Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Karamela Cafe...Finally Open

We've spent a lot of time sifting through information on Karamela Cafe (1250 S. Michigan) lately.  At first we heard the owners walked away.  Then we heard they were opening a couple weeks ago.

Well enough of the speculation.

They're open.  We saw it with our own eyes.

Has anyone been?  We are looking forward to trying it out.

Business counter is updated.

(Hat tip: DJ!)

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Walked in last night and the pastries lloked interesting but prices on everything were through the roof.

Anonymous said...

Waaaaaaay too expensive for such an unproven entity. Futther, if this place has ANY affiliation whatsoever with the developer of Mich Ave Towers I & II, stay far away.

MarkChicago said...

$1.95 for a large coffee, hardly "expensive". Looks great inside and I can get a coffee without a urine-drenched doorman like Dunkin Donuts.

Anonymous said...

The place has nice warm colors, but speaking of warm...a tad 'too hot', especially by the bar/counter....wow, the lights need to be a bit dimmer...and turn the AC up or something. It was extremely uncomfortable. Felt like a heat lamp was right on top of me. But aside from issues w/ the comfort level, the waitstaff was friendly. It was only the 3rd day for these guys, but I think with the amount of competition in the city, probably bet to come w/ guns loaded so I would have suspected that the service/delivery of everything would be best. And they tried...but not amazing to say the least. Like...water, maybe giving ice water instead of the customer asking for it? Or....just giving us the menu vs. us asking for it? or....giving us time to look at the menu vs. staring at us to order? or.....not burning the bread in the toaster, resulting in a late sandwich? or....asking if we want brown sugar vs. white sugar...after all, you are serving 'gourmet coffee'...and if I'm paying upwards of 3.50 for a small latte...i best get the brown sugar on the side just for shits and giggle.

Crepes were standard/good.....service was really slow. I will stop by again....def has room for improvement, but i think they are off to a good start. I have a feeling these guys will do either extremely well in the next 3 months or extremely bad....I'm not a restaurant owner or anything, but I would think that people in the S. Loop will not make it a point to keep coming back here if the service is below average and the food is mediocre....and the menu prices are a bit the same as they are now.

Good luck with the restaurant/cafe, etc....wish you the best.

p.s. Latte i ordered was excellent

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed it. Pastries did seem expensive, but the lunch menu (sandwiches, salads, crepes) didn't seem overpriced. Liked the European touches that distinguish it from some dumb American chain.

Anonymous said...

i stopped in today. i didn't find it to be particularly overpriced. the service was a bit slow, and i had to go through 3 people before someone could answer my questions about items on the menu..but i imagine (and hope!) that this is just one of the kinks of first opening and things will flow smoothly as time goes by. i am definitely planning on going again for brunch or lunch soon.

Anonymous said...

Anon #2- Why does having affiliation with the developers mean we should stay away? I dont get the connection?

Anonymous said...

Yes - Anon#2 I am interested in finding out as well? Provide us some details!

Anonymous said...

$3+ for croissant ..let's be serious

Anonymous said...

I stopped in for a breakfast sandwich for $3.50 and a large orange juice. The total came to $7.00, which did not seem expensive to me. The staff gave me a free sample if their homemade Greek yogurt with honey too, it was delicious. I will definitely be back!

Anonymous said...

Grabbed a few macaroons ... They were the most delicious French macaroons I have ever had, a little pricey (nearly $9 for 4) but well worth it. I will definitely go back for more!

Anonymous said...

Went there. Meh.