Samantha V.
Yelp
Corner bakery is really the best bet in regards to taste for value!
I'm pretty sad they closed the location that was a little easier to get to from my work (444 N Michigan) but this location is still somewhat reachable. Although I won't be walking over the river in winter weather to dine-in! Thank goodness for delivery!
Speaking of delivery, I feel really bad for their delivery lady. She apparently WALKS the deliveries. It's downtown, so I get it, I guess it's not much worse than biking. But thank God for her, cause I'm not doing it!
Usually when I find a place I like, I end up ordering the same thing every time, and this is no exception.
I love their Choose 2 options. Even a "half" sandwich here is hearty and decent portion, especially if you get it on the baguette. For $8.99 there isn't a better deal in the neighborhood, really! Sometimes they send a boatload of coupons in the mail, too, which I love! Seriously, I ate at Corner Bakery like 12 times between Nov-Dec thanks to their coupons. Would not have ate there THAT much otherwise.
Faves:
Chicken Pesto Sandwich: Good size, good flavor, quality ingredients
Tomato Basil Soup: Tasty, savory, hint of sweet, creamy and filling - particularly lovely on a cold, snowy Chicago day and the croutons are so crunchy and well-seasoned! I like to dip my sandwich in it.
Marinara Cavatappi: While it isn't the most robust or well-seasoned sauce, the portion that comes with the Choose 2 is surprisingly filling. I would have expected a tiny handful of noodles, but this is a full bowl and the noodles are always well cooked and spirally (so fun for me!)
Asian edamame side salad: Wow, I can choose this as a side for no extra charge and it's tasty! It's kind of like an asian coleslaw and has great texture and flavor. Why would anyone choose chips when this is an option?
Cinnamon Creme Cake: I always have to look away during the holidays when they're promoting whole cakes. That would be dangerous! Though quite delicious!
Not so exciting:
Seasonal Fruit Medley - For $3 you get the tiniest little scoop of kind of wilted-looking fruit
Salads - I've had 2 different salads here and the quality of the lettuce and variety of toppings is really disappointing which is surprising considering the greens on the sandwiches are awesome
Chocolate Chip Cookie - Doesn't seem like something they bake here, kind of hard and mediocre
Overall, I would say Corner Bakery is one of my favorite lunch spots downtown. I wish there was one closer to home for those nights when I need a quick, affordable and tasty meal. But it might be for the best that there isn't, otherwise I should own stock in the company.