Kathy Osterman Beach House at Hollywood Beach

Lakebreeze Lakefront Cafe Opens With Frozen Cocktails on Osterman Beach - Eater Chicago

"A new seasonal cafe and bar is open near Edgewater, beckoning Chicagoans to soak up every moment of summer before back-to-school season hits. LakeBreeze offers beachside snacks, booze, and brews as of last weekend at 5800 N. Lake Shore Drive on Kathy Osterman Beach, manager Deborah Landfear wrote in an email. In the future, LakeBreeze will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Diners can eat and imbibe on the LakeBreeze patio, equipped with tables, chairs, and couches, or lounge by the water on blue reclining beach chairs under blue and white umbrellas. Cafe staff, who hope to give customers a “resort-like” feel, feature DJ sets on Sundays with as-yet unnamed food and drink specials, and daily specials and discounts are listed online. There’s no word yet on how many seats it offers or the square footage of the space. LakeBreeze offers both lunch and brunch menus with beachy plates for sharing or to snarf down solo. The former includes “nibbles” like elote tots (carnitas, roasted corn, spicy mayo, parmesan cheese, chili powder, lime) and chili-dusted cheese curds, and four protein (pork, spicy chicken, skirt steak, and buttermilk fried chicken) options available in taco, burrito, or salad form. A selection of burgers, dogs, and sandwiches is also available. The brunch menu offers sweet, savory, and sweet-and-savory options, including a “beachin burrito” (spicy carnitas, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, salsa), the “Elvis Has Left the Beach” (peanut butter, banana, and bacon-stuffed French toast, vanilla egg custard, maple syrup), and bacon-wrapped dates with maple glaze. Brunch diners can also expect mimosas and a bacon Bloody Mary. Beachgoers can beat the heat with a choice of local beers, including Revolution and Half Acre, as well as wine and sangria. Bartenders are also offering frozen margaritas, piña coladas, and strawberry daiquiris. LakeBreeze is now open on Osterman Beach." - Naomi Waxman