Just wonderful! I mean really tasty! Delicious! We needed quick easy take out food, and I knew they also stocked cream top whole un-homogenized milk, which is my milk jam for sure! Two birds with one stone, milk we need and food we want. Three small pies happened; apple - really really good, strawberry rhubarb - even better, and balsamic raspberry pear - this one is by far my fave, not too sweet, all sorts of deep lush decadent raspberry flavor, the consistency makes me smile just thinking of it, I feel like I could just sit and eat a whole one of these (big one) and call that dinner, it's got to be good for me right, all that fruit? We also did a couple triple combo 70's salads and they were all good, figured, we might not like one, and figured do a tour of the 70's salad play list, and they were all good, but I really liked the tuna and chicken cucumber best! Last but not least, a heat in our own oven, Mac and Cheese, it's pretty much my fave simple home style no added meat or gimmick Mac N Cheese ever! Now I am super curious to check out the subscription program which also is for a cause, feeding Chicago's hungry, I'm all about that, especially while eating such delicious, wonderful, tasty, sustenance! Have a slice, you will be glad you did! read more

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

Best pies in town! First time customer and definitely a returning customer. We ordered Chocolate Cream and the Coffee Toffee. I cannot get over the freshness of the pie. Staff is friendly. Great pie selection and beverage selection too. I would love to try the Peanut Butter Pie, but it constantly gets sold out. read more

The First Slice Pie Café on Manor, near the Francisco Brown Line el stop, is an additional location, that joins the one at the Montrose Brown Line el stop. Like, the latter store, the Manor location is part of the non-profit organization that supports food donation and distribution. The web site is worthy of reading. However, you won't find a menu there. The site is all business, the First Slice Pie's business of serving the community. The café has good coffee. It offers some baked goods, and, apparently, it has a pizza night (?). This is the type of space that is ideal for a book club get-together, or for working on your iPad or tablet. There are several tables outdoors. The effect of the patio area is lovely, but the ambiance is marred somewhat by the surprisingly noisy traffic on the street outside. It is not busy, just noisy. The First Slice Pie Café is a great addition to the neighborhood. I plan to visit it more often now that summer is on the horizon. read more

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We didn't taste the pies but we had a good latte! This coffee shop is just next to the metro station, it's located in a peaceful and beautiful neighborhood. It's a nice place with a good vibe and it has a cozy decor. I loved the wooden tables. It was packed with people having lunch. read more

First Slice - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really had a lovely time eating here and hope to return over and over again. So, like Megan above, I was working long summer hours that meant I was always passing by this cute little storefront when it was closed. Teasing me! Anyways, I finally got a day off, and I'm riding my bike around the neighborhood, about half a block away, when I realize that I'm starving. The woman behind the counter was a peach! She helped me choose what to eat (broccoli and cheddar quiche) and explained the coffee sizes (and refills) to me. The food hit the spot, and the salad was delightful (blueberries!) with a light dressing. Once they get free wi-fi, I don't see how it won't be perfect. Also pretty excited to go back and try dinner. Still not sure what a "70s salad" is, but it sounds tasty. I'm not sure if I have it in me to sign up for their weekly dinner plan, but I like the idea; and I dig the non-profit side. read more

First Slice - Broccoli and cheddar quiche - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This cafe made my day!!!:) It was raining really hard this morning and I was soaking wet walking toward the Brown Line. I still had a good 20 minutes before I had to board the train so I decided to walk into this little cafe. Let me tell you, when I walked in I was greeted by a wonderful woman. Her name is Annette. She was very personable and I felt so welcomed there! I loved the atmosphere so much that I even asked my friend Anna to meet me there for lunch. We loved the food and Annette even made me a drink which isn't even on the menu. Even though it was my first time coming there, I felt extremely welcomed there!!!! Thank you so much Annette and First Slice Cafe. read more

Super cool little pie and sandwich place in Albany Park. Sure it's even better in the summer with their outdoor patio right next the Brown Linen train. Cozy and esp fun for the kiddos. All sandwiches look good but we tried the Mediterranean quiche and coffee braised beef burrito. Both exceptional. Plus the salad is so simple yet flavorful (anything with arugula is a winner in my book). Then had a slice of the key-lime pie and was tasty as heck too. Also have a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee with soy milk. This is a chain of cafes that are passionate about cooking good food but also help busy families serve good meals at home (they offer a meal plan for purchase) and help fight hunger for those in need. You can learn more at any of their locations and on their website - firstslice.org. If you're in the neighborhood for breakfast lunch or dinner, this is a good pick. read more

First Slice - Coffee braised beef burrito and spring salad with apples. - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've always loved this place, but due to the pandemic I've been popping in for takeout stuff more than usual. Oh my gosh, anyone who knows this place already knows the quiches and pies are magnificent... But the lobster mac & cheese? Perfectly rich without being overwhelming. The vegetable pot pie? When is the last time you had a vegetable pot pie that changed your entire vision of pot pies? The crust, the sauce, the veggies, the sage vibe... Just beautifully balanced. Tonight is Amish chicken soup, also from them, and we'll be fighting over the last bit of pot pie. Oh, and this stuff is all in the refrigerated section so you can grab it, put it in your own bag, and feel all safe and untouched. I mean you do have to pay but they've got hand sanitizer. Bring a Clorox wipe for your card and you should be fine. read more

Very cute cafe! The design decor was so nice, too. I couldn't stop staring at their pie selections. I didn't get pie, but I got a white peach tea. It was perfect for the nice warm days that Chicago has been having lately. I'd totally go back since it's right off the brown line. read more

We ordered takeout lunch from here on the way back from the park, and the salad and sandwiches were great! Very nice service too. We would definitely order again. read more

My favorite place in Ravenswood Manor. Homey, neighborhood spot for a cup of coffee and slice of pie, or an omelette on the weekend. Every staff member I've interacted with has been extremely nice. The location is great too, it's nice to hear the train go by. read more

First Slice - Corner table - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First almost 70 degree day of the year, so of course I find myself outside (duh!). Took my little Maltese, Kai, to the dog park. Which was awesome, but I found myself very hungry. And since Pi Day (3.14) just passed and I didn't have any, I look for the closest pie place around. Got the food to go, so I could sit outside with Kai. I tried the turkey chili and the chicken/guacamole sandwich. The sandwich was okay, but I really enjoyed the turkey chili! The peanut butter and chocolate pie was to die forrrrrrr. I'm pretty sure it had oreo crust, and that made it even more amazing. The only reason I don't give the place 4 stars is because the guy behind the counter was kind of rude to me. I didn't understand his question, and he got snippy with me. But...like I said, the pie was amazing! And who doesn't want a slice of pie sometimes. read more

First Slice - ..turkey chili and chicken/guac sandwich.. - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Beautiful spot, spot on service and taste! I drive past on a daily basis and for a decade or more I haven't had the chance to make it in. I finally pulled myself in and had the chance to try it. I had the Mediterranean Quiche, perfect flavors, texture and healthiness I was looking for. Their coffee was spot on! Perfect balance with the Michigan cherry pie! I'll be back, count on it!! I'll definitely be back for a whole cake or two! read more

yum apple pie... i like this location so much better than the one on ashland but i couldn't tell you why. the food just tastes that much better i guess? friendly service - i wish i could've stayed and chatted some more. right up against the francisco brown line - can't miss it. tried the pear balsamic pie and the vegan carrot cake (very raisin and coconut heavy - 2 ingredients that aren't my fave - so i was not a fan). would get the pear pie again but the traditional apple is where it's at. read more

I love having delivery options. I ordered a salad and blueberry cheesecake. The cheesecake was amazing!

Iced Coffee and Cashew Snickerdoodle Cookie are my go to for a quick breakfast. They serve Colectivo Coffee. Service is amazing! Very convenient location next to the Francisco Brown Line station. read more

First Slice - Cashew Snickerdoodle and Iced Coffee - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This cafe is right off the brown line Francisco stop and I heard they have good pie. Well let me tell you everything on the menu is likely delicious. We had the broccoli and cheese quiche and two slices of pie: sour cherry and raspberry balsamic. Everything was really good! This place is definitely a known cafe in the neighborhood and has friendly vibes. I will be back to try more pie. read more

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I'm in love with First slice. The pie is outstanding. I think I've had them all. Great cuppa also. Keep up the good work and helping families with meals. read more

Michigan Sour Cherry pie Whoever made this 1) is from Michigan/has a true Michigan recipe and 2) deserves to be kissed and given all the head they desire everyday for the rest of their life. Jesus Im in love read more

Love at First Slice. Be still my heart. At long last, First Slice has set up shop just mere steps from the Francisco stop on the Brown Line. I walk by it every day and wondered if it was ever going to open, but yesterday, they officially opened for business. And naturally I couldn't walk by without checking it out. I walked in and was downright giddy. It's a bright, sunny space with big wooden tables and like their other location, they're offering up soups, salads, sandwiches, quiche, and of course, pie. I came away with a slice of Michigan sour cherry pie and one of the biggest lemon bars I've ever seen. It was hard not to try and buy everything, but I had to remind myself that since this place is practically in my backyard, there's no reason I can't come back every day and sample their offerings, which also include chocolate chip cookie bars and snickerdoodles. The lemon bar was one of the biggest and best I've ever had - nice and lemony, and just tart and sweet enough with a perfect crust. And priced at just $2.00, it was a steal. The cherry pie was nice and tart and topped with a lattice crust, which is my preference. As much as I love my sweets, the crowning glory may just be that they also offer fried chicken on their menu, which I was able to take a peek at, and it looked divine. There's a good chance I may just be their best customer since no two things make me happier than sweets and fried chicken in one place. In addition, First Slice offers a shareholder program. As a subscriber, you will receive home-cooked, restaurant-quality meals. Your subscription also directly contributes to funding the same high-quality food to people in need. Individual and family subscriptions are available. One family subscription feeds twenty hungry people for a month. What could be better than eating well and doing good? You can't stop at one slice at First Slice. read more

Live down the street and eat here at least once a week. I think I've tried everything on the menu and liked it all. Last night I had the Cuban Sandwich, found it better than most Cuban restaurants. Staff is always super nice and friendly to boot! read more

This First Slice Pie Café location is really close to the Francisco stop on the Brown Line. I have been here twice and it is a good spot to meet friends if you are in the area. I have had the chocolate peanut butter pie and the hot chocolate here, and both are fine if not crave-worthy. Service is quick and pleasant enough, although one time I did see a line forming around lunchtime. Whether you come solo or with family, you should feel cozy here. read more

Love the community model, love the food. It can be a little loud so near the train, but otherwise a really pleasant place to get some coffee and treats and do a little writing or socializing. Also the pie... SO. GOOD. Favorite = Coffee Toffee. But seasonal favorite = strawberry rhubarb. Although the Tabasco Cream pie is also good... PIE! read more

I love having this little pie shoppe just down the street. It's a cute bright little space steps from the Francisco stop. But First Slice is offering up more than just pie. There are a variety of baked goods to be had - scones, cookies, muffins, biscotti. There is also a case with heat & eat items for those nights when you just don't feel like cooking. Finally there is a menu with a little something for everyone - sandwiches, pizza, quiche, salads.. and of course pie! Pie, glorious pie. Chocolate pie. French Silk pie. Fruit pie. Coffee Toffee pie and my favorite - Peanut Butter pie! I've sat outside on a beautiful fall day with a Sprecher soda and a delicious slice of quiche and I've run in, grabbed a sandwich with a slice of pie to enjoy in the comfort of my own home. An enjoyable experience either way. And perhaps the best thing about First Slice is that it's a non for profit devoted to serving the community via youth groups, churches and various other outreach programs. That's right, First Slice is a self funded charity that serves thousands of meals to the needy and homeless. Support this local business who not only serve up some tasty fare but give back to the community. First Slice, First Rate. read more

Every person who has ever stared in dismay at their stove at the end of a long day wishing they did not have to cook to achieve a healthy meal without spending a fortune needs to know about the subscriber program at First Slice. It's seriously the most awesome thing ever, and in being a subscriber you're actually contributing to a program that helps the community. Even when i'm not sure what certain items are on the weekly selections, I've come to realize that it's almost always unimportant, because regardless of what it is it's going to be delicious (chicken tinga? wth is that? guess what, doesn't matter! delicious!). Now when it's time to make dinner I have no stress of having to deal with it and no guilt brought on by succumbing to dialing for over-priced take out. And they even accommodate our low-carb needs. Thank you! I feel a little guilty because we've been on the subscriber program for several months and I haven't written a review- tbh I was avoiding it because I didn't want to have to subtract a star for the morose staff I've interacted with. I'm very pleased to note that has changed with the new management- I've definitely seen a huge upswing in the positivity levels at the counter- yay! Oh and to the person who wrote that the salads in the counter creep them out- bummer for you because they're friggin delicious. In particular, curry chicken salad and cucumber chicken salad are utterly delectable. Also, pie. YUM. read more

First I want to say that if I was giving a rating just on the food it would probably be a 5 star. We have been getting their subscriber service for about a year and a half so we have tried a lot of their offerings and have generally been very happy with the food. The reason for the lost two stars is because of management. Every time that I have had to interact with anyone beyond just picking up our food I have felt very uncomfortable and more like an imposition than a customer. I understand that management has recently changed, but my recent interactions with them have not been any better. The people who work the counter are usually friendly, but there are certain people that I would rather turn around than to go in and speak to. I consider that an extension of grumpy management though. If your manager acts like your customers are a burden then you are probably going to act that way too. I hope they find a way to bring more joy and friendliness into the business because they have a great product. read more

So glad we randomly stumbled upon this cute delicious cafe today! I can't say enough about the high quality of the food but also about the staff. Bridget in particular was so friendly, helpful and informative and she provided us with the best service we could have hoped for. By answering all of our questions about the menu and offering cool suggestions for modifications based on our dietary restrictions as well as the philosophy of the restaurant, we were just super impressed! What we got: 1)The veggie lasagna with butternut squash which was to die for 2) The goat cheese and veggie sandwich - which was like a grilled panini with poached pears, spinach, cauliflower, onions and sundried tomatoes. We had to try this unusual combo and it was the perfect blend of melt in your mouth goodness. Came with a delicious side salad and chips 3) A cheddar cheese scone (which we scarfed before our lunch was served), which was the perfect combo of sweet and savory 4) An iced chai tea latte - full of real spices and non-homogenized organic milk FTW We also got a mini cherry, strawberry rhubarb and apple pie to go. Very excited to try these, especially since proceeds help to go feed homeless people. Five stars just for being a decent and good company that is trying to help the community. That's definitely a business we want to support. You must try this hidden gem, that utilizes local whole nutritious foods to create unique culinary masterpieces. And finally, the portions are generous and the price is extremely reasonable for the quality and care that goes into getting the food onto your plate. First Slice Pie Cafe, we are SO glad we found you and we will be back! read more

It's nice having a neighborhood place like this. it's nothing to rave about. The pies are just okay in the ambiance is just okay. But I connected with people several times here over the past 9 months and it's been a very convenient and it's nice to have this place in the neighborhood. What I don't like is the kid who's been doing afternoon/evening shifts. He's been especially unwelcoming and borderline rude to me ever since I moved to the neighborhood in early May. He isn't like that to everyone and I'd love to be the psychologist you can tell me what his issues are with me. read more

A neighborhood gem right off the L stop and across the street from a park. Great coffee, sandwiches and pies. I need to try their specials on Friday and their Sunday brunch. read more

I have never been in that area of the city before. So the second I stepped off of the Brown Line to do some apartment searching, I walked into First Slice to ask for directions to my destination. To my surprise, I stumbled upon a quaint little cafe with fresh baked goods and loose leaf tea! I knew I'd be back to experience this local shop considering this may be the future neighborhood I'll be living in. After looking at the apartment, I came back.. as promised! I had a Jasmine Green Tea, as recommended by the sweet barista, and had a tomato soup with a cute little grilled cheese. It was all fantastic! The customer service was great. I then took a FLOURLESS cookie home for dessert. Which was delicious. . The barista also told me that all the baked goods were made in house! I love small businesses! They have so much more quality than a corporate cafe/coffee house. If I do move into the area, which I hope, I will be frequenting this place! YAY! read more

This is the friendliest coffee shop in Chicago. That is not a backhanded compliment, because there are very friendly people at other coffee shops as well. This is a place where you can rush across the tracks to beat an approaching Brown Line train, get a fast cup of coffee, rush back to make it in time for the next Brown Line train, and even though the whole process might seem like a blur, the actual process of _buying the coffee_ will improve your day. Today, I am camped out briefly between meetings. The wi-fi has already held up better than I'm used to at most places. It's raining out, and my location by the window feels ideal. I'm actually going to come back here later today, after my meeting downtown, inbetween other meetings! And when I do that, they have vegan pastries here. I'll get a vegan carrot cake later today. You can't do that at most places. So yeah, First Slice deserves its reputation. Pay it a visit already! read more

Small but cute local operation that has fantastic pies, and very friendly staff. The salads and sandwiches are tasty, as well. They're literally adjacent to the train (Francisco stop) so you can feel the rumble as they go by, but it's really not distracting. And even if it were distracting, the pies are worth it. I'll be coming back here to ruin my diet consistently. Good thing the food options are healthy, so I can feel good about half my choices. read more

Great costumer service! I just had to write that to start. I'm currently on the search of finding good and affordable vegan spots and this is in one of my top ten. The cashier was super friendly and house warming! She instantly recommend things and wanted to help accommodate other food options to being vegan. I got a black coffee and a vegan carrot cake slide for $4. That carrot cake was one of the best things to happen in my life. The coffee was good as well, but that carrot cake... It's right outside of the brown line, and it's a good spot to go do work. I recommend it, it's a cute little shop ! #SupportYourLocalShop read more

First slice is soo cozy! The staff is always super friendly, and the smells that fill my porch from across the tracks in First Slices kitchen are FANTASTIC! Coffee is consistent, & fresh, not just pee in a pot that's been burning for hours. The baked treats are prefect for afternoon snack & their take home dinners are perfect for a quick meal on the way home... And the pie..... Oh the pie! Only quip - not open early enough for my breakfast coffee. read more

This is an awesome and laid-back place to get some great food, tea, coffee, and of course, pie. I've tried almost everything except their pie so far -- I think I'm waiting to build my pie desire up to tantric levels before I cave. This place looks like a small coffee shop but they've got a huge kitchen in the back, and when you order a sandwich, you get a rockin little salad and usually some fries or chips etc. Plus they use local free-range meats, so if you like meat like me, but don't like factory farming evilness, this is the spot for you. The people that work here are sweet. Tip them well! read more

Great little neighborhood place! Unique menu items, friendly, knowledgable, helpful staff. My fav from here is the black bean and mushroom tamales! Tasty, comes with a side salad of mixed greens. Give it a try! read more

Spent the morning here, on a super rainy day. I was getting my car fixed on Lawrence, and needed a cafe with internet access. It's one of the only places like it around the area. The staff was super friendly. The food was all delicious, as was the coffee and pastries. Everything is a little pricier than I would like (Sandwiches are $9, and while delicious, I felt they should be 7 or so) I didn't get the small pies ($7 each, but they looked fantastic!) They were fairly quiet and empty and I got a lot of work done. It's right by the Francisco train, and well worth stopping by if you are in the area. The rest room is through the ginormous kitchen (this is the main baking kitchen for all First Slice's. read more

First Slice - A couple of the pies at First Slice. I believe the selection changes daily. - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is great! First of all they did the pies for my wedding years ago, and had plenty of options for everyone. They were a huge hit! Then, this week, I had a Pie Emergency, and Callie went above and beyond for my delicious Michigan cherry pie. Cheers to this Chicago mainstay! read more

There are a few things I really enjoy about this place: (1) The location - This is the quintessential local cafe, tucked away among the residential confines of a quiet and friendly neighborhood. Just going to this place is enjoyable because it's conveniently off the beaten track and still just a couple steps from the brown line Francisco stop. If the weather is right, you can cross the street and chill out at Ravenswood Manor Park, surrounded by well-kept brick homes, tall trees, and the occasional passing street level train. (2) The food - They serve excellent pie, and lots of different kinds. I'm a big fan of peanut butter and chocolate pies in general, and this one was especially satisfying, hearty portions and perfect match with a coffee. I haven't had a meal there yet, but the breakfast looked like it was worth another trip back. (3) The setup - Long, spacious tables in front of large, sunny, street-side windows that let in plenty of natural light while you work on homework or other stuff on a weekend morning. (4) Good hours - Coffee shops near Lincoln Square often close up by early afternoon. This place has longer hours, which is nice if you're looking for a place to go after you take the early evening El train home from work. read more