Well devoted readers, it is time for another NN Buried Treasure. It may not look like much, but the 3rd Coast Cafe is one of Chicago's greatest finds. Nestled in the heart of the Near North Side, right at the corner of Delaware and Goethe, it is the oldest cafe in the Gold Coast. Residents of the city may overlook this gem, but I'd highly advise against it. Trust me.
The atmosphere is unparalleled in such an affluent area because it screams low key. Patrons can spend hours there ordering nothing but a bottomless cup of coffee. In high school my pals and I would spend hours there drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes (no longer legal indoors), and doing homework. Added bonus: this joint is open until midnight so there's plenty of time for late-night cramming.
In addition to a fun atmosphere, the 3rd Coast has an outstanding menu with enough variety to suit even the pickiest of eaters. My long-time favorite menu item has been the California salad: a BBQ/Ranch DELIGHT topped with chicken, avocado, peppers, beans, cheese and tortilla chips. To die for!
They also have a breakfast menu you can't ignore. I love the bagels and lox, they're always so fresh! Weird anecdote: my girlfriends and I dip our lox in balsamic vinegar, it's amazing.
That's kind of what makes 3rd coast so great. You make it your own. It exudes familiarity and it doesn't need to be familiar. It becomes your second home your first time there. Its comfortable and effortless with a dash of sophistication...just look at the wine list.
My only complaint is that the service is kind of slow, but when you go there, you're there to enjoy yourself, so don't rush...and order dessert!
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