If you are a fan of the soup/sandwich/salad lunch with a homey atmosphere, this is your place. Located in Columbus Park, Happy Gillis is the kind of neighborhood place that is comfy, casual and creative all at once.

The restaurant got its start with owners who made creative soups but have expanded the menu to include breakfast and lunch offerings. Their cold soups are fantastic. I’ve had the classic gazpacho and a red beet gazpacho that were both excellent. The fresh warm corn soup was brilliant with a potato base and plenty of fresh corn and bacony flavor. The curried chicken salad with cashews is my favorite sandwich although I had a special veggie sandwich that was packed with zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese on foccacia that was divine. Great to go or for a casual meal with friends, please check this place out.

Two drawbacks: seating is limited and they don’t open for breakfast until 8am which makes it hard for the business breakfast crowd.