Expat

Expat channels a 1950s vibe in the West Loop, pairing American cafe classics with global comfort food and a lineup of natural wines and well-traveled cocktails. It has earned a reputation as one of the area's best brunch spots, and guests can also make use of a photo booth. Yet the experience splits sharply: some visitors find it fresh and fun, while others report terrible music, heavy crowds at late-night events, and unreasonable security, including monitored bathrooms. Service inconsistencies and mandatory gratuities also come up, and some neighbors complain about patrons trashing the exterior and patio nightly.

Highlights: one of the area's best brunch spots, well-traveled cocktails, photo booth, service inconsistencies, crowding