I loved everything about this restaurant. Yes, the wait is long, so only go if time is not an issue. When I tell you I'm in love, I'm in love the decor, the music, the exposed brick, live plants, tea pot collection, book shelves with actual books and varied seating. It was all a cool, laid-back vibe. It is very community oriented with regulars hanging at seats next to end tables. The food was like my momma's from the 1970's. Toast under the broiler with butter, bacon tasted just like hers. The chai was THE BEST, I've had, including some Indian spots. They have a Jamaican rum coffee I will try next. The chef came out and apologized for everything taking so long, but she said she doesn't believe in food sitting on a grill and cooks everything to order (which is why it tasted like my momma's!) read more

Collard green gumbo was mostly liquid hardly no gumbo ingredients barely any collards. Sautéed zucchini and squash was ok. Smoothie was ok.

I had to duck in to escape the January cold and grab some coffee to do some work, but Chef Sara was so friendly and inviting that I stayed for almost 2 hours! Her staff knew many of the patrons and it had an amazing community feel. I stuck around after my work was done to enjoy her gumbo and cornbread! read more

Chef Sara's feels like my grandma's house. You're received with a warm welcome and fresh food. The coffee is always strong and the food is consistently delicious. Plus, it feels like everyone that works and eats here already knows each other and once you step in, they just take you right in with the most delicious waffles and pancakes you'll ever have. You can tell chef Sara's throws love into every recipe, and you deserve some of that love. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Chicken and waffle with salmon croquettes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here for a late breakfast and ended up waiting an hour for nothing. We ordered at 12:53 PM. We left at 1:42 PM having eaten nothing. They only have one person cooking and if they need a bigger kitchen, but what's happening now is not worth the trip. The only good thing about the trip was the fact they are down the street from another, verifiable breakfast place. I don't think I'll ever be back. Bonus points for the ambiance and how comfortable it felt. But that comfortability with their locals doesn't mean they get to take so long making food. We ordered two of the chef specials but it seemed to be the one thing they weren't able to execute. read more

I went in after a morning walk. I love that you have to wear masks everywhere in the city. Went in and was welcomed. There was no inside dining so got it to go. Ordered cheese grits and chicken & waffles. The chicken was cooked into the actual waffle. The waffle was good and the chicken chunk was a nice size. The grits were not real flavorful and I could not taste the cheese. I was told it was a white cheese but couldn't taste it at all. Had to use salt and pepper for flavor. I would go back to the location when in town. There were a few menu items so would try something different. I would do the waffle again because I did enjoy that. The staff was friendly and welcoming. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - dining area with table and chairs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow, this was definitely an awesome experience. I really did feel like I was at home in my grandmother's kitchen. Yes, it was in great atmosphere and the food was delicious. Please don't forget to get your gourmet coffee. Yes, it was a 20 minute wait for my food but guess what everything was fresh so calm down relax listen to some great music, and try not to disturb the cooks too much because guess what they're cooking. Hope to see you ladies soon. read more

Lovely little place for a delicious bite to eat! The atmosphere is very lively and pleasant as well. Both owners are very nice! Stop in when ya pass through :) read more

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At the recommendation of a good friend, I made the drive to South Shore from the North Side to try out this cafe. What an outstanding recommendation. The salmon omelet with sauteed vegetables was delicious. I can dig the concept of chicken baked into the waffles for the chicken and waffle. Must give a nod to the cauliflower and leek soup and to the black eyed peas and smoked turkey soup. I don't know if the sweets are baked on the premises or if they use a baker off-premise. The food is definitely what I can speak to being outstanding and I love the energy in the cafe. They will get my dollars. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Darlene with Mixed Berry Smoothie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love this place!!! Great people and wonderful service! I got three selections to share with three people and they were all good. Salmon Omelet, pancakes and a vegetarian omelet with sides. We even had leftovers! Each meal is made with care and attention to detail therefore I would call ahead and place your order for pickup if possible. I didn't mind the wait but if you are in a time crunch phone ahead. You can eat in but it is limited seating due to COVID so many of the patrons carried out. read more

This is a new favorite place. It started with a random coffee walking by. The coffee turned out to be good enough to be memorable, and the two women working (mother and daughter) were charming and warm. A few weeks later, after a day at the South Shore Country Club Beach, that coffee called to me. I was crocheting at the beach and brought my stuff there for a cup of coffee. The daughter as it turns out crochets as well and sells beautiful items. I decided to have the sweet tea, the collards and extra coffee. Everything was fantastic. The greens were spicy and garlicy and perfect! The cornbread was perfectly corny and slightly sweet without the slightest bit of dryness. The tea, which was like a peach and mango, was delicious but a bit too sweet for me (I'm on a low sugar diet as of the past 6 months so I think my gauge of sweetness is off). The whole experience was just plain nice. Very cozy environment, kind staff that make you feel like you are a friend and a cool neighborhood feel that is very much welcome here. This will be a regular place for me to go to, or Uber Eat delivery from. Fyi: the bags I was crocheting while there turned out great. read more

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So mad I've just recently found this place. The mango/passion fruit tea is FIRE, and everything from the shrimp & grits to the gumbo greens are some of the best I've had. Great conversations to boot...can't beat Chef Sarah's Cafe read more

I give this cafe a 3 Stars. First off it's right on 72nd and Exchange, and it's BLACK owned and parking is easily accessible. I was struggling in with baby when I was greeted by smiling faces. We got there an hour before closing and were welcomed like we were there first thing in the morning. Sara the owner was there, smiling bright and recommending that I order the salmon burger. Oh Lordy it was awesome. Salmon on a warm croissant with sweet and raw onions w/ a light sauce. I am no onion fan but this was the best salmon sandwich ever. So light yet filling. So flavorful but yet it didn't taste like salt touched it. I should've stuck with what I know, salmon burger only. Her other options are not too tasty. My partner order the salmon granger meal it sucked. How do you give someone a salmon patty, not even fresh salmon. The greens sucked as if they were made for a diabetic. I'll stick to just the sandwich and chips. read more

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

Chef Sara is a great chef!! The best food on the east side of Chicago!! You won't regret it!!

Sorry y'all, I wanted to like this place but I ordered 30min ahead of time to compensate for the previous reviews of having to wait 40min for the ordered meals. Although, I can understand the business waning to be paid before producing to avoid fraudulent orders, I wish they would require payment over the phone or online to mitigate this waste potential. But they couldn't even keep their credit card machine working so their insistence on cash payment was my final straw. I'm glad they didn't make an effort to produce and that there are other Black owned options within a mile who went above my expectations... I hope this place improves read more

I pass by this place all the time, so I decided to check them out for the first time. I like the feel of the restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant feels cozy and relaxing. Along with the comfortable chairs, and laid back jazz music. I tried their half chicken tender panini with a cup of chicken noodle soup for $7.00.... nice deal. They both had good flavor, and didn't need to add any seasoning to them. I will come back to this place to try more items. This is a nice go to spot. read more

I really love the Chef Sara. She is kind warm and very compassionate. In addition, I've made a few friends just from meeting some of the local diners who live in the neighborhood. However, there is a woman there who takes the orders and serves the food. She is very unkind. I went there recently on my birthday, ordered my food and asked for a glass of water until my coffee and food were served to me. After asking for the glass of water. The woman got an attitude and barked that I would have to wait until the food of other diners was cooked and served, then I would get the glass of water. It took 20 minutes for her to just pour me a cup of water and hand it to me. Afterwards, I waited another 35 minutes for my cheese and shrimp grits to be served to me. When the order came, I was served the grits with shrimp. However, I didn't get the cheese. I didn't dare complain because I feared another tongue lashing from the woman who scolded me just for asking for water. The food was really good though. After I finished eating, I got thirsty again and decided to ask the same woman for another cup of water. When I asked again. She sighed with an attitude and ask another diner (who I assumed was a local) if she could come behind the counter and get the water for me. The woman obliged, however, it felt spiteful as she handed me a cup and a pitcher full of water and I poured it myself. As a proponent of supporting black businesses I have never felt so humiliated, and will choose to spend my money elsewhere. read more

Found this gem on Groupon. Omg. The food and the atmosphere gives off such a home vibe. Chef Sara is the best and down to earth. Even the regular customers make you feel like u just walked into her home for a home cooked meal. I ordered 2 BLT sandwiches (love the turkey bacon option) and a lemon pound cake. Omg, they both were sooooooo gooood! This will not be my last time dining there. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Turkey BLT sandwich! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a great place to eat and the food is good. The only reason I didn't leave 5 stars is because the wait was 30 mins unbeknownst to me or my boyfriend. I only ordered 2 sandwiches and it took a full 30 mins. I notice only Mrs. Sara cooks although she has another young lady working there. I've been in the hospitality industry for almost 10 years and all I can suggest is better communication and more efficient service. If I was told it would be that long of a wait I wouldn't be as irritated. I enjoy supporting Black Owned Businesses however , efficiency and proper communication could always be improved. read more

I wanted to love this place but I waited 40 minutes for my plain coffee and an hour for my meal which was completely different from what I ordered. I don't recommend this place. Also had very large flies and was not tidy at all. Hoping I don't get sick from the food. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Fly right next to the table - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was looking for a space nearby where I could do some work and that had WiFi. Quaint little cafe. The owner(s?) stayed busy the whole time I was in there preparing for the day. I just ordered a smoothie. It was tasty. The table was just big enough for me to spread out my things. I'll go back and order a meal. read more

I just had the best gluten free waffle in my life! I loved the chicken sausage and turkey bacon great breakfast. A bit disappointed in the fruit salad it seemed like all apples and chi latte was great tho!!!!! read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Gluten free waffle, turkey bacon, chicken sausage - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I stopped by Chef Sara's Cafe on my way out of Chicago, heading to a Notre Dame game. I wanted a cup of coffee and maybe a small breakfast pastry to get my through until lunchtime. And I wasn't interested in any DD or Starbucks. So I found this spot on Yelp. Parking was tough, as Chef Sara's is located on a busy street but I managed to find a spot. There were tons of staff behind the counter but only a few customers inside. I ordered two drinks, a chai latte and a coffee, and two poppyseed muffins. You can tell they purchase their muffins from Costco (they're identical to the ones you can buy there). The coffee was good - hot and had great hazelnut flavor. My Dad enjoyed his latte. And the muffins were average. All in all, I felt good about supporting a local joint. Perhaps skip Starbucks next time and do the same? read more

Expect a long wait, small portions, and high prices. A friend and I arrived early for a reservation with a group of folks. Chef Sara took our orders and we scheduled for them to be delivered with everyone else's. Two hours later, out of the 13 folks we were with (one of them who'd waited about an hour and a half cancelled her order and left), we were last to get our orders. The staff made no apologies to any of us, didn't communicate about the wait beforehand or during, and made no efforts to accommodate any of us after the fact. The portions were small and the food overpriced/average tasting at best. The rest of our group, who all ate and left before us, made complaints, but the staff was not receptive. The reason Chef Sara gave for the wait? They don't have stoves. They use a few hot plates.. She did decide when I was paying that she wouldn't charge my friend and me for our coffees, but that was the least should could do. I and another girl tried to offer constructive criticism, but it was minimized and met with excuses. Because the customer service was so poor, I'm not willing to give it another chance. read more

The shrimp and cheese grits were excellent. They had a tomato and mushroom sauce on top.The chicken sausage is moist and nicely flavored. It has the seasoning of a good breakfast sausage. Also had the house tea lemonade which was excellent. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Shrimp and grits with mushroom/tomato topping - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came in and order almost the whole menu LOL!!! Well, not entirely but I did spend $40. I ordered the Asian salad that seemed to be more cabbage than anything else for $4.99. Two bowls of coilflower soup that came with the option of crackers or cornbread. It's a very small piece of cornbread I did not like it; it was pretty dry and hard. I think I like the broccoli soup better though. The salmon burger was pretty good. The Black eyed peas dip is served cold even though I expected it to be warm. I also didn't expect to see the actual beans; I thought it would be ground up like hummus. Although I think it's a bit pricey, it is healthier than my other options in the South Shore Neighborhood and I would like to see it stay. Chef Sara is a nice woman and the ambiance is quite welcoming and relaxing. read more

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This restaurant is so quaint and the owner Sara is sweet and helpful and laughed with us as we placed our order . The food was simply delicious. We had the home fried potatoes, French toast , veggie sausage , turkey bacon , and omelets. Absolutely delicious all the way around. Definitely will be returning. It was our first time here . read more

I have been excited about trying out this space. First it sits on a corner across from the train tracks with four workers working in a space the size of my bathroom. It's small and very much has a community feel as you observe the patrons. I ordered breakfast which took some time to prepare and was okay. It was average breakfast. The French toast was okay but nothing spectacular. I had guest later to arrive. They ordered. Their food did not come for 40 minutes. I went up and the cashier said oh I'm so sorry I forgot. I believe I should have been compensated but nothing. The tea bags were weak and infused very little flavor into the water. I'm glad I tried it but won't be driving out of my way for average food and average service. I am very much underwhelmed. read more

What a great find in South Shore! After recently moving into the neighborhood my wife and I were looking for a good breakfast place, and that is how we ended up here. The environment is very warm and welcoming, they made me feel so comfortable. Everything is made fresh, including the pancakes. I am a big fan of pancakes therefore a little critical, although I will always eat them, but Chef Sara's were delicious! I wanted more! If ever in the neighborhood you must stop in, you won't regret it. read more

Been here a few times. It's not like a big named restaurant. It's small, the wait is long, the food is average, but they are friendly and want you to be pleased with their food and service. I'll support them because they are a neighborhood spot and they put effort into it. It's a cozy, comfortable place to hang out in. read more

Fabulous Cafe with top of the line pastries. The atmosphere is quiet and perfect for social functions and meet & Greets. I had the Hazelnut coffee and Lemon Caramel Pound Cake on this visit and it was the most, moist and delicious combination, I have come across in a long time. The Owner Sara is right there to ensure your satisfaction and you cannot go wrong with this beautiful Black Owned Southside Eaterie. read more

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A little hidden gem in the neighborhood with great tasting food and drinks, but be prepared for long wait times and zero apologies or explanations as well as an extreme nonchalant attitude towards your complaints. I mean I literally came here once with a friend and placed on order for basically bread and egg, waited a hour for my food, and when I complained I was told "it's Saturday!" as she shrugged and walked away. Again, it's good food, and the lack of options in the neighborhood will always make this a place a place of interest, but the piss poor service knocks this review down by 3 stars, and it's what they deserve. read more

These 2 items cost us $36. The eggs were watery, we ordered a 3 egg omelette with chicken sausage and they sent a veggie omelette. This was literally something I could have made at my own house... the right way. We will not be ordering from this place again. read more

Chef Sara's Cafe - Three Egg Omelette and French Toast plate this cost $36 with Uber Eats - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love how fresh the food is here!!!! The ambiance is relaxing and the music they play along with the decor is comfortable. My only complaint is how long it takes to get your food. read more

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

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The wait time is ridiculously long!!!! The food was good once it actually arrived but it seems the staff is too slow or needs more employees. read more

I love Chef Sara's!!! It's one of the few places on the south side outside of Hyde Park where you can get fresh and healthy food made from scratch. Every muffin, sandwich, soup, and salad is filling and I recommend eating here instead of the regular fish and chicken spot. read more

AMAZING FOOD!! I ordered they uber eats and have always been disappointed or meh. But this was a pleasant surprise!! Ordering again soon!! read more

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

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I'm not entirely sure why people love this place so much. When I first moved into the neighborhood I came here for lunch and purchased a salad. The salad was okay at best, but the raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing was gooey and disgusting. Sort of like the consistency of hair gel. It also took them about 20 minutes to make it when it didn't have any meat or anything extra on it, which I didn't understand. With that said, the place is very cute inside. It definitely resembles a small cafe, and they offer live music and events from time to time. They also have wifi with a purchase or you can purchase the wifi flat out. They have items like cookies, croissants, and other baked items. As much as I wanted to love this place, I didn't. read more

Love this place, has that New York feel to it. Great southern dishes and Coffee. Shrimp and Grits all Day. read more

Chef Sara's cafe is a treat for the South Shore neighborhood. I have been here twice, and will definitely become more regular since I live around the corner. This morning my hubby and I had a taste for a good breakfast. We grabbed Chef Sara's menu from off of our refrigerator and called our order in. We ordered a vegetable omelet with turkey sausage, croissant, a side of grits, and a breakfast sandwich (we were hungry, don't judge!). I arrived to pick up the order and had to wait for a few minutes, but that was ok! The food: EXCELLENT! A large amount of fresh vegetables in the omelet, turkey sausage was fresh and tasty. Grits were the perfect consistency. Breakfast Sandwich was ON POINT, AND she cut it down the middle, just like grandma would! I highly recommend this place, and it is in a perfect location for morning commuters, right outside the metra stop! read more