I had previously ordered Avocado Turkey sandwich 5 times with positive results. My 6th visit I also ordered one for my wife & neither of us tasted any avocado. I called that evening & was told the owner would call me. No call. I went back to the café Sat. morning bringing both halves of the sandwiches back. The employees found a very small sliver of avocado that we couldn't taste. They told me to get out or they would call the police without giving me any food or a refund. The guy even walked me outside looking for the police. I called back 15 minutes later letting them know I'm not going away because they have my money & my food. I called back at 1130am, when a different employee answered. He said he would finally contact the owner. He called back 30 minutes later apologizing saying he would process a refund. I am a black man who really doesn't appreciate being threatened with the police when all I'm trying to do is get satisfaction with my food purchase. Those employees should be fired. read more

Go to the back patio while you wait for food it feels magical and the food is incredible

The delivery was about 15 minutes late despite the fact that I ordered early...but the sandwiches were DELIGHTFUL. Warm, flavorful and perfect for my meeting. The turkey cranberry sandwich and cajun were my favorites. All in all, worth the wait. Will try again and give them more time when ordering read more

A surprise highlight of my trip to Chicago. I ordered the Sumac chicken on Dutch crunch. The sandwich was a great balance between generous amounts of chicken and a well paired sauce. The Dutch crunch bread was a true highlight. I've had variants before, but this version tasted fresh and had the perfect balance between the crisp exterior and softer middle. Prices and portions were excellent, and the employee who helped me was extremely nice. The local artwork on the walls was very nice. I will definitely return. read more

Was incredibly surprised by the quality and LOVE put into meals. I was skeptical of trying this place but it was the only restaurant open that time so I said wth. Best decision made, I will ALWAYS come back here. I got 2 sandwiches for myself and hubby and we tore it up. I will say that I was surprised by how long it took to make both BUT after eating, I understood why and wouldn't any shortcuts made on that quality meal. read more

This might actually be the best sandwich I've had in Chicago. The secret seems to be the Dutch Crunch bread--which I don't understand but is definitely soft and crispy at the same time. Pastrami sandwich was salty and balanced and warm and... wow. Back patio is sorta just a huge backyard with tables and I had no idea it was here for the longest time. read more

Cafe 53 - Back yard patio - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Don't let its humble interior fool you. Cafe 53 serves some of the best sandwiches you can get in the city. The options are endless, including some very tasty vegan choices, and you get a choice of bread for each sandwich. On top of all that, the prices are reasonable and the owners and workers are super friendly. What more could you ask for? I came here the other day based on someone's recommendation. I'll admit I was rather skeptical when they said it was their favorite restaurant in Hyde Park, but I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I got the turkey cranberry sandwich on Dutch crunch bread. The sandwich came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. It was love at first bite, and I've been hooked ever since. read more

The turkey avocado on Dutch crunch is DIVINE. Owner was incredibly kind, interacted with my 8 month old and was very conversational. Sweet treats galore and the dirty chai latte was a great pick me up. read more

Food was pretty face coming out took about 8 minutes. Service was ok. The place was a no thrills spot a few tables but room to sit. Had buffalo chicken sandwich it was so so. read more

Cafe 53 - Buffalo chicken sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's always worth coming out to Cafe 53. Great food and great service! Sandwiches are always on point and the bread is delicious. You really can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches with stars. The owners are always super helpful and make it a great experience! read more

Cafe 53 - Sumac Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Parmigiana - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a gem with lots of vegan/vegetarian choices! We had the vegan buffalo chicken sandwich on French bread - delicious! The French bread was nicely baked, soft on the inside and it overall tasted like a great standard buffalo chicken sandwich. We also had the vegan sumac chicken sandwich on the Dutch bread and this was a stand out because the flavors were so unique! The flavor was mild compared to the buffalo sauce, but it was definitely not bland. The sandwiches are large, btw! They also cut them in half so it was very easy to swap and share. Another nice thing is that you can have the sandwich be made into a wrap or salad if you're not craving a sandwich. Seating in the cafe can be tricky since a lot of people were posted up with their computers, but they do have a large patio in the back so it should be much easier once the weather is nicer. read more

Cafe 53 - Vegan Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Vegan Sumac Chicken Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I overheard someone recommending this restaurant. Today I visited and ordered the #1 most ordered sandwich, the Sumac Chicken Sandwich, on Dutch Crunch Bread. The cashier was beyond pleasant and patient. The vibe in the place was good. I ordered my sandwich to go. The ingredients were fresh. My one disclaimer was the bread way overpowered the ingredients. That chicken did not come close to balancing out the bread. I even threw away half the bread. Sad because the sandwich could have been much better with less bread. If you need a place to work, study, and/or get nourishing healthy food in a no frills restaurant this is the place. read more

Cafe 53 - 1/2 Sumac Chicken Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great ass sandwich. Cajun Chicken on french bread. Whatever shit they put on that lettuce is crazy delicious. Delectable. Seating is a little sparse but that's a vibe. Guys behind the counter are welcoming and one of them looks like my uncle. read more

Nice spot to relax, get something to eat and meet with some friends. Had a late breakfast with a friend and felt surprisingly right at home. Coffee was great and the bagel with eggs and veggies was even better. Quite a relaxing spot in the middle of a very vibrant part of 53rd. The cashier & cooks were cool and quick. Could definitely be my morning stop if I lived closer. read more

Cafe 53 is a hyde park staple. They have the best sandwiches- lots of options on the menu, huge size, and amazing French bread. I have been here many times over the last few years and my favorite sandwiches have been the garlic chicken, the sumac chicken, and the turkey avocado. This time I got the sumac chicken and it was perfect- the bread was warm and soft and the chicken with the sauce was delicious. My mom got the falafel pita wrap and she enjoyed it a lot. Ate in the back patio and it was lovely! Support local Hyde park businesses and come here! read more

Cafe 53 - Sumac Chicken Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a Greek salad, which was quite serviceable. Companion had the egg bagel, which apparently also satisfied.

This place is incredible. I decided to stop by while in Hyde Park and needed some lunch, I haven't been able to stop thinking about these sandwiches since! They are so fresh tasting, the bread is delicious (I believe it's the Dutch crunch in this photo) and the staff was very kind in helping me decide what to order. We opted to sit out on the back patio because it was a gorgeous summer day, and it was a great experience. I'm already looking forward to coming back. read more

Cafe 53 - Garlic Chicken Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Excellent pizza, excellent sumac chicken sandwich and spanokopiya. Great interior. College students, wooden floors.. great ambiance

2/10/2024---If you don't like being in tight, cramped feeling spaces, then I'd say order delivery. Aside from that, check your order before leaving. I had the Sumac Chicken Sandwich on lettuce wrap. I asked for giardiniera to be added, and it wasn't. I didn't realize this until I was in my car. I was too hungry and didn't feel like going back as the wait was about 10-15 minutes total, including being in line and prep time. They have a steady flow of customers and pick up orders. I overheard a call in reporting that their order wasn't correct either. The staff appeared a bit overwhelmed but were moving quickly to get orders prepared. That being said, my wrap was delicious and fresh. The chicken was well seasoned and juicy. Lettuce was fresh and crispy. I'd certainly go back to try other menu items. Housekeeping items: The table I sat at while I waited wasn't clean. I didn't notice any cleaning/disinfecting being done after the patrons left. Street parking and metered parking available. (They have local artwork hanging up for sale). read more

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Wow. Let's just say I didn't expect much from a sandwich shop and initially picked this place for dinner because it was on the way to Promontory point. I was so wrong- it's amazing!!! People weren't lying in the reviews when they said the bread is delicious. It's got a crisp layer but still soft on the inside. My mom has been here 3 times already and we are from out of town. The portions are generous and there's a lot of variety. Turkey avocado is my favorite! They use a special homemade cream sauce which pairs very well. I'm not usually a sandwich person but this place makes me crave sandwiches. read more

Cafe 53 - Turkey Avocado Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time visit. Came here on a Sunday afternoon to get some work done and grab some coffee. Nice change from the chain coffee shops, with a huge variety of sandwiches and salads. Service was quick and courteous. Had an iced coffee and a tuna with avocado on pita. The sandwich was a little heavy on the mayo but very good overall. I couldn't get the Wi-Fi to work, but it's all good. read more

Found myself in Hyde Park, yet again. But, couldn't decide where to go. I wanted something different, but fresh. Thanks Cafe 53, my salad with apple and walnuts and turkey sandwich, was just what I needed. Simple, fresh and delish. read more

This place is SUCH a gem! Thank you so much for having vegan options. I am the only vegan in my family who are halal meat eaters. Everyone in my group had something to eat, and not only just something to eat but something INCREDIBLE to eat. The man working the cashier was extremely busy but very kind. He patiently gave us recommendations and took our orders. The food came out fast and is easily the best vegan sandwich I've ever had. I got the vegan sumac "chicken" sandwich. Although the vegan chicken isn't convincing, the flavor is definitely there! I'd 100% order again, just expect a tofu-looking protein in your sandwich. Thanks for a great meal! read more

Cafe 53 - Vegan Sumac Chicken Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm not usually a big sandwich fan, but I have a soft spot for a good panini. Came here because of the high rating and was able to get food in under 10 minutes. When you order in person, they let you choose your bread as well. I'm the type who usually will eat half a sandwich and save the rest for later, but the Turkey Panini that I ordered was SO GOOD that I ended up finishing it all super fast. Turkey, pesto, spinach, tomato - a perfect combination. read more

Got the chicken and waffles, which for the price was a meager amount of food, like 4 chicken nugget sized pieces and 2 small waffles, however it did taste good. They also tacked on a 3.5% optional fee which we had to tell the waiter to take off. I'm fine with tipping but when have we gone too far that we can put a second optional charge to the bill? read more

Great sandwiches. Had the garlic chicken and buffalo which were amazing. Recommend the Dutch crunch but it tasted sweeter on the garlic chicken than the buffalo read more

Best chicken sandwich I ever had. The bread was amazing. Definitely going back. My new fav sandwich spot.

If you ever want REAL authentic coffee and fresh food, come here. I live 30 minutes from this place but the drive is always worth it. The workers are always so kind I recommend an iced dirty chai latte with oat milk. Although the building itself is pretty small, this place is worth it. read more

Amazing sandwiches, get the Dutch crunch bread! Plenty of veggie options! Large patio out back.

I was hesitant to even step foot in a vegan restaurant. I walked in, looked at the menu, and was surprised to see that they had non-vegan food choices as well. I ordered the cajun chicken sandwich (which apparently was a new item) On French baguette. The presentation was perfect. The bread had a nice crunch on the outside, and the chicken had a great spicy kick to it. As I took the first bite, my taste buds started doing backflips. My neurons were activated immediately, and if you ever experienced a food orgasm, well let me tell you something, try this sandwich. As I was moaning and groaning while eating the sandwich, the owner stopped by my table a couple of times to see if everything was OK. I told him that this is some of the best food I've ever eaten in the city of Chicago. I'm a brat when it comes down to my sandwiches, especially the bread that is that it is on. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking to feel the way I felt while eating this sandwich. I can't wait to try others, next time I'm in the area. read more

Cafe 53 - The Best French Baguette sandwich in Chicago - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food and sandwiches are phenomenal ! Vibes is that of cross btwn eclectic hipster cafe and NY deli Solid coffee!! - didn't expect the cappuccino to be perfect when they have like 20 options for caffeinated drinks! read more

I was shopping in a nearby store and decided to come by to try drawn in by vegan sign. I was disappointed they're only three vegan dessert options no vegan/dairy free gelato sorbet options. They're are also no dairy free cheese options and I ordered the vegan artichoke eggplant sandwich thinking it was completely vegan. The sandwich was good. I am lactose intolerant so I ordered the vegan banana brownie. The vegan cookie & raspberry bar looked very dry. read more

Cafe 53 - Vegan Artichoke Eggplant Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I absolutely love the kufta sandwich from this place. When I was at Uchicago this was a regular study and eating spot for me. I always got the kufta because I loved the tender beef and the amazing seasoning. I don't know what is in the sauce they use, but it is so tasty. The bread they use is always very fresh and altogether they create a wonderfully tasting sandwich. It is also quite big given how cheap it is and it will keep you full for a while. My girlfriend also loves the sumac chicken sandwich and Turkish coffee. They have great outdoor seating in their back patio area as well. Update: I came here again recently and decided to finally try some of their pastries. I got a cherry strudel and cheese danish. The cheese danish was great! The bread was flaky and soft and the cheese in the middle was so flavorful. The strudel was not as great, it was a little too dense for me and lacked in cherry filling. I also decided to try the healthier version of the kufta with a lettuce wrap rather than bread and I found it as tasting but slightly less filling than with the bread. It is definitely a great healthy option for those watching their carbs. read more

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TL:DR - Sub par sandwiches. Not inedible, but also nothing I'd go out of my way to. Pesto chicken was a bit disappointing. Hummus 53 should only be eaten there, otherwise it gets too oily and soggy. Taking covid precautions seriously, which I appreciate. Came in based on a recommendation. All in all, I thought the place was just ok. I got a pesto chicken sandwich and my partner got the hummus 53 breakfast sandwich. The pesto chicken itself was pretty sub-par. the chicken was fairly dry and the pesto didn't have much flavor. The hummus 53 lacked any real pepper flavor. We only knew it was in there because it was listed on the menu. We also got it to go, and it was super oily. If do eat the hummus 53, I highly suggest eating it in. They do have an enormous selection of deep river chip flavors. Deep river makes a super solid kettle chip. So that was a plus. I also got a cheesecake brownie. That was super fudgy with a nice balance of cheesecake in it. Outside of the food, they are taking their covid precautions seriously. All but four tables inside were off-limits to encourage spacing, the back patio was open for outdoor seating, and there was one way lanes to the register and out. All in all, I don't think I'd make any special trip to Cafe 53, but if someone else wanted to come I could find something that I could eat. read more

Making a passable sandwich isnt hard. There are plenty of fast food options like Penn Station, Quiznos, JJ's, etc. What makes cafe 53 so much better is they don't cut corners on bread or sauce. The Dutch Crunch bread is delicious and has a great texture. All the different sandwiches have a unique sauce - teriyaki, sumac, buffalo - and every single one of them slaps. If you're vegan, there's really no better option for protein substitutes. Their meat substitutes are packed with flavor and will leave you questioning if they got your order right. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu and I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking for a high quality meal. 10/10. read more

Best-tasting coffee in Hyde Park, and the best food to go with it out of the coffee shops too. Delicious cakes and bagel sandwiches. But several improvements are needed: 1. They're understaffed. The wait times on food orders from 10-2 are upwards of 30 minutes. This is not ideal as a coffee shop largely serving on-the-go students. It's not because they're slow or lazy--they are clearly rushing and sometimes this results in clumsy mistakes (I've been given slightly incorrect orders many times). This could be fixed by hiring a few more people. 2. They need to be a little more careful to get orders right. I've ordered from here roughly 40 times, and can recall at least five errors deviating from my receipt (wrong milk in coffee, scone x instead of scone y, missing bagel sandwich ingredients, etc.). Overall the best coffee shop on the South Side! But still frustratingly held back by a small number of flaws in service that could mostly be fixed by hiring a few more people. read more

The sandwiches here are the best I've ever had! I love their freshly made dutch crunch bread and it tastes great with any of their sandwiches! My fav sandwiches here are the sumac chicken and turkey avocado sandwich! Love that this place is halal and offers delicious vegan options! You wont regret experiencing this place! read more

An unassuming place with their own version of hot sandwiches. Nice that the staff offered to give me a free plastic cup (of cold water) or a purchase of a plastic bottle of refrigerated cold water. Looks like all their sandwiches are made to order. read more

This review is way overdue. I have been eating from this cafe for at least 6 years. Everything is phenomenal! From the vegan, vegetarian, chicken, roast beef, breakfast sandwiches is made with high quality fresh ingredients. Meats are high quality halal certified. Sandwiches are always made to order so be a little patient- I promise it's worth it. We have catered meals from here for work and for personal gatherings and their service is always on point. They always take time to answer all your questions. The ambience is perfect for getting work done. Space is limited but they never make you feel rushed or unwanted. read more

I'm so mad nobody told me about this place ! I had the garlic chicken sandwich and omg it was sooooo good . Better then pop belly . Should have be a little cleaner for people to dine in but it's pretty cool place . Will definitely go back read more