Pura Belleza Coffee & Art

I’ve been here twice for sandwiches only. They have Boars Head, a major plus in my book. The paninis are pretty good. The takeout service seemed eager to please, albeit it took forever for them to assemble one sandwich when the place was basically empty. There are plenty of folksy objet d’arts to look at while you wait.

I’ve only ordered delivery…
awesome Breakfast-​Burrito…
Cant eat dairy… they make it work, even with their smoothies… soy milk to the rescue!
I have ordered delivery from here for breakfast at least 30 times, and never a problem. I do order through grub-hub…might solve your problems (previous posts).
Boy i get soooo excited on my days off, waking, walking to the computer, and ordering from this place. Soooo goooood.
Soy Berry smoothie… extra berries… best thing I have ever tasted.

I’ve been here twice; the first was decent enough (and inexpensive enough) to warrant a second go, but the second trip was a terrible nightmare. The most recent venture we got coffee (when we asked for Chai), undercooked pancakes (straight-​up runny batter in the middle) and a completely mushy and oily tex-​mex skillet that left my stomach churning. The end bill came up to over twenty dollars, but we were in such a rush to leave we didn’t even argue about it. Hands down the worst breakfast place we’ve ever been to. Ever.
They should consider just selling the art, since that was the only aspect of the place that had any quality.

I really wanted to like this place, it’s the closest breakfast to my house. The food was ok and the service was amiable but poor.
The waitress really didn’t understand English, I asked for my eggs poached and they came fried, we were served toast instead of pancakes but since it wasn’t actually toasted you’d have to call it just bread, we had to ask twice for butter and they don’t refill your coffee.
I might be back but only due to proximity.

I have only been there about three times, and had no idea that they changed management until now. It explains why our breakfast experience was so dreadful last weekend.
My wife ordered the chilaquiles, and I ordered a breakfast croissant, unsure whether she heard me or not, i said it again. An hour and half later (and after my wife went up and reminded the waitress that we are still waiting), two croissants showed up on our table. I asked the waitress why are there two croissants, and she snapped back «You said it twice!»
Apparently, they lost our order and just thought we’re happy to hang out there indefinitely. On top of that, they still got the order wrong. I just can’t believe the incompetency.

I used to like this place, but the new management is definitely not off to a good start. My friend and I sat for 20 minutes and were never approached by a waiter, even though the restaurant wasn’t that crowded. I finally decided to go up to the counter and order the food myself. I ordered an omelet with fresh fruit, and instead received an omelet with hash browns that were uncooked, save for a few brown tips on the top. AND they forgot to bring out our coffee and toast.
They were very apologetic, so that’s the only reason they get two stars instead of one.

Okay so it’s under new management — I still had a STELLAR breakfast there today. I just don’t see why anyone is giving them 1 star! Was there some sort of drama that has instigated a backlash against the new owners? Because, they seemed lovely.
As for the food/​service: The coffee was as good as always (although they were out of my beloved Chai Tea for a latte… sniff). My breakfast burrito was outstanding, my husband’s eggs with steak and beans were AMAZING, and the staff was really friendly! The owner even came over to make sure we were enjoying our meal and again asked if were pleased when we were paying.
Overall, it’s a cute neighborhood place that I wish I lived within walking distance of.

I ordered breakfast here for delivery, which showed up about an hour and 15 minutes later. Wrong order!
I called the restaurant and they said they’d replace it. Cool. The delivery guy returned about 45 minutes later with the correct dish.
I checked the order to make sure it was right this time. He then asked for the 1^st box back!!! What the hell are they going to do with it? Just seemed really strange, but I gave it back since I wasn’t going to eat it. I hope no on else gets served the food that was incorrectly delivered to me!
My boyfriend finished his meal by that time and said it was just «average diner food, not good». He got the steak fajita skillet, so I guess this isn’t the place to go for that.
My stuffed french toast with Nutella was decent, big portion too (4 full slices of Texas style toast). Probably would even like it normally, but not worth the 2 hour wait.
Wish I’d read the reviews within the last week with the new ownership before ordering!

I absolutely loved Pura Belleza. I live in the neighborhood, and for the past three years I’ve eaten there at least once a week. The breakfast wrap was absolutely delicious, as was the chicken torta, the mexican burger and the chilaquilas. The best part of the experience was always chatting with the owners Rudi and Monica, two genuinely wonderful people whose kindness and culinary talent defined Pura Belleza.
As of March 2010, something has happened, and neither Rudi and Monica nor any of their staff are involved with the café anymore. I cannot recommend this place under its new ownership. Keep in mind that any reviews you read pre-​March 2010 are reviews of the Rudi and Monica days, when it was a real gem.

What a great find this place is! A yummy breakfast, very friendly people and lots of fun Mexican art to look at on the wall. It was hard to pick from the menu, but I went with a traditional continental breakfast and my fiancé had the sausage biscuit.
My gingerbread soy latte was perfectly spiced and had fresh nutmeg sprinkled on top. The french toast was thick and fluffy and the sausage had a really nice flavor. A little greasy, but that’s how it’s supposed to be, right?
Having breakfast here was the perfect start to the day. If we lived in Chicago, we’d be regulars for sure!

I honestly don’t have anything original to add. Except I LOVED my breakfast burrito. And if I lived closer, I’d go more often.
Cute place, neighborhoody, very limited seating, reliable quality.

So low key. I loved the space and the feel of the place.
I came here on a Sunday after work, the place has only about 5 or 6 tables and as soon as I walked in there was only one available. It was meant to be.
I wasn’t sure what to do. Sit, stand and wait or walk up to the counter. Since i decided to walk up to the counter but not after I put my coat on one of the seat, just in case. I was tol to have a seat and menus were brought and I ordered a café con leche. The café was delicious and I ended up ordering the huevos Mexican without jalepenos and a side of refried beans. The meal consisted of eggs made with green and red peppers, onions and tomatoes. I remember how fresh the veggies tasted. It also came with 3 quesadillas, half an avocado and a tomatillo sauce I believe. Everything was just as I wanted.
The place was simple and there was Mexican art and jewelry for sale.
It’s a small place so there was only one waiter. He apologized a few times for not noticing us when we were ready and when we needed our check but it wasn’t a big deal to me. The food was good so I was happy.

The breakfast burrito is money! The chipotle sauce definitely makes the burrito! Everyone who works here is super friendly — definitely is a mom-​and-​pop atmosphere… tiny with only 5 tables… kitchsy Latino knickknacks for sale all over the place.
And best of all… if you are too lazy (hungover, still drunk, naked) they DELIVER BREAKFAST! Just get dressed before they arrive…

The best breakfast you can get in Chicago, the end.
It’s difficult to really gush about Pura because the restaurant itself is so unassuming. It’s small, but there are usually only one or two other tables occupied at any time. There aren’t really any dedicated servers, the staff just comes out to help you when they see you sitting. Despite this, the service is always attentive and fast. It gives the restaurant a very laid-​back feeling.
But can I talk about the food, forever? Everything I’ve ever had at Pura Belleza has been fantastic, every single ingredient. I mean, literally. I usually get the breakfast croissant, and it’s shocking how good eggs, bacon, cheese and croissant can be. LEVELS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN, YOU GUYS. It couldn’t possibly taste fresher. The wraps are fantastic, as well. Just walk in and throw a dart at the menu, for real.
Now I am going to write an entire paragraph about fruit cups. Fruit cups are typically the greatest waste of money at restaurants — you can pay three dollars for a plate of old melon slices and some soggy strawberries if you’re lucky. It’s a shame, because obviously fruit is pretty wonderful. BUT I HAVE GREAT NEWS, CITIZENS. Pura Belleza serves the greatest fruit cups of all time. The fruit is cut fresh when you order it, and it’s all good stuff — instead of cheap melons, you get a ton of berries, kiwi, banana, ugh I am freaking out. You can get an order of this for about $ 5, but you can get a side for $ 1. ONE DOLLAR. FUCK.
I don’t even have time to talk about the superior coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice, because I am about to vomit from excitement remembering how great this place is. Bye.

**Satisfied Sigh**
Oh Pura Belleza, how i love thee.
Go to Pura Belleza, try something from each section of the menu. U will be pleased. Their coffee is delicious, try the Torta Mexicana sandwich or their Breakfast Wrap with black beans. they will never let you down.
**Satisfied Sigh**

It was only a week or so before we were to leave the neighborhood that we began to appreciate Pura Belleza. They have fresh, flavorful food for reasonable prices, including a strong delivery menu, and excellent drinks. I loved the Fruit blend smoothie – perfectly refreshing on a hot day.
The art there is also worth checking out. Lots of colorful figurines, ceramics, and handcrafts. Fun place. We’ll for sure stop by again when we’re in the neighborhood.

Ho-​lee frijoles, Batman! This place is incredible. THANK YOU UnilocalERS. We never would have found this place without you and man, are we ever glad that we did! Okay, so here’s the rundown:
1. Ordered a Chai latte and knew that I was going to love this place from the first sip. Incredible. Really hot, so it took a while to cool to drinking temp, but once it did it was 100% worth the wait. To sum it up in one word: Mmmmm. Is that a word? I dunno… I’m using it anyway. But I digress…
Adam got a coffee and they asked him how he wanted it. Really? That’s incredible. 99% of places you get their coffee how they like it and that’s it. Here, light and fresh, heavy and more bitter? You pick! That’s great!
2. When we ordered out food, we asked to make some substitutions and we were expecting to pay out the wazoo for them. They were $ 0. Awe-​some! Okay, but the prices aren’t the end of it. I got the strawberry mascarpone stuffed french toast and it was incredible. It melted in my mouth and left me wanting second breakfast. Adam got some crazy concoction with eggs, chile (green, of course), and corn tortillas. Wow. I kept stealing off of his plate but he was too distracted by deliciousness to notice. Sarah got the breakfast wrap and it was delish too. It had moist black beans, this sauce that was to die for, and all kinds of other goodness. She even asked for more of the sauce to go because she wasn’t going to have enough to finish off the wrap at home.
3. We got the bill. 2 specialty drinks, 3 meals, and a coke… Under $ 30. Yes, I am sure and no I’m not kidding you.
They really need to get some out door seating and this place would be my new favorite hang out. I’m not even super :-(because of my run-​in with Wishbone anymore. I think that I can be equally as delighted patronizing here. It’s close, the owners serve you, and the food can’t be beat. I hope that this place sticks around forever… or I’ll be super :-(again.

Breakfast with a side of Rueben? Why not!
Have you ever been in that weekend quandary where you and your roommate/​significant other/​spouse/​mom would like to break the fast with different meals? You want breakfast. They want lunch. What to DO? Yes, brunch is a remedy, but what if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own bed/​couch/​trailer? Do you order from the bakery or the deli? Do you need to actually get out of bed and shower to go to the swanky brunch places down the street?
La Pura Belleza is the answer. Breakfast items (pancakes, omelets, skillets) comingle with lunch favorites like burgers and a variety of sandwiches. Even some quesadillas thrown in for good measure.
It gets better. How could it possibly, you ask? By delivering hot (or cold, if iced is you choice) coffee right to your front door.
The food I’ve had has all been good and abundant for the price. I have even been known to order both my breakfast and dinner so I don’t even need to think about food on lazy Sundays when hunger arise again! I know, it’s a genius plan…
I cannot tell you what the place looks like or even really WHERE it is. But while laying in bed with a latte and pancakes, the view is excellent.
And the delivery boy — I’ll have side of that as well.

Pronunciation: ‘Poo-​ra Buh’yezza
Type of Business: Breakfast/​brunch/​lunch haven nestled inside a bright space full of interesting collection of artworks and handicrafts
First Impression: Charming
Impression After 27 Visits: Charming
Number of Tables: 4 and sufficient
Parking: Plenty on Western and sidestreets
Don’t Miss: Breakfast wrap, breakfast croissant, vege omelet, paninis
Must-​Have Drinks: Freshly squeezed OJ, freshly made coffee — per cup, mind you
Looking Forward To: Expanded smoothie menu
Occasional Eye Candy: Well-​behaved canine faithfully sitting on the sidewalk while his/​her owner is enjoying a breakfast wrap and freshly squeezed OJ inside
Extremely Jealous Of: Their gigantic OJ juicer
Conclusion: An oasis in the desert of the Western strip

We had the Chilaquiles and a Breakfast Wrap that were perfection. Maybe a little spicy for some… but not me. Perfection. The Cubano coffee was fantastic. Maybe a little sweet for some… but not me. Fantastic. A very small place a little off the beaten track… I think. What the fuck do I know? I live in LA. It was a half-​mile walk from the Blue Line Train station. Anyway, maybe a little far for some people. Especially if you don’t live in that state. But not for me.
Oh, and the two people (who I think were the owners) are very nice. Maybe too nice for some people. Anyway.