Cafe Ballou: User Reviews

Living just around the corner,...
By Dave Z from Ukie Village, IL, March 29, 2007

Overall rating:

Living just around the corner, it is my favorite neighborhood place. Great, reasonably-priced food. Free Wi-Fi. Friendly, relaxed service. Clean facilities. What more could I ask for?

It's nice, friendly neighborhood cafe....
By Dimitri from Chicago, UL, January 21, 2007

Overall rating:

It's nice, friendly neighborhood cafe. However if you are looking for turkish coffee, look for some other place. Turkish coffee is not served at Cafe Ballou.

This quaint little cafe is...
By Patricia from Chicago, IL, January 5, 2006

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This quaint little cafe is awesome. The chic little owner is very personable and nice and makes you feel all warm and welcomed. It definitely has a European feel.

Christine, the owner, is what...
By Adam B. from Chicago, IL, February 17, 2005

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Christine, the owner, is what makes this place so special! The food is fantastic - her soups are always made from scratch, and the sandwiches and salads are to die for. Coffees and teas (even the cold teas) are awesome. Thank you Cafe Ballou for coming to the neighborhood!

Authentic European cafe - the...
By East Villager from Chicago, IL, July 26, 2004

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Authentic European cafe - the decor conjures up visions of the cafes likely frequented by the Eastern European intelligentsia in Prague. Partly because of the efforts made by Ballou to service this underdeveloped neighborhood by providing a reliable, refreshing option for delicious coffee, food and atmosphere, you feel as if you're experiencing a truly authentic European coffee shop, a staple in every neighborhood there, and which is the polar opposite of the American, Starbucks-style cafes with their rushed service, prepackage food, loud atmosphere and mediocre coffee. My favorite cafe.

I've spent many a morning...
By Pat Cagney from Chicago, IL, July 22, 2004

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I've spent many a morning at a Starbucks or Carabou - Cafe Ballou outshines ALL of their coffee shops. The coffee is incredible and the pastries are fresh and ever changing. The owner has a vast music selection and space has a fantastic sound system. Grab a cup of ice coffee and sit on the bench in front of the store and watch the world go by.

Bottom line. It's all...
By Cancun Chica from Chgo, IL, May 24, 2004

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Bottom line. It's all good. (I mean that both literally and as slang).

I had an absolutely delightful...
By Genvieve Bouvier from Chicago, IL, April 15, 2004

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I had an absolutely delightful afternoon at Cafe Ballou. The food is divine and guilt free. The decor is welcoming. ...And the clientele is handsome and friendly (wink--wink). This is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.