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    Nabala Cafe

    4.8 (96 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    NABALA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for working
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Nabala Cafe

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    Cardamom Latte And Hummus Pita
    Steve A.

    Checked out this pretty cozy cafe. It has kind of an African theme going on. Nabala Cafe is one of the newer coffee shops in Uptown. Great place to get going. There's also pastries. Basically it seems like a pretty simple cafe to get breakfast. It's also of course open at lunch. There's also later if you need to get perked up. Has a pretty limited menu. There's a few coffees and pastries. It's about $4 to get a medium coffee. Last time here it was the Cardamom Latte which smelled and tasted so wonderful. It's about $5 to get something to eat. Last time I got a Hummus Pita. Basic. This is just a pita filled with hummus so it's simple. A pretty good thing if eating on the go. The problem is the lack of seats because it's cramped in here at lunch. For sure it's a pretty great place to come and chill. It's got a pretty interesting selection of coffee that's not usual plus some pastries. This is located close to the Wilson Avenue station.

    Front window temporary signs
    Jessica G.

    Nabala cafe is a lovely addition to the neighborhood- perfect for a hot coffee or sweet treat!

    Outside
    Sabrina R.

    Nabala Cafe is a beautiful spot to grab some coffee, a quick bite, and study or catch up with friends. I love the community bookcase, with some great reading material. The space is bright, and the staff were super friendly. This is Uptown, so the parking is always up in the air, but I parked on Wilson because I had some other errands to run, and then walked over to Nabala. The cardamom latte was very good, with nice, but not overpowering cardamom flavor. The spinach pie was great with a nice lemony tang. I grew up in Uptown, and I know how this area was, as well as how it has changed in the last 30 years. At times it's bittersweet, but I can say I love to see new small businesses pop up in the area, especially when they add to the diversity and community that is Uptown.

    Ananya M.

    Was so cute on the inside and has a bunch of fun interesting palestine inspired drinks -- chai, baklava latte, cardamom/rose infused drinks. we got the chai latte with oat milk and it was good for like the first 3 sips then tasted not so good (assuming the sweetner was in the bottom). would've been better if they had mixed the sweetner with the chai concentrate rather than adding it before. also $7.69 for a small chai is a little pricy i think.

    Chai karak
    Chris M.

    Whether it's hanging out with friends/family or enjoying some time to yourself, Nabala Cafe is the perfect place to unwind. With the cozy atmosphere, vibrant decor, and ample natural light, the vibes here are immaculate. Nabala offers a nice variety of food - everything from savory za'atar bread to sweet baklava to numerous other baked goods - and of course they have a fine drink selection. Being a big milk tea fan, I'm personally fond of the Chai Karak. If you order a pot, it comes on a beautiful tray with cute little tea cups. Finally, huge shout-out to the staff here. They're all super friendly and this cafe has been through so much since they opened so if you're remotely near Uptown, swing by and show your support!

    Cardamom Cold Brew
    Anthony D.

    A Palestinian coffee shop located in Uptown. It serves coffee, baked goods, and some food items. The location is on the smaller side, so the limited seating when I showed up at noon was full. It is definitely a popular local spot. The staff was friendly when I asked questions on their specialty drinks and ended up ordering their Cardamom Cold Brew. It was pretty good and definitely has a unique flavor. The food looked pretty good, but I ate before I came so passed on it this time.

    Rohini G.

    Beautifully decorated and cute shop! Stopped in on a Friday evening and ordered a karak chai which was well seasoned and mildly sweetened. Also tried a few mamoul cookies. Staff is very friendly and gave us extra pastries to go before closing. Highly recommend!

    Arielle S.

    Nabala has become a go-to spot when I have visitors in town. It's the perfect setting to sit and chat (if you can get a seat - it gets pretty packed) over a pot of chai or some coffee. We tried some Turkish coffee and chai the last time I went. Love the vaguely herbal flavor in the Turkish coffee, and how the chai wasn't too sweet. Can't recommend this place enough!

    karak chai, pastries
    Sam L.

    Chai was soooo delicious! Cute cafe in a beautiful building and beautiful neighborhood. I've passed by it several times without knowing what it was and finally ended up checking it out. We ordered the karak chai with the spinach and chicken pastries, and loved everything. I will definitely be telling all my friends about this place and hope to be back soon.

    menu
    Maisune E.

    if i lived in chicago, this is where you would find me as a second home. the entire cafe is like a big, warm hug as soon as you walk in. i get emotional in such community spaces so maybe it showed on my face as i ordered, but the servers were family-like kind and sweet. it felt like i was home with my cousins who were making me tea in their home kitchen. i am in love with the grassroots decor, i could spend hours reading every sheet of paper, flyer, and picture inside. the leave a book, take a book concept only added to the connection. i enjoyed my iced mint tea, muhammara, and chicken fatayer. i asked to order zaatar to finish off my olive oil dipping and they provided it complimentary. since we can't enter palestine, this cafe brought palestine to us and im so grateful.

    mint chai, cardamom cafe au lait
    Mona T.

    So glad this spot just opened! It's a wonderful Palestinian-owned cafe and community space with amazing staff, patrons, and books to borrow/browse. Their drink selection is tasty and unique (really enjoyed the cardamom cafe au lait), and the food is solid and affordable too. It's perfect for working remotely, as they have long hours (from 7am-7pm or 10pm on most days) and spacious seating. I only wish that I lived closer that I could frequent this spot more often!

    Inside
    Andrew P.

    Came here on their very first day of their soft opening and am just thrilled to have them in the neighborhood. They're a Palestinian coffee shop with options like Turkish and Arabic coffee plus the typical coffee stuff. I also saw pastries/food but did not partake as I was about to have lunch elsewhere. Will need to come back to try them! The employees I encountered were friendly and the vibe overall was nice. I'd imagine as the establishment works through any kinks and whatnot, this place will be a perfect place to come by and do work, read, or catch up with friends. Excited to have you in Uptown!

    Store front
    Talena H.

    I went here to get a latte which is really good it was about seven dollars I believe which is a typical price I pay but it was a nice lowkey coffee shop they were pretty busy inside. I did get my order right away. Most people that was inside was already sitting down working and talking to each other so I got service pretty quickly which is great. It was a lot of information about Palestine inside I believe this is a Palestinian business, so it was nice to see that they were doing well! Also, they had a really cool bookshelf and I wanted to take a lot of the books to read because I love reading books but I didn't so I'm definitely go back to sit and read at some point it was kind of loud in there only because it was a lot of people so I'll probably wouldn't come a day that they're not super busy on the inside so I have some silence but other than that it was very nice

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    1 year ago

    I am a jewish person who feels extremely comfortable, safe, and nourished by delicious food and drink at Nabala Cafe.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    I stop by whenever I'm in the neighborhood- such a great atmosphere. The drinks are unique and delicious!

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    2 years ago

    Delicious cardamom coffee. Nice vibes, including kind and welcoming service. Yummy pastries. Free Palestine.

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    1 year ago

    Beautiful cafe! Amazing people! Delicious coffee and food. Don't let genocidal idiots try to ruin another amazing safe space for ALL people.

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    1 year ago

    Nabala Cafe hosts great events. They are a wonderful community resource. They have good coffee and food, too!

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    1 year ago

    Here for the community, and the community is here for Nabala. The drinks are pretty great too!!! Thanks for this space

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    1 year ago

    Drinks are all made with love and served in real mugs ! Their food options are authentic and entire staff is amazing and diverse !

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    1 year ago

    Thanks for the amazing labneh! Excellent vibes and coffee. You are my favorite place in uptown.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Amazing experience! Great food, lovely staff and service, and overall excellent. Loved the quiche and baklava I had.

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    1 year ago

    Super cozy, neighborhood-centered spot with friendly service and great coffee specials!!

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    2 years ago

    The best oat chai! And the team working are always welcoming. Love how they now have a loyalty stamp card :)

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    1 year ago

    Fantastic coffee and sweets!! I love supporting a good cause too. Can't recommend enough and will definitely be back.

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    1 year ago

    Amazing food and even better atmosphere! I love the chai latte. I can't wait to come back!!

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    2 years ago

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    Mango Mango Dessert

    Mango Mango Dessert

    4.4
    (444 reviews)
    7.9 mi
    $$

    I love mangos and with a shop named Mango Mango, it's a requirement to check it out. This shop was…read morepacked and quite busy. It has a loud yet lively atmosphere. There was a line but fortunately the wait wasn't long and I saw a table open up just after I ordered. Food arrived quickly. I got the mango snowcloud and it was huge! It's definitely around a 2 or 3 people's serving size. Lushious cubes of ripe mangos sprinkled with mango popping boba surrounded the mountain of soft, pillowy, creamy, mango milk ice, which was topped with mango ice cream, further drizzled with mango sauce. It was decadent and refreshing, so tasty yet not overwhelmingly sweet. The flavors were so good!!! Highly recommend this and would be back to try other items on their menu.

    Mango Mango Dessert is a dessert shop that focuses on fresh fruit flavors, especially mango-based…read morecreations inspired by Hong Kong-style dessert shops. We walked into a casual and modern space that works well for stopping by after a meal or meeting up with friends for something sweet. The interior is bright and clean, with a relaxed energy that makes it easy to settle in for a dessert without feeling rushed. The menu has a wide range of options, from shaved ice and mango sago to cakes and other fruit desserts, making it easy to find something depending on your mood. The mango mille crepe cake is one of the highlights and a great representation of what the shop does well. We ordered a slice and found the cake made with thin layers of crepe stacked together with cream and fresh mango, creating a texture that feels light while still being satisfying. The layers are soft and delicate, and the mango adds a bright fruitiness that keeps the dessert from feeling overly heavy or too sweet. The balance between the creamy layers and the fresh mango flavor made it feel more refreshing than a traditional cake, especially with the mango being ripe and fragrant. It was also one of the better choices for sharing, as the slice was generous enough to pass around the table. Beyond the mille crepe cake, the menu has plenty of variety with options like mango shaved ice, mango sticky rice, and fruit-based drinks. We appreciated that the desserts are presented carefully, making the experience feel more like a sit-down dessert stop rather than just grabbing something quick. The shaved ice was light and fluffy, with a good amount of mango and toppings that added texture without overwhelming the base. The fruit-based drinks were also refreshing and served as a nice palate cleanser between the richer desserts. The shop can get busy, especially after dinner hours, but the line usually moves along at a steady pace. The staff handled the flow efficiently, and the turnover was fast enough that even with a small wait, we were seated quickly. The seating area is comfortable, and the energy of the room stays lively without becoming too loud. Mango Mango Dessert is a solid Chinatown dessert destination if you are looking for fruit-forward sweets with a lighter, refreshing style. The mango mille crepe cake is a must-try for first visits and one of the items that best captures the appeal of the menu, offering a dessert that feels both visually appealing and satisfying to eat.

    Photos
    Mango Man-Coco Sticky Smoothie
    Mango Man-Coco Sticky Smoothie
    Mango taiwanese shaved ice $14.99
    Mango taiwanese shaved ice $14.99
    Strawberry and mango sago

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    Strawberry and mango sago
    UFOUU

    UFOUU

    4.3
    (60 reviews)
    7.9 mi

    Cheesecake was fire, was fluffy and not too sweet. Very cute shop. A bit pricey for the portion,…read morebut it's Chicago.

    I recently tried UFOUU, the Chicago-based bakery known for their Japanese-style cheesecakes, and…read moreoverall it was a really a hit for me. I wish I was able to travel with one of their cheesecakes but they require refrigeration. Anyhow the cheesecake itself was delicious super light, fluffy, and honestly felt like biting into a cloud. I had the salted egg but they had several flavor options that I would've loved to try if slices were available. The texture is what really stands out, and the flavor was unique and interesting in a good way. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it taste like, but it was sweet, but not too sweet They only sale but I consider a personal size but it's definitely enough to share with two people, maybe even three depending on how much of a sweet tooth you have. My only downside like others is the price. Paying around $19-$20 for a small cheesecake felt a bit steep, especially since they don't offer slices. I really wish they had smaller portions available so you could try different flavors without committing to a full cake prize. They package it very well and they also serve you a cute little fork set and a knife for cutting which I think is contributes to the price. The shop itself is very cute with chic décor and a lot of Asian-inspired artwork, which adds to the overall vibe. Customer service was friendly. When I visit Chicago again I'd definitely go back the texture and taste alone make it worth it but I do hope they consider offering smaller portions in the future.

    Photos
    Matcha
    Matcha
    UFOUU
    UFOUU

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    Mabu Generation

    Mabu Generation

    4.3
    (58 reviews)
    7.9 mi
    $$

    We came to Mabu Generation on a Sunday evening when the restaurant was not busy and was actually…read moreunusually quiet. One thing I personally did not like was that they require customers to pay first before the food comes out. For a sit-down restaurant, I prefer to eat first and pay after, especially when service is expected. The service was not very proactive during our visit. The food was okay, but nothing really stood out to me. For the price, I felt it was a little pricey compared to Taipei Cafe, and the overall experience did not feel worth it. Overall, the food was just alright, the service could be improved, and the pay-first system was not something I liked. I don't think I would come back.

    Decided to spontaneously eat here on a friday night while walking past and did not regret it…read more The restaurant wasnt overly crowded or loud and, the service was great while the food was even better. The taiwanese style popcorn chicken and pork cutlet were super juicy and tender with nicely crisp breading. The sausage had a pleasant sweetness to it and was served with garlic chips, which added a nice touch. Finally, the broth of the Sichuan noodles was packing with flavor: sweet, tangy, spicy, umami - truly hit all the spots without being too numbing to your mouth, if thats one of your concerns Would definitely return to try the other menu items, especially their hot sizzling plates and their dessert/drink offerings

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Ovaltine Condensed milk French toast
    Ovaltine Condensed milk French toast
    R07. Japanese Style Curry & Garlic Udon With Mashed PotatoTempura Shrimp

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    R07. Japanese Style Curry & Garlic Udon With Mashed PotatoTempura Shrimp
    Te’amo Boba Bar

    Te’amo Boba Bar

    4.4
    (273 reviews)
    7.9 mi
    $$

    Are you guys ready for this review??…read more So my partner decided we are going to china town for lunch with his mom and sister. Family day in the city, DURING A SNOWSTORM!! We arrive, place is closed, will open in 10 mins. Perfect, we go to a near by shop and I spot some demon hunter Stanley cups!! I get them of course! We head to lunch, everything is great! As we are heading out, my partners sister spots Te'amo! I ask if she's ever had mochi donuts. She hasn't, so of course we must stop in because everyone needs to try them at least once!!! We order at the kiask and patiently wait for our order. We get our order and leave....leaving the bag with the Stanley's behind!!! We don't realize this until we are home (45 mins away)! I immediately call, no answer, call again, no answer. I decide to DM their instagram page and guess what??? THEY HAD THE CUPS!!! Here I was thinking $150 in cups were gone. But they had them!!! A miracle!! 10/10 stars!! Anyway! I highly recommend the brûlée ube milk tea and the ube mochi donuts!!

    We stopped in whilst visiting Chinatown. We have one in our town and like to visit it on occasion…read more We ordered 5 drinks on the kiosk and found a place to sit in the back corner. Our order was ready pretty quick and everyone seemed happy with their drinks. The drinks are so pretty! Te'amo is pretty small and the night we went it was really messy.

    Photos
    Te’amo Boba Bar
    Super cute, friendly, fast and amazing boba! Definitely a place to check out.
    Super cute, friendly, fast and amazing boba! Definitely a place to check out.
    Ube Mochi Donut

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    Ube Mochi Donut

    Nabala Cafe - cafes - Updated July 2026

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