You can still be a calamity in the kitchen and do some good at Inspiration Cafe. While not completely incompetent in the kitchen, I am not known for my culinary skills. Fortunately, you don't need to be the next Iron Chef to do some good here. What it is: * Inspiration Corporation assists more than 3,000 individuals and families affected by homelessness and poverty each year - serving as a catalyst for self-reliance.* * Inspiration Cafe serves meals in a restaurant-style setting and provides supportive services in a therapeutic community designed to help individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency.* What you do: * Plan a menu for approximately 30 diners. * Shop, cook and serve the meal to the diners. I joined a group of my fellow Yelpers for a dinner shift at the cafe. Since my culinary skills aren't the greatest I was more than happy to work on the serving side of things. The kitchen part of our team was amazing - cooking and plating salads, rolls, a main course and dessert. Everything looked fresh and tasty. If you work on the serving side of things you will make sure everyone has silverware, condiments and drink refills. During meal time you'll also be responsible for taking orders for the main course (not everyone will necessarily want all portions of your menu) and bussing tables. All of the diners were great. Most were very outgoing, polite and jovial, telling jokes, making me laugh, and making me feel like I'm helping make a difference. Shifts are 2-3 hours depending on the complexity of your menu and seem to work best with a group of 10-12. If you're a first time group, play it safe and allow yourself extra prep time . Next time you're looking for a little pick me up consider signing up for a shift at the Cafe; I bet it will make you feel better, longer than any retail therapy. * From the Inspiration Corporation website read more

I almost hate these people??? I almost do hate you for reminding me I'm not just a cube dwelling animal, but a biscuit buttering maniac they keep reminding me I have a heart, that people do care, that we are not different and are in it together for the long run in this small world. the food from the heart kitchen is always full of heart clogging love and the smiles that resonate at the end of the meals always leave my socks soggy from the ice that melts from around my heart. sometimes lacking in spices donated by others, the professionally equipped kitchen with built in human dishwashers is a wannabe top iron chef's wet dream come true....but do bring your own spices to add to the collection for future meals and growing dreams of a world where we all break biscuits and sop up home made gravy together. kudos to Colleen C for taking the time to light a candle that helps guide me away from my daily darkness read more

I had been volunteering for various events at Inspiration Corporation for 5 years. It's a wonderful organization with a lot of hard working people. The breadth of ways they help those in need is truly inspiring. Volunteering at the kitchen is always so rewarding, even if you have an early shift and aren't a morning person. The annual fundraise, One Inspired Evening is always a beautiful, well developed event as well. read more

Here's a little tidbit about me-- the closest I come to cooking is watching Top Chef. I'll never be a top contender, but a top spectator, YES! So this past summer, when Colleen asked me if I'd be interested in volunteering at the Inspiration Cafe, I started sweating. Because all these Yelp reviews I write? They're a direct product of average-at-best (borderline incompetent) cooking skills. But don't let your lack of culinary prowess deter you from volunteering at this wonderful organization. You can make a difference by preparing food, cooking, or even serving the meal. Even I felt comfortable working in the kitchen-- the staff is very patient with newbies and offers guidance if needed (i.e. where are the mixing bowls?). The founder, Lisa Nigro, started the program by delivering bagels and coffee to the homeless via a little red wagon. Though the program has successfully grown into what it is today, I appreciate that the intimacy of serving someone with compassion, dignity and old-fashioned eye-contact with a smile is still intact. On a side note, I'm sure that most of you watched the Oscars and saw the 60-second spot that Helen Hunt directed. I'm so happy that Inspiration Cafe received strong national press for a program that truly enriches our community. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3AOzj7mVNQ All it takes is 3 hours. read more

I enjoyed the opportunity to give back a little and help out at the Inspiration Cafe. Especially so with the current cold weather we are having, it was nice to see people come in and enjoy a meal. I do appreciate what this place means for many people. While serving, I was lucky to talk to a few of them. They were all nice and appreciative of us coming in and they all seem to enjoy their meal. I want to give kudos to those who got a chance to help out as it was a great team effort. Volunteering is rewarding on its own but no doubt it is a little extra special with fellow yelpers! read more

We got a group of Yelpers together to plan/cook/serve dinner at Inspiration Cafe last night... It is very well run, they are very patient with the volunteers and overall I think we all had a great experience. They accept volunteers, there are no minimum hour requirements, etc. Very awesome organization! I will definitely be back. Great place in Uptown :) Parking is easy. If anyone has any questions about how to get involved, please PM me! :) read more

What a great place! I've never dined here, but did help out as a server for their morning breakfast program for some time. Here's how it works: various mornings throughout the week, volunteers take orders, serve food and wait on the clients, many who are homeless working on improving their lives. The bright interior and friendly faces of the clients really made getting up at 5:00am not such a big deal after awhile. I HIGHLY recommend this as a volunteer opportunity for anybody that enjoyed eating there, likes smiles or wants to jump-start their day without caffeine. They run a pretty sophisticated volunteer program, but it's no reason to be intimidated. Once you try it, meet with the very open-minded staff and clients, I think you'll want to come back. Go ahead and email them at volunteer@inspirationcorp.org. read more

I mean, obviously this place gets five stars. For how it gives back to, supports, and embraces the uptown community. I first got in touch with their volunteer coordinator to set up a bi-weekly volunteer opportunity for some of the students I work with. She was accommodating and understanding, flexible and gracious. She put us in touch with the operations coordinator, who put us to work; grinding coffee, mopping floors, washing windows, taking out the garbage and recycling, sweeping cigarette butts and broken bottles from the front steps, sandblasting (hyperbole) the bathrooms. And let me just say, you haven't lived 'til you've broken a sweat sweeping, scrubbing, and mopping some of the only public bathrooms in the Wilson and Broadway area of uptown. The cast of characters is classic, people who have been beaten down over and over, by an unforgiving city. And yet here, they receive a second chance. Sometimes a third. But seriously, the importance of organizations like Inspiration Co. cannot be understated. Go here. Give back, without accolade, when nobody's looking. read more

Inspiration Cafe is such a cool concept, and a great volunteer opportunity for anyone who likes to try to make a little difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Basically you go in with a group and prepare a full meal for the individuals or families being assisted by this organization. Your group prepares the meals and serves the patrons (and possibly the best part, 1-2 of the patrons clean up after you). It is hard not have a good time. I think the best parts is all of these people are trying to get back on their feet and the organization as a whole assists in making sure they continue to improve themselves and stay on the right path to living on their own and providing appropriately for themselves and their families. I highly encourage anyone interested to try it out. I can't wait until the next time. read more

For this, my 200th review, I wanted to make sure I was writing about something meaningful, and Inspiration Cafe is definitely a worthy cause. I feel very privileged to have participated with a group of amazing Yelpers. The staff was amazing - you could tell that they cared about what they did and took pride in their work. They helped us navigate our way through the kitchen and the serving process. The participants were all incredibly pleasant and I sincerely admire the work that this organization does. They don't want to place a band aid on people's problems; they're genuinely interested in helping people get back on track and giving individuals a skill set that will help them. I also think that Inspiration Cafe cares about the individual - this seems to be an organization that wants to ensure each participant in their programs feels confident and does not feel demeaned or degraded. I think it's huge for people to feel like they haven't lost integrity and to feel as though they're part of a community, one that fosters understanding and support. I can't wait to volunteer again. I encourage everyone to do it, at least once. It puts into perspective the bounty that we have in our own lives. It made me appreciate what I do have and accept what I don't. read more

Since moving to Chicago I have been inspired to give back to the community. My friend turned me on to the Inspiration Cafe and gathered a few of us together to volunteer here. Unlike typical volunteer roles where you get people to sign up for a walk, collect money, or whathaveyou, you feel like you actually are contributing to a greater good at the IC. I did the dinner shift. If you are cooking (which I did), you need to show up around 4:00 and expect a 3-hour commitment. I did the cooking because I love to do it and customer service isn't always my thing. All of the food is fresh and donated by local grocers. I got to help make the salad (lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers), garlic bread, lasagna, and green beans. The great part is the staff will let you do what you want. If you have a recipe for garlic bread, go for it! I liked the creative freedom! The staff here is extremely friendly and they make delicious warm meals for individuals who wouldn't have the opportunity. They serve the homeless with the respect they deserve. They also are very respectful of their volunteers, which I appreciate. You should give up some time here if you can. It is very worthwhile and you feel like you have made a strong impact when your time is done. If there is leftover food, which there usually is, you can score some dinner out of it. Right off the Wilson red line stop ..parking can be a nightmare (metered), so I recommend public transportation. read more

I have volunteered at Inspiration Cafe several times through One Brick. (www.onebrick.org) OB volunteers are asked to donate money through Acteva, and then One Brick buys the food, and plans the menu. Volunteers just need to show up and get ready to slice, dice, mix, plate and serve. I have to admit, it can be exhausting as the Event Manager, but the more I do it, the easier it gets. I have learned to plan a simple menu (Keep It Simple, Sweetie!). The management team at Inspiration Cafe is awesome! And the patrons are so appreciative to be treated with dignity and respect. If you have 3-4 hours to spare, volunteer at Inspiration Cafe. It's a well-run non-profit and you get to see the fruits of your labor then and there! read more

I've had the opportunity to work with IC from the beginning, when a couple of altruistic friends had an idea to share our industry with those less fortunate and to use our connections to help people who need a hand. It is a comfort zone where people who are in a tough place in life can come and learn and improve themselves while being nurtured and nourished by people who care. I enjoyed each and every visit there and have found it a place that inspires me to be a better person and to use the resources I have to help those who have less. IC is also unfortunately one of the not-for-profits that could become the victim of budget cuts and the shrinking donor pool. I urge you, give what you can, when you can, whatever you can. Often read more

I've done this twice and I'd like to be a "regular" there... I participated as a Windy City Roller, but ever since I retired in '07, I've been wanting to go back and well... give back. I love the restaurant feel that it offers its clients. We take their order and then serve directly to them. It makes them feel like "normal" instead of someone who's needing help. It's all about equality here and that's what I love about it. It truly is inspirational... the music (Gospel Choir) during Easter brunch, the whole story behind how this all started (pulling around a red wagon full of food for the less fortunate), and the fact that we (you) do all the cooking and share the duties with one another... This isn't your average soup kicthen and I highly recommend it. I always felt like a million bucks when I've left... and I'm dying to do it again! read more

Anytime you can make volunteer work fun and enjoyable, you're doing something special. Congrats to Colleen C for putting together a fun (Yelp) crew to come spend a nice Sunday afternoon helping out at the Inspiration Cafe. I realized that even though I constantly tell myself that I am finished w/ the food industry, I really enjoy being a part of it. I was chopping carrots, mushrooms, running orders, filling drinks, refilling hot sauce, serving ice cream, busing tables and generally having a blast w/ my friends. Not at one point of my time there did it feel like work and that's just a credit to how Inspiration Cafe and their program operates. Everyone I came in contact w/ was jovial and fun and I'd be more than happy to volunteer my time again. read more

A terrific volunteering experience if you're looking to do something very meaningful and helpful. When I've been there (10 times as cook helper) it's always fun and rewarding. We cook good food that tastes great and the clients who come to eat are always very pleased. If you're familiar with working in a restaurant kitchen you'll recognize the on-the-spot-always-something- unexpected atmosphere. It can be fast paced or slow paced just depends on how many people are helping and the cook in charge. My reason to love going there is knowing I'm making a difference in people's lives who are having some hard times. It can happen to anyone. The core staff there are always helpful and thankful for volunteers work. It's an inspiring story how they got started hence the name! read more

What a terrific organization in which to participate. I've had the pleasure of volunteering here several times thanks to Chicago Yelp's own Colleen C.'s efforts. The organization itself is a spectacular one. Seeing the old red wagon on the wall across the room from the state-of-the-art restaurant-style kitchen, you know that a lot of people's blood, sweat, and tears went into creating an organization with such a vital purpose...not only revitalizing the Uptown community, but also changing people's lives. As volunteers, your group can participate in the breakfast or dinner, and your group pretty much has control over what you wish to serve. The organizers are kind, and extremely grateful for your efforts. It's very rewarding to know that you are giving back to a community that is so in need...and to take some time away from your own life to be selfless. I recommend volunteering here for a hefty dose of feel-good vibes! read more

So, I wish I could say that my first experience at Inspiration Cafe was volunteering. Nope, not unless I can count giving my taste buds a welcome back to delicious food party, after being sick. This was my first visit, and most certainly not the last. To start off with, I had the crab cakes, full of crab and just lightly breaded (yay!) they were served on top of a cucumber slaw that provided the right amount of crunch. For the main part of my meal, I had a Turkey, avocado and bacon wrap, the slices of real turkey breast make you never want to get close to the processed stuff again. Service was with a smile, which always makes food taste better imho. Everything is cleaner than clean here, you can tell that there is a dedication to this place that isn't forced or phony. Inspiration Cafe does a lot more than prepare delicious food for people, they help prepare people for life. This isn't some 3 hour, 3 times a week program, and it shows. The men and women that complete the 13 week course go out prepared to be a constructive part of the hospitality field, with their own recipes. The prices are more than reasonable, and they're byo. It may be a little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip! read more

I'm biased towards this place as I worked on a project with them for one of my MBA classes. Aside from that, you have to love what they do. They support individuals that otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn what it takes to succeed in a restaurant. The decorations are great and every workers is extremely friendly. Plus, the food is actually really good. Good food, friendly worker, great prices, nice decorations, and good cause. It doesn't get much better than this. read more

The coffee is hot and inexpensive. They brew Intelligentsia, which is always a good thing. The breakfast food is inexpensive, and delicious. I ate here the morning of my wedding, and I really liked the omelet. The food is good, and the work they do is wonderful. The staff is friendly. A good place to get brunch/coffee. read more

I really hate to give a bad review of this place, but I'm so disappointed by my volunteer experience today. Unfortunately it's not at all how it use to be 5 years ago when I volunteered on the south side. It's very unorganized and everyone is on their own agenda. I came in at exactly 10am when my shift started. I walked where the offices were located and told someone...thinking a staff member would introduce me to everyone in the kitchen and I could get going. Nope! She just said walk to the back. So I sat there thinking someone would come out and tell me what to do to get started. 15 minutes went by and nothing. So I eventually started to make conversation with 2 people in the kitchen and told them I was there for my volunteer shift. They seemed surprised and didn't know what they could have me do. So then a lady told me I could peel sweet potatoes which I did eagerly because I was just happy to do something. After peeling about 60 sweet potatoes she then asked me to diced them which I did. After this, she said her shift ended but the manager would come in and give more direction. If I wanted to, I could make a broccoli soup. Now, I'm a great cook but I've never made a broccoli soup so I'll stick to what I know. Besides, there was just broccoli stalks and not any florets. At any rate, I was the only one In the kitchen without any direction. Not given a tour of where everything was located. A menu wasn't written down or anything. I asked others and no one knew anything. Finally the kitchen manager came in and said he is is super busy and apologized for not being able to devote time to me in the kitchen so he trusted me to do my own thing. He said I could make something with my sweet potato which I decided in candy yams. I was left there by myself to navigate this place, cook, and clean my dishes. Last time I volunteered there were 3 people in the kitchen: one to clean it, and 2 people (including the volunteer) cooking. I got so frustrated that there wasn't much of a team base here. I'm happy I came, cooked my yams and met some great people. However, with poor direction and complete unorganization, I won't be back to volunteer. read more

I've volunteered here a few times now, and I must say that their mission is incredible. Inspiration Kitchens not only strives to bring well-cooked meals to folks down on their luck, their real mission is to make people feel like they are a part of the community again. It's one thing for a corporation to put together a well-functioning soup kitchen that supplies the homeless and people struggling in Uptown and the surrounding region - already a really amazing thing. But Inspiration Cafe (and their second location, The Living Room Cafe in Woodlawn) is set up to provide a 'sit-down dining' experience - they really understand that people need to feel a sense of normalcy and like they are still contributing members of society, so the fact that Inspiration Kitchen serves them as if they were paying patrons is a really nice touch. And the two locations are just the tip of the iceberg that Inspiration Corporation does for the community: http://www.inspirationcorp.org/. From housing placement programs to helping folks get training and re-enter the workforce, they are a truly amazing organization. The first time I volunteered I showed up for a Friday afternoon 'Prep Session' - I had emailed the kitchen coordinator/manager, Jeff, as the shift was listed with "Cooking Experience Required!". I am a fanatic home cook, however I don't have any professional experience, however after a quick email exchange describing my estimated level of cooking ability, Jeff welcomed me to sign up for any shift they had available. I arrived that Friday thinking I would spend the afternoon cutting onions or peeling potatoes, and boy was I mistaken! Jeff asked me "do you know how to make stew?" and then proceeded to show me around the kitchen and asked me to make a stew from a large stock of various beef cuts and also rabbit meat that had been donated. I felt like I was on an episode of Chopped or Top Chef. So I prepped, chopped, and seared to my heart's content for the next four and a half hours, breaking down rabbit bodies (first time ever), cubing the beef, chopping mountains of potatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and onions, and getting all the ingredients together in two large stock pots after searing flavor into all the meat. Jeff even went out and got me a bottle of red wine to go with the stock that would finish off the stew. I wrote out clear instructions for the Saturday night dinner crew on how to finish off the meal for serving. SO AMAZING. I was literally in my own cooking heaven that afternoon. I've also volunteered for their regular Saturday dinner shift and got to work with two other volunteers making spaghetti, pork meatballs, broccoli, and garlic bread. Everything tasted really well and the kitchen team worked really well with the servers. We got to see the patrons coming in and at the end of my shift I grabbed a small bowl to try and sat out in the dining room area with a few of the last patrons finishing their meals. It was a really satisfying (and different than the Friday prep session) experience, especially actually getting to see families in the area enjoy the food we put out. If any other Yelpers are interested in volunteering, PM me and I will definitely give you the low-down! You seriously will never regret helping out such an incredible cause!! read more

I like what this program is about and I enjoyed being able to pitch in for a few hours and help out. Braving the cold on the El on my way to the cafe was a bit of reminder to me that their are still people on the streets who will have to sleep through this cold. Programs like this one are helping people to get their lives together so living on the street isn't the only option. It's easy to forget so I appreciate the people (like Colleen) who organize these events and get people excited about helping others. read more

I have volunteered as cook/server here for dinners twice, and it is a great place. I will definitely volunteer there again.

The Inspiration is lively and upbeat lunch spot in the Uptoan neighborhood of Chicago. It is open to the public on Thursdays & Fridays for lunch. I highly suggest the portabello mushroom sandwhich! It's to die for! The cafe is bright and fresh and has some great windows that overlook Uptown. The staff consists of homeless people learning the trade of cooking and serving. It is a great plcae with surprisingly wonderful food! read more

Thanks yelp!! I heard about this cafe through the Starbucks close to my home and being able to partake in doing something so meaningful meant a lot to me and meeting/working along some great people was the cherry on the topping!! I truly enjoyed myself and was bummed I had to leave early, but I look forward to helping out in the near future and I truly hope to see another child's face light up as the one who was digging into his ice cream yesterday! That alone made my day!! read more

I signed up for a volunteer event at this location before I realized it was about two steps from my apartment! So I was very happy to see how much of a positive impact the Inspiration Cafe has in my neighborhood. This is a great way to get involved and give back to the Uptown community! read more

I thought I posted a review years ago when I first went here. Just a great idea and concept and the food is always good, no matter the menu. They need more support from the Chicago community. read more

Love this place... Sometimes waiting up early for a morning shift can feel like a lot and then I am ALWAYS rewarded by going in: mixing with the guests and other volunteers can turn anyone's mood from grey to sunny. This place makes my heart happy and always starts or ends my day off right. read more

I love everything that Inspiration Cafe is about. We finally had the opportunity to eat here a few weeks ago on a weeknight. It was the first night of a new menu. We had the warm goat cheese salad, seasonal flatbread, pork loin, and tilapia tacos. My favorites were the fried cheese salad (delicious) and the flatbread. The tilapia tacos were cooked perfectly and were seasoned well, although I wish that a sauce had been served with it. The only negative is that the pork loin was a bit dry. We ordered an ice cream sundae for dessert and since it's a byob we split 4 bottles of wine between the 3 of us. It was a great night and I would come here again in a heartbeat. read more

I've been volunteer every week at Inspiration Cafe since 2008!! It such a wonderful place and that's what keeps me coming back. I volunteer serving restaurant-style breakfast to guests affected by homelessness and poverty. Inspiration Corporation holds a special place in my heart: it's been a consistent part of my life all these years, it's an opportunity to serve people in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, it's a place where I've gotten to know guests over the course of time, and where I've made some dear volunteer friends. I highly recommend it! read more

This is one of my favorite places for brunch in all of America (ok, so I might be exagerating a bit). But in all honesty, this is a really neat place. About the food...really good and nice portions, too. The coffee is quite tasty and the omelettes are the size of your head. But on top of the food is the whole premise of the place--it's a training ground for homeless people who are trying to get back on their feet. So the way that I see it is if you are going to spend money, might as well spend it at a place that is going to make really good use of it? Ya dig? And to top it all off, the interior is really well-decorated AND they give you cloth napkins. read more

You leave feeling great that you supported a good cause by enjoying good food served by their friendly staff.

There is not a bad comment to make about Inspiration Cafe. The people running this place are about as classy as they come and I am happy to support them. The restaurant is cute, clean and very friendly. Breakfast is excellent, and I give them points for creativity and variety on the dinner menu. We love Inspiration Cafe! read more

I've been volunteering here for a few months and think that this is such a great way to help and serve those in Chicago that really need it. A charitable organization that really has it right...... read more

My wife and I had brunch on a Sunday, we were pleased with food and service. We are coming back for dinner. We should support them more often. read more

I had the best bagel of my life at this place. For reals.

This is my favorite place to eat in Uptown, and one of my favorite in Chicago. Great food without the pretension, very reasonably priced, and outstanding service. They have the most delicious brussel sprouts you've ever had. read more

this is a social service agency. A great place to volunteer. Everyone tries their best and are appreciated for what they can contribute. Be a little careful though the neighborhood is not what it was receintly, it's what it was over 20 years ago. Food is good. read more

Had brunch yesterday and it was fabulous! The waitress (Jackie), portion size and price are great. Helping out the cause is another plus. Yes you can go to other places for a larger menu, larger portions along with a little more price but why? I highly recommend Inspiration! read more