All Together Now Cafe

Doesn't seem like this place has a thread, and it deserves one. Just had a lovely lunch here on a weekday afternoon, named one of Chicago Mag's Best New Restaurants of 2019. Not crowded, a few people working (including me). Previously known as Brothers and Sisters before getting a cease and desist letter from a D.C. restaurant with the same name. Looked like there were some nice bottles of wine available by the glass, and for sale, though I didn't imbibe.

I had the meatball sandwich w/ basil mayo (of course they call it aioli) and giardiniera. It was delicious, and messy - my one complaint about sandwiches on baguettes. (RIP my t-shirt.)



Also had the brioche donut holes with yuzu glaze.



All Together Now
2119 W. Chicago Ave
Open 9 am to 10 pm daily

mikeyL wrote:Also had the brioche donut holes with yuzu glaze.

Gotta ask - were those cooked to order, i.e. hot out of the fryer?

Whoa, that sandwich looks good.

nsxtasy wrote:

mikeyL wrote:Also had the brioche donut holes with yuzu glaze.

Gotta ask - were those cooked to order, i.e. hot out of the fryer?

They seemed to be! Definitely warm + they took a while (and it wasn't busy).

I've been here a couple of times as well and I think it is an intriguing spot. The wine shop is very interesting, stocked with unusual, mostly natural wines that would otherwise be found at Red and White, Diversey or other specialist shops. Prices are OK, not great, but when you consider you can drink any bottle on site for a $5 fee, it becomes a compelling spot to drink. The meat and cheese counter is also interesting, and I believe there is some affiliation with the producers. We picked up a Spanish-style sobrasada last time, which was a nice alternative to nduja.

What I haven't quite figured out is how to use this place. It doesn't come off as a dinner destination, yet wine by the bottle is the biggest draw. A sandwich and a bottle of wine for lunch is nice from time to time but not a frequent target. If I were closer, it would be a great neighborhood spot for a light dinner. I like it, and I'll be back, but just not sure when.

I'm super partial to the smashed white bean sandwich (white beans, marinated fennel, salt-fermented beets, and feta, on focaccia). Been there a few times now, and definitely worth the (short) trek for us from our neighborhood near the Mag Mile.