Spoken Cafe

"Spoken is a cafe located underneath the Montrose stop in Ravenswood, and it’s just as good for grabbing a quick bagel before work as it is for meeting up with a friend for lunch. Unless this place happens to be on your morning commute, you might not even know it exists. But you should, because this utility spot has some great food. Spoken doesn’t have a ton of table space, so it’s probably not the best place to work on your autobiography for six hours. That said, it’s more than comfortable enough to catch up with a friend. The menu has sandwiches like the Senora Huerta (a ham and cheese pizza bialy), breakfast bowls like cheesy grits, strong coffee, and a pastry case with Do-Rite donuts. Spoken also sells a lot of their housemade condiments, so if you want to buy some pesto or the bourbon apple butter you just had, you can make that happen. Food Rundown Señora Huerta (Yes We Can) A pizza bialy with ham, provolone, onions, banana peppers, and roasted red pepper pesto. It’s cheesy, delicious, and even though we’re not quite sure what it’s doing on the breakfast menu, we’re very glad it exists. Home On The Ranch This is an excellent turkey club with housemade pickled green tomatoes and spicy ranch that gives it just enough bite. Acadian Style Cheesy Grits When your friend starts complaining about their recent breakup, don’t waste any energy trying to come up with good advice. Order them a bowl of these buttery grits with crunchy chilies on top." - Josh Barnett

"Situated next to the Brown Line train stop, Spoken Cafe offers a lovely selection of sweets, treats and savory food options. Their delicious coffee and quiet cafe vibe make for a perfect and peaceful sanctuary. Staff are friendly and the vibe is laid back. Lot’s of natural light and spacious tables also make it a great option to get work done. Once you leave you’ll already be planning your next trip back." - Anna Affias

"Spoken Cafe is right under the Montrose Brown Line stop and serves breakfast food like bagels, and fantastic sandwiches like the Señora Huerta, a pizza bialy with ham, cheese, pesto, and banana peppers. It’s a great place for a coffee date, or to grab something before work when you can’t stand the thought of the Chobani that’s waiting in the office fridge." - josh barnett, sam faye, adrian kane

"Spoken Cafe, North Center. Situated next to the Brown Line train stop, Spoken Cafe offers a lovely selection of sweets, treats and savory food options. Their delicious coffee and quiet cafe vibe make for a perfect and peaceful sanctuary. Staff are friendly and the vibe is laid back. Lot’s of natural light and spacious tables also make it a great option to get work done. Once you leave you’ll already be planning your next trip back."

"Ravenswood: Neighborhood spot Spoken Cafe will take a trip to the Big Easy with a special Mardi Gras menu that includes shrimp and crawfish etouffee, fried pickled green tomato po’boys (fully dressed), hot link Louisiana boudin, and more, according to a rep. Holiday offerings will available exclusively on Fat Tuesday while supplies last." - Naomi Waxman