I was very pleasantly surprised at how good this place was! I usually go to Yolk or Wildberry, but decided to try out Meli's just to see how it compares with some of the other famous breakfast spots in Chicago that I've been to. Honestly the breakfast at Meli was just as good as what I've had at the other breakfast places, but the best part is that there is usually a minimal wait! Even on a Sunday at prime brunch time, we walked in, and only had to wait less than 20 mins for a table. We ordered the smoked salmon benedict and a standard breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, and the toast substituted for French toast for a small additional charge. Everything was great! The service is also super fast, and they get you your breakfast out in lightning speed! read more

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OMG this is a great breakfast place. We had the biscuits and gravy which comes with 2 huge fluffy biscuits and breakfast sausage gravy and a large portion of crispy hash browns. It's enough for me I asked for scrambled eggs for a side. Must have been 3 eggs. I couldn't finish it. The polenta gluten free pancakes were a huge hit for my wife. sliced bananas and blueberries. We are making this a daily visit. read more

At a place serving breakfast until 3pm, we happily discovered it when seeking a late breakfast at 1:30pm. Opting for the classics - eggs Benedict and French toast - we found them delightful. Generous portions too; 2 eggs for the Benedict and 6 pieces of French toast. These dishes are easily shareable between 3 people. The venue is pleasant, and the staff are welcoming. I'd recommend it! read more

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The service was ok but the bloody Mary's were DELICIOUS!!! Get the spicy, much better than the regular. Our guy was nice but we had to wait a while to get our order in. A table that sat down almost 10 min after we did got their food first. Overall the food was good, I'd go back just for the bloody's if not for anything else. read more

Amazing service, the waffles and crepes and french toast and pancakes are all amazing. The seats next to the windows are so cute everything is overall perfect read more

incredibly rude owner. hostess sat us at a high top table. owner came up and told us we couldn't sit there. we explained that the hostess had sat us there and he said "well i'm telling you you can't sit here" incredibly rude and unprofessional. they also added a surcharge to the bill for the "rising operating costs" that they were happy to remove upon request. very scam like. don't recommend this place. read more

One of my top favorite places in Chicago. The staff is so kind, the food is fire and huge portions. Drinks are always awesome

The service was great! I can't express how nice they are. The food was just toooo good. It comes with big plates and you can share if you like. The waffles were also really good and just everything else on the menu. read more

Meli Cafe - Smoked salmon, Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe works really well when you need somewhere to go for breakfast/brunch, but can't think of anywhere - if that makes sense? Let me be clear - this is a compliment. Sometimes you don't know what you want but know there's a certain place you need - enter Meli Cafe. Nestled in a corner in River North, you may have walked by it numerous times. Next time you do, walk in and have a bite. I had a party of 3, and we were seated immediately. The waitstaff was attentive, helpful, and patient - a rare combo. While we got there early afternoon - something should be said about how quickly we were seated on a Friday in River North. Ambiance? It was a mix of a few things. Chill, cozy, quirky decor & furniture, but nothing off-putting either. They had some good music playing softly and while the place wasn't empty, it wasn't overly crowded either. What I often call "heathy", because who wants to go somewhere too packed or too empty? The space is actually very big and looks to even have a full service bar for this really trying to get loose at brunch. Last but not least - the food. The 3 of us couldn't decide what do get - so we got a few things: Salmon/Lox Eggs Benedict (really recommend) Avocado Toast Eggs Benedict Pancakes with bananas hashbrowns - which were crispy on the outside but soft on the inside - *chefs kiss* All was really good. And the portions were also great. Which is a gripe of mine - I'm happy to pay for food as long as I get my money's worth. Best part? We had leftovers and guess who got to take them home? *Swish* Quick & Dirty: Would return Would recommend 3.9/5 stars I think when I go back next, they have the potential to cross the 4 star threshold for me. read more

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Severely disappointed. The service was just awful. Waitress sat us and asked for our drinks. We ordered one decaf, one reg coffees and two waters. She brought coffees and walked away. Had to ask again for waters. Was almost impossible to get coffee refills and I even walked up to the wait station to pour my own. I watched her serve others near our table. She forgot utensils for one table and brought "bagels and lox" entree for the table next to us but forgot the bagels. They had to wait 5 mins until she returned. Our breakfast came. Eggs were ordered over medium but whites were not cooked and runny....gross! The hash browns were more like mush and tepid at best. I tried waving her down for another coffee refill. She looked right at me, turned and walked away. I should have known when every other restaurant was 30-45 min wait but they had open tables as soon as we arrived. I'm not going to return here. I can't suggest you try this place either. read more

They need to hire more servers that was brutal. Waited for over 30 min after we finished to pay

We were staying in the area while visiting Chicago for the first time and badly needed a quick, easy breakfast. We found Meli via Yelp and had planned on getting some breakfast sandwiches. To our surprise, on the menu board walking in - they have great specials such as breakfast sandwich or burrito + OJ /Coffee for $6! The OJ was great, and the breakfast sandwiches had 3 eggs per sandwich, pretty darn hefty for the price and tasty! Can't comment on anything else, but for this deal it was a great breakfast for us to start the day and I would highly recommend for that special ! read more

You don't need to empty your pocketbook to have a good brunch experience! The selection of dishes is excellent, and the service is top-notch. Other breakfast and brunch places in the area charge an arm and a leg for less food. Meli Cafe is your best and reliable bet for an all around great breakfast. read more

A friend recommended this place and I am glad she did. The food here was delicious! Everything tasted fresh, even the pressed juices.

A 4 stars to this diner. I've been to several locations of Meli cafe across Chicago including this one. In my most recent visit, we ordered the following items for brunch: Jalapeno bowl: This is my favorite item to order on the menu. The chicken chorizo, scrambled eggs, avocado and jalapeños give it a perfect blend. I cannot get enough of this. Symphony Crepes: I ordered this for the first time, and it was surprisingly delicious. The chocolates crepes filled with nutella (a house chocolate hazelnut paste not store bought), strawberry and bananas, and topped with the same fruits and pecans. Very delicious. Orange banana smoothie: This was a your typical smoothie but very fresh and delicious as well. Coffee: The coffee was refreshing, and had a good thickness to you. Everything was great. The bathroom was a bit not functioning well. I told this to manager in charge, and he acknowledged that due to the weather outside, the situation was such, which made sense. I hope they take care of the problem. Otherwise, I had a great experience. Amazing staff and very friendly service. read more

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Our favorite breakfast spot in River North! Sweet or savory, you will find great breakfast items. If you are gluten intolerant, you will love their gluten free crepes! You wont be able to tell that they are gluten free and especially the symphony crepes are delicious! Another favorite is down to the farm or salmon Benedict! You can't go wrong with these. The staff is super friendly and quick. Perfect breakfast/brunch atmosphere! read more

This place is a treasure! We needed a hearty breakfast to prepare us for the bracing weather and our architectural boat tour. Not only does Meli's have all the omelets, pancakes and other breakfast goodies one could wish for, they also have gluten-free options! . Their coffee is smooth, delicious and hits the spot. And.... The artwork in the cafe is beautiful and uplifting. Please patronize this business! I don't want them to disappear. read more

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Came in from a different state and was searching for good breakfast spots and the food here is very delicious and the amount of food for the price is amazing! read more

Meli Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

LINEN NAPKINS FOR BREAKFAST! This interesting cafe/juice bar is adorable. Here for breakfast, but not feeling too well, so I just had coffee and english muffin, and "cherry chicken sausage". I wish my tummy had been better because this menu is sooooo interesting. I couldn't pass up the cherry sausage, but was a little disappointed because I neither saw or tasted any cherry. The neighboring tables had huge plates of food brought to them, that looked fantastic. I saw a large smoothie delivered, and then wished I had ordered that instead. Next time :-) Also, this location is perfect for me, as I usually stay at a hotel in the area. I sat across from a wall that had large words touting the health benefits of mixing honey and cinnamon. I've been doing that, and it does work!! Thanks. I loved how some of the servers were European girls. I have worked with many International college kids and it makes life so much more interesting to talk with them. F A N T A S T I C M E N U read more

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Gluten free and vegan items! A friend and I stumbled in here on New Years Day as it was close to our hotel. When we got there around 11 a.m. there was only a handful of people there and when we left around noon there was a wait to be seated. I loved seeing the gluten free menu selection. I ordered the gluten free French toast and it was delicious. It included fresh berries and bananas. I ordered a side of bacon that was cooked perfectly (not soggy and not burnt). My friend ordered the omelette special and enjoyed it. The potatoes looked great! They had a menu full of fresh juices as well. We didn't try these but they looked amazing. Cute brunch/breakfast spot with good eats! read more

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Food ok nothing special Service sucks and sketchy staff. Never again for my family ! read more

I am from Baltimore, took a trip to The Chi, celebrating my 23rd anniversary at my job! Its crazy because we went right before covid hit well before covid was known about in the USA! Cause on the plane ride back home mostly everyone had on mask, We had NO IDEA what was going on! However.... This was my first stop after landing in Chicago. I was starving. Road pass and decided to give Meli's Cafe a chance and I am glad we did! Walked in, we were welcomed by the host, we sat at the bar. We ordered mimosas and they mixed it with this champagne that was really good, I had to take a picture of it so when I got back home I could find it lol! I was 3 mimosas in before I ordered my food. I had chicken and waffles one of my favorite breakfast dishes! It was delicious! The service was excellent. I cannot wait to visit Chicago again! Meli's will be on my itinerary! read more

Meli Cafe - Chicken & Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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In Chicago over New Year's, and Meli Cafe was far and away the best breakfast place we experienced. Seldom does a place get everything on point, but this place does! The service, the food, the value all in a clean environment that all ages can enjoy. I'd highly recommend this restaurant if you need breakfast in the morning. Over the course of five days we liked it a bit more each one. Even the coffee is great! The people are nice and the food comes so fast. Just an amazing place! Thanks for making our mornings Meli Cafe!!! read more

We arrived and waited at the host stand to be seated as the sign prompted. We were waiting patiently for just under 10 minutes without even being acknowledged or greeted by any restaurant staff. My company and I are extra forgiving, given that we work in the industry as well and just couldn't believe the rudeness we were approached with by a short old man who claimed to be the restaurant general manager. He had passed the host stand about 3 times without acknowledging our presence but eagerly ran back to seat a 5 top of middle aged women! I was actually starting to wonder if I camouflaged into the environment the way we were being ignored? Totally rude and unwelcoming. The "GM" returned to which is when we asked if he was a manager which he said he was. We proceeded to explain that we've been waiting unattended for some time and it was rude to have sat a party without merely greeting the party that arrived before them... This review wouldn't be up if we were greeted with respect and kindness the way we work in our establishments! Ridiculous! read more

They have so many options healthy food, comfort food, and healthy comfort food. So everyone can find something to enjoy. Including a juice bar, vegan food, and gluten free food options. I ordered a tofu stacker that came with a bunch of hash browns and was very filling. This reminds me of a small town cafe in the middle of a big city. It's super casual. The food came out fast and the prices are so reasonable compared to a lot of other Chicago restaurants. I would recommend families coming here in need of a low key spot to get in and out fast. They have three locations: River North, Printers Row, and Greek Town. Meaning it should be easy to get to one of those if you're around Chicago somewhere. read more

Meli Cafe - Tofu Salsa Stacker with tofu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A delicious and reasonably priced find for all day breakfast and lunch options. Broad and satisfying menu choices saw well. We enjoyed the Irish Eggs Benedict, the crepes, and scrambled. Interior ambiance is spacious, upbeat and sunny with lots of street-side window seating. read more

Came to Meli Cafe with a large group for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. They have an expansive menu (including a pretty rockin' juice menu). I ordered their Emerald Isle breakfast bowl. Two fried eggs served over a layer of corned beef hash atop a bed of baby red potatoes with a lovely sprinkling of baby swiss. The hash was perfectly rendered and not overly salty (a rarity in hash, it seems!). It definitely made for a hearty and delicious breakfast. Their coffee was way better than your average diner coffee--hot, strong, and served with fresh cream. The service was on point throughout (which can be difficult with a party of seven) and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Get to it! read more

Meli Cafe - Emerald Isle breakfast bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I ordered a mango , banana, orange smoothie this morning & the lady didn't know what she was doing I heard her ask one of the employees questions I guess on how to make it & when she gave it to me it was watery & tasted like a McDonald's orange juice & it was over priced what a waste of $10 horrible read more

I hate to be that cliche black man that calls everything racist but that racist word exactly describes my experience! I've heard of river north having these issues but I never got to witness it for myself! Today me and my girlfriend went to eat at Meli Cafe since it was suggested by our hotel! Everything was okay until we sat down! Joanna was our waitress... We legit waited 15 minutes and no one said nothing to us upon sitting down...However the waitress looked at me several times! I finally flagged down a manager and he was able to get her over to us after I explained our frustration! It felt like she did not want to serve us at all! The food was good however the waitress did not once come over to our table to check on us. When we needed something we had to flag down bus boys to get things for us... The waitress used the excuse of them being short staffed however I watched her check on other tables several times and approach them immediately when they sat down! Something needs to be done about this in the river north are. It's 2021! I usually lives a 25% tip every time i go out! I left nothing today and I don't feel bad about it. It's wrong to treat folks that way who spend their hard owned money at your establishment! read more

Meli Cafe - Receipt - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food is average (please do something about the hash browns they are always hard / . I keep on coming back due to their micheladas (funny enough not on their menu). Service is good. read more

Visited Meli Cafe for breakfast before work on a week day morning and enjoyed it! The cafe is so spacious! I was so surprised to see how many tables were available. They also have floor to ceiling windows which makes the cafe filled with so much natural light- always good for any kind of dining experience! I arrived early (for once in my life) and the hostess kindly welcomed me and showed me to our table. Our server hopped on over a few minutes later to see if I was ready to order but I wasn't so I mentioned it was fine to come back when everyone arrived. Once everyone arrived our server welcomed everyone and took our drinks orders. I got the cold brew and it was bold and served extra cold. Some other people in our group ordered fresh squeezed juice and it looked so refreshing I ended up ordering an orange juice. Couldn't resist! It was served in a very tall glass also. To eat, I ordered the farmland breakfast bowl and added ham to it. The bowls come with breakfast potatoes (at no additional cost) and toast. The bowl was a very large portion! The spinach and tomatoes tasted so fresh and the breakfast potatoes had a satisfying crisp on the outside. This place was also pumping some awesome jams throughout the cafe. From Flo Rida to Natasha Bedingfield, we were rockin' out with our breakfast bowls. read more

Meli Cafe - Inside - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Vegan pancakes are quite good.... but the tofu scramble is a joke. For the price what you get is cubed tofu tossed with chopped veggies, angrily made by someone who has no idea what vegans eat. It was absolutely tasteless and does not even look appetizing. I have tried all the vegan items on the menu and none of them are decent.... I think this place has great potential to be little more vegan friendly and reconsider the options in their vegan menu. Additions like - vegan bread, vegan cheese, vegan butter are easy to implement and would make a difference to vegan diners. read more

Always a good breakfast and never disappointed. From the bloody Mary two other specialty cocktails, it's a nice compliment to an email you have at the Meli café. read more

All around a good breakfast! Lots of gluten free options too which was nice. We came on a busy Sunday morning and it was only a 20 minute wait. The service could've been a little better though, we had to flag down the waitress a bunch read more

Portion sizes are superb! Service is superb! Food superb! Decor superb! What we had: Pancakes Waffles Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Egg Scrambler Garden Omelet Chicken Sausage Yuppie Bowl Classic Coffee Hot Green Mint Tea Katerina's Service All Superb! Saturday brunch was a winner at Meli's. ~Christy read more

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I really wanted to love this little place after receiving strong recommendations from a random worker we met on the street during on our morning walk. Alas, the experience was ultimately disappointing.... Meli Café was not busy on this early Sunday morn. We were seated immediately by our kind wait person. A great looking, specialty cold brew coffee was written on their chalk board so my companion asked for that. I asked for a brewed cup of joe. It was hot, fresh, but very weak. With refills never forthcoming, I finally got out of my seat and poured my own coffee from the thermal pot on the counter. All the while, my companion waited for his specialty brew to arrive. Evidently, no one present had EVER made it, so they were guessing at the amount of each ingredient, and of course, forgetting things like the whipped cream topping. Breakfast was as lackluster as the coffee. The Classic Benedict hollandaise sauce was without even a hint of lemony flavor. My companion was way disappointed. My Lox & Bagel was better. At least the toasted bagel came out toasted and warm. The cream cheese was nicely herbed and flavorful. I might recommend this entree if you decide to forgo the coffee and come for food. It's a friendly place, but we hardly saw our wait person, got no refills and were otherwise, largely ignored. It was not what we've come to expect of even humble diners in this city. read more

Meli Cafe - Lox & Bagels - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Overall a good breakfast spot in Chicago during our trip. It was close by and not packed which was a plus. Food wise, we had the Classic Benedict and the Irish Benedict (w/corned beef hash). Portion sizes were great and the food quality was okay. It wasn't anything out of this world as far as taste, but it also wasn't bad. Service was great! read more

Meli Cafe - The Irish - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Delicious and great service and would strongly recommend. Eggs where delicious. Coffe was fresh read more

Meli Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

With a special vegan AND healthy choice menu, in addition to the fantastic regular menu, this is one of the best places in Chicago to eat breakfast! Street parking and quick, attentive service round out the perfect Meli formula. I go to the one on Congress and it is just as good. Highest marks!! read more

Meli Cafe - Vegetarian omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I discovered Meli's on accident while on my way to an interview. I had literally about 30 minutes to spare and knew I needed to eat quick enough in order to leave and get to my next destination. The staff was super helpful and quick to get breakfast out to me it literally took under 10 minutes. The pancakes were amazing and super fluffy and the strawberries were so fresh and not tart. And it's quite possibly the best bacon I've ever had at any breakfast location. I truly enjoyed my breakfast even tho I came and left within 20 minutes, I hope I get the job so I can be a regular! read more

Meli Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois