When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Little Victories
Why Little Victories is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Little Victories is a charming cafe and bar that offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting friends, whether for casual conversations over coffee or relaxed evenings with light bites and drinks. Known for its bright, airy space and lively vibe, Little Victories provides a welcoming environment enhanced by knowledgeable and skilled staff who serve high-quality coffee, including expertly prepared pour overs. A highlight of the menu includes a selection of Suzy Q donuts, adding a sweet touch to your visit. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood, the venue features recreational amenities such as dart boards, pool tables, and a jukebox, making it an enjoyable destination for social gatherings, first dates, or late-night hangouts. Its unique '70s rec room décor, complete with wood paneling and abundant plants, contributes to a cozy yet lively ambiance. Little Victories also supports sustainability efforts through participation in the HuskeeCup program, encouraging the use of reusable cups to reduce waste. With a blend of excellent beverages, tasty food options like fried chicken sandwiches and Caesar wraps from a resident kitchen, and engaging amenities, Little Victories is a great place to connect and unwind with friends.
Here's what people think of Little Victories
As of recent, Little Victories holds a 4-star rating based on 391 reviews.
User reviews of Little Victories offer a varied but generally positive perspective on the establishment. Many patrons praise the high quality of the coffee and the expertise of the baristas, highlighting the excellent pour-over coffee and the welcoming, bright space. Frequent compliments are given to the availability of tasty donuts and the enjoyable atmosphere created by the recreational games and vintage décor. Positive reviews often mention the café as a top destination for coffee lovers and a comfortable gathering spot for social or casual meetings. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the pricing of drinks, with a few guests feeling that the coffee is overpriced and the portion sizes smaller than expected. Additionally, the milk bar being behind the counter was noted unfavorably by some, potentially affecting customer experience. Despite occasional criticisms about cost and service options, the majority of reviews appreciate the quality offerings and friendly vibe. Overall, Little Victories garners a solid reputation as a go-to venue for coffee aficionados and those seeking a laid-back yet engaging place to meet friends, with a generally favorable rating reflecting these strengths.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jayms Bont
Stopped by Little Victories and ordered the loaded fries, a couple of wraps, and some cocktails. The cocktails were definitely the highlight — well-made and nicely balanced. The food was okay overall. The loaded fries had good flavor, but they came out a bit soggy, and the wraps, while decent, didn’t really stand out. The vibe of the place is great — casual, fun, and a good spot to hang out with friends. Service was friendly, though a bit slow during the visit, possibly due to how busy it was. All in all, it was an average experience for me. I wouldn’t mind coming back to try a few different dishes or stop in for drinks, but it didn’t quite hit that “must-return” mark yet.
Joe C.
“Little Victories = Big Wins in Chicago!” Visited Little Victories last Saturday evening and left genuinely impressed. This neighborhood gem nailed it—from service and atmosphere to the star of the show: the Chicken Caesar Wrap. 🍽️ The Food Let’s talk about the Chicken Caesar Wrap, brought to life by the Buttermilk pop-up inside Little Victories. It’s seriously next-level. Tender, juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and the perfect amount of creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped in a soft tortilla with a beautiful toast on the outside. It’s the kind of wrap you think about later in the week and find yourself craving again. Buttermilk clearly knows what they’re doing—the flavors are balanced, fresh, and absolutely satisfying. 🌟 Atmosphere Little Victories has that perfect laid-back Chicago charm. Cool without trying too hard—exposed brick, relaxed lighting, and a welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. Whether you’re solo or with friends, it’s an ideal spot to hang out, eat well, and feel like a local. 👍 Why I’ll Be Back That wrap! Worth a visit on its own. Chill and friendly staff: Everyone was kind and attentive without hovering. Buttermilk pop-up: Can’t wait to try more from their menu. Final Word: Little Victories—and the Buttermilk—are doing something really special. If you’re anywhere near Chicago and haven’t tried that Chicken Caesar Wrap yet, you’re missing out. Already looking forward to my next visit!
vanessa marroquin
Me and my best friends went for a happy hour after a day of casual shopping. The chicken sandwich (Birdies) and the caesar wrap was phenomenal. The staff was super friendly and the cutest little weiner dog, who is a regular, stopped by as well. PLEASE get the banana pudding. Absolutely to die for. The only thing to note is that the happy hour only includes a couple beers and house wine, none of the cocktails!
Zindeh S
BEWARE OF THE WRAP! TDLR: found 4 pieces of hair and a fly in 2 seperate wraps and management was dismissive and did not care Full review: Honestly the worst experience I’ve ever had with a bar/restaurant and I frequently eat out. My sister saw this place on TikTok and wanted to try the wrap. I got one and took it to go. This happened between yesterday and today (7/12). First of all, yesterday, my sister found TWO pieces of hair in the first half. We let it go. Sucks, disgusting, but we already waited in line, waited to be seated, and ordered. We go to eat the second half and she finds ANOTHER piece of hair. (If you are keeping count this is the THIRD piece of hair that we found). We are both black and have very coily/curly hair. The hair we found was straight and black. Since this was the third piece, we were deeply disappointed and thought it would be best to let the restaurant know as this is very terrible for a customer experience. She did want to actually try a full wrap (given the hype online). We go back and the guy at the door was kind and offered a full refund after talking to the staff inside (they refunded our card without asking if we wanted a new wrap). We were told that we needed to re order and be recharged for the wrap 🙄. Okay fine. We order a new one wrap and took it to go again because we had another thing to get to. The next morning (today 7/12), my sister goes to eat the replacement wrap we got. MIDWAY through the sandwich that she was eating INSIDE and MID BITE she sees something strange in the sandwich and realizes that she BIT INTO A BUG! This was soo disgusting! Like for us to find FOUR DIFFERENT PIECES OF UNSANITARY NON EDIBLE items in a food is gross! If this had happened once, I would let it go BUT because this was the FOURTH item we found (3 bio hazards hair and 1 FLY). I went back there today because we were mainly concerned that other customers might encounter this. I tell the person at the door and she brings the manager out. As I am telling him about my experience, he is SO RUDE SO DISMISSIVE! Like he did not care at all about what I was saying to him and was more concerned about the fact that I called the wrap a BURRITO like seriously. AND he also tried to dismiss my concerns by saying flys are everywhere outside (which is irrelevant because we are this inside and she was mid bite and would see a fly flying around her food). It seems to me that management at this establishment cares more about being dismissive and gaslighting customers than taking care of GENUINE CONCERNS that customers may have. He made no in dictation that they would check their practices inside or even APOLOGIZE for our experience. I even brought the burrito/wrap as we left it when she discovered the bug and he didn’t want to see pictures or the item. I’ve worked in the food industry before. If this happened where I used to work. We would check our practices. The staff that worked there are kind but upper management needs to do a better job of listening to customers concern and caring for hygiene practices in their establishment. GROSS. They did offer to refund my card but told me it would have to be at the end of the day. Whatever fine, $20 to me is less important than taking interest in potential HEALTH HAZARDS in a food place. This is my first time writing a negative review and I write this to warn other customers or potentially customers to take heed when they eat their WRAP/BURRITO/HEALTH HAZARDS. We did have a chicken sandwich and a dessert along with our wrap yesterday and found no additional items (that we know of). See pictures below of what we found. I didn’t take picture of the first 2 hairs and just threw the burrito/wrap away. Third piece of hair is a little hard to see in photo but zoom in and it’s there. The bug is way to obvious.
Katarina
Visited to try the famed Caesar wrap! I would give it a solid 8.5/10. It’s definitely crispy with the pita chips and the fried chicken is fresh. The wrap is huge honestly (was skeptical given its $15!) and flavorful. Don’t regret trying it but not sure I’d go again necessarily. Also if you sit outside there’s so many flies I’m not sure why they don’t do something about that. It was near impossible to enjoy the food. Some umbrellas from the sun would have been a good idea too. Service was ok. Nothing exceptional. Bit of a wait.
How to reach Little Victories
None
Website: None
Why Little Victories may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Little Victories with your friends?
If you're looking for an inviting, lively spot to gather with friends or family, Little Victories offers a perfect blend of atmosphere, activities, and food that makes it stand out as an ideal meetup location. Nestled in Chicago's vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, the venue balances a cozy 1970s rec room vibe with modern touches, complete with wood paneling and lots of plants, creating a nostalgic yet comfortable environment. It’s especially great if you want a casual place to unwind but still want some fun distractions to keep your group entertained. Whether it's a first date, a friendly reunion, or an informal family outing, Little Victories hits the sweet spot between approachable and special. The presence of classic bar games like dart boards and a pool table, alongside a jukebox playing tunes to set the mood, helps keep the energy up without overwhelming conversation or relaxation. Moreover, the food menu features hearty and flavorful options like excellent fried chicken sandwiches and Caesar wraps, prepared by Buttermilk from the Taco Sublime team, ensuring no one goes hungry. All these factors coalesce into a venue where memorable moments are made, making it a great choice to rally your friends for quality time.
What activities does Little Victories offer?
Little Victories caters to groups looking for a fun and interactive environment through its selection of classic bar games and music options. When you walk in, you’ll find dart boards that invite some friendly competition—perfect for breaking the ice or just sparking playful banter among friends. The pool table is another centerpiece for group entertainment, letting everyone get involved and enjoy a game or two while chatting. These games foster engagement without the need for screen distractions, making it easy to focus on socializing and enjoying each other's company. Aside from games, the jukebox is a great feature for setting the tone or tailoring the musical backdrop to your group’s taste, which can significantly enhance the ambiance and make the gathering feel personalized. This mix of entertainment options makes Little Victories stand out as a venue where guests are not just passive patrons but active participants in crafting their experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking to hang out, these features help create a lively yet relaxed meetup.
Why is Little Victories perfect for group meetups?
Little Victories is an excellent venue for group meetups for several reasons. First, its layout and atmosphere encourage social interaction by combining a casual, vintage aesthetics with modern comforts—a setting many find inviting and unpretentious. The warm wooden interiors and plentiful greenery help create a relaxed environment where groups can converse comfortably without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by noise. Second, the inclusion of interactive games like darts and pool provides natural conversation starters and group activities, making it an ideal spot to break any social barriers within your party. Third, the food and drink options are thoughtfully curated to please diverse palates, with hearty options like fried chicken sandwiches and wraps that are excellent for sharing or casual dining, catering to both small and large groups. Additionally, the venue’s hours, often extending late into the night, provide flexibility for those wanting an early evening gathering or a late-night hangout. All these elements contribute to making Little Victories a versatile and compelling choice for friend or family meetups, combining entertainment, comfort, and excellent food in one appealing package.
How is the ambiance and service at Little Victories?
The ambiance at Little Victories is frequently described as a comfortable throwback to a 1970s rec room, complete with rich wood paneling and ample greenery that makes it feel inviting and warm. Many patrons appreciate this nostalgic setting, which contributes to the venue’s unique character in an otherwise bustling urban area. The lighting and decor strike a balance that is neither too dim nor too sterile, fostering an environment conducive to both casual chats and lively celebrations. However, some reviews note that customer service has experienced inconsistency, with some feeling that staff may not always be as welcoming or prompt as desired. While the venue itself shines in terms of atmosphere and entertainment, potential guests might want to keep this variability in service in mind. Despite this, many still find themselves drawn to the venue’s charm and activities, suggesting the ambiance is a strong point and often outweighs any service fluctuations. For groups prioritizing a distinctive and engaging setting, Little Victories offers a memorable backdrop for their meetups.
What kind of food and drinks can you expect at Little Victories?
Little Victories complements its fun and relaxed environment with a menu that focuses on satisfying, tasty comfort food ideal for sharing with friends. Standout options include fried chicken sandwiches and Caesar wraps, which are consistently highlighted for their quality and flavor. These dishes come from Buttermilk, the resident kitchen run by the Taco Sublime team, known for crafting well-seasoned, fulfilling bites that pair perfectly with the bar's beverage offerings. The food menu is not overly extensive, focusing instead on doing a few items well, which works to its advantage, especially for casual, game-centered meetups where heavy, complicated meals are less practical. On the drinks front, guests can expect a solid range of classic and creative cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options, ensuring everyone in the group has something to enjoy. The combination of flavorful food and well-crafted drinks contributes significantly to making Little Victories a venue where groups can linger comfortably over good conversation and shared plates, heightening the overall meetup experience.
Where is Little Victories located, and what are its operating hours?
Little Victories is situated in the West Town area of Chicago, specifically at 1725 West Division Street in the lively Wicker Park neighborhood. This location places it within easy reach for those living in or visiting one of the city’s trendiest and culturally vibrant districts, making it a convenient destination for locals and tourists alike. Its placement within this bustling area means there are plenty of other attractions nearby, so you can easily combine a visit here with other activities or explorations. Regarding its operating hours, the venue opens typically in the early afternoon and stays open late into the evening, with weekend hours extending until 2 AM or later, depending on the day. This flexibility ensures groups can meet up for anything from a leisurely afternoon hangout to a full night of fun without feeling rushed by time constraints. Its location and hours make it accessible and accommodating for a wide variety of social occasions and schedules.
Are there any special considerations or reviews to keep in mind?
While Little Victories enjoys a solid reputation with an approximate rating around 4.0 out of 5 from nearly 400 reviews, potential visitors should be aware of some mixed feedback, mostly centered on service quality. Multiple reviewers mention inconsistent customer service experiences and occasional delays, particularly during busier times, which could affect the overall enjoyment for some groups. However, the venue's atmosphere, engaging activities, and food quality consistently receive positive remarks, often making up for these service fluctuations. For groups prioritizing a vibrant ambiance with interactive entertainment, this trade-off is often acceptable, but it may be worth managing expectations or visiting during less crowded hours for an optimal experience. Overall, Little Victories retains a loyal following and continues to be recommended as a solid choice for groups seeking a fun and relaxed place to meet in Chicago’s lively bar scene.