Fab Review: Stax Cafe

Stax Cafe, located in University Village, takes breakfast seriously. They are so serious, breakfast is served all-day, every day. Only the finest and highest quality ingredients are used. This casual eatery serves classic breakfast favorites including pancakes, omelettes, french toast, waffles, egg bennies, and more.

Erica (@everythingerica), Sherrie (@sherriesavorsthecity), and I stopped in to grab a bite. Well…more like a feast. We had two tables full of food, and it was amazing!

{Ambiance}
Stax Cafe’s atmosphere is super relaxed and casual. There are long, extended booths against the walls as well as wooden tables and chairs throughout the space. Whether you go with a small or big group, the restaurant can accommodate parties of all sizes.

There are also high stools by the kitchen if you want to get a quick bite to eat. The smell of the buttermilk pancakes and sizzling bacon will surely leave you hungry.

{Food}
Stax Cafe is not about re-inventing breakfast or re-creating flavors. They take American breakfast classics and showcase quality ingredients. Everything is made in-house or locally sourced from neighboring farms, including their sauces and spices. So, you can feel good about what you are putting int0 your body. And the best part…it tastes so good!

Cafe Latte
Stax Cafe proudly serves Intelligentsia coffee. I don’t know about you, but I literally can’t function without my coffee in the morning. Along with regular coffee, they also offer lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. I went with a soy latte, which was frothy, creamy, and simply delicious…it really hit the spot.

FAB TIP: The regular coffee is served in big mugs and refills are FREE. Yes, I repeat. FREE refills on regular coffee.

FAB TIP: They also have a variety of freshly squeezed juices and smoothies you can enjoy.

Omelette
Breakfast isn’t breakfast without eggs. The omelettes at Stax Cafe are made from farm fresh, cage-free eggs. We tried the Denver Omelette with ham, poblano peppers, onions, and cheddar. The poblano peppers were a nice change of pace compared to the typical bell peppers and provided a slight “meatiness” . The dish is simple but well-executed. Omelettes come with a side of house potatoes and a choice of toast, mini pancakes, or mini waffles.

Pancakes
You can’t go to a place called Stax, and not order pancakes, right? We did not hesitate. In fact, we ordered three kinds:

1. Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter with Bananas (B-A-N-A-N-A-S!) – Who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter? I liked how the bananas were cooked into the pancake.
2. Ricotta Cakes topped with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote (berry good!) – The strawberry rhubarb compote was sweet but mixed well with the fresh strawberries. These pancakes remind me of dining al fresco in summer months.
3. The Blueberry with Michigan Blueberries and Blueberry Lemon Compote (my berry favorite!) – The blueberry pancakes were my favorite. The blueberries had a slight tanginess, which balanced out the sweetness of the compote. The crunchiness of the granola created an enjoyable textural contrast.

FAB TIP: The pancakes come in minis (which is what we ordered) so try a variety. From fruits to chocolate, order one of each.

The pancakes are definitely the highlight of the menu. I really enjoyed the different flavor combinations. The pancakes itself are nice and fluffy. Each creation has its own unique flavor profile, so you don’t even need to add much maple syrup.

FAB TIP: Gluten-free pancakes available.

Prosciutto Benedict
Stax Cafe is constantly creating and testing new menu items. The Prosciutto Benedict was inspired by one of the owners cravings during pregnancy…it was everything she could not have! The English muffin is topped with generous portions of prosciutto, sliced avocado, two poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. It is on the saltier side so make sure to combine all the toppings into your bite.

Bacon Jam Sandwich
Have you ever had bacon jam? It’s incredible. The sweet and salty combo will have you screaming for more. Two pieces of toasted multigrain bread is schmeared with house-made tomato bacon jam and topped with fresh sliced avocado, and two sunny side-up eggs. Everything is good with bacon!

Fried Chicken Sandwich
Although Stax Cafe serves mostly breakfast items, they offer a small lunch menu. Erica highly recommended the Fried Chicken Sandwich, so we had to try! The chicken is lightly battered and has a nice crispiness.

The sandwich is piled high with fresh vegetables, melted cheese, and a dollop of Ranch dressing. Is your mouth watering, yet?

{Experience}
If you love breakfast food, you’ll love Stax Cafe. This family-owned concept puts a lot of thought and care into the dishes served. The importance of fresh and premium ingredients are a priority and it really shines through the food. Frozen or pre-mixed items are never served so you can always eat good and feel good.

{Location}
Stax Cafe
University Village || 1401 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 733-9871

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

Where are some of your favorite breakfast or brunch spots? Share with me below.

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: This meal was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.