About
Welcome to the vibrant world of 11 Degree North, tucked away at 824 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL. This charming eatery prides itself on serving up a delightful array of delicious foods, with a particular emphasis on bagel sandwiches, biscuit creations, and mouthwatering arepas. Whether you're looking to kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast or enjoy a casual lunch, 11 Degree North is a must-visit destination.
Stepping inside, you’ll be welcomed by a straightforward yet cozy atmosphere that strikes the right balance between functionality and comfort. The cheerful staff is dedicated to ensuring each visit is a pleasure, with friendly service that makes you feel right at home. Though the space may be limited, the seating is thoughtfully arranged for casual dining or even a few hours of working over a cup of one of their distinctively brewed coffees.
The food is where 11 Degree North truly shines. Their bagel sandwiches are standout options, with offerings like the Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese at just US$3.90 or the more indulgent Bagel & Lox, layered with lox, chive cream cheese, and fresh vegetables for US$13.65. Every bagel is boiled and baked to perfection, ensuring a chewy, flavorful bite that keeps customers returning for more.
However, the real star of the menu may be the arepas. Several patrons rave about these gluten-free delights. Each arepa is overstuffed with high-quality ingredients, making them a fulfilling option for any meal. As one happy customer noted, "If you’re not indulging in the BEST AREPAS in Chicago, you’re truly missing out." The vibrant blend of flavors, like pulled pork and plantains, has captivated the taste buds of many, making these arepas a must-try.
For those seeking something lighter, the salad bowls provide a refreshing option, featuring fresh greens paired with hearty toppings. Dishes like the Breakfast Bowl or the Veggie Bowl showcase a commitment to quality ingredients, complemented beautifully by their house vinaigrette—all for a reasonable US$12.94.
And let’s not overlook the beloved biscuit sandwiches. The homemade brown butter biscuits are flaky wonders, and options like the Porkie with sausage, bacon, and egg are not just affordable at US$9.30, they're also decadently satisfying.
Overall, the value at 11 Degree North is exceptional, with most items priced under US$15. Visitors leave with not just satisfied appetites but also the desire to return for more of that unique dining experience. So, whether you find yourself in Wrigleyville, Boystown, or Lake View, make it a point to stop by and treat yourself to some of the most delectable offerings in Chicago!
“ I can't say enough good things about this place. In terms of atmosphere, it's a very straightforward shop, a few tables, a service counter, and the menu on the wall behind the counter. Nothing amazing, but comfortable and welcoming with seats against the windows for people watching. It's worth noting they don't have a public bathroom, but the Target on the corner of Clark & Belmont does. The folks who work here have always been friendly, and for food made fresh it's remarkably fast. Okay, on to the food - at this point I've probably had every Arepa on the menu that doesn't have pork in it, and they have all been excellent. You get an absolutely overstuffed arepa and get to choose between eating it over the little holder or having some of the filling with a fork to make it a little more manageable before you tackle it. The ingredients are always high quality, and everything comes out VERY hot from being made fresh to order. I've had their bagel sandwiches as well and they are delicious, but if you're coming here and not getting the BEST AREPAS in Chicago then you are out of your mind. As far as beverages, I've tried a good number of the coffee drinks and their chai latte and they were all good. They use interesting combinations and definitely provide something a little different compared to other coffee spots in the city. If I lived nearby I'd probably make their coffee part of a normal ritual because it's very well executed. In terms of price - food is inexpensive for what you get - less than 15 for most items on the menu. Coffee is a little pricier, but considering the unique options I think it's well worth the price. This place is worth going out of your way for, and just 3-4 blocks West of the park, or a block and a half East of the Brown/Red line stop. Do yourself a favor and give it a try, it's a favorite stop in the city. ”
“ Great spot for lunch or coffee! This was my first time eating here but I will be back. The prices are great - I spent 14 for a 16oz almond milk latte and an arepa, which is a great lunch deal. And although the place is small, there’s enough seating with large tables to work at for a few hours. I had the Island Pork arepa with pulled pork, plantains, goat cheese and red onions. It was fantastic! The latte was delicious as well. ”
“ Very lively small restaurant with excellent service! I had the Porkie on a biscuit and my partner had the egg, bacon, and cheese biscuit. Both reasonably priced and DELICIOUS. I also had a hazelnut latte that did not disappoint. Highly recommend if in Wriggleyville/Boystown/Lake View! *Only takeaway was very few tables cleaned for seating, despite empty. Because they were lively, I totally understand the delay, but cleanliness adds a ton on a first impression. ”
“ Arepas are an incredible food but not enough people are talking about them. 11 Degrees North has a lot of delicious options and I believe they’re all gluten free. They’re not really set up for sitting at the restaurant due to limited space but you can easily grab your food to go. I’d highly recommend everyone give it a try. ”
“ It's a rainy Tuesday morning, and I was walking by after an appointment - decided to go in due to the offerings listed on the windows. I got the mango sunrise smoothie and the porkie egg sandwich, and wowww. Best breakfast sandwich I've had in ages. The biscuit is perfect, and the sausage patty is rly good. It's nice in here, plenty of seating where I could see myself working on my laptop. The music is pleasant. I'm so glad I stopped in. ”
“ It was very busy but I ordered a smoothie quickly and while I was waiting I ordered an arepa because they looked so good. The Tuti Twist was fresh and delicious! I enjoyed my smoothie as well, but consumed too quickly for a photo. ”
“ It’s silly how good these sandwiches were. The arepa, while not as photogenic, is worth its weight in gold. Can’t recommend enough. ”
“ Wife and I loved it. She got the venezia arepa and I got the cheesie biscuit sandwich. We left hungry still but still felt like it was great prices for what we got, was very fresh, and delicious. Also got the cold brew which was better than average. Service was quick. We definitely want to come back to try more delicious sounding things on their menu. ”