Chicago’s First Australian-Style Cafe Aims To Bring Back The ‘Long Lunch’
A New Kind of Cafe Experience
STREETERVILLE — After opening West Loop bed-and-breakfast The Publishing House and The Press Room restaurant, Shawn Uldridge is launching a new venture close to his roots: Chicago’s first Australian-style cafe.
A Taste of Home
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Uldridge moved to Chicago in 2014. If you ask him what he misses most about The Land Down Under, he says it’s the “long lunches.”
“Advertising execs in the ’70s probably invented the long lunch. But yeah, you turn up to lunch at 12:30 and you never leave,” Uldridge said. “Last time we were in Australia, we met up with some friends. We sat down at 12 and I think we left it around 4:30. They served six courses … That was normal.”
A Cafe Like No Other
Uldridge hopes to emulate that experience at Chapel Street Cafe, opening in January at 198 E. Delaware Place in Streeterville.
Chapel Street Cafe takes over the space formerly occupied by Southern Cut Barbecue, which closed in 2020 after three years in business. Uldridge has spent several months renovating it to fit his vision for Chapel Street Cafe, which will serve as the anchor restaurant for the adjacent Hilton Hotel.
Australian-style cafes have gained in popularity across the country, with cafes in New York City, Los Angeles and even Des Moines, Iowa. They’re known for serving high-quality coffee and fresh, healthy food options like avocado toast.
But until now, the wildly popular cafe genre has evaded Chicago. The closest concept is Mojo Coffee, a New Zealand-inspired cafe with three Downtown locations, Uldridge said.
The Menu
The majority of the menu at Chapel Street Cafe will be available all day, offering an “Aussie Hamburger,” salads, smashed avocado toast and freshly made sandwiches in addition to breakfast options. There will also be a small dinner menu with entree options.
The Ambiance
The restaurant’s dining room on the left will feature tables made from Australian Red eucalyptus, hanging plants, flowers, a library nook and a communal table seating 14 to 16 people.
In the warmer months, the dining room will open up to a 40-seat patio, accessible via large sliding doors.
“We’re aiming to make this a really indoor-outdoor feeling space. And I think if you’re sitting right here, you would still sort of feel as though you’re outside,” Uldridge said.
The Bar
On the right side of the restaurant, a large bar will offer counter service for freshly made, to-go items like bread, salads, pastries, Australian meat pies and sausage rolls.
A centerpiece of the bar will be a duck egg-blue La Marzocco espresso machine with gold accents. A green and gold coffee roaster visible to guests will be used to roast beans from a Prague coffee company, Uldridge said.
Other Amenities
Guests will be able to sip on specially selected Australian wine and order beer on tap from Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing. A 100-inch flat screen TV will play sports from around the world, Uldridge said.
The cafe will also have a small gift shop and convenience area for hotel guests and visitors. The shop will stock Australian wines, candles, jewelry, restaurant merch and yes, vegemite.
Opening Details
Chapel Street Cafe opens Jan. 3 and will be open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
Conclusion
Chapel Street Cafe is set to bring a unique dining experience to Chicago, inspired by the long lunches and high-quality coffee of Australia. With its extensive menu, cozy ambiance, and modern bar, this cafe is sure to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
FAQs
Q: What kind of food will Chapel Street Cafe serve?
A: The cafe will offer a variety of food options, including breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. There will also be a small dinner menu with entree options.
Q: Will Chapel Street Cafe serve coffee?
A: Yes, the cafe will serve high-quality coffee, roasted in-house and made with a duck egg-blue La Marzocco espresso machine.
Q: Will Chapel Street Cafe have a bar?
A: Yes, the cafe will have a large bar offering counter service for freshly made, to-go items like bread, salads, pastries, Australian meat pies and sausage rolls.
Q: Will Chapel Street Cafe be open for breakfast?
A: Yes, the cafe will be open for breakfast, serving a variety of dishes, including breakfast favorites and Australian-inspired options.
