Seemor
The LanzagaA-Worth Trying
3736 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
· South American restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Coffee roastery
· 4.9/5 Google (263 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Creative South American cooking with standout coffee and warm hospitality; excellent brunch and solid dinner, with occasional service hiccups and a few drink misses.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
The Lanzaga earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality anchored by house-roasted coffee and standout brunch dishes like crab Benedict and cachapas, paired with attentive, warm service that makes guests feel welcomed. Consistency shows some variability at dinner and occasional seasoning unevenness prevents grade A territory, though the cozy neighborhood setting and loyal following make it a reliable choice for brunch and casual South American dining.
Restaurant Summary
The Lanzaga feels like a neighborhood living room with warm, attentive service and the hum of a true coffee house. Guests praise the air-roasted beans that drink smooth and balanced—one diner said they finally skipped sugar—while staff handles BYOB with polished care. The vibe leans cozy and conversational, more cafe than formal, a Lakeview gem for brunch and relaxed dinners. The cooking blends South American comfort with creative touches: giant crab-cake Benedict with roasted pepper hollandaise, cheese-stuffed cachapas, crisp empanadas, moqueca, and coffee-rubbed chicken. Plates skew generous and flavorful, though a few diners found the skirt steak under-seasoned and some desserts uneven. If you love house-roasted coffee and bold-but-approachable flavors, this is an easy recommendation—especially earlier in the day. Families will find it welcoming, with kid-friendly choices like pancakes, mac and cheese, and simple eggs alongside fries and plantains. Portions are ample and the room is casual, so it works for kids who prefer familiar foods. BYOB and desserts like flan or passion fruit cheesecake make it a relaxed option for multi-generational outings, with no formal fuss.
At a Glance
- Air-roasted coffee is smooth and widely praised
- Standout brunch dishes like crab Benedict and cachapas
- BYOB with glassware and attentive service
- Some dinner seasoning inconsistencies (skirt steak)
- Occasional service/phone issues for reservations
What Sets It Apart
- Air-roasted coffee program
- Creative South American brunch
- BYOB with polished service
What People Love
- Comforting yet creative plates
- Genuinely friendly staff and owner presence
- Generous portions for the price
- Smooth, balanced coffee roasted in-house
Points of Concern
- Steak and a few desserts drew mixed feedback on seasoning and balance
- A diner reported a near $100 dinner for two felt high for value
- Phone responsiveness and an online reservation cancellation frustrated a guest
- Drinks beyond coffee can be inconsistent (hot chocolate criticism)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-$48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- If you like spice, add aji or serrano accents where offered
- Pair cachapas with a bright coffee to balance richness
- Vegetarians: Spinach-portabella Benedict and mac with add-ons
Perfect For
- Long brunches with coffee lovers
- Casual date nights without alcohol markups (BYOB)
- Neighborhood meetups and remote-work sessions
- Visiting friends who want approachable South American flavors
Location Insights
Area: Lively Lakeview/Broadway corridor with cafes, bars, and neighborhood foot traffic; mixes locals with visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, active day and evening with steady pedestrian activity.
Nearby: Near Boystown nightlife, residential buildings, boutique shops; convenient for brunch crowds and evening diners.
LakeviewLakeview is a bustling neighborhood with a dynamic dining scene that ranges from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. It is known for its walkability, nightlife, and community-oriented atmosphere, attracting a mix of locals and visitors who enjoy a lively yet approachable social environment.
Boystown (East Lakeview)Boystown is a well-known sub-area within Lakeview celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, inclusive atmosphere, and active nightlife. The dining scene here includes trendy bars, diverse restaurants, and welcoming spaces that cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and social experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–16:00
Tuesday07:00–16:00
Wednesday07:00–21:00
Thursday07:00–21:00
Friday07:00–21:00
Saturday08:00–21:00
Sunday08:00–16:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →