Meli Cafe

409

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264

5 years ago

Service was pretty slow and the food was ok. Nothing amazing but nothing bad either. I ordered the benedict and my partner ordered the pancakes plate. read more

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Foodie M.

346

3532

5 years ago

Service was good on a very busy Sunday.... never had there chicken and waffle.... it was surprisingly very good... the bacon jam was perfect... waffle was just right..... oatmeal was very good... the Nutella banana creeps were not bad... I just wish they put more Nutella in it... it tasted more like chocolate and a lot of cinnamon than it was Nutella... but over everything else was really good... read more

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Brandon M.

635

785

610

9 years ago

Lovely little cafe tucked away on Wells Street - had to stop in for a quick breakfast this morning. I tried the Down on the Farm bowl - it was amazing and HUGE... full of ham, bacon and sausage, it was delightful. Eggs were wonderful. Toast was surprisingly only one piece of bread but good nonetheless. My breakfast date tried the veggie omelet. It appeared to be fine but nothing impressive, he didn't finish it. Staff was ok but seemed to require some encouragement to get the job done at times. Prices were a touch high but not outrageous. Hope to go back again soon. read more

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Aimee D.

4174

910

2897

13 years ago

Another place I wish we had in St. Louis! I love starting my mornings off with fresh juice, and Meli doesn't disappoint. I went on a weekday morning, and there were plenty of tables open. Service was just okay... not all that friendly... but I had coffee and juice within minutes, which I can't complain about. I ordered the Ginger Splash (pear, carrot, ginger, and orange) and besides being delicious, the way it was served was beautiful! The colorful juices were stacked in a big glass. You can get a genuinely healthy breakfast at Meli, and I had my eyes on the vegetable omelet. This thing is HUGE, and is loaded with portobello, broccoli, spinach, peppers, tomato, onions, and provolone. It was the biggest omelet I've ever had, hands down. They actually have a pretty big menu, and the "breakfast mounds" caught my attention. The name doesn't sound appetizing, but the idea is interesting... it's basically a mound of ingredients topped with scrambled eggs and cheese. They have a NY Reuben version that looks pretty spectacular! Service got pretty strange towards the middle of our experience... we were waiting for our food, and the server brought us our check and basically forgot that we hadn't eaten yet. It shook her up and made her pretty flustered, and created some awkwardness. This is one of those places that would SO be five star worthy if the service wasn't so sterile. Regardless, I loved my visit and would definitely go back again. read more

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Brittany S.

4976

3166

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10 years ago

Mental mindset when walking: "oh, I'm going to order egg whites and fresh juice and be super healthy and urban yadda yadda. Today's the day I get my shit together" Reality: "Um, yes. I'll have the juice, espresso, banana maple pancakes, potatoes, scrambled egg whites and bacon." Obviously giving up on life in my yoga pants on a Wednesday. Number one reason I would return: the juice and smoothie menu (I highly recommend the pear, ginger, carrot and Orange combo) Number two reason: helpful and knowledgable service Number three: the banana walnut maple pancakes were delicious Slightly on the pricy side for a somewhat standard menu- I'll chalk that up to it being in downtown Chicago. It seems that the juice prices are more reasonable than the food ($5.50 for a large fresh juice). read more

Meli Cafe - Banana pecan pancakes with egg whites (pancake breakfast) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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JJ V.

3 years ago

Delicious and great service and would strongly recommend. Eggs where delicious. Coffe was fresh read more

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Andrea R.

3729

3451

1910

16 years ago

I squealed with delight when I first saw Meli would be opening another location in River North. Months later I was still waiting for the grand opening and my husband told me he was pretty sure it was never going to happen. I crossed my fingers and Meli FINALLY opened their doors! I hear the wait can be pretty long on the weekends, which isn't too surprising considering their original location is always packed to the max. However, the lovely Colleen C and I were one of the few tables when we met here for a yummy bfast on a Thursday morning. It's never easy choosing from their extensive menu, but I opted for their horseradish omelet: chicken sausage, portobello mushroom, tomato with horseradish infused cheddar. It was quite heavenly...just like everything I"ve ever eaten at their other location. This was definitely worth the wait! read more

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Jimi H.

559

6 years ago

When you think super bowl Sunday you should be thinking Meli Cafe for breakfast Don't get sacked by high prices at other bougie restaurants Score a touchdown with one of Meli's huge breakfast sandwiches Then go for two with a side of pancakes or waffles 5 stars read more

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Victoria C.

371

536

1671

12 years ago

I'm a huge brunch enthusiast. This was my second time in Chicago, and I wanted to make sure I got in some decent brunches every morning I was there. My group of friends and I ventured over to Meli Cafe on Saturday morning at around 10:30 AM. It was packed, but the wait was only about 15-20 minutes. We got seated within 20 minutes, which made us extremely happy. The decor is bright and cheery. There are big open windows all along the front of the restaurant. I ordered a Mango, Orange, Kiwi, and Honey juice, my other friends ordered the Green Machine smoothie and the Green Envy Juice. I loved it, you could tell it was freshly made, and they didn't overdo it with the honey. It had the perfect amount of sweetness to it. My only complaint was that the juice was very warm. I wish they would have refrigerated the fruit. I appreciate that they didn't try to fill up the glass with ice, but I ended up putting some of my ice cubes from my water glass to the juice. I ordered the Cafe Benedict, their take on a grilled pork belly eggs benedict. It was delicious. The pork belly was grilled perfectly, and the poached eggs weren't overcooked, which I appreciated a lot! My friend's foods looked good as well. Next time, I'm in town, I want to try a breakfast bowl. The specials sounded unique and really tasty as well. They also brought out some jams, I don't remember the specific flavor, but I believe it was mango and peach? They looked good and definitely not Smuckers or anything. Service wasn't too bad. Our waitress was super quiet, and I was the only one who could hear her because she stood the closest to me. After we finished eating, we waited a while for our check and eventually had to ask her to bring it to us after 10 minutes. And I think it was the manager, but he looked a little annoyed at us for sitting there for so long after our meal, even staring at us and bringing over another small party to stand there and wait for us as we got up to put on our jackets and gather our belongings. Not the best customer service, but we were full and happy so we didn't let it bother us and bring down our morning. read more

Meli Cafe - Cafe Benedict - Grilled pork belly, spinach, tomatoes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Mango, Orange, Kiwi, and Honey juice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Patrick Renehan P.

4 years ago

Order this place if you want to ruin your Saturday. You think a breakfast place would understand how to make avocado toast and an omelette. News flash, they don't. Two thumbs down and I mean way down. Rather eat arbys for 6 months straight than go here again read more

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Sharmeen Q.

5 years ago

Great food. I got the breakfast tacos with side of French toast, coffee and mimosas. We enjoyed sitting by the window and looking at the city streets read more

Meli Cafe - two glasses of orange juice and a cup of coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Dustin H.

216

855

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11 years ago

With easy listening soft rock playing in the background we ordered our breakfast. I was particularly pleased with the amount of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Food came out SHOCKINGLY fast, and everything was fresh and delicious. Our server Maryann was a delight and took great care of us. No question we will be back. Meli Café is a SOLID option for brunch. read more

Meli Cafe - delicious veggie sausage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Crepes! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ally S.

348

725

11 years ago

Highlights/Lowlights 1) TONS of gluten free options 2) quick service 3) cute cafe ambiance We visited Cafe Meli on a blustery Monday morning. We were seated right away, which may be because the weather was rough. However, the space is huge but still has a cozy neighborhood cafe feel. I had done some research so I knew Cafe Meli had som gluten free options, but holy cow was I impressed! In addition to the usual omelets and breakfast bowls other gluten free options included; polenta pancakes, gluten free sweet and savory crepes, vegan French toast and more! I had the savory gluten free "salsa crepes" and they were SO SO good. The portion sizes are generous especially considering that the breakfast entrees range from about $9-$14. The service is friendly enough and very fast! We had waters right away when we sat down and our server came to get our drink and then food orders shortly after. Awesome breakfast spot in River North with tons of gluten free options! read more

Meli Cafe - Savory gluten free salsa crepes! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Anjola L.

146

8 years ago

Really a 3.5. Came with 7 friends for Brunch on NYE. They were very busy and the wait was longer than expected. Overall the food was good. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Standout items include the Turkey Burger and the fries. Service was not very good. Example: A few of us ordered coffee. Maybe 10 mins later, the waitress came to refill our cups to realize she never brought us coffee cups to begin with. A few of us ordered bloody Mary's and didn't get them until after the food came. Besides that everything else was good. Also I'm a big fan of still having Christmas music in the background on NYE. read more

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Megna J.

3 years ago

I came in a Sunday morning for breakfast and sat at the bar. I ordered my breakfast and I ordered a smoothie and my breakfast came but the smoothie did not. I decided that they must've forgot my smoothies so I ordered a Diet Coke. When the bill came, I noticed that they charged me for the smoothie so I asked them to charge me for the Coke instead. The waiter told me that it was the same price, but when I double checked, the smoothie was six dollars and the Coke was only two dollars!!! I asked him to switch it and he did not and gave me attitude. Not to mention the food was absolutely horrible. My tacos were dry and my boyfriend food was cold as hell. read more

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Brianna S.

343

4 years ago

My partner & I have worked on the Greek Islands and we know how coffee, food, and service should be. We have been to countless restaurants in Chicago for breakfast and are consistently disappointed. However, this place is spectacular! The food is delicious-- we ordered crepes and a skillet and we were wow'd! Everything is fresh. We are also so happy to see freddo cafe here as it's a greek treasure when it comes to coffee. We will only be having breakfast here from here on out! read more

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Jeton G.

8 years ago

Great food and the portions are huge! You won't go wrong with anything there. Customer service is great and there is barely any wait since it's such a big place. I had the Greek omelette and it was really good. If you like omelets you won't go wrong with that. read more

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Gema Yolanda M.

3 years ago

The place is pretty nice, I ordered a bagel and lox, it was that good, mushy bread and sour cream instead cream cheese. My husband ordered egg Benedict, he liked them. read more

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Christine R.

Elite 22

411

325

254

8 years ago

Very cute and tasty breakfast place! They have a lot of gluten free and a few vegan options . I got gluten free avocado toast and it was great. My boyfriend got the jalapeño breakfast bowl and loved it. Gave 4 stars because the service was just okay. I got an iced tea but they didn't refill it, and she didn't come back too often. Granted , it was busy in there so maybe just an off day. Highly recommend ! read more

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Aanand K.

305

5 years ago

Best crepe ever .must try it if you're in the area. Taste was super rich. Highly recommended! read more

Meli Cafe - Symphony Crepe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Brooke M.

4 years ago

Great breakfast spot. We sat outside and enjoyed some mimosa's and breakfast. Our waiter was kind enough to give us our third round on the house. The food was great. We got eggs, bacon, banana bread French toast, and a bagel with cream cheese. Everything was your expected normal American breakfast. Yum! Very kind service. read more

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Mikayla D.

Elite 23

369

112

178

6 years ago

Meli cafe is a simple diner in the heart of Chicago. It has a classic diner feel and menu. It doesn't try to compete with the "trendy" spots in the area and is the perfect place to go when you want a hearty meal! They have plenty of healthy options and items for each dietary restriction one may have. You'll be sure to find something for everyone! The cheap mimosas are also a huge plus! We love having this diner around the corner from us. read more

Meli Cafe - super hearty avocado toast! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Jacqueline B.

Elite 23

3397

655

5586

9 years ago

Almost 3 years later and I've finally come back to check out breakfast. Okay, it actually wasn't my idea, but I'm very glad my boss chose to have our meeting at Meli! The restaurant wasn't busy at 9:30 am on a Tuesday and seven of us were able to get a big round table no problem. Service was great and WiFi worked well. Their menu is huge and as always I had a hard time deciding what I want for breakfast. Do I go the sweet or savory route? Can I do both? They have a great little menu for juice and smoothies and I kind of regret not diving in, but I knew I wanted some coffee and thought that would be a lot of beverages at once. False: you can never have too many beverages. Well... maybe if it's alcohol... anyways... To eat I finally decided on the granola pancakes. Sounded interesting and since that covered my sweet taste bud I also got a side of bacon for something savory. First of all, this breakfast was huge! I should should have known portions were large, because the lunch I had a while back was, but I was still surprised. The pancakes themselves were made with granola so you could taste the pieces in there. They were then drizzled with honey and served with yogurt, granola, and fresh berries on the side. It was delicious! It came with three large pancakes and it literally looked like I barely ate anything but I got so full! Finished most of my yogurt, so I took the pancakes home and they made for a yummy two more meals! The bacon was great. Thick and crispy just how I like it. I was impressed that even after we were finished eating our waitress still came around to fill waters and coffee while we sat there for another hour on our laptops. We never felt rushed which was nice. The women's restroom was under construction a bit, so I was surprised to walk in and find two men in the last stall working on it. I know the restaurant wasn't that busy, but kind of wish they had put up a sign to warn people. Regardless, another great meal at Meli indeed, and I know it won't be my last! read more

Meli Cafe - Goat cheese wrap and pasta salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kevin D.

190

4 years ago

Delightfully priced mimosas, great breakfast, great lunch options too. My wife and I split a southwestern omelet and a Buffalo chicken wrap. So much food. Elevated diner vibes inside, bigger than it looks. If you're reading this, stop the search and just go here! read more

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Angela S.

Elite 21

3552

1061

11776

9 years ago

What's not to love? I came here with a group of seven for a breakfast work outing. We had a nice and fairly private table reserved in the corner, and that was just perfect for a meeting. Free WiFi, a large fresh juice menu, and a breakfast menu with way too many delicious options. The juice menu alone was intense! I thought about getting a breakfast smoothie for starters, but I remembered how big the food portions are after my last visit, and so I skipped it (I regret that). But I didn't regret ordering the fluffy scrambled egg whites again and the smoked bacon and potatoes. My fluffy eggs were exactly how I remembered them, and I look forward to the next time around. On another note...if you order the pancakes for any reason, my colleague ordered them, and I swear it was like she never even touched them when breakfast was over. I highly recommend Meli Cafe. Oh, I forgot to mention service was fantastic! read more

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Celeste T.

136

5 years ago

Cute place for a quick breakfast/brunch. Food was okay. Didn't have much flavor but it was okay for a breakfast. read more

Meli Cafe - Fresh Berry Crepe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Pancake Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sarah G.

1279

3249

14 years ago

I was a huge fan of Meli's smoothies (Oatmeal! Avocado! Wheatgrass!) but not too impressed with the food or the price tag for a sit-down breakfast. So my recommendation would be to belly up to the bar and ooh/aah at the orange juicing machine and the industrial blenders, then grab your $6 smoothie to go. Their custom juice creations were also amazing, but worth $5 for the portion? I don't know... my perspective is probably tainted because two of those also helped contribute to a nearly $50 breakfast price tag one morning... But still I liked Meli to go there three times on my most recent trip to Chicago. It's just unfortunate that our last time was the least favorite of my trips there, read more

Meli Cafe - Okay coffee. Had a few cups to get my money's worth, but not my fav. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Oatmeal shake! Yummy. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Patrick M.

127

322

2633

12 years ago

Great breakfast! We got there early Sunday afternoon and it was really crowded but we were seated right away. I ordered the Chicken Chorizo and substituted the red potatoes with French fries. The jalapeños were spicy and added a nice kick. She had the Beach Body special with scrambled eggs, broccoli, & kale. It was also really good. The only negative was the room temperature mimosas and water but it wasn't a big deal. The orange juice was fresh squeezed and delicious. read more

Meli Cafe - Sunny Side Up Chicken Chorizo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Emily C.

317

328

326

11 years ago

Nice brunch cafe to go to if you live in the neighborhood. Has the type of feel where you could make this your regular spot to go. Their menu is pretty extensive from food to drinks and they serve a lot of different flavors of mimosas! Didn't try but they all sounded really good. Their menu also comes with a daily specials Page located on the left side. My friend ordered the chicken scrambler from the specials and I ordered a breakfast bowl that came with chicken sausage, mushrooms, Swiss cheese and kale. They gave me the option of asking how you want your Eggs done so I went with scramble. It tasted pretty good in the portion sizes are really large so I could take it home. For breakfast and eggs though it's a little on the pricey side as mine came out to about 18 for just breakfast and no drinks. The two breakfast items did come with a side of toast or English muffin though. Overall pretty good experience and service was attentive so I would not mind coming back to try other items! read more

Meli Cafe - Breakfast bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Chicken scrambler (special) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sarah H.

564

279

10 years ago

We happened upon this place as we were wandering around on our way to Michigan Ave to shop. We wanted breakfast and the donut shop we were going to go to wasn't open yet and it was cold out so we wanted to keep moving. What luck! This place was delicious! I had breakfast tacos that were phenomenal. So delicious. My daughter had a waffle (suddenly, this is her go-to breakfast when we're out) and I can't really remember what my husband and son had, but I know we were all very full, and very happy with our choices. Would definitely stop in again if we were in the area, but unfortunately we do not find ourselves in the city too frequently. read more

Meli Cafe - Breakfast tacos. Fantastic! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kathryn C.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

230

1010

10 years ago

Had breakfast, the atmosphere is very relaxing and bright. The menu has a great selection of pancakes, french toast, omelets, juices, smoothies , I had the ghost pepper omlete, mediums heat level I added hot sauce with potatoes it was very light omlete but good portion and flavor. I had the jump start juice it was delicious for those who like to juice, I would visit again. I sis not see much parking we were able to walk from our hotel. read more

Meli Cafe - Jump start - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Ghost pepper omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Brioche - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Victoria Y.

Elite 21

208

112

351

8 years ago

Came here right after it opened at 7am on a weekday. The restaurant is pretty empty as expected. The restaurant has a ton of sweet and savory breakfast options ranging from omelettes, to crepes. They also serve a large variety of juices and smoothies. We tried: Pure Gold ($5.5): Pineapple, carrot, apple and ginger juice, sweet and refreshing Green Machine ($7): Huge smoothie! I had to take most of it to-go. Tasted healthy and light. Maple Butter Pancakes ($13.5): Large portions, tasty, but not the best pancakes I've ever had Chicken and Waffles ($16): Large portions, nicely friend chicken, interesting savory waffle with herbs This place kept my boyfriend and I full until past lunchtime! Solid place for breakfast, would come back to try other entrees! read more

Meli Cafe - Green Machine and Pure Gold - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Maple butter pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Chicken and Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Mandie V.

Elite 25

345

360

9 years ago

Stopped in on a brisk November morning for breakfast. Something about this place reminds me of the movie The Birdcage. It's so bright and light, all the staff that we encountered were foreign and GORGEOUS, it reminded me of South Beach. I was borderline hysterical the whole time we were there, waiting for Nathan Lane in drag to come strolling in.... All that aside, the food was delicious. The coffee comes in teeny tiny cups, we told the waitress to just leave us a pot but I don't think she understood us, because she just smiled and wandered away. We only got a couple refills, which makes us sound ridiculous, but the cups were tiny!! My husband ordered the chicken and waffles. Oh. My. Word. The savory herbed waffle was my dream. Seriously, it made me want to buy a waffle maker and beg for their recipe (I'm not a breakfast food fan, so this is extreme.) The chicken was tenders, and they were cooked perfectly - not hard or dry. And then there was bacon jam I ordered the Cobbler Crepes. As I said before, I'm not a breakfast fan, but something about this was screaming TRY ME. Holy. Crap. First of all, the portion was huge, I think there were 3 large crepes? Topped with berries and peaches, with a brown sugar granola topping...it was amazing. The granola topping MADE the whole thing, and the fruit was so flavorful and delicious. It blew my mind that the fruit could taste that good out of season. We also got a pumpkin latte to go, which was GROSS. It was gritty and had a weird sweetness that left a bizarre taste in both of our mouths. They had lots on the breakfast menu that sounded delicious, looked healthy, and judging by our portions, would feed an army! Also, I'm sincerely sorry if you can't go here without thinking of The Birdcage... read more

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Sabrina P.

4 years ago

Solid breakfast with great fresh juices. That is where the positive experience ended. Our female server couldn't be bothered to check on our small party of three despite making eye contact several times. A couple of other reviewers mentioned they thought racism could have been at play. That's rarely something I consider, but in this instance I fear it may have been true. Can't recommend. read more

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Alixandra R.

5 years ago

A cute little breakfast spot in river north, not as trendy as other spots, but feels cozy and warm. Great food, I had the breakfast tacos and they were pretty good! Also got the grapefruit juice, which was decent. Reasonable prices and only a 15 minute wait for a group of 5 on a busy Saturday morning read more

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Marya A.

Elite 21

163

6 years ago

Wow this is the spot to go to for breakfast! I've been trying new places this month and this is the best by far. The inside seating area is so homey and the staff is amazing. The food tastes great and comes out quick after ordering. They also have handcrafted juices! So so fresh and tasty! Definitely coming back here again. read more

Meli Cafe - Irish - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meli Cafe - Jumpstart your Metabolism drink - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Page 3 of 22

540 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60654
River North, Near North Side
Directions
(312) 527-1850
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.melicafe.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Meli Cafe open?

Meli Cafe opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Meli Cafe close?

Meli Cafe closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Meli Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Meli Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Meli Cafe have catering options?

No, Meli Cafe does not have catering options.

Does Meli Cafe have a happy hour?

Yes, Meli Cafe has a happy hour.

Does Meli Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, Meli Cafe serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Meli Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Meli Cafe allows dogs.

Does Meli Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Meli Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Meli Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Meli Cafe has bike parking.

Does Meli Cafe have outdoor seating?

No, Meli Cafe does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Meli Cafe have parking?

Yes, Meli Cafe has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Meli Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Meli Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Meli Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Meli Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Natural and organic breakfast. Featuring home made marmalades, fresh whipped honey butter, pancakes from scratch, pure maple syrup, organic buckwheat honey, fresh squeezed juices, and an espresso bar.

History

Established in 1996.

Meli Cafe first opened its doors on August 26, 1996

More Info

Health Score

Meli Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

German
1 Review

Ask the Community - Meli Cafe

Do they serve alcohol, mimosas?

They serve alcohol-- had some wonderful bloody Mary's!!

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A beautiful, eclectic coffee house just outside of Chinatown, La Malinche was the perfect place for…read morea casual late breakfast. With a cozy locals vibe, there was a mix of young professionals on laptops and families starting the morning. The bright aesethics of Mexican heritage and decor celebrating local artists make the space inspiring and energizing. The coffee was great. I got the horchata latte, which tasted even better than I hoped. I also ordered a El Chavo Torta, a deceptively simple sandwich that was incredibly delicious. I don't know what they put in the bread or what magical place they bought the cheese from, but my mouth is watering just thinking about it. When I'm in Chicago again, La Malinche is on my list of must visit spots.

Stopped by La Malinche Coffee & Tea House in Pilsen to try something new. Place is nice and quiet…read more Bright pink walls, little decorative hearts, alebrijes all around and full piano in the room. Felt cozy right away. The staff were really welcoming, for an early morning. I got the hot chocolate. Honestly that's exactly what I needed that morning. It had that real Mexican chocolate taste. Thick, creamy, smooth and rich. The cinnamon came through warm but not too strong, plus a little extra on top that hit your nose before the first sip. Sweet and it almost had this slight earthy note too... hard to explain but good. It even had that little design on top, like the ones they do on cappuccinos. Didn't expect that but it was cool. I finished it slow. Didn't wanna rush it. Just sat there taking small sips and enjoying it while it was still hot.

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Hot chocolate

Dolce Arte

4.1(74 reviews)

4.5 mi•Bridgeport

Some restaurants you visit once and think "that was nice." Then there's Dolce Arte -- the kind of…read moreplace you bring your favorite people to, because you already know it's going to be a great time before you even sit down. This was my second visit and it delivered just as hard as the first. The Food What sets this place apart is the quality of ingredients. You can taste the freshness in every dish. The Service Attentive, friendly, and never rushed us. Exactly what you want when you're spending quality time with the people who matter. The Vibe It's cozy, warm, and the kind of spot where catching up with people you love just flows naturally. We lost track of time -- in the best possible way.

Dolce Arte ended up being a nice place to slow down for a bit. It's inside an art gallery, so it…read morehas this mix of rustic and industrial style that feels different from a regular coffee shop. They also have a patio, and with the weather being nice, it was easy to just sit outside and relax for a while. I was honestly too hungry to spend much time deciding, so I just ordered one of the sourdough donut ball. It was exactly what I was hoping for. The outside had a light coating of sugar that gave it just the right amount of sweetness without being too much. Once I bit into it, the inside was soft, airy, and slightly chewy from the sourdough, which made it different from a regular donut. There was a subtle tang from the sourdough that balanced the sweetness really well, so it never felt overly sugary. It had a light crispness on the outside, then a warm, pillowy center that practically melted away with each bite. I finished it way faster than I expected. The only thing I forgot was ordering something to drink with it. Looking back, a good coffee would've made it even better. Still, I'd definitely stop by again the next time I'm in the area.

Pastries

Stockyard Skillet

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I have had their pastries many times (the BEST in neighborhood), only 2nd time having reg food.

The Stockyard Coffeehouse

4.5(146 reviews)

4.5 mi•Bridgeport

The best neighborhood breakfast spot ever. The drink change constantly, and I get excited to see…read morewhat new ones come out. All the matcha lattes are greatttt, the horchata latte could taste more horchata-like... I love the flights of different drinks you can get as well. Very special place. The service is always good everyone is so kind . The shop gets decorated very well throughout the year. Definitely a gem in the southside. Parking is very nice because there is street parking available all the time. Even after moving away from Chicago, I had to come back twice during my trip.

The Pumpkin Horchata + Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam (7.5/10) was SO pumpkin-y, which I loved. It…read moreliterally brought me straight into fall. I could barely taste the coffee though, and it was definitely more of a sweet dessert drink. The Dulce de Leche Frozen Coffee (7/10) was basically a sweet frappe with a nice Mexican-inspired flavor. Solid, but the pumpkin horchata was definitely my favorite. The inside was kinda chaotic. It's a pretty small space with lots of people lining up to order or waiting for food. There are only about 3 tables inside plus a couple outside, so seating is limited.

Selena themed coffee flight

Matcha flight

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Latte flight

Pochos

4.4(130 reviews)

3.0 mi•Pilsen

One of the most surprising brunches in Pilsen. It feels unassuming compared to the hype of places…read morelike Kasama, but this place is worth the visit from any part of the city. The skillet: crispy potatoes, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked eggs, crisp chorizo The french toast: very sweet, but with fantastic bread texture and flavor. Well balanced. Good coffee, get it black or as mexican spice for something sweeter.

Super friendly staff and great space for brunch. I got the fried chicken and French toast and my…read moreniece got the chilaquiles with chicken. Both were amazing and huge! Would definitely come back!

Restaurant at 1pm on Saturday

DEVILED EGGS

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FRIED CHICKEN AND FRENCH TOAST

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

4.2(658 reviews)

2.8 mi•Chinatown

•$

For a take out bakery style restaurant, this place has everything I need and it all tastes great…read more They open super early in the morning if you want that dim sum or bakery fix. There aren't tables so don't expect to sit down to enjoy your food. Service was friendly and prompt. I ordered sui mai, beef rice rolls, lotus leaf rice, zhongzi, and a pineapple bbq pork bun. Everything, and I mean everything, was delicious. This will be my new take out dim sum and bakery spot in Chicago now. Give it a shot, you won't regret it.

This is the best bakery in Southside Chinatown, without a doubt, the line just never stops like…read morethey're handing free food but they're not. Although the prices are very reasonable, you could come here everyday...BTW, make sure to bring cash as it's cash only. I really love coming here after a meal because the buns are soft, light, airy, and sweet. Thus far, my favorites are: - egg custard topping with a red bean filling and - the coconut bun with whipped creme Wow, those are really good but do try their other offerings and determine your own favorite item. I have to try their Argyle location to see if they're consistently great!! Oh, one more thing, there is a ledge by the window where you can eat quickly whilst standing up but it can get very crowded in there. Xie xie Chiu Quon!!

Custom order cakes

Portuguese egg tarts with their tantalizing brulee tops and tasty BBQ pork bun filling

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Portuguese egg tart, coconut bun & BBQ pork bun

Decadent Chicago

4.3(69 reviews)

2.0 mi•Near Southside

Decadent Chicago offers a wonderful and intimate dining experience, with exceptional desserts like…read morethe brownie skillet with ice cream and a delicious red velvet cake slice but my favorite items are pictured. I was visiting Chicago for the first time and stumbled on this hidden gem. I told everyone I could about this place. I went first for breakfast and again for brunch. The cafe provides a wonderful atmosphere, perfect for people-watching and over relaxation. The service is top-tier, with knowledgeable servers and the eclectic vibe is so rejuvenating. I will definitely visit again if I'm ever in the area.

This is genuinely a hidden gem in the city! It's black owned by the nicest family with an amazing…read moreatmosphere and delicious treats. It's more of a cafe style during the day making it a perfect spot to work remotely with great coffee, perfect cookies and great regular food dishes as well with lots of seating. Also great for a casual date. By the evening it turns into more of a restaurant and on certain nights they have events like bingo as well. I got the hazelnut cappuccino and a turtle cookie and they were both phenomenal So worth making the trek out of your way for, i'd highlyyyy recommend!

2.1 mi•University Village

Hot chocolate with S'mores

Toffee bread pudding

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Nice decor, relaxing music and friendly staff.

Sweet Maple Cafe

4.0(1k reviews)

never had a bad meal here…read more never had bad service here. vibes are always great here. that's is the review.

Yummy in my tummy cinnamon roll pancakes The sweet biscuit…read moreand jam was also quite delicious My friend got the biscuits and gravy which also looked great, but I didn't try. My coffee was always filled up and our servers were very nice. I would go back and try one of the omelettes

Service was quick and friendly.

3 Cheese Omelet

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Diaz y Noches Bowl with a Biscuit

Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe

3.5(596 reviews)

1.5 mi•South Loop

Visiting Chicago and decided to try Honey Berry after it was highly recommended, and we're glad we…read moredid! Since we had a party of 16, the staff was able to accommodate us by seating our group together at separate tables, which worked out perfectly. We ordered the Honey Berry French Toast, Carnivore Skillet, Florence Benedict, and Wild Mushroom Omelet. Everything was delicious, and our servers were friendly and attentive. Despite having such a large group, our food came out in a reasonable amount of time. Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely come back again! Until next time, enjoy!

One of the best brunch spots in the south loop! We came on a Saturday and had about a 45 minute…read morewait which sucked. The place is severely understaffed so expect empty tables and a long wait. The wait was worth it! The food came out pretty quick for being busy, but the service was a little slow. We were waiting on refills for some time. We got the biscuits and gravy and carnivore skillet. The biscuits and gravy were my favorite! The gravy was thick and tasty. Both had a ton of toppings and were typical brunch food. Only downside was our food was not warm. Overall this place is tasty if you're willing to wait! I always take friends and family that are visiting here and it never disappoints. The portions are large and worth the price. Only downside is the service.

6.0 mi•Back of the Yards, New City

Dining Area at Honeyberry Chicago

Veggie Skillet w/ sunny side up eggs

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Tom’s Place Pancake House

4.4(47 reviews)

Outstanding community restaurant serving up wholesome food. Small in size with outdoor eating space…read moremakes it perfect. The portions are generous and the price is right. One pancake is all you need but you can order a stack of three. My grits and eggs were divine but the pancake was the clear winner! I would go back here.

Great place to eat yes it's in one of the hoods from Chicago but you should be fine ppl. Parking on…read moresundays is free on the streets on 47th fyi. The staff was amazing and friendly and felt very welcome from the entrance to checking out. Prize was good to be honest and the food was really good. Also noticed that you can reserve a table as well just putting that on here so you girls and guys know. Super clan restaurant and restrooms as well. Come try this place guys and girls.

Patio

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Tom's breakfast burrito

Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe

4.0(322 reviews)

2.6 mi•Chinatown

•$

Saint Anna is a traditional Hong Kong-style bakery and café offering authentic, high-quality…read moreproducts at very reasonable prices. Before the pandemic, we used to visit every weekend. Our family and extended family often ordered birthday cakes from them, and their mango cake was our favorite. When mangoes were in season, they used plenty of fresh mango in the cakes. Their cakes are always fresh, light, fluffy, and not too sweet. My daughter and I also love their individual cakes, especially the Black Pearl and Walnut Cake. Their pineapple buns and egg tarts are her favorites as well. Saint Anna has also been part of our daughter's childhood. When she was little, my husband used to bring her here before or after Chinese school in Chinatown on Sundays. Her go-to breakfast items were the Butter Bun, Ham and Macaroni in Soup, and Diced Ham and Corn in Cream Rice. As she got older, Curry Chicken with Potato became her favorite. She especially loved the potato cubes soaked in the delicious, mild curry sauce. She would always ask for more potatoes and less chicken, haha! Saint Anna is a family-run business, and Sara and Irene, the daughters-in-law, used to take care of the front of house. They were always so friendly and accommodating. After a 6-year hiatus, we finally returned one Friday recently when we happened to be in the area with a friend. Sara is now a co-owner, and it was wonderful to see her again. She immediately recognized us and was so warm and welcoming. She even asked me to relay her greetings to my sisters when she greeted us and again when we were leaving. Those little gestures made our return feel especially meaningful. We were still full from a big dim sum lunch, so my daughter picked up 2 Mini Pineapple Buns and 2 Paper-Wrapped Sponge Cakes, while I got a Red Bean Roll. Everything was fresh, soft, and delicious, and the total came to just under $8, really a great value. Our friend also purchased 2 Fried Sticky Rice Dumplings with Chicken. I had never really paid attention to their limited dim sum selection before, so that was a nice discovery. We love Saint Anna and will definitely be back whenever we're in the area.

I haven't even tried my food yet, but I'm so excited about it. Steady stream of folks coming in…read moreordering food to eat there and to go. The service is super friendly and courteous. It's clear she has regulars and they appreciate her. She knows what she's doing and prioritizes so that the flow is constantly moving but not stressful. It's like art. She also speaks English and Cantonese fluently so ordering is not stressful, but at the same time, the familiarity of hearing Cantonese is comforting. Food: I ordered Chow Fun with Gravy, Beef Egg Gravy with Rice, a bunch of pastry goods. I'll have to wait to try it all to complete my

Red bean bun

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Hong Kong milk tea, egg tart

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39 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Georgia h.

15 years ago

I fell in love with Meli years ago, the have an inovative chef who never stops amazing his customers. I recently saw him on Check Please!! and went to try this location. I have to chef Georgacopoulos did it again. First of all the Meli on Grand location is much more spacious then the Halsted location. The food equally as good (big plus in my book), but what topped it off was the Halloween themed menu..Our table tried the vampire's (blood sausage omelet), the jack o lantern pancakes, and the taffy apple omelet (my personal favorite). Everything was fantastic, and to top it off we hardly waited for our meal even though the place was a zoo. Goes to show you how professional this staff must be. We did get a premium table up on the balcony which allows you to stare out into the masses which i loved. And to top it all off, our table sat across from a few famous athletes. Believe it or not Jermichael Finley of the Green Bay packers was eating across from us... Even my boyfriend a die hard Bears fan, thought it was nice. To sum it all up, Meli on Grand you outdid yourself this weekend!!!! read more

Jason S.

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288

372

719

8 months ago

Stopped by Meli Cafe recently for a late breakfast, which was perfect since they're open until 3 PM. I grabbed a seat at the bar, but there's a ton of walk-in seating for solo diners, which is a big plus. Service was fast, I got my iced coffee and created my own omelette right away. The omelette was fantastic, the hash browns were solid, and swapping toast for a bagel with cream cheese for no extra cost was a nice touch. Everything tasted fresh and satisfying. Considering the total was around $25 with tip, it felt like a steal for downtown. Only downside: there was a bit of a sewage smell from the bathroom, maybe just a bad day, but it was noticeable. Overall, the food more than makes up for it, and I'd definitely come back when craving breakfast. read more

Melanie S.

15 years ago

My coworker bought me lunch from Meli Cafe and I was expecting a usual sandwich and some fries... I was blown away! I ATE THE BEST TURKEY BURGER EVER! The bun was fresh and hot, a steamy fresh turkey burger, it was piled high with roasted fresh vegetables and finished off with a perfect honey dijon! The chips are actual cut potatoes and the pasta salad was delicious. I can't tell you if anything else is good because everytime I go back to Meli Cafe I have to get the turkey burger to satisfy my new craving! My office has made a weekly trip to Meli Cafe for lunch every friday now. My co-workers rave about the salads and breakfast items... but I can only recomend the turkey burger! I got a lot of food for the price I paid too! read more

Susan M.

13 years ago

I really like Meli's for brunch on the weekends. The wait times are typically long on a Sunday. We waited about 45 minutes for a table of 4. In terms of the fresh juices, they are delicious but pricey. Five bucks will get you one glass of fresh squeezed juice so definitely a splurge. My go to menu item is the jalepeno skillet which is absolutely delicious. Has a great kick to it and large enough for 2 meals for me. The bean burger is mediocre and the sandwiches are average as well. Stick to the breakfast items and you will not be disappointed! Also, the service has always been top notch. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a delicious breakfast. read more

Bruce M.

9 years ago

What can I say about this place. Food was horribly made and over priced. I don't know how you can mess up breakfast. The menu choices were even worse! A lot of things but all of them were high priced yuppie food. If you want to eat a traditional breakfast go somewhere else. I avoid this place like the plague! Service was even worse. Waitress only came back once to the table to drop off the food, and then while eating our breakfast she dropped the check right as were we starting to eat. I think that's just plain rude. Do yours of a favor and go somewhere else. Also the portions were very small as well. read more

Lisa C.

10 years ago

We LOVE LOVE LOVE Meli on Halsted. So naturally when we went to Meli on wells we thought it would be equally as good. It wasn't even close. They have fantastic coffee on Halsted. I ordered and sent back the coffee twice on N. Wells and wasn't able to drink it in the end. Was terrible. The staff was aloof. The sausage links normally amazing. Again tasted off. The omlette normally a favorite bursting with fresh veggies. Was not good at all. When we told the manager all he said was -- the food is the exact same as Halsted. UMMM...not quite. We could eat our food on Halsted. Not so on wells. read more

Maya O.

Elite 25

721

170

3 years ago

Meli Cafe is a hidden gem that checks all the boxes! The food is top-notch, the service is on point, and the vibe is super chill. I'm hooked on their pancakes and French toast - solid choices that never disappoint. The menu is massive, offering something for every craving. But here's the secret sauce - their homemade juices. Absolute game-changers! Make sure to treat yourself to those, they're amazing. Whether you're a foodie, juice enthusiast, or just after a laid-back spot, Meli Cafe is the real deal. Can't wait to dive back into that menu! read more

Diana P.

15 years ago

This is the only place in town that has fresh wheat grass juice and fresh fruit smoothies(besides orange juice). The Ginger Splash is amazing, and the regular coffee is good. The Egg omelet special today was excellent which had salami in it. The cherry chocolate french toast special was sweet but very good. On top of that we had excellent service. Seating right away, and a very positive waitress who never forgot about us. So far this is our favorite breakfast place in Chicago, and it tops the Greek Town location. read more

Jane W.

138

12 years ago

Can't say enough good things. VEGANS- get to Meli's ASAP! They have a whole section of breakfast deliciousness for vegan/gluten free eaters. PLUS green juices, fresh fruit smoothies, and wheat grass! The staff is so friendly and warm. It was slammed both times we went, but they are efficient and once seated the food comes very quickly. A brunch that won't leave you feeling heavy. Thank you Meli's! read more

Jessica N.

14 years ago

Meli is nicely decorated, classy, but still charming. Had the gluten-free pancakes -- awesome!!!! Also the smoothies were great, I tried one with avocado--I can't remember what it was called but it was tasty and served in a giant pint glass. They are on the pricey side, but definitely worth it. Service was not bad, not excellent either. All in all a great experience though. read more

Georgia M.

15 years ago

Fantastic very tasty breakfast and brunch. I tried the Gouda and avocado omelette and it was the most delicious i have had for a very very long time. Excellent coffee, personable service and a great menu. It gets busy over the weekends but that is what happens to great places. I can go there every week! read more

Jason Y.

14 years ago

So many fine choices on the breakfast menu. I had coffee, but the selection of juices and healthy drinks looked excellent. Vegan and gluten-free options make this a great place for everyone to have breakfast. Food was very good, this restaurant is highly recommended. read more

Dorothy M.

12 years ago

This place is convenient from where I work. The food came pretty quick too. I just don't like that they don't have a free parking lot, but what do you expect. It's around downtown area. But all in all my experience was good. read more

Stanley C.

10 years ago

A little expensive for a "diner", but the food is absolutely fantastic! Lots of super healthy options on the menu! And the servers are all easy on the eyes. Great place for brunch or lunch, highly recommend!! read more

Reva H.

15 years ago

Best Breakfast place in River North. Decor - Good Price - Reasonable Staff - Friendly My Must Try's Spicy Flamenco Jalapeno Stuffed Strawberry French Toast All their fresh juices and smoothies read more

Tim M.

14 years ago

I've been to this place a couple times, and it's been great. I love their chocolate crepes, and peanut butter. Their omelets are not bad. I love their greek yogurt with honey! read more

Neil B.

15 years ago

So good! They have a good variety of breakfast options on the menu, and the flavors are unique. Everything was delicious! We waited 30 mins, but it was worth it. read more

Lindsey L.

192

11 years ago

Great place for a light breakfast. I wasn't starving, but didn't want to eat at home. Enjoyed an omelette, roommate enjoyed black coffee and kept asking for more. read more

Stuart H.

101

2 years ago

Love our breakfasts at this warm, welcoming cafe! Great food and service! Hanging out on the couches or at the dining tables inside and out read more

Chris M.

16 years ago

great food. the food always taste so fresh!! The juices are also amazing. friendly service and beautiful ambiance. will be back

Meli Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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Beatrix

4.2

(2.8k reviews)

First morning in town, this was near our hotel, and not busy at 8am on a Saturday. (By the time we…read moreleft around nine it was pretty full.) Bright, open, lots of windows, comfy seating. Varied menu. We started with drinks: Sweetie said the coffee was good, Kid K got strawberry milk (made in house, maybe with fresh strawberries from the taste.) I got root beer milk. I've had it before in a bottle from a store, but never seen it on a menu. Not made in-house, they use Monin coffee syrup, but still good. I wasn't very hungry so I just got brown sugar bacon (very good, but not the best I've had.) And shared with K and Sweetie. Sweetie got hash browns and a fruit cup. Big fruit cup, with fresh berries and a little melon. Kid K got Belgian waffles, with strawberries, vanilla whipped cream, and maple syrup. She ate about half, liked it but it's a big portion for a little kid. I tried some and they were very good. Great music- '80s and '90s hits. Great service, start to finish. Pleasant atmosphere. Good location. I'd go back.

We were looking for a restaurant to grab dinner before heading to a comedy show and found Beatrix…read moreon Yelp. The location was convenient for our plans, and overall, we had a nice experience. Our server was great,friendly, attentive, and checked in on us throughout the meal. Once we ordered our drinks and food, though, it took quite a while for everything to come out. The food was good, and our server was very helpful and made sure we had everything we needed.

Yolk - Streeterville

3.9

(2.8k reviews)

We booked this on our recent stay in Chicago. We were looking for a breakfast place to eat near…read moreour hotel and this place came up. It was fairly close to our hotel about a half mile away which wasn't bad. When we got there, it was relatively crowded. I thought they only had a few tables inside and had the outdoor dining area but when I went to the restroom there was even more dining. Once our table was ready, we were seated outdoors since I figured why not enjoy the day. Perhaps not the best since it was noisy with the traffic and when the bridge went up just more pollution and noise. Once the bridge went back down - noise level went down and the smell of pollution moved. Food wise - we enjoyed it. I opted for the Nutella crepe which I finished with the help of my kids. My kids got full order of cakes which was a lot for them. My wife got an eggs Benedict which she enjoyed. Service was good - was attentive and kept refilling my coffee cup. Prices was reasonable, was a casual environment. I would come back again for breakfast and perhaps eat inside next time. !

Stopped by for brunch after the architecture boat tour. Solid brunch place!…read more We were seated quickly and ordered and served in quick time too. I ordered the breakfast burrito, which was large in portions, but OK in quality. Love how things were mixed in well, but not a whole lot going on flavor wise. Lots of eggs in here. Staff however were super friendly and helpful and checked in on us quite often. Definitely a solid place to go for brunch, but nothing to go out of the way for. Perhaps I'd have a slightly more positive view had I chosen one of the more highly raved sweeter options, but that's not my preference for brunch so alas!

Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe

3.5

(596 reviews)

ETA Restaurant + Bar

3.8

(83 reviews)

Stayed two nights here, had total five meals include two breakfast, one late lunch, one late…read moredinner, and one room service. ETA only has the breakfast service then the lobby cover the whole day till 11pm. We enjoyed the breakfast very much. My teen ordered the Chicago breakfast two times in a row. I switched between steak/egg and Parfait with croissants. Both were really good. For lunch or dinner, I recommend the lobster roll which was not too creamy but with the decent meat and mixed well with chopped celery and dill. Just the way I liked. Brussels sprouts with Shinto peppers was another my favorite. Just a good combination with an Asian sweet glaze over them. Services were really to the point. The manager was visiting every table to make sure folks are taken care of.

Breakfast at the hotel is usually standard. You have your staple choices of continental and your…read morenext level of combinations. Needless to say, it was a nice benefit to have breakfast included throughout our stay. Love that they do reservations l, which helps during peak hours. In terms of service wise, some were stellar while others fell short with a few request. While not a big ordeal but it did take one back a bit about expectations with hotel restaurants. It was nice when greeted at the door and lead to a decent size dinning area with a full bar. While food overall isn't spectacular, it meets expectations and does the job before you go on with your day. We didn't have the chance to try dinner there but maybe next time.

Cafe On Oak

3.5

(24 reviews)

When making a reservation at The Drake Hotel I made one with Breakfast included. Upon check in we…read morewere told the breakfast could be done at any of the restaurants in the hotel taking 15$ off each of our bills. We went to Cafe on Oak for our breakfast because they had what was pretty basic American fare. I ordered the Belgian Waffle and Iced tea. The Belgian Waffle was four small waffles. They were over cooked and dense. Husband got an omelette with ham, bacon and cheddar and a side of potatoes. His omelette was also over cooked and dry. Our breakfast with tip was 79$ So our reservation with breakfast included, cost an extra 50$ and the food was mediocre at best. The young man running around clearing tables and filling coffee was more than earning his pay. Our server never came back to check on us. Never got a tea refill once plates were dropped.

The best part about this place is how unique it is inside. It's got a bit of an old time feel, but…read moreit's clean and well-lit. It's inside the Drake Hotel. Depending where you sit, you can see a bit of the water. The menu is a bit pricey. $7 for coffee?! I am not a big eater so I opted for the breakfast sandwich at $12. The MM x JD Benedict dish was pretty amazing. Loved the two options and my husband said it tasted good. Our server was attentive and helpful, even filling my reusable water bottle with ice and water before we left.

Petterino's Pasticceria

4.6

(19 reviews)

What a cute little spot! I recently stopped by here for lunch during the work day, and its location…read morein downtown is perfect for that. The area where you order is pretty small but it's decorated so cutely. They had a variety of options- from sandwiches to dessert type things. I got the caprese sandwich and it was perfect for lunch. The pesto was soooooo yummyy, I wish they bottled it up. The ingredients were also what I would consider to be fresh which was really nice. I did see later that they have sandwiches with red peppers and caramelized onions- had I seen those earlier I maybe would have asked to add those items on to mine. But nevertheless, it was a delicious sandwich and was the perfect size for lunch! The service was pretty fast, we weren't waiting long for our food. While my colleague and I took our food back to the office, there was plenty of seating. There's a separate covered patio, and then there Is some tables completely outside as well. Next time I'm in Chicago I'll be stopping by for that pesto!

What a beautiful little space for a sweet midday pasterie and a cup of cappuccino, with tons of…read morecharm right off Randolph Street in the Loop with a great upscale patio! It's somewhat secluded and easy to miss yet sits just opposite Daley Plaza. Look for the red awning and cute bistro tables. The girl at the counter was cheerful and I feel pricing is fair. Overall I'd definitely recommed it if you want something that just feels a bit more sophisticated.

Beatrix - Fulton Market

4.0

(788 reviews)

Truly had the best dinner and service after a long work trip in Chicago…read more Service from the beginning was lovely, friendly and personable. My friend had a serious shellfish allergy and they labeled both our shared plate and her entree with an allergy pick, which I thought was so smart and attentive. Ordered the buffalo cauliflower bites with homemade Ranch and they were so good. I had the strip steak with chimichurri and fries, friend had the mushroom burger with fries and we both licked our plates clean. So damn good! The dessert is what really blew us away / we ordered the strawberries and cream cake and got the largest slice of goodness. Fluffy, fresh, not too sweet. We destroyed that as well. Left happy, full and well taken care of. Can't wait to come back and try more next time I'm in town.

We are new to the area and have come in here for breakfast and lunch so far and we love it!!…read more It does get loud if you don't mind that because the food and service is great!! We sat at the bar for breakfast with zero complaints and a table for lunch also great service. Food is delicious and portion size is perfect. I didn't get photos because I was too busy inhaling it. Next time...

The Good Eating Company

4.1

(14 reviews)

I wanted to like this place so much! I am new to this building, and was excited to see the great…read morereviews and the fact that they have a happy hour. I regret to share that after trying them a couple times, I find myself less than impressed. Speaking with others working in the building, they generally share my sentiment. The one thing I want to give them credit for is their pastries. These are of high quality, flaky, fresh tasting, and not sugar bombs. Alas, I then made the mistake of ordering breakfast, and then later an appetizer at happy hour. So... For breakfast, I got a combo which consisted of eggs, meat, bread, and potatoes. The eggs were more of a over-hard than over-medium, but after spending some time in the container, this could have been radiant heat of everything else - in others words, forgivable. What isn't forgivable is that the potatoes had three times the normal amount of salt. Before you say yikes, I have a bigger one for you: the chicken sausage; this was burnt to the point of charcoal! Yikes. Then came a different visit at happy hour. I wanted to order the first item on the drink menu, but they were out of an ingredient. I wanted to order the second, but they were ALSO out of an ingredient. The drink the bartender made me was good, but not what I initially wanted, or the backup I wanted to it. As for an app, I ordered the spiral potato, which failed as bad as the breakfast. First, it was cooked inconsistently, with the inside being underdone. Worse still, it too had an obscene amount of salt. A case when I sent food back. Final verdict: I will give T.G.E.C. credit for great pastries, but that is where I have to stop. While the prices are somewhat reasonable, in exchange one gets WAY oversalted and overdone or underdone food. See a drink you like on the menu... they don't have it. At this rate, I rather go elsewhere, for the area is far from a desert.

This is a wonderful spot for grabbing lunch with coworkers or a quick drink/pastry. The food is…read morefreshly made and the prices are affordable for downtown. I ordered a chicken pesto sandwich, and it came with a side salad. The salad was delicious, and I enjoyed the pesto on the sandwich. However, the chicken was dry and not very flavorful. My coworkers really enjoyed the tortilla soup and the housemade sodas. I also ordered a 77 Fog Latte, which is their version of a london fog and it was solid. The ambiance is clean and open. There is a lot of natural light that comes into the restaurant. I think this would be a great place to study or do work. Service was quick and friendly. I would come again.

Current

3.3

(73 reviews)