I was super excited to try this cafe when I found myself in this area. High ratings, delicious looking food options AND outside tables on a clear blue sky day? Yes, please. And then... While I understood the line to order (it's popular and it was just after 1230), I didn't understand why numerous orders after mine, came out first. One woman checked on me and went to look for the cranberry chicken salad. I continued to wait. I asked a second time. Shortly after that, I got it. It was 1255, so I had to switch to takeaway re in house. To their credit, they gave me a free cookie (I won't eat it but maybe I can find someone else to give it to) and it doesn't seem like this is "normal". No one else waited as long as I did. Maybe I should have ordered a sandwich, but the salad was just average. Not bad. Not special, in any way. I would have liked a little more chicken. It was definitely okay. I like the vibe. Staff seem really friendly. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here though. read more

Bluffington's Cafe - Counter staff is friendly. Lots of options. - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois

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Cute deli/café located in the downtown Lake Bluff community, with delicious sandwiches, wraps, soups and more! The sandwich portions are plentiful and the house-made potato salad is a must! Parking is conveniently located directly in front of the deli and although the café is small, both indoor and outdoor seating is available. read more

Bluffington's Cafe - Tuna on rye - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois

5 star rating for Bluffington's!! It's always a good time when I come here. Took the fiance here to try the food and he was not disappointed. As soon as we walked in, we were immediately taken cared of. It was busy but the ambiance was bright, busy and cheerful. We came in during breakfast/lunch, brunch time. My fiance ordered a chicken salad sandwich with potato salad while I ordered a corned beef sandwich and potato salad. The lady who took our order was so sweet and didn't rush us to order which was nice considering how busy they were. My fiance also ordered an iced caramel macchiato while I ordered a hot chai tea latte. We were dining in so we were immediately seated after placing order. Please note that this place is not so big but they always manage to find seating for their patrons which is great. Our drinks came in no time and my fiance said his macchiato was wonderful, not too overpowering yet not too sweet either, it was just right and a great pick me up, especially for a busy morning. My chai tea latte was also excellent, it wasn't too sweet or decadent but perfectly creamy and delicious. When our food came, we were IN LOVE. My fiancé couldn't stop raving about their chicken salad sandwich saying it was a really good sandwich. He said the chicken was tender and there wasn't too much mayo to the point that it would be over powering. Also, the potato salad was something he also loved which I agreed with as well. There were nice big chunks of potatoes in there and again, it wasn't overpowered by mayo. The seasoning was good and it accompanied the sandwiches perfectly. My corn beef sandwich was lovely!! I had all the fixings on it with Swiss cheese and it was great. Piled high with corn beef which was succulent and nicely spiced on wheat bread. I'm normally a hot sammie type of girl but this sandwich was *chefs kiss*. Meat was tender and the other ingredients were fresh. I definitely would return to get this again! Overall, great meal and we will continue to come back. read more

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Ordered buffalo chicken wrap, no chicken/blue cheese in the wrap at all. Completely filled with lettuce/tomato. read more

Bluffington's Cafe - Supposed to be a buffalo chicken wrap - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois

Best tuna melt on the north shore. Huge portions, great coleslaw on the side! Great staff and service!

Unparalleled place in my lunch plans whenever I am in Lake Bluff. Chicagoland treasure. Never failed me in over two decades. Best egg salad sandwich in North America! read more

What a sweet cafe in an amazing town center. The omelette was made with fresh ingredients, and the coffee was delicious. I found the (very young, student) staff to be friendly and eager to help. The outside tables were also nicely placed and clearly patronized by many a local. read more

A bit pricey but well worth it REAL food as fresh as you can get. Very well run business and a Village treasure.

Hands down best cafe I have found in the 3 years I've been in the area. 10/10 would recommend for breakfast or lunch sandwich. They had amazing service. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting. I'm a weekly customer now. read more

Excellent food, excellent wait staff and chefs, excellent atmosphere. Will definitely go back again and again!

The food was great. The service was great. The ambience was great. Thank you, blessing for how much great food and everything read more

Great atmosphere and very nice staff. Had a cup of coffee and a berry filled muffin. The muffin was hot and amazing. The coffee was ok. It was a nice day so I sat outside. Looking forward to going back and trying other things on the menu. read more

The food was so good, i got a blueberry muffin which was absolutely delicious and fresh! I also got the chicken melt with cheddar cheese and sourdough bread (not pictured) it came with chips and a pickle. it was nice to eat. I will say the service was good. Staff was nice and respectful and even offered me a water for my wait (which wasn't a long wait.) I can say the ambiance felt a little off which is why i gave it four stars. i'm sure it was just me but other than that i would definitely come back! maybe it was a one off. read more

Bluffington's Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois

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We're in town from Nevada for our son's navy graduation and stopped in for lunch. It's such a cute place in a quaint little town, real mom and pop vibes. I had the tuna melt and coleslaw. The best I've ever had! I'll be dreaming about it forevermore. Mr. had the Reuben and potato salad, said it's some of the best he's ever had. The owner/manager (?) came by the table to ask how it was and was so friendly and told us all about the area. Just really great food, service, and energy. I wish we lived closer, I'd love to try every single thing. read more

They have a little bit of everything to eat! Food is really good and service is amazing! Very patient when ordering and helpful. Restaurant is cute! read more

Bluffington's Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois

Just LOVE this place. The staff and management are superb! I adore the quaint atmosphere and the food is always fresh and tasty!

Excellent customer service and communication from the store front. That is very much appreciated considering the order was not for me but my little granny. She was confirmed with Covid today and I looked up a little brunch spot in Lake Forest and came across Bluffington's Cafe. I ordered a vanilla chai Frappuccino, Sunny salad with dressing on the side and Egg Bluffington for granny. It was well priced for the order too. I hope she likes it!:) Update: ~ 40 minutes later Granny was very happy with her yummy food and drink. She said it was all good. She's saving some of it because it was a lot of food. Really great spot! I'm glad I found it on Yelp!! read more

The servers forgot to bring out our food And even once they did My order was wrong For a simple sandwich Other than that The aesthetic of this place does feel incredibly warm and cozy But someone does need to go in and level all of the posters, as staying at angels starts to degrade the look of the place read more

This place is a little gem. It's a very little place with limited indoor seating. But on a nice day, you'll find plenty of seating outside. The food is absolutely fresh and very reasonably priced. The people doing the cooking were very careful to get your order correct. The young girls doing the food distribution were very friendly and polite. A nice place to visit for a fresh and tasty meal. read more

You guys! do not sleep on the 'Sunny Salad! It's delicious, affordable and huge. Make sure you get extra dressing. read more

Bluffington's Cafe - Sunny Salad - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois

The food was alright; I ended up reheating it and adding my own spices because it was a bit bland. Service was great! And I liked their chai latte a lot read more

Was in the mood for a salad and chose to come here as it had good reviews. I'm glad I stopped by. The cafe is family owned and has a cozy environment. There were only two tables available when I went around noon, so a lot of people seem to come here. I told the man taking my order that it was my first time and he immediately let me know their specials and what customers like best. I was planning on getting a salad, but was convinced to get a chicken salad sandwich. I'm glad I took the recommendation because it was the best chicken salad I've ever eaten. It did cost $10 which is a bit expensive for me, but the area is high end so the prices are reasonable for the geographic location. The sandwich came with a side of either chips, potato salad or coleslaw. I decided on chips, but I was given a potato salad to try from who I think is the owner. It was a kind gesture that proved they really care about their customers. My friend ordered a strawberry frappe and gyro which she said were both delicious! Our food was brought out to us and they picked up after us when we finished eating. As we walked out the door, we were acknowledged with a warm goodbye and thanks for having come in. It was the type of personalization and good customer service every establishment should have. I will be coming back and hopefully trying a salad on my next visit! read more

Bluffington's Cafe - chicken salad on sourdough, strawberry frappe - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois

Great spot for a lunch sandwich. I had the egg salad sandwich and it was incredible. Service was very good for how busy it was. It doesn't look like a massive kitchen so you should probably be patient during peak lunch hours. There aren't many places like this one still around. A unique experience. read more

Bluffington's is a tiny sandwich shop but a bright star on the Lake Bluff main drag. They have an extensive list of sandwich meats and options. They also carry a number of yummy salad options. I can't resist the tuna melt - and I'm particular about my tuna sandwiches!!! They have the best around. My hubby is particular to the Italian beef with spicy peppers. During the busy lunch hour and weekends, call ahead and place your order beforehand. Depending on the weather it can be tough to grab a table inside. But who doesn't prefer to outside at the patio tables and enjoy the sunshine. read more

I love this cafe !!! The tater salad alone is worth coming back too. All the sandwiches can be converted to wraps. I think I've tried everything but the chicken salad and club sammies are my fav. The owner is super nice and helpful and all the workers here are nice. The atmosphere is super chill. Definitely come and check this place out if your around lake bluff area. read more

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Shared an excellent Greek salad and club sandwich here with my son. Great place for a lunch date or a smashing breakfast! All the royals eat here! I love the Churchill quotes on the wall. He saved the western world from tyranny. Asked by the King how he could drink --scotch with breakfast-- he replied, "Practice." read more

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Just outstanding quality and service. Lunch was great! Amazing smile at the counter helps too. read more

Food was not too bad at all! Me and my friend both had chicken melts and were not super impressed by them- felt like they were not flavorful. Chip choices were great and yum! Environment was a bit crowded and stressful/ overpacked! Staff was very friendly and actively helpful! read more

Local cafe that does exactly what it is supposed to do - be a local dining spot!! This place isn't designed for eating in. It's mostly for to-go orders. The food and sandwiches are delicious. Most importantly, the service is local, personal and friendly!! Worth a trip every time you need a quick lunch or breakfast. read more

First time there today, and it will certainly be the last time! Subjected to a 20 minute, back and forth shouting match with the OWNER! and a customer. All concerning a basketball game! How rude! How disrespectful! Has the owner no manners? No, not at all. Find another place to dine. Or bring your earplugs. The owner is a high volume noise machine!! read more

best Ruben's on the north shore. Wouldn't have lunch anywhere else. Lake Bluff is a strange liberal community but Bluffington's makes the experience worth the trip. read more

Great sandwich shop that can get a little too busy at the lunch rush. Call ahead with your order. Great prices, great staff, great food, and a nice outside patio if you can find a seat on a nice day. read more

Awesome food with awesome friendly staff that treat you like family when you walk in, great ambiance!

The food was amazing and service was excellent and the ambience was fabulous and the sandwiches were delicious! :)

The food was excellent! The service was fine - it an order at the counter style. Everyone was very pleasant. The chicken club was extra special. I'd order it again! The place has a few cute small tables and some outside seating. Seems like it would be great for families. read more

Love love love their triple decker! Not to mention how sweet the gentleman was when my husband went in to get me some Superman ice cream. You made my day! read more

Absolutely wonderful place for lunch Something for every member of the family Staff was extremely helpful and friendly Great location with lots of parking read more

I am sure it would have been better if it was fully available. This is a small inside area and that is shrunk down considerably for the COVID restrictions. The quality of service and food were great. It is a very busy local spot, the staff know the regulars and there are a lot of them. That speaks volumes about the quality of food for that many repeat customers read more

Came here at 11:30am on a Monday visiting a friend in the area. No line and probably 10-15 minutes to get my food. The warm chicken sandwich was delicious, definitely worth paying deli price for. Cafe itself was super cute, and there was ample outdoor seating to enjoy the weather. Note that breakfast does end at 11am, but the lunch options are worth staying for. read more

Lake Bluff is a beautiful - somewhat isolated village. The downtown area, situated a few blocks from Lake Michigan, is small but picturesque. Bluffington's is located in a charming old brick building. Bluffington's has the feel of an old school deli, complete with glass case and chalk board. When you walk in, you can't help but think: "ahhh, this looks like a nice place to eat." Today I ordered the tuna melt on sourdough bread. It looked great and had a generous portion of tuna salad, but the sandwich was way too salty. Several reviews on here touted the tuna melt. I think it is fair to assume someone accidentally added too much salt today. It happens, but someone should have tasted it and corrected the mistake before serving it. The sandwich and a small ice-tea weighed-in at just over $12.00 ... Pretty heavy if you ask me. It was a beautiful afternoon and I was lucky enough to snag one of their outside tables. Service was friendly. I want to like this place more, (based on ambiance and service). Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion the food is just mediocre. I give it 2 stars for food and value, 4 for ambiance and service. read more

Bluffington's Cafe - Tuna melt and potato salad. - Cafes Near Me - Lake Bluff, Illinois