Inspiration Kitchens

Address:	3504 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
Phone:	+1 773-801-1110
Site:	inspirationkitchens.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	Closed Closed 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 10AM–3PM 10AM–3PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

John Carlee

Really enjoyed my visit to Inspiration Kitchens this past weekend (10/18/2015). We went in for Brunch at 12:30p on a Sunday with a reservation just in case since we had never been before, but there was plenty of seating and we had a table immediately. First, we got the French toast of the day - filled with cream and topped with berries. Wow, this was incredible...I definitely over-ate just to finish my friends heaping plate because they were just that good. I also ordered the Omelette of the day (southwest). The omelette came perfectly made when tomato, green pepper, mushroom, and onion with breakfast potatoes and toast on the side. It was very good, nothing mind blowing, but just a really solid omelette. Breakfast potatoes were top notch. Toast came with a very tasty jam that I believe they make in house. With bottomless coffee, friendly staff, and beautiful interior, you cant go wrong with Inspiration Kitchens for brunch. Not to mention their mission - you know you are voting correctly with your dollar.

Sonal Patel

What a great concept!! We came in for brunch after a friend mentioned how amazing the food was here. I was even more excited when I heard about the social mission and concept behind the restaurant. We ordered the basket because my eye lit up when i read the words cornbread and biscuits all in the same basket....or was it the molasses butter? Cant recall - fell in to food coma... We shared our entees which included: the veggie biscuits & gravy, daily french toast special, and the root veggies. All of the portions were huge and I definitely needed a to go box for mine. The quality of the food was amazing. The flavors were enough to send you in to food coma before you knew it and the service was the icing on the cake with friendly smiles all around. I couldnt get over how much I loved the experience and the food here. If they make a branch out on the west coast, I have a feeling Ill be quite the regular there....just sayin!

John Kokoris

One of my absolute favorite restaurants on the west side. Food is absolutely terrific. A kind of gourmet take on southern/soul food and other American cuisines. Supports a REALLY good/cool cause. Put this place at the top of your list!!! The bad: Portions are a bit on the small side but its super cheap for the sort of fancy food they serve. (You can always get dessert!) Neighborhoods dicey to say the least but there is ample parking nearby and Ive never had a problem. Call before you go there--theyre closed at kind of weird times for events etc. None of these downsides are worth skipping the restaurant over TRUST me.

Stephen Poore

Why not eat at an affordable restaurant that is doing purposeful community engagement? You would think that inspiration kitchens would be merely sub-par for the price, but it was just the antithesis--this was some of the best food Ive had in Chicago. Not only do you feel good about your meal, you feel good partnering with community organizations that are helping to be the solution to Chicagos systemic issues. They are giving job opportunities to women and men that have been caught up in the "system" and are given a second chance in a career in hospitality industry. HOW COOL!

Tiffany Khoshaba

What a lovely idea! My husband and I had dinner here yesterday and we were so happy with our experience. I ordered the red snapper and he ordered steak. It is such a great idea to help the community and to enjoy delicious food in a warm environment. It is not necessarily the best neighborhood at night (dont take a stroll after the meal) if you are not from Chicago you may want to take not of that but we felt completely safe once inside. The waitstaff was delightful as well.

James V

There is nothing bad about this place at all. Cause, commitment, and excellence in food is no exception I always go for the Shrimp and grits. This has to be the Yummisest dish in the Chi hands down! I would have Shrimp and grits three times a day if i could The pulled pork / Po-boy is an excellent option as well. Please support Inspiration kitchen you will not regret it! Share review

Hope Cafe

There is nothing bad about this place at all. Cause, commitment, and excellence in food is no exception I always go for the Shrimp and grits. This has to be the Yummisest dish in the Chi hands down! I would have Shrimp and grits three times a day if i could The pulled pork / Poboy is an excellent option as well. Please support Inspiration kitchen you will not regret it!

roman borochin

amazing food, locally sourced and grown, and very inexpensive. I had an, english muffin with apple honey butter, parsnip soup , gnochi with butternut squash shitake sage and browned butter. everything was devine. great flavors kind service. the atmosphere is modern and spacious. it really helps to tune in to the smell, flavor, texture, and the general experience of the food.

Sheryl Barajas

I like this little gem hidden away in Garfield Park. Its conveniently located when visiting the Conservatory. The staff is friendly and accommodated our 2-year-old creatively. Their philosophy of giving people a "hand up" instead of a "hand out" is worth supporting. Nice interior, good food and an open kitchen thats fun to keep your eye on. Its all good.

Sergio Deleon

This outing was a very pleasent experience because the restaruants atmosphere was very inviting and the food was "Oh" so appetizing. They offered an impressible selection of dinning options and the staff was attentive to our needs. It is a great bonus that this non-for-profit also contributes a portion of their earnings to invest in the community.

John Wilkie

Great place right near the conservatory. I had the cornmeal catfish and cheddar grits, and those were amazing. The pancakes were good to, but nothing out of the ordinary. The tips you give supposedly go to the Chicago Food Bank, so that is pretty cool of them. Little pricey, but worth it if you are in the area on a little adventure.

Britnei Clark

This is one of Chicagos best kept secrets - this restaurant is not only delicious, it provides social services to those struggling with homelessness and poverty. Its a win-win! Their pumpkin pancakes are AMAZING and the quinoa burger is so, so good. Its BYOB, so plan ahead.

Ice-Fire Ninja Rashaun

They had really good food and the staff were really nice to me. They even had really good pie which is hard to come by. Overall, going to this resteraunt was a really good expirience and if youre looking for some good lunch, I would definitely recommend it.

wayne mathews

WE took my son, his bride and the wedding party here. I cannot describe how good this place is, from the homeade dishes to the excellent service. WE enjoyed a leisurely time and would go back in a heartbeat. This is a hidden gem!

Corey Jordan

The food was delicious! The biscuits and gravy were amazing!! We absolutely love the mission and motivation behind Inspiration Kitchens. The restaurant closed an hour earlier than the posted signage, hence the 4 stars.

xaxNAGATOxax

Beautiful, tasteful, tasty. Love the urban gardens. Superior customer service "welcome to Chicago" some much needed love in Garfield Park. Bring the whole family. Easy free parking 24/7 and next to the green line too.

Doug Bright

Inspired takes on southern/soul food at decent prices, BYOB, and for a good cause. Very small parking lot, but usually availability on the street. Great day out paired with the nearby Garfield Park Conservatory.

mike gresk

Great food.... fantastic cause...Sunday brunch/ lunch is THE best..order the shrimp and grits... outstanding!! No really...just enjoy and know you are helping improve the lives of the staff!!