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Cafecito
Cuban Restaurant and Café$$$$
The Loop, Chicago
This Cuban restaurant is famous for their Cuban sandwiches. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"Love the Chivito sandwich, it taste so good!!!!"(12 Tips)
"Authentic Cubano sandwiches in the heart of downtown Chicago."(44 Tips)
"jerk chicken and pollo chipotle and veggie"(4 Tips)
"The palomillo and iced café con leche are amazing !"(4 Tips)
170 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Ganula BorgilchuluunMarch 23, 2016The Best Cuban sandwich in the city with great price. If you hungry but too early for your dinner, go to this place and get the best Cuban sandwich you will ever have and comeback again.
Ross BranniganNovember 2, 2016Amazing artisan sandwich store in downtown Chicago. Amongst the many sub chains, it sets itself apart. Long queues at lunch. Recommend "the jerk" sandwich with grilled chicken and Caribbean spices.
- Authentic Cubano sandwiches in the heart of downtown Chicago. A hidden gem! Don't forget to add a side of plantains.
Cortadito is one of my favorite espresso drinks in all Chicagoland. It takes the sugar and milk ur too afraid to add and serves it straight up. I go nuts for anything with their guava jam.
Alex WitekJuly 22, 2012Definitely try the Cubano. It's the classic Cuban sandwich, done just right. If you're in town at te Hilton or the Congress Plaza, gove this hip place a try.
John ShrimpMarch 17, 2018For a delicious and filling sandwich, Cafecito won’t disappoint. Its Cubano is the best in Chicago but the other selections, such as the Ropa Vieja and Chivito, are just as good.
Shanitra CooperOctober 23, 2017Both times I went I had the cafe con leche. It was the best I’ve had and just the right amount of caffeine without drowned with sugar.
Jessica StappMarch 1, 2015The most delicious cortadito (espresso with milk) and lots of vegetarian options. I picked the Jardin. The service is very fast and the food is delicious!!
Time Out ChicagoOctober 19, 2011There’s no confusion over the star of the show here: The Cubano’s crusty bread is toasted just right, its roast pork juicy, its pickles thick, and its mustard and gooey cheese plentiful.
Nadia ElisaMarch 1, 2015Ah, I haven't had a Cubano sandwich this good in years. A caldito gallego is the perfect side and finish it all off with a café con leche :)
Autumn ChoiJune 25, 2019Just their buttered bread itself is delicious and have not had a bad sandwich from here. Coffee, esp the cafecito is delicious but line is always long and sometimes staff get rude and disorganized
Catherine HuffmanAugust 22, 2015The cafe con lech iced was perfect on a hot day. Also got the ropa vieja, which was insanely delicious on a hot day. I'd recommend it to anyone!
Chrys JohnstonSeptember 29, 2013Try the Cafe Con Leche. Cuban espresso combined with a teaspoon of sugar and steamed milk. A perfect combination of ingredients for a light, not to sweet cup of coffee.
Erika DavisJanuary 7, 2016Everything is good here, but my favorite is cafe con leche & black bean soup. If you're near Millennium Park, it's a great place to grab a bite.
Erik RowleyNovember 1, 2015The Cubano is one of my favorite sandwiches in the city, be sure to order black beans and white rice on the side.
Cat GaoMay 10, 2014This place is wonderful and super inexpensive. Get the Cubano or Lechon sandwiches and a café con leche!
Heather FolsomAugust 15, 2014The chivito was def the standout winner of the meal... The flavors just meshed together perfectly. The potato salad was also very good but the churro was stale & Cuban was burnt. I will be back!
April GIApril 30, 2021The guava-q pork and their breakfast sandwiches are so good! I’d definitely go again. Others have raved about the Cuban, but I didn’t love it. Pretty dry.
Alexia MainFebruary 2, 2015The caldo gallego is absolutely a must! The service was great and the atmosphere really makes you feel like you're at a tiny Cuban cafe!
Casey VickersAugust 25, 2011The Pallomia without onions is my go to, I got mushrooms once it was amazing. Also don't pass on the Churo it's fantastic! Owner works the counter as well, he's great, like all the staff. Visit often
Charmaine *Pretty CMB*March 1, 2013The pollo chimichurri is the best!!! The chimichurri sauce is what makes this delicious chicken platter amazing; served with black beans & rice with plantain!! ♡♡
Time Out ChicagoMay 28, 2012This Cubano is delicious, and the key to its success is the citrus-garlic-marinated, cumin-rubbed lechon asado and the perfect toasting (whoever is operating the plancha needs a raise). -BC Read more
Jack ReidMarch 7, 2016Cuban sandwiches were yummy and good value! Also get the black beans and white rice on the side if you want to turn lunch into dinner.- Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012This Cubano is delicious, and the key to its success is the citrus-garlic-marinated, cumin-rubbed lechon asado and the perfect toasting (whoever is operating the plancha needs a raise).
Zuby HJanuary 15, 2013The tilapia criolla is one of my favorites paired with the rice and beans side. Sandwiches are freshly made and affordably priced for downtown. Can't go wrong.
If you want a quick bite, come before noon or after 1pm. The Cubano sandwich is a must try. And if you like coffee, get the cafe con Leche.
Samantha HillNovember 4, 2018Amazing sandwiches and cafe con leche. Great place for a quick bit to eat or hanging out with friends.- Time Out ChicagoNovember 2, 2011There’s no confusion over the star of the show here: The Cubano’s crusty bread is toasted just right, its roast pork juicy, its pickles thick, and its mustard and gooey cheese plentiful. Read more
Cafe con leche is amazing! Only $2 for a large too! Bring cash though because they have a $5 minimum charge. It's a great spot for authentic, tasty, strong, inexpensive coffee.
Carolyn PavelkisMarch 24, 2015Great breakfast. Amazing Cuban sandwiches for lunch. The white bean soup is also delicious. And they make a great soy latte.
- AJ @StuffThusFarDecember 23, 2019Absolutely delicious! Try the Guava-Q and Tilapia Criolla pressed sandwiches.
Best Cubano! If you're daring, try the ropa vieja with sweet plantains & black beans. If it's the daily special, get the grilled tilapia - while it lasts! Black beans & rice Cuban style! Riccissimo!- Mabel CottrellMarch 30, 2024The ambiance of this restaurant is so dreamy and cozy. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner.
- Time Out ChicagoDecember 6, 2011Try the caldo gallego from our 100 Best list: With white beans, potato, spinach, ham and chorizo, it’s every bit as smoky, porky and satisfying as the restaurant’s Cubano.
Sean Maccarone-ReedJuly 11, 2015Cuban coffee, iced on a hot day. So authentic here. Be prepared for a line, and it moves fast.
Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 10, 2012The Timba sandwich combines Swiss cheese with sweet guava spread on crispy sub bread—new tastes that should be mild (but tasty) enough for even super-picky types. Read more
15% discount for staying in the hostel, so make sure you visit while staying
Everyone loves the sandwiches but try the exotica salad. It's one of the best salads I've ever had.- Janet RiveraMarch 19, 2018Feels like home when I get to be downtown and I get to enjoy a Latin cuisine meal
Jasmine CrankSeptember 8, 2017Absolutely delicious! The Palomilla sandwich was great and the steak was seasoned so well.
Tilapia sandwich with habanero salsa is a winning combo! And if you need a pick me up, their cafe con leche is really good too!
Sandwiches and coffee are equally amazing! Try the Caramel Latte you will not be disappointed
Caryn JendroJune 14, 2013The tilapia criolla sandwich is incredible. Fresh and flavorful. Also try the steak chimichurri sandwich. Delicious!- Phillip PlatzMay 6, 2010The Chivito is definitely THE sandwich to try. With steak, ham, bacon, fried egg, shoestring potatoes... there's something for everyone but our vegitarian friends. Try it, you won't be upset!
William WilsonApril 19, 2013Loved the Roja and Jerk sandwich. The flavor was so terrific. Can't wait to get the Cubano next!
Rebecca LunaMay 18, 2017I don't see what all the fuss is here. There wasn't much flavor to the pork in the Cubano. If there was any, it was likely overshadowed by all the mustard. Was my first visit and probably my last.
Kara HSeptember 8, 2014Great food! Almost everything on the menu is worth trying. Worth the trek and wait.
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Closed until 7:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 7:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
(312) 922-2233
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
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"Ox tails are excellent. Also the empanadas and fried pork appetizer. BYOB"
Ninah Randolph - 8.7
"The sandwich breakfast special was delicious and their coffee is always great!!!"
rachel k dooley - 7.2
"Great BYOB Cuban Restaurant. Fun for big groups or even couples dinner. Empanadas are to die for, so is the ropa vieja."
Cathy
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