(from chicagomag.com)

THE VIBE: Finally, the most iconic building at the North/Milwaukee/Damen intersection has new life. Open since December, the tony Robey hotel squelches any lingering doubt that Wicker Park/Bucktown has, well, gone fancy. Love or loathe this symbol of the area’s evolution, there’s no finer place to observe the bustle than from a marble-topped table in the sun-drenched, ground-level cafe. There’s brunch service every morning, and on our weekday visit we found a half-full room consisting mostly of well-dressed 30-something women. 8 out of 10

THE FOOD:(Note: there are a dozen lunchlike options on the brunch menu, but we stuck to breakfast fare.) What servers call “French-American” translates mainly to recognizable standards with subtle tweaks. Case in point: buttermilk pancakes ($12) with a dollop of whipped ricotta, toasted coconut, and vaguely lime-y syrup. Sounds like a beach vacation for the mouth, but the flavors were unfortunately subdued. We dug the frittata ($14)—chock-full of shaved Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and goat cheese and topped with a tangle of frisée—and its healthy portion of vegetable goodness, but had to dock a point for its rubbery outer layer. 5 out of 10 (MORE HERE)

I love Café Robey and the hotel Robey. The menu is really great. NOT TOO expensive. I highly recommend the chorizo eggs benedict. The rooms are also very cool. Modern amenities and great city views. Rooms as low as $140 a night. Perfect location for friends, family visiting or a nice stay-cationish get away. Right in the heart of Wicker Park and close to the Blue Line Damen stop. (Stan’s Donuts, Double Door)