Theatre Cafe

What happened to this place? it’s like a Serbian nightclub now. what a shame

We finally stopped into DeVine, and we know it will be our last visit. The room was lined with booths, all of which were taken. There were four empty bar tables in the center of the room, each with one chair. The waitress came up and said they didn’t have any seats available. We asked if we could sit at the tables, and she reluctantly said we could if we wanted.
We placed our drink order and received them quickly with an attitude we didn’t want. After the curt delivery, we decided not to order food, just finish our drinks and leave.
Tables around us filled in and our server was at every one of them but ours. Ten minutes after finishing our drinks, we had to call her over as she avoided our table completely yet again.
As we were leaving, our server stood near our table without acknowledging us, looking at the ground not saying a word. A bouncer was now seated at the front door talking with patrons as they entered. A final time we were ignored, and a final time for us to enter this place. We weren’t wanted there, were the wrong ethnicity, and as a result will take our money elsewhere.

I’m moving to this neighborhood shortly. Thought I would check this place out. As some others have noted, it’s a place clearly in transition. And to that end, it’s very much a tranny sort of experience.
Sign says DeVine, menus say that and Theatre café. Several big screen TVs, but no sporting events. Holy crap, they’re showing very bad early 80’s videos. Are you kidding me? I thought I was done having to endure Spandau Ballet.
Yeah, it was noted that you feel like you’re intruding on a private party. Maybe. I think what’s really happening is that this is a bar frequented by a bunch of folks of the same ethnicity. If you can handle that, I think it’s ok. IIRC, it was a Serbian experience. To me, that’s kinda cool and not really off-​putting at all (no, I’m not Serbian).
I had the meat/​cheese plate as well as the fish with my date – I think it was tilapia. Fish was fair at best. Meat/​cheese was excellent. Beer selection was below average. Wine was decent (from the gal’s perspective, I’m not a wine drinker… much).
I hope they can figure out what they’re truly going to be. It sure has potential, and from reading the old reviews, it was clearly a special place in the past – when Chef Jack was still there.
I hope to get there again and see if they’ve gone further than where they were on this cold January night. I’d recommend they go further into the ethnic flair and have sort of a self-​actualization. Be what you are destined to be…

Really not sure what happened to the Theater Café. But I have my suspicions.
It seems that after the summertime departure of chef Jack, the owners/​remaining partners decided to let the place coast without much direction. While it was «Theater Café», this restaurant tried to bring fine neighborhood dining to the Horner Park/​Albany Park area. In its renamed form as «DeVine», they have kept much of the old menu, but stopped trying to expand it, or react to customer demand.
We have been back twice since the renaming, and its been an odd experience both times. It feels like you’re intruding onto a private party, with the owners (?) and their friends hanging out in the corner, or at the bar, and no patrons in the restaurant.
The food is still decent, but not spectacular, and the prices are low — but the vibe is weird now. A year ago, it felt like you’re visiting a fine dining establishment… now it feels like you’re intruding.
After our last visit, I doubt we’ll be back. Food is OK, but it just feels weird being in an empty restaurant, especially since I had been several times before things went downhill. Unfortunately, I’m gonna have to put Theater Café/​DeVine on my «death watch».

I give 5 stars to Theater Café for a number of reason.
1) An interesting establishment that has dining and café area to invite friends or family for gatherings.
2) Great selection of food … I also like the drink menu.
3) It has an appealing décor especially the walled library and the giant HD TV on the wall.
4) Service was excellent and professional. Environment was warm and friendly.
5) The place was very clean and orderly. I would say they have the best cevaps in town if anyone from the Balkans are reading this commentary.
The only drawbacks I can see is parking. If you are coming from the suburbs, you would have to find parking a block or 2. However its not bad of stroll into the restaurant/​café.

How have I driven by Theatre Café so many times and never stopped in? Well, I saw the light because I can see myself spending a good chunk of time (and money!) here.
So, on a recent Thursday night, I came in for an evening of live music, cocktails and good friends. I was surprised by the warm elegance of the Café — there’s a few oversized yet comfy booths for large groups, tables with the poshest of chairs and a bar area. I was in the mood for a good craft beer and was ecstatic to hear they stock one of my faves: Allagash White. It’s almost $ 8 with tax (ouch!) but completely worth it to me. One of life’s small pleasures, for sure!
Though I didn’t try the food, I noticed the menu is definitely Balkan-​influenced (cevapi! goulash! lamb! meat platters!) but the Café also offers American favorites such as seared ahi tuna, crab cakes and cheese selections. I hear the garlic pickles are the dish to try!
It didn’t take long to love on the low-​key yet sophisticated ambiance. I’m no longer into the club scene (not sure I actually ever was, really) and the Theatre Café provides a loungey alternative to heading downtown. Service is friendly and very accommodating so you’ll feel welcome relaxing in the digs for hours (which, we did). There’s even a fireplace to keep cozy of those cold Chicago nights! Theatre Café is destined to be one of my new favorite northside spots.

I didn’t love Theatre Café, but I didn’t hate it either. Sunday morning I opted to treat myself to brunch and decided it was the perfect day to try out TC since it is only a couple of blocks from the house. Being the neurotic planner I am, I have eyed the menu several times, both the one posted in the window of the restaurant and the one posted online. Both menus appear to be the same. Both menus show lovely items for weekend brunch. Both menus were incorrect.
Apparently TC no longer has the brunch menu available, and only serves a buffet style deal. Unfortunately, this isn’t remotely close to what I had wanted Sunday morning. By the time I was informed of this by the waitress, I had already been seated so despite my misgivings I opted to stay.
To be clear, the food was ok. Nothing fancy or stupendous — basics like eggs, bacon, and potatoes were all there. A little too heavy on the salt for my taste, but still good. The strawberry spinach salad was lovely. However, little things, like the fact that there was no jam or jelly available (seriously, not even a tiny plastic packet of smuckers?) left me thinking I should have just walked a few more blocks to Golden Nugget.
I still want to go back to try the regular menu, but I doubt I would ever see a reason to return in the morning hours.

The wife and I swung in for a bottle of wine and the meat n cheese plate. There was a decent selection of wines reasonably priced. We got a Zin for $ 20. Server/​bartender was great and even gave us a taste of another he recommended. The meat and cheese plate was great (and a good bargain for the $). We’d go back for dinner again.
My only recommendations, dim the lights a tad, lose the 80’s music that was playing, and turn off the sports. Major identity crisis.

I attended an engagement party at Theatre Café on Friday night, and had a fabulous time. Jack, the owner, was tending bar that night, and there was NEVER a moment when I was without a drink in hand. Jack is very accomodating and attentive to patrons’ needs. Theatre Café will go out of its way to make sure your every desire is met, and that you have a fabulous time. This wine bar is definitely more upscale then a sports bar, but not prententious. This is a perfect date night location. If you are in need of a space for a party, Theatre Café is your answer. The interior of the wine bar is chic and classy, yet fun. Unfortunately, I only had drinks on Friday night, however I plan to stop back in for dinner in a few days to check out the food, as the menu looks absolutely amazing.

Theatre Café easily has the best ambiance and friendliest staff of any place in the neighborhood. For that, I give them 5 stars.
I’m not so sure about the food. It was good, no doubt. Here’s the thing: I asked my waiter which of the sides wasn’t soaked in butter as kind of a joke. He actually had a hard time coming up with one — and then recommended the sweet potato fries, which are of course fried. A weird thing to ask? Sure. But a lot of the menu leans toward heavy butter, salt, or meat — or some combination. Sure, lots of people love that — and that’s why lots of people love TGI Friday’s, which has mastered the fine art of salt, butter, and fat. In a culinarily diverse neighborhood like mine, I’d like to see something different.
I had the cevapci entrée, and again, it was a plate of nothing but ten or so sausages and a dollop of ajver. I’d thought it would be served over rice, or couscous or something. Nope, just a plate of kinda greasy meat. And literally, a tablespoon of ajver — which, btw, you can buy in a huge jar for $ 4 at Beograd across the street.
I guess I should guessed all this from a place that serves an appetizer of nothing but butter. And again, it is a beautiful place with wonderful people and a great vibe.

So excited about the Theatre Café!
Mmmm, bacon-​y goodness… mmmmm.
Two complaints:
1. The conversation was lousy. My fiancé was so enamored with how excellent the musicians were (it was a Thursday, live Jazz on Thursdays) that he barely mumbled two words to me!
2. Dessert (the chocolate peanut butter cake roll) was so rich that I had to request a side of whipped cream to cut through the delicious chocolatey flash-​back– to-​a-​childhood-​that-​was-​never-​THIS-​good goodness. Usually I’m not such a wimp, and I’m only complaining because this dessert made me look weak.
Enough complaints… on to the review! I love that this is in my neighborhood. Theatre Café is classy enough that it could stand up to any establishment in this city, but cozy enough to still be «neighborhood». I love the rich cocoas and creams with the warm woods in the décor as well as the openness of the space. There are a few booths which seem pretty intimate, but we were on the floor right next to the music which was perfect for Mr. T.
Our waiter (I forgot his name, but I’d love to give him a shout out!) was great. He was totally on point and helpful with every aspect of our meal, especially recommendations. He even let me sample the wine I had decided not to order.
The food was amazing. We started with the house cured meat and cheese appetizer. The bacon was a thin melt in your mouth slice, that was a little less cooked than I’m used to, but so good! It was like eating a campfire in the best possible way. The manchego cheese was a little week, especially after the richness of the bleu, but the tiny cheese stuffed peppers were delightful. (I am so disappointed in myself for not being able to recall the other meats and cheeses on this plate, but the bacon and bleu were really where it’s at for me!)
The mister had the beet salad which was everything a beet salad should be. And I had the butternut squash veloute, which was a rich and thick creamy butternut squash soup served piping hot. The best detail was a smokey salt garnish that popped through the velvety sweetness. Great for the cold winter night we were there. Next I want to try the bacon wrapped lamb, I saw four of them go by to other tables and I almost tackled the waiter. Also, the ladies at the table next to us ordered a pasta that looked and smelled scrumptious!
They are also open for brunch which I can’t wait to try, AND will have outdoor seating come spring time. Yay spring time!
The owner/​chef stopped by our table to see how everything was. Jack, really nice guy. Go check out his restaurant!

Looking for an elegant dining experience in your Northwest Chicago neighborhood that is easy on the wallet? Allow me to recommend the Theatre Café, on Irving Park somewhere between Albany Park and Logan Square.
Kelly and I have been here three times and have been uniformly impressed on each occasion. As a new restaurant on a lonely stretch of Irving Park, we’ve never encountered much of a crowd when we’ve dined, and so have benefited from special attention from Chef/​Owner Jack, and, on our last visit, his brother George.
The food here is unbelievably good, even more so for the affordable prices. On our last visit, I had bacon wrapped rack of lamb, and Kelly ordered the pork chop in a bacon/​apple glaze that was, without exaggeration, the best I have ever had — even better than my previous best at the English Grill in Louisville. I am beginning to realize that, as much as I like exotic meats like lamb, venison, foie gras, etc., as well as a great steak, nothing really compares to pork that is so tender that it melts in your mouth. Theatre Café has that, and for only $ 18, to boot.
I almost forgot — the bacon wrapped lamb was flawlessly executed as well. Rack of lamb doesn’t really need bacon, but the flavor profile certainly doesn’t hurt, and I downed it with abandon.
The pork is reason enough to come here, but the goulash, the steak, and meat and cheese plate all demand repeat visits. The goulash, in particular, is lick your bowl good.
The wine list is small, but has very reasonable offerings. What I liked more is Jack’s bourbon/​rye collection — the usual small batch collections from Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, and Templeton Rye. My Templeton Rye manhattan was perfectly balanced and very tasty.
What could be better then a well executed menu and drink list? Friendly service and a great atmosphere! The staff is well versed in the menu, and Jack works the tables on most nights. Because the Café has not yet caught on, I spent one night discussing film with one of the waiters for a good fifteen minutes, which only enhances the dining experience.
And as to the décor, the dining room should, by all accounts, feel small, but the tall ceilings, corner location, and fireplace in the corner give it an expansive yet intimate feeling, like you are in a large apartment or small ballroom. I highly recommend dining on a Thursday night, with an empty stomach and a craving for cocktails — have the sausage plate, a full dinner, and groove to the live jazz.
I look forward to spending many evenings here, enjoying the food and service and getting to know the waitstaff. You should, too, before the word gets out.
The only issue I have is that if you are dining in the winter, be sure to dress warmly — the booths are drafty. Fortunately, the food, booze, and friendly service will warm you up.

I’ve been here for brunch about 5 times. The food is always wonderful, and I love their potatoes, seriously, the best I’ve ever had. Their coffee and tea is outstanding.
My only problem is the amount of time it takes to get your food. I’ve never been here when it’s been full, maybe 1 or 2 other tables, but it’s always at least 40 minutes to come out of the kitchen.
One of the last times we were here, our waiter informed us our order would take awhile since the people that just ordered before us had food allergies, and they needed to completely clean the kitchen before they made their food. What? Really? Wow.
I guess that’s taking customer service to a new level, but hey, what about everyone else? Seems kind of strange. Maybe they were friends with the staff?
Since we have to drive, we always have to feed the meter for the full 2 hours, since we never know how long it will take. If you’re starving, I’d suggest going somewhere else, but if you have time for some wonderful breakfast, give it a try.
We’ve yet to come in for dinner, but will try soon since I’m sure it will be phenomenal.

The best Irving Park has to offer.
Jack’s food is fantastic, the price is very reasonable, and the music on Thursdays is just lovely.
About time Irving had a place with some class besides Sabatino’s!

I was here with 3 girlfriends this past Wednesday — half price appetizers and bottles of wine
This place was lovely. The décor is great. Beautiful fire (gas?), plush curtains, old foreign Black and White movie playing muted. Forties music.
The food was very reasonably priced but the portions were small. Not too small but smaller than most places. They were a perfect amount — like we all «should» eat.
The chef (also owner and/​or manager) and the server were great! Very attentive but not overly so. The timing was near perfect. We were not rushed at all and were able to enjoy our meal, but we weren’t left lingering.
They made a special vegetarian dish for my friend not on the menu. The only complaint we had was the saltiness of two of the dishes. The burger was phenomenal — the taste amazing — a mix of beef and Serbian Sausage (I think). No really — amazing… but salty. It really would have been perfect if half as salty. Same for the fingerling potatoes and mashed garlic potatoes.
We were asked by the chef how everything was. The menu is very new so we explained and he seemed to genuinely take on board our complaint. These people seem to want this place to work. They’ve done a great job and I will definitely be back.

I was pleasantly surprised by Theatre Café. From the outside it doesn’t look like much of anything — it’s the corner space in a new construction building along Irving Park. How much personality can there be? Well kudos to the owner because this place managed to do a fantastic job creating a warm, neighborhood atmosphere where technically there shouldn’t be any. A cozy corner with overstuffed chairs and a leather couch sit in front of a fireplace and oversized booths have a way of being a comfortable space for two, or serving a group of 6.
The food is equally as comforting. I probably could have eaten the entire house-​cured meat and cheese plate on my own. With a side of the warm bread (yes it came out piping hot) who could resist? There was a divine smelly cheese (I should have asked what it was!), some stinky blue and some other milder options as well. I was in my own world creating mini sandwiches with the cheese, warm bread and meats. Need I say more? The Beet salad was good though nothing as special as the other items I devoured. The tagliettele pasta was rich with a heavenly truffle scent and creamy to boot. Thin-​crust pizzas come in two sizes and are a great option for the table to share.
For now Theatre Café is BYOB but they have plans to be selling alcoholic beverages shortly. Whether you’re coming here for a date or to hang out with friends just to chat, the space lends itself well to both. With live jazz on Thursday nights and brunch on the weekends this place is sure to be a favorite not just in the neighborhood but across the city.

What a great addition to the neighborhood! My husband and I have been in three times now. The interior is absolutely beautiful. The staff is warm and friendly, the menu’s are well thought out and not trying to do too much. For starters hit up on of the Fall Salads and/​or a small pizza, both were delicious.
I recommend the BLT which might be the best BLT I have ever had. I also enjoyed the smoked pork chop for dinner. Right now it is BYOB but Jack, the chef, says they are due their liquor license in the next month or so.
The prices are extremely affordable and very modest. Dinner: salad, small pizza, two entrees, dessert, coffee, corkage = $ 53.
Yes, people, there is quality fine dining West of Western Avenue.

Some of the best ambiance on Irving Park. Great place for a date. Food is great too, best fries (frites) I’ve ever had. Service is amazing and friendly. Just had a few problems with the place that keep it from becoming a 5 star establishment. And it all really boils down to the name. Theatre Café.
Theatre — Why call it this? As there will never be any kind of live theatrics in that space. There are a few comedy/​tragedy masks on the wall but that’s about as theatre as it gets. Just a little misleading. Now I would never expect the restaurant Opera to have opera performing there while I dine but theatre is often performed in cafes and I think if are going to include it in the name you better have little something to back it up.
Café — A café that doesn’t serve Iced Tea is hardly a café.
I’m harsh because I love.

The food was okay. The burger is HUGE — definitely a take home box is needed. My wife and her mom ordered that, but neither were impressed. I had some of the leftovers from my wife’s and the meat was terrible (maybe due to the day delay in consuming it). I had the Quatro pizza. It was very good. Who knew that an egg on a pizza was possible.
The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, but maybe a little too open. When we were there is was a little slow, which was surprising for a Friday night at 7PM, but it picked up around ⁸⁄₉.
I wasn’t very keen on the entrance. It seemed too open and, unfortunately as the weather turns cool, it will make for a chilly dinner for those that are seated near the door. Now that this is no longer a BYOB, I’m a little uncertain on whether I’d return. It’s within a block of my residence, but I don’t know it’s worth returning unless changes are made.

Had food from the Theatre Café today and I was surprised by how delicious it was. (Surprised because I live in the area and there are few good food options.) I had a BLT and it was one of the best BLTs I’ve ever had in my life — seriously! My boyfriend had a pizza and loved it.
The prices are quite good — nothing was over-​priced. The restaurant has an espresso bar, so there are a good number of beverage options available.
The desserts sound amazing and next time I will try the apple pie. According to the description, it is different from all other apple pies and I am totally intrigued.
I highly recommend Theatre Café, whether you live in the area or not. All around great food!
My only question — why on earth is it called the Theatre Café?