Golden Rise Bakery
2957 W. Diversey Ave.
773-772-7620
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The vibe: Updated ’60s-style baked goods and small menu of bountiful sandwiches, salads, whole-grain breads, plus rustic and fancy pastries in a laid-back space with window tables and a communal table. A vintage wooden bar and light from the corner location’s windows give the cafe a warm retro feel.
The drill: Order at the counter but be prepared — you’ll be surrounded by cases filled with tempting pastries as well as samples of pastries that succeed in whetting your inner sweet tooth.
The food: Try the farmers basket grilled cheese, a gooey mix of gouda, muenster and cheddar with crisp bacon and sliced Granny Smith apples on thick slices of crisply toasted sourdough bread. The cafe’s version of the Philly steak sandwich has strips of grilled beef, onions, and still-crisp bell peppers with melted cheese on a house roll. A vegetarian option features grilled portabello mushroom with cheese and veggies. Salad choices include chef and citrus watercress. Soup changes daily. An ice cream bar features 16 flavors, shakes, and sundaes.
Sweet take: In the a.m., stop in for a cup of fresh coffee and a muffin — they come in carrot, banana, cranberry and blueberry and all contain bran; or a croissant, available plain or filled with chocolate or fruit. Skip the too-dry Danish. They bake soft-crusted breads including spelt, nine-grain, Russian rye dill, sourdough, barley wheat and garlic cheese; as well as loaves of sweet bread including banana and cranberry. Fruit tarts, nut tarts, and gorgeous layer cakes taste as good as they look. Cakes are available whole or in big slices.
The bill: Two can eat a hearty meal for less than $20. Loaves of bread cost $4, sweet breads $5, tarts $2.50-3.50.
Last bite: The cafe is a shot in the arm to a dreary stretch of Diversey. Great meal option for lunch, or for after work when you’re too tired to cook and need a bit of comfort food.
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