Pillars Social Cafe (CLOSED)

It hardly matters whether it’s trend-hopping or true environmental consciousness that compelled this new café and coffee bar to serve only humanely raised meat for its burgers and sandwiches and deck out its massive space with recycled decor—in crunchy Rogers Park, this concept is pure (responsibly mined) gold. Despite a too-thin patty, the Pillars burger (Swiss, caramelized onion) is plenty juicy, and the Turkey Alternative burger overcomes blandness with crisp apple slices and curried mango aioli. No Coke products here: Pillars serves only agave-nectar-sweetened Oogave sodas. The mellow strawberry-rhubarb flavor pairs nicely with the jazz guitarist strumming quietly in the corner.