Waffles Aiming to Open on June 29th

More and more information is starting to come out about Waffles, the new breakfast/lunch spot coming to 1400 S. Michigan. And the more we hear, the more we like (including what we presume is a hanging W logo in the picture on the right).

The blog Eater Chicago has a great write-up with a ton of interesting information:

The good news keeps on rolling in for the South Loop. On Monday, Pita Heaven officially opened its doors and now news comes that Waffles will open just a few blocks south on Michigan Avenue.

The restaurant, from current Japonais manager Alex Hernandez, is aiming to open June 29 and will bring new breakfast and lunch offerings to the area. As the name suggests, the main focus here will be on waffles, with two varieties of Belgian waffles: Liege and Brussels.

Hernandez explained that Liege waffles, created in the 18th century, are the more common type of waffle found in Belgium. It's a richer, denser and sweeter variety that incorporates bits of pearl sugar that caramelize on the waffle's exterior when baked. Brussels waffles, on the other hand, tend to be lighter and thicker with larger pockets and rectangular sides. All waffles at Waffles can be served with blackberry or fig compote, strawberry or rhubarb; and fresh bananas and hazelnut chocolate spread.

We're not huge waffle fans, but even this sounds super appetizing to us. The Eater Chicago story has a lot of other interesting things such as a good description of the space (it has 34 foot ceilings), will have a bar and a private room for events/meetings.

Best of all, it sounds like they're bringing in some serious talent (mostly from Japonais). They're aiming to open on June 29th according to the article, but we all know that these dates seem to get "delayed" usually.

Regardless, glad to hear more about this place and can't wait to see it open.

(Hat tip: TNCP!)
(Image from Eater Chicago)

Waffles a Welcomed Addition

Waffles, the new brunch spot at 1400 S. Michigan, appears to have established itself as a solid brunch spot in the Sloop. It seems like every weekend morning, the place is packed with folks waiting outside to get a seat.

To avoid the crowds, we finally had a free Friday morning recently and decided to try out the spot. We had no problems getting a seat (however, it did get busier as our meal went on). We've talked about the look of the restaurant in previous posts, so this time we're going to focus on the food.

It probably goes without saying that when you go to Waffles, you probably want to opt for the waffles (duh!). So that's what we did. Intrigued by the Green Tea (which is described as green tea waffle with a lemon ginger Chantilly cream topped with ground pistachio, powdered sugar and candied ginger). Sounded lovely and was pretty tasty as well.

Also ordered was the Brussels Waffle (which was more of your traditional type of waffle), eggs and bacon. Again, the food was solid. Generally speaking, both of us would go back without question. The only minor complaints from us was that the staff wasn't really stopping by that much to fill up coffee, bring our check, etc. In their defense, we were having a solid conversation and maybe they didn't think they should interrupt, but regardless, the server could have been more attentive. Not a huge problem, but something noticed by both of us.

Laura Bianci from chicagobusiness.com also recently stopped by Waffles and really enjoyed the food:

It's a mystery to me that Waffles could put so much thought and effort into its menu and so little into customer comfort.

The wood furniture and benches without backs, seating 105, invite us to eat and run, while the stark-naked décor is so frigid it makes fast-food chains look cozy; so why is this place so packed on weekends?

No doubt it's the menu, a brief and imaginative document that's well-executed.

We agree that the menu is solid, but don't agree with the assessment of the decor. While it's simple, it's a bright, contemporary feel if you ask us. Regardless, the food is the star and that's probably more important than any other thing.

(Hat tip: ND!)

(Image from Waffles Facebook Page)

Congrats to Waffles on Their Impending Expansion Up North

We've written about our favorable feelings towards Waffles and apparently business is good enough to expand up North.  Eater Chicago expounds:

Last May, Waffles owner Alex Hernandez told Eater he was looking to open a second location of his popular South Loop spot and he's finally found a location. The first two spaces he found fell through, but now he is planning on opening another Waffles at 3617 N. Broadway on Nov. 15. 

Hernandez said the space, which used to be Signature Pizza, is currently in the demolition stage and they're going to start the new build-out for what will be a 120-seat restaurant that will include an attached all-day 20-seat cafe. That will have a full coffee bar with Intelligentsia Coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, milkshakes and more. The coffeeshop will also have a separate entrance and be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Hernandez said they're still coming up with a name for the cafe. 

Waffles on the North Side will be larger than the current location at 1400 S. Michigan. Hernandez said that while guests like the modern feel, many think the space is a little cold. For the new restaurant, they're going to add more color and warm woods to brighten it up.

The post goes on to talk about some tweaks to the menu.

This is a good trend if you ask us.  Waffles will join, Flaco's Tacos, Yolk and Epic Burger that started in the Sloop and expanded throughout the city.  Are we missing any others?

Waffles Set to Open Tomorrow

The retail opening bonanza continues in the Sloop.

We've been monitoring the developments at Waffles (1400 S. Michigan) for a couple months now and according to their Facebook page, it appears that everything is set for their grand opening tomorrow.

Besides the catchy and intuitively discriptive name, the place looks great and and best yet, the food looks absolutely delicious.

We can't wait to try this place out. If you go, please come back and let us know your thoughts!

(Images from Waffles Facebook Page)

Retail Rising on South Michigan

It was an encouraging Friday evening for residents strolling down South Michigan ave.

If you were like us, after a long week of work you were excited to see lights on and a line out the door at Pita Heaven (1250 S. Michigan). While they're not officially open (they said they're shooting for next week), they had a tasting party for residents. From comments on our post from earlier in the week and our own tastes, people should be encouraged.

We also got word from readers that a new sign appeared on the window of one of the Marquee retail spaces (1464 S. Michigan Ave.):

This might be the most encouraging sign we've seen in a long time. A (presumably nice) consignment store would bring a completely new dynamic to this stretch. Yes, restaurants are good and doctors offices are essential, but in our opinion we need some additional shopping options. It's also encouraging to see life in this retail complex. It has a ton of space and it's good to see someone finally moving in.

Which brings us to the next sign one of our readers called out at 1400 S. Michigan:

Cute name for a breakfast/brunch/lunch place. We've posted about this place before, but what was most interesting with the sign was that it appears that Waffles has some association with Japonais (the trendy and shi shi Japanesse restaurant in River North). If you look at the bottom sign, it says send resume to alex@japonaischicago.com.

Although we don't expect Waffles to be a scene like Japonais, it's encouraging to see that a highly successful restaurant is associated with this project. Oprah is a big Japonais fan, maybe she will now become a Waffles fan?

There has been a lot of haters, showering negativity on the South Loop retail scene lately, but it appears to have some sustained and positive momentum. Let's not forget about The Scout, Tribute, Sanctuary, Overflow Coffee and Trader Joe's also.

It's been a good run. Hopefully all these places open and hopefully residents flock...that is assuming they have a good product!

(Hat tip: VK!)

Rumors Around the Sloop: Retail Edition

It's been awhile since we had a post dedicated to rumors we've heard (or read on our comment threads), so here we go:

Owner of Artists Cafe Behind the Restaurant Coming to 1150 S. Wabash?

Last we heard Five Guys was going to move into the 1150 S. Wabash construction place (picture above), but we recently heard that the owner of the Artists Cafe at 412 S. Michigan will be bringing a new diner to the Sloop. While we haven't heard much about the concept, it seems like whatever he decides to bring would be a welcome addition. Stay tuned...

Station Stop Pub and Eatery Coming to Corner Vacant Retail Space at 1400 S. Michigan?

This was based on a comment from a post we did last week. The comment specifically said that there were signs on the door, but upon further investigation, we could not find any. However, there appears to be some action in this space as black tarps have now covered up the windows preventing people from looking in.

Management of Waffles Looking into a New Restaurant Concept?

Another comment from a post we did last week, but still juicy and worth calling out. According to the comment the Waffles Management team is looking into nearby space for a wine and cheese, small plate style restaurant. This might be talk, but could be interesting if they get some momentum.

Waffles Named Best New Breakfast in Time Out Chicago's 2012 Eat Out Awards

Congrats to Waffles (1400 S. Michigan) for being named the best new breakfast in Time Out Chicago's 2012 Eat Out Awards.

As you probably recall, we had a post about some of the other South Loop restaurants and bars that were also nominated. Although they didn't end up winning, congrats to them for representing the Sloop and bringing solid additions to the hood!

Also wanted to give a shoutout to Tony Hu, a restaurant pioneer who has many institutions in Chinatown. If you haven't been to one of his restaurants, you're missing out. He received the Lifetime achievement award from the TOC critics.

Finally, we had a post about Forever Yogurt opening up shop in the Sloop sometime soon. That would be good, because they were voted the best Fro-Yo Chain in Chicago. Looking forward to them coming to the neighborhood!

(Image from Time Out Chicago)

Square One is Ready to Evolve to What the Neighborhood Needs

The more we hear about the new bar, Square One at 1400 S. Michigan, the more we like (via Chicago Magazine):

When you’re opening a bar, you’ve got to start somewhere, so why not Square One (1400 S. Michigan Ave.; no phone yet), a bar scheduled to open in mid-May, from the owners Alex Hernandez and Ron Vaisman. They plan a warm-wood, aged-leather wine bar with temperature- and air-controlled wine stations allowing self-service wine pours of any amount. About 60 seats inside and 30 outside on 14th Street have table service for a simple menu of charcuterie, cheeses, and spreads. Hernandez, who also owns Waffles and manages at Japonais, says they hope to adapt according to the needs of what they consider an underserved South Loop. “We want to evolve and see what the neighborhood wants,” he says. “If there is a need for sushi, we will do that, but we want to do it right.” And if they need to go all the way back to square one, at least they already have the name.

First off, glad to hear that they're still planning on a mid-May opening. Second, we've been impressed with Waffles thus far, so have high hopes for Square One.

Pet Grooming Shop Coming to 1400 S. Michigan

Michigan Avenue Tower II (@1400 S. Michigan) had a slow start to their retail, but it appears that their third retail space is going to be rented out based on the building permit on the window. The building permit says (in case you can't read it):

Interior renovation for a new pet grooming shop in existing 28 story, I-A building as per plan, not part of the condo association

The pet grooming shop joins Sanctuary and Waffles in the buildings retail space. That leaves only one vacant retail space in the building and it's probably the most high-profile space which is on the corner of 14th and Michigan.

Expansion at Existing South Loop Restaurants

Yes, it's fun to get excited about new places opening up in the Sloop (see post yesterday), but let's not forget about some of the other restaurants in the area. Two relatively recent, but at this point well established, South Loop businesses have recently expanded the amount of people who can eat at their restaurants:

Flo & Santos (1310 S. Wabash)

The popular Polish/Italian restaurant Flo & Santos has just added outdoor seating:

This is great news because this place always seems to be busy. This should accommodate the large crowds and also offers to the street scene on South Wabash.

Lou Malnati's South Loop (805 S. Wabash)

We've know for sometime that Lou's was expanding into the vacant retail space just south of their current space on South State street, but it appears that this area is finally complete. Again, this is good news because this location is always packed as well.

Do we really love pizza that much in the Sloop? Guess so...

Other Restaurant Tidbits:

On a different note, we posted yesterday about Tribute potentially opening up this weekend. Well we heard from the PR people for Tribute and that doesn't appear to be the case. They are close, but no official opening date has been announced yet. Stay tuned though, they will give us the update once they have something official.

It also looks and sounds like the Scout is progressing. But again, no official update there either.

Finally, we read that Waffles also has a slight delay. They're now shooting for July 13th.

These places are still opening as far as we know, just the typical hurdles to overcome when launching a restaurant in Chicago.

(Hat tip: Blast!)

Two South Loop Bars Make City's Top 50 Unknown Bars

Although no South Loop restaurants made the first annual Michellin restaurant guide list (unless you classify the area just north of Congress part of the South Loop in which case the super pricey french restaurant Everest at 440 S. LaSalle was our only restaurant on this list), a couple of establishments in our neighborhood did make another list.

It's not as prestigious but still worthwhile to call out. Time Out Chicago just did a piece about 50 unknown bars throughout the city that are classified as "unsung but lovable dives, lounges and taverns". The two spots within the South Loop are:

VILLAIN’S
When brothers Marco and Miguel Silva bought the Butcher’s Dog in 2007, it was your average, run-of-the-mill Irish bar. To say the brothers took the space and turned it on its head would be an understatement. The long, narrow room now has a Bonnie and Clyde–meets-baroque look, and the clientele has gone from old men to young South Loopers. The biggest change of all: The Silvas kicked the likes of Budweiser and Miller off their beer list to make room for 100-plus microbrews. Extra shot The bar’s burgers are all made with Dietzler Farms’ ethically raised beef. 649 S Clark St (312-356-9992).—David Tamarkin

LITTLE BRANCH CAFE
It’s hidden in a quiet South Loop development, yet the fact that it exists is not the most surprising thing about Little Branch Cafe. Rather, it’s the fact that, come nightfall, this spot (it’s a coffee-and-sandwich shop by day) transforms into a cocktail bar. The wine, beer and cocktail lists are tightly edited (think classics such as the Corpse Reviver), and because it’s so quiet in here, there’s nothing to distract you from how well the drinks are executed. Extra shot The dinner menu, with items like chicken and waffles, goes beyond the lunchtime offerings of panini. 1251 S Prairie Ave (312-360-0101).—David Tamarkin

While we would agree that Villain's is a great unsung bar in the South Loop, we wouldn't say the same thing about Little Branch Cafe. We had a pleasant experience there (click here) but if we're talking about bars/lounges would much rather see something like M Lounge on this list.

Your thoughts?

Dollop Cafe, Bar & Kitchen Opens at NEMA (1210 S. Indiana Ave)

Looks like the new Dollop Coffee at NEMA is now open and providing some unique options from their other locations (via Eater Chicago):

South Loop: There are now 19 Dollop cafes around town and in the suburbs, but the location that opened Thursday, April 28, is special, says a rep. Unlike the majority of the other locations, Dollop Cafe, Bar & Kitchen will have full table service and offer all-day breakfast and lunch — including chicken and waffles and smash burgers — in addition to the usual coffee and pastries, with evening hours and cocktails coming next month. Dollop Cafe, Bar & Kitchen, 1210 S. Indiana Avenue, Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

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Recently on the Sloopin Message Board....

Some recent chatter on the board:

• Condos to be built over railroad tracks? by chicagogo
• Loud Banging Noise by mattm
• Moving Boxes Needed by Happy2BinSL
• City Tavern Closing Today....For Good by somnia
• Parking Space Needed by Chi312
• Deluxe Indoor Garage Parking (810 S Plymouth ct) by Rz
• Waffles by blarger
• Looking to buy a 2 Bedroom in the South Loop by Peter Vanderveld
• 16th construction by spring88
• National Teachers Academy (NTA) - CPS South of 18th by South Loop Mom
• Swimming Pools by FarSouthLoop
• 1132 S WABASH by Steven
• Adult Soccer in South Loop? by Sloopneighbor
• 1340 S. Michigan - Old Courthouse - Residence? by ssoehlig
• Concrete planters at southwest corner of 18th and Clark by Don't Litter

Square One Shooting for Early June Opening; Will have Self-Service Wine Dispensers

There has been a lot of excitement surround Square One, a new wine and cocktail bar coming to the Southwest corner of Michigan and 14th.  Last we heard, things were going swimmingly and they were shooting for a late May opening.

Well you're going to have a wait a couple extra weeks, but intriguing information continues to come out about the concept (via Chicago Magazine):

SQ1 Tea Blossom
via Chicago Magazine

Buddies Alex Hernandez and Ron Vaisman are giving South Loopers the Choose Your Own Adventure treatment at SQUARE ONE, their wine and cocktail bar scheduled to open in early June. “The idea was for our neighbors to have a place to hang out where they could be comfortable for any occasion,” says Hernandez, who also owns a breakfast spot, Waffles, in the same building. 

Here’s the story: You want a drink. If you’re after wine, grab a glass and advance to the self-service dispenser, then pay by the ounce for what you imbibe. If you’re pining for a cocktail, let the bartender craft a drink to your tastes, or go with a classic like the trusty old fashioned. You’re looking for somewhere to take a load off. If you opt to sip alfresco, find a spot on the 30-person patio that runs the length of the building.

Self-service dispenser?  Sounds fun...kinda like Bull & Bear and Public House in River North, but with wine instead of beer and liquor.

Also glad to hear that they will have outside seating.  Good idea to put it on 14th street as Michigan can be a little hectic and noisy with cars flying by at 40+ MPHs.

Top 11 Sloopin Stories of 2011: #1 - Retail Rising

It's that time of year and like many other websites, tv stations, newspapers and blogs, we're going to take a look back at some of the most important and biggest stories of 2011.

#1 - Retail Rising

If you're like us, you've learned to be patient with the South Loop retail scene. For years the space has been ready for businesses to come to the South Loop, but unfortunately it hasn't come as fast as we would like. Well in 2011, the neighborhood retail scene seemed to gain some momentum. New businesses coming to the neighborhood significantly outweighed those closing up shop.

The biggest news on this front was Trader Joe's opening up at the Northeast corner of Wabash and Roosevelt. While we don't completely credit the overall neighborhood retail trend to this opening, it sure seemed to change peoples perceptions. We had a post that took a look at Trader Joe's impact on an area of Lincoln park and pondered whether it could do the same for the Sloop.

Beyond Trader Joe's, two other much discussed restaurants/bars opened in the summer but had very different experiences in the neighborhood. In August, The Scout opened on the Southeast corner of Wabash and 13th (the old Opera space). While many discussed whether or not the new sports bar/restaurant fit into the neighborhood, most seem to agree it's doing quite well and has been a good addition.

Unfortunately the same can't be said for Tribute (800 S. Michigan) who closed up shop in December, only 5 months after opening. It was an ambitious attempt and by most accounts was pretty good. Regardless, it never seemed to gain momentum and clearly wasn't sustainable.

The vacant retail space South of Roosevelt saw a lot of food/drink options open up their doors in 2011. Pita Heaven (1250 S. Michigan), Waffles (1400 S. Michigan), Chi Bakery (2135 S. Michigan) added some solid food options to South Michigan while Donna's Cafe (1255 S. State), Flavor 180 (1511 S. State), Overflow Coffee (1550 S. State) and Burger Point (1900 S. State) all opened up on South State.

And let's not forget about Acadia (1639 S. Wabash), the promising contemporary American restaurant that just opened last week and hopes to usher in a new era of fine dinning in the Sloop.

And it wasn't all restaurants either. Sanctuary (1400 S. Michigan), Ur

ban Remix (1468 S. Michigan), H+ Records (730 S. Dearborn), Urban Grocery (730 S. Clark), South Loop Immediate Care (1430 S. Michigan), Victory Barber Salon (1926 S. State) are new to the neighborhood.

And it wasn't all new stuff - Lou Malnatti's (805 S. State), Flo & Santos (1310 S. Wabash), South Loop Market (1720 S. Michigan) and Jimmy Green's (825 S. State) have expanded or are in the process of expanding.

It wasn't all good news in 2011. Entourage man (1355 S. Michigan), Doctor's Choice (1345 S. Michigan), Grant Park Cleaners (3 E. Roosevelt), Daniela's Hair Salon (705 S. Dearborn) all closed their doors while Marble Slab Creamery (1245 S. Michigan) might be out of business.

We probably missed a couple, so please chime in if you know of something, but all in all we would say it's been a good year on the retail front for the Sloop. Better yet, 2012 is looking even brighter so stay tuned for that post (coming soon in 2012).

South Loop Resident Seeks Dish & Drink Advice

We had a recent post about the best delivery in the Sloop and another reader asked for some more advice:

Hey Sloopy,

I love sloopin and have been checking in regularly since I moved to the sloop two years ago. As a south loop resident and investor, I am very curious what people think of our local restaurants and bars. I would like to see a post about what people think of specific restaurants and bars in the sloop.

With new places opening this year such as Pita Heaven, The Scout, Waffles, Burger Point along with our existing places, the sloop definitely feels like its finally coming together. Some reviews and tips about dishes and drink specials would be helpful for us all.

Thanks!

(Hat tip: CJ!)

Enrico's Italian Restaurant Coming to Old Grace O'Malley's Space?

A reader writes:

Good Afternoon,

While walking my dog this morning, I noticed a man with a tape measure in front of Grace O'Malley's old location. Being the nosy neighbor I am, I walked across the street and asked if something new was coming.

He said it was going to be an Italian restaurant called "Enrico's". I didn't want to pry too much.

While I was hoping for another Irish pub (albeit one with better service than Grace's), I am happy to see another sign of life on our street.

Well thanks for prying a little, because we're happy to hear this.

It's been awhile since we heard anything about this space (March'ish time frame), but hopefully this is true and we get another option for this area. If we had our druthers it would be similar concept/quality to the Pasta Bowl up in Lincoln Park. Not the best Italian in the world, but affordable and pretty tasty.

With the new restaurant Waffles opening next door and Sanctuary on Michigan opening as well, the retail on the 1400 block of Michigan is starting to take shape nicely.

(Hat tip: JY!)

Represent the Sloop in the Time Out Chicago Eat Out Awards

The South Loop has some good representation in this year's Time Out Chicago "Eat Out Awards". With that said, show some love our your local businesses and give them a vote (link here):

• Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) - Best New Restaurant Cocktails
• The Scout (1301 S. Wabash) - Best New Sports Bar
• Waffles (1400 S. Michigan) - Best New Breakfast
• Burger Point (1900 S. State) - Best New Burger Joint
• Bodega No. 5 (638 S. Michigan) - Cheap Eatery of the Year
• Lao Hunan (2230 S. Wentworth) - Cheap Eater of the Year and Best New BYOB

And if we can swing your vote beyond the South Loop, vote for Barrelhouse Flat for Best New Bar!

(Hat tip: ND!)

Last Day of Covid Comeback Initiative from Solo Eye Care

A great initiative from Solo Eye Care:

As you know, the restaurants in our community are at great risk.  We lost South Coast today and have the potential to lose several more in the coming months.  I wanted to update you on a program that we developed earlier this month called the South Loop COVID Comeback sponsored by SoLo Eye Care.  Over the last few weeks we have been giving away $500 in $20 gift cards everyday we are open to support some of our favorite restaurants in the South Loop.  No purchase or appointment is required.  Residents simply need to show up at SoLo Eye Care to claim their certificate during business hours while these daily supplies last.  We have featured business such as Harold’s Chicken #88, Flo n' Santos, Dunkin Donuts, Victory Tap, Tea Pot Brew and Bakery, Waffles, Kroll’s South Loop, The Chicago Firehouse, and Il Cullacino.  We will hit the $5000 mark tomorrow and will be featuring a Sloopin favorite, Acadia.  There are no strings attached.  The only requirement is that the recipients of these cards get out and support the businesses that make up the fabric of our neighborhood.  For more information, check out our Facebook page.  

Even if you don't get a gift card, it's a good reminder that our local restaurants and businesses have been hit really hard by Covid.  The South Coast Sushi news is really unfortunate.  We've had a ton of great meals there.  Sorry to see them go.

Alain's Grand Opening; 14th and Michigan Intersection Blossoming

...and just like that, the corner of 14th and Michigan has a plethora of new eating and drinking options.  On Monday, Square One (1400 S. Michigan) opened and today Alain's (1355 S. Michigan) has it's official grand opening (according to their website).

Couple this with the recent opening of City Tavern (1416 S. Michigan) as well as Waffles and the venerable Chicago Firehouse (1401 S. Michigan) and this intersection now has a fresh vibe and energy.  Obviously most of these new businesses still have a lot to prove, but from their first blush it's definitely a step in the right direction.

So what is Alain's?  According to the Chicago Reader:

Alain's Restaurant opens today in the South Loop. Chef Alain Njike has collaborated with Chicago Bears' Israel Idonije and businessman Chad McClennan to create a cuisine with a blend of Southern, French, and Cameroonian influences.

While we still aren't exactly sure what will result from this "blend", we are excited to try it out.  It seems like it's truly unique, which is something we always like to see.

Best of luck to all the new spots (and the old ones) and welcome to the Sloop!