Donna’s Café Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary in the South Loop

A Saturday afternoon at Donna’s Café  

Believe it or not, Donna’s Café, at 1255E South State Street, opened its doors on January 24, 2011. Part of the business revival on S. State St. in the South Loop, Donna’s has established itself as a casual café serving soups, sandwiches, and beverages. Every Friday night, Donna’s features live jazz with Randy Ford Sr., Mike Muse, and Corky McClerkin.

On a recent visit, we asked Donna Adams if owning and operating her own business was all she expected it would be. “I had no expectations other than it would be hard work and that expectation has been met,” Adams said with a laugh. She added, “It’s been a challenge and I like a challenge. I enjoy meeting new people. I also enjoy our regular customers.” Adams is looking forward to warmer weather, which means patio dining once again. We’re looking forward to that too!

Donna’s hours of operation are Mondays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Tuesdays –Thursdays 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturdays 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Donna’s Café is closed on Sundays.

Weekend Happenings

Chicago Art Exchange “Grand Opening Celebration” August 19 and 20, 2011, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. This new art gallery located at 1530 S. State St.,  will be serving “Hors D’Oeuvres and Libations courtesy of Tapas Valencia.” If you want to attend this event, you need to RSVP. Click here for more information.

The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen’s official grand is August 19 and 20, 2011. You probably thought this new pub was already open, but today and tomorrow makes it official. The Scout is located at 1301 S. Wabash Ave.

Jazz at Donna’s Café August 19, 2011. Friday night jazz has become a regular weekly event at the local breakfast and lunch spot located at 1255 S. State St. No cover charge; five dollar minimum purchase for BYOB. Jazz starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.

Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) Open Meeting at Tribute. Find out what’s happening in the greater South Loop and meet and mingle with friends and neighbors. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. with meet-and-greet starting at 9:00 a.m. with refreshments. Tribute is located at 800 S. Michigan Ave. (Essex Hotel).

Air and Water Show August 19 and 20, 2011, is the oldest and largest of its kind. North Avenue Beach is the central location for viewing this annual event that attracts over 2 million fans. This year the headliners are the Thunderbirds, Leap Frogs, and Golden Knights. The show runs from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days.

South Loop's Donna's Cafe in the news

Donna Adams holds a copy of the most recent Chicago Journal pictured here with staff.

Donna's Cafe, was featured in this week's Chicago Journal. Located at 1255 S. State St., the cafe is the dream of Donna Adams, a retired Chicago police officer and her business partner Bob Oliver. Here at South Loop Connection we've followed Donna's Cafe on its journey from idea to reality.

Also featured in the article was Overflow Coffee Bar opening soon at Daystar Center at 1550 S. State St. If all goes according to plan, they should open on March 21, 2011.

Donna's Cafe: It's Open!

Donna's Cafe at 1255 S. State St. is now open. The cafe was open at 6 a.m. this morning. I stopped in for breakfast: oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar and a cup of coffee, on my way to work. This blog, and its readers, I might add, have been following Donna's progress for several months now. Donna has been tweeting her experiences, including giving insights into the permitting process that all new business owners must go through.

Donna Adams  rings up customers on opening day.

A 25-year veteran of the Chicago police department, Donna Adams is the newest entrepreneur in the South Loop. This week is the cafe's soft opening. The official grand opening will take place on February 19th. I suggest you check out this new eatery and let Donna know what you think. This is the shake-down cruise, so to speak, so all suggestions and comments will be appreciated and taken seriously.

Menu board is on the north-facing wall.

From an aesthetic perspective, the space is lovely. Something unique for a cafe of its size is the fact that there are two separate bathrooms for men and women. They are absolutely beautiful. It's worth the trip, just to take a look at  them. Both bathrooms have convenient changing tables. For a sneak peek at these two amazing lavatories, click here. Donna's Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I'm told the blueberry muffins are delicious.

Donna's Cafe, welcome to the South Loop!