Pie-O-My!
The Food.
Slice Ravenswood Manor ("Albany Park") specializes in slices of pies which rotate based on date and which location (there are multiple locations). Fruit Pies Like
Michigan sour cherry, strawberry, blueberry, apple, peach, a mixture of fruits, etc ; or unusual pies like Balsamic Raspberry Pear Pie, Red Wine Poached Pear Streusel; traditional like pecan; cheesecake based like plain, or with fruits, or seasonal flavors like pumpkin. It's a pie place.
Soups lean towards "Hearty Soups" with roasted flavors, whole grains, or chili. There are standard and special soups.
Food leans towards a touch of something savory or with a twist like goat cheese. There are Community plates which setup multiple items for sharing. There are deli salads to create a duo or trio sampling. Many items have an organic label. Some maybe sourced locally. I tried the roasted veggie sandwich with two sides for $10. It was savory. I added hot sauce to kick it up. The bread was fresh. A suggestion would be to chop the veggies a bit so they don't 'string out' on each bite.
Loose Leaf teas are available for tea lovers, presented in a pot.
Customers can ask for hot water refills anytime.
The Scene
The customers on my visit were local, quiet, and some regulars plus a few newbies. There is small playlot nearby which attracts a few parents going to and from. Most customers seem to order and be on their way immediately or after a short visit during my weekday midday visit.
The Service
On my visit, the front counter was super uber mix of friendly, local, and straight shooter anticipating needs and asking question, plus providing some direction to people on what to try with a curious mind, and where to find stuff in the cafe (Annette). Annette is mentioned in several other reviews and she might be 'not so secret' asset to differentiate this shop's service 'authentic not corporate' feel.
The counter can be busy, so you might wait a minute while they provide service to each customer and manage the shop.
The Facilities.
The cafe is small with 4 tables inside, two of them are community. Outside it's three tables. The cafe had soft indie pop music on my visit. Next to the cafe is the Brown Line, and it has a slow muffled rumble.
WiFi is free.
The Restroom is in the kitchen, and is Employee grade with a cleaning closet mixed in.
recommended for those looking for a local small cafe, local service, local twist on the cafe menu especially if you like to try some locally sourced pie. Give it a try! read more