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    Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    3.7 (26 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Tropical Smoothie Cafe Photos

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    Andy N.

    After working here for two years, I am upset at myself for only now getting the chance to try UIC's Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Sure it's a chain, but their selection is bomb, whether you workout or not. Open throughout the majority of the day, they specialize in LARGE fresh smoothies. They use real fruit in everything and whey protein can be substituted in any beverage. Although each one comes at around $5, the large size means you are able to save at least half for another time. I ordered their Thai Chicken salad today since it's got all the ingredients I enjoy- cilantro, wonton, peanut sauce, you name it. The salad came in a paper container that is easily degradable and was definitely a large portion size. Highly recommend this for anyone wanting to get a healthier option to their everyday routine. Despite it being completely student run, this cafe operates very well and can withstand on its own. I am most definitely eager to return and try more of their sandwiches and flatbread options.

    Yum
    Timothy N.

    When I try their smoothie, I feel the boost of vitamins and minerals surging through my body. Empowering my mind to see through the matrix. Nothing can stop exponential boost of power from these smoothies. I am going to reach Nirvana by drinking fruit. Jokes aside, I do feel my energy level refreshed after coming here. Ever since I try this place I started making my own smoothie at home, because their combinations are tasty. Serving top-notch smoothies after a workout. You can add protein to your shake if you want to. I highly recommend trying one of their greener smoothies. You can't taste if there is kale or spinach because of the sweetness of the fruit. The meals are delicious too. Not the most filling option but a tasty one. I love their chicken pesto. Maybe as a pre-workout it's ok but after a workout; my body craves to consume more calories then they offer. Great place post workout drink. Nothing is more refreshing then blended fruits after working out.

    Mmmmmm......blue lagoon.

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    8 months ago

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    Meghan H.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    Patrick B.

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    5 years ago

    I like the chicken pesto flatbread, but it's not very filling. Their smoothies are pretty good.

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    3 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Don't go here you won't be allowed in unless you are student or willing to turn in an ID just to grab a smoothie

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    9 years ago

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    Patrick B.

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    The food here is surprisingly good, in large part due to the tasty bread. Smoothies are also yummy.

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    8 years ago

    Best place on campus for a quick bite! Fast service, friendly staff! . .

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    8 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    Review Highlights - Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    The food is super good (get the Buffalo Chicken Wrap) and their selection of smoothies (they can add whey protein for you) after a post workout drink is great.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Nonna's Pizza & Sandwiches

    Nonna's Pizza & Sandwiches

    4.2
    (292 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    It's been a month since I flew to Chicago and tried this place, but it's absolutely a place you…read morecannot forget. Small spot you could casually pick up food and walk to if you're around downtown. Lots of cheese and sauce with a beautiful baguette to remind you that this place makes pizza too. Dough, cheese, and sauce are what this place really excels in. It's no surprise that they do it well across the board. Out of the sandwiches I tried, the gardinera pairs the best with the Drunken Chicken sandwich. I'm unsure if my hunger pangs were amplifying my experience, but this sandwich was something of legends... The ingredients combo into something a little too unfair to not be distributed to the rest of America. The food really feels special when you have it late night after a really long day of fun. The people are casual and nice and didn't make it awkward to eat there even though the place itself is quite small. Considering cops came in to order here out of all the places around, I can see how anyone could make this their staple spot.

    I order via delivery once or twice a week and Nonna's is on repeat. It's solid and travels well…read more Today I ordered the drunken chicken, which is a chicken parm with vodka sauce, and pesto. It is shareable and hearty. The bread is so good. It's crusty and soft on the inside. It allows the right amount of sauce to soak in without being a giant mess. I don't consider it a save half and eat later sandwich though. In my experience it loses a bit of structure if not eaten right away. I have had the turkey, tuna, and meatball sandwich as well. All good and able to split into 2 meals and they save well. As mentioned, this spot is on repeat for me and haven't disliked anything. The pizza is ok but I wouldn't choose it as my pizza spot. There are better but if you are in a pinch a single slice option is nice. I enjoy the little Tiramisu cup. Perfect size. If you normally scroll by and wonder if you should try Nonna's go ahead. It's a good option.

    Photos
    Nonna's Chicago - Located at 925 W Randolph St.
    Nonna's Chicago - Located at 925 W Randolph St.
    Yellowfin Tuna  look how PRETTY!
    Yellowfin Tuna look how PRETTY!
    Meatball Sandwich

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    J.P. Graziano Grocery

    J.P. Graziano Grocery

    4.6
    (763 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Recently got to try JP Graziano after searching google "whats the best sandwich in Chicago." lolol…read moreI came across a reddit forum and JP Graziano was at the top of everyones recommendations. My friends and I just want to enjoy our Chicago summer and decided to go to the beach so naturally my mind went to sandwiches and immediately thought "this is my opportunity to go to JP Graziano" Ordered the Italian and the Mr. G and it was seriously the perfect beach sandwich. Me and my sister split each one to try and genuinely the Mr G is something ive never had before in a sandwich and it was amazing. The Italian is also delicious and is giving your classic Italian sub sandwich. But the Mr. G is what Im ordering again! I heard the bread is supplied by Damatos Bakery so thats definitely a plus! The atmosphere inside is so cool. It is very Italian/chicago vibes. Long line but it goes by very quickly. The staff there is working hard and fast and the owner himself is very nice. Definitely worth a trip for the sandwich. Id like to try their cannolis next time!

    We repeatedly get takeout from J.P. Graziano and always have had the best experience start to…read morefinish. We have ordered online and walk up and both are easy breezy. The sandwiches are so fresh, and each item is wrapped perfectly so by the time you get home they aren't soggy. We highly recommend the Mr. G and the Muffuletta. DeAna was awesome and told us the history of each item we ordered. Everyone that works at J.P. Graziano is fantastic. We highly recommend, especially when you have family and friends visiting!

    Photos
    Owner taking order, wow!
    Owner taking order, wow!
    Muffuletta
    Muffuletta
    J.P. Graziano Grocery

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    La Sandwichera

    La Sandwichera

    4.9
    (75 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    5 stars!!!! I am so mad that I just found this place, short before moving. One of our favorite food…read morebloggers: Number 6 with Cheese came here for a pizza sandwich. After watching their YouTube video, we had to try it. I called in an order for their Signature Italian Sandwich and also the Pizza Sandwich. It was ready on 15 minutes. Super friendly service, plus they have a full bar. I bet this place is a good time afterwork. Anyway, my husband and I shared the sandwich. And it was so good. The bread had the right level of crust and the topping were so fresh. I regret only ordering a sandwich to share. I wanted that whole damn thing to myself. We ended up eating the pizza Sando for dinner with a salad. The Pizza sandwich was so good. It looks like a flat bread but it was so good. We heated it up in the air fryer and it was perfect. My photo doesn't do it justice as it had sat on my counter for an hour, but believe me it was delicious. Check this place out. I definitely could go for another sandwich before I exit Chicago.

    Everyone is really sweet and friendly here. They clearly have regulars who are greeted like…read morereturning relatives and even a first timer like me was welcomed warmly. The sandwich was stacked with ingredients and flavor. Shocked how good their pastrami is! Liked that they grill the roast beef to give it extra flavor. A solid basic coffee too.

    Photos
    A panorama of the place as I looks a lot more established than my last review a few years ago.
    A panorama of the place as I looks a lot more established than my last review a few years ago.
    Ham sandwich & Bacon Sandwich
    Ham sandwich & Bacon Sandwich
    Outside view

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    Outside view
    Conte Di Savoia

    Conte Di Savoia

    4.5
    (361 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    This. Sandwich. Was. Amazing…read more Decided to stop by for a quick sub and I was not disappointed. Walking into the spot reminded me of a spacious deli shop. It was refreshing to come to a deli that didn't have an overwhelming menu. When it was my turn to order, the interaction felt very personable. I ordered a Turkey Pastrami & Provolone sandwich and my girlfriend ordered a Turkey and Provolone (not pictured). The overall assembly of the sandwich was perfect. The bread is sourced from D'Amoto's (IYKYK) ‍. The meat was thinly sliced but they didn't skimp at all. The hot peppers were the star of the show though. Conte will definitely see me again this week! lol

    On a busy Saturday, I decided to order ahead for myself and my hangry kids. We ordered Italian,…read moretuna and prosciutto subs. We also threw in an order of tiramisu and the large canoli. We were quoted a time of 20 minutes out. We arrived a little early and the gal at the counter told us it would be a few minutes. She called out when ready and sat at one of the tables in the front to eat. Each sub had a decent amount of filling. While we each offered the smallest subs, we were plenty full when we left. We enjoyed our subs and now have a place to add to our list for a new quick lunch. For the store itself, they have some odds and ends but many Italian staples. The counter and deli had a steady flow of customers in and out.

    Photos
    Conte Di Savoia
    Tuna Sub
    Tuna Sub
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    Italian Sub Sub

    Tropical Smoothie Cafe - juicebars - Updated July 2026

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