Dolce Casa Café Open Late for the Summer, Offering Seasonal Specials

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Business: Dolce Casa Cafe, 4947 N. Damen Ave., Lincoln Square

Owner: Ross Outten 

Founded: May 2011

Write a review of Dolce Casa Cafe in our business directory. 

How did the business come to be?

Chef/Owner Ross Outten purchased Dolce Casa Café in May 2011. Previous owners had created a cozy space with an art deco feel, fireplace, exposed brick and original pressed tin ceiling. His goal was to maintain this laid back vibe and sense of community, while offering a new menu.

His culinary style is influenced by his training at Le Cordon Bleu - London, as well as years of experience in various restaurants in New York, London and Chicago. For the café, he created a menu that reflects his passion and flair for European cuisine combined with a commitment to seasonal, local Midwestern produce.

Keeping the familiar decor and fireplace, we have brought in new art (changes monthly), more couches and cozy seating, and an array of gourmet products to eat in or take home. 

Dolce Casa Café is committed to the health of our customers and preservation of our environment. That's why we use all organic dairy and egg products. We are happy to alter any or our menu items (where possible) to meet our customers' tastes or dietary requirements."

Why did you choose the area? 

Outten has lived predominantly in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood neighborhood for the last decade, except for his time abroad. He and his wife Lori were thrilled to buy a home in the neighborhood four years ago, and when Ross was ready to go into business for himself two years ago, it made sense to stay local.  

Ross and Lori love this little corner of Chicago, and have built our business with a commitment to being a neighborhood gathering place, a supporter of other small local business, and a resource to our community.

What does your business offer?

We serve handcrafted espresso drinks and fair trade, organic coffee from Metropolis coffee company. Our menu features fresh grilled panini, soups, and salads made to order. We serve breakfast all day, every day. We know that sourcing ingredients from local vendors and farm markets is the key to quality food. 

We use Chicago's famous Red Hen breads, as well as, gluten-free bread and baked goods from Rose's Wheat Free Bakery and Cafe in Evanston. We carry handmade, beautifully designed cake bites from Cake Bite Girl, baked fresh right here in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Many of our seasonal desserts and savory dishes are made with produce purchased from Klug Farm in St. Joseph Michigan.

What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know?

We are staying open late for the summer! Tuesdays through Fridays, we will be open until 9 p.m. with seasonal dinner specials. We have patio seating in front and back (you can bring your dog to the rear patio!) We LOVE BYOB and they offer a wide selection of beer and wine at our neighbor's shop - Windy City Liquor.

What's your most popular product or service?

The Cubano Panini - hands down.