Cafecito On Chestnut
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Cafecito On Chestnut
Chicago, a city so full of culture and style, deserves a good Cuban coffee house and cafe. Here, you can reintroduce yourself to the essence of coffee without taking away its integrity. As you sit back in our comfortable dining room, take in the sounds and aromas of Latin America. Enjoy one of our pressed sandwiches, entrees or specialty salads inspired by these culinary countries.

Cafecito takes pride in using fresh, all natural ingredients. We want to make sure our guests can savor the true flavors of our meats and homemade marinades. At Cafecito, we want to be your choice for small get-togethers, business meetings, study sessions, or just a moment of pure relaxation. All platters are served with white rice, black beans and plantains unless otherwise noted.
Reviews (27)
Amparo N.
Amparo N.
Jan 03, 2022
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I ordered La Playa and it's so delicious. I wish I had taken a better picture but I didn't have time that is how good it is . I will definitely try it again and more items. Awesome job Cafecito!
Jordyn
Jordyn
Jan 01, 2022
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Had the Mojo Shrimp Platillo and not only was everything fresh but it was bursting with flavor! Enjoyed the laid back and comfortable atmosphere as well anndd they have Coco Rico 😄
Mark W.
Mark W.
Dec 11, 2021
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This place can be quite nice but the owners are very lakadaizical. The opening time on the door is 07:00 and they often are not in at 08:30. Nothing is more frustrating than arranging to meet people for breakfast and the owners don't have the common courtesy to open when they promise. This happens again and again. We have given up on this place.
Luis G.
Luis G.
Dec 01, 2021
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Food is good but service is really bad!The should improve on getting professional service.
Tedan H.
Tedan H.
Nov 25, 2021
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Love this spot for a quick bite that is also authentic! My husband and I come here often during our walk. There's an out door patio heated space and indoor seating place. We like to get combination plate to have assortment of nutrients. The service is wonderful and we never felt being rushed while making decis
Pam C.
Pam C.
Nov 16, 2021
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Can't believe it took me so long to try Cafecito! Came by with some friends for brunch. The place was fairly empty at 10am but got very busy by the time we were leaving at noon. The interior is cozy but very casual, with a cafe/bakery section at the front attached to a bar and some seating.

The menu is so big and filled with Cuban and Latin America dishes to try! There are sandwiches, platters, and a very extensive vegan / veg section using beyond meat. This is definitely a must try if you like flavorful veg friendly options. I had the Ropa Vieja sandwich which was super flavorful and a great
Grace Gimpel
Grace Gimpel
Nov 05, 2021
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The only sandwich I'll get downtown. Amazing, perfect every time. Huevos con chimuchurri for breakfast is the best - of course with a cafe con leche
Alexandra K.
Alexandra K.
Oct 27, 2021
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I found myself amused by the other reviews I skimmed over before leaving mine. What actually prompted me to leave a review was the fact that I've been waiting for what feels like 45 minutes for someone to check on me. The waiter was so nice and we bonded over our perspectives on food and nourishing the body... and my food was spectacular - as it always is. I always get rice and beans, tostones, and toast with coffee. I can never finish all of it, even though it's just a few side orders. Needless to say, the portions are generous! This was the first time my tostones came as oily, but I
Ryan Lorance
Ryan Lorance
Oct 02, 2021
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One of my favorite Cubano sandwiches, and their rice and beans are phenomenal. Only downside is the line out the door at lunch time, which says something about how good their food is.
Sam Cotton
Sam Cotton
Oct 01, 2021
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Wide variety of options, very warm and friendly staff, quality of the sandwiches and coffee is A+. Hidden gem in the heart of the city
Zane Burton
Zane Burton
Sep 28, 2021
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Love you all. Crazy to see the restaurant with just few people inside. I remember before COVID-19 that the line used to be out the door every weekday afternoon. I hope you get that kind of success again soon—you deserve it.
Chris T.
Chris T.
Sep 25, 2021
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Nice place to have went for a not overly filling meal but still good nonetheless. The sandwiches tasted very fresh and are more than enough to get you full. Personally I had the Chivito sandwich and it was a sandwich that complimented itself very well with the items it came with. Would definitely go again.
Tony T.
Tony T.
Sep 20, 2021
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I like cafecito a lot and is a staple in the area. One suggestion is food at night gets old (I think they cook it and let it sit in a warming tray all day)

It's more lunch food anyway so no big deal- but probably wouldn't order late in the evening. The meat gets tough and dried out and v salty by the end of the day.

I like everything a lot otherwise
Amanda Ladig
Amanda Ladig
Sep 18, 2021
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Service is basically non-existant at this place. Use the to-go counter but be prepared to wait if it's a Saturday. Lots of vegan options, which is why we chose this place, but we won't be back.
Neha C.
Neha C.
Jul 13, 2021
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One word: coffee!!! Come here for the best cafe con leche in the city. The menu is huge and has something for everyone (vegetarians and vegans too!!). The service is very hit or miss but if you aren't in a rush, you can enjoy a nice time sipping on a hot espresso and catching up with friends
Leela S.
Leela S.
May 08, 2021
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Came from Sunday brunch and we all LOVED it. A $5 mimosa deal, a full vegan menu, and DELICIOUS Food. They have a covered patio with heaters and it's so fun. Prompt service, socially distanced, and there was no wait at all. They don't take reservations but it wasn't an issue!
Jim S.
Jim S.
Apr 21, 2021
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I'm still jacked about my meal there -- this is unquestionably the BEST Cuban food north of Miami - and frankly, every bit as good as what you can get down there. I had the GuavaQ Pork and my wife had the classic Cubano sandwich. FANTASTIC. Great service, covid protocols - overall excellent.
Joseph Sifakis
Joseph Sifakis
Apr 19, 2021
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If you’re looking for some amazing sandwiches and customer service this is the place to go. When you walk in there are signs saying the best Cuban sandwiches in Chicago and I can vouch that this is a legitimate statement. In addition, Isabella was one of the nicest people I’ve met in the city, which made the experience that much better. I will be returning! I hope this place prospers and stays open. What a gem.
Ali M.
Ali M.
Apr 18, 2021
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This place is incredible. Hands down some of the best food I've had in Chicago and so affordable. With 2 mimosas ($5 only sat/sun I think), a sandwich, coffee, pancakes, and yucas, our total bill came to $39. Food was also BOMB. I ordered the romeo and Juliette pancakes and added sweet plantains on top. Insanely tasty. Our server was really nice and very attentive as well. Vibe is super chill. It's like a coffee shop vibe so you're not rushed and can just hang out. Everything was very covid friendly. Highly recommend everything!
Elizabeth R.
Elizabeth R.
Apr 06, 2021
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Got a Cubano, white bean soup + sweet plantains. All pretty good and definitely satisfied my Cuban craving! Their hot sauce was the real winner though - super spicy and kind of sweet. Will be buying a bottle!
Matt Jacobs
Matt Jacobs
Feb 18, 2021
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This place is so good. I called 10 min ahead for a takeout order and the food was ready right when I got there. Chevito sandwich was a great balance of flavors, grilled nicely, and just the right amount of messy. Luckily though they thoughtfully included a few napkins. My only regret is that I didn’t also order hot sauce! Next time, I’ll definitely be back.
Nanette B.
Nanette B.
Nov 27, 2020
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Cafecito is a great bargain. I've now ordered breakfast and lunch from the restaurant and both meals were not only affordable but delicious. This time, I had lunch and ordered the Cuban sandwich. It was very tasty but I have to say, my daughter's Proveletta (grilled Provolone cheese, roasted red peppers and chimichurri sauce) stole the show. It was a colorful work of art and she pronounced it amazing. We ordered a side of yuca frita which was generously sized and came with a very savory dipping sauce. We enjoyed it with our lunch and as a snack later. Previously, I ordered the egg and
Oscar S.
Oscar S.
Aug 24, 2020
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Really enjoyed my visits.I walked past quite a few times and this restaurant caught my attention.Decided to start doing my research on them.By the time I walked in I pretty much knew the whole menu.It is a nice little cafe with an outdoor patio.Perfect place to stop in before or after a day at the beach or a trip to Lincoln Park Zoo since they are only a couple of blocks away.The food is delicious.Must try the roast pork with guava bbq sauce.Comes with jicama slaw and maduros.It was DELICIOUS!!!! Their sandwiches are really good as well.They also have breakfast sandwiches if you're in the
Alexandra A.
Alexandra A.
Aug 24, 2020
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Such a cute little cafe! Great prices and tasty food!They have a small covered patio with about seven or eight tables under it and probably seven or eight tables inside as well. It's very close to Lincoln Park, and on a friendly and busy-ish street.

I was meeting up with friends there at on a Sunday at 11am, and we had hoped to sit outside, but there were only two tables on the patio that were big enough for four people, so we would either have to wait for those already seated to leave, or we could eat inside. Keep that in mind if you have a larger party. We opted to go in, and it wasn&apos
Rachael Jalbuena
Rachael Jalbuena
Jan 11, 2020
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I ordered a lechon platillo got a lechon sandwich instead. It was my 1st time so i was kind of wary about the tiny bag and was too hungry to walk back & have it replaced but im really mad because i paid $5.00 more for it. I paid $12 for the platillo and it was supposed to come with rice, plantains and black beans. The lechon sandwich is about $7 only.
Jose C.
Jose C.
Dec 24, 2019
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We came here on a Saturday night and was surprised they didn't have a large crowd. We were able to get seated right away and the staff was very friendly. The interior was decorated very colorful and it was very spacious inside with plenty of chairs.

My wife ordered their Ropa vieja sandwich and I ordered their Cubano sandwich. The Ropa vieja came with slow roasted skirt steak, black beans with a tomato creole sauce mixed in with sweet plantains. I've had Ropa vieja sandwiches before but never with sweet plantains. A very well done sandwich that I wouldn't mind ordering on my next
Truman Gerholdt
Truman Gerholdt
Sep 01, 2019
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If you’re looking for an inexpensive quick bit then this place is perfect! I go here for a quick Cuban bite every time I’m in town. They have a good menu and are fast. Good flavor and lots of options. Always friendly.