Cooper's

Great place!

Contributor at Citysearch

Walked by a million times but never stopped. Now that its nice weather we wanted to go somewhere with a patio so we stopped in not expecting much. We were seated immediately. The staff was friendly and attentive and the food was great and reasonably priced. I can't believe it took me so long to try, I will definately go back.

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Why isn't this place packed???

by BrianKMorris at Citysearch

My wife and I popped in on a whim last night (mostly because it looked inviting from the outside, plus a knee injury kept me from walking as far as we otherwise might have). We were greeted upon entry and treated like we were part of the family (as I noticed a couple of other patrons were later).

We had a fantastic lettuce/cranberry/balsamic salad to start, followed by a BBQ chicken pizza that contained little islands of special flavor with every bite. The crust wasn't wafer-thin and was crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside. We followed this with a chocotini and their mint ice cream sandwich. The mint ice cream is the most incredible I've ever tasted. It wouldn't surprise me if there were piece of real spearmint in there. The flavors were powerful, complimentary to each other, from start to finish. Plus, they brew a mean, strong cup of coffee.

The service was fast and due to my wife's food allergies (pine and certain bakery preservatives), we had to ask about the food. The man (I assume he's the owner or at least a manager -- either way, he rocks!) answered all our questions cheerfully and went out of his way to accomodate us. We'd have loved to have wished him good night, but he was off being amazing with another table, which we understand.

The decor is inviting and relaxing and the restrooms were clean and quirky (in a good way). High marks all around!

We'd not only return, we'd be tempted to move closer just so we could eat here more often. A fantastic experience and all at a reasonable price.

• Pros: Great service at reasonable prices in a great setting
• Cons: I can't go back more often

Great friendly place!

by JCW083 at Citysearch

I agree. This is definitely a "hidden jem" in Lakeview. I live right down the street from this place, and boy am I glad that I gave it a try. With limited dining options in the Southport Corridor/Belmont area (Southport has great stores, but lacks the food aspect), I was pleased to come across a place that's affordable, friendly and has outdoor seating. The waitstaff is always very helpful in recommending a beer and what kinda of sandwich to get. I love that I can go in any night of the week, and be guaranteed to grab a table or a stool at the bar. Definitely check it out if you are looking for a casual, cozy and inviting atmosphere! KUDOS to Cooper's! PS--The BBQ stuff is DELICIOUS!

• Pros: Good selection of food, GREAT beer selection, friendly service
• Cons: Outdoor seating not always open

Best Overlooked Place in Chicago

by LakeviewFoodie at Citysearch

I normally browse these sites to get a feel for a place before I try it out. Today I decided to see what some people are saying about some of my favorite places, and based on reading some of the reviews on Coopers, I was compelled to write a defense.

I live in Lakeview and my wife and I go out to eat a lot. I actually found out about Coopers when we were forced to leave an all you can eat and drink affair at Joey's Brickhouse, because it was appalling (even though it was free), and wandered into Coopers. I have become a regular ever since.

The beer was the first thing I noticed. No Miller, no corona, no amstel, and no Bud Lime; my kind of place. Belgians galore, and great American microbrews covered the double sided menu. Or server, Mike, blew us away with his knowledge of what seemed like every beer on the list. We gave him suggestions, and he gave us perfect direction. I have gotten to the point where I can give Mike a one word description of a beer and he always brings me something new and amazing.

While my wife and I were enjoying our brew, another man named Craig, who turned out to be one of the owners, came and sat down at our table with a beer of his own. He looked at what we were drinking, gave us some friendly info on why he loved both of our beers, and chatted us up like we were old friends. He asked us what we were eating, and then told us what we should get. Being that the Pork takes 5 days to make, and they smoke all of their own BBQ there, we got some BBQ. I have ordered the same thing everytime I have gone back and can't seem to change my ways.

Everything about Coopers is amazing. Craig and Mandy put everything they have into that place (for I always seem to see them there. Take a vacation, guys). The service and knowledge is top notch. They actually care about what you like and will take the time to get exactly what you have a craving for. And, if haven't noticed, they won a Citysearch award for Best BBQ and best Bar Food. Enough said.

• Pros: BBQ, Beer, Service, French Fries

Ribs are too salty, avoid if you are looking for great food, great staff, good beer selection.

by wrigleyville at Citysearch

The ribs were very salty and dry. Perhaps they used too much dry rub. There was also a very strong mesquit smokey taste to them. Just not the juicy saucey fall off the bone that I love..

Beer list was outstanding.

Staff was knowlegable about the beer list and the menu.

Great sides.. A great cozy local spot, I look foward to going back and finding a dish that I enjoy..

• Pros: Great service
• Cons: Bad Ribs