We tried 4 different empanadas. Bacon, egg and cheese, pork, steak and cheese, and spinach mushroom. All were excellent. Had a dark cherry smoothie as well. Everything was delicious and filling. Staff is friendly too! Will be back!! read more

Cassava - Steak and cheddar on the left, bacon egg and cheese on the right. Fantastic. - Caterers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was, as always estatic to find another 100% gluten free establishment. The idea of a no cross contamination environment means I can really sink my teeth into what ever I am eating with joy ( assuming the food is good ) and without trepidation. Cassavas offers empanadas that are freshly made, affordable ($3.60 for most I believe) and delicious. I had 3: a Bacon and Egg, a Chicken and a Steak empanada. Three was MORE than enough for me. The flavors are all easy to define oh and there was a real bacon in every single bite of my bacon and egg empanada( an instant favorite for me)! Andrew who was my server a few days ago was kind, knowledgeable and friendly. I promised him that I'd be back to bug him again and again and again. The only downside to this place is the coffee. Frankly, it sucks. It would be nice if they invested in an espresso machine. A nice fresh double americano or even just a regular espresso wouldnt take much time to make, fits the food and its warm ambiance. Until then, I'll just bring my own. read more

I'm so glad I came across this place! Went in on a Sunday afternoon: First, I ordered a a cherry smoothie, which was good, but I knocked 1/2 a star off for it. It was pricey-- about 4 bucks, and really nothing to write about. Do they use frozen fruit? I mean it was good, and I would buy another smoothie from them, but it's not the best I've ever had (the cherry mint smoothie from the Green City Market *might* have altered my smoothie-rankings...) The empanadas, however, really were perfect. I had the scrambled egg, bacon and cheese, and the beef and potatoes. Neither were greasy in the least and had big chunks of veggies or eggs...Unlike Lito's Empanada's on Clark, where I always had to add hot sauce, these required no sauce whatsoever-- they were so flavorful already. I also bought a dozen rolls to bring home-- 4 plain, 4 bacon, and 4 sundried tomato. So far, so good. They are very easy to heat up in the oven-- just 20 minutes. Since being gf I've been craving doughy rolls or bread, and these totally satisfy. I knocked off another 1/2 star for the restaurant itself. The worker there on Sunday was super nice, I should add, but the space is kind of a cross between a cafe and a restaurant, and I wish it was a little more comfortable and inviting. I guess they are going for the minimalist look... Can't wait to go back and bring friends with me :) read more

This new Lakeview cafe is a great addition to the neighborhood's many specialty restaurants. The hot chocolate is easily the biggest draw, blowing every Caribou, Starbucks and, yes, even Intelligentsia out of the water. The pumpkin soup was creative, warming and comforting, though the flavors were a bit muddled. It couldn't decide if it wanted to be sweet or savory. This will still be a go-to for me during the coming winter months. The main feature of the menu are the rolls. Unlike most gluten-free pastries, these are not the usual crumbly, dry, powdery fill-ins for real baking. These are subtly sweet, rich and chewy. For those interested in Cassava's gluten-free offerings, it's more than worth the trip, as they offer these rolls fresh-baked or frozen for cooking later. Gluten-free muffins are also on the menu, and show great promise for the potential Cassava has for becoming a destination location for gluten-free diners in Chicago. The location's largest drawback is its atmosphere. There are high-top tables and chairs, which aren't conducive to long visits. The empty space doesn't show off the cafe's offerings to passers-by, and even when tables are occupied it still feels sterile and empty. A few armchairs and a way to show off the creative offerings of Cassava would make it much more inviting. Cassava is more than worth a visit, and is, I hope,still in the early stages of its very promising development. read more

If you've been diagnosed with Celiac Disease (as my fiance was recently), Cassava is going to be a 2nd home. The rolls are palm-sized, warm chewy, and delicious. I personally recommend going with the Jalapeno Cheddar. In the morning, a couple of plain cassava rolls and a cup of their authentic hot chocolate absolutely cannot be beat for a treat! I don't have to eat gluten-free, but GF or not, you will love what this place has to offer! read more

Really yummy food here at Cassava. I went with someone else, and we tried a variety of options: The pulled pork empanadas, roasted veggies empanadas, spinach empanadas, the original roll and the bacon cassava roll. My favorites were the pulled pork and spinach ones - delicious and hearty. The bathroom is in serious need of a remodel. Things were broken, and the faucet wouldn't turn off. Anyway, I'll be back! Worth a visit. read more

Ended up with a coupon here: free roll with a purchase of hot chocolate. Strolled in on Saturday afternoon, it was almost empty, and very quiet, so we enjoyed it tremendously. Got THE FAMOUS HOT CHOCOLATE, and it was so good... :) We loved it! The rolls were pretty good, warm, but small, bite size almost. Otherwise, a great place to sit down and relax. read more

I went here this past Saturday with my better half and her our mutual friend for a late lunch before going to see the Foo Fighters perform at Wrigley and let's just say this place was phenomenal! My girlfriend and our mutual friend have food restrictions (Gluten intolerant and Celiac). Thankfully this place was a great place to eat that was okay for them both. The food was delicious. Seriously I'm a Chicagorican that speaks Spanglish not Spanish and I can guarantee that this is a place to stop at. I had a Bacon, egg and cheese empanada and Cassava rolls and I was like say whattt but was like dique que! Food was delicious, all healthy and all delicious and I enjoyed it along with my girlfriend and our mutual friend and if you haven't stopped on by then check it out. They have a menu online and you can see that if it looks yummy then it more than likely will be yummy! read more

This place is TERRIBLE! I don't even think that it's worthy of one star. The worst empanadas my friend and I have ever had. The service is even worse. read more

Oh my word! My empanada craving has been real for years after finding out about my gluten allergy. When visiting Chicago I swung by this little shop and enjoyed some of the best empanadas! I tried the chicken one and the bacon egg and cheese one. they're fluffy, the right amount of chewy, and very filling. I wish I could get these over in Seattle! read more

The food is fresh, wholesome, and DELICIOUS. The staff was incredibly friendly. The spinach mushroom was so delicious that I ordered another one as soon I finished the first. I adore the rustic wood plates and real plants. Eco-friendly, clearly caring about sources. I used the check-in offer of a free acai smoothie, but since they were out they offered me ANY smoothie on the menu. Gluten free, soy free and yeast free FACILITY!! read more

Chill place to get some unique gluten-free. This is a great little place that puts some variety into my diet (Paleo mostly). Everything we had here was pretty good, and there is always stuff coming out of the oven. So, we just chilled out on the couch and waited for the freshest batch to pop. Next time I'm there, I'm going to get some frozen ones to take home and try. read more

Yesssss squishy, gooey, lovable, gluten free empanadas! What a treasure of a place. We tried the shredded pork, beef and cheddar, steak, and spinach mushroom, plus the jalapeno/cheddar, bacon, and chocolate rolls. Everything was delicious. Don't come here expecting your traditional, wheaty empanada though - since they're made out of cassava, the texture is more like chewy rice dough or mochi, not "bready" or crusty. I eat A LOT and 2 empanadas + a couple rolls was plenty. These suckers are dense. Found out they also deliver AND they're available frozen at Whole Foods! read more

Just received my first order shipped to Texas and popped two empanadas in the oven for the evening. I was blown away. Amazingly delicious!!! The taste and consistency of flavors along with knowing that was gluten free and made from fresh ingredients. Now I have in my freezer some of these delights so when I come home late from work I can just pop them in the oven and walla!!! Great job Juan!!! read more

The food is pretty ok, small selection, the owners should ask a central american or brazilian about all the great things to make with cassava...like cake! The owners are a bit odd, like too much valium in their diets. read more

Perhaps it's due to my new gluten free 'diet' that I'm not used to the taste of gluten free food but I was very displeased with cassava. Between the reviews and pictures, I was excited to try this place. Unfortunately, it was not what i expected. The 'dough' used for the empanadas and rolls were so chewy and the taste was just blah! The chocolate roll was edible because of the over amount of chocolate used. Service was less than par although seemed to be nice to the next group of people that walked in. Sadly, I won't be returning or may just go back to eating gluten altogether. read more

The empanada are stuffed well with flavorful meats and cheeses but the pastry shell is very thick and dense. I've had delivery from Cassava but I would recommend eating there because the empanadas are best served fresh. You can't go wrong with the beef and heddar. read more

BEST HOT CHOCOLATE IN CHICAGO...HANDS DOWN. They use real melted chocolate, and even make it spicy at your request. And it costs less than 3 bucks. The blackberry muffin is my favorite, although the cassava rolls are delicious if you are looking for something savory (Jalapeno cheddar is my favorite, though they are all tasty), friendly service, clean, laid-back atmosphere, free WI-FI, and very reasonably priced. What more could you ask for? An almond banana smoothie? They have that, too (though I have yet to try it, but based on everything else I have tried here am confident it will be as good as it sounds). They also sell their rolls frozen so you can take them home and bake them yourself. I got some for a party I went to last night, and they were a huge hit. (If you buy 5 or more they're 65 cents each; otherwise they're 75 cents each). And are gluten-free. Don't know what cassava is? Just ask the owner, who grew up with it in South America. He will be glad to tell you and probably give you a free sample, too. So forget Starbucks...grab your friends and walk a couple hundred feet down Clark to Cassava...you will love it! (It's past The Alley, right next door to the African restaurant Bolat, just off of Clark and Roscoe) read more

For a quick bite, Cassava has some interesting rolls which are available sweet or savory. Made from a tuberous root, these rolls are doughy on the inside with fillings of cheese, jalapeno, bacon or melted chocolate. While they were something I would eat, it's not something I crave. They would be good for a party app or just a quick snack. The hot chocolate was super sweet and a little thick, good for a cold Chicago day, but only for chocoholics. The space is a little empty - with a few chairs and tables and a small open kitchen with a husband and wife team. Service can be a little slow due to the small production space. read more

Amazing. I just devoured a gluten free banana nut muffin and it was moist and delicious, not dry and gross like most gluten free food!! I think I am in love. They have free wi-fi. Great music and a calm atmosphere - perfect for doing homework! Coffee was great, they had rice milk for all you dairy-free friends out there. Apparently chili is on its way! So fun! read more

** I'm very sorry to hear about the burglary/assault that took place at Cassava last weekend, I'm glad no one was seriously hurt** I went in here last Saturday afternoon. I had been wanted to try this place for awhile (for the food, I'm not into smoothies or coffee) and since I had no groceries at home this was a good opportunity. As I mentioned in my tip, my first impression was not a good one. It was about 3:30pm and there was one person working. The space is really bare and there is a heated case on the counter that had about 5 cassava rolls (one of each kind, I think) and 2 empanadas sitting there. The bottom shelf was empty. I was a concerned when I ordered because I feared that all the food they had to choose from was what was available in the case. However, that wasn't the case. In fact, I ordered quite a bit- 1 sundried tomato and 1 original cassava roll, and then 1 of each of the following: roasted veggie, fire-grilled chicken, and beef and cheddar empanadas. The girl working opened the case and took 2 of the cassava rolls out and put them in a bowl. She then went back to the kitchen to heat up (I chose to not take them home frozen) the empanadas in these super easy bake oven type things that would take about 8 minutes. Sadly these were mostly not worth the wait. The cassava rolls were fine, a little bland but I liked that they were doughy. The empanadas were hit or miss. The fire-grilled chicken one was really tasty, but the roasted veggie was awful. Not sure what it was exactly but it tasted really bad. The beef and cheddar one wasn't that great either. In fact, I had to pull up the menu online because I couldn't tell what I was eating. I actually don't think there was meat in it, all I got was broccolli and cheese which wasn't an option on the menu. I'm really glad I stopped by here alone as I had talked up this place to a friend and I would have been embarrassed to take her there with these offerings. There are better options down the street on Clark. I'm not returning to Cassava. read more

This place rocks. The owner is from Ecuador. My husband and I enjoyed many tasty treats. We both had the grass fed beef and cheddar. It was deliciously flavored. Being made of cassava, the texture is slightly different but I preferred it! I also had the spinach and mushrooms which was scrumptious with feta notes! We had a few sweets too .... Chocolate roll and cinnamon as well. To top it off we had his home made hot chocolate which has to be in the top 5 I have ever had. Made from a chocolate bar rather than syrup or powder. Highly recommend this cute and unique joint ! read more

My daughter has celiac and we are a GF home...so grateful that this place exists! I great respite from pizza and SO DELICIOUS! Perfect for gatherings...Jorge has delivered top notch every time. Favorite GF food in the city. read more

Delicious cassava in different flavor!! The best one was the sun dried tomatoes and the chocolate! The emapanadas are good because they have the cassava skin instead of the typical fried ones, and they are delicious!!! read more

I absolutely love the gluten free cassava rolls - every flavor is delicious.

We stopped in this afternoon on our way to Zoo lights. My son is gluten intolerant, so I was super excited to find out about this place, even though we live a bit north. Rolls are really really good. The consistency is a little visually different...the rolls almost look raw, but they feel like a regular roll once you bite into them, and if you have ever had some of the very nasty gluten free bread options out there, you will appreciate these. My favorite was the Sundried Tomato Basil, but the Feta Olive and Jalapeno were also very very good. The pumpkin and apple soup was fantastic, and my two year old and I each had a hot chocolate. I had the spicy and he had the regular. Everyone was right... the hot chocolate is AMAZING. Loved the spicy one, and my son sucked his right down. I'm in the city a few mornings a week, and will for sure be stopping by and grabbing a hot chocolate and some warm rolls. So so glad to have this place around! Definitely worth checking out, even if you don't do gluten free! read more

Love this spot. Gluten free heaven!

Delicious pao de quejio, the jalapeño is HOT! I prefer the plain. The hot chocolate is very rich and sweet. Wish they have more to offer in the store, I don't think the place will last if they sell just some soup and 4 different flavors of the same bread. Maybe they can offer more cassava related products since that is the name of the store. read more

This review is only about their frozen empanadas. When I went gluten-free, I was excited to find out about Cassava. I ordered about 10 frozen empanadas, which they delivered for free, which is a nice service. But then I ate them. And they were pretty unpleasant. I tried multiple flavors, and none of them were good. Would not re-order. read more

Pretty much hooked on these delicious gluten-free buns and AMAZING hot chocolate. They also do smoothies and soups, but I have yet to branch out from my current obesession. PLEASE TRY THE HOT CHOCOLATE. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. And if you are gluten-free, sweet Jesus, get your butt in there and get a chocolate roll. It will remind you of the days when you could eat pain au chocolat! YUM. read more

O GOD, this place is glorious. I have sampled every single kind of empanada they offer, and each one is heaven. I've been there when the rolls are ready, and I've been there when I've had a brief wait. I've had their smoothies and their amazing hot chocolate. This is gluten-free paradise, but totally great for non-celiacs as well. I wish they delivered, and I wish they lived by me. I go to Lincoln Park or Wrigley or whatever it is JUST for their food. yum :) read more

Gluten-free, inexpensive, filling, fast, delicious... YES!

The food is great, but the real reason I used to love coming here was for the Bitcoin ATM. I'm heavily involved in the BTC industry and it was very convenient to have such a machine available in my own neighborhood, but they recently got rid of it. Very frustrating. Would be happy to return if they bring back the ATM. read more

This place is a hidden gem. I've had one of their jalapeño cheese balls which were the most perfect texture. It was chewy on the outside and soft on the inside. So delicious. I've had their mango smoothie with almond milk instead of apple juice and it was the right sweetness. Not sweet at all. It has wifi too! Can't wait to try their empanadas!!! Handle it. read more

We eat here a few times a month and it is consistently good. I love the bacon, egg, and cheese empanadas and the bacon rolls. They also have some pretty solid chili. Would definitely recommend, but mostly would advise takeout since its not too big of a place and there's only a few tables. read more

Had Cassava breakfast empanadas catered into my office this morning and they were amazing. I had the huevos ranchero one with eggs, veggies, steak and cheese and it was super satisfying. Happy I live close so I'll be sure to come by and try them again! read more

We were driving down Clark and I noticed the sign "Gluten Free Empanadas". I was sold. I found parking and we went in. The empanadas are fantastic. My favorite from this time was the steak empanada, and my daughter loved the bacon and egg empanada. The cheese rolls and chocolate rolls are also amazing. Great food, friendly service, what's not to love about Cassava? I just wish I lived closer so I could eat empanadas from them all the time. read more

Really great smoothies, but a little on the pricey side. However, that is to be expected in that specific neighborhood. Great cafe interior with comfy seating! read more

Really really tasty food! I've enjoyed every experience here. The only problem I have is that all of there food has dairy (except a certain) my wife has to be dairy free. read more

so I came here for a smoothie instead of an empanada.. apparently that's not the thing to do BUT I can comment on the delectability of the almond banana smoothie. it's REAL good. and what's even better than that is that it's AFFORDABLE. I'm talking $4.95 for a 16 oz. smoothie. say whaaaaat! this truly is rare. I don't know that I'd necessarily come here to chill- it's more of a grab your food and go place although they do have a pretty good amount of seating. the location is prime and the cashier was great. I asked if they had water bottles (not seeing any fountain drink selections where I could get tap water) and the cashier told me he would be happy to get me tap water as well. way to go. I'm satisfied and my wallet is still full. I'm diggin it. read more