I’ll start with saying that the food at Spinning J was fantastic. Just a perfect bite to start your day with. However, this past Saturday, June 24th, two of my girlfriends and I decided to grab some food there. All was well until we grabbed a table and someone named Lisa, yelled at us from across the soda bar. Yelled at us to move so she could clean the table. She came over started spraying solution with all of our stuff on the side. When she was wiping down the table she chucked a trinket that was on the table and accidentally hit a customer who was sitting by the soda bar behind her. Lisa was that angry that she threw that trinket. I was honestly a bit shocked. It’s hard to say to say that I won’t be back there, because this has been the only bad experience I’ve had there. However, I was very upset at the way Lisa treated my friends and I that day. Just not cool Lisa, I hope that in the future, you are able to treat people with more respect than you did that day. I hope you have the life and day you deserve moving forward. No negative vibes and energy are required anywhere anytime, especially in the neighborhood you’re occupying space at.

Not a friendly vibe. You need a mask but they sell them for $1 if you need. The hibiscus key lime pie is light, and tasty, with the hibiscus being visible in color but a little too light in taste IMO. Pumpkin pie was good, but might’ve been sitting a while, the crust was a little dry.

I strongly recommend as a place to get some tasty baked goods and shakes, but probably to go. Their space is quite small, so don’t bet on finding a spot, especially for groups larger than 2 people. If you can snag a spot in their small space, it has a cute vintage soda shop vibe, but you won’t want to linger, as they seem to want people to get in and out so others can sit. The staff all seemed pretty nice. Where this place really shines is the baked goods, sodas, and shakes. The sandwiches are tasty, but on the smaller end, and served simply with some chips and pickle.

Very cute!! We stopped in here after brunch on Mother's day. My mom wanted a milkshake. And I want to come back and eat here (we both do)! They have a very small little eating area probably only sits about 20 people or less. But it's adorable, it feels like you stepped back in time. It would also be nice to come here on a rainy day with a good book and get a slice of pie. Oh the milkshake was amazing!! It even had real wiped cream on top!

This place is a dream come true. Everything is baked in house, bakery items and breads for sandwiches. Breakfast or lunch with pizza on Fridays. The menu is interesting and delicious, with lots of vegetarian options, all made with thoughtful and local ingredients. Sodas and coffees are made in house, and they also have milkshakes! So many delicious choices , I will be back soon. Definitely the best pies, scones, AND biscuits in Chicago!

Marvelous place!!! The food is great and the milkshakes are just amazing. I have been here twice and both times the experience has been great. A spot that I will visit everytime I am in Chicago for sure.

If you have small children, Spinning J is not family-friendly. I brought my two children there today for lunch. We've been doing that often for the past couple months. One of my children wanted soup. It was busy, so I tried to secure a table before we ordered, because I did not want to be standing around the crowded counter with two wiggly children and no table, waiting on some soup. I tried to put our coats down on a bench at the back table. A woman who works there told me I could not do that because people who already ordered were going to sit there. I said, "OK" and apologized to customers she was leading to the table. Then some customers got up from another table. I tried to put my coat down there and the same woman very snidely told me that I needed to order before I could take a table. I've been to Spinning J countless times and this policy was news to me. I don't think it makes any sense. I need to know if I can get a table before I decide what to order. If there's going to be a 20-minute wait for three seats, I won't order soup. I'll just get something to go. But if there is a table, then I will order the soup. This woman was incredibly rude to me and treated me as if I was being unreasonable and rude for wanting...a table. I think instead of chiding your customer for trying to find a table on their own, just have a host will seat you" policy. I will not go back to Spinning J again.

Tiny but cozy dinner/bakery with amazing pies! The s'more pie was the best dessert I've ever had, incredible! The pot pie was ridiculous, fresh ingredients not salty ,think crust but flaky, perfect size and piping hot! Great coffee and unique sodas ,also fresh and delicious.

This restaurant was packed and the line was out the door. Its a very small place but the flavors are huge! Their roasted pablano breakfast sandwich with garlicky kale, scrambled egg, white cheddar and chipotle pepper sauce on buttermilk biscuit is elevated. Balanced flavors of sour, sweet, creamy and crunchy are all there in this vegeterian option. The ham and gruyere on hearty toasted rye is elevated by the apricot tarragon aoli. The modest ham and cheese has never been better. The savory bake with brie, herbs and mushrooms was good but it was a bit dry for me. Their hibiscus key lime pie with a blueberry compote is amazing if you really like that tartness! They ran out of their signature sourdough cinnamon roll by the time I had ordered. I will need to update this review once I get to try it at a future date.

Cozy little spot. Get here early if you want a table! Great pastries, my top favorite is the sour dough cinnamon bun. My spouse really enjoyed the lemon apricot meringue. Coffee was just as enjoyable. Great staf and quick service.

I called and asked if they had seats for two and they said yes. I drove 20 minutes and they told me they’re take out only. Also, you have to wait outside in the cold for your food. The s’mores pie was great though!

A nice selection of sandwiches and baked items. The seating area is very limited, so we had to wait to dine in (which we were happy to do because of the cool decor and ambience). Sandwiches were small for the price. We had the polenta and the BLT (which didn’t have real tomato just salsa). The meal was tasty but overall greasy. Although the staff were friendly, as other reviews have noted you will be rushed out the door… so not somewhere to have a relaxed lunch.

I've been coming here for years - it's always busy and there's a reason why. It's super cute inside and their food is awesome. Small menu of breakfast and lunch items along with coffee, sodas, and pies/pastries. My partner and I would always split the quiche and bread pudding specials of the day (they're always vegetarian).

Cute aesthetic for photos, but the food was not good in my opinion. Also, definitely a majority white hipster customer establishment. As far as accessibility: It is generally wheelchair accessible (no steps), however I wouldn’t say it’s super wheelchair friendly, as the space and seating are pretty tight and crowded. Also, nobody in the restaurant was wearing a mask. I did not use the bathroom, so I cannot speak to bathroom accessibility. I ordered the Blueberry rose pie and buttermilk biscuit— the pie was really jelly gelatinous and the crust didn’t cut through without a knife. Despite being gelatinous, I couldn’t get a clean sticky bite from the pie, as the jelly-ness kept making it fall apart and not stab through easily. It really required a spoon for eating, instead of a fork. The crust wasn’t soggy though, and there were tons of blueberries — Just really not much flavor at all. The biscuit was dry and desperately needed butter. I was expecting a warm, buttery and fluffy biscuit. This was room temperature, dry, and hard. And I had to ask for jam (which also really wasn’t good). There are a few signs on the restaurant signaling that they are “social and racial justice allies”, but it feels performative considering the total lack of diversity (of both the customers as well as the distribution of FOH/BOH staff), the prices for the neighborhood, and the location. I didn’t have to wait to be seated as others had warned — But I went around 1:15 pm on a Saturday by myself (sat at the bar) right after it had finished raining.

Spinning J is a lovely place to go for lunch. It was our first time today on a Friday. Although it was busy at lunchtime, we were able to get a seat, no issues. The food was phenomenal (tuna melt, breakfast biscuit & cinnamon roll). Staff was nice & friendly & the food was definitely lovingly prepared! We can’t wait to come back!

I had the best quiche of my life here! All the baked goods were absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try more of the items! I was able to enjoy a quiche with broccoli and radish, fresh blueberry scone, cookies- chocolate chip, lemon, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin, and a cherry peach crumble! (Also tried a vanilla milkshake, vanilla latte and Thai tea milkshake) 10/10 recommend! Service was friendly, ambiance was cozy and relaxing.

Food was delicious. The girl who took our order was very sweet. The other two women in vintage dresses seemed put upon to even be there. It wasn't busy at all so I asked one of them about the beautiful light fixture in the kitchen. She was not interested in talking about anything with me. We moved away from the bar seating to leave that vibe. I'd get food here Togo if I went back. They could fix the bar stools so they weren't so janky and wobbly. Our food was delicious though that's for certain

I visited for the first time on a busy Saturday morning. There was a short line out the door, which seems common. The wait was absolutely worth it, though! I got the Roasted Poblano Breakfast Sandwich and a Blue Velvet soda. The sandwich was incredible, and the soda was unique! Less carbonated than I expected, but delicious. I didn’t eat in, but the restaurant itself was beautiful.

I love this place, and I visit every time I'm in Chicago. The brunch food is so good. Their pies are all really unique and delicious. The drinks might have everything beat though.

So cute!! I love the vibes in here. It is so hard to find a place with retro vibes like this. I love how intimate the space is. The food was excellent, the coffee was amazing, such a good find!! I can't wait to come back to try all the pies. And the sodas! I got the matcha almond tea cake, butterscotch pie, the smoked salmon bialy sandwich, and a lavender latte 💙 My friend got the poblano breakfast sandwich with bacon, chocolate shake, and guava cheesecake. They were also very happy with their choices!

The food was delicious, and I really enjoyed the quality of everything. I had the toasted bialy sandwich with lox and capers, and a side salad. $7 for a very modestly portioned side salad is on the expensive side if I'm honest, but I had balanced that with the fact that they offered great service and atmosphere. I had a Thai tea float. Delicious and I couldn't finish it. Next time my girlfriend and I will split a shake.

This was absolutely, hands down the best breakfast sandwich that I've EVER had. I could taste the love that went into all it! I chose the buttermilk biscuit and I seriously never wanted it to end! The staff are super cute and friendly and the restaurant has a great comforting feeling. My goal is to come back once a week and try EVERYTHING. Dinah the owner made my 1st visit such an incredible experience

I only gave them 5 stars because 10 wasn't an option. This was honestly the highlight of our Chicago trip. The breakfast sandwiches and bakery items are impeccable (I didn't know an English muffin could be so impressive). The atmosphere was so cool and relaxing. Everything was so clean and staff was amazingly perfect. Friendly, attentive, hardworking. This will be a place that we return to multiple times when we come back to Chicago!

I ordered a fancy BLT and slice of lemon lavender pie. A touch on the expensive side but both were delicious and I'll definitely be back (when I'm back in Chicago).

I visited late morning on a Saturday and there was a long line, but worth the wait. Quaint little place with limited seating, great staff and delicious food. Cherry scones, savory rolls and biscuits were all amazing.

Small place but moves quickly. By the time we figured out what we wanted and ordered, we were able to find a seat. Everything was delicious. I had an iced coffee and shared a slice of the Hibiscus Key Lime pie with a friend. Definitely stop by if you're in the neighborhood.

The Strada was very delicious. They have great coffee drinks too. My guy has been going here for years and raves about it. It lives up to the hype. The service was friendly and efficient. I can't wait to try more of the menu.

Captures the essence of the soda fountain era where life seemed much simpler. Good balanced flavors in the savory foods. The toasted homemade rye and sourdough breads that the sandwiches were on extra toasted crisp (almost crouton like) bread. The soda drinks (I had the passion fruit palmer) and desserts (I had the yuzu cranberry meringue) were tooth achingly sweet. Delicious but too sweet for my taste.

The sweetest retro soda shop tucked in the Humboldt Park area. Amazing Pies, Breakfast Sandwiches & Arnold Palmers.

Spinning J really delivers in all departments; the staff is friendly, the food is very well done and the atmosphere take you to another era but with all of the modern comforts. Lines on Saturday and Sunday can be long but it's worth the wait. Had a few of the savory pastries and those were great, the biscuit exceptionally so. Also tried two slices of pie (key lime and hibiscus) which were both well crafted. Looking forward to visiting again.