It's definitely a mom and pops kinda store where English is barely spoken .... however, the food is exceptional!! Thank goodness I don't live close... a good chunk of my paycheck would Rest In Peace here lol read more

Lovely people and Great Food! Come here for the hospitality and amazing sandwiches. I've been going here for over 2 years and it's like a family meal waiting for me! Must try the steak sandwiches and the yummy cafe. read more

This place doesn't look like much at first glance but don't be fooled. This place has a Cuban steak sandwich that will have you questioning if you need to move to the city of Chicago to have access to this goodness. All the employees seemed extremely friendly and happy to be at work. I always love seeing that because 9/10 that reflects on the food. The steak sandwich was pure gold. The bread was hard on the outside but soft on the inside. I saw them smothering the steak in a pot with some juices. I think that may be where the magic happens. My boyfriend and his friend ordered a double sandwich but after that they ordered another one to split it. I'm telling you...that's how spectacular this place is. read more

Cafeteria Marcela’s - Cuban - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While searching for a non chain restaurant, I ran across this Cafe with good ratings. We had a jibarito and a breakfast huevo con chorizo. The food was tasty, for sure, what you'd expect for a local joint. The jibarito was actually well done, which had a good charcoal taste. The chorizo was bits and pieces which I want to fond of. The service was not the greatest. We say down and no menu was offered until I got up and asked. You must order up front then they bring the food. Fine. First time there, but we waited a few minutes. Strangely enough, the tortillas got there a few minutes after the breakfast arrived. And the pitcher of water we requested got there a good ten minutes after we ordered, and came along with the food. I hope they can get a better service oriented environment going. Still, I like supporting local business. 4 stars, for now read more

The food is delicious!! Very affordable! And the staff there treats you like family! They are great! Also Thomas makes the best cafe con leche!! read more

Stopped by here while visiting Chicago bc it was close to our Airbnb. I got the breakfast sandwich and it was great. The coffee is what really got me though. I'm not sure what they use to make it but for the price and taste, it had me coming back the next couple days every morning! The employees are also really friendly. Would definitely recommended stopping by if you're in the area! read more

Good service very affordable and super tasty. The iced coffee was nice and light and so was the egg and cheese sandwich. Staff was very welcoming as well! read more

Cuban sandwich is second to NONE!! It's legit, delicious, fresh, and affordable! My kids will actually eat an entire breakfast sandwich without complaints, which says it all! The food quality is outstanding. Love this place!! read more

They're super nice. Small, but with some booth and bar seating available. I was just in there to grab a quick lunch to go. The food (for entrees) looked really good, but that day I was just in the mood for a sandwich so...I grabbed a Cuban. I've had some pretty good Cubans and some meh Cubans. They're not the greatest, I feel it's missing a few things...The sandwich definitely had roasted pork (this was probably the best pork and I could eat that roasted pork all day long), ham, cheese, mustard (I think), but I didn't have any pickles and that's one of my favorite parts of a Cuban. The bread was also pretty good...and nicely pressed. I would definitely go back there again, and try some other stuff. That roasted pork tho is worth going for that alone. Oh and their prices are pretty damn awesome...just remember to bring some cash with you. read more

*CASH ONLY* - I feel sad inside when I drive by and I have no cash. Come prepared! This small, unassuming place serves some knock-out food. Heaaarty portions, fast and efficient service, friendly staff. I love the jibarito sandwich and the lechon meal. And I have no idea what is in that green sauce of theirs -- it's like a mix between salsa verde and guacamole. It's spicy but also rich and creamy; I douse all my food with it! read more

Went for lunch with mom, we both got the steak sandwich, the bread was fresh, the steak was a little tough & it seemed like there was more bread then steak.The grilled onions made the sandwich tasty but it was missing something Maybe next time we'll order something else and see how that goes. Oh yeah, bring cash cause I had to borrow a few bucks from my momma cause I only had a $10 spot on me read more

Shoot! You are about to experience the most delicious homemade cuisine EVER! I mean it. No, but forreal. Your life is about to be changed. Ever since 2006, I have been stopping by Marcella's, and consequently loving my life. Cafe con leche por favor! Gon' head and get the grande, that part of your brain registering addictive substances is gonna hurt you if you opt for el chico. Also, no soy milk here. Do what you want with that statement. Their food is so perfect it's wrong. I be on some Paranormal Activity stuff after chowing down on their food. I literally felt like I was flying home after eating their ribs and rice. See what I'm saying? That's not normal. If you need an introduction to ethnic, start off with their butter toasted bread and cafe con leche. However your day started off, it only gets better after Marcella's. Buen Provecho! read more

Order a coffee with milk and one sugar. Sit down and enjoy the best cup you'll ever have. I hate writing reviews but the people there deserve more business and the only way that is going to happen is if you people read bomb ass reviews like this. read more

Love the steak sandwich, great service! They have really good rice and beans also , the parcha water is amazing . Oh and the coffee is excellent read more

I love this place. I have been coming here for years. Whenever I have a taste for a tasty Puerto Rican Steak Sammich... this is where you get your bang for the buck! I mean $4.50 for long bread, mayo, white/ or yellow cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and 3-4 strips of steak grilled with onions right there in front of you?? And for $2 bux have a side of white rice and beans.... FIRE! Brings me back to the days with abuela and mommy cooking me up bistec en la casa Cardona!!! ; _^) read more

The lechon sandwich is perfect. I always ask for skin, crispy fatty skin. $5 sandwich and I'm a huge sucker for potato salad. Cash only. read more

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Friendly service, best sandwiches ever (i live in uptown now, but will travel just for their lechon), i always leave so satisfied. yum i wanna turn around and go back for more just thinking about it. And i just left. Just go! It might be a small hole in the wall, but totally worth it. You will wish you'd tried it sooner and cry because you walked by it for years without a second glance. read more

Amazing amazing food. The sandwhich de pollo is the best! And the lechon is just mouthwatering tender and juicy read more

Cafeteria Marcela’s - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped in for a cup of coffee not realizing it was cash only. They kindly offered to let me pay later, but I thankfully found the money in my wallet to cover it. The coffee was great! The guy behind the counter steamed the half and half so that added a really yummy element to my drink that I wasn't expecting. Didn't have time to grab food, but it all looked and smelled amazing and the prices were super reasonable. I'll definitely be back. read more

I love their cafe con leche! I also tried their steak sandwich and it was delicious! We got to try the arroz con gandules as well as their rice and beans. I was not disappointed will be going there soon. It was so good! read more

The best lechon in chicago! Well that i know of. Little hole in the wall place, they dont speak a lot of English so just point at a picture and you'll get by.. amazinng food! read more

I love Cubano sandwiches and this place delivers a fresh and well made sandwich. The bread is good and the overall feel for the sandwich hits all the right notes. My only thing would be maybe they should add more mustard as I do this myself if I'm doing takeout. The steak sandwiches are also quite good and I like the sauce that comes with it. read more

Great food service and prices!!! Coffee is delicious!!! Steak sandwiches, ham cheese and egg sandwiches are great and at $5 who can beat it!!!!! read more

This place has the best sandwiches, they're green sauce is to die for. If you don't like spicy then I would lay off on the green sauce though... every single time I get chicken with white cheese. But I've heard that everything else is good! Come here at least twice a month! read more

I have been going to this place ever since I moved into the neighborhood. The workers and the owner are so welcoming! As soon as you walk past the door, you can feel the amount of love they put cooking and preparing meals. The flavor hasn't changed since , the sandwiches (Cuban) are the best! I have tried different sandwich places but nothing beats Marcelas. read more

Worth it for the breakfast alone. Lunch looks amazing too. Very fresh, reasonable prices, love the vibe of the place. I'll be back for the pork!!! read more

Their cafe con leche is bomb! I love it. Sandwiches are always delicious and the people are so nice

The good was eh. Not your traditional PR Foods. We waited over 20 mins for our 2 sandwiches. The breakfast sandwich is something anyone can make at home, nothing special. Steak sandwich didn't have any flavor though it looked delicious. read more

This place is absolutely great. One of the best Steak sandwiches I've ever had(Jibarito) staff is friendly, knowing a little Spanish doesn't hurt either. Coffee is also great. Not a date spot, interior is dingy but am rating based on food=A+ read more

Been there for many years and still have the best sandwiches de bistec I have eaten at an affordable price, although they only accept cash.

A perfect example of never judging a book by its cover. Marcela's doesn't seem like much at first glance. I dare you to try a sandwich and not come back. Hands down the best steak sandwich I've ever had, and the fries are also delicious. Everything is made fresh in an open kitchen, and the service is quick and friendly. Enjoy! You can thank me later for the rec :) read more

A hot dirty little restaurant with cheap mediocre food and horrible service. Also it takes a really long time. I was completely ignored the entire time but after about 30 minutes got a crappy sandwich. When I was once again ignored for an extremely long time I had no other choice but to just leave without paying to which no one batted a lash. I ordered a coke the lady just ignored me. If you stumble by this place run the other direction. read more

The sandwiches and coffee are great here. We had an egg and ham sandwich, and a Cuban, and both were delicious. Prices are right too!

One of my favorite spots when I'm back hom in the Chi! I used to work right across street. Their coffee is amazing; pure Colombian grounds. This place is inexpensive but so darn good. They're in the middle of renovating and it's looking wonderful. Very clean and employees are always so pleasant. read more

Love this place, delicious food, great coffee. I haven't tried anything I haven't loved. Their green spicy salsa is a must for their sandwiches. Also,reasonably priced. The owner is an extremely nice guy, makes it an even better experience. read more

One of the best steak sandwiches you'll try along with their Cuban sandwich. Fried plantains top with garlic sauce is a must have. Their Cuban coffee is a must have which by the way goes great with an egg and ham sandwich. read more

Great authentic Latin food. One of the original spots in the city. Mastered what they do. Reasonable priced!

Delicious! Pork and chicken sandwiches are the best. Tostones on point and they give a good amount. The green hot sauce is the best, so delicious. Prices are low and service is fast. Cafe con leche is also very good, though sweeter than we would normally take it we always ask for no sugar! Always look forward to coming here. read more

About as straightforward of a Latin cafeteria as it gets. Ordering "a coffee" gets you a Cuban coffee, complete with Styrofoam cup, sugar, steamed milk, and espresso coffee. No brewed/drip coffee here! Food options include egg-plate dishes, sandwiches (get the lechon!), plantains, and other traditional fare. One star knocked off for being out of a few items, but otherwise an excellent place to get tasty food for a good price. read more

This food I love! Flavorful sandwiches, and home cooked stews that make it well worth the $5-6 for sandwiches and $10-12 for a plate with tasty rice and beans, salad or my fave potato salad! Yes, cafe con leche is very good, I ask for less sugar. So why 4 and not 5 stars? Service is inconsistent. In occasions where they were busy, I tried to make eye contact for 10 minutes to no avail. If you speak Spanish, I think you'll do better though. You have to really insist on being noticed. Anyway, if you go in prepared for this possibility, should be fine and enjoy the home cooked flavors. Lechon, beef stew are standouts. PS- this ain't lo-cal. read more