Meli Cafe image

Meli Cafe

Restaurant Cafe Bar Coffee shop Breakfast restaurant American restaurant Brunch restaurant Juice shop Greek restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Juice shops in Chicago


Address

500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Website

www.melicafe.com

Contact

+1 312-834-0500

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (2.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 7 am to 3 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 3 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 3 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 3 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 3 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 3 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 3 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (22) breakfast (18) delicious (12) service (10) great (9) eggs (9) toast (8) bread (8) menu (8) banana (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Juleigh M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for generous breakfast portions and special diet requirements such as gluten free, vegan, dairy free, etc. The first breakfast I had gluten free crepes. They were light and fluffy and covered in a lot of beautiful berries, a full banana, house made granola and drizzled in honey. Delicious!! My daughter had chocolate crepes with Nutella. They were super sweet and a little too rich but she laughed at herself saying, What did I expect!? She enjoyed the leftovers after a night of seeing the sights. The second morning I had the pictured gluten free French toast, well the picture shows less than half of the meal. Again covered in berries and a banana. I asked for maple syrup instead of agave and it was real maple syrup. They used three large hearty multi grain pieces of bread and the soy custard it was dipped in was delicious. My daughter got the Greek yogurt which was generously covered in granola and almonds with a very tasty honey. The portion was quite large! She added sides of potatoes and the chicken cherry sausage thinking yogurt wouldn't be enough. Again all the servings were huge and delicious and she really didn't need the much food. A good problem to have I guess. The lunches offered sounded wonderful as well but we didn't get to eat there for lunch.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 yitz w. 1 year ago on Google
    Unfortunately we had a terrible meal at this Café. The food was drenched In butter and oil and didn't taste good. I gave 2 starts instead of 1 because the waitresses was nice and understanding when we returned the meal.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ricky A. 2 years ago on Google
    Convenient location next to our hotel in downtown Chicago. Seating was quick. Place is kept very clean and spacing between tables is adequate. Extensive menu with a very unique drink menu featuring many health option smoothies. Short wait time for food after order was taken. Had the banana french toast which came on banana bread - thick slices and plenty of banana. The smoothie pic is 'oatmeal'. The other order was 'Berry crepe' which came with lots of fresh berries. Prices are very reasonable compared to other Chicago restaurants we have been to. Overall, this business is customer focused and recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 C 9 months ago on Google
    Good food and large portions. We went on Sunday around 1 pm. I will say that it was in the 70s outside and it was cooler outside than inside. It felt hot and sticky inside and there were bugs, which was not great. Otherwise, everything else was good. We had a bowl, a waffle, and a freshly squeezed juice which was great but also room temp (almost warm).
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc-Grégor C. 2 years ago on Google
    The staff was so carrying and nice, it really made for a good experience. The food is delicious, there smoothie are great. It is a little on the expensive side but overall fair. Portions are nice and plentiful. The place is very nice and comfortable. A good place for a good brunch.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Almagul 1 year ago on Google
    Came for breakfast and got lax and bagel with café latte. Salmon was okay, but coffee was delicious. Overall enjoyed the atmosphere. This place has a good variety of breakfast. Service needs some improvement tho.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Meenakshi D. 1 year ago on Google
    The best ever breakfast, brunch place. Lots of options in both meat, non meat, vegan. The food is freshly made and tastes damn good! Worth every penny and quantity is well sufficient. Would suggest everyone to have breakfast or brunch here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Courtney S. 10 months ago on Google
    Came by for brunch after coworking at Harold Washington library- super convenient that it’s right down the street. Server, hostess and busser were all friendly, food was really good. I got the tofu scramble with the red marinara sauce on the side, hashbrowns, the raspberry purée cocktail and a green juice (to go). I love they have a great vegan and gluten free menu, I’ll for sure be back with my friends to try other yummies that the menu offers 💕
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew F. 5 months ago on Google
    Got the Irish Benedict and it was very tasty. This restaurant is great for groups with big round tables and comfy booths. Getting to the bathroom is interesting as you have to go to the front desk, get a key card, and go to the hotel next door - but you don't have to go outside. Very clean overall. White tablecloths and napkins are pressed and have no crumbs or spots. Staff was friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Inferno S. 6 months ago on Google
    It's a really beautiful place. Well kept & maintained. The food was great, we got the "Down on the Farm" (front) & "Eggs your way". Really good, portions were generous. Menu ranges from breakfast, brunch, lunch, & some dinner options. Along with Vegetarian options. Would come by again if in the area. 1 star lost since even though our waiter constantly kept coming to us, eventually it got busy & she forgot about us. After many waiters passed by us even when it was obvious we finished, one of them told us to go to the front & pay there, he told us what table & when coming up to the front, they were confused. No communication between each other but it was paid & check receipt to make sure it is what we ordered & not some others table.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Binita A. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a brunch cafe you would want to come if you are coming with group of people with different taste. When I tell you they have everything for everyone I am not lying because I was so happy to see chicken kebob plate and eggs benedict on the same menu. The service was great, the staffs were attentive, coffee was definitely the best I had in my whole Chicago stay. It is also located in quite central location so is accessible easily.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca R. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the food! The service was excellent, the waitress let me take my time despite having a few crowded tables. No pressure but also very knowledgeable in the menu items. Since this place is next to a hotel, bathrooms need key access. Again, very nice place and classy! I hope to return soon! :) in my photots I show the chicken and waffle with orange juice and coffee.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike G. 1 year ago on Google
    Only been here once, after I ran the shamrock shuffle. Busy because it was Sunday morning, but food was delicious and affordable. Baby friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly 1 year ago on Google
    Wow! I had the cobbler crepe and it was so delicious. I also really enjoyed my iced latte since it was such a hot day on the patio. The patio space was perfect, I really appreciated the shady spot under the umbrella when the sun was so hot. I will definitely be back!!

  • 5/5 Lagene L. 1 year ago on Google
    Meli Cafe was amazing!!! We had a delicious breakfast with them. Such huge servings!! Omelettes, 🥓 bacon, & breakfast your way was all delicious!! Lovely views & easy walk. Breakfast, lunch, & dinner all served. Enjoy!!!

  • 4/5 am p. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was tasty drinks were good. service was good but I believe our server had too many tables. We even had to track her down to pay our bill. They don't have any bakery items other than muffins n bagels. Limited vegan options. They are good at catering We use them for our office brunch n there was more than enough food for people to get 2nds and 3rds. Food is good

  • 4/5 Ray and Sheena P. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here for breakfast with my husband on a Sunday morning. We were seated right away with no wait! First service was good. Waitress was attentive and refilled my coffee cup which if you know anything about me, having my refillable drinks topped off is huge when it comes to service. I ordered the salmon eggs benedict which was delicious! The eggs were poached perfect and loved seeing the yolk flow down over the salmon. The only thing lowering my rating is the price. We paid $60+ with tax and tip for my eggs benedict, my husband's omelet, coffee and the Pure Gold juice.

  • 5/5 Eduardo S. 2 years ago on Google
    I thought the banana french toast was going to be something simple with some garnish and good presentation but the bread was actually banana bread with some nuts that treated on the pan as french toast. Perfect amount of Cinnamon. The Florentine eggs and veggies was the classic American breakfast I think a little bit of Hollandaise sauce would've enhanced the dish, but overall th service, food and place was good. I love the diversity of Chicago, eating beside of an Indian couple, African Americans in front of us and a group of Colombians behind - it felt so nice to be just another guy, but I came from St Louis and that's the reason why it feels so good. Now I understand why people want to move to Chicago. Good food, diversity, open minded, very vibrant down town and the economy is moving way faster than St Louis.

  • 5/5 Jana B. 2 years ago on Google
    The breakfast tacos are delish!! It contains chorizo, eggs, peppers, and jalapeños. I requested fruit on the side and it was fresh. I've been here several times and it never fails to disappoint.

  • 5/5 Michael P. 6 months ago on Google
    The bar was set very high and all I had was the Classic Mimosa, Strawberry Salad, and coffee! Lunchtime, no wait. Professional, courteous, and attentive service. High quality ingredients and impeccable cook on the chicken! The coffee was just a test... primo! All at what I would consider a decent price!

  • 5/5 Juan A. R. 2 years ago on Google
    One of our favorite breakfast spots. The portions are very generous and very delicious. The avocado toast was a hit. The chicken omelette, french toast, and eggs benedict are always the perfect flavor and consistency we look for. I highly recommend Meli Cafe. The ambiance is calm and enjoyable. Dress is casual, staff is friendly and prices are fair.

  • 5/5 Bob A. 5 months ago on Google
    Nice little breakfast cafe next to the hotel we were staying at, and servers are attentive. The food was great, mostly the Americana menu, but overall, it is a good place to grab a bite if you're in the area. I do recommend ghe cherry-chicken sausage. The portions are good size, and you will not feel like you are overpaying.

  • 4/5 Kajon 6 months ago on Google
    Im all for trying new and different things. And i got the shauska, and it was delicious! Two poached eggs in a seasoned array of tomato sauce with a side of warm pita bread recommended to anyone who likes a little Mediterranean flare! As for the granola crepes, they were okay, I ended up just eating the fruit off of them. It's cute and clean, and I noticed all of the flys were outside that buliding! Major plus! The staff was attentive and on top of their flow! A great first-time experience!

  • 1/5 Stephanie A. 2 years ago on Google
    Ordered avocado toast and it was soggy and they used guacamole instead of avacado like it says on the menu. Called to explain and they didn't seem to care at all. Waste of almost $20 for some soggy bread with nasty guac!

  • 3/5 Gilberto E. 2 years ago on Google
    I liked this place and I think in general is okay for breakfast. The food is good however I believe it can lack some flavor but nothing you can't fix. My biggest complain with this place would be the service, which feels very impersonal and could definitely improve. I was there on a Sunday and there was a wait of about 20 mins which I think is reasonable.

  • 3/5 Samantha C. 4 months ago on Google
    I had some time to spare and stopped in for breakfast. Food portions were generous but the flavors were lacking. Avocado toast: the bread was not toasted, which feels like the staple of the dish. Soggy bread really dampened the whole taste, though the avocado spread, corn, and beans were good. Corn beef hash: I ordered a side portion and was served two hockey pucks of food. The flavor was ok. Sunny side up eggs: overcooked yolk, wasn’t runny Hash browns: seems like standard frozen hash browns, nothing to write home about, not bad. $35 (pre tip) for the food pictured and a mango smoothie - enough food for 2-3 people. Service was ok, my server grabbed my drink order and then didn’t return to get my food order until I made pretty direct eye contact with her. The place was pretty empty so I expected a bit more check-in. Other staff like hosts and kitchen crew were hanging around, for a restaurant connected to a hotel I may have been expecting a bit higher-end service.

  • 5/5 M C. 3 months ago on Google New
    Wonderful breakfast near Willis Tower. Friendly service and healthy breakfasts for adults and for kids their favorite chocolate chip pancakes.

  • 5/5 Katia S. 3 months ago on Google New
    During my stay at Chicago I was desperate for a delicious lactose free breakfast when I came across Meli Café! And I had it!!! Delicious and 100% zero dairy! The environment is very cozy too! Highly recommend!!!


Call +1 312-834-0500 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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