Pick Me Up Cafe

I tried Pick Me Up with some friends this weekend and I really did like the vibe. I think my friends talked it up way too much for me and it wasn’t as incredible as they made it sound. It’s just another typical café in Chicago… however I did love the service. Service is important to me when spending my dollars at a diner. Some of my friends ordered food and it all looked delicious – I ordered the vanilla chai milkshake and it was on point! I guess they took up after Oprah Chai — not sure who came first but who has ever heard of a vanilla chai shake?! I had to try it and I’m glad that I did because my taste buds really enjoyed it. It’s a very inexpensive place and I’m sure I’ll be back here to try a Zombie one day — I saw my friend order that and almost lost it because that is a lot of coffee and there are a lot of days I need that many shots of espresso!

Everything I’ve ordered here is ALWAYS good. It’s my go to place when I’m in the mood to eat out on very late nights (practically mornings). But yea, I’ve told everyone about this place. My sisters told their friends, etc. Also, they always have the best music playing LOL.

I love coming here to work in the afternoons. The wifi is fast, the environment is fun, and the service is great. I always get one of three waitpersons, and each does a great job. Also, it seems like they all have fun there while they are working, and I like to spend my funds at establishments that keep their staff happy.

I don’t know how many times I’ve passed by this place walking or on the Clark bus and never noticed it…
They have some great vegan options. I tried the banana and nutella crêpe which was good. I think I’d have to try another dish or two to really form an opinion based on the food.
It is quite loud so be aware of that.

Been here a few times for both a very hungover brunch and dinner. The vibe of the place is very funky and cozy, which is most definitely a plus. The food is not the best I’ve ever had, but it has its upsides. I got the Magic Caps last time I went which almost tasted like mini pizzas on a mushroom crust. I absolutely love the teas here. They come in a glass mug, reminiscent of one you’d sip beer out of, and are heavy on the flavor.

I have not had a bad anything at Pick Me Up. This place always delivers great food, service, and alcoholic coffee. It’s my goto for easy hearty brunch on the weekend. For as many times as I’ve been here I’m amazed I haven’t reviewed it yet.
The delicious things I’ve had here include the veggie benedict, the clown combo, huevos rancheros, Bamf, and most importantly the salmon benedict only served during weekend brunch. All of those items here are really good, but the salmon benedict is perfect. I have no other words for it. One of my top favorite brunch items around Chicago.
On top of that are their drinks. They usually have something seasonal that’s delicious but I always enjoy their coffee mixed drinks. They don’t have a big selection but hey, if you want a shot of drink in your coffee they have it. Their other cocktails are pretty good as well.

I have to update my review for Pick me up… I have been here many times now. I absolutely love the kitschy atmosphere and the breakfast is to die for. The vegan french toast with bananas and pecan, holy hell is that good. I also got the vegan pancakes and added the bananas and pecans. It is so delicious. Get a side of hash browns and you are good for the whole day. You will never be able to finish all of it but that is what to go containers are for! They also have this heart attack in a cup (i like to call it that), it is like four cups of coffee and espresso in a giant bowl that serves as an enormous coffee cup. Now that is a «cup» of coffee.
My favorite part of Pick me up Café is ADAM!!! He is the server extraordinaire. I just adore him and will ask to sit in his section every time. Thanks for making my visits fun, warm and inviting. Did I also mention delicious?

Literally, my go-​to Friday or Saturday late night spot.
First went here with friends to get milkshakes, and have kept coming back ever since. The food is great too!
Great atmosphere with nice and friendly workers.
They have huge booths in the corners that are great for big groups!

Fantastic food, fun and friendly atmosphere, and even though there might be a wait at peak brunch times, it’s never been as bad as at other ‘trendy’ breakfast joints.
They serve many delicious options for your vegan and vegetarian friends, including vegan ice cream and cakes. Ample portions and a wide variety including BOOZEY DRINKS, a large tea selection, coffee bar, and more.
They’re definitely one of my favorite spots for breakfast — any time of the day.

If I were reviewing only based on service and food, Pick Me Up would get 5 stars. I’ve always had excellent, friendly service, and love the food. Even as a carnivore myself, I absolutely love the vegan nachos, and would highly recommend the garlicious chicken breast sandwich. Also had the best chai tea I’ve ever had here.
However, I would highly recommend calling ahead to check hours. Twice in the past 3 weeks, I’ve ran into problems here. The first time, we showed up an hour and ten minutes before the listed closing time, only to find all the lights off and the doors already locked. The second time was yesterday (Halloween). Showed up around 2 am, had 4 employees walk past us obviously waiting for a table… Only for a 5^th employee to come out 15 minutes later and tell us that the kitchen was closed early tonight, though they are supposedly open until at least 4 am on Saturdays. This has definitely darkened my opinion on Pick Me Up, sadly. If you’re going here after midnight, I would definitely recommend calling ahead to be sure they’re not randomly closing up early.

Service is mediocre. I guess it’s a hit or miss with who you get and the day of the week.
The food is pretty good and definitely they have good portions for all that they serve for breakfast.
Not my favorite breakfast spot because it can get too crowded.

Even though we ordered bloody marry, the server still didn’t like our Starbucks coffee that we couldn’t finish on the way to this place and she put them away. I felt intimidated by the server like she could beat up one of us at any moment. Thank God, it didn’t happen and we could enjoy rest of our Saturday!
They don’t have the best soup, I honestly didn’t enjoy their pumpkin chicken soup but I finished. It was a cold day. Buffalo chicken wrap was nice, I can’t say amazing but it was better than most of the places, however, I couldn’t taste the buffalo sauce. Maybe they should name it different.
My hubby didn’t enjoy the bacon egg Benedict. Idk why but he wasn’t happy with what he ate. Maybe it was a wrong choice for him.
Bloody marry taste fine but it’s chunky. You don’t drink, you kinda eat bloody marry. Sooooooo…
Not my fav breakfast/​lunch/​brunch place.

Came here on the late-​night on recommendation about their shakes. While I did not get a shake, I still really enjoyed this café.
We were seated right away and our server was perfectly pleasant the entire time. I had a slice of apple pie that was absolutely wonderful. Had I not spent a lot of money that day I would have ordered a second one. The rest of the members of my group got shakes that they thoroughly enjoyed. I tried a sip of the mocha one and loved it. While I didn’t regret getting the pie, I know that next time I am trying the shake.
The atmosphere here is outstanding as well. All sorts of neon lights and random trendy signs decorate the café. The bar seems really unique and I would love to check that out next time as well. The seating is comfortable and varied, and the café was very clean.
I saw many people ordering a shake and start on homework on their laptops using the free wi-​fi offered. I can see myself coming back here and doing that myself.

Pick Me Up Café is a great little place to grab brunch or lunch right in the heart of Lakview/​Wriggleyville. The lightening is pretty dim inside and the walls are covered with an array of pictures and artwork which gave it a little bit of a hipster vibe to me. Their menu has a lot of vegetarian and vegan friendly options in addition to all of your traditional breakfast and café favorites.
I ordered the breakfast burrito with chorizo and really enjoyed it! Portions are HUGE! I ended up taking most of mine home and having it for dinner the next day. Everything that was ordered at my table looked delicious, ranging from skillets to pancakes. At the end of our meal, our server even asked if we wanted separate checks, which pretty much never happens anywhere in Chicago! Everything is quite cheap too. Double bonus!
Anytime I need a quick and easy place to take friends for brunch on a weekend, Pick Me Up Café will be at the top of my list!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s? More like breakfast at midnight, eating at the «Where’s Waldo» table!
Pick Me Up Café is an adorable neighborhood spot with great comfort food and a unique vibe. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. I love their breakfast combo and their brownie sundae is to die for. I’ve never had to wait for a table and the food comes out quickly.
They have a TON of vegetarian and vegan options for both appetizers, meals and desserts. If you live in the area and haven’t been yet, then it is definitely worth a try!

Pick Me Up Café far exceeds my expectations when I think «café.» This place is really more of a diner. I love being able to come here late at night and get some food, it’s really a destination.
For someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, this is a great alternative in the neighborhood to all the other rowdy bars. The décor is artsy, very eclectic and interesting. The staff has always been friendly, so I won’t give them too much grief for being overly hipster. And the food is really delicious.
I always get the chicken ranch wrap, which is another option that exceeds my expectations. It’s bacony, ranchy, a bit oniony, and the flavors meld really well to make it more than «just a wrap,» in my opinion. I also love their homemade soups, it seems like they always have a different selection when I’m there. Though I can’t quite remember which soups I’ve had, they’ve always been very savory, hearty and flavorful.
My friend had the Mac & Cheese once, and he was a little disappointed that it tasted a bit powdery, though.
The only issue, in this area of course, is parking. If you come on a weekend night, there are usually events in the area that make it impossible to find parking, but it’s usually a good bet to pay for lot parking at the liquor store across the street, rather than risk your car on the street itself.

I love the late hours, common variety of food and drinks, decent quality and you can hang out forever. Hit and Miss.
SWEET KISS ($ 5) — an interesting combination of alcohol and tea. Boozy.
RED VELVET TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CREPE ($ 9) — skip it! I like the crunchy edges. Generous chocolate chips. Sweet. Crêpe mix has doughy smell.
VENUE — old school coffee shop that stayed true since the day they opened. Mismatch. Kitschy.
OUTLET — one by the door near a 2-​seater table by the window.

I love pick me up. They have a great vegetarian and vegan options. Just get the vegan French toast to go with whatever else you get. Just do it! Their lattes are toasty and their scrambles are hearty. But don’t forget the French toast… it’s so light and crispy and fluffy. I also really like the décor… funky and eclectic. The servers have always been friendly. Even when in prime brunch time we have never had to wait.

Overall: Good food at a reasonable price and a fun/​cozy atmosphere. Definitely a good breakfast/​lunch option.
The good: Tons of great food options. More of a breakfast or lunch place, not really a dinner spot (but it still could be). The prices are reasonable, and the portion sizes are good sized. Service was friendly.
The bad: Not much! A little cramped in terms of space to sit. The food was a little too fatty/​cheesy/​oily, but overall it was good.
Atmosphere: ⁸⁄₁₀
Service: ⁸⁄₁₀
Food: ⁸⁄₁₀

I REALLY REALLY like this spot.
Its weird, but I’ve found myself in Wrigleyville, deep in party mode, several times in the past few months. Weird because I’m old and I avoid bro-​bars like the plague. But regardless, I’m drunk and hungry and it’s late and I need food and I’m in fucking Wrigleyville so my manfriend pulls me into Pick Me Up café for much needed sustenance.
He’s a winner, this manfriend. I don’t think I ever would have thought to eat here. It seems like some weird, hippie spot from the outside. It kind of is, but it also has really huge portions of delicious food.
The interior is eclectic. The clientele past midnight on a weekend (the only times I’ve been here) run the gamut from pseudo-​intellectual kids with hipster glasses and dirty jeans to hippie kids with dreads to drunk bros and trixies to old-​ass bitches like me. Apparently erryone gets the hungries sometimes!
What I love about PMUC is that the staff is super nice and friendly, the menu is all-​encompassing of breakfast, lunch and dinner items all day long and the food is downright delicious.
I would suggest breakfast. They have this thing where you get eggs, meat, toast or a bagel, hashbrowns and pancakes. Do it. you won’t eat it all but you want all these components. The bagels are crazy-​good. Don’t fear the carb. And the pancakes? Serious business. I was loving it.
Honestly, this is the jam for late-​night eats in Lakeview.