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Sun Rey Cafe

4.6 (89 reviews)
Closed • 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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What's the vibe?
Good for kids
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Sun Rey Cafe

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Pork belly adobo
Adaora O.

10/10 experience for me! Found this place by a Google search for "the best breakfast in Wicker Park" and I'm so glad I checked them out. It's a small restaurant, serving American, Latino and Filipino dishes. Very homey feel inside with kind and helpful staff. The pork belly adobo was a HIT. I ordered it with the garlic rice (server recommendation. We also ordered the steel cut oatmeal which comes topped with sautéed cinnamon apples, honey, and granola. Their mango iced tea *summer only* was so good I ordered two refills and one to-go. I can't wait to come back!

The Manila Breakfast
Kimmi M.

I had heard good things about Sun Rey from my neighbors; the food, the homey atmosphere. Yes, all of that was great but the service is above and beyond. I came with a friend who has an anaphylactic reaction to mushrooms and has to be very careful. Our server, who is also an owner, not only took this very seriously, but communicated this to the chef who then came out to let her know he cooked her meal in a different pan to avoid cross contamination. This small act of caring about their customers puts Sun Rey in another echelon of service and kindness. We left happy, full, healthy and truly felt the love put into every dish. Small, family-run businesses like this need our support more than ever. The folks who own Sun Rey embody the same care and values that the folks who ran Hash did. Truly a spot that adds so much value and flavor to the neighborhood.

Elgin B.

Talk about a pleasant experience. Sun Rey Café 1357 N Western, Chicago, IL (4.5/5) December 21 marks the winter solstice, a time when the Earth is closest to the sun, both in summer and on this day. My sister thought it would be fitting to celebrate at Sun Rey Café. I live nearby and have often passed the café but never gave it much thought. However, after seeing some exquisite-looking dishes on their Yelp page, I decided it was time to give it a try. Sun Rey Café has a cozy, homey vibe. It's a decent size, with seating for groups of up to five near the front, but I'd say it's best enjoyed as a two-person outing for comfort. True to its name, the space is filled with natural sunlight, adding to the warm atmosphere. We were greeted by Toby, the owner, who was delightful and accommodating. While waiting for our food, we got to meet Toby's family and hear the wonderful backstory of the café. Sun Rey Café reflects the union of his parents, Ruby and Larry, blending African-American and Filipino culinary traditions. Toby shared that his father, Larry, once owned a soul food restaurant and brought his signature fried chicken recipe to Sun Rey. Naturally, I had to try the chicken and waffles--and it did not disappoint. The chicken was fried to perfection--not too greasy, not too salty, just right. The waffle was also great. I ordered a side of breakfast potatoes and eggs, which were equally satisfying. My sister opted for the pancakes with a side of rice and eggs, which she thoroughly enjoyed. If there's one thing I can say about Sun Rey Café, it's that they cook with love, and it shows in every bite. If you're in the Logan Square area and want a laid-back café with delicious food, Sun Rey is a fantastic choice. For my first visit, I'd rate Sun Rey Café 4.5 out of 5 stars. As a coffee lover, I think adding flavored creams or syrups would take the experience to the next level, but overall, it's a gem of a café I'll definitely return to.

Chicken and waffle
T N.

It's a little on the pricey side but the menu has lots of original items you won't be able to find anywhere else. Good service in a casual atmosphere. Only thing missing was a good hot sauce for the fried chicken.

Pinay Combination Plate
Jeremy M.

The food was so good, and the service was excellent. We arrived early and enjoyed the space, and the team was kind and welcoming. We ordered the Grandfather French Toast (my daughter celebrated dessert for breakfast) and a combo plate with the longanisa, tocino, and pork belly. Everything was excellent. Looking forward to coming back! Shout out to Lawrence for the warm welcome!

Two Eggs with Bacon (served with toast, and choice of home-fried potatoes or fried garlic rice)
Catherine N.

Super tasty Filipino and American breakfast in a cheery and cozy spot with tabletops tiled in white penny-round tile and walls covered with eclectic homey decor. During warmer weather, they also have outdoor seating. What to get: - The Pork Belly Adobo (served with white rice or garlic rice, 2 eggs any style, side of achara pickles, cucumber, tomato. The adobo is super tasty and goes so well with the pickle, rice, and eggs.) - Chicken and Waffles (the chicken [one piece dark, one piece white] is SO good, but it's a long wait if you order this; my guess is they're incredibly good at frying chicken and also fry to order, but they don't have a pressure fryer which is way faster, but is also a really huge piece of equipment) - Santa Fe Hash (chorizo, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, cheese, tomato, potatoes, and toast)...we can't over-emphasize how well this dish is cooked: the potatoes are perfectly crisp, the peppers and onions are perfectly caramelized, there's the right amount of slightly crisped chorizo, and everything goes great with the eggs. - Two Eggs with Bacon if you're a fan of crispy thick-cut bacon (with toast and choice of home-fried potatoes or fried garlic rice) - The Garlic Fried Rice Service is attentive, friendly, and on point. They'll remember you if you visit often. :) Note: they can get busy with long food-prep times during peak hours on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Pinoy combo plate
Leah B.

Emailed the restaurant for a reservation but had to call next day they were open to confirm. Glad I did too because this place is teeny tiny. The menu is interesting and we both really wanted the shrimp and grits or Hana's foster pancakes but decided we should try one of their authentic Filipino dishes. We ordered the Manila breakfast and the Pinoy combination plate. The garlic rice is quite garlicky but not overly so. We really enjoyed the house made Longanisa sausage and pickled papaya relish. The pork belly was way overcooked but I liked the crunchy bits. The star of the meats was the Tocino - juicy, sweet and perfectly caramelized.

The Manila Breakfast
Robert C.

We dined here for a Sunday breakfast based on Yelp reviews and it was a wonderful experience. Food and relaxing outdoor seating aside, it was the owners Ruby and Larry of this family-operated restaurant that really made this a fantastic morning. The two treated us as though we were old friends meeting as guests at their house. The Filipino-American food was excellent. My wife had The Manila Breakfast - I got to taste the sausages, and while mild they were delicious. Our daughter had the Frittata, while Mr. Sweet Tooth here ordered The Chocolate Waffles. All were excellent dishes. However, the real highlight was the Poqui Poqui which we each shared as a side. What a wonderful dish. Fire-roasted eggplants and eggs with a melted cheese and tomato sauce. If this is on the menu, order it! (Sorry, I missed taking a photo, by the time I remembered my camera the dish was devoured.) The dining area was brightly-decorated but the outside is unassuming, be careful or you might drive by and miss it. But don't. And when you drop in tell Ruby and Larry we said Hi.

Chicken and Waffles
celina t.

It was our first time going to Sun Rey Cafe. It was a wonderful surprise! I got their Manila breakfast and it was delicious! Reminded me of an Asian dish my mom would make me. My boyfriend got the chicken and waffles and it was really good as well. Our food came nice and hot for us to enjoy. The service was great! Although they were pretty busy they still gave us good service. This is a cute spot. It is small so parties over 6 might have issues dining inside. Outside of that I would for sure recommend trying! They have a few Asian dishes for breakfast which are delicious!

The Manila Breakfast
Aravind V.

All the food was excellent. The special standout was the sausage from the Manila breakfast, I was tempted to see if I could just get an order of sausages to go to keep munching on all day. The pork belly was also super juicy and delicious, and the pickled condiment sauce went well with everything! The Horchata was the one small disappointment, it was very watered down and I couldn't really taste much of the cinnamon at all. The restaurant was very cute, with a decent amount of seating and really nice bright decor that made it awesome for a cute brunch spot. The staff was exceptionally friendly, prompt, and helpful! I'd absolutely recommend this place!

Chicken and waffles
Michelle G.

Went here for a weekend brunch with a solidly sized group for one of our friend's birthdays and we loved it. The owners / staff are so nice and attentive (I believe the co-owner Ruby took care of us and she was so friendly and offered great service and just vibes). My friend originally picked this place because it was one of the few brunch spots she found that took reservations but also had great reviews and we were all so happy with what we got. The portions are nice and filling but not overwhelming, prices are reasonable, and there is so much natural sunlight in this cozy spot. Some highlights from the group were the Manila breakfast, poqui poqui (it's fun to see not just traditional Filipino breakfast options but also a regional dish from the north), and the chicken and the waffles. They also have some vegetarian options that seem good.

Chocolate waffle - so decadent!

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Loved my breakfast & the friendliness of the owner. Can't wait to go back & have ribs. So recommendable. Easy street parking

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7 months ago

What a great place to eat. Top service and even better food. Perfect for trying a Filipino breakfas.

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Green Street Smoked Meats - Sliced Brisket, Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw, complimentary white bread, Cornbread with Honey Butter

Green Street Smoked Meats

4.4(2.4k reviews)
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Delicious solid BBQ. This restaurant's entrance is at alley way. The BBQ restaurant is at the back…read moreof the building and the coffee shop is at the front. We came around 11am right before the lunch hour. The restaurant was still not crowded so we ordered right away. Hubby asked if there was a sampler menu and the guy prepared us a little bit of everything to try. - Sliced brisket: my personal favorite. The meat was tender and very meaty. - Chopped brisket (burnt end): hubby's favorite because it was a bit fattier so it was more tender - Pastrami: ate it with the mustard and it was good! The meat was tender and flavorful. - Pulled pork: delicious! My kiddo's fave because it had a slight sweetness and the pork was tender - Pork ribs: my other favorite! The meat was so tender yet the sauce stuck to the meat. Super flavorful. Once we finished our meal, the restaurant got crowded. So, come early before rush hour. Overall, it was a great selection of BBQ. Each one of us has our own favorite. A must visit when in Chicago!

So the wifey and I finally found ourselves trying this place out. The smoke lured us there. Nice…read moreopen place to eat some Texas style BBQ. They have indoor and outdoor seating. A cobblestone walkway with a rustic feel to it. It's also a Ramen & coffee spot on the premises. But we were there for the BBQ! We got there right around opening time so the line hadn't formed yet. The gentleman that cut our meats was very inviting and so nice! He definitely gets a 10/10 for service! We ordered just about everything except the pulled pork. We ordered 1/2 lb. of Brisket, 1/2 lb. of Pastrami, 1/2 lb. of the Pork Ribs, 1/2 lb. of Smoked Turkey, A Cheddar Jalapeno Hot Link, 1 1/2 Beef Rib, Chicago Twinke, Coke Zero and I went back and got 1/2 lb. Pork Belly! They give you complementary bread & pickled onions. I spent a total of $243.08 tip included. (I always tip good for good food and service). Tipping is optional though. I'm going to start with the Pastrami. It was tender, very, very well seasoned, Smokey, rich and absolutely delicious!!! 10/10! The sliced Brisket was also very, very well seasoned, tender & Smokey! Another 10/10!! The pork Ribs were once again seasoned well, not fall of the bone tender but they were tender how a rib should be! Nice glaze of sauce on them I'd say a 9.6/10. The smoked turkey is the best I've ever had ANYWHERE!! Moist, tender, seasoned and Smokey! 10/10! The pork belly was lean, fatty, rich, seasoned, tender just sinfully delicious!! 10/10. The cheddar Jalapeño hot link was juicy, smoked, had a nice snap, very flavorful and not too spicy. Just enough heat nothing overpowering. And it was a nice size sausage (pause). 9.7/10. The Chicago Twinkie is a Jalapeño stuff with cheese and wrapped in bacon! Smoked to perfection! Also deliciously sinful! 10/10!! The beef rib was so tender, nicely smoked, rich, well seasoned, it was fatty and lean. My gosh! So freaking good!! 10/10. We didn't order any sides we were there strictly for the smoked meat and this place did not disappoint! I can't wait until my next visit there! Next time I'll try a beer to go with it to help cut through the richness of the meat. If you haven't already been here, treat yourself to some delicious BBQ! All in all They get a solid 9.9/10!! Remember ALL reviews are subjective (Except this one. Lol)

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Chubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago

Chubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago

4.5(520 reviews)
4.5 mi•Chinatown
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4.5 stars, went for lunch on Friday. Service was great (although admittedly it was not a busy…read moretime)! They were out of some items, and had some technical difficulties with the ordering iPads. There is also a strict limit of 10 items per 7 minutes, which may be a problem if your group size is 4. You can also only order 2 of a specific item in that 10 item / 7 minute batch.

Kari's Rating 9.5/10…read more Got seated right away and Justin our server was so incredibly personal and knowledgeable about the food, sauces, sides and drinks. He was so helpful as it was my out of state friend's first time there and I so appreciated his patience as the ordering process here can be extremely overwhelming. As he gave us the run down on the three dining tiers available, we were brought seaweed salad and kimchi as well as a fresh salad and come cheese corn. We decided on the gold tier as it was a good middle point in both quality and spending! I can't believe there were unlimited drinks downstairs as well as two types of milk tea and chocolate and vanilla soft serve. I actually ended up making a milk tea shake which was incredibly refreshing with the heat of the grill and the smokiness of the meat. We ordered so many rounds of meat that I couldn't keep up with them all so I just posted a lot of pictures (see below.) I've come here a few times before, but this time felt so much more personal things to our server as well as getting there before the big lunch rush. Someone give Justin a raise as he was buzzing around to the tables around us each giving them a personalized experience as well! This is definitely one of my favorite places in Chinatown to come if you're looking for food that is both high-quality and for a good price! Definitely order the lamb chop -it's spicy and smoky all at once and since there is a bone in it, it was extra juicy! 12/10 will be coming back.

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Aloha Hawaiian BBQ - Loco Moco

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

4.7(33 reviews)
3.8 mi•Little Village

I love going to Hawaiian spots, but they're usually hard to come around; therefore, I gave Aloha…read moreHawaiian BBQ a chance and absolutely loved the food. We got the pork katsu, shrimp, and fried chicken plates. The katsu was very crispy and paired well with a nice tangy sauce. The shrimp was banging and paired so well with the lemon and rice. And lastly, the fried chicken (chicken karaage) was so crispy and juicy but had such good flavor to it. The rice and mac paired so well with the proteins too. The service was nice; they have a kiosk where you order all your food and then a robot brings your food to the table. The ambiance had a nice Hawaiian decor to it and was full of color. Additionally, there's a decent amount of seating if you want to eat there. I'd definitely come back again and give this place a try.

Decided to finally check this place out for dinner after noticing it for a while. Missing the L&L…read moreHawaiian style from the West Coast, I had high expectations--especially since I was craving some island comfort food on a night I didn't feel like cooking. I ordered the chicken katsu and short ribs. Once I walked in and noticed a mix of non-Hawaiian dishes on the menu, my expectations dipped a bit. Unfortunately, my hunch was right: the short ribs were way too sweet, overly sauced, and lacked that signature char, while the katsu was just okay. The mac salad was also a letdown--it lacked creaminess and had a strange hint of vinegar instead of the traditional flavor. While other items on the menu might be better, I wouldn't recommend this spot if you're genuinely craving Hawaiian food.

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Blackwood BBQ - Crispy Juicy Chicken Sandwich and waffle fries  They will see me a second time

Blackwood BBQ

4.1(408 reviews)
3.0 mi•The Loop
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My meal here was surprisingly tasty for a chain BBQ place…read more The lunch special was great. $12.99 for a pulled pork sandwich, side, and drink. That is essentially unbeatable downtown. The pork was juicy and the KC style bbq sauce was good (other options were Chicago, Memphis, Carolina(?)). The mac and cheese was really tasty, I found myself scraping the bowl for more. It had a really nice crust on top. The service was quick and friendly.

I've had the full spectrum of BBQ from mind-blowingly incredible to places I send people I don't…read morelike. I am pleased to report that Blackwood BBQ is somewhere between "good" and "very good". It won't knock your socks off, but it is nowhere close to "bad." It's perfect for what it is, that being: a spot for a bite during the lunch hour. On both visits, I ordered the two meat platter, with brisket and sausage. Both were flavorful and savory, with the brisket being balanced in terms of meaty vs fatty (as requested). Now, that said, the prices at Blackwood are on the high side. On the one hand, I know the price of a pound of ground beef is greater than the minimum wage (as of this writing). However, I also can't help but feel the punch to the wallet when two meats and one side, where one of those is brisket, and a soda comes to somewhere between $20-25 (I think it's close to $25, but don't want to misspeak). Half a pound of meat is not a lot, making the wallet punch even worse. Then there comes the service. Most of the folks working here are professional and welcome. There is this one person, though, whose level of gruffness seems a bit high. It wasn't so much a lack of pleasantries for the sake of efficiency as it was annoyance that customers exist? Final verdict: If you're working in the loop, and craving BBQ, Blackwood is a rock-solid spot, but the high prices mean it likely isn't practical for a regular spot. If it's a weekend, there are better options out there.

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Soul & Smoke Avondale - Brisket Sandwich

Soul & Smoke Avondale

3.7(117 reviews)
2.2 mi•Avondale
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While visiting Roscoe Village we went out for lunch. We had several items and they were all very…read moregood. The side sampler was a lot of food. Portion sizes were generous. There are a couple of ways to order. There is a kiosk or a QR code to order and pay or if you are using the "InKind" app you will order from the counter. Once ordered there is table delivery. The counter staff was very helpful. There is a large comfortable indoor seating area and also outside seating both with views of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Tips I recommend the In Kind app and so does Soul & Smoke. If you're in a group share to experience the various offerings.

I discovered Soul & Smoke Avondale via Google after searching for good black-owned businesses to…read moresupport on Juneteenth. Soul & Smoke was one of six top black-owned spots to support. This women-led restaurant in Chicago is renowned for its mouthwatering barbecue, brisket, and soul food sides, making it the ideal spot for a meal on Juneteenth. Once I realized it was the closest to me and offered a plant-based option, I knew exactly where I wanted to order from. I ended up ordering the smokey joe sandwich (vegan sloppy joe sandwich), with a side of mac + cheese, and a sprecher soda. Whether I'm using Grubhub or Uber Eats, I love ordering online because it's so convenient. I also want to praise my delivery driver for arriving at a reasonable time with my order and meeting me right in front of my residence. Grateful to have had a smooth online ordering experience because the likelihood of me ordering online again is very high. As for my order, my first response after my first bite of the vegan sloppy joe was, "Mmm, that is good!" If you are a foodie like me, then you know what the next few minutes--or, better yet, seconds--consisted of. Yes, I pretty much devoured that vegan sloppy joe, leaving nothing behind but what was left on my fingertips. The last time I had a vegan sloppy Joe was a few years ago in celebration of my birthday, and trust me, it wasn't as good as this one at Soul & Smoke. It could easily be confused with real meat if you aren't aware that it is vegan. I saved the side order for last, which was that delicious-looking mac and cheese. Mmm... "Oh my God!" was my initial response after my first forkful, which was lightly seasoned with a delightful taste. I must say it was the perfect side for the vegan sloppy joe. After my last bites, I had the slightest grin on my face, and the only thing on my mind was that I will definitely have it again in the future. The sprecher soda - cherry cola was the perfect complement to my meal. Introduced to me by Soul & Smoke, I am so pleased with this award-winning craft soda from Milwaukee's oldest craft brewery that I will be on the lookout for it in the future. I would gladly order from Soul & Smoke Avondale again, whether online or whenever I am in the area. With that, I am happy to share my endorsement of it with you all here on Yelp. Ambiance: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Food: 5/5 ~ You Are Your Choices. ~ Thomas G

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Carson's

Carson's

4.1(477 reviews)
3.8 mi•Near North Side
•$$$

Loved the bar over looking the Riverwalk. Enjoyed the foos very much. Great service, nice people…read more Will return if I go back to Chicago

I have been dining at Carson's restaurant for over 30 years, but after my experience last night, I…read morewill be looking for a new barbecue spot. Up until four years ago, I used to visit at least five or six times every single year. Last night was my first time back since then, and I was deeply disappointed by how much the standards have slipped. The entire evening felt incredibly rushed. The person taking our order seemed to be in a massive hurry, acting short and dismissive with us. To make matters worse, an automatic gratuity was added to the bill. While I understand this is becoming a common industry practice, a gratuity should ultimately be an option based on service. The server did mention at the end that we could have it removed if we wanted to, but customers shouldn't be forced into that awkward position in the first place. Unfortunately, the quality of the food has also gone downhill. I always used to order the ribs and frequently took extra food home because it was so good. Last night, the food left a lot to be desired. The barbecue simply isn't what it once was. When my uncle graduated in the 90s we went to your previous downtown location.He loved the restaurant as well; the food, the exceptional service, and the warm atmosphere. I went there year after year. While I respect that they have managed to stay in business for 30 years, there were just too many issues with both the service and the food for me to return.

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