Chef Sara's Cafe is AWESOME! If you're looking for a neighborhood cafe that feels like home, this is it! The sandwiches, soups & salads are tasty, nice variety of coffee and teas, friendly staff and the shop itself is warm, welcoming and impeccably decorated. The salmon & veggie burgers are great plus you can get discounts here on food and coffee by texting CHEFSARA to 55469, not to mention the FREE Wi-Fi. All around a great place. Glad to see a business like this in our neighborhood. Daphne read more

Yelp has on here that they are closed today but they aren't. I just returned from there. The hours on here are apparently WRONG. I will be getting that fixed. Anyways, Everyone knows me there lol. They have memorized my order! My absolute FAVORITE place to eat. Amazing addition to the neighborhood. read more

I'm sitting in Chef Sara's Cafe as I write this review. This is my first time at Chef Sara's Cafe and the entire staff already knows me by name. The atmosphere in this hidden gem is warm and inviting. Everyone knows each other and speaks as if they're old friends, however, it's quite enough to get some work done, thanks to the free available Wifi. I just finished the Chef's Special (pancakes, eggs, meat all for a very low price) and it was absolutely delicious. OMG, I am in LOVE with the eggs! I will definitely return to Chef Sara's Cafe. It's a little hard to see when driving pass, but Chef Sara's Cafe sits on the Southeast corner of 72nd and Exchange- tell them "Day" sent you. read more

First it's a very friendly place, like being welcomed home. It is so wonderful to have a great tasting, healthy, made to order restaurant here in South Shore. I highly recommend the linguine salad and Black Eyed Pea (Texas Caviar) dip with tortilla chips. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Inside Chef Sara's Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I discovered this place from a recent community meeting held here. It's a place I've passed before but I'd never eaten here until today. This is a family business. And it's evident there is a good family vibe between Chef Sara and her brothers(?) who are the waiters. The menu is traditional. I ordered breakfast--the Chef's Special. The waffle was very well-made. I enjoyed the eggs too. I had the "home fries" and they were well-seasoned but a bit overdone. I ate them all up though. The food here has a real home-cooked flavor that makes it quite delicious. It's a quaint, appealing little neighborhood cafe. They have a lunch menu. They have free wi-fi. I'm anxious to return and try other items on the menu. read more

A nice homey atmosphere. Sara's is welcoming and the food is good. Be prepared to wait as orders are prepared as they are placed. This is not fast food. Have the time to sit and relax. I recommend the turkey burger, salmon burger, chili and any of the breakfast choices read more

Why go to Starbucks when Chef Sara's Cafe is in the neighborhood? A NEIGHBORHOOD JEWEL! I frequent this cafe for coffee, breakfast and lunch. The Jamaican rum coffee, oatmeal and signature sandwich is delicious! read more

Best Salmon burgers ever. Food made to order. Quaint family style restaurant.

A hidden gem! Ordered out from this this morning for the first time this morning. The food is really good.. reminds me of being down south in my grandmothers kitchen.. would definitely recommend! read more

Bad service, inattentive, crowded behind the counter...why? I want to support my local Black owned business. I've been here on more than one occasion and will NEVER walk the three blocks to be treated poorly again. Ordered a latte with soy milk and it took 15 minutes to complete my order. I could not tell where to go to even get my order because it's so discombobulated when you walk in. When I got back into my car I poured out some of the coffee because it was too full. The next thing that happened was unbelievable. The man who was behind the counter came out from the shop and knocked on my window. He asked me if I poured my coffee out. I looked at him as if he were crazy. I said what did you just say? And he said did you just pour your coffee out? I said to him I cannot believe you just came out here and said that to me. I just purchased from that place and you're coming out here to harass me? I put my window back up and he walked away mumbling something. Bad & slow service, disorganized layout, RUDE & harassing employees? I will never return here. Sorry I can't give them ZERO stars. read more

The food was pretty good, especially my hot drink. Chef Sara seemed friendly. I would give it 5 stars, but the customer service was poor. A friendly smile or being acknowledged with a greeting when we entered the restaurant would have been nice. No one saw us come in or sit down. A thank you when we went to pay also would have been nice. Our food took a while to come out and the waitress did not check on us once we started eating. The service was slow and they appeared a bit unorganized. The food was good and the environment is very comfortable. We may come back to give it another chance. It is a nice location, pretty good food, but not great service. Very slow. The prices are fair. read more

Chef Sara's is a symbol of both South Shore's past and future. Located on an unassuming block not far from the South Shore Cultural center, you can't help but feel like you've found a little slice of home when you enter. Neither the menu nor the staff put on many airs. What you get is what you want....good food, great service and a warm smile to start your day. I normally go to Chef Sara's for a cup of coffee or two, a sandwich when I am on the go, etc. I keep coming back because what is done is done well....and because places like Chef Sara are desperately needed. They bring a character to the neighborhood that hasn't been seen in decades. So, when I want coffee? I pass a dozen Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts along the way. I support a business that reminds me of my mother's kitchen in my youth...and I hope and pray more do the same. read more

Great Cafe!! Enjoyed my 1st time experience with both great good and a very friendly atmosphere! Excited it is in my neighborhood and I can walk to the cafe. This will definitely be a place to visit often! I just moved to South Shore, and couldn't of been made more comfortable and welcome as I did walking in to Chef Sara's Cafe! Keep up the great work! read more

I love to support Black business , i originally found about chef sara's after reading the great reviews on yelp, i felt so at home after i met this sister , she makes you feel like your family Everytime you stop in , she remembers you by name and she has a heart of gold, i recently came into to have my new favorite dish lox & bagel , i also enjoy the salmon burger, & the spicy chicken sausage on a pretzel bun. Sara had time to come talk to me i have so much respect for this queen , i learned so much about this Amazing woman here's some intresting facts in case you didn't know about this queen , Her grandmother at a young age started her off cookingin the kitchen and at that young age cooking became a passion , she studied at Le cordon bleu culinary school in downtown chicago , where she enhanced what she already knew , I enjoy everytime i stop in , i love the food and the whole experience , if your ever on the east side of chicago stop in and have a bite Tell her Mr. Vegus Sent you read more

I really love this place. I feel like I'm at an aunt's house. Chef Sara puts love in that food. My favorite coffee in almost the whole world is their Jamaican Rum! So amazing. I haven't eaten much from here but I went back twice in one week for the egg on croissant sandwich. There is ample seating and free wifi with purchase. Another south side of Chicago gem! read more

Veggie Panini and Salmon burgers are very delicious here. Come when you have time to kill. Has never been crowded when we have come.

Absolutely love this place! I was reading the reviews and because they were all inconsistent I wanted to give it a try myself. Glad I did! The food is always very fresh & delicious, with the staff being very friendly. My favorite is the salmon croissant sandwich, and spinach salad with grilled shrimp. So happy that this place exist. Top favorite places to go to for breakfast and Lunch. read more

It was me an another gentleman in there an I still had to wait long for water and the 3shrimp they made for the shrimp and grits. This is my 3rd time coming I'm usually with a man so it comes fast but if u are. Not make you wont get the service that u deserve for your money read more

Everyone was such a delight and the food was great. The lady who took my order suggested the chef combo cause it would be cheaper. I thought that was really nice read more

By far one of my favorite local spots. It has a very warm friendly feeling and the food is delish. The shrimp and grits and fresh fruit smoothies are my favorites hands down. However, can't forget about the Jamaican blend coffee they carry that along with a warm apple danish will certainly make your tummy smile. read more

This was my first visit. My guy got the salmon burger and I tasted it. It was awesome. I got the French toast special with scrambled eggs and chicken sausage. Everything was seasoned nicely. The only downside was service was a tad bit slow. I'm guessing it's because there was a large party and they just wasn't prepared for the group as well as other patrons. I would return. read more

What a delight! It's as if you have just walked into someone's kitchen. Sara, the owner, greets you as you enter. The food and smoothies were delicious! I will definitely be going again! So much to choose from! read more

This establishment is very unprofessional and lack quality of proper customer service skills in every way. Every time I come in the staff including Chef Sarah!!! are arguing , senseless to the customers who come in and take long periods of time with simple food dishes. This is why you can't support a lot of black business within any community. I will never return after being ignored blatantly for over 20 minutes. read more

The food was good but a little pricy. The staff was very friendly but we waited quite a while before they brought our food. It was worth the wait though and they were all really nice. read more

I drive by this place everyday and for months I've wanted to stop by. Today I finally did and I LOVED it. It's so cozy and welcoming. The staff/owners are amazing and the prices are reasonable. I ordered shrimp and grit, a three egg omelette and coffee. The owner came over to talk with my son and I. I plan to return daily for my morning coffee. The food was delicious and will return to try several different items. read more

Definitely a homemade feeling. Food is not drenched in butter, like a lot of places on the south side. The food is tasty. The coffee is not. It's the kind of place I'd like to linger, but it's so small and so popular, I feel like you can't. I wish the hours were better. When I tend to want to go is when they tend to be closed lol. read more

Chef Sara is an awesome place to eat the environment is warm and friendly, I'm always greeted when I come through the door. The food is delicious. There are plenty of good healthy choices. I can't say enough good things about this place. read more

I have one word for Chef Sara's: Delicious! I am a loyal fan of Chef Sara's and the entire crew. The Salmon Burger is out of this world. The personal, homey feel puts Starbucks to shame. I'm glad a place like this has opened in my community. Keep up the good work. read more

Fresh and tasty food. Relaxing cafe setting. We had the veggie panini, chicken panini and waffle.

Yes the salmon burger is to die for but their French toast is also good as well but the tea I don't know how she makes the tea I'm going back just for the sweet tea read more

Chef Sara is a great professional who knows how to make darn good food. She has a friendly and talented staff who all take their time to ensure all of their customers get great care and service. This is an excellent neighborhood spot. read more

I stumbled upon Chef Sara's Cafe on my lunch break. When I entered, I felt like I was in a family members kitchen. The staff was very welcoming and the dining area was quaint and comfortable. When I was about to order, I was undecided between the turkey burger and salmon burger. Chef Sara told me that the salmon burger was the most popular so I just went with that. I'm so glad I got it, it was so good (not to mention the peanut butter cookies)!!!! I'm so glad I found this place and will be back to check out their breakfast since its served all day. read more

Good food, friendly service, reasonable prices. I'd heard some good things about the cafe so my girlfriend and I stopped in for breakfast. It did not disappoint. I had the shrimp and grits and my girlfriend had the french toast. It's a family business in the true sense (Sara was there and waited on us.) The food was made to order, which means it takes a little longer than your average diner but is much better quality. Chef Sara's is a quality, fresh option in South Shore, something the neighborhood definitely needs more of. If you live in South Shore and haven't tried it you should make the trip. The food is good and you'll be supporting a local business! read more

Love this place! The decor, the friendly and helpful front of house staff, Great coffee. I had the turkey, ham panini with fresh sage. The best panini I have had. Fresh foods, fresh herbs and very reasonable prices. I am going back to try the cheesy grits and shrimp :) read more

I love Chef Saras she offers great food at a great price. Its a nice cozy welcoming enviorment. I had the shrimp & grits & it remind me of the grits that my grandma used to make. She has a nice varietiey of foods from baked goods to turkey burgers. & they all aim to please. Its a wonderful hidden treasure. I only wish it had more seating which is y I didnt give it 5 stars. but Overall I love Chef Sara & I love Chef Saras Cafe read more

Great customer service. Great energy. Friendly and clean! Really clean! Everyone is sooo nice. The food taste really good. The crowd is always sophisticated. Wi-fi if being serviced. The food is fresh. Fresh veggies and pastries. The fruit smoothies are amazing. Ambiance galore. Great place for the area. I've had their shrimps and grits. Fantastic. The salad and raspberry vinaigrette is AMAZING. My only suggestion is to give them at least 20 minutes to prepare your food because they cook with love. read more

Absolutely the best place for all day breakfast on the South side! Chef Sara's beats the other coffee and breakfast spots hands down!!!

Need to have professional photos to show the highly rated and delicious food appropriately.

I'm headed back for the second time this week! I love the cozy, family-like atmosphere. I had a wonderful spinach salad with the great mango tea...yummm! Can't wait to try the salmon burger. Service was a tad slow but I was in no hurry. Chef Sara is a wonderful addition to my neighborhood! Y'all come!!! read more

Chef Sara's is definitely a diamond in a neighborhood that usually caters to the "fast-food" crowd. She is cooking her limited menu the old-fashioned way, slow. I like that. Stop by. It's worth coming cross town. read more