Dive In To The Swim Café

By Hanna Aronovich in Food on Mar 31, 2006 5:51PM

Little-known secret: Chicagoist is somewhat of a fitness buff. We’re pretty dedicated runners, but we like to mix up the exercise regime. This quest for some cross-training led us to Eckhart Park for lap swim this week. However, we arrived early and had some time to kill. Not to mention, we were feeling the hunger. Imagine our delight when we turned and saw the Swim Café.

Located at 1357 W. Chicago, the Swim Café is a cheerful little spot within view of Eckhart Park’s pool. The light wood floors and curved tables are fresh against the bright, aqua-colored walls. The overall effect is upbeat and beach-y.

Serving typical café fare, the Swim Café offers juices, coffee and tea, of course, as well as salads, panini sandwiches, breakfast items and – the main focus - baked goods. Owner Karen Gerod bakes the mini muffins, cookies and scones each morning. Smaller, but rich, the pastries are nice way to moderately indulge (especially since you don’t want to swim on a full stomach). The food items are also unique, such as brie salad and PB&J on chocolate bread.

And, what would a café be without serving excellent coffee? Swim Café features fair trade brews from Just Coffee. Tea is also given the spotlight: Swim Café serves organic, whole leaf Indian tea from Chicago-based Ineeka Tea.

Dog-friendly and Web-addicted Chicagoist is also happy to note Swim Café carries a line of dog treats from Begging Paws, as well as free Wi-Fi access.

Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Swim Café’s evening hours are somewhat inconvenient during the weekday. However, the café encourages board game play (especially Scrabble) on Sunday (specifically from 1-4 p.m.), and rewards customers with a free beverage or baked good for doing so.

It may require a special trip, but Chicagoist thinks dipping into the Swim Café is well worth the effort.