Pontiac Cafe
Chicago, IL 60622-1906
Phone: (773) 252-7767
- Cross Street:
- North Wicker Park Avenue
Editorial Review for Pontiac Cafe – by John Dugan
The Scene
The Pontiac is the casual, dingy cafe in a former mechanic's garage on bustling Damen Avenue. Dozens of exhaust-stained white plastic tables and black chairs occupy the asphalt "patio." Lots of young people, a few mohawked or dreadlocked, and dog-walking and jogging Wicker Parkers take five to chill with a beer and meet friends on sunny days. At night, it's more of a singles scene. Local bands and DJs enliven things inside.
The Draw
The menu features the satisfying Pontiac burger (half pound of beef, turkey or portobello), salads, sandwiches (the Brie-and-pear resembles an hors d'oeuvres for a giant), smoothies (in season) and lemonade. There are no drafts, and almost everyone sticks with bottles of beer: Corona, Amstel, Bud, Bass, Red Stripe and more (imports are a bit steep at $4.25). Well-made cocktails will run you about $6 each.
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Insider Tips
ParkingThe few metered spots below the Damen El stop are usually snapped up quickly, but there's also a parking lot directly across the restaurant for strip mall customers.
User Reviews for Pontiac Cafe
04/20/2008 Posted by DavidWP5
I went to Pontiac for the second time today at about 1pm for a burger. Our waitress took 20 minutes to come see us and didn't bring us a menu or water. We asked for a menu and she never brought one. We grabbed one from the table next to us and put in our order. It was more than an hour later and our food had not arrived and one of our drink orders still hadn't arrived. We all left very hungry and annoyed. There are some great places in the neighborhood that actually want to serve you and make a little money. Avoid Pontiac unless if you want to eat or drink within 2 hours of sitting down.
Pros: Sunny patio
Cons: Terrible service - takes 2 hours
01/16/2007 Posted by pixeleater
You can't beat the location, but that's about all you can't beat about this place. It's got a nice big patio, but it's not the only place in the neighborhood with a big outdoor seating area anymore. The area has gotten much more upscale, and the prices have gone up here, but there seems to have been no real upkeep of the place. The restrooms seem to get smellier and fall further into disrepair each time I visit, our table and at least one of our chairs was broken the last few times we sat outside, and there's almost never a cheap beer or liquor option. The beer selection is uneven at best and they always seem to be running out of beers AND liquors. That said: I complain because I CARE!! I want this place to survive because it's about the only place left in Wicker Park that isn't corporate, but if it keeps going on like it has been, it won't last too much longer. Chicago need cool bars like this, but the ownership needs to realize that being cool isn't enough: You have to give the people what they want and make them comfortable or they'll go elsewhere...
Pros: Great location, good food, Updated Golden Tee
Cons: Place falling apart, Parking, Unfailingly slow service
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