Food, service and ambiance. Excellent Very relaxing atmosphere . Delicious Coffee. Definitely my favorite place read more

Cafe Colao is an incredible bakery and cafe in the heart of the Division corridor in Humboldt Park. It's rare to walk into the cozy room and not find a line of people waiting to order a Guyaba y Queso or one of the generously sized sandwiches at the counter. The drinks are delicious; whether you opt for a Parcha or the "Cafe Colao" you won't be disappointed. Indoor seating is limited however you can enjoy their patio out front during the summer months. This is the sort of restaurant that people come back to again and again. It's beloved and for good reason. Do yourself a favor and come through the next time you're in the neighborhood. read more

Café Colao - The counter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cafe Colao made my dreams come true. I wanted a Cuban sandwich and it was so unbelievably delicious!! It wasn't traditional which I wasn't expecting because there was a "house sauce" made of garlic aioli and it completely elevated the sandwich. The coquito latte was perfection too. I loved this spot. 10/10 recommend. read more

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The pastries were delicious! The Guava cheese was my favorite of the 2 we ordered. I wish the other one had cheese as well. The texture was really nice and they were the perfect level of sweetness. Oftentimes I find bakery items to be heavy on the sugar. They have other options such as sandwiches and a few spots to sit inside, however much more pleasant to be outdoors. Service was quick. I will definitely be back for the guava cheese! read more

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The place is a good little coffee shop. They have good pastries but I was kind of little disappointed. I went over there for the coquito latte and I have to say that it was not flavorful. It tastes just like pure cinnamon. I went to another restaurant coffee shop location that sold the same thing and that won't tasted like coquito step it up people that latte was not that good. I was upset that I spent $6 on a latte or something like that and it tasted like pure cinnamon. Like I could have made that at home with just my regular coffee. But besides that I've never had an issue with them. Your pastries are delicious. Sandwiches are good there. It's just that problem with the coffee read more

Decided to listen to my boyfriend and ended up coming for breakfast . We got a steak breakfast sandwich a iced mocha coffee with a pastry to the side called "Quesito" . DELICIOUS tastes like a cheese danish but way better !! Customer service was great and they welcome you like your family . They had music playing felt like I was at home . Very clean place ! Oh and they have a patio ! I give it a 10/10 . read more

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Pastries and sandwiches were on point! The sweet cheese pastries are a must try. Busy but service was excellent.

Every time I find myself in Humboldt Park i find it impossible not to stop somewhere in the hood for either a meal or a treat of some sort. While driving through the other morning, I decided to stop and check out a place I had never visited and I'm so glad that I did. I had a simple breakfast sandwich that was served on a really nice soft baked bread. I also ordered a cafe con leche with oat milk that was perfect and treated myself to a delicious guava and cheese torte that I had never had before. They also have a great selection of other guava treats as well which was originally what I was coming in for. Looking forward to stopping in next time I'm in the hood! read more

Definitely check out this spot if you're in Humboldt Park area!! Highly recommend 5/5!! Their sandwiches are out of the world ! I ordered the tuna sandwich( cubano style) and ordered the Iced White chocolate Mocha with Oat milk. So goood!! Definitely a hidden gem! Totally worth the travel as well :) Definitely gets crowded around noon, where there can be a line as well. Will definitely come back here !!! read more

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I don't like writing negative reviews, but I feel I have no choice. I think it's only fair for others to hear my point of view. I ordered a ham and cheese sandwich, but I was given a totally different one, a turkey sandwich. When I explained that this wasn't what I ordered, the woman behind the counter argued with me and refused to correct there mistake. Instead of fixing the issue, I had to buy a new sandwich, meaning I paid double for my order. Then, I waited 50 minutes for the new sandwich and the restaurant only had one older couple dining in at the time. I believe the staff need to be trained on how to properly treat customers and handle simple situations like this one. This could have been easily avoided. Do better. read more

Cute small cafe with a few indoor seats and sidewalk seating outside. I had a latte which was good and service was friendly. They serve sandwiches and baked goods, too. read more

The food here is always on point. The service is always good. If u can't make it to PR stop by here to have a sandwich and a cafe con leche. Oh and a dessert. read more

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First discovered this place when my band was recording in the recording studio that used to be across the street. I walked in, saw several Chicago police officers chatting with the owner, and knew I had found a good one. (Chicago cops always know the best places to eat!) I ordered a cup of coffee and a roast pork and cheese sandwich. Seemed like a straightforward, simple couple of things. But the flavor of both was anything but straightforward. I am not exaggerating to say that, in a city that is the birthplace of Italian Beef, breaded steak, and so many other iconic sandwiches, this may have been the very best sandwich I have ever had. Period. The incredibly flavorful roast pork is shredded and then heated up on a flat grill to create a combination of flavors and textures - from soft and supple to crispy. And that is just the meat. It is served on house-made bread (this IS a bakery), with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. You just have to try it for yourself. The coffee is rich and deeply flavorful and the pastries I tried were also top-notch. It's been more than 20 years since that first visit. The original owner has retired and left her son and his wife in charge, and they have not changed a thing. I went back yesterday and had my mind blown by that sandwich once again. There are just 2 things I would change about this place: 1 - It was closer to my house so I could get there more often. 2 - I wouldn't be so sad when my sandwich was all gone. read more

Café Colao - Roast pork and cheese sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well, coming here instantly transported me back to the island. As a Newyorican we have developed our own culture that I almost forgot was quite island culture. While we are every bit essence of the island, we have also assimilated into this pride of NY/PR blend. It's one of those IYKYK situations. Coffee, cafesito, I mean, I swear bisabuela just made me un taza while we sat and ate tostada for breakfast. The bread, the beans, all of it. Usually I can describe food with such detail on flavors and texture but at Colao, it was a feeling the food gave me. I mean walking in the store I got nervous, I was like this feels like every other gentrified offer shop, just playing Salsa, BUT WAS I WRONG Now, while I tasted quite a bit, the tornillos, myllorcas and quesitos were sold out by 11 am each time I went. I attempted a few days in a row with no success, I suppose this means they are that good, but be prepared to be disappointed. The pastelillos de guava and queso... literally almost made me cry, immediate transport. I brought a few back to the Blackhawk's community rink because we were there for Puerto Rico's National hockey exhibitions and everyone who ate also gave that eye rolling slow exhale of joy as they chewed their first bite. My biggest regret now back in NY is we have nothing here like cafe co read more

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Great local cafe for coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Super friendly staff. The outdoor patio is back up, which is a great way to soak up amazing atmosphere of Humboldt Park!! read more

Best steak egg and cheese sandwiches in town. Great pastries with superior service. Best spot in Humboldt park

This place is great. I stopped in on a whim and got a cafe colao(Latte) and a Cubano sandwich. Both were great. The sandwich is so good I wanted to take a second one home after eating one inside the restaurant. Service was great and I will definitely return. Check this place out! read more

Hands down one of my favorite go to places for a nice simple breakfast sandwich paired with a cup of coconut oatmeal which is an all time classic breakfast in a Latin household. Gracias mi Boricua read more

This coffee shop is seriously its own island in the middle of Humboldt Park. The Cafe Colao (espresso with milk) and the sandwich was delicious, but sitting inside the bustling restaurant listening the staff mingling with the customers is nostalgic for this So Cal girl. I have officially decided to make this cafe my weekend treat! read more

Café Colao - Quaint little coffee shop but don't let it fool you.. ITS BUSY on the inside. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is so great it's so dangerous. Went multiple times for breakfast during my visit to the Humboldt Park / Paseo Boricua. I wanted to try all the yummy desserts and pastries and of course this place didn't disappoint. The Passion Fruit lemonade was amazing and refreshing. The quesitos were soooo good and made me feel like I was in Puerto Rico. They have so many variations with quesitos, donuts, guava & cheese muffins, avena de coco and all was sooo good. Must go back to try their place for lunch one day. read more

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We were visiting Chicago for a week and found this shop. It became the highlight of our day! We had coffee, sandwiches, pastries and their homemade long bread - everything was delicious! The people are friendly, service is good, and the coffee great! Do yourself a favor and go! We still dream of it! read more

Helpful baristas, beautifully decorated, feels very cozy! Loved the coffee and their pastries, definitely recommend stopping by!

My friend and I was talking about where to eat. He said he wanted a sandwich. I told him if he ever had cafe colao? He said no. So I took him. I love the sandwiches and especially the avena. He liked the sandwich. He said he will return again. read more

Café Colao - a man sitting at a table in a restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cafe Colao is a cute spot where you can order authentic Puerto Rican pastries and desserts. I have a high bar for quesitos and these quesitos reached it. Their coffee is also very good and strong. I wish I had a Cafe Colao on the corner of the street I live! read more

Café Colao - Coffee, quesito (circled) and coconut oatmeal - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

On Division street in the heart of Humboldt Park. One of the many good places to stop by for their homemade famous oatmeal and hot sandwiches. Great baristas and friendly people here. I know people who drive here from the surrounding suburbs. I recommend placing an order ahead, unless you are going to sit down and eat inside, there's not too many tables to eat and the patio-outside should be closed for the season. Oh..and I forgot to mention their quesitos, a must try. The early bird catches the worm. read more

Café Colao - Front counter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loved everything about this place. Service was soo nice. Patio was so cozy on a hot summer day. The sandwich bread was DELICIOUS!! A perfect tuna sandwich. A perfect egg and cheese sandwich. Delicious guava pastry, not too sweet. And delicious iced colao. Really can't overstate what a great hidden gem for breakfast or lunch. read more

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Hands down the best Pastelillo de Guayaba (Guava Pastry) ive ever had. Flaky crisp layers sandwiching a layer of delicious guava jam..i had 3 of them on one sitting. Its light and airy...I got those 3 patries + a choc chip cookie all for about $6 or so. Their coffee/lattes were good. They also have some delightful looking sandwiches im looking fwd to try as well. A neighborhood gem. read more

Café Colao is doing take out, and for that reason I consider myself an extremely lucky person. Being Puerto Rican and having recently moved to Chicago, I knew Paseo Boricua was the closest thing I'd get to being back home - I was right. Café Colao's food, service and ambience rang true to the bakeries in PR. They had the music, the decor, and the warmth. We ordered the Cubano, Tripleta, a quesito, and they even had Malta! Both sandwiches had lots of flavor and were clearly fresh. All employees were so friendly and welcoming, and also protected with gloves and masks during this time. If you're looking for a yummy, hearty meal, go give Café Colao some love! read more

I ordered a Cuban sandwich and the meat wasn't the freshest. The meat was dry and tasted like it was two days old. I was very disappointed because I was so looking forward to satisfying my palette. read more

Excellent bakery with a variety of Puerto Rican pastries that delicious. Very friendly staff and a quality place everyone in Chicago should check out. read more

TASTY PASTRY Some delicious 'pastelería de postres' can be found at this bakery on Division St in Humboldt Park. Following a lovely lunch at the nearby Papa's Cache Sabroso, the gf and I craved something sweet. Having passed by Café Colao earlier in the day, we decided that a quick dessert (or three.....) would hit the spot. We ordered a couple of items from the counter, including a Pastelillo de Guayaba (guava & cheese layered pastry), a quesito (cheese-filled twist, basically a latino danish), and a tornillo (flaky spiral filled with delectable vanilla pudding). My girl also got a coffee, which she proclaimed good. While I wasn't a huge fan of the first two items, the tornillo -- what I dubbed "a doughy custard tornado" -- was absolutely terrific. Each item was roughly $3. From the looks of things, it appears that Café Colao makes a mean Cuban sandwich and other panini-type pressed sammies. I'd definitely like to return and try one of those bad boys. Recommended! read more

Café Colao - L-R: guayaba y queso (guava-cheese), tornillo (vanilla custard-filled flaky dough cone) and quesito (pastry twist). All were $3 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The consistent quality and home style feel of this authentic cafe DOES NOT disappoint! The ordering process is beyond simple, with a simple and precise menu of distinct options, that are more that reasonable priced. Shortly after placing an order, everything is made to order, to your liking and style, and without an extensively long wait. When your food comes out, whether you are going or coming, you can already see that you are not only getting your money's worth, but that your eyes may start to overpower you stomach with anxiousness to taste the deliciousness that they bring out to you. You can tell that the food quality is fresh, authentic, and made with care in every single bite, especially with my particular favorite, the Tripleta. And of course, if you're a hot sauce fan, they have the good stuff to add a little kick to your dish. The overall scene of the cafe is very intimate, from the seating, to the decor, and if you pay attention, you will also get a little history to savor during your visit. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking to explore this beautiful culture and the food that comes with it, and hands down has one of the best authentic dishes. read more

After just visiting Puerto Rico, I was very excited to try this place and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious. The breakfast sandwich was great and they had many options to choose from. We also had a guava and cheese pastry that was very good. Would definitely recommend checking this place out. read more

Café Colao - Ham and bacon breakfast sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great service, friendly and warm staff. The sandwiches are delicious. They have pastries that look amazing and I'm looking forward to visiting again. read more

Busy little place, really quaint inside seating and a few tables outside too. Nestled in on a stretch of Division St. west of Western Avenue's hipster spots you'll find some of the best Puerto Rican businesses in the city. This cafe has a selection of coffee's, sandwiches, and pastries. I had one of the egg sandwiches that comes on their homemade bread, which goes with it just perfectly, slightly crisp and chewy but sort of a flat bread that doesn't take away from whatever is between it. I picked up some pastries to take home. One being a mango muffin, that I did sample and it was equally as delicious. Staff is friendly, it's a mix of go to the counter upfront, and they'll bring you your sandwich to the table. Sandwiches come in a basket that you can bring back up when your done. Even though you sort of self bus your table, I was really impressed that after you left it was immediately wiped down. A clean table is a nice touch, and amazingly doesn't happen at many places. Every table here was clean and ready for the next guest. Adding this one to my list! read more

Café Colao - Cute cafe, every table perfectly clean. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love these breakfast sandwiches AND the coconut oatmeal! Family owned and another hidden gem in the Humboldt park neighborhood read more

Café Colao - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great little cafeteria Service on point family business I use to try the avena but since I'm a diabetic Is too sweet So I'm going to the small soup and steak & cheese sandwich And a cappuccino Sweet look pretty good I'm bring some for my co workers they love it But is no public washroom read more

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Delicious PR sandwiches and awesome pastries!! This place is a gem in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Nice cultural atmosphere.

I can honestly say, this is my favorite coffee and sandwich shop...period. The owners and staff are some of the most amicable people in the city and always provide incredible service. If you're lucky, abuelita will make an appearance and she is hilarious. They literally have the best flan I've ever had. Get the flan de queso. (Well second to my own). All pastries are good as well. All their sandwiches are incredible. The ham and cheese is delicious plain, but even better with everything. read more

Went here a while back. First time having any Puerto Rican food. AMAZING. I had the café colao latte and pastelillo.