Chicago Other Cities

Welcome to Citysearch!

Find what you were looking for? (Hint: You can use the search box in the upper left-hand corner to track down anything you want. We're here to help, so click around.)
 | close

Best of Citysearch

Chicago Look Hot, Feel Good 2008

More

Vote Sponsored By

My Summary

Recently viewed

Recommended for you

Uncommon Ground

1214 W Grace
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 929-3680
Uncommon Ground
Price:
$$
Cross Street:
Clark Street
Directions:
El: Red Line to Sheridan; bus: 22 to Grace
Hours:
Daily 9am-2am

Editorial Review for Uncommon Ground – by J.P. Anderson

The Scene
Uncommon Ground is a sunny cafe that serves wholesome breakfasts, big bowls of coffee, a variety of pastries and desserts and live music five nights a week. Walls are adorned with colorful works of recycled art, and hardwood floors and straight-backed wooden chairs make the place feel like a hip Quaker meeting room. A recently added dining room sports a more sophisticated vibe, with a fireplace, chocolate leather couches, spacious bar and contemporary hanging light fixtures.

The Food
The contemporary cafe menu is surprisingly accomplished, offering creative breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes every day of the week. Weekend brunch is particularly popular; try the Uncommon Huevos, a delicious, kicky plate of black beans, corn and brown rice cake topped with eggs, ancho chili sauce and Chihuahua cheese. Lunch features salads, soups and sandwiches, while dinner entrees include tempting dishes like pumpkin ravioli with sage butter and rigatoni with fire-roasted tomato sauce and goat cheese.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Save Money

All bottles of wine are half price on Tuesdays.

Know Before You Go

The cafe hosts monthly showings of local artists' work, all of which is for sale. During the warmer months, dogs can join their owners on the sidewalk cafe and enjoy free water and dog biscuits.

The Extras

One of the city's best shows each year is Uncommon Ground's Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute Concert, held on the late singer's birthday, November 17. It sells out several weeks ahead, so be sure to call well in advance for ticket information.

User Reviews for Uncommon Ground

Citysearch (7), Judy's Book (4 ), All (11)

3 Star Rating: Average

06/17/2008 Posted by goosemonkey

our server was a bit wacky, but it was really the food that was really disappointing. it's not terrible, but it's definitely not great. the calamari was interesting in concept, but ended up tasting like general tso's chicken.

3 Star Rating: Average

02/09/2008 Posted by goodwinegoodfood

I love the concept of this restaurant! Great natural, local, organic ingredients. Cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Art, music, and a changing menu. The menu descriptions for both the food and the drinks are tantalizing. The only problem is, the taste of the dish or drink that sounded so good in writing never lives up to the expectation. I've been here four times now. Twice for dinner and music and twice for breakfast, always trying something different. Each time, I was so excited to taste what I had ordered but without fail, when the dish/drink arrived, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. If I go again, it will be for breakfast. The coffee is good and so are the breakfast potatoes. Everything else could use a little tweaking. By the way, the breakfast staff is much more attentive and courteous, especially compared to dinner staff in the music room.

Pros: Great Ingredients!

Cons: Why can't they use the ingredients to make something that tastes great?!

Users Like You Also Viewed

Uncommon Ground
1401 W Devon
Chicago, IL 60660

Butch McGuire's
20 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60610

Related Searches

Editor's Review

Laid-back Wrigleyville coffee bar with a comfortable vibe, cool live music and a full menu of hearty cafe fare.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Save Money

All bottles of wine are half price on Tuesdays.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Smoking

  • No

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Daily 9am-2am

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Discover

Cuisines

  • Coffeehouse
  • Vegetarian
  • Californian
  • Health Food

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Brunch
  • Group Dining
  • Open 7 Days
  • Local Favorites
  • Live Music
  • Date Spot
  • Private Rooms
  • Catering
  • Lunch Spot
  • Outdoor Dining

Site Links:

Citysearch is a registered trademark of Bluefoot Ventures Inc., and is used under license.
© 2008 Citysearch.com All rights reserved.

Partner Sites: