The Nutty Creation Is the One to Order Elke's Market Cafe is a cozy, approachable spot that does simple things well. The standout for me is Elke's Nutty Creation, and now that I know what's in it, it makes complete sense why it's so good. The combination of pecan cheddar spread, bacon, candied jalapeños, and peach preserves on toasted molasses wheat bread hits that perfect sweet-savory balance. It's rich without being heavy, a little sweet, a little salty, and just enough heat to keep it interesting. One of those sandwiches that sounds unusual, but works surprisingly well. The café itself has a relaxed, welcoming feel, and service is friendly and easygoing. A great spot for a casual lunch when you want something comforting, but a little different. If you're unsure what to order, the Nutty Creation is absolutely worth trying. read more

Updated review: 2/23/26 FOOD: The food here is always consistently good & has been over the years. The ownership changed hands after the pandemic, but the quality of the food has remained unchanged. It is a great place to go for just about anything. I especially love the soups and sandwiches. The only deduction in a star is I wish they had the chicken & wild rice consistently more available on the market side and a few more dessert offerings in the restaurant. All they have is lemon bars, cookies, banana pudding. I would like to see a daily pie special. ATMOSPHERE: This is a solid place, clean, good for kids, families, ok for a first date and coffee--definitely not romantic. It is always clean and neat. SERVICE: You order at the register and they bring it out to you, but it is pretty low-key. All team members are great. TIP: Pick up a freezer meal when you leave. Their casseroles and dips are great for emergencies or a night off. read more

AMAZING FOOD! And such a great local spot!! The service was so nice and it's so cute inside!! read more

Elke's Market Cafe - The Other Nutty - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Dropped in after a workout to get a quick sandwich and was greeted with amazing smells! This will be my new fav lunch spot. Ordered a veg sandwich and added turkey and omg so tasty! they were quick and kind and the food dis not disappoint! The ambiance was cute and I look forward to when I have a bit mor time to sit in and try more things read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Very Veggie add Turkey - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

I absolutely love Elke's! I've eaten here countless times and not once has my order been wrong. More importantly, no matter what I order, it's always delicious. Today I was craving the Hot Reuben sandwich--perfect in every way! I often go for the Trio because you just can't go wrong with a sample of everything. The owners are truly good people who go above and beyond for their customers. And if you haven't tried their wine tasting or gourmet dinner--wow. When I say gourmet, I mean OMG fancy and unforgettable! It's such a special treat and absolutely worth it. This is easily one of my favorite places to eat. Five stars just aren't enough! read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Hot Reuben Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

The lunch specials are always great choices. The service is fast and the food is always fresh. I recommend this place as well for meetings or group gatherings. read more

On a rainy day road trip, I needed a quick meal. Google landed me at Elke's Market Cafe in Allen, Texas. This is a legitimate old school deli diner, with counter seating, and a big dining room. Big menu, takeout available, and there are coolers with Grab & Go items. First impression is how clean the whole place is, and orderly. Too bad I needed to keep driving, so I did take out and soon I was wanting to U-turn! In the venerable Cottonwood Creek Village shopping plaza,with plenty of parking in front. read more

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This is fantastic neighborhood restaurant. Large seating area and no limit to your stay. That's why I like it so much. You can meet with friends and not be pressured to leave. The food is varied and well prepared and the service is excellent read more

Was asked to join two friends here who had been here a few times. I was very impressed with the food freshness, and the very nice staff. What a very neat, clean and eclectic local sandwich shop. It's also attached to what looked like an old butcher shop, now serving multiple salads and soups to go. They even have wine! I will be back very soon. read more

Good crowd today for lunch. We don't get over here very often so we enjoy lunch; split our favorite sandwich with side dish. Going to get side of potato salad next time. Really yummy dessert brownie. read more

A short drive from east Plano. Very courteous and genuinely friendly people. The take out food choices are large and very, very tasty. Love the quiche products which are easily prepared at your home and taste great. read more

I have been on the hunt for a good chicken salad sandwich, and will still be on the hunt after Elke's! Elke's is a very spacious cafe that serves very classic deli-styled meals. You order at a counter when you walk in. After you order, you seat yourself and grab your drinks and utensils (self-serve). I will say, the food came out a bit slow, and it was not busy - plenty of seating. The chicken salad itself was pretty bland, which was a bit disappointing. The potato salad was good, but the portion size was small. My friend ordered a seasonal special with figs and the use of figs was creative, but fell a bit short in terms of a seasonal speciality. Elke's was by no means bad, but nothing that particularly stood out! I would not be opposed to he going back, but I would not be rushing to go back anytime soon! read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Whole chicken salad sandwich with a side of potato salad - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Amazing fresh food. Everything is good. I particularly enjoy getting food from their refrigerated section - the chicken salad and pimiento cheese are classic. They make excellent banana pudding and pastry desserts too. So good! read more

I enjoyed an excellent lunch at Elke's market café. Alecia went above and beyond with customer service. This restaurant has been a favorite for a long time. The ownership changed a few years back, but everything stayed the same. That is rare. Also, I love seeing the paintings from Cornerstone Ranch hanging on the walls. Thank you for the great meal and the great service. read more

This place has subtle, tasty food, served politely in a cozy, quaint, quiet dining room...

The first thing I noticed is how friendly the staff is! It's a nice place to have lunch, very spacious, great for groups. I went on the last day that they were serving a seasonal sandwich - cranberry and brie turkey sandwich - so I had to get it. It was absolutely delicious! The broccoli salad was too sweet for me, and the Greek pasta salad needed more dressing over all because it was kind of bland. I definitely want to check out more of their sandwiches and soups. read more

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Elke's catered the baby shower we hosted for our son and daughter-in-love with 70+ guests. Delivery was right on time and the food was super fresh and everyone loved it. They even delivered chilled sparkling French wine for the mimosa bar Thank you, Kim, Jeffrey and your amazing team! read more

Service was good. The food was super tasty! I got the Figgy Piggy and my husband got the chili. Both were tasty. read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Figgy Piggy - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

I met my neighbor for lunch here today and I was excited to try their lunch! I came here a few years ago for breakfast and hadn't been back in some time. No real reason why and now I'm wondering what took me so long to return! I go the cilantro chicken wrap with bacon & cheese potato salad. Fresh, but filling lunch! The potato salad is on another level of delicious! That, I may have to buy as a side sometime for a party or dinner! I love that they have a market to buy their treats and sides too! Can't wait to bring my hubs with me to check out! read more

Wonderful food! Very friendly staff. Their sandwiches are unique and delicious. The deli has a nice selection.

Elke's is my go to cafe! They are now open earlier and stay open till dinner time. I've been eating here for years and I've not had a bad meal. Feel free to read my previous reviews about Elke's! The hours are open longer which means you can come eat here for every meal! Come on! I know you'll like it! August 2022 read more

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Hands down the friendliest lunch spot in town! Not to mention the made to order sandwiches are awesome! My friend and I decided to dine in and the space is very open and inviting. She got the daily special which was the bbq pulled pork sandwich! It comes with a side which you have a huge list to choose from. I got a half sandwich with tuna salad and picked a broccoli cheese salad, it was the perfect combination. Topped the lunch with a peach cupcake which was to die for. I'll be back to try the daily special because I was eyeing my friend's meal the whole time! read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Bbq pulled pork sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Food was fine but new owner was the rudest man. I had wondered why the place was so different (the last few times I had been there). New owners. It's a shame because the place was always packed and Elke and her husband were very friendly. Will not be back. read more

We love coming to Elke's! I always order the "Nutty" or the "Other Nutty" , both sandwiches are great. This cafe is quaint and cozy with photos of Gruene, Texas adorning the walls. I love the "Ladies that Lunch" vibes here. They have wine and beer and really tasty, homemade cookies too! There is a little deli and shop attached to the cafe. read more

Delicious food and the best wine selection in town! Swing by and pick up a bottle of their Austin Hope cab...they even offer better prices on wine than Spec's because they have a restaurant Super nice owners too...can't wait to come back! read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Nice sandwich shop with lots of options to choose from. It is a seat yourself restaurant where they just drop the food off at your table and you get your drink yourself. read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Chocolate cake - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Feels like homemade cooking! The best way to describe it is a bunch of family specials that hit the spot. if you've been working in the area and have had a lot of fast food this will feel like a good homemade meal. The restaurant is nice and clean with a marketplace attached. The music is relaxing and not playing too loud, it's clear a lot of locals regularly frequent this place, and the staff are all very kind. I would say that the soup was relatively bland however very fresh. The sandwiches are great however it's nice that they have the condiment bar to add to them. read more

Elke's Market Cafe - The Royale sandwich with a soup side (imagine a French dip sandwich) - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Their Ham Salad Spread & Chunky Cheese Spreads are soooooo good!!! Also love the various breads & soups!

Everything was very good, staff extremely friendly and helpful. Food was excellent. Very clean, open seating, well lighted. read more

What a great find, in a totally anonymous strip mall in Allen no less. A very cool cafe with a small wine-centric market in a separate area. We had samwiches today, mine on molasses wheat bread - pimento cheese, bacon, lettuce, candied jalapenos, and peach preserves. Absolutely up there with the best ever. Wife had BLT with avocado slices, ditto. We've had desserts before (not today) that were killer good. Go there, you will NOT be sorry read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Stopled by here to get some bacon to go with donuts in an effort to create a balance breakfast for my daughter who wanted donuts. We were able to place a to go order of crispy bacon quickly and receive it quickly. The bacon was delicious, it was over cooked and had the right amount of crispy we wanted. The portion size was good as well, we were able to share the order of bacon with each other. read more

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Great food, great service. Support your family owned business sandwiches are quality and salad was great soup was flavorful read more

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My go-to coffee and breakfast spot in Allen, Texas! Excellent breakfast options, including a great breakfast burrito and great avocado toast. The owners, Gregory and Kim, create a nice atmosphere and experience, and it's a great place for a business meeting or a 1-on-1. read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Me, Kim and staff... - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

Holy cow! The sandwiches and sides here are amazing. My friend and I ordered The Nutty and The Other Nutty and shared. You can't go wrong with either choice. And their bacon ranch potato salad was a great side! I loved that they had outdoor seating so so could sit with my dog. And their flavored tea was a great addition. I love finding unique places to eat and this one definitely checks all the boxes. (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures, but the food will not disappoint!) read more

Food is good. 3 star rating based on what we had. Chicken salad is bland. Mediterranean Quinoa salad was 4 star. Chicken salad. 2 star. read more

Elke's Market Cafe - Roast beef sandwich from Deli menu. - Sandwiches Near Me - Allen, Texas

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My party was Absolutely blown away by the incredible quality of Elke's food. The flavors were just delicious. We're in Dallas, visiting friends and family, from Arizona and decided to give this local gem a try. I was so sad I couldn't take some of the ready go items from the market home with me. The Quiche looked fantastic! We dined in and had a great bottle of French Rose. My Salmon salad was so meaty and well spiced. The Dijon vinaigrette was SO good I wanted to drink it on its own. My son's "Other Nutty" sandwich was bursting with flavor. I don't eat poultry, but I'd go to great lengths to get my hands on this Supreme goodness. Can't say enough about this local, family business. RUN, don't walk to Elke's. read more

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This cafe is the cutest! It has a little store inside. The people that work there are very friendly. I came here today for a business lunch and ordered the cilantro lime chicken wrap. The meat/veggies/lettuce were fresh. Potato salad was tasty. I like that they have fresh free lemons located next to the water/tea. I have mad respect for this restaurant. They know how to do the food business! read more

Still good, been coming here for years, a hidden gem. Great menu, quick service and reasonable prices.

Have been here a couple of times and the workers are always pleasant and helpful. Food is always good (with a good variety). Price is reasonable. Parking available too since they are in a small shopping center. Worth the trip! read more

They made an ownership change several years ago, usually this ends most family style businesses but this has not :) Everything is the highest quality and they've added great items to the market :) read more