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    Tiny Tapp & Cafe

    3.6 (293 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Tiny Tapp & Cafe Photos

    TINY TAPP & CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Tiny Tapp & Cafe

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    Iced lavender latte
    Leslie C.

    What a cute cafe along the river walk! John provided excellent and friendly service and was very patient and gave me time because I was very indecisive and didn't know I wanted. There were so many good things to choose from, from yummy food like sandwiches, to delicious ice cream, and lots of beverages. I was tempted by the idea of an affogato but I got an iced lavender latte and it was delicious. Plenty of outdoor seating by the river. Beautiful views. Next time I'll order food and more things to try.

    Tiny Tapp Coffee on the River

    I saw this coffee shop on a riverboat cruise and was so excited to try it. The employees were not friendly whatsoever. They seemed to hate working there and did not smile or greet us. They just asked what we wanted and told us when it was ready. My husband got a Cold brew and I got an iced latte. Both were so gross that we tossed them. All the chairs outside were wet and no inside seating. They didn't offer to dry down a seat either. The security guard outside was the only nice person.

    Warm chocolate chip cookie
    Ellen F.

    I saw this place for the first time from the architecture boat tour and knew I had to go there. Stretching across the river walk, there's seats galore for some nice water views. It looked like they have waiter service if you're sitting for a full meal, but we just went to the cafe for a quick late night treat around 9 pm. Their cafe is even open that late on a Sunday evening! I just got the warm chocolate chip cookie. It's a decent size and super yummy. It was ~$5.50. Worth it! I'd definitely come back here again if I'm in the area again.

    Frozen aperol
    Cammi P.

    Wow wow wow!!! Tiny Tapp has been on my Chicago bucket list for years and I'm so glad I finally went. Nothing beats the vibes and drinking by the river! The frozen drinks were sugary and delicious, and cooled you off on a hot day. Not pictured: fries, chips and guacamole, cheese curds. All the perfect snacks for sharing and enjoying with friends. Their beer options were also perfect for drinking outside. Stupidly, I spilled a drink and the waitress was so kind to bring me another. Her hospitality was unmatched and made for the perfect experience. It was fun to sit right along the river and watch all the canoes and boats cruise by. The views are the best, and the tranquility mixed with the conversations of people around was the perfect blend for enjoying yummy drinks with friends.

    1/2 Vodka Lemonade 1/2 strawberry margarita
    Lisa P.

    Tiny Tapp is a total vibe! What a beautiful day to chill on the Chicago Riverwalk. I love being around people that are happy and positive because good energy is infectious. Really good frozen drinks on the menu. I tried two different types. For food I enjoyed the chicken czar flatbread, very flavorful. My friend ordered the chicken czar salad and we shared an order of garlic parmesan tapp fries that came with a garlic aioli which we did not use. Beautiful mixed crowd of high energy people embracing waterfront entertainment. There were parades of birds, kayaks, small boats and yachts. We were also treated to a live performance from sultry songtress Meagan McNeal. She came with a live band and brought along a few friends who also entertained us with songs. It was absolutely beautiful. Meagan will be performing July 15th at City Winery on Randolph if interested.

    Barbacoa Nachos
    Kelci M.

    Quick and friendly service with a view! I'm talking lightning fast! My food came out in 5 mins! I got the Barbacoa Nachos. They were tasty but definitely deserved more cheese and would be better with hot sauce.

    Waffle fries and frozen margarita
    Maansi S.

    While visiting Chicago, stopped by here to try their frozen cocktails. The wait for seating is pretty long so definitely keep that in account if you plan to stop by here. I was able to order and find a spot at the bar. The frozen margarita was STRONG! It tasted great and is way to cool down on a hot summer day. The waffle fries was pretty good too! Overall had a good time. I wish there were heat lamps since it got a little chilly and sipping the frozen drink kinda made it feel even colder. But that's just me being overly critical.

    Smash burger and chicken Caesar salad
    Candace W.

    Came here on a sunny Saturday at noon for brunch by the river and it was decent. The table we were seated at was pretty shady and wasn't as close to the river as my party and I would have liked. The service was slow, and our server apologized to us for how backed up the kitchen was. When the food finally came it was just eh. My burger was decent but pretty expensive (around $17) for it to not come w fries. My friend's chicken caesar salad was bland and light on cheese and dressing. My other friend did enjoy the nachos though. Our drinks were decent and strong. Overall: pretty pricey with slow service and alright food. I'd rather try somewhere else on the riverfront than come here again

    Garlic parm waffle fries and fried pickles
    Kelsey B.

    A perfect spot on the river for happy hour! Good drink and food selection - my friend and I split the garlic parm fries and fried pickles, both were fantastic!

    Iced latte
    Lisa S.

    This place is a gem! They're open early in the morning before work which is a treat for runners on the riverwalk. I had a sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich and paired that with an iced almond milk latte. This was the combo I needed post run to help kick start my day. To top it off, the views of the river and tall buildings are stunning. Thank you, Tiny Tapp for being here!!

    Veronica M.

    This spot was such a hit! If you're walking along the river and looking for a place to stop to eat or drink - this is your spot! They offer beer on tap as well as breakfast and lunch. The vibe is great as it's along the river, so we sat outside enjoying the views. The staff was friendly with us and attentive as well.

    Riverwalk area.
    Vanessa B.

    Oh Tiny Tap is our jam. We walk across the river and post up here on a sunny afternoon--we usually bring some board games and the pups. Tiny Tap never disappoints, the views are superb, you're on the water--the staff has always been friendly, I think they hire high schoolers who are eager to serve and make some summer tip money so they are quick to get you what you need and are friendlier than most Chicagoans. We highly recommend this spot.

    Goose Island Beer Hug
    Megh L.

    Have walked by multiple times but had never stopped for a drink or food. I'm glad I did because it was a really nice experience. Located along the Riverwalk, it has outdoor seating and sometimes live music. Service was good - drinks and food were served quickly. Great food and beer!

    Caprese sandwich and garlic Parmesan fries

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    Ask the Community - Tiny Tapp & Cafe

    Do I need a reservation?

    Yes. Sometimes there are island or barstool chairs available which do not need any reservations.

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    Great dinner here tonight - had the mussels, burger, and octopus. All were exceptional. The drinks…read morewere also very good, and the service was awesome. Great meal overall.

    Chicago Restaurant week. I reviewed various dining options in search of a good place for dinner…read more Reddit gave me some ideas. I'd never been to Willow Room and liked that they had a four course dinner menu, with items I liked. I was able to make a reservation for a Saturday night at 8:15pm. PARKING Parking on Halsted on a Saturday night can be a nightmare, and it did take a minute to find street parking. North of the 1800 block is busier because there are several restaurants within a two block radius. Side streets are permit parking after 6pm. Meters on Halsted are $2.50/hr. ATMOSPHERE Willow Room was pretty packed. We had a reservation for 8:15pm and my party of two was seated right away. The restaurant features a full bar, dim lighting and is nice and roomy. They have banquette seating around the perimeter, in addition to tables in the middle. SERVICE Our server, who was very nice and accommodating during our dining experience, came by and gave us our menu's. I had already decided on the RW menu and after review, my friend was interested in the Beef Wellington (not on RW menu). Our server informed us that normally the whole table had to order off of the RW menu if one person does, but said she would check with the kitchen since this was the last day of RW. Luckily, we were able to proceed with ordering from different menu's. FOOD I ordered a raspberry Cosmopolitan. I'm a Riesling/Moscato girlie, but I tasted the Riesling and didn't like it. RW dinner was priced at $60. I ordered: First Course: Caesar Salad (Typical salad, was good) Second Course: Mussels (Tasted fine, came with a baguette) Third Course: Short Rib (Could've been slightly more tender and better seasoned. I've definitely had better. Wouldn't order again.) Fourth Course: Orange Ricotta Donuts (Donuts were very good. Three were served, a few more would have been more filling.) My friend ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and: Truffle Fries (Fries were very tasty. I would order again if I went back.) Beef Wellington (The breading was buttery and very good. The beef could've been more seasoned. I wouldn't order.) Key Lime Pie (Was not sweet and had no taste. When our server came back and saw it was uneaten, she offered to take it off the bill. It should be removed from the menu altogether.) The busboys and server were very attentive. Our water glasses were always filled. OVERALL The atmosphere was nice, our server was great. Of all the food we ordered, I would order the truffle fries and Cosmopolitan again. I did leave full and did take my leftover Short Rib to go. Main dishes needed more seasoning. I would dine here again and try a different menu (brunch/lunch), or Happy Hour if they offer it.

    Tiny Tapp & Cafe - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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