Order Cafe 53 Takeout or Delivery
Cafe 53 Photos
Business Info
Cafe 53 Popular Dishes
CAFE 53 ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Cafe 53
Recommended Reviews - Cafe 53
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Had my eye on this cafe for a while but never stepped in. Finally did and it was worth it. It's pretty small inside but they make it work with enough seating in the front and back. Downside to sitting in is the music is loud so if you need a quiet space this probably isn't it. The service is good. Very swift and to the point. I ordered an iced coffee that I wouldn't get again but not a harsh judge on that. Don't think drinks are their strong-suit. Naturally, best part is the sandwiches. I had a corned beef breakfast sandwich on croissant and it was fantastic. Will definitely be back!
We've lived here for 2 years and finally came in! They have a very expansive menu. Husband got the chicken parm sandwich. I got the pineapple teriyaki chicken sandwich. Sandwiches are huge. Good quality bread. You order at the register and they call your number. Indoor seating is limited. We will return
We got a huge and delicious sumac chicken sandwich on crunchy bread. We enjoyed it on the back patio, which felt like the Hyde Park of my childhood. We enjoyed the fattoush salad, too, though the tomatoes were a little sad on both sandwich and salad. If I still lived in the neighborhood, I'd be getting takeout from here all the time. I'd love to try some of the (many) vegetarian options. Italian cookie gelato was the perfect conclusion.
I come to this place so often and I can't believe I've never written a review. I love this place. The staff is always attentive, if you need a spot for wifi, if you want gelato on a hot day or if you want to chill in their hidden back patio it's beautiful! Their variety of sandwiches is impeccable and they've been open for years for a REASON! I tried a different sandwich on this trip and they did forget ingredient but despite that the sandwich was still awesome! **For context I got a cranberry tuna salad sandwich and they forgot the cranberry.
Over the years I have visited cafe 53 and it's a nice place locals seem to hang out inside peacefully. Service is always nice a lot of choices and they will break it down for you as plenty of bread choices. The sandwiches are always fresh and very good and remind me of lunch time in grade school as I graduated from Murray right next door very nostalgic. Go see for yourself hot and cold sandwich choices...
Delicious old school big sandwiches wrapped in butcher wrap. Huge variety of sandwiches, paninis, salads with lots of choices for special diets. Indoor seating with a cozy artsy vibe. Free WiFi for quick studying while having lunch. The service was prompt and helpful. If we didn't live out of state we'd be regulars! Can't miss with this place- yum!!
Stopped on a whim looking for a good local sandwich shop. The highlight was that bread was very tasty and fresh. The Caesar salad was also flavorful. It had homemade croutons and sides of bread. Got a slice of the carrot cake and it was very moist. Not too sweet with cream cheese frosting. Raisins included, if that matters to you. We got the garlic chicken on French baguette. It was a creamy base and not something I would buy again. Glad we added cheese because there wasn't much to it. the other sandwich we bought was avocado turkey on Dutch crunch. It unfortunately had enough mayo to drown the restaurant. The amount of meat left much to be desired. We asked for chips which they had but only for online orders that came in. ??? Doesn't make sense to me. For 2 Sammie's, a salad and cake it was $45, just for a gauge of prices. The cashier was on the phone the entire time and couldn't hear what we said because of that. Kinda acted inconvenienced we were talking while he was on the phone. The restaurant is pretty chill and seemed like a workspace for people with art on the walls for sale. The art also had a thick layer of dust, and overall the dining room could use a good deep clean. The bathroom cleanliness was decent. This probably won't be another place I would seek out in the future.
Oh yea, I can totally see why this spot is popular amongst Hyde Park folks! Friendly and helpful owners when I asked for recs. There's even a community board towards the bathroom, which gives this spot a community-based vibe. It's a quick, casual spot with several tables open for grabs when people leave. I got a traditional everything bagel w cream cheese to start the day, which had the RIGHT amt of cream cheese. Sometimes places give wayy too much, ruining the exp. I also ordered their popular Sumac Chicken sandwich on their Dutch Crunch bread, which was really good!! The bread had a slight sweetness to it that was satisfying and the flavors altogether were soo yummy. I waited ~12 min for my order, since they were rightfully packed. No outside food/drinks allowed if you're grabbing a table to eat. There's WiFi and a restroom in the back. Lots of neighborhood regulars. Bonus points that their food is halal for those w dietary restrictions. Great neighborhood spot!!
OMGosh! One of the BEST deli i've had. I love that they have several bread option and a lettuce wrap for GF folks. Sandwiches and drinks were phenomenal. I also tried their lemon bar and it was heavenly. So were the brownies, per my Hubby!
My new obsession! My friend got the turkey avocado sandwich which I never would have picked based on it looking more simple. It is one of the best sandwiches I've ever tried and I now get it on a weekly basis. Their Dutch crunch bread is the best bread I've ever had and the sauce they use on the sandwich is next level delicious. Lastly, the workers are SO friendly! Will be taking all my visitors here!
Upon walking in, I was a little overwhelmed as the cafe was super busy with people everywhere. Inside is a tight space but it's a nice vibe forsure. We ordered our drinks first and scanned the menu to see what we'd like. I'd definitely recommend taking your time and looking through the options because everything sounded so good. We ended up getting the turkey avocado and sumac chicken both on Dutch crunch and omg we destroyed those sandwiches. The sandwiches are pretty big which justified the price but I do think my drink (Italian soda) was definitely overpriced. The mayo that is used on the sandwiches is delicious and pairs really well with that Dutch crunch baguette. I would highly recommend heading to Cafe 53 on a chill day, grabbing a sandwich (Dutch crunch required!), and sitting out on the patio.
The Sumac sandwiches (chicken and vegan) on Dutch crunch bread were so good, we still talk about them a year later. This place is unassuming, but man, the sandwiches are fabulous.
Tasty sandwiches and amazing bread I would say the Dutch crunch baguette was one of the best sandwich breads I've ever had. It was perfect for my tuna, avocado sandwich. The only problem was I didn't really taste the avocado. I would've loved to have more lettuce, tomato, and onion in there, but I didn't ask so that's not their fault. The sandwich was very tasty especially because the bread was so good. This is on a strip of lots of restaurants on 53rd St. near you Chicago so you're gonna get a lot of fun eateries here. Parking on the street and you have to pay.
1 month ago
Amazing flavor. The bread was fresh and crunchy and soft on the inside. They gave extra creamy garlic sauce per my request. The sauce takes it to another level. Staff is so kind. 10/10 would recommend. read more
3 months ago
Had my eye on this cafe for a while but never stepped in. Finally did and it was worth it. It's pretty small inside but they make it work with enough seating in the front and back. Downside to sitting in is the music is loud so if you need a quiet space this probably isn't it. The service is good. Very swift and to the point. I ordered an iced coffee that I wouldn't get again but not a harsh judge on that. Don't think drinks are their strong-suit. Naturally, best part is the sandwiches. I had a corned beef breakfast sandwich on croissant and it was fantastic. Will definitely be back! read more
We've lived here for 2 years and finally came in! They have a very expansive menu. Husband got the chicken parm sandwich. I got the pineapple teriyaki chicken sandwich. Sandwiches are huge. Good quality bread. You order at the register and they call your number. Indoor seating is limited. We will return read more
We got a huge and delicious sumac chicken sandwich on crunchy bread. We enjoyed it on the back patio, which felt like the Hyde Park of my childhood. We enjoyed the fattoush salad, too, though the tomatoes were a little sad on both sandwich and salad. If I still lived in the neighborhood, I'd be getting takeout from here all the time. I'd love to try some of the (many) vegetarian options. Italian cookie gelato was the perfect conclusion. read more
I come to this place so often and I can't believe I've never written a review. I love this place. The staff is always attentive, if you need a spot for wifi, if you want gelato on a hot day or if you want to chill in their hidden back patio it's beautiful! Their variety of sandwiches is impeccable and they've been open for years for a REASON! I tried a different sandwich on this trip and they did forget ingredient but despite that the sandwich was still awesome! **For context I got a cranberry tuna salad sandwich and they forgot the cranberry. read more
Over the years I have visited cafe 53 and it's a nice place locals seem to hang out inside peacefully. Service is always nice a lot of choices and they will break it down for you as plenty of bread choices. The sandwiches are always fresh and very good and remind me of lunch time in grade school as I graduated from Murray right next door very nostalgic. Go see for yourself hot and cold sandwich choices... read more
Delicious old school big sandwiches wrapped in butcher wrap. Huge variety of sandwiches, paninis, salads with lots of choices for special diets. Indoor seating with a cozy artsy vibe. Free WiFi for quick studying while having lunch. The service was prompt and helpful. If we didn't live out of state we'd be regulars! Can't miss with this place- yum!! read more
Stopped on a whim looking for a good local sandwich shop. The highlight was that bread was very tasty and fresh. The Caesar salad was also flavorful. It had homemade croutons and sides of bread. Got a slice of the carrot cake and it was very moist. Not too sweet with cream cheese frosting. Raisins included, if that matters to you. We got the garlic chicken on French baguette. It was a creamy base and not something I would buy again. Glad we added cheese because there wasn't much to it. the other sandwich we bought was avocado turkey on Dutch crunch. It unfortunately had enough mayo to drown the restaurant. The amount of meat left much to be desired. We asked for chips which they had but only for online orders that came in. ??? Doesn't make sense to me. For 2 Sammie's, a salad and cake it was $45, just for a gauge of prices. The cashier was on the phone the entire time and couldn't hear what we said because of that. Kinda acted inconvenienced we were talking while he was on the phone. The restaurant is pretty chill and seemed like a workspace for people with art on the walls for sale. The art also had a thick layer of dust, and overall the dining room could use a good deep clean. The bathroom cleanliness was decent. This probably won't be another place I would seek out in the future. read more
8 months ago
Oh yea, I can totally see why this spot is popular amongst Hyde Park folks! Friendly and helpful owners when I asked for recs. There's even a community board towards the bathroom, which gives this spot a community-based vibe. It's a quick, casual spot with several tables open for grabs when people leave. I got a traditional everything bagel w cream cheese to start the day, which had the RIGHT amt of cream cheese. Sometimes places give wayy too much, ruining the exp. I also ordered their popular Sumac Chicken sandwich on their Dutch Crunch bread, which was really good!! The bread had a slight sweetness to it that was satisfying and the flavors altogether were soo yummy. I waited ~12 min for my order, since they were rightfully packed. No outside food/drinks allowed if you're grabbing a table to eat. There's WiFi and a restroom in the back. Lots of neighborhood regulars. Bonus points that their food is halal for those w dietary restrictions. Great neighborhood spot!! read more
24 days ago
OMGosh! One of the BEST deli i've had. I love that they have several bread option and a lettuce wrap for GF folks. Sandwiches and drinks were phenomenal. I also tried their lemon bar and it was heavenly. So were the brownies, per my Hubby! read more
21 days ago
My new obsession! My friend got the turkey avocado sandwich which I never would have picked based on it looking more simple. It is one of the best sandwiches I've ever tried and I now get it on a weekly basis. Their Dutch crunch bread is the best bread I've ever had and the sauce they use on the sandwich is next level delicious. Lastly, the workers are SO friendly! Will be taking all my visitors here! read more
5 months ago
Upon walking in, I was a little overwhelmed as the cafe was super busy with people everywhere. Inside is a tight space but it's a nice vibe forsure. We ordered our drinks first and scanned the menu to see what we'd like. I'd definitely recommend taking your time and looking through the options because everything sounded so good. We ended up getting the turkey avocado and sumac chicken both on Dutch crunch and omg we destroyed those sandwiches. The sandwiches are pretty big which justified the price but I do think my drink (Italian soda) was definitely overpriced. The mayo that is used on the sandwiches is delicious and pairs really well with that Dutch crunch baguette. I would highly recommend heading to Cafe 53 on a chill day, grabbing a sandwich (Dutch crunch required!), and sitting out on the patio. read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
The Sumac sandwiches (chicken and vegan) on Dutch crunch bread were so good, we still talk about them a year later. This place is unassuming, but man, the sandwiches are fabulous. read more
Tasty sandwiches and amazing bread I would say the Dutch crunch baguette was one of the best sandwich breads I've ever had. It was perfect for my tuna, avocado sandwich. The only problem was I didn't really taste the avocado. I would've loved to have more lettuce, tomato, and onion in there, but I didn't ask so that's not their fault. The sandwich was very tasty especially because the bread was so good. This is on a strip of lots of restaurants on 53rd St. near you Chicago so you're gonna get a lot of fun eateries here. Parking on the street and you have to pay. read more
10 months ago
I got their sumac chicken sandwich at a catered event and was surprised by how large their sandwiches were. The chicken in the sumac chicken sandwich was tender and the homemade cream sauce was very flavorful. The bread seems like it was made fresh which makes the sandwich feel fresh and not too heavy. I highly recommend the sumac chicken sandwich. read more
11 months ago
WOW -- if you're looking for a true Chicago gem, this is it. Easily one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. For just $12, I ordered the sumac chicken sandwich on Dutch bread (trust me -- you have to get it on Dutch bread), and it was incredible. The sandwich was huge, easily enough for two people to share. The chicken was bursting with flavor and piled generously, and the bread itself was flaky, freshly baked, and honestly some of the best sandwich bread I've ever had. The staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and it's also a great spot to get some work done or study. Such an amazing find in the Hyde Park neighborhood. read more
2 months ago
My favorite lunch spot, I come here at least weekly with my roommate! I love that there is multiple vegan options that match the regular menu so I can try new things, and literally everything slaps read more
Shout out to Yelpers for letting me know of this gem! Wanted a sandwich spot that wasn't crazy expensive, had a variety of sandwiches and most importantly, had GOOD, hearty sandwiches. Cafe 53 checks all of those boxes. If you don't want a sandwich per se, you can opt for a wrap for almost any sandwich offering. I enjoyed the turkey avocado with the Dutch crunch bread, and it fills me up every time, to the point to where I don't need any sides to accompany the sandwich. The meat is plentiful for any given sandwich, and the additional ingredients don't overwhelm it. They also offer Italian sodas that are made very well; I recommend the lavender, but they have other, popular flavors The cafe itself is on the smaller side and can be cramped if it's a full house, but the employees are very friendly. read more
If you need a good sandwich in the area, this is the place. I love their twist on some of their sandwiches like the chicken sumac sandwich, it's delicious. The seating inside is small, but they have an outdoor seating area outside. The owners are so friendly and the service is quick. read more
10 months ago
This's my first time coming here for lunch. It's a small little cafe in Hyde park which had indoor and outside patio seatings!! It does get busy during lunch time and students from U of Chicago coming in to study. You order through the counter, and they will call your number to pick it up. I opted in for the sumac chicken sandwich on Dutch bread with extra onions. The bread was good, but I found the chicken to be a bit dry and tough to chew. The seasoning is subtle, but adds a good flavor to it. The price is very reasonable !!! You can customize it with the type of bread you want, and add in any extras ingredients you would like. It's a great spot if you want a quick lunch. I've heard my friend said that they have great coffee, I didn't get to try it. Will be going back again to try out their other items. read more
Nice small place the have tons of sandwiches options vegan and non vegan. I got the vegan pineapple chicken teriyaki. I ordered online so I didn't have to wait in line but the lines inside of here go pretty quickly. They have great local artist on the wall was around $11 and it was really good. It's also a great place to come and work out of. They have Wi-Fi but if. It was a little bit busy in there, but it was still nice and quiet. read more
5 months ago
This is a super cute little coffee shop nestled in Hyde Park. They do have a lot of seating in there and it is bright enough in there and the ambience is well enough for you to study or get some work done. I think they also have a patio in the back, but I haven't checked it out. I think that they have a really nice menu they have a really really good cold brew coffee and I can't wait to go back and spend more time there. The owners are very helpful and I'm telling you about the menu and helping you to pick out a coffee they also have a lot of seasonal drinks which I think is really good. I believe the owner told me that they are well known for their sandwiches for the lunchtime, but I actually got a breakfast sandwich and it was pretty good. they had enough plugs. They had enough seats. They had Wi-Fi. All of those things were really great. I appreciated them having hand sanitizer out and it's a cute little coffee shop for working and they do get busy. read more
8 months ago
8 months ago
1 year ago
9 months ago
4 months ago
Great study to study in and crank out some work. Plentiful seating, although it feels a bit cramped. Amazing sandwiches with tons of vegan options! Pro tip: don't just default to Dutch crunch. Try the wraps and other breads for different sandwiches. The pastries are not bad. The mint chocolate cake I got was a bit dry, but it was still tasty. They have a lot of options! read more
1 year ago
Garlic chicken sandwich was good but missing a little flavor or hot sauce. The French bread was fresh and delicious. The patio outside is perfect to sit at on a nice day. read more
Came here by myself because I was in the area and ordered the chicken sumac on Dutch crunch bread. The sandwich was sizable and the bread tasty. The person who took my order pointed out that this was the most ordered item on the menu. The sandwich was a 6.5/10 for me - mainly because the meat was dry/tough and the sumac seasoning was subtle. Different add-ins could have enhanced the sandwich and I kept thinking about the various things I would have added to spice up the sandwich. Still, this spot seems to be a local favorite and its casual ambiance is inviting for the solo diner. I will be back to try the other options! read more
Page 1 of 10
More info about Cafe 53
1369 E 53rd St
Chicago, IL 60615
Hyde Park
Directions
(773) 493-1000
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.cafe-53.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Ask the Community - Cafe 53
Do they have parking?
Park Chicago street parking, and if you want to walk a few blocks. There's free parking further down
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
33 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
3 years ago
11 years ago
2 years ago
7 years ago
12 years ago
7 years ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
8 months ago
12 years ago
7 years ago
4 years ago
6 years ago
12 years ago
4 years ago
13 years ago
11 years ago
15 years ago
10 years ago
4 years ago
