Heartland Cafe

So I’ve gone w/ Layne to Heartland Cafe (since I live only 2 blocks from it) and I think it’s just mediocre. Some friends of mine had downright shameful service there—after being seated, they weren’t acknowledged by staff for 20 min to get drink orders. Then they had to get up and ask someone to come take their food orders. An hour into their visit, they got their food, only to discover that the buffalo burger was cold. They asked to speak to the manager, who said they could have the beers they ordered free of charge, but only two out of the four were drinking. Needless to say, they didn’t tip.

When they got home, they wrote an email to the manager (from the website) to complain more formally. The manager emailed back a couple days later saying attached were some coupons for a couple free entrees or something, but there was no attachment! My friends never cared to see the place again so they didn’t bother to pursue it after that.

People rave about Heartland and I tell them the above story and EVERYONE has conceded that “Yeah, the service isn’t that great…” That’ is a big deal!!! The food is mediocre…that’s a big deal too!

I’ve been three or four times (just to be with others who want to go) and my experiences haven’t been that bad, but they’re certainly nothing to rave about—food-wise or service-wise. I admire that they have vegan/vegetarian fare and I can pick up a Mother Jones magazine, but whooptee doo.

I always heard about Heartland Cafe before moving to Rogers Park and my friends and I have given it enough shots for me to come to the conclusion that it just doesn’t live up to the hype, unfortunately. I really wish it did…there’s so much potential there.

One positive thing, there was a good jazz trio there on one of my visits.

This place doesn’t really give you much bang for your buck. It has a bar but don’t bother with “complicated” drinks like Jack and coke stick to beers. The place has a lot of uppity older people and “artsy” kids. If you really feel like you want to surround yourself with a fake artistic atmosphere and over pay for the experience feel free to hit this place up. I will say that sometimes there are major suprises but those are spread out over long periods and personally not worth the attempt.

It’s not necessarily about the food, although the menu is veggie/vegan friendly, if I remember correctly.

So many great places to eat in Chicago, butt this ain’t one of them.