Restaurant Review: Fresh flavors and unique combos at Humboldt Park’s Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
I’m a pushover for retro-chic soda fountains. For me, it brings back my childhood memories, going to Peterson’s in Oak Park and Margie’s Candies in Bucktown.
Upscale breakfasts and sandwiches set Humboldt Park’s Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain apart, along with a nearly perfect (4.7) rating on Google.
Old fashioned décor is part of its charm. The building is in a former art gallery. Every decoration and item was repurposed or recycled, including the 1928 Liquid Carbonic marble bar, barstools, and brass foot rail, which, according to their website, were all salvaged from a basement outside Milwaukee.
Breakfast is served all day. For something completely different, try the Smoked Trout Biyali, a house-caramelized onion biyali with cream cheese, flaked Ducktrap smoked trout, and spicy giardiniera. Or, the Gravlax Sandwich, which pairs beet-cured salmon, capers, pickled red onions, cream cheese, and greens on house-caramelized onion bialy. Gluten-free selections including an enticing Egg and Olive Pesto on Polenta, a soft-scrambled egg, sharp white cheddar, sun-dried-tomato/green olive/basil pesto, between two slices of crispy polenta. Their Quiche is “always vegetarian, made with roasted vegetables, cheeses, and herbed custard.“ For an upcharge, you add a side salad of Werp Farm seasonal greens in mustard vinaigrette. Very few restaurants make Strata except for special occasions, but Spinning J makes theirs every day they’re open. This savory bread pudding—always vegetarian, according to their website—is made with house sourdough, roasted vegetables, cheeses, and herbed custard.
As we often say here…save room for dessert! Spinning J is awash in sweetness, from its ever-changing menu of seasonal pies (try the hibiscus key lime or passion fruit,) to gelato and soda-fountain classics. All soda syrups, they note, are made in-house using their own recipes with fruits, herbs, botanicals, and essential oils. Choose from Lemon Drop, Cola, or Ginger Lime, or more unusual flavors as a Thai Tea Egg Cream, Strawberry Rhubarb Phosphate, or a King Crimson Palmer.
Google reviewers were effusive in praising Spinning J:
“I visited late morning on a Saturday and there was a long line, but worth the wait,” said one. “Quaint little place with limited seating, great staff and delicious food. Cherry scones, savory rolls and biscuits were all amazing.”
“Perfect in every way,” said another. ”Whether you need a little pie slice or some old fashioned egg cream, spinning j is a fantastic choice if you’re in the area. Recommended dishes: Malted Vanilla Shake, Cookies, Breakfast Sandwich, Hibiscus Key Lime Pie”
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain is located at 1000 N. California, and is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9am–3pm. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
