Chicago (European Cafe) - Julius Meinl

Julius Meinl
3601 N. Southport, Chicago, IL; Phone 773-868-1857
4363 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL; Phone 773-868-1876
Date of Review: May, 2009
http://www.meinl.com/northamerica/home.html

Julius Meinl is an Austrian coffee shop, café and restaurant with a U.S. presence. It has been one of my favorite Chicago cafes for sometime but I discovered its’ roots during a visit to Austria in 2006 when I saw what seemed to be the same café I knew from Southport Avenue in central Vienna. Boasting one of the best tea menus in Chicago, outstanding coffee and good food this is a great place to enjoy an alcohol free evening. They currently have locations on Southport Avenue and right off of Lincoln and Montrose in Lincoln Square.

Each location is full of style from the silver trays used to serve each coffee and tea beverage to the individual pots used to serve tea and the cookies offered with each drink. This is all very European. The front of each location has tables spaced out appropriately with a relaxed feel that make it perfect for a quiet dinner, an after dinner dessert (very popular) or some studying or reading. The back of each restaurant is a bit more private and quiet but is still open to the front. The symbol of Julius Meinl which you will see outside the Lincoln location is referred to as the coffee boy and is a 6-foot-2-inch bronze sculpture of a lad wearing a fez and looking into the bowl of coffee he's carrying. The symbol is meant to pay homage to the Turkish Ottoman Empire and its contributions to the coffee world.

Meinl is known for their desserts but don’t underestimate the rest of their menu. They have a nice brunch menu highlighted by pastries, a variety of crepes and 6 different variations of baked eggs served with items like smoked salmon, pancetta or spinach, mushroom and feta. For lunch and dinner, they have excellent freshly prepared salads and a variety of sandwiches on tasty rolls and breads (yummy brioche, pretzel rolls, raisin-sunflower, etc.). Each sandwich has a twist with a garlic mayo, tapenade or specialty mustard to zest things up and is served with and excellent side salad with a tasty, light dressing. They also feature many European specialties including Roasted Lamb & Spätzle, Austrian Goulash and a tasty, generous portion of Chicken and Fontina filled crepes.

Julius Meinl is a decent value with almost everything on the menu under $10. They also have free live music on Friday’s and Saturdays at both locations. I have seen Spanish Guitar and a Serbian Violinist and Cimbalom. Other types of music offered include Bossa Nova and Irish Harp music. There is music every Friday and Saturday from 8 PM to 11 PM.