Shahriar K. wrote: : Hi, I'm new to the group.... Can anyone out there suggest a nice casual : cafe (or coffeehouse, I'm not sure of the difference! ) in the loop : area? Just someplace nice to take a girl for some coffee and : conversation. A place with comfy seats is a definite plus! : I'm not too familiar with chicago, so any suggestions will be much : appreciated, as long as they're close to the loop area!! Hmm... the loop area is probably going to pose a bit of difficulty for you.. at least at the moment. Although, given the direction the south loop seems to be heading, i'm sure cafes/coffeehouses will surely arise there as well. But, as for *close* to the loop (close being an arbitrary judgement), i might suggest the 3rd Coast. Located at dearborn and goethe (one block north of division), it's (i think) the closest cafe to the loop. 24 hours, fairly casual.... lotsa folks bring dates there, it's open 24 hours, they have a decent selection of wines, and the menu is generally pretty good. Although don't get the pizza. That pizza is perhaps one of the strangest things i've eaten that i didn't make myself.
Chicago, IL