Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Indie Cafe

    4.0 (844 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM

    Order Indie Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Indie Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    INDIE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Indie Cafe

    Recommended Reviews - Indie Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Monte Carlo and Bangkok rolls
    Audrey E.

    Good experience overall at Indie Cafe! We started with crab rangoons - always recommend but I especially recommend here they were so good! Then I shared the Bangkok roll and Monte Carlo roll and both were tasty. I think I liked the Monte Carlo roll since I prefer some more fresh fish flavor and this one packed a punch. The service was great, they refilled our waters a lot and checked in occasionally. Restaurant looked nice, patio would've been fun if it wasn't so hot!

    Monte Carlo
    Mark T.

    You know the good thing about sushi? It's great when you want to eat a little, and aren't in the mood for Tapas and/or hot food. Yelp steered me towards Indie Cafe (though my phone's compass has me going in circles for a bit. I started with the Trio Carpaccio. I enjoyed that there were three different kinds of fish, and the sauce was a lovely blend of sweet, salty, and savory. The fish wasn't *the* best quality, but I'll give it an A-OK. Then there was the Monte Carlo. One question: why is it chewy? Turns out it is the spicy salmon filling! Unfortunately, this isn't the only way the roll missed the mark. The quantity of said salmon was low, and as for the white tuna up top, this otherwise beautiful ingredient was ruined with a heavy-handed use of sauce. The rice also did not blow me away, but that may have to do, at least in part, with the decision to mix it with tempura. Final nail in the coffin: seared fish adds a remarkable deliciousness, alas it seems only one piece had kissed the flame. Then there was the question of value - while the prices are more or less in line with what I would expect, the quality wasn't there in my opinion. Finally, where I can give them credit is the service. Polite, friendly, attentive, and reasonably fast. Thus, the sushi and carpaccio were forgettable at best. While I may not go for this part of the menu again, I am not necessarily against trying some of their Thai options.

    Wayne D.

    Cute indoor design, food is mediocre First the food is much later than promised. Seems for lots of other people as well Fried chive dumpling: not much filling. Either add some meat or more chive Ramen: soup is bland. Nothing like tonkatsu. Noodle texture is doughy, chashao is not cooked long enough, too chewy. Pad Thai : way too sweet Coconut glazed pork : this one's actually pretty good flavor and texture Would not come again

    Inside
    Rahima J.

    My friend and I came here for north neighborhood restaurant week and it was so cute. The inside is very vibey and intimate - low lighting and soft music vibes. The food itself was delicious and they had great offerings for their restaurant week menu. The service was very prompt and kind in explaining. I'd love to come back and try more of the sushi next time!

    Shrimp Shumai Crab Rangoon
    Katrina M.

    Our service was really quick which was nice. I got the peachy no. 14 cocktail and the jellies inside definitely made it different and fun. The shrimp shumai were not my favorite since they were mushier than shumai I have had at other places, but that may be personal preference. The crab rangoons were a little bit cold in the center, but had they not been they'd be really good. They were still good I just wasn't a fan of the colder part. The chicken pad Thai was definitely good. Ours had no spice but you could add some. I would come back to try the sushi since I saw they have amazing presentation, but so far I'd say the pad Thai was the best item we got.

    Crab Rangoon

    Amazing service and amazing food! The food came out quickly and tasted very fresh. The ambiance of the restaurant was very pleasant and perfect for a late night dinner.

    Steve B.

    Indie cafe sushi + Thai really is a different experience. The ambiance really is nice it is very peaceful when you come in and sit down. The food is very good. I will recommend the chefs omakase really quality fish and you could taste how fresh it was.

    Samurai Seven, Saba Sashimi

    See all

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Val G.
    6
    124
    215

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M W.
    3
    46
    2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Yummy food! Great staff and drinks. My partner and I go here as one of our regular spots close to home.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Best crab rangoons ever! Great sushi, excellent Thai food, this is my go-to comfort food for many years..

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Good menu with Thai and Japanese options for a nice dinner date night. :) I love to take dates here!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 17
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kyle H.
    1428
    2116
    7924

    15 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Excellent food for dine in, take out or delivery. Good vegan options, better than most!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bill M.
    2282
    1974
    4455

    18 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gino W.
    249
    705
    2013

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kris F.
    239
    96
    17

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ren Y.
    552
    683
    8656

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Krystal K.
    224
    25
    23

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Zjahna L.
    11
    32
    24

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 22

    Indie Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Indie Cafe

    You might also consider

    JJ Thai Street Food

    JJ Thai Street Food

    4.4
    (567 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$

    Instantly one of my new favorite restaurants in Chicago. And probably one of my favorite Thai…read morerestaurants of all time. As a street food spot that's popular for lunch, you get different offerings here than a lot of your other neighborhood Thai joints. Sat on the outdoor patio so didn't get to see the inside much but I liked our atmosphere and service. Split the papaya salad and the Laab Moo Krob (crispy pork belly salad) with a friend and both were outstanding. From the first crispy bite of the pork belly I was in love with the texture and flavors. We added a side of sticky rice with that which was perfect. I wish I could've tried everything on the menu that day but looks like I'll just have to return as soon as possible.

    For dinner last Thursday, my friend and I picked JJ Thai Street Food. They open right at 5 PM, and…read morewe stopped by quickly after because we know it can get really busy during peak dinner times. Our server took our order and our food came out less than 15 minutes after. SP1 CRAB MEAT FRIED RICE - 25 The fried rice came in a claypot and came with a good amount of grab meat. The flavors were pretty light -- I would have preferred a bit more seasoning or umami. The portion size is large. R10 HALF & HALF CHICKEN WITH GINGER RICE - 19 We wanted to try both the breaded fried chicken and poached chicken so we ordered the half & half option. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy and juicy. I loved dipping it in the sweet & tart plum sauce on the side. However, the poached chicken was really dry and unappetizing, and I know a good poached chicken is supposed to taste fresh and juicy. The ginger-garlic rice was pretty light in seasoning, but delicious nonetheless. Both of our entrees were incredibly clean tasting -- not too greasy, and it didn't hurt my stomach after eating. I enjoyed both of the dishes we tried with the exception of the poached chicken which was way too over-cooked.

    Photos
    JJ Thai Street Food
    King mushroom
    King mushroom
    A9 Gui Chay Tod (tapioca dumplings with chive)

    See all

    A9 Gui Chay Tod (tapioca dumplings with chive)
    Serai

    Serai

    4.1
    (14 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    First time here and it was completely dead. The service was amazing! The food was delicious and…read moreflavorful. Before we left the guy working asked if I liked the food and that's what sets this place apart from other fast food places. Definitely coming back

    I've been going to Serai for years, which makes this review especially disappointing to write. I'm…read morenot sure if there has been a change in management or the kitchen, but this was by far the worst experience I've ever had here. The food was completely underwhelming, and when we shared our concerns with the staff, nothing was done to address them. The service was equally disappointing. Our server spent much of the time sitting on her phone while we waited for basic service like water refills, being asked about drinks, and receiving the drinks we ordered. We repeatedly had to get up and find someone just to receive attention. As for the food, the gyoza was bland and tasted like unseasoned pork. The lemongrass beef stew curry, which was highly recommended, arrived cold, had an odd texture, and lacked any real flavor. Most shocking of all were the drunken noodles. I've ordered them countless times over the years and always considered them among the best in Chicago. This time, I couldn't get past a single bite. Every dish was left unfinished. We didn't finish a single plate and didn't take any leftovers home--something that never happens for us. Between the poor service and incredibly disappointing food, this was an awful dining experience from start to finish. Unfortunately, after being a longtime customer, I won't be returning.

    Photos
    Serai interior
    Serai interior
    Nasi lemak with nyonya curry chicken
    Nasi lemak with nyonya curry chicken
    Serai interior

    See all

    Serai interior

    Indie Cafe - sushi - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...