Cafe 103

(773) 238-5115

1909 W 103rd St
Chicago, IL 60643 41.7066 -87.6692

Neighborhoods: Beverly, Far southwest Side

View the menu

Price:

$$$

Own this business? »

Last updated 4.01.09

Cafe 103

What People Are Saying About Cafe 103

The Editor

Fred Schlatter

Citysearch

The Scene
Located on a commercial drag of otherwise sleepy 103rd, the space is as small as it appears from the street. A single room seats 30, the biggest table for five. Zebra wood veneer plays nicely with weathered wood floors, autumn-colored wall panels and textured, subtly printed wallpaper. A few strategically placed mirrors are unnecessary; the close quarters are quaint rather than cramped.

The Food
Chef Thomas Eckert's menu departs from typical upscale neighborhood cafes. He is brave, offering a composed salad of jewel-like heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and a lone half-shell oyster. He knows pure yumminess in another starter: Rabbit rillettes with fig jam, grilled harvest baguette and rock salt. Entrees feature pristine meats in stylish compositions: A frenched veal chop is hearty alongside fall-spiced spaetzle, chanterelles and buttermilk onion rings, while slices of guinea hen roulade couldn't be more refined arranged with purees of watercress and kohlrabi and more buttery mushrooms.

Hits: The food outshines many, many downtown efforts. Chef Eckert is a genuine guy who will likely visit your table to see how things were. Convenient, as you will no doubt want to thank him for an excellent dinner.

Misses: Chef Eckert's food is delicious, but overwrought presentation can be a little distracting. Just like the location, simpler plating would be a welcome departure.

ssreview

December 03, 2008

The food here is truly amazing. I've dined here 3 times now and each time I have been really impressed with the food. The menu is a bit on the small size, but it does change frequently which makes it nice. BYOB is always good and the corking fee is great compared to other places. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. You will not be dissapointed. Also there is a great pantry/store connected to it "Beverly's Pantry" which carries fine foods/ingredients, great coffee, tea etc; A must try and you will return!!!

The Details on Cafe 103

The Extras:

Browse the adjacent, and attached, Beverly Pantry next door for loads of cooking equipment that just might help you recreate some of the goodness of 103's kitchen.

Know Before You Go:

Don't underestimate how far Beverly actually is. Think 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.Or make an adventure of it and take the Metra. 103rd sits several blocks South of the last Red Line stop.

Advertisement

Things To Do Nearby Cafe 103

brought to you by Visa

Cafe 103

1909 W 103rd St
Chicago, IL 60643

Lists In Chicago

Best of Citysearch

Best Nightlife

Chicago

Cheap haircuts. Beefy hamburgers. Sexy bartenders! Discover the best finds in the city.

view more polls & winners

Recent Reviews In Chicago

1 Star Rating: Poor

Papa Romeo's Pizza

1617 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL

4 Star Rating: Recommended

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

1139 N State St, Chicago, IL

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Jacob's Churros

5002 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Beefy's Inc

5749 S Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL

Advertisement