it was very good, but probably won't go again for awhile because the wait was so long for fairly regular brunch food.
(4)Jessie B.
Even though I would never come here normally because it is in the heart of Lincoln Park, parking is a pain in the behind, and it can get a bit crowded. However, coming here in the late morning/early afternoon during the week it isn't so bad. The service was pretty good, and it wasn't that busy. I ordered the breakfast burrito with avocado. It had tons of cheese, bell peppers, eggs, onions, and tomatoes. Yummy! It came with some spicy salsa and sour cream. I also ordered a side of the potatoes because I heard so much about these great things. Boy--were they yummy!! Would I come here on a Sunday morning? Hell no. Would come here on a Tuesday at 11:54 am? Sure would.
(4)Mandy P.
Love this cozy, little place. There is something on the menu for everyone and it's allllll delicious. I have only good things to say about everyone, including the hostess, servers, prices, and flavor. French Toast Orgy? Yes please!
(5)Radmila S.
Rudest service ever! Enough to never to back ever again! Went on a Sunday and was first quoted 45 minutes and told "come back in 40", however I stayed because I had friends meeting me. They are crazy sticklers on having all people in your party there prior to seating. The hostess reluctantly sat us with 3 of the 4 of my party and preceded to shoot death stares. The waitress then came and harassed us about 4 times to get our order. What ever happened to the customer is always right? It was very uncomfortable. The food was typical Chicago brunch but after how rude the staff was I will never return!
(1)Megan S.
This place is great! I have never had mediocre food here, always fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor and try it out on a weekday when you have time, the weekend wait can get lengthy. The place is small but the staff is friendly and it's definitely worth visiting and returning and returning and returning.
(4)Lisa Z.
Absolutely in my top 3 favorite restaurants anywhere. Toast can do no wrong! I went to college in Chicago but then moved back to the east coast. Now every time I go back, I go to Toast - once at the very least! I was in town for Lollapalooza and the Stuffed French Toast made a wonderful start to my Friday AND Sunday. The Orange Juice is bright and tangy, and the "Monster" Bloody Mary tickles the back of your throat in a perfect Sunday morning way. Get there before 10am to avoid a long wait, any later than that and expect an hour to an hour and a half. But don't worry, there's plenty to do in the area while you wait! Give your name to the very (very!) cute greeter, and then wander down Webster, Halsted and Armitage to find really cute shops. You can also swing by Oz Park to see the statues of the "Wizard of" characters. The Pesto Eggs are also a good choice. I hope to branch out my orders, but so far I can't bring myself to get anything except the French Toast Orgy ("one of each") because it's so amazing. One piece stuffed with strawberry, one stuffed with marscapone, and one stufffed with chocolate (this one will make you sigh delightedly in appreciation) make for a tasty trio, all topped with yogurt and granola (so it's healthy!!) and an array of fresh, cut fruit. There's no attitude at Toast, from servers or patrons. On Sunday, I saw a surly-looking woman walk in, find out the wait, and walk out stomping angrily. If only she knew how good it was, she wouldn't have left. But she is the one who missed out; if she wasn't willing to relax and enjoy a beautiful morning in Lincoln Park, she didn't deserve Toast.
(5)Sylvia I.
Came here on Sunday for a late brunch at 1:30pm. Place was busy as expected so my friend and I grabbed coffee at Starbucks while we waited. By the time we came back, our table was ready. Food was amazing and service was great. We split the french toast stuffed with marscapone and the eggs benedict. Wow. I didn't even know what marscapone was before but LOVED it. I'm not sure I can eat french toast any other way now. The hollandaise sauce over the eggs benedict was as good as everyone wrote about in their reviews. Will definitely have to come back and try the other dishes.
(5)Adam R.
Not a good experience. They messed up our food three times. When we finally got our food it was mediocre at best. Our potatoes were unseasoned, chicken sandwich was boring, and the apple smoked bacon was like cardboard. Really didn't think bacon could be screwed up. Check out Bongo Room if you can but if you are in Lincoln Park, go to Nookies. Oh and their bloody marys aren't any good either. I've got 1 more groupon to this place, let me know if you want it...I wont judge.
(1)James Michael S.
Been here a couple of times and Toast has always been top notch. Get there early or you'll wait in line. French Toast orgy is always a good choice but the omletes are just as good. You won't leave this place hungry!
(4)Anne Marie J.
I love this place! Everytime I come here, I leave with a happy stomach! Stick with the mascarpone stuffed french toast or the pesto scramble. Both are bursting with flavor. The chocolate and strawberry options for the french toast are not as good as the mascarpone - TRUST ME! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Great customer service, lively atmosphere, bring a paper to read while you wait (for a long time!)
(5)Gee S.
Not the place to go if you want a relaxing experience. Our waitress was perfectly nice, but I prefer long, cozy, lingering brunches to the experience of being hurried out the door. You will not enjoy a lazy mimosa on a languid Sunday morning at Toast. The "railroad apartment" shape of the space means the busy waitstaff has to squeeze by patrons, and the small tables do not accommodate the large dishes comfortably. I had a bad case of nerves by the time we left. The food was good, if not exceptional. My fellow diner's BELT was like a novelty item or something, clownishly huge. Stick to the adventurous pancakes (Lemon Poppyseed was a standout) and you'll be fine.
(3)sarah p.
If a place can make a good grilled ham and cheese, they will always have a special place in my heart. I know it sounds simple, but, believe me, more often than not, you get a slice of water packed ham and a slice of cheese. Not so glorious. At Toast, you get high-quality (nearing Honey Baked) ham with Gruyere and just the right amount of Dijon mustard grilled between two delicious thick, but not too thick, pieces of bread. Delish. My table mate had the granola, fresh fruit, and yogurt, and it looked like something you'd be served at a high-end Vermont B&B. Gorgeous AND healthy. The rest of the menu looked inventive as well, which caused great difficulty when ordering. Speaking of, our server was extremely attentive and consistently flashed us a bright, white smile...it was like he was actually happy to be there. Added bonus to any outing.
(4)David N.
Yay!! I found a new favorite place to go to for breakfast or lunch. I had a Groupon for this place which was about to expire so I grabbed a friend and we came here for lunch on a Monday afternoon. I was very impressed with both the food and the server we had. There was only one other table filled in this place, so we came when it was not so busy. There are some great breakfast and lunch choices on the menu, I ordered the caprese sandwich, which had mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and this fantastic basil pesto sauce on it which was served on this french bolo bread. Delicious!! It also came with a choice of house potatoes or potato salad. I decided to try the potato salad, also excellent! Full of flavor! Our server was very attentive and friendly, as was the busser clearing the tables. I highly recommend this place, I definitely will be coming back here.
(4)carey C.
There are two people that make this restaurant worth the wait... Jill and the hot cook who makes my breakfast. Love this place... and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!!!!
(4)Susan K.
Cozy, fun breakfast place with a good menu. A bit on the pricey side. Who really thinks tea is worth $3? Yet it's a fun splurge.
(4)Annie S.
I LOVE this place! It is one of the best brunch places! Even though the wait is very long (around 45 min-1 hr), it really is worth it. Usually when we go, we shop around Halsted during the wait, so it's not too bad. I love the stuffed french toast!!!! I always get them filled with strawberry, soooooooooooo gooooooooooooood! I've tried the chocolate and even though it's good, it's def not as good as the strawberry. And I don't like cheese, so I would never it stuffed with that. I have had stuffed french toast at other restaurants and they never compare. Most places use cream cheese inside, which I think is very nasty. But to each his own :) You must go if you are in the area.
(5)Heidi O.
I won't be going back to this Toast. Years ago I lived a block or so from Toast Two and ate there frequently. The interior is cozy and cute, the food is good, and the staff is kind and attentive. Why didn't I go there today instead? The food here was still really good but it couldn't save how grossly bad the service was. When we arrived the manager told us we could sit at any open table with the caveat that we could actually only sit at a two top (in a dead restaurant) because the booths were reserved for groups. That's okay, I get that. But it just went downhill from there. My friend and I had literally been sitting about 4 seconds when the waitress came over and asked if we were ready to order. We looked confused and said no, but asked for coffee. My friend asked for espresso and the waitress said "we don't have espresso" which also would be fine except that the menu says "coffee and espresso." The response was really weird. Okay okay...there are worse things. But the whole time we sat there we were being rushed. Plates grabbed from us before we were really through, bill on the table before we were done. All of this I would have been fine with until that bill arrived. I told the waitress we had a groupon when we sat down. Well, when the bill arrived they gave us two receipts; one with the original total and one with the new discounted total. On the original receipt there was a note that said "THIS IS THE AMOUNT TO BE TIPPED ON." Highlighted. Really?!? I don't know, it really rubbed me the wrong way. Groupon is usually an excuse for me to tip more because I've saved money, but "reminding" me how to tip really bothered me. As someone who has waited tables before I know this is not proper etiquette. GROAN
(2)Kori M.
After hearing such great things about Toast, I decided to take my friend here for her birthday brunch. At first the wait was a bit intimidating. There were people standing around outside and sitting on the ground. When we went in I was surprised to see how small the place was but I thought it was still very charming. The wait time we were quoted was an hour and a half. We thought about maybe going someplace else but we both really wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Once we were seated (which by the way was way faster than an hour and half thanks to the wonderful manager!) we ordered our food. The food came out really quick and it was delicious! I had the French Toast Orgy with bacon and it was divine. A bit overwhelming but definitely worth it. However, the best part of my visit to Toast was the Manager. She was great! She was chatty and funny. She has a wittiness to her that I found charming! Even if the food weren't as good I would definitely still want to support just based on my interaction with her. I know it sounds like I'm sucking up but she really was that awesome. lol Oh and a side note...the Host at the door was super friendly and cute!
(5)Eric G.
I had a solid breakfast at Toast this past Sunday. I went with the Chorizo and scrambled eggs which were filled with flavor! It came with 2 big pieces of toast and some yummy potatoes. Good service, good atmosphere. I Arrived at 1:45PM and there was a 45 minute wait for a party of three. I will go back again but not before 2PM.
(4)Lindsey B.
If you go here, you have to get the stuffed french toast. You just have to. Don't even look at the rest of the menu. I went with my parents and 2 friends, and yeah, there was a long wait, but we knew what we were getting into being a somewhat large party arriving around 11am on a Sunday. The host was incredibly nice - kept us updated on our wait time and even came by the table later to thank us for "putting up with" him. I got the oatmeal...pretty good as far as restaurant oatmeal although they need to be more creative with toppings. Friends both got crepes...pretty standard. Parents both got stuffed french toast and HOLY COW the deliciousness. My favorite flavor was the marscapone, but they were all excellent. Great coffee too...love me some Julius Meinl.
(4)Loan L.
I really wanted to love this place. Sadly my first visit shall also be my last visit. I had the tenderloin eggs benedict and strawberry cinnamon crepes. The tenderloin was supposed to be medium well however, it was charred when it got to the table and on top of that the hollandaise sauce was bland and too sour. Overall a one star for the benedict. Now onto the crepes... Lord the crepes here are so thick they can almost be considered pancakes and their sauce was way too watery. This dish was a complete failure. I think their name is cute but that is about all they have going for them.
(2)Fate O.
The waiters are wonderful at the beginning but seem to be tired of us if we stayed there too long, became not too friendly. I tried to tip them big but they didn't take separate credit card (if friends & I were to split the bills). Friend said gratuity is already in the bill if over 8 people so neer mind. As for foods, they can make foods your way if you ask so that's a plus. I wasn't too crazy about trying new foods at the price so I asked for a simpler version and finish it off my plate. :)
(3)EL G.
The Stuffed French Toast with Mexican Chocolate were undeniable winners. The belt sandwich that my friend ordered looked great and her opinion was "mmmmm!" The wait for a table for two was one hour at 11AM on sun. Not surprising and after waiting about 30 min we were offered a spot at the small bar. We're low maintenance so we had no problem taking the first available seats. The coffee was strong, and the Bloody Mary was just right. Overall great experience with The exception that the sense of humor and sarcasm from the lady running the bar was a bit over the top. I can be very sarcastic and "in ur face" with my sense of humor but it was borderline rude had it been a date. To her credit she added tomato juice to the Mary after I mentioned how spicy it was. She was also nice when we were leaving. So who knows maybe she had a few too many mimosas that morning herself. Overall 4 stars.
(4)Michelle B.
I know why they are named toast! They have good toast! I know that sounds lame, but seriously, it was some of the most delicious toast I have ever had and I am serious about my toast. It was tough to make the choice between challah and brioche but I was decisive and found the brioche to be amazing. My all-meat Chicago diet was starting to wear on me so I got the veggie omelet and it was perfect. They removed all the water from the veggies so it wasn't a runny mess and it let the cheese shine through in all its magnificent glory. Cute little place that I would try on my next visit to town.
(4)Evan G.
Ended up here for lunch because O'Fame next door was closed (and has moved - sigh). I used to live in Chicago and was always a fan of Toast for brunch, and if you're going to go, that's the reason you should go. Lunch is - well - not so stellar. Service was inattentive (hello, we'd like to order sometime - is that OK?), and I wonder if they were short staffed. Plus we had to repeat everything to the waiter - from drink orders to asking for the check. And other Yelpers here don't lie - it's soccer moms and strollers (part of the reason we'd chosen not to go to John's Place for lunch, because it's the same crowd - so much for escaping that!). The vegetarian chili was very good. And that was the highlight of the meal. Had El Bucktowno sandwich (grilled chicken breast with spicy mayo and grilled zucchini and onions on it) - asked for it without onions - and apparently that meant "let's add extra" because there were mountains of them - and the zucchini was completely overcooked, a collection of slippery mush. The excess of mayo made the top of the bun slide off the sandwich without even touching it. The potato salad was decent (albeit too oniony, and I'm not an onion-hater, I promise). Wish O'Fame hadn't moved.
(2)Ben M.
Rarely do I ever feel really inclined to Yelp and when I do it's definitely because I had a good experience. This was definitely not the case at Toast. Before writing this review it was interesting to me to read through others both saying how great this establishment was and then the people on the latter end of the spectrum who had a bad experience. I also appreciated the yelper who decided to come to the defense of Toast. I agree with the can't seat until your party is here thing, I understand the check thing-but still see it as a pain in the ass. But I don't agree with you telling this person to lighten up and chill out because of certain remarks that were stated by the owner that could be seen as racist/homophobic. Bottom line, even in jest. you need to watch what you say when your around other people especially with those kind of remarks coming from the OWNER of the establishment. I get it, she's doing her thing, engaging with customers etc etc but your still running a business bottom line. Be respectful. Thats it. With that said this was your typical breakfast place, super busy which I expected, tiny waiting area, hostess was nice and gave us some water while we waited for like 45 minutes. We had friends there that got seated first and we could not join them for whatever strange reasons they have there. One of our friends announced she was pregnant to the group, in which one of our other friends came to tell us. My friend got up to go say congrats near their table and in no less then 15 seconds was told rudely to go back and sit down in the waiting area and that she couldn't be standing there or some BS. I get it that the place is small but again your providing CUSTOMER SERVICE so perhaps it would benefit you being polite. Just a suggestion. Anyway, we were finally seated, our server was fine although we felt really rushed to get our order in. Our food was okay def not worth the 45 min wait and annoying attitude of the staff. My last gripe is I paid with my credit card, which came back declined because of the fraud detection system it has and mastercard put a hold on my account or whatever they do, anyway, came back declined in which the owner walked up to our table threw the bill in the middle of it, told us it was declined and then walked away. Yet again amazed by the customer service. Won't be returning, lost my business, however in all honesty Toast is probably just to cool to care.
(1)RJ H.
Everyone loves Toast. Sure, the woman who owns this joint can be a little too eager to dish out a heavy helping of attitude with little to no provocation. And yes, if you go on the wrong day and the wrong time, you will be made to wait for an obnoxious length of time. Sure, the servers are turning tables so fast you rarely catch their name, let alone their attention. No, they never change their menu. And yes, sometimes it is a bit pricey. But none of that really matters when you get down to it, and no one I know truly cares. That's because the food at Toast is consistently solid. I almost always go in for breakfast and rarely stray away from the opportunity to order eggs benedict, o.j., and dark coffee. I've never left Toast unhappy, and I've never taken a guest there who hasn't been satisfied. You can't go wrong.
(4)Elizabeth K.
My roommate and I were really excited to try this place for our brunch date last week.... We walked in, it looked cute- there was a table of 3 ladies sitting inside that's it- they weren't busy. As soon as we stepped in the door the lady working (or maybe the manager, owner? who knows who she was) who was talking to the only table there looked over her shoulder at us barely and we heard her say "either of these 2". My roommate and I look at each other confused like "was she talking to us?" and again she barely turned her had and said "either of those 2 small ones are fine"..... yes she was talking to us and barking where we should have sat- at either of the 2 dinky tables when there is a completely empty restaurant to choose from!!!!! Needless to say- we turned and walked right out the door. We didn't get a hello, they didn't get our money.
(1)Megan T.
I have been a long time customer of Toast and have always loved the menu items- eggs benedict especially is delicious. But recently I had a HORRIBLE experience with the hostess. I called to place a pick up order. The woman told me to call back in 20 minutes if I wanted something, she was too busy to help me now. I was frustrated, but tried to be patient and called back in about 20 minutes. When I called back she was rude and rushed me through my order. When I was double checking the order on the sheet that I had scribbled it on, she jumped on me curtly with "maam, i don't have time for you to check anything and put me on hold." It had literally been 1 second!- no exaggeration. I would have had more words for her but she was clearly too stuck up to care and taking care of their customers clearly is not part of the training process. I will miss the eggs benedict, but refuse to support a business that is so proud of themselves they think they can treat customers however they want. They've lost my business for good.
(1)Gareth D.
I mean it's fine. But is the divaishness and the wait supposed to be part of the allure? I love French toast, granola, coco, etc. but the "orgy" is no bongo room tower.
(2)JP P.
After hearing about Toast's brunch for several years now, I finally made it for Sunday afternoon brunch. With the expectation that it would be a overpriced, yuppie brunch spot, I came to Toast and realized it was just that, but the food certainly did deliver. We waited for considerably short time (15 minutes) for a table at about 12:30 pm, which is great compared to the two hour waits i had heard about this place. Hint: Groups of two get table faster than groups of three or more. Good thing our friend bailed on us last minute. I had the Pancake Orgy which was a stack of strawberry, lemon poppy, and banana pecan pancakes topped with fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt and honey. The fruit medley of blueberries, strawberries, and melons was unbelievably fresh, which is really hard to find during the winter. The pancakes her light and fluffy, but I couldn't tell that they were three different flavors. At first I was hesitant to pay $9 for this dish, but it was worth it. I think I'll try the french toast orgy next time. My friend had the grilled cheese sandwich which came with potato salad and also got tomato soup. She seemed to enjoy her meal. The service was efficient, but not very warm. Bus boys came several times to take out plates away before we were finished, and we didn't even realize who our waitress was at the end of the meal. Four stars for the food, and not being a disappointment.
(4)S E.
Just tried to go here yesterday - hadn't been in years but I remembered that it was pretty good and we were in the neighborhood. Well, we never made it in the door. My mom and I stopped with my 9-month old son (in stroller, of course) and the hostess nicely informed us that it would be a 30 minute wait. No problem, we said - but when we returned 30 minutes later, we were told we couldn't bring the stroller in. OK, I know it's a small place and I totally get that they don't have room - but most places let you fold it and leave it in the back. Nope - not only would they not let us do that, they suggested we lock it up outside. We have one of those notorious, large - and expensive - strollers, my one pre-baby splurge. It has a backet on the bottom that was filled with our recent purchases, toys, bottles, diapers, etc - I use it in lieu of a diaper bag. So there was no way we could unload it and I didn't feel comfortable leaving it outside. The reason I'm so ticked off is that had the hostess told us this (and she definitely saw the stroller when we put our names in), we could have put the stroller in the car when I went to feed the meter, which was parked 10 minutes away. Then the owner or manager or whoever she is - the one everyone else is bitching about - came out and rudely told us that we couldn't bring the stroller in. Um, yeah, thanks, we knew that. By the time we got a table at Nookies nearby (an hour after we put our name in at Toast), my son was melting down. I won't try that again - there are too many amazing brunch places in town to give my business to one that thinks I'm doing them a favor by wating there.
(1)Jaime R.
I was actually excited to brunch at Toast, but I'll never go back based on our experience with the manager. First our wait was over an hour, in the heat, which I understand comes with the territory of going to a hip-brunch spot on a Sunday late morning. Fine. When we were finally seated it was the last table in the back, next to the kitchen and near the bathrooms. I knew the place was tiny but didn't think it was super-tiny. Be warned, if you are the least claustrophobic and don't like sitting practically on your neighbors, or having people fall over you, this is not the place for you. It is also extremely hot inside, very uncomfortable. Not only did it feel like there was no AC on, but being seated next to the kitchen made it 10x worse. Nothing like sweating your way through your brunch. The food was so-so. The stuffed french toast was more like soaked bread with blended strawberries, the sides of potatoes were pretty skimpy (considering the price of each entree) and we've all had better eggs. Our server was the only bright spot to our entire experience. He was WONDERFUL! Thoughtful, kind, friendly, attentive, everything you could ask for. We had no problems with him, we all loved him. But once the check came he disappeared and left us to deal with the manager. The manager was rude and cocked an attitude with us from the very minute she saw our Groupon. First she snapped at us because she believed we wanted to split the check 4 ways, not true. Then seeing we had both cash and a credit card made her even more upset. "We don't split payments here" she kept rudely demanding. "Pick one." We asked politely but all she kept repeating was "we don't split payments", so diners beware. Fine, we gave her our cc and waited. When she finally returned with our updated bill and cc receipt she had, in bright red sharpie marker written all over the bill "TOTAL FOR TIPPING!" and underlined it 3x. I couldn't believe it. We are not new to eating out with coupons, we all know you have to tip on the original total, but to demand a tip like that was rude and uncalled for. Had it not been for our server after that little stunt she (the manager) pulled, we wouldn't have left a tip at all. Tipping is supposed to be gesture of appreciation for services rendered, it's not a requirement. So to demand us to tip on the total really turned us off. Would I go back to this Toast? Never. Would I try the Bucktown location? Maybe. Overall I was really disappointed with our experience.
(2)Erin S.
A small, but great breakfast place. Always busy, but the staff is amazing and hilarious. Have come here a handful of times and have always tried something different and I have loved everything. The french toast is perfect and the pesto scramble is one of my favorite things to order at any brunch place.
(4)Joann H.
Oh my god Mediocre at best. SErvice is slow. My husband and I went there for my birthday last tuesday. The coffee was great but the service was just there. The pine nut and berry pancakes were fair at best. This sucked because my husband saw my disappointed face knowing that I was so excited to try these pancakes off the menu. So sad. Go to Southport Bakery and CAfe. AMAZING breakfast there guaranteed.
(3)Susan A.
I'm disappointed in you Toast! Both locations! I've really enjoyed the food at both Toasts, and am only leaving 2 stars for that reason. I tried the Webster Toast on a Saturday and after dealing with a not-so-friendly hostess and their inability to seat our group without the one person who was parking, we left without eating. The next day we tried the other toast - even worse!! The teenage boy at the front was so rude! My boyfriend asked, "Is the bar seating open?" (Meaning is it first come first serve). The 'host' looks over at the bar and back at us and says, "What does it look like?!" Rude. Nobody wants attitude when all you want to do is enjoy a nice brunch. We left both days without eating. If it weren't for the pesto eggs, I would never go back. Get over yourself Toast.
(2)William M.
Love! Mmmmmmmmm! Scrumptious, delectable... Just don't stand in the doorway and your experience will be the bomb. And, it's worth the wait.
(4)Robert N.
Great food, but there always seem to be a wait (expect a 30+ minute wait most weekend mornings) I have the chorizo eggs Benedict special and it was nothing less than amazing!
(5)Sharon H.
Great French toast...bad service.
(4)Davoroxy S.
The food is good, if not a little pricey. The service however, not to be desired. The host plays a game with wait times...We were told an hour and a half wait and she wouldn't take a phone number and insisted we check back in an hour. We checked in 20 minutes and they said 10-15 minutes. We later saw her quote many more ridiculous wait times as broadly as "one to two hours" (possibly just to scare folks off), but if a table was available and no one was standing in wait, a walk-in was seated immediately. Not off to a good start. The A/C was broken so it was quite warm in the tight little space, again not doing too well. No friendly apology offered. Then they refused to split the bill, which is inconvenient when dining with friends. I had a special request and the waiter looked at me like I had many heads, then questioned why I would want what I had requested, then had to come back and clarify my simple instructions. Apparently noting an allergy to strawberries didn't make it clear I wanted no strawberries on my plate. All in all, we were brought in by a Groupon and will likely never return, at least not to this location. We ordered four items across the table and the marscapone stuffed french toast and chorizo omlette were certainly the top ranking dishes.
(2)Caitlin P.
Used a groupon here and would definitely come again for full price. We got the veggie eggs benedict (aMAZing sauce!) and the french toast orgy. Both were delicious. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Rochelle C.
I was visiting Chicago and on Sunday mid-morning I decided to go for brunch, and since French Toast is my FAVE Toast was recommended so I decided to try it out. After I parked, walked up and I saw the crowd, I knew the place was good. After about a 35 min. wait (not a big deal at a popular place... especially since the Host told me it would be 60) and a nice walk around the neighborhood I was seated at the counter. The server was very professional and had a great dry sense of humor that I love. She interacted well with the other customers at the counter, and did a great job of including me in the conversation since I was sitting by myself (which I LOVED since eating alone is a drag). When I said I was there for French Toast she insisted that I get the French Toast Orgy... OMG she was right it was AMAZING! While I was eating I noticed that she was also running the floor, so I assumed she was the manager or owner. She did a great job of keeping things running smoothly, even though the place was packed. I did notice a few antsy people, but they were in parties of 6 or more and didn't want to split up (I guess they didn't know how small the place was and seating a large party would take time and be really difficult). I loved the way the staff all worked so well together, you could tell they were a team and it showed not just in the service but in the food. When I got home I decided to write a review because this place was so awesome! After reading some of the other reviews with negative comments about the staff and service, I have no idea what place those people ate at, because the Toast I went to was amazing and a must visit everytime I'm in Chicago. The person behind the counter (I guess her name is Jill) was hilarious, friendly, professional and more than appropriate... she is well suited for her job. Those people that don't care for that neighborhood flavor should have brunch in a hotel restaurant... that will better suit their personalities... I on the other hand preferred what I experienced and I wish I could move Toast to St. Louis so I could eat there every week!
(5)John S.
I don't get it. I'm not sure why this place is so popular. And it takes a lot to turn me off from a place, I'm a pretty generous person when it comes to restaurants. You gotta go pretty far to push me the wrong way. That being said, Toast is way overpriced, and the hostess/manager is unprofessional, and kinda racist/homophobic. I got a little dinky breakfast burrito with chorizo for $11. It didn't come with potatoes or fruit or anything else, just some eggs, cheese, and beans in a burrito with a tiny bit of chorizo. flavor wise, it was OK. My niece got a cheese and tomato sandwich for $9, and the tomatoes were awful. Jill, behind the counter, is rude, telling one customer it was "gay" that he shaves his arms, and calling an African American woman "black sugar". She also came over to chat with us while we ate. I don't want to chat with staff while I eat, I'm there to talk with my niece and catch up. Then she walked over and started stroking another customers head, in front of his partner/wife/GF. I don't ever need to eat there again, there are a lot of other places in the city that do brunch a whole lot better, both in terms of price, food, and atmosphere. Also, if you have more than 4 people, it will be a struggle to get you seated. Heck, it was a struggle to get two of us seated, until they decided it was busy enough to seat us at the counter.
(1)John O.
The wait is always worth wile if you like your eggs served with a side of sarcastic banter.... which is exactly how I like it.
(4)Janina F.
The food was delicious, my boyfriend and I split the stuffed french toast and eggs Benedict. The reason for the two stars? Basically the rude management. Don't get me wrong the server was great but when we pulled out our groupon and credit card to pay, the owner came over and said "sorry their is a $9 limit" really? I've heard of a $5 limit but that is ridiculous. She then continually stared us down while we (had no cash) were deciding what to do. A minute later she rushed over and In the end decided to let us pay with the card but made sure to write a note saying groupon users should tip generously. She made us feel uncomfortable and like we were being rushed right out of there. She sure knows how to win her guests over.
(2)chad n.
Food here was really good, but not awesome, and definitely not worth an hour wait for weekend brunch. I actually loved my french toast orgy - i had 3 pieces of stuffed toast - strawberry, chocolate, marscapone, covered with fruit, granola, yogurt and honey. Awesome, but too much sugar and carbs. where's the meat? The peeps i was with had the breakfeast burro and scrabled eggs with potatoes. Both were good but nothing great. Service was great, portions were smaller than average (no food will be left over), and atmosphere was nice. Would receive a 4-star (i'm a fan) but because of the hour wait, I wouldn't go back. There's tons of equally good brunch places in chicagoland.
(3)Pilar D.
I think Toast has a great concept in their design and name. Vintage toasters, neat names for their foods (french toast orgy?! yes, please!). Overall, I thought the food was okay for brunch. Not extraordinary, not really special. The staff was friendly and attentive, the mimosas are good. I don't think I'll be back, simply because I have a few other favorite brunch spots (and many more places to try).
(3)Gary Bryan D.
Gourmet-style food at fair prices. I ordered the french toast orgy and paid $10. It came with 3 pieces, thick and fluffy, stuffed with my choice of chocolate-strawberry or mascrapone cheese. Mix both to complete your order if you like. Then it's covered with oatmeal and topped with fresh fruit. I thought it was a great deal, even enough for two. It is a small restaurant and the wait is long. You wouldn't trust a skinny cook or an empty restaurant, so don't complain about the wait. If you appreciate great food like I do, and taste every bite, you'll be happy after waiting for your chance to dig in. There's a starbucks 40 yards away to wait at. Don't miss your quote, it will make the wait even longer.
(4)Leah L.
Toast is my favorite breakfast place in Chicago. Their French Toast Orgy and Pancake Orgy are like nothing you've ever tasted before. The inside of the restaurant is cozy, the prices are incredibly reasonable for how great their food is, and the service is friendly and quick once you get seated. There can be a lengthy wait on weekends but it's in a great neighborhood with a lot of great shops to browse while you wait for your table.
(5)Liz M.
The French Toast Orgy was amazing!!! It is something that I could eat every day for the rest of my life!!! I'm so glad that my co-worker recommended it!!!
(4)Bethany L.
Don't even bother paying a vist to Toast on a Saturday or Sunday morning unless you're ready & willing to wait for awhile. The place is relatively calm on weekday mornings if you're in by 10 or so, and that's the time to go. The staff is always friendly and the small size of the restaurant lends a real feeling of intimacy. Of course, it's doesn't hurt that the food is fantastic. They have delicious Eggs Benedict, and my mom swears by the mascarpone-stuffed French toast which is always chock full of stuffing and accompanied with fresh berries and grapes. Prices aren't bad, either, especially compared to most other brunch options in the area. Toast is one of my favorite places for a low-key late breakfast.
(4)Rob S.
I've always enjoyed breakfast at Toast. I lived in Chicago when it opened, and come back when I visit. I took my friend there this morning and had a great experience. Thirty five minute wait for a table, but sat down immediately at the bar. The guy working the bar was friendly and accommodating. Food came in a timely manner and was delicious. When we left I asked for a to-go cup and was given a full cup of fresh coffee. The experience could have been completely different if someone else was behind the bar, so kudos to him
(5)Benjamin B.
With such a plethora of excellent brunch spots in Chicago, and as I had heard excellent things about Toast, I was expecting quite a good experience. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Toast had a number of fatal flaws, including the following: - No espresso, just coffee - Mediocre service (I ordered a side of bacon, and only received it when I was 3/4 through my omelet) - Weak Bloody Mary's The food was reasonable, but not outstanding. My omelet was good, but not exceptional. The tomatoes were slightly hard, and the goat cheese way too fresh. And for a restaurant that calls itself Toast, the toast was nothing special. It rather epitomized the experience.
(2)Liz S.
food was decent, far from outstanding. The OWNER was incredibly rude, rushing and pushing us out from start to finish. My friend was mid sip of her coffee and the owner grabbed the cup fm her mouth and asked if she wanted it to go! I will never go back. there's no fixing a restaurant when the problem is the owner.
(1)Kim B.
Yum, yum, yum... This place is amazing. It's small and cute (so I wouldn't recommend it during busy brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays unless you mind waiting), and the food is so good! The ingredients taste fresh and the staff is so friendly and attentive. The veggie eggs benedict w/ avocado and vegetarian chili are my faves! They serve alcohol too :o)
(4)Alex R.
I have been here at least a dozen times now, and I've never had a disappointing meal. Yes, between the hours of 10:30 and 12, it is a little difficult to get a table, but the wait is never very long. They always say it will take an hour, but it rarely does. The service here is incredible. The wait staff is friendly and responsive. The food is superb, too. I've had everything on the menu. Everything on the menu ending with an "Orgy" is simply amazing. My personal favorite, however, is the breakfast burrito. Sometimes, I also order a side of bacon, which is somehow much more delicious than anything I can make for myself. In summary, don't be afraid of the wait (unless you are a group of 5 or more, in which case the wait time they give you is accurate). The food, atmosphere, and service will make up for it.
(5)Amy R.
THIS PLACE IS A JOKE!!! ive been to this toast maybe 4 or 5 times, and the one on damen about 3. theres always a terrible wait until after around 1 on the weekends, so ive learned to go after that to not feel rushed. the food is pretty good - nothing to get in a tizzy about but good and at a fair price. however, the service is HORRENDOUS, and that lunatic manager/owner/mental patient jill is the center of it all. the very first time i went to toast, i had a positive experience with jill. the place was empty and her saucy "wit" seemed charming. but beware, its only cute if shes in a good mood, which doesnt seem to be often. I WILL NOT BE BACK TO TOAST ON WEBSTER EVER and heres the final nail in the coffin: like i said, i never go before 1 on the weekend to avoid the crowds. i went on a saturday at 2. the place was busy but by no means packed and we were the only people waiting. there were 2 empty tables, and after staring at these empty tables with no explanation for about 7 minutes, the inhospitable host led us to one saying he didnt want to overwhelm the server. fine, whatever. we waited ANOTHER 7 minutes for our server to acknowledge our existence. after we finally got our bloody marys and had placed our orders, a friend mentioned she was in the area. we invited her to join our party of 3, since we had JUST ordered. when she came in, literally 2 minutes after we ordered, the host INFORMED HER that she was welcome to sit at the table but that SHE COULD NOT ORDER. WHAT?! this is apparently a policy that they dont seat incomplete parties - which is all fine and understandable during the 11am rush, but THERE WERE OTHER EMPTY TABLES AND NO ONE WAITING! it was obviously a situation where an exception could easily be made and a quick "hey, we dont do that" for next time - NEVERMIND THAT WE WERE TRYING TO GIVE THEM MORE MONEY. but no, the charming jill was having none of that. we said fine, if our friend couldnt eat, we would pay for our drinks and go elsewhere. jill informed us that she would CALL THE POLICE for walking out on our bill for the food we had not been served - because the order had already been started! are you KIDDING ME?! after what seemed like forever, she FINALLY acted like SHE was doing us a HUGE favor by letting our friend order. of course, we chatted about how insane the situation was, and in 30 seconds, lovely jill was at our table claiming SHE was trying to take the high road and that we couldnt talk about her in her restaurant! what, all that nonsense and we were supposed to sit down and chat about the weather like nothing happened?! insanity. the "no seating incomplete parties" rule is obviously an attempt to save time, but this ridiculousness took 10-15 minutes, whereas just letting her order would have only taken 2. this is not kindergarden, jill, and we are not children. we are PAYING CUSTOMERS. whatever happened to "the customer is always right"? whatever happened to decent service IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY??? rules are supposed to be in place to help make the dining experience better for the CUSTOMER. this place is hit or miss, but when its a miss, its BAD. i will NOT be back.
(1)Big Z.
Went here for the first time today and it was very good. Had the B.E.L.T sandwich and house potatoes. Others I was with had the french toast orgy which did not disappoint. Our server was attentive and was very nice. All the negative reviews seem to revolve around wait or check issues (they don't split bills) however, the food is definitely 4 to 4.5 stars and well worth the trip.
(4)Roman W.
Toast Review In my review of Over Easy Café I mention that my friends and I have tried other breakfast spots some good and some bad, well Toast is one of those places that was bad, very bad. Location: I personally don't have a problem with the location of Toast is just that parking around there is a beast because it's in a residential/shopping area. So best bet is get there early. Street parking is possibly but you might have circle the neighborhood until you find a spot. We got there at around 10 o'clock I had to make a few passes until I found street parking. Service: If you get here at certain time you will be waiting for a less 30 to 45 minutes, but don't expect to get free coffee here while you wait like at Over Easy Café, but there is a Starbucks down the street where you can get a coffee (spend more money) while you wait. Once we got inside and finally sat down I notice how the service didn't seem to know what was going on, the hostess was sitting people down then one minute later Jill the manager was getting on her case for sitting people at tables. It's like Jill is too busy putting on a show and putting one of the waiters business on blast for a few people to hear then to communicate with the hostess. The manager Jill who it seem like all the negative reviewer has a problem ready had a crappy attitude that day, which is sad cause she seem to embodies that whole Lincoln Park I'm better then you attitude with is silly cause 1. I'm doing you a favor by spending my money at your establishment and 2. You're not the only place that serves breakfast so get off your high horse. She even tried to snap at one of my friends that would have turned out very bad for her if my friend had paid her any mind. That little bar she hides behind wouldn't have stopped a fire up Mexican female from hopping over it and kicking the crap out of her. Atmosphere: This place was just too chaotic for me, and place is shape like a bowling lane it's so damn narrow and cramped. I was literally elbow-to-elbow with the person right next to me and I don't like that and I'm sure they didn't either. Food: I was not impressed with the food at all; the food looks like the atmosphere of the place...Rushed. My friend was shocked to find that her omelette didn't come with potatoes, my order cost less then hers and I got potatoes, so I gave her some of mine. The order I got had no presentation at all, it was like the chef slap it on plate and put it in the pass and move on to the next order. Overall: As the saying goes "You only get one chance to make a first impression" Toast blew that one and only chance the moment we stepped in the door and yes it's cliché to say but I will never come back to this place ever again. I would not recommend this place to anyone; the crappy service, the cramp environment and the substandard food is not worth your time let alone your money. If you're in the Lincoln Park area and you want an alternative that's 10 times better then walk a few blocks south and go to Nookies 2.
(1)Ray S.
Great neighborhood breakfast restaurant. Does get busy on weekend so get there early. Not much seating but worth the wait. In the heart of Lincoln Park so can wonder around while waiting for table. Another restaurant in Bucktown with patio if not in Lincoln Park.
(4)Jess S.
Stopped in today to redeem our Groupon; my apologies to the regulars. 45-60 minute wait was totally worth it in the end. When you go, I suggest waiting it out at Starbucks on the corner--pretty good Lincoln Park people watching from the corner seats there. Once we finally got seated, service was quick, friendly and reasonably attentive despite the hustle necessary to keep that line out the door moving. The food came out extremely fast, much quicker than expected anyway. Drink refills probably could have been a half step quicker, but certainly forgivable. The food was excellent and, as I said, well worth the wait. I had the Huevos with Chorizo and Cheddar while the wifey got the Mascarpone and Pine Nut Pancakes. The egg dish was a tad simple - I remember thinking to myself that I could easily make this at home - but well proportioned, mixed and cooked perfectly. Simple, but delicious and exactly what I was looking for at the time. The only other knock on the huevos is the presentation - a little slapdash with a relatively empty plate. I mean, it's mostly just scrambled eggs so there's only so much you can do, but too much white space is noticable. The side potatoes could have stood a little more seasoning in my opinion, but they were still tasty and again cooked just right (crispy on one side and soft everywhere else). The pancakes on the other side of the table, however, were something else entirely. A wonderful mix of sweet flavors, both fruit and floral, and well contrasted textures, from soft and gooey to the, for lack of a better term, al dente bite of the cooked pine nuts. My wife called them the best pancakes she'd ever had. I can't say I necessarily agree based on the two or three bites I had, but it's not hard to imagine either. All in all, as regular weekend brunchers we'll probably head back to Toast to explore the menu a little more. Good job Groupon (and Toast!).
(4)Kate F.
The food was not good enough to excuse the hideously rude behavior of the owner. Not worth it.
(1)Linda G.
I went there once. Won't go back. They don't even have good toast. Go to Nookies. Better food, better service, half the cost.
(1)Gabe L.
wait forty minutes sit in extended hallway get french toast orgy
(4)Lucy S.
Def one of my favorite brunch places. I am completely obsessed with the eggs benedict. It comes with proscuitto and an amazing hollandaise sauce. The house potatos and potato salad is to die for. Also love the veggie eggs benedict. My friends enjoy the stuffed french toast sampler, granola and berries, breakfast burrito and my picky little brother looooved the ham and cheese sandwich. It can be a hugeeee wait, luckily my roomate is the hostess. I'm not sure I would go weekend mornings bc of the wait. Later in the day on weekdays you can almost always sit down when you come in.
(4)Cindy R.
Marscapone-stuffed french toast with fresh berries: OMG. So ridiculously good I can't even explain. Due to their hideously long lines (1 hour wait at 8AM on a Saturday? Isn't everyone still sleeping? wtf?) I've only had it once but still dream about it. If you get a table, please order it. They lose a star for the horrible wait times. If I were ever able to ACTUALLY EAT THERE again, I think I wouldn't hesitate to give a full 5. It's a bummer.
(4)Andrew T.
I'm a regular here, usually coming in between classes for lunch during the week. And every time is just as good as the last. The waitstaff is good, food superb, and as long as you're not there on a Saturday/Sunday, the noise level is perfectly fine. Highly recommended!
(5)Missy M.
It was good, but I thought there would be more to the "Toast". For example, it would be cool if they had crazy good breads for toast and a larger selection of french toast. (I'd take the Bongo's Room stuffed french toast over this restaurant's version any day.) However, the lemon poppyseed pancakes were so delicious!
(3)Scott J.
Its all been said, however i'll sum up why 4-stars is perfect: 5-Stars Because : if you can get a seat, the food is organic, delicious and unique. 3-Stars Because: You will have to wait for a while because this place is small and people eat slow in the mornings. So on average your experience will be 4-Stars.
(4)M. R.
so i have been here before and the food is good, i have no complaints regarding the food. However, I do have negative comments about the staff and the owner Jill. Its weird because the first time I came here the service was amazing. The second time I came here, the owner was intruding in conversation and was very vulgar. I was caught off guard when she started saying things to our party, I know she was trying to be funny but it was very inappropriate, she should learn manners seriously. The third time I went we had to wait for 45 minutes which was already a hassle. We had three people with us and when we finally sat down, a family member called to say she was in the area and wanted to stop by. When she came in the male blonde host was very rude to her. He wouldn't let her sit down at our table. He came over to us and was like" um why is she here, you said you only had three people, is she here just to say hi?" It was very strange considering he sat us at a four person table. He never even gave her water or a menu and kept looking at our table it was so pathetic. When we were finishing up, he kept looking at us to see if we were going to leave while we were trying to relax after having to wait to eat here for almost an hour. I'm surprised they are still in business considering the ill mannered behavior of the staff. Please, if you have a business its always customers first.
(2)M. C.
I get cravings for their French Toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese and with mixed berries on top. It is absolutely delicious. DE-LI-CIOUS. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's the best brunch dish I've ever eaten. Previously, I'd tried the Eggs Benedict, and that was good too, but from here on out, the mascarpone toast is the only thing I can order. Yes, this place is small, and yes, you're going to have to wait outside until a table is available. However, it's worth the wait, and a quick walk down the block for a pre-brunch drink at Starbucks makes the wait go by pretty quickly.
(5)Aurore L.
When I decide to indulge I indulge all the way... That's why I was thrilled when my friend suggested to have breakfast at Toast before our blissful massage almost next door at Lincoln Park Massage Spa. What better way to start off the day?!? I should always take my friend with me every time I go out because she's a perfect parking spot magnet. Sure enough we parked just in front of the restaurant and headed inside for some much needed coffee. Then the dreaded choice time arrived. See we want to indulge but without taking in the calories.....which is as rational as logic gets with girls and food. Yeah...we are lovely like that and it is fine, believe me. We decided to do the only smart move in such a situation: split. You don't eat as much, you don't feel too guilty because someone else is sinning with you AND you get satisfied. Hehehe.... We shared the Tijuana omelette which was really tasty and deliciously spicy: jalepeno peppers, tomato dices, cilantro, green onion and great chihuahua cheese. But at $9 without sides I thought it was pretty steep. The real indulgence came with the sweet part of the meal: three big and fluffy pancakes whipped with mascarpone, topped with stawberries, orange segments and zests, pine nuts and drizzled with honey and lavender...mmmmm....the combination was as delicious as it sounds - but just a tiny bit on the dry side. We gulped them down in no time though so obviously that wasn't a big downer. The place is really small and was quite full even on a Thursday morning. But service was diligent and right on queue every time (every 34 times) I needed coffee. I don't think I would fight the crowd during the weekend...or maybe in the summer. There is the lovely cutey Oz Park just across the street to make the wait sweeter!
(3)Zack C.
The Mexican chocolate stuffed french toast comes straight from a Mexican chocolate factory. This fine establishment doesn't quite compare to my favorite toast, the Friendly Toast.
(3)Abby D.
I hear it's amazing.. too bad I can never get in to get a table. The restaurant is too small and can't accomodate many people.
(3)Ambrosia C.
I'm not quite sure what all the hype is. I went here because I had the groupon. It's a good breakfast place, but not worth waiting for an hour or two for. It's a normal bourgeoisie type place for brunch, nothing more, nothing less. I could easily go to another brunch place in the neighborhood and be just as satisfied.
(3)Sue K.
French toast.
(5)Brigid C.
stopped by once on a saturday around 1030 and was told there was an hour and a half wait. um, no. returned earlier to avoid the line. the service was meh, the owner was rude and bitchy to anyone that walked in and made people wait for their entire party to arrive before seating them (the restaurant was empty, settle down). one woman walked in and asked for a table for two, she pointed to her friend who was locking up her bike outside. the owner demeanded that she sit and wait until her whole party was ready. um, seriously? she sat gossiping with waitresses and it just gave a weird vibe to the whole place. it would have had a lot more cutesy charm if there was friendly atmosphere... the food was, meh. overpriced for what it was. skip toast, and walk over to nookies too. much better value!
(2)Jenn A.
Okay, this sucks. My first review in Chicago and it's meh. I was so excited to get brunch, I literally craved it all week long. Im from New Orleans and just moved here from San Francisco, and brunch is HUGE in both places so I was really looking to get back into the swing of things! Unfortunately, toast did not do it. bummm-er. I brought in my own champagne (it's byob which isn't my fave) so I had a mimosa. My boy ordered a coke (this is pivotal for later) and also an egg plate with bacon. I got the french toast orgy with the three mixed flavors. The food came and the bacon was barely edible, it looked like it had sat under a heat lamp for hours. My granola and fruit on the toast was great but I do not know if it was the yogurt or what but the french toast was soggy. Like soggy. I barely ate one of the three (and I always CLEAR my plate. i LOVE food and absolutely HATE wasting food, it literally makes me cry) but did eat the granola and fruit. From the time we received our food until the time we got the bill (which we asked for) our waitress did not ask us how anything was. She had only two other tables and one who came in while we were wrapping up so it's not like she was slammed. just talking to friends at the counter. My boy's coke was empty almost the entire meal and the man who cleared our plates is the only one who asked if he wanted a refill (after we had paid). We are not big complainers seeing as I work at a restaurant downtown (which btw I never let my peeps' drinks get below half full, thats just a huge pet peeve) and my guy bar-tended in new orleans but holy cow, what a let down. Ugh, guess we'll retry the Chicago brunch scene next Sunday!
(2)Jaime S.
this place is alright, but too small and cramped and they really rush you out of there because there is a long line. The french toast orgy is really rich but delicious if you split it with someone else. I just think that it is not a comfortable atmosphere so you lose something with that.
(3)Justin B.
Go for the bar, stay away from the tables. Man, I wish I would have realized that before I went this past Saturday. I'm not cheap when I tip. Seriously. I usually give 20% standard and often go to 25% with no issues. But the waitress we had was so bad, I actually was using my phone to figure out what we should leave her. She didn't mention any specials, flat out told us "no" when we asked whether we could get a special rather than our order a minute or so later when we figured out they had specials, and needed to be reminded not so gently about a coffee and tea refill. Now, despite an awfully bad service experience, this place maintains a 4 star rating for three primary reasons: (1) it has really, really good brunch food; (2) if you sit at the bar you will be entertained by one of the wittier, saucier "bar" tenders around; and (3) they have a bar that actually serves liquor for breakfast! Seriously, the bartender here is amazingly funny. The first time we ate there, she was bantering with us about some customer showing crack at one of the tables and warning another patron that the guy who was trying to get cozy with her was married. You couldn't script this stuff better. Don't piss her off because she's liable to lay you out WWE style, but she is an amazing entertainer and treats the place as though it were her own. So go for the food and the bar, stay away from the tables.
(4)Rebecca T.
I honestly don't understand what the lure of this place is; it seems that people inevitably suggest this place and I just want to shake them and say "do you PREFER chain restaurants?!" The food is forgettable (seriously, you can order french toast at any diner - it's not a novel idea), the service is generally horrible, and extremely noisy and cramped. Because so many people are generally waiting for seating, the host just looms over you so you'll leave right when you're done... With so many better options in the city, I just can't understand why people would choose to go here... even though it's conveniently located close to where I live, I'd much rather make the trek to a an actual quality establishment... like Twisted Spoke, Orange, or Yolk.
(1)ML D.
Had a great first experience. Second time around was a nightmare. We had a party of 4 and waited over an hour while others that came after us kept getting seated before us. The hostess would not let us split up into two separate parties. The final kicker came when our bill was brought. I had a Groupon and the waitress honored it but rewrote in the original total before the Groupon was deducted. Circled it. And wrote "price to tip on". I will not be going back no matter how good the French Toast Orgie is.
(2)Adam T.
My favorite brunch place in Chicago--I had the french toast trio (with one chocolate, one strawberry, and one marscapone), and it was amazing! the strawberry was the big standout--i didn't expect it to be so good. this place is in a great location close to Lincoln Park shopping and DePaul, and i can't wait to go back and try something else! (one of the specials the day i went was pancakes that tasted like fruit loops--wish i would've tried those too!)
(5)Jisha A.
We went in at an hour where our wait was thankfully less than 15 minutes. Had high expectations from the menu, based on the hype around the place. We tried the pancake orgy and the veggie egg benedict - the fruits for the pancake orgy were fresh, but the pancakes did not seem that great. As for the benedict, it seemed comparable to what's served at IHOP or even Original Pancake house..nothing much to rave about..Not sure if we missed out on ordering any of their specials...our waiter seemed totally disinterested in helping out with suggestions..overall, might come here again but will not go stand in line for this.
(3)J L.
Love it - Hey Jill! Crabby benedict like whoa. Come hungry. Hours: 8:00-2:30 M-F; 8:00-3:30 Sat/Sun
(4)Sriram V.
You had better have a lot of time on your hands if you want to try Toast, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning. However, imho, every minute of your wait is probably worth it. Definitely very vegetarian friendly and their stuffed toast is very memorable. Loses a star for the wait and the slightly cramped (arguably intimate) space.
(4)Cynthia C.
Went here on a Saturday morning 1100am. In town to celebrate our daughter's birthday, her choice of restaurant. After reading the reviews about the long waits, crabby hostess we were leery but agreed to give it a try. Were told the wait was an hour but actually only waited about 10 minutes. Were seated at a table for 2 (there were 3 of us) but after a few minutes the couple next to us left and the hostess moved that table over. Most of the food was excellent, french toast orgy and eggs benedict with crab. The vegetarian omelette was a little bland-everything else great. The nice hostess even came over to give us a to go cup of fresh coffee!! She was very freindly to other customers as well. A good experience.!!
(4)Alexandra S.
I love toast, not just the crisp bread but the restaurant as well. This is a great place to go for breakfast or brunch any day with a wide selection of traditional, non-traditional (french toast orgy, crepes) and lunch. I usually get extreme anxiety before going as I have to choose among a lot of yummy options. The service is great and they respect the waiting line. I recommend the crepes and chicken sausage for something different but the Turkey burger rocks as well. Try to go before 9 on weekends otherwise you are in for a long wait.
(4)Lin C.
Agree with previous poster regarding rude management. There are so many more places to have a pleasant breakfast in Chicago. Toast, hire a new manager for LP and maybe I will come back.
(1)Maggie H.
If you're looking for brunch with punch, this is the place that you must try! The menu is far from just toast. Try as many things as you can- the pancake or french toast orgy, the chicken sausage stuffed with apple and gouda, the bloody mary's topped with fresh peppers. The Mascarpone-stuffed french toast and the apple, pear and brie crepe tied for 1st place at our table. Skip the eggs because they just aren't that special with all of this competition. The tunes are a bonus at this little hot spot in Lincoln Park. The staff does love you, but can be tough! I smiled, I curtsied, and he still said 2 hours for a party of 5. It turned out to only be 1...and it was worth it.
(4)Ryan K.
Totally respectable brunch joint in a nice area. Probably overpriced for the food, but they stay packed on the weekend mornings so I certainly don't blame them.
(3)A.S. V.
I always forget about Toast because the wait is insane on weekends, and it's so tiny and cramped. However, with the disappearance of Leo's and HUE, I'm reminded that it's one of the handful of places that truly specialize in brunch, and do a great job with the menu. This means seemingly endless varations of omelettes, pancakes, breakfast burritos, etc.
(4)Kristin M.
Toast is probably my favorite breakfast place in town. The wait here on the weekend can be up to 2 hours and the staff is spunky to the point of being rude; however, the one thing that makes it all worth while is the stuffed french toast. Oh my! This is one of those meals that you just sit there and savor every bite. I typically do not talk until I am finished, and prefer not to have any one talk to me due to the fact that I am concentrating on the wonderful goodness on my plate!
(5)Tiff B.
I've only been to this place on weekdays so I've never had to deal with a long wait. I'm not understanding the rave reviews for this place though. Maybe I've ordered the wrong things. The first time I went, I ordered the french toast and thought it was just o.k. Not bad, but not great. The second time I went I ordered the goat cheese and spinach omelet. Again, it was just o.k. I don't live near there anymore, so I don't think it's worth waiting in line or dealing with parking to return. There are so many great brunch spots in Chicago that this place just doesn't stand out.
(3)Kelly R.
There are definite cons here - the space, the service and the wait among them. But the French Toast Orgy is an experience that MUST be had so you're just going to have to deal with the other factors. I don't recommend ordering it as your main breakfast entree because that would cause a sugar high I'd never want to witness, but it serves as an amazing group dessert. Go get it.
(4)Leanne V.
oh my sweet lord! their food is absolutely orgasmic. orgasmic! their marscapone-stuffed french toast bricks are hands down the greatest food i have ever put into my mouth - ever. i take that back. their prosciutto-truffle oil eggs benedict is hands down the greatest food to go down my gullet. minus one star for, dare i say it, the owner. i'm glad i don't live in chicago anymore - i'm afraid i'd get my ass kicked by this chick. while the wait staff is generally pretty lovely, she's a control freak. she's not nice to most people. sometimes she can be, if the mood strikes her. i know she's got a hot commodity and she can pretty much act anyway she wishes and people will still wait for hours on end to dine there. but we're talking about chicago - everyone is nice in chicago. because it's such a small place you're always in her line of fire. makes the dining experience somewhat uncomfortable.
(4)Bryant C.
I went here for brunch with my dad. The food both of us had was really good. A little on the pricey side for breakfast, but I was still happy. I had a chorizo and egg scramble. My dad had an omelet... it was one of the specials. We left full and happy, ready for a walk all the way down to the loop from LP.
(4)Maria C.
I would give this place 5 stars if it wasn't for the wait. It's a nightmare. Once you're able to get a table, the food is great. I love it especially during winter, when it's freezing out there and we're enjoying their Eggs Benedict which are to die for.
(4)courtney g.
Since I live & work in the neighborhood, I skip the weekend frenzy and occasionally pop in for a breakfast-for-lunch thing, or on lazy middle-of-the-week days off; it's much more livable then. The times I've been I've pretty much always had the same waiter, who paused to gossip with us regarding the US Weekly my friend and I were reviewing (you have to have the right reading material for the lazy middle-of-the-week day off - the whole idea is to give your brain a rest). I generally stick to spicy, so I can say that for those of you not tempted by the pancake/french toast orgy, the huevos w/ cilantro & cheddar are lovely. It's cute, it's tiny/cosy, and the food is good. The service is usually quite good. Sometimes I find it a little pricey and I go to a diner instead; it's not really a destination for me. I don't think you'll be let down if you can try it during the week.
(3)Heather B.
I really enjoyed my breakfast here. It was busy, but not stuffed full, around 11 am Friday morning. My husband had the Omelette Lorraine and liked it a lot. I had the stuffed french toast. I got one of each kind, but the mascarpone one was by far the best in my book. Friendly service, good food, good atmosphere (though the music was club-loud, which seemed a bit odd to me). Highly recommended!!
(4)Rob C.
the hype is all about the massive stuffed french toast...while it's not truly novel, it's still worthy of fitting in the brunch rotation if you like it, you'll probably like bongo room, tweet, orange, lou mitchells, walker bros somtimes the long weekend lines makes it feel as if it's not worth it I liked the berry-filled ones better than the mascarpone
(4)Jenna B.
I went to toast when I was suffering from jet-lag. I was up at 6am thought I should take full advantage. "what can i do when i am up this early that I just could not do when I sleep to my usually 10pm on Saturday"....TOAST! I ordered the pancake orgy...which I mistakenly called that "pancake orgasm" on my walk over there. We arrived at opening (8am I believe) and there were only 4 other people in the entire place. My breakfast was amazing, but I could only eat less than half. Left-overs were not good since I wanted to warm only the pancakes and not the fruit and yogurt that was not caked onto them. If you ever find yourself awake early, you should not have to wait.
(5)Kristine L.
so... I've been trying to eat at toast for the past year, but the wait is always too long and I'm always with a group larger than 2. I finally decided to wait it out with my parents (2 hours) because I had heard so many good things about the place. Well, I will say the food was delicious, but its what I like to call "fancy brunch" and I'm more of a "down-home" brunch type of gal. So, if you are up for something a little different than regular brunch then this is your place, but if you want biscuits and gravy head somewhere else
(3)k o.
The food has always been consistently wonderful, but the service is appalling. I have eaten at TOAST many times and every single time I have dined there I have been treated with disgust. Each time I have been there, a woman, who I am assuming is the owner, has treated me and my parties in such a distasteful manner that I have since refused to go back. There are plenty of places that can serve french toast topped with berries...and are pleasant.
(1)Ed M.
Honestly i am so fcuking tired of waiting 45 minutes to an hour just for fucking brunch. Not only toast but this also goes for bongo room, lula's, orange, etc. the wait is totally not worth it to me anymore.
(1)Christa F.
It's an hour wait on the weekends during prime brunch times. The place is a little small which adds to the long lines. I love the stuffed french toast.
(4)Geoff M.
I was expecting amazing things after reading all the raves here on yelp. Not very impressed. The hostess reminded me of one of one of the hostesses on Sex and the City, wielding her power with impunity. She kept saying, "Scoot over, get out of the way of the door." Sorry sister, your restaurant has a 5x5 waiting area. Only so many of us can fit there. The wait was 1.5 hours for a group of 4. We passed the time in the neighborhood and the hostess was actually nice enough to have us return at a given hour and she would keep our place on the list even if we had been passed over. The food was decent, but not rave worthy. I had the pancake orgy and found the lemon poppy seed disappointing. My girlfriend's breakfast burrito was outstanding. The rest of our group was satisfied but not elated with their experience. Good enough, but certainly not worth a long wait with so many other great brunch options around.
(3)Wade M.
Wait a minute, Yelp has two different listings for Toast---there's this one, which features more reviews and mostly positive ones, and another one which only features three reviews, all negative. CONSPIRACY! Anywhoo, this place doesn't actually deserve a rating as low as two stars, BUT I do think it's very overrated. For one thing, the restaurant space is uncomfortably narrow; I was sitting a little too close to a couple who were a little too attractive. Breakfast shouldn't be about glamour, people. The food is fine, but there's no reason to recommend this over other, similar, better breakfast spots. Like what, you ask? Check out The Bongo Room in Wicker Park, which takes a similarly creative attitude towards breakfast with much more satisfying results.
(2)Matt C.
The food is amazing - their steak benedict is awesome, as is the pretzel roll. I will say that Jill is quite amusing if you are open to her humor. She lightens every meal. The waiting area and seating of only complete parties isnt the most fun, but it is part of the restaurant business. As such a small space, they have quite a large number of patrons.
(5)Tom F.
Had the pepper eggs and lady friend had the french toast orgy. Both were delicious and the price was reasonable.
(4)Graham N.
In regards to the comment about the stigmata, I think someone lacks a sense of humor. She clearly was joking. The food is delicious and the cougar at the bar is hilarious (not to mention hot in a Joan Jett sort of way). She is very attentive and keeps the coffee full. You won't be disappointed with the Veggie Eggs Benedict.
(5)Kari S.
I'm an omlete gal, and they have a wide variety, as well as unique ingredients. I love the french toast, and its something I save for special occasions because it has roughly 1000 calories per bite. Keep in mind they always say the wait is longer than it is, and on a Sunday morning you can read the paper or chat while awaiting your table. Look at all the vintage toasters while you are there!
(5)faline m.
great food and after reading some of the reviews i was a little weary about the service but i thought everyone was really friendly. i went on a friday so no wait but i can imagine it is very hard to get in on the weekends. someone at the table next to me said: 'you are the alinea of hollandaise sauce'. i thought that summed it up nicely.
(4)Model Stranger B.
Nice atmosphere, kind service with a smile and above average food. Toast has a fun selection of brunch foods and a decent lunch menu, as well. The food fell short of my expectations but some of the fare was still noteworthy. If you are going the brunch route I recommend one of the Egg Benedict dishes. The English muffins are homemade, moist, soft and crispy at the same time. The hollandaise sauce is magnifico, savory and succulant; I recommend the Veggie Benedict (spinach and artichoke hearts). Another notable is the stuffed french toast; grab the french toast orgy to sample one of each 3 flavors (marscapone, Mexican chocolate and strawberry). The french toast come in a spear-like shape tunneled out and "stuffed" with the proposed ingredients. They are fluffy and full of flavor but a decent approach to toast. Otherwise, I am not very impressed with this cuisine, average at best. I would not tell anyone to not go there, it's worth a try; there are just better brunch places available in the enormous city that is Chicago. However, the service here is very helpful and extremely kind :)
(3)Jason K.
The goat cheese omelette is the way to go at toast. The wait is long, but what else is there to do on a cold Winter morning anyway. However, for those impatient yelpers you may want to try them after 2 when there is never a wait.
(4)Reis D.
Good food, but the lady who runs it is a giant wench -- her terrible attitude and lack of customer service will probably stop me from going back.
(3)Briana J.
Over-hyped. The food is mediocre. Not worth the wait.
(2)Sandy S.
Isn't brunch the new dinner? or is Brown the new black? Anyhow.....back to brunch. Toast is awesome. Whenever, I am in Chicago - Toast is near the top of my "I gotta do" list. The long narrow room provides a great illusion when looking from one end of the restaurant to the other. The food and atmosphere is well worth the wait. As previously stated the French Toast is to die for. One of the best brunch spots I've been to.
(4)Sohini K.
The first time I was here we were seated relatively quickly because we chose to sit at the counter. The second time, we were told that it was an hour's wait. It was raining, so my friend an i popped over to the Starbucks nearby. When we got back to Toast (after maybe 30 mins), we were told we'd missed our spot and we'd be put at the bottom of the list for another hour. The food is good, but for the number of brunch options available, I'm not waiting another 1 1/2 for a table here.
(2)Lindsay N.
I went to Toast today after much anticipation. I was pretty impressed. My BF had the breakfast burrito and it was alright. Nothing to pee your pants over, but tasty. I was in the mood for lunch, so I had their Ahi Tuna sandwich... yummy! I would have liked my tuna a little more rare, but the flavor was amazing and the potatoe salad it came with was great as well! If I were to go back, I would get that French Toast Orgy... geez, that sounded amazing! The guy sitting at the table next to me got it and he probably thought I was checking him out, but really, I was just trying to get a whiff of that fancy french toast!
(4)Caroline S.
I wanted to thank Toast for a wasted morning. I had heard good things, I was optomistic. I knew there would be a wait, and boy was there ever. Once we were finally seated the service was at a snails pace, which could explain the long wait. The food was lacking and I was disappointed by the fact that after two bites I was over it. Sadly, we won't be returning.
(2)Lauren F.
Very good breakfast food. As with most popular breakfast spots, be prepared for a wait when you arrive. Otherwise have a cup of coffee, check out the menu and get ready for a great breakfast.
(4)M M.
I really liked this place! Wasn't too crowded for a Saturday, though we did go around 9 or so. I had the pancake orgy which was amazing- comes with 3 different types of pancakes- blueberry, lemon poppy and banana and then granola and yogurt on the top, though I skipped the yogurt because dairy grosses me out! The potatoes were really good and had a hint of truffle salt on them. The person I was dining with had a crab omelette which he really liked. Prices are reasonable and service is very fast. This is probably my second fav breakfast place after Yolk!!
(4)Alan R.
The food is amazing, but the wait can be brutal. We went on a Sunday for brunch and had to wait an hour. The seating is also a bit tight. If you deal with all that it is definitely worth it. I had french toast stuffed with berries that was gourmet.
(4)Chris B.
My wife and 2yo twin daughters love Toast. We go not just for the food, but for the friends we have made (staff and regulars) over the years living in and around the neighborhood. MANY people dislike the ludicrous weekend wait (it is a small/narrow restaurant with few seats), and the oftentimes surly treatment doled out by the staff. Having witnessed and experienced this treatment, I can honestly say it is usually a snappy comeback to a stupid question that they have heard 75 times that morning. Know, however, that if you can fire it back, you're usually in their good graces, and will constantly get good treatment from that point forward! Food highlights -- my wife loves her egg-white omelet with fresh vegetables, and a HUGE bowl of fruit -- I love the breakfast burrito with spicy chorizo and potatoes, with mimosas and kickin' Bloody Marys. For lunch items, the Croque Monsieur and the endive salad with walnuts and bleu cheese hits the spot. Our daughters are smothered with attention, get great food in their bellys, and love the hustle and bustle. Bottom line -- if you want spotless service and a fast brunch, this is NOT the place for you. This is a neighborhood/local spot with long waits and good-natured ribbing. Be smart, be funny, and you'll be a regular in no time.
(5)Miss O.
i liked this place for the most part - because it's the closest breakfast place to me. it's a bit overpriced for what it is - and i completely understand what it's trying to be - trendy, small, lincoln park cute diner. BUT it's breakfast food, there was nothing really that special... the food was pretty good but again overpriced and i will probably go back here because of the location...
(3)Mateo S.
Don't come here with a mind to linger... I sat next to two women who decided to do just that. Thankfully for them they were ignorant of the pitchfork + torch wielding mob stamping their feet and rumbling in the waiting pen by the door. They were also oblivious to the manager, who kept making hilarious "off with their heads" motions to the support staff. When the clueless ladies left, said manager sauntered up to my table and said "can you believe how long they sat there??" I am a waiter. Did she see the looks of understanding I flashed to the busboy? Or was it all just awkward? Maybe she was teaching me by example... Who knows? I thoroughly enjoyed the whole exchange but I could see how someone could interpret it as acerbic. Our wait was supposed to be 30 min, but we sat within ten. Food was great but cooked medium well (tuna and steak... both ordered MR), though the sauce and sides made up for any flavor lost. OJ said fresh squeezed on the menu but I saw the waiter pouring it out of a gallon jug. I'd try my luck with the wait again though, and take in the comical theater of servers vs. served. I wish wish wish they had booze. A bloody Mary would have been perfect.
(3)Skylar C.
Personally I think Toast is worth the long wait. The service isn't great and the waitresses can be a little on the snobby side sometimes, but I love the food. Get the stuffed french toast- it's increidble! If you're looking for a healthier option the fruit bowl is very good as well!
(4)Nicole E.
Toast is one of the best breakfast places I have ever been to. The food is fantastic, especially the stuffed french toast and eggs benedict. The staff was very friendly and Jill was nothing but nice to us. This will definitely be a place we visit frequently and I can't say enough good things about it!!
(5)Phil K.
Can't beat Toast for breakfast, brunch, or lunch! The service was very friendly and quick - our waitress gave me a massage for two or three minutes while we were deciding what to order -- your results may vary, but it was pretty excellent. I had a veggie omelet, which was perfectly seasoned and full of fresh vegetables. I also ordered a side of potatoes, which were great. They must boil the potatoes before grilling them because the texture is perfect, all the way through. My friend ordered French toast with fresh fruit, which he said were also good. Ironically the actual toast was good, but not the highlight of the meal.
(5)Suzanne C.
I love this place.. I always have the best eggs benny in town everytime I go here. The entire staff is always friendly and accomodating. I think it is ridiculous that people can say bad things about Jill or any of her staff. In case all you people who think that Jill is rude, think again, this is one of the busiest brunch/bfast places in Lincoln Park. Toast's policy is only to seat whole parties. That means that every single person must be in the door before you are sat. If they aren't there you can't be sat and have to wait. Learn to deal, the world isn't going to end. And trust me to have Toast's food is SOOOO worth the wait. So enjoy this spot, it is a such a fun, lively place with great food and staff
(5)Tom C.
I went to this place a long time ago before it was the LP hotspot that it is now. The food is still great but it's a bit pretentious now. We got there at 12:30 PM on Saturday and there was no wait but the waiter insisted that we waited for our other 2 guests. And he wasn't exactly nice about it. I also heard (presumably) the owner yelling at someone on the phone and then talking with an attitude to someone on the staff. The food at this place is definitely 4 stars but I took one star for all the commotion. I had the eggs with chorizo and it was pretty damn good. The plates aren't all that big and it's expensive for what you get, but your at a trendy hotspot why not? Right?
(3)Shannon B.
This place is darling, and their French toast is amazing. The atmosphere, especially in the wintertime, is cozy and friendly and perfect.
(4)Vinny S.
PERFECT BREAKFAST / BRUNCH SPOT! Oh yeah....gotta love the manager Jill! Very funny, and always entertaining.......she really does a great job of managing the crowds and trying accomodate everyone. Afterall, it's a no reservations DINER!!!....which happens to have really good food, and a friendly and hardworking staff!
(5)Chichi O.
Worst customer service I have ever received at a restaurant. EVER! So, my friend and I got a groupon for this place and decided to check it out, we were quite excited as it had generally good reviews. Well, we should have read the bad reviews more closely. So we walk in, and we are told the wait will be about 45 minutes. Not a problem, it's a nice neighborhood anyways so we walked around. Well, we come back after 45 minutes and she's like, we don't have a table ready for you. OK, the waiting area was quite small but we found a place to stand in a way that we were in no way blocking the door. So we are standing waiting for about 10 minutes, another couple comes in and she's like, ok you guys are gonna have to wait out side because they are ahead of you on the list, you guys cant just stand by the door and she waves us out like little kids. It was a VERY hot and humid day, however, we did not mind standing outside if we were asked nicely. So we've been waiting for about an hour at this point. While standing outside, this lady who was obviously very pissed and upset storms out of the restaurant and says, "This is the worst place I have ever been too, I am taking my business somewhere else". Well, good for her, we should have done the same but did not want our groupon to go to waste. Finally, she tells us that we can come in. Great. We go to our very small and cramped table and the waitress comes by. Now, the only reason why this review has one star is the very sweet waitress. So we order our food and it comes out. The food is bland, eggs are not cooked right, my friend's potatoes are burnt. Hmm... Side note: About 20 minutes into our meal, a couple comes to seat at the table beside ours. The waitress takes the order from the lady and the guy says that he already ate, so he's not ordering any food. So she tells him, it's a liability if you sit in our restaurant and don't order any food. Wow, I have never heard anything such as that at any restaurant I have ever been. Weird. So we're done eating, we present our groupon and get the final check. The check says, you need to tip on the pre-groupon price in bold red pen. What ridiculousness is that??? First of all, there is no rule on tipping, it is recommended that a tip is given for good service. Anyways, we put down a credit card to pay for the remaining portion of the check and they refuse to take the credit card as there is a minimum amount you have to spend to use a credit card. Well, can you post your rules on the door or somewhere visible to patrons so that people know to get cash beforehand. Finally, the manager was not friendly, there were people waiting to be seated and she was busy looking at a picture with the hostess and laughing away, while people were standing and waiting to be welcomed. Never going back to that place!
(1)Ang R.
I must confess that I've never waited for a table at Toast. I've sat at a table and watched the lines form, but I've always had the good fortune of going at a time when no one else was. The food is good. Clearly, or otherwise people wouldn't wait an hour for a table. The French toast is stuffed full of goodness, and the eggs are almost always just right. I have to admit that I wouldn't wait an hour on a hot summer day, or a cold winter one, but maybe in the spring or fall, when it's that perfect temperature outside, and all you can think of is stuffed french toast.
(4)Meghan R.
What's not to love about Toast? Dining there is an experience. I prefer eating at the counter so I can enjoy Jill's company. She does a great job of making sure things run smoothly and doesn't take any BS. Don't be intimidated if you come in and have to wait to eat...it's definitely worth it. I think a lot of people are turned off by the fact that they have to stand outside and wait...I think they should go to Starbucks, get some coffee and hang out. It's clearly a sign that Toast has great food if so many people are waiting to eat there! Today I had the stuffed french toast with mascarpone & poached eggs. Normally I get the regular french toast but I think I'm converted to stuffed...the mascarpone was light and sweet, so it didn't feel like I was eating a heavy dish. It's also a nice treat when restaurants know how to poach an egg and don't just serve you runny eggs in a bowl. If you don't get coffee while you're waiting for a table, definitely order the coffee at Toast. It's Julius Meinl, which is some of the best coffee around. I definitely recommend going to Toast, just make sure you don't scrape your fork against your plate...management has sensitive ears :)
(5)Jeremy B.
meh, i'm torn between toast. the food is always good, but it doesn't necessarily warrant the wait that you have to sit through since its so tiny. i've been there 4 or 5 times, always had good service (well except once) and i've tried all different menu items and everything has been good. i suggest going to toast during the week, the lines are a lot shorter. i've been told over 2 hours on the weekend for a table when there were only two other people waiting on tables in front of me.
(3)Phil H.
Definitely not worth the wait. If you want a standard/nondescript omelette or pancakes or toast and you like to work up that brunch appetite by standing outside for 45 minutes, then maybe this place is worth checking out. I had the tenderloin benedict, which came doused in hollandaise sauce. I suspected that it was disgusting and my body agreed with me since I'm pretty sure I got sick while eating it. And I got a headache. But that may be from me replaying those 45 minutes standing outside wondering if it was all worth it.
(2)Alia K.
Toast was pretty solid and I'd come back. The pesto eggs were a hit as was the bacon (but really, who doesn't like bacon?). The pancakes were an all around hit. I'd give this place a B-.
(3)E H.
I thought this place was overrated.
(2)Jen J.
I have wanted to try this place, but it was built up to be a lot better than it is. We've walked by a few times and the wait was too long. This time we were quoted 20 minutes and there were 2 people waiting in front of us - we sat down over an hour later. The hostess was totally inept-forgetting our name on the list, seating parties that had come after us, telling people to come back in 30 minutes rather than wait nearby. Breakfast shouldn't be so frustrating and uncertain. Food was fine-Yolk or even Nookies would be a better bet.
(2)Ben C.
Twice a month. Breakfast burrito, no cheese - does me right. Get there early or be prepared to wait. Going there with more than 1 other person will surely double your wait time.
(4)marisa s.
this use to be my go-to brunch spot, but i have discovered others (like delux, rockit, orange) and i have not been back for a while. but i still feel like i meet the requirements to review TOAST. i like toast, i mean come on, read my prof - you'll see that i like BREAD...a LOT. here's what's good - + shroom omelette + marscarpone stuffed french toast here's what's bunk - the crazy-ass owner's friend (thanks to another yelper - i was informed it's not the owner who is crazy, but her friend that is), who thinks it's a privilege to eat in the joint. hey crazy susan powter look-alike, you might be nice to babies, but you hate customers, especially the ones who are there to eat (all of them). if she turned it down a notch, i might enjoy my brunch there - sundays are not for hollerin' they're for chow-lerin'. why she is nice to babies, i don't get it? they're not paying customers, they don't order booze and they scream and cry. what gives? oh..and it's not her restaurant - take a xany lady! (disclaimer: food is good, and had a few bad experiences with the "atmosphere". i write the truth, i can't help that)
(2)ann m.
It's been a couple months since I've visited our regular b'fast place. Hey, where is Jill? Where are all the regular servers? Why was the French toast downsized? What happened to this place? New crowd was polite, but it's not the same -- atmosphere OR food. And I doubt that the new crowd can keep the place under control like Jill could!
(3)Robin W.
I have tried to get a table at this place on several occasions, but the wait was waaaaay too long when I tried to go for brunch over the weekend. I ended up having a day off and went in the middle of the week just to see what all the hype's about. Honestly I didn't think the food would be that good, but it really was great food. I ordered the tijuana omelette (jalapenos, cilantro, onions, cheese), a side of potatoes and coffee. The coffee was excellent, didn't really need cream or sugar (though I added a little). My omelette was tasty and light. The potatoes were really good, reminding me of the potatoes my dad used to make - red skin potatoes, nice and soft, with onions. Yummy food. I will go again, but NOT on a weekend. I don't think most places are worth an hour wait, especially not hungover or sleepy!
(4)Ria A.
The wait was pretty darn long- over an hour for 2 groups of 3. In the end, we were seated together as a party of 6 which was nice. Cute and cozy but also pretty small and narrow. Our table was a bit cramped at the end right next to the restrooms. But I did enjoy my eggs benedict. There were so many different options for breakfast- pancakes, crepes, french toast, and all kinds of omelettes and eggs benedict variations. The french toast was different than any other french toast I've ever seen- topped with yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, and filled with marscapone. It was a pretty hefty meal that even my husband couldn't finish. I'll definitely come back to Toast for breakfast but I'll try to avoid the rush the next time around. It was a pretty affordable place with most items being around $10.
(4)Stacey P.
Excellent and unique food, well worth the price. The owner and head hostess, Jill Bryan Hollister are two of the most generous, kind, caring, solicitous people I have met in the business. They are indeed the example of professionalism with a sense of humor. They remain calm in a fast paced environment with demanding patrons of all shapes and sizes. They create a fun, unique, warm atmosphere that you don't want to miss in the Chicago area. This is the young Chicago culture and they are on top of their game at performing the greatest juggling act of serving demanding patrons with a sense of humor and flair. Don't miss it, the food is divine!!! I recommend the eggs Benedict with prosciutto and lemon poppy seed pancakes.
(5)Ava G.
Minus one-star for the service. Although the men working there are very nice and attentive, the women are AWFUL. I mean, absolutely TERRIBLE. The food is great (I've only had breakfast). The omelettes are huge, the fruit salad is fresh and contains more than just melons and grapes (unlike most other restaurants), the french toast is heaping, and the toast? The best. The orange juice is freshly squeezed, too! Yes, it is definitely on the expensive side, but it's hard to expect anything else in that area of Lincoln Park. Be warned--don't even bother on weekends or at peak breakfast times. I usually try to go around 11 and there isn't much of a seating issue. It is definitely very, very cramped--the people sitting at the next table will know everything about you by the time you leave. Don't come here with big groups. They also do not split checks. Also, thank you to that nasty, nasty woman who works there. You have single handedly taught me to be a better person and to never be miserable at my job.
(4)Midori G.
Let me begin by saying, that in general I hate breakfast food and French toast is at the top of the list of breakfast foods I dislike. Let me now say that I had their strawberry crepe and have yet to have a better one since; this was over a year ago now. To truly enjoy the dining experience, you should go mid to late afternoon; they are open until 4 (as far as I know) and I have never had to wait to sit or order. I only give four stars, because even when the place isn't packed, the wait staff seems relatively impatient when it comes to how fast you order.
(4)Aileen O.
Had the french toast orgy and it was delicious! I hadn't expected the portions to be so big so when my dish came out, I was pleasantly surprised! I didn't even make it through half my french toast, but I was more than satisfied. Toast is definitely one of my favorite brunch spots in the city. Only gripe is that the restaurant is a tad small. I felt like I was sitting way too close to the diners beside me.
(4)bj f.
the stars are for the food, ONLY. i've never before encountered a restaurant that had such a snobbish, disinterested attitude toward its diners. or anyway one diner, as in me. from the non greeting, (liz q, i absolutely get your review) to the unsmiling, off hand service, to the non refill of coffee, it's really hard to wrap my mind around enjoying what turns out to be pretty tasty fare. i hate fawning, over friendly staff, so i don't require coddling, but on the other hand, i don't want to be treated like a disease. i will admit that on two occasions, once alone, once with my husb. along, we had reasonable service, but the four other times have been miserable. on one occasion, with my boston daughter in tow, i thought it was bad enough to leave only a dollar tip, in my non refilled coffee cup. maybe i have an invisible 'kick me' sign on my head, maybe i'm touchy before my morning coffee, maybe...no, i'm a shop owner myself, and i know bad service when i get it. i've finally decided i should stop trying them "one more time", stop b******n' about them, and just stop going back. so be it.
(2)Kristy B.
Wow - I did not expect to like this place as much as I did! I met up with some friends here for brunch and it was fantastic. The ambiance is great. The interior has the feel of a cozy home. There are seats in the front built into a corner between the wall and the window, like a cute little nook! The combination of the colors and the lighting made it look modern but home-y at the same time. While the ambiance is beautiful, there is one complaint from me: the noise level is very high. The wait time for my party was 30 minutes, and as we waited I could hear the wait times growing to 50 minutes...yikes. That being said, I was expecting a LOT from them in terms of the quality of their food. They definitely delivered! I ordered the eggs benedict with prosciutto. It was delicious! It came with potatoes on the side. The potatoes tasted very homemade and weren't overly seasoned, which tends to happen at some restaurants. My friends ordered the breakfast burrito and some variation of their toast, which they enjoyed as well. Next time we will have to try their mimosas! The service was excellent and I must say they have a very attentive and professional staff. That was something that really stood out to me. They are all very friendly too! The only person who seemed somewhat aloof and not friendly was the hostess. Which is ironic...she should be the MOST friendly. But, I digress. I'm there for the food and it was great. I have found my new brunch spot!
(4)Christy A.
Best park about Toast is that it's located in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park! The wait is long. The space is tight. The service is OK. The food is good, just not worth the excessive wait and small space. There's barely any elbow room. After you've unraveled from breakfast/brunch here take a walk and check out the neighborhood; there's so many shops to explore. I may not be back to Toast but I'll visit Lincoln Park whenever I'm in the Chi.
(3)Sarah R.
This is definitely one of my new favorite breakfast spots. We have been here on several occasions and the staff is always very attentive. The Crabby Benedict is amazing. Even the side potatoes are delicious, unlike most breakfast places. The Pesto Scramble is also a favorite. The French Toast Orgy is definitely good, but a bit overpowering and slightly soggy- so just be prepared for that. Also, I applaud their coffee selection of Bow Truss. Also- just to note the place is a bit small, just like most other places in the city.
(5)Jake C.
The crab Benedict was good, I wish the crab was seasoned with something. The salmon omelet was the best, I would order that again. The jam they gave with the toast was excellent. The place is BYOB so we bought the carafe of orange juice to make mimosas. Server never checked on us so waters were always empty.
(4)Karen L.
On a friend's recommendation, we met here for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I expected to wait, and was allowed to put my name on the list when I arrived, despite my friend still being on her way. I would estimate we waited about half an hour after she got there. The hostess was nice, but didn't offer a time estimate. The space is small and loud -- I was fortunate enough to get a seat on the bench inside while I waited, but spacious it is not! Seated, we were brought water immediately, but the waiter took a while to show up. I had the crabby Benedict, which was good, though the hollandaise seemed a little overwhelmingly sweet, and there was quite a bit of it on the plate. The eggs were perfectly poached, which was good to see. The potatoes were fine, pan-fried but a little overdone in spots. However, my friend took a few bites of her Ahi tuna and informed me that it tasted...old. The waiter took it back and she ordered the beet salad instead, which arrived within minutes, but it's a little disturbing that a restaurant that's this busy is serving bad fish. My request for more coffee and cream took a while -- when the waiter returned with the beet salad, he remembered and then had to come back again with it. On the plus side, the coffee was excellent. My friend paid, and reported that she was not charged for the tuna or the salad, so I give Toast credit for that at least. We sat for a while, but realized that more people were pouring in, so we stopped at the restroom (disconcertingly behind a curtain in the back, which feels like intruding into service areas) and headed out. Overall, the food was a mixed bag (good Benedict, bad fish...), but the service was pretty inattentive, even for a busy Saturday morning. As others have mentioned, the specials were not pointed out to us, and I just have a hard time with our experience given the vast number of other options in the immediate area. Next time, I'll try one of them. For me, Toast was not worth the wait.
(2)Arjun S.
We were looking for a brunch spot and decided to go with this one and were not disappointed. Very chill atmosphere with very delicious French toast! I'd also recommend a mimosa ;)
(5)Ashley M.
This was a very nice looking place with a small yet varietal menu. Nice atmosphere. Would go again.
(3)Liliana P.
3.5 stars! Because of all the reviews, I expected a wait, but luckily, I came early enough where we were seated right away at the bar, which was nice. Although I was right next to the far end, so that wasn't so fun. This place is definitely really small, but I like all the cute little toasters they have on the shelves. When sitting at the bar, no one came around to take our order for a good 10 minutes. I had to ask the lady behind the bar who was supposed to take our order and she finally paid some attention to us. My friend had the stuffed french toast with one of each flavor. I had the Chorizo Benedict. The french toast was okay. I really liked the idea, but it was all too mushy and the flavors seemed so artificial. My benedict was good, but I can never say no to chorizo. There was a lot of potatoes on my plate, so I definitely couldn't finish that. Overall, this place is okay. I hope they work on their service and try to perfect their dishes some more.
(3)Isabel C.
You seriously can't go wrong at Toast. It's such a great breakfast or brunch spot in LP. Everything is delicious and the space is cute and cozy. I had the stuffed French toast one in each flavor and all were delicious, sweet, and filling. I also had a side of the potatoes which I loved since they were not crispy like home fries.
(5)Jeana C.
Small location in the LP area- across from OZ park. Free parking on Webster st. only on the side where the Oz park is. The other side is residential parking. Our server was very nice. The crab Benedict was so good! Con: you have to wait in the extremely small restaurant after you put your name down bc there's a wait (45 mins to an hour was my estimated time). They won't take your number and call you when your table is ready, say, if you want to take your son to Oz park or get coffee at Starbucks.
(4)Mysel O.
It was my first time I thought I was gonna have to wait forever but luckily I was seated right away the bartender was super nice she recommended the heavenly lemonade my food was great. Place is pretty small but cute. I'll be back!
(5)Brandon F.
While the size of the restaurant is small, and often you are found seated elbow to elbow with other patrons, the quality of the food more than makes up for it. There always seems to be quite a wait for seating, but I have never had a problem getting a spot under 15 mins. It is a great place for brunch and to bring family, although be aware of their early close time! I Recommend: The French Toast Orgy
(4)Taryn G.
I went here for breakfast after a job interview last week and was pleasantly impressed with the French toast. It was massive, the berries were incredibly fresh, and it was the perfect level of sweet without being too much. My boyfriend got the Eggs Benedict , one of our favorites but this is why I lowered the rating by a star. The eggs weren't cooked properly. Just like 80% of all brunch places we go to, and we go to a lot, one egg was cooked flawlessly, and the other was basically a hard boiled egg cooked without the shell. The hollandaise was lovely, the bacon was good and everything else was fine, but the poached eggs on a Benedict need to be perfect. Or at least match.
(4)Diana S.
We went here with her family of 4. Two of them preteens. 1 of them have the crepes with nutella he like them. My husband had a traditional typical breakfest of eggs and bacon. It was just fine. I had a breakfast burrito which I thought it was really good tasting. Toast is okay. Their customer service is very good. I like how the waiters are friendly especially to my kids. Overall toast is a good place to have brunch.
(4)Praveen K.
I went there on a weekday afternoon and the food wasn't fresh. I guess I made a bad choice. Perhaps, it's over priced for the quality.
(1)Liz T.
Toast is good--it's really really solid. I wouldn't say it's anything super special, but it's definitely brunch-worthy and serves up all your classic faves. I got the Ahi Tuna sandwich which was solid, but frankly, the sauce was a little much. They created this sauce for the sandwich that was a cross between hollandaise and relish, which super heavy and decadent. My husband got the classic breakfast with a pancake, and was really satisfied with the standard brunch experience. Overall, it's a really lovely space, the wait staff are super friendly and efficient, and it has all the pancakes, benedicts, and scrambles that you would want at breakfast time. It's not my fave int he world, and they lack the flair of Wildberry or Flo. But I would certainly go back, especially if all I want is me some eggs and bacon.
(3)Sandra D.
Their omelets are amazing! My favorite is the "veggie omelet" you can tell their using the highest quality ingredients
(5)Jared P.
I'm going to say, this place is hands down my favorite breakfast/brunch place. I mean, I was shocked by the sticker prices, but they give you so much food and it's delicious. I just wish the place was bigger. Let me put it this way, I got 3 pancakes with yogurt and granola on top of them. Additionally, they were all different types of pancakes. Their syrup is delicious and they always fill up your coffee fast!
(5)Stella H.
The French toast is so good which I never have. The toasts have three favor : butter, berry and chocolate in three different row of toast. It's to amazing good.
(5)Jenna C.
My experience with Toast was just ok. I came on recommendation from a friend, plus I live in the neighborhood so maybe I came in with too high of hopes? The inside of the restaurant was smaller than I expected, but we only waited for a table about 10 minutes before being seated (9ish on a Sunday). I generally don't prefer the style of set-up where the tables are all lined up next to each other so you feel a bit cramped. But I guess that's city livin at its finest! On the plus side, it wasn't too loud and the restaurant had good vibes. Our waiter was really great - super attentive and accommodating. Coffee was decent but not anything to write home about. I ordered the stuffed french toast and surprisingly would not order it again. I love french toast! But it was not very warm, and the overall taste left something to be desired. My dining partner, on the other hand, ordered a breakfast burrito and said it was really good. The bill came out to be ~$30 for just the two of us.
(3)Tracy Y.
Some of the best benedicts I've had. The fresh toast is good too. It's a small place and you often have to wait, but Oz Park is nearby so that helps waste a little time. I try to come before the huge breakfast/brunch rush on the weekends. The service has always been good.
(4)Carolyn K.
I am obsessed with this place. Not only was it hella cute inside with lot of interesting artwork/decor to feast your eyes upon, but literally every other aspect of our visit was just stellar. We were seated immediately. Right by the window. In a booth. With throw pillows. (What what!) Our waitress was prompt... and friendly... and gave some awesome recommendations on the menu. The food... OH MY GOD THE FOOD. I ordered a blood mary and it was served with basically a full salad stop its spicy gloriousness (see pic). For brunch, I had the veggie eggs benedict. The hollandaise was like nothing I have ever put in my mouth before. My boyfriend got the stuffed french toast and of course I helped myself to a bit (ok, four) - words cannot describe its fluffy sweet-and-savory goodness. If we weren't from Ohio, we'd be back as weekend regulars. YEAH TOAST!
(5)Karma K.
Legit breakie place. Prices and portions are more than fair for LP area. As other have stated, the pesto scramble is great. And, any place that has a pancake and french toast orgies as menu items gets 5 stars from me. Despite the whimsical name, both items are really, really good if you like sweet and decadent fare for breakfast. I'm more of a savory girl so I usually go with one of their egg based dishes. Their breakfast burrito is great but super filling, almost too much to eat. You can be healthy or a fattie here. They have it all covered. Good with coffee refills too.
(5)Krupa A.
Great location in Lincoln Park, close to Oz park. The wait times on weekends are always nuts and they don't take reservations, hence the subtraction of a star, but other than that the place is amazing! Lots of veggie options as well. I've had the veggie eggs benedict, which was really good and the servers were super attentive. Another time I came on a weekend with a group of 4 for brunch and waited an hour or more for a table. Once we were in they gave us a great booth by the window, but the place was sweltering hot and in need of some cooling. The food, however, was close your eyes and enjoy that warm happy feeling good. I tried my husband's veggie omelet and it was nice and fluffy. The bread choices are also good. The star of the show was the french toast orgy. Very decadent and a must try! I have to admit it was nice to be able to share this dish, because after a few bites I needed to switch over to the omelet and then go back in for more. I would definitely come back here, but only if wait times were reasonable, hence weekdays or early on a weekend.
(4)Alex A.
Exceptional service, great café vibe in a neighborhood of cafés. I had the crabby eggs Benedict which were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. I'd recommend adding avocado. Add to that an excellent Bloody Mary and it was an impressive brunch experience.
(5)Shyanie K.
Stopped here for breakfast the other day. Service was great, waitress took my order quickly and always made sure my drinks were filled. I had the breakfast burrito which was amazing! It's very large- probably could have split it with someone and still been full. The salsa was mildly only spicy but very tasty. Added bacon and avocado and it was divine. The house coffee is a pretty good brew as well. I want to come back and try the French toast or pancake items. Overall, really enjoyed this place for atmosphere, wait staff, and great selection of food and drinks (alcohol and not). Will be back again!
(5)Yasmeen G.
Had to wait around 30mins for two people but that was to be expected for a weekend. Got their stuffed French toast and it was not overly sweet which I loved. I can't wait to come back and try more off the menu!
(4)Kulsum J.
Very good! The stuffed French toast was a bit bland tho. Compared to other brunch places, this was average since there wasn't a unique quality to the food.
(3)Rebecca B.
I'd been wanting to visit Toast after hearing about how great it is. But, after brunch here with a friend who insisted we just had to go to Toast, I have to say that I was not impressed. For starters, the service was severely lacking. Our waitress was neither friendly nor helpful. Maybe she was having a bad day, but she never greeted us or smiled. She approached our table, asked what we wanted, then rolled her eyes and walked away when we said we would need another minute (we had literally just been seated and hadn't even had a chance to open our menus). When we ordered our drinks, my friend asked for juice and I asked for coffee. Well, our waitress brought my friend's juice but not my coffee. I ended up having to remind her three times that I had asked for a cup of coffee. Then, when my cup was empty, she asked if I wanted a refill. I should have said no, because even though I replied that yes, I would like a refill, I never got a refill. It was very good coffee. I wish that I could have had more than one cup. Our water glasses were also never refilled. I ordered one of the specials: peach pancakes. They sounded delightful - pancakes made with fresh peaches (I specifically asked if they were fresh and was told yes) and fresh whipped cream. Sadly, they were terrible. What I was served was a sorry stack of plain pancakes with four slices of canned peaches served on the side. I also asked for real maple syrup, knowing that it cost extra, but I was given the fake stuff (I was still charged extra, though). My friend's meal was 100 times better than mine. Her omelet and potatoes looked great, and she said they tasted fantastic. She did have to ask the table next to us if she could borrow their hot sauce, though, as our waitress brought us our check instead of the bottle of hot sauce that was requested. Based on my experience at Toast, if I'm ever forced to go back by friends, I'll go for the savory options and steer clear of the specials.
(2)Steph U.
I came here this past weekend for breakfast with friends. It's a fairly small restaurant with very hipster servers. They are extremely strict about having your whole party present to be seated, so be mindful of that. Initially it was supposed to be 6 of us, but one person cancelled last minute, so it was just us 5. When I told them that there was only five of us now, they seated us and then warned that we wouldn't be able to add a 6th person if they were to show up. I understand why such a small restaurant would have policies like this, but the way the hostess told us this seemed very unwelcoming and unfriendly. The food was alright. I ordered the B.E.L.T. (bacon, egg, lettuce, and tomato). It was a lot more bread than I was expecting and surprisingly, the bacon was whatever. It came with potatoes. Half of the potatoes were over-boiled, making them mushy and crumbly. Overall, this restaurant was just okay. Nothing great, nothing incredibly bad. I probably won't be back, though, because there are much better breakfast places around.
(3)Bethany Q.
Just left Toast after waiting *an hour and a half* for a three-top that the hostess said would be around a 30-minute wait. After about 30 minutes, we wandered inside to see if our table was almost ready and were assured it would be "just a few more minutes." After *another* half an hour, we were still waiting. And look, I understand that when a restaurant is busy and popular it can be difficult to predict the timing. But there's a big difference between "a few more minutes" and an entire additional half hour. At a minimum, the hostess should have come to us at some point and apologized because, say, a closed table was just sitting there taking up space. Instead, we got zero communication and continually had to ask her for updates - and as a bonus, she had this annoyed look on her face like we were somehow imposing by asking for an update when *she* was the one not doing her damn job. Finally, a four-top clears up and she tells us (because we ask, not because she's paying attention to us) we're next. Sweet! My irritation begins melting away at the prospect of imminent food availability. And then another four-top right next to it opens up too. Cool - we must've just gotten caught up in a rush that just abated. Cool deal, hostess could've been nicer, but whatevs. And what happens next? This rude hostess pushes three of the tables together to make a seven-top and gives it to someone below us on the list. BEYOND annoying, although I can sort of understand from a restaurant management perspective, and I see that another table is about to get up. Just one problem - this idiot incompetent hostess has pushed together the *middle* tables, meaning there is an empty two-top on one side and and closing two-top on the other. So instead of leaving the empty two-top next to the clearing two-top she could use to make a three- or four-top, she now has two two-tops. We ask her what's going on and she says "oh, it'll be just a couple minutes, another table is about to leave. But I can turn this table so you three can sit there." Lol no. This table is not built for three people. So we say we'll wait for this supposed table about to leave and she gives the little table to a party of two behind us. So for those keeping count, we've now been passed by a party of seven and a party of two who have been waiting less than the 1:25 we've been waiting. Another five minutes go by and it becomes clear that the only people near leaving are the other two-top that's just gotten up. At this point I've lost patience and say to her that she should have pushed together the two tables to give us a spot. She kind of weakly shrugs and said "oh well the other table started eating" (they hadn't, and that's no excuse for the incompetence of pushing together the tables the way she did anyway). So I ask her point-blank: "look, do you know how long the wait will be or not? Don't tell me a 'couple minutes.' Do you know or not?" She just kind of mumbles and looks away, clearly uncomfortable and completely unequipped to deal with this situation, which was entirely of her own making. We left, and will not be returning. It's really a shame. We've been to Toast before and enjoy the food and regularly meet friends here when we're in town. Not again. I don't pay good money for brunch just so an incompetent hostess can give me irritated looks and ask me to sit at a table that's too small for my party.
(1)Michael M.
I took my mom here yesterday and I was very impressed. The food was delicious, but that was not the only reason I will come back. The restaurant was very busy, and they still had great service. My water and coffee were both full the entire time, the food didn't take longer than 15 minutes to come out, and the waiter was very kind and personable. Definitely try it out, worth the trip. The chorizo scramble and cinnamon raisin bread I had was delicious! Expect a wait if you're going at peak hours, not a very large dining room.
(4)Rosalie S.
I come here about once a month in the summer, usually on a Friday morning I have off and it never disappoints! There's never a wait when I come and they serve pretty quickly... Or maybe it's because I order as soon as I sit down. Usually I'll get the stuffed French toast with 2 marscapone and 1 strawberry (I would get 3 marscapone, but I got to break up the richness). If I come with a friend, we'll split that and an omelette. The smoked salmon omelette is amazing! Staff is super friendly too and the atmosphere is nice and lively! Not sure why this isn't at least 4 stars!
(5)Katrina D.
I don't know how this place only has 3.5 stars. I love it! Toast is such a cute little restaurant in a great area. You can have breakfast then shop along Halsted and Armitage. Fair warning: there is usually a wait. Last time I was there I managed to get a table without waiting. The breakfast gods must have been smiling down on me. Everything that I have ever tried from them I have liked: grilled cheese with tomato and prosciutto, caprese sandwich, omelet Lorraine, veggie omelet, just to name a few. My favorite thing on their menu is their hashbrowns. They are so dang good! The right amount of crisp and melt in your mouth center. Each breakfast comes with toast (because duh) on your choice of bread: sourdough, challah, multigrain, white, etc. It's always fun to try something new. The toast is served with strawberry jam and butter. Think of my last trip has me wanting to go again. I can't wait until next time!
(4)Lauren S.
Toast's brunch menu is as good as traditional brunches get. If you're looking for something with no fluffs, but hearty as hell, definitely give toast a try! The wait is never bad, and the food is so satisfyingly delicious! Definitely recommend their pesto scramble, so savory it hurts.
(4)Tiffany H.
Went last Sunday around 10:30 am. The hostess said the wait would be about 5-10 minutes. We waited a little over 10 minutes and got seated. The food came out fast and the service was really good. The food was yummy and filling. It can be a bit overcrowded because it is a small space.
(4)Tracy H.
Went here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with a friend. Waited about 10-15 minutes then we sat at the bar. Loved it! I had the strawberry lemonade = yummy and the BLT with home potatoes. Basically perfect. The sandwich was great. Lots of bacon, fresh romaine mix and juicy tomatoes. Friend got the gruyere spinach omelette. Stellar. Service was very friendly. We left raving. Will be back for sure.
(4)Hannah Z.
I went to Toast with a friend for brunch yesterday and it was honestly the worst brunch experience I've had in my life. The wait for a table for two was 35 minutes, which wasn't bad, so we went to the park to wait. When we came back, the hostess was gone and she had took the list of names with her, so we had to wait for her to come back from wherever to seat us. They put paper sheets over table cloths on the table, but whoever had had our table previously spilled something oily and it had sunk through the previous paper sheet, because the actual tablecloth was saturated in it and it absorbed through our paper sheet as well. The waitress was friendly enough, but not really attentive. When she brought our food, she mixed up who ordered what, and brought me toast despite me saying that I didn't want it because I don't eat carbs. The food itself was totally lackluster. I ordered the smoked salmon omelette, tomato slices instead of toast, and a side of bacon. The omelette included a cheese that was not the one listed on the menu and totally overpowered everything else. The eggs were not seasoned and tasted watery and bland. The sliced tomatoes as well as the tomatoes in the omelette were clearly mass produced GMO ones, because the size and colour were so large and pale and they were wholly flavourless. And, my biggest gripe, the bacon was burnt. It wasn't until we were on our way out after paying that we learned that there were specials. My order would have been different if I had known earlier. Also on our way out, the hostess was texting in the corner by the window. The highlight of my Toast experience was the busser, who was the most attentive staff member to us. He was frequently at our table making jokes and asking questions. He was a sweetheart. Also, this wasn't relevant for us, but for anyone else. On the menu, it states that children must use inside voices, that they will not split checks for you, and that if you do split a check on your own there is a limit of two credit cards per group. So, keep that in mind when you choose where to brunch.
(1)Chris L.
Went here early on a Sunday after mass with my girlfriend and we were very impressed. Very cute place in Lincoln Park. It was early so we got seated right away and served immediately. It was pretty close to full but it was a small place. We got our food right away and it was very good! We definitely would go back.
(5)Will B.
We had a very tasty brunch here recently. I was particularly impressed with the coffee. Between the two of us, we had a crab benedict and a breakfast burrito. I would order either again. Also, I thought the "Pancake Orgy" looked worth trying: a sample of blueberry, banana pecan, and lemon poppy seed pancakes covered with granola, vanilla yogurt, fruit, and honey. Yum! Service was very quick and friendly. I was happy when the server brought me a "to-go" coffee without my asking for it. The only thing to be wary of is that they do not have an abundance of seating. As such, I imagine there may be a wait at busy times. Also, the dining room felt a bit cramped as servers and customers made their way by our table.
(4)Noreen D.
I was looking for a place to meet our DePaul Student Children for brunch, and we really LOVED it. The food was EGGcellent as was the service and the staff. Jill treated us royally. We will definitely be back for the stuffed French Toast, the eggs benedict and the cozy atmosphere. I am only sad we didn't find it sooner.
(5)sandhya k.
I love breakfast, and I specifically love sweet stuff for breakfast. It's always an awesome excuse to have chocolate for breakfast, so when I had the option to have french toast stuffed with chocolate pastry creme I knew I was going to have a wonderful morning. After the disaster at Cafe Matou on Friday with my parents at least Chicago restaurants vindicated themselves this weekend. Even my mom, who isn't a brunch person, enjoyed her breakfast burrito!
(4)Chris S.
Tripping over babbling Trixies is plenty of fun, but the food/wait/service don't warrant a return trip. This place was overcrowded, and while the food is imaginative, the prices are more than one should be paying to get jammed into a booth for breakfast.
(2)Tammy N.
best eggs benedict i've ever had in chicago...there is a secret spot to get the best eggs benedict i've ever had in my life which is in champaign, but i digress. the truffle hollandaise is out of this world. the vibe in toast is perfect as well...just make sure you bring a paper to read while you wait or get there early. my husband loves the burrito and my kids love the french toast. oh and i almost forgot, the waitresses indulge my flirtatious nephew who use to live a few blocks away. once he actually starts dating successfully, we'll credit the wait staff to the development of his early mating dances.
(4)Parke B.
When I think brunch, I think Toast. It's the perfect place to go for a fanastic and creative breakfast/lunch....brunch. I highly reccommend it. (Plus there is an amazingly beutiful waitress who works there on the weekends with a fantastic fro)
(4)Stephanie P.
i love the food but the staff here was so rude today. they tried to rush us out by coming back to the table about every 2 minutes to see if we needed anything and clear something off the table. then they said to my friend, "do you want your diet coke to go?" they said the wait was an hour and they needed us to leave but there were only 4 people waiting....hmmm. I definitely prefer toast two. i've always had really good service there and have never felt rushed.
(2)Michelle B.
I work nights as a nurse and I have gone here a couple times when I get done at 8am. Since we are usually waiting outside for it to open we've never had to wait to get a seat. The mimosas are really good (orange, strawberry, and peach) and the pepper eggs are delicious. A friend of mine raves about the breakfast burrito and the stuffed french toast is very good as well. My only complaint is that the strawberry garnish on my mimosas were a little past their prime.
(4)Mark P.
Quality brunch spot. Creative pancake, french toast, and benedict options.
(3)Blah B.
I've been here several times and I have to say the food is OK, def. not my favorite place that's for sure! What I still can't figure out is if the staff is just dry or being rude to me. Every time I've been there I feel like I'm being rushed to leave and they try to be somewhat nice bout it about it, I guess?!?!?!?!
(3)Julia B.
Well I tried to eat here and didn't end up getting in because of the ridiculous line on a Saturday morning. I can't review the food but I can say that the line was long, the hostess was not that nice and I dont think the food looked good enough to wait two hours to sit down.
(2)phil m.
I tried this back when residing in Chi and the one in my new town PDX is a whole lot better. The food's okay here nothing to wait for a long time when there are other places that are in walking distance. Well, now with the yuppified turned mom's w/stroller neighborhood, there isn't really nothing around that's good anymore. Oh, there's potbelly, bebe, starbucks, DQ....Yeeepiee!
(3)Lauren H.
I love trying new breakfast places and this was one of them. I had the traditional eggs bacon and toast. And my bf had the ham n cheese omelette and he said he was good. I will need to come back here again to try the other food. The service was good as well.
(5)Bobuzzi C.
Really good breakfast. I've gotten the salmon omelette both visits. Don't know if I could ever get anything else! It is awsome. The place is very small so if you go at peak breakfast times especially on the weekends you will have a bit of a wait. Try going later before they close - 1:30 or 2ish, or on the weekdays.
(4)Brian F.
Eggs Benedict lovers rejoice!!! Perfectly poached eggs with runny but warm yolks, thinly sliced Prosciutto, and Hollandaise sauce prepared with a dose of Truffle Oil all over delicately toasted English muffins. OMG they put Truffle Oil in their freshly prepared Hollandaise sauce!! Just an amazing flavor combination! I always go here on weekdays around 8:30a and have never had to wait. Service has always been friendly, attentive, and my coffee cup (excellent coffee) has always been refilled in a timely manner.
(5)Jeremy E.
Toast is a good Sunday brunch after church joint. I really enjoy the service and atmosphere at Toast, it's very Lincoln Park/DePaul. The french toast live up to the hype with a different take on the traditional dish. My favorite is definitely the cheese filled french toast. However, I am more of a savory breakfast eater. I really enjoy the benedict. Even the most traditional is creamy and tasty in the best ways. A general A + goes to the potatoes served with most meals, incredibly and surprisingly tasty. The food, atmosphere, and service is all good but nothing extraordinary, still good enough to have me coming back though.
(4)Jill K.
What a solid place. Yes, if you get there on a weekend around brunch time, definitely expect a wait. The first time I tried to come to this place, it happened to be raining and people weren't leaving, so the wait, we were told, would be an hour. I couldn't really be too upset, as I figured that it was intuitive of the hostess to think about how the weather might affect customers' behavior. She was honest with us - a straight shooter - and I respect that. I liked her style and I wanted to come back. Okay, hop into your Delorean, give yourself a helping of 1.21 gigawatts, and fast forward a few weeks. I went back to Toast and had such a wonderful experience that I wanted to Yelp all about it. We arrived around 12pm on a Saturday, so I expected it to be busy and it was, but not too bad. There were only two of us, so that helped speed the wait process up. When we were offered two spots at the counter about 5 minutes later, tables didn't matter. In fact, I highly recommend sitting at the counter because we had a great time interacting with the staff and I always like being able to see what's going on in the kitchen (it says so much about a restaurant). I have to mention our server extraordinaire at the counter. If you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to meet Tyler, he will ensure that your meal is as enjoyable as he is funny. We had a great time chatting with him as he multi-tasked like a pro. WORD TO THE WISE: Try Toast's wasabi bloody mary. Don't think too hard about the "wasabi" part. I am a big sushi fan and love a good hunk of wasabi when I want to clear up my sinuses, so I am familiar with the taste. Toast's bloody mary doesn't taste like wasabi at all - it's just a good, spicy flavor that cuts through a hangover like a knife through butter. One of the best I've ever had. The food - well, the food is top notch, too. Plus, it's reasonably priced. I ordered the smoked salmon omelette and my +1 ordered the omelette lorraine. They were both delicious and perfectly done. My favorite part of that dish might have been the side of potatoes because they were fresh, and cooked to the golden brown crispiness that I crave. Mmmmmm...starch. I needed some protein that morning and Toast definitely hooked it up, although I have to say, I had the urge to also order the french toast orgy and take it to go because it sounded so good. Next time, Jill. Next time.
(4)Shawn K.
Great option for breakfast, it does get busy though particularly on weekend mornings, typical for this area. The tenderloin eggs Benedict is awesome! It's pretty garlicky though, if your not into garlic in the morning order the hollandaise on the side. (I think it's the hollandaise, not the meat, which is garlicky). They usually have pretty good specials or seasonal options that are definitely worth trying. The space is on the small side which is why there is often a wait. The counter is a good option for parties less than 3 or 4. The ambiance is rustic and artsy, eclectic and warm. The waitstaff can similarly be described. They are somewhat hipster or Alt, I guess. Hard to describe. In any case, they are very welcoming and attentive. Also, even when you eat in, they give you coffee to go. How smart is that?!?! I don't know why everyone doesn't do this. Check out more of my reviews at ShawnKemp.yelp.com
(4)Andia G.
The best breakfast/brunch joint hands down. I consider myself a breakfast/brunch connoisseur and have been to MANY resturants. Toast is absolutely delicious, even there toast is delicious...Haha. I had the smoked salmon omelette and it was the best one i have ever eaten. Im from the NW so I know all about delicious smoke salmon. Eat here! Your belly will be super happy ;).
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