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Bloomingdale sandwich spot has just what you're craving

In an era when burgers are, on average, $10 apiece, a quaint surprise of a spot like Crave Café on Lake Street in Bloomingdale comes in handy. Tucked into an easy-to-miss storefront, this cheery counter-serve sandwich spot is big on flavor but ultra-easy on wallets.

That's true from the time it opens in the morning, serving a handful of breakfast bagel sammies and buttered English muffins, to when the menu shifts to an array of largely familiar (but occasionally surprising) bites.

If you're wise, you'll start with a crock of bubbly, cheese-cloaked French onion soup and — since you're already going for broke in the cheese department — saganaki. Incidentally, we dug the briny fried pickles, too.

Mind you, there are also options like Jack Daniel's-spiked chili, hearty chicken noodle soup and crowd-pleasing mozzarella sticks. Come to think of it, a meal made of one of the soups and half-dozen or so salads is a perfect midday respite that won't weigh you down. Choose from options like raspberry salmon salad with red onion and toasted pine nuts; a loaded Asian chicken salad with chow mein noodles and ginger dressing; and a classic Greek salad with house-made vinaigrette and all the traditional fixings.

From there it's on to a few south-of-the-border selections (soft tacos, a quesadilla with or without chicken, a chicken burrito). Sandwiches comprise the bulk of the menu, and they include many usual — albeit well-executed — suspects, from a chicken Caesar or buffalo chicken wrap to a triple grilled cheese on sourdough, classic BLT and corned beef on rye. For something a bit more substantial, there's a breaded chicken club dressed in ranch.

Hot paninis are a smart bet, too, especially the griddled “chicken pesto Asiago,” which features house-made basil-parmesan pesto and baby spinach. You'll also find a Dijon-slathered ham sandwich with red onions, tomatoes and sweet bell peppers and a shredded beef and cheddar hand-held with caramelized onions, too. This time, however, we couldn't resist the aptly named brunch burger, which comes crowned with smoky bacon, a fried egg, hash browns and American cheese. It may be just what your next hangover needs.

Check out the specials and consider going with the “pick two” option that allows you to combine a half sandwich, cup of soup, half salad, penne pasta or grilled cheese.

Kids will feel welcome here too, given there's a menu of their favorites, like chicken tenders and PB&J.

Drinks-wise, expect real fruit smoothies; chocolate, strawberry or vanilla shakes and warm beverages, such as hot chocolate, espresso and cappuccino.

And lest you think the place is run of the mill, it's not. Culinary Institute of America grad Jerome Pilalis and his wife, Mary, are longtime locals, who thoughtfully compiled a comfort-driven menu that's prepared with care. And it shows.

Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it cannot recommend.

  A fried egg, bacon, hash browns and American cheese top Crave Cafe's Brunch Burger. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Crave Cafe's tasty French onion soup comes to the table under a cloak of melty cheese. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Homemade basil pesto makes the difference on Crave Cafe's chicken Asiago panini. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Chef Jerome Pilalis and his wife, Mary, opened Crave Cafe in Bloomingdale in 2014. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Crave Cafe is tucked into a shopping mall along Lake Street in Bloomingdale. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com

Crave Café

162 E. Lake St., Bloomingdale, (630) 529-5761, <a href="http://www.cravecafebloomingdale.com/">cravecafebloomingdale.com</a>

<b>Cuisine:</b> Casual American

<b>Setting:</b> Contemporary, cozy counter-service eatery

<b>Entrees:</b> $3.99 to $7.89

<b>Hours:</b> 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday

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