Inspiration Kitchens

4.7 ( 423 reviews )
Checking... See Hours
$10–20
3504 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60624, United States
+1 773-801-1110
Inspiration Kitchens is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Chicago's West Side, captivating diners with its charming ambiance and heartfelt mission. The restaurant offers a diverse American menu, with standout dishes like shrimp and grits, praised for their perfect cheesy texture and firm, sizable shrimp. Reviewers consistently rave about the basil lemonade, a refreshing and earthy beverage that perfectly complements their meals. Customer experiences highlight the attentive service, particularly noting server Asha’s pleasant demeanor. The minimalistic decor fosters a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience. Many praise the generous portions, making it an excellent value for a sit-down meal. Beyond its culinary offerings, Inspiration Kitchens proudly contributes to the community, hosting a vegetable garden and free cooking programs. Patrons can also support local food pantries by purchasing meals, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to social impact. Whether you’re enjoying a breakfast bowl, crispy chicken sandwich, or the beloved gumbo plate, every dish here feels infused with love. Inspiration Kitchens invites you to savor not just a meal, but a sense of community—making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Brunch reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Inspiration Kitchens

Mama J
May 27,2025
Place well lit minimal decor fresh tasty food, server Asha? was very pleasant/ attentive.They have a veg garden n free cooking program, you can buy a meal for a food pantry/ homeless
Kisha Johnson-Smith
May 23,2025
This little gem in the heart of the West Side is a pure treasure!!!! The sweet roll (not pictured) is a tasty treat to share & start brunch off with a nice cup of coffee. I had a the shrimp & grits served with a side of greens! Perfect. The grits were the perfect, cheesy consistency. The shrimp were firm and sizable. No complaints. My companion had the breakfast bowl. I didn’t try it but her plate was clean at the end of our brunch so it signified to me that she enjoyed her meal, as well. Directly across from Garfield Park, go give them a try! I will be back!
Audrey Mejia
May 13,2025
Everything was delicious, the portions are large, the shrimp and grits were a standout dish! Loved the basil lemonade :) Will be back
Rosondunnii Marshall
May 2,2025
Absolutely love Inspiration Kitchen and their mission for the community. The grits were so tasty and the flavors just mesh together so well. I also had the basil lemonade which was so fresh and earthy. Love is definitely in every meal.
Kelly Yue
May 1,2025
We went for Saturday brunch and ordered fried green tomatoes, crispy chicken sandwich and GP breakfast plate. The food was fabulous and portions were big. The staff was incredibly friendly and made sure we were having a good time. Loved the decor as well. It’s so great to have a sit down restaurant near the conservatory. I highly recommend this spot.
Geoff Rothman
Mar 19,2025
HUGEEE amazing portions!!! The chicken was INSANELY good!! I almost didn’t want to post about this place that it could stay “hidden”. The boys voted it their fav Chicago pancakes!! Perfect place to eat brunch or lunch before going to the Conservatory. White cloth napkin, silverware and full service to your table!!! Substantially cheaper prices than most places we eat at! Amazing value!
Anne Gryllakis Roberts
Feb 26,2025
Don’t miss this gem in East Garfield Park! Food with a mission to teach youth at risk about the joy of cooking, this kitchen delivers authentic, fresh, delicious meals. Try the Shrimp and Grits or the standard breakfast. I highly recommend Inspiration Kitchen in Lake Street!
Laurie Casey
Feb 16,2025
I love Inspiration Kitchens! We recently hired them to cater our event and they were so responsive and adaptive to our needs! Kayla is wonderful to work with, and the chefs delivered beautiful, healthy food to our event, just as we had requested. Would highly recommend Inspiration Kitchens!

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