Alexander's Cafe - Carte

Sweet Berry Cafe

➤ 720 N McLean Blvd, South Elgin I-60177-1429, United States

Carte • Vegan • Coffee • American • Fast Food

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"It was my first at Sweet Berry. I had the cold plate (tuna salad, chicken salad, slaw, avocado and cottage cheese on lettuce). I also ordered a side of corned beef hash and multigrain toast. I wish I knew how great the food was here. I always hesitated as I didn’t want the usual. The avocado had a little brown on it but everything on the “plate” was great. The corned beef hash was a little salty but I still finished it haha. It was good on the lettuce lol. The toast was a little burned but my, the jam that came with it makes me think it’s homemade. It’s delish. The serving portion’s enough for the price I paid. It was a lot…but addicting. Haha What’s impressive is that the moment you come in, it feels like there is a viral smile going around. Everyone ‘s just smiling and it felt great especially in the morning. I also noticed they have a lot of options for those who have dietary restrictions. Fab! That’s why I’m coming back. I’ve been wanting those french toasts and crepes and those benedicts and skillets. Yum."

Al's Cafe & Creamery

➤ 43 Du Page Ct Elgin, IL 60120-6421, United States

Carte • Cafés • Diners • Casual • Seafood

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"I came in with a group of friends. This was our first time in downtown Elgin, and we were excited to grab a coffee. We waited to be seated until a lady came up and very frustrated told us to sit anywhere. My friend wanted to leave as soon as she heard her tone. But I told her to ignore it, maybe she was having a bad night. We sat down, and the lady shoved us our menus. I obviously began to feel uncomfortable, but we sat and waited. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to enjoy a coffee since they never came to attend us. She only came over until she saw we got up to leave. Maybe this is a great place, but sadly we didn’t get to experience it."

Jurin Sushi Teppan

➤ 588 Randall RdIL 60177, South Elgin, United States

Carte • Steak • Sushi • Casual • Japanese

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"Been coming here for over 15 years. Probably no more. Expecting no crowd since it was minus 5 out, with a 30 mph wind. I was correct, no one waiting, and 2 hibachi tables prepped and open. Was told an hour wait. So we went to the sushi bar. First 30 minutes, 2 tables remained open. then some guests were shown and seated. A few minutes later , 2 table left, and now 3 were open. Our entire time there, 2 tables were always open. At the sushi bar, soup and salad immediately. barely a chance to try the salad, the fried rice came. Almost right after, the entrée. Table was completely covered with bowls and dishes. Not sure how long the food was sitting in the back, because I've watched how long it takes to grill. Rice and vegetables were cold. Shrimp was cold, and the filet was raw. Mushrooms? I scrapped my plate in search of, found 3 slim slivers, when piled on each other, wouldn't have made half a mushroom. Vegetables looked like they were leftovers from another table. The experience and food was terrible. Not why you go to a hibachi grill. When I explained my experience to the manager when we left, he stood there like a bobble head. In the past, not a lot of options. And we are loyal to a good service and good food. Now, there are other options to go."

Blue Box Cafe

➤ 176 East Chicago Street, Elgin, 60120, United States Of America

Carte • Cafés • Seafood • Mexican • Fast Food

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"Yummy place. The coffee's are so good, I just wish you opened earlier. Lavender Coffee is the best. The sandwiches and the salads are good. The tortilla soup is amazing. Soups are just amazing here. Definitely try the Gobbler during Thanksgiving. They make really good grilled cheeses and you pick what cheeses you wanna mix up. Except make sure they remember the bacon. I think twice they forgot it. BUT it was still good. I am not a fan of Dr.Who btw, I think that's what this is based off? I just love the place, very hip and cool. Good food and nice staff. The blue door is super cool."

Lao And Thai Spicy Noodle

➤ 612 S Randall Rd, South Elgin, USA, 60177, United States

Carte • Thai • Asian • Laotian • Fast Food

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"Just moved to South Elgin from Batavia and have been to all the best Thai places in Chicago and more I’m confident. I lived in Hawaii along many Asians for over 10 years so feel I know what’s up. Tried this randomly by searching online and went for it. Was glad to see lot of local Asians eating there that’s always a good sign. Hearing someone order papaya salad was also a good sign. It’s a Thai staple and many places that claim to be Thai don’t offer that dish and very lame to me at least. I ordered pad se ew with tofu medium spicy which is my test to see since have eaten this dish all over the world in different Thai restaurants literally. I ordered a papaya salad of course Thai style not Lao style which is morea fishy…they asked how hot I wanted on scale of 1-10. I said 5 and normally can easily handle medium spicy. This was very spicy really so would order a 3 next time. It was really good though and suffered through it. Pad Se Ew was with really nice too a bit oily and not the best I’ve eaten, but good. Tofu was a bit too fried and hard for my liking and just not a fried tofu fan, but good overall. I had the Pad Thai as well and not bad…not my favorite place for that one for sure so I would avoid it there personally and opt for something else. Their Pad Se Ew 100% more tasty. It was a bit dry and again fried tofu so just not a fan. Worth going for sure very authentic and if you want spicy auntie cooking definitely won’t hold back the heat! Cucumber salad was more lettuce than cucumber so would a sour that personally too. Had much better personally at other Thai restaurants, but also appreciate the differences too. Tom Yum soup super yummy! Very friendly staff too and great service which means more than anything usually for me. I always say I would rather go somewhere with amazing kind service and decent food over horrible service and amazing food."