Heartland Cafe
3.1
- Neighborhood: Rogers Park
- 7000 N. Glenwood Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60626
- 773-465-8005
The Heartland Cafe is a unique institution -- restaurant, nightclub, casual community center, newsstand and general store. The menu is full of flavorful selections for non-carnivores but is not exclusively vegetarian -- and the substantial desserts and egg-laden breakfast entrees could hardly be called "heart healthy." The decor is comfortably rustic; the ambience loud and happy, with lots of friends, neighborhood regulars and families conversing over the CD sound system. In warm months, the front sidewalk is a popular gathering and dining place; the trellis is brightened with little lights. Indoors, the first (and last) thing diners see is the "general store" located near the front cash register. The stock indicates that the owners take an active interest in social issues. "We tend to carry a lot of Central American clothes, and some of the periodicals could be called 'liberal,' maybe even 'left wing,'" says head cashier Jerry Smith. "The books deal with real topics -- sociological issues such as race problems, the environment and women's rights -- rather than fiction." The dining room also serves as an art showcase, featuring changing displays by local artists.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Glenwood and Lunt.
- Parking:
- Free Lot and Street. Also free lot two blocks north at Glenwood and Estes.
- Public Transportation:
- Accessible by CTA buses (96-Lunt, 151-Sheridan) and elevated trains (Red Line-Morse).
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 7 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday.
- Cuisine:
- American Traditional and Classic and Vegetarian
- Meals Served:
- Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$ ($9-$15)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. For parties of six or more.
- Alcohol:
- Full service in the Buffalo Bar.
- Smoking:
- No
- Admission Price:
- When there's live entertainment, cover ranges from free-will to $6; when there's live theater, cover is under $10.
- Dance Style:
- Music arts perform, and after 10 p.m., half of the dining room converts into a dance floor.
- Audience:
- Families
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes. Plus, delivery Area: west to Western, south to Peterson, north to Oakton and east to the lake.
- Live Music:
- Yes. Live music and open mics from Wednesday to Saturday.
- Features:
- Catering and On-site Merchandise. General store near the cash register is stocked with books, T-shirts, sweatshirts, simple toys, art supplies, healthful snacks, vitamins, ice cream, jewelry and periodicals including the cafe's own Heartland Journal. Catering service available; also room for parties and receptions for groups of about 40. Live music or theater usually Thursday through Sunday nights; Heartland also sponsors bicycle and foot (5K) races; local special interest groups such as Pro Choice gather here for meetings, too.
- Worth Noting:
- Recommended. Top brunches.
- Specialties:
- Change periodically, but there are always vegetarian, chicken and fish specials.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. Tables for 75 or more.
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- For about 90 at tables, plus a few more at the bar.
Write a review
Rate Heartland Cafe
"Baaaaad"
Scott from Rogers Park - August 18, 2008
I ordered my dinner at 5:10. It came to the table at 6:15. Waiter came by once during that waiting time. Was starving, and the food was still la...
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"It's just OK for most, but better if you like tofu"
paulobis from lincoln square - August 6, 2008
The service at the Heartland is slow, but it's been slow for 30 years. The food is OK, but for vegetarians or tofu lovers, it has a lot to offer. T...
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"The service was very slow...."
thebody from chicago, IL - June 17, 2007
The service was very slow. I experiednced one of the worst restaurants I have gone to. What happened? We had to add extra salsa and tabasco to t...
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What's nearby?
Calendar of Events
Heartland Cafe
-
Fly Phoenix
9/05/2008 - 10:00 PM -
Jeannie Tanner
9/06/2008 - 9:00 PM -
Joe Kelley Blues Band
9/12/2008 - 9:00 PM
