Neighborhood: West Town
Address: 1357 W. Chicago Ave.
Website: www.swimcafe.com
Hours: 6am-6pm 7 days
Phone: 312-492-8600
Parking: Street parking - meters- I have always found parking in front or around corner
No parking on West side of Chicago Ave. 7-9am
Wi-Fi: Free unlimited
Seating: There are 19 2-tops which can be easily combined to form larger tables. Laptop users will be happy with the amount of outlets along the banquette on wall. Additional bar seating along a sunny Chicago Ave. facing window. Although there are many tables in a small space, I definitely felt like I had enough space between me and other patrons.
Food: Breakfast offerings include a breakfast panini, oatmeal, and yogurt parfait. The rest of the day offers sandwiches, panini, salads, homemade soup of the day, and a wide variety of baked goods.
Drinks: Swim takes their drinks seriously with 100% fair trade Just Coffee, Ineeka Organic Tea, Smoothies, Frozen Lemon/Limeade, and Naked juices.
The Vibe: Swim Cafe's name comes from the Ida Crown Natatorium, part of the Chicago Park District, being just across the street. It is a chill, blue/green space that was fairly quiet on a Wednesday afternoon. Many mothers and children stopping by for an afterschool drink/snack. The food here is amazing! Just to give you an example, Panini with Goat cheese, grilled mushroom, zucchini, tomato and basil with balsamic on focaccia and Lemon Spinach Soup with Orzo were on the specials board the day I posted. The sandwiches are in the $6-7 range but with the side salad and fruit served with it and the flavor profile and quality of ingredients it is definitely worth it. While blogging I asked the barista about some of the items and the owner Karen came out to answer my questions. She was wonderful, welcoming, and clearly passionate about this place.
Pros: Aside from the amazing croissants (Alliance Bakery), the weekend donuts (Glazed Donuts), and the breads and pastries (Red Hen), all of the other items are homemade on site including the soups, salad dressings, pastries, ice cream, pies, bagel chips, etc. They support local businesses including Americorps, Donors Choose, and the elementary school across the street. Scrabble Sundays take place from 1-6pm on Sundays. And although I'm not a dog lover, dogs are loved here at Swim and dog treats are available. Bottomless cup of coffee for $1.75 but you'd be crazy to come and not try the food!
Cons: Close at 6pm
