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Cafe 28
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Latin American Mexican, Latin American [Edit]
1800 W Irving Park Rd(at Ravenswood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 528-2883
- Nearest Transit:
-
Irving Park-Brown (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 11:30 am - 2 pm
Tue-Thu 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Thu-Fri 11 am - 2 pm
Fri-Sat 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 2 pm
Sun 5:30 pm - 9 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
582 reviews for Cafe 28
Review Highlights
"almond crusted halibut-flaky yet nice and meaty."
(in 44 reviews)
"We shared the Taste of Cuba: Fried plantains (oh, yes."
(in 44 reviews)
"Still a great choice for Cuban food."
(in 54 reviews)
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582 reviews in English
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Review from Lydia P.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2012
I walked by this place every day on my way to work and it never looked open. Then I realized that they do lunch primarily, which solved that mystery. I went today with women from work, and we were all impressed.
The coffee was great--not watery or run-of-the-mill. For lunch, I had chilaquiles with scrambled eggs. I've never had them before today, and they were great here. The chips were nice and crisp, and not too soggy under the salsa. At our table, we also had a cubano, which apparently had a great bread-meat ratio. There was an order of spinach quesadillas, which I almost ordered and which the eater loved. Two of the women ordered tacos, and again, thumbs up all around.
I'd absolutely come back for lunch again, especially since I now know the elusive business hours. Could I have checked online? Probably, but that's no fun. -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
2/5/2012
Maybe a bit of laurel riding going on here. Clean, classy, great service and really average food. Not complaining, as Aunt n Unc hosted us and the company was first rate.
But our Sandwich Cubanos, which one might think would be flagship here...DUH - were dry and skimpy.
Oh well. -
Review from Tiffany k.
Chicago, IL
12/19/2011
I have been waiting to come here, but I've been lazy. A friend came into town and I found myself walking into this place, and I was very excited to try this place out.
For starters, the decor is amazing. it's spacious but cozy, and it was busy on a Friday night. I ordered an original Mojito and the Ropa Vieja (I am a complete sucker for Cuban food). The mojito was the best I have EVER had, and it was seriously perfect. The ropa vieja was tender, and the plate was huge.
We also had an appetizer of bacon wrapped dates. They were good, but just a bit too sweet for me. No worries, though, we finished the plate! This place is perfect for small groups or going on a date with your S.O.
The server was friendly, and I just really liked the vibe here.
I will definitely be back to try other dishes! -
Review from Ryan H.
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would go here for their butter alone. Tremendous portions and well worth the cost!
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Review from Jeff F.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2012
Great cuban food. Love the pork chops.
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Review from JIm L.
Park Ridge, IL
2/1/2012
Been going here for yrs, since it was a one room shop. Hasn't missed a step over the years. The flavors are still vibrant and the wine list well conceived.
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Review from Josh L.
Bloomington, IN
1/23/2012
I had never been to this restaurant before and absolutely LOVED it! The ambiance is great and has a good vibe with the latin music playing. The service was very attentive and the food was outstanding! Very reasonably priced and nice menu selection! I was very impressed and will definitely go back soon.
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Review from Michael R.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2012
If I were to die tomorrow and asked what I wanted as a last meal, I would go here and order their pork chop. The Best pork chops I've ever tasted in the city. First went here for my birthday as a gift from my little brother. I was curious about the place since I walked by it a thousand times. Once you walk in the atmosphere quickly changes. Very pleasant. The menu can slightly be compared to Sabor Y Cuba on Wilson and Wolcott but more upscale and expensive. This has become one of our "parents-nite-out spots.
scale: 1-10
atmosphere: 9 (dining area tends to be too dark for my liking but eyes adjust after a while).
Beverages:7 Great imports selection but mojitos are overrated and to expensive.
Food: 9 Best pork chops in the world. Good Cuban selection.
When coming here I highly advice you to make reservations.
Can be nice for kids but I wouldnt recommend. Parking will be an issue. -
Review from Shia H.
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I need to start by saying--I have never EVER had Papa Rellenas melt in my mouth!!!
The Friday night crowd almost made L and I turn around, but, we decided to sit at the bar in the back and make the most of it. ((best idea ever!))
The bar tender was nice to us, make small talk and guided us through his favorite dishes ((all of them)). We ordered a few Dos Equis, some appetizers listened to the variety of Latin music & the smells coming from the kitchen all made for an atmosphere that enchanted us.
Unfortunately we were only able to try the Papa Rellena & Bacon Wrapped Dates before our comedy show BUT, Cafe 28 will def get another visit from us!!! -
Review from Christina G.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2011
Cafe 28 has made me fall in love with Cuban food. It's simply delicious!
We started out by ordering the green tamale appetizer. It came in only 4 pieces, each kind of small, but the taste was great! I expected a sort of corn husk wrapped tamale, but these were baked in a wedge with the "inside" part throughout the tamale.
For dinner, my husband ordered the duck and I ordered the Bistec a la Cubana, though we both almost went for the scallops. My dinner was very tasty. The steak they gave me was a huge piece, and it was served with black beans, white rice, yuca, and plantains. Everything was very good and I would highly recommend trying out this restaurant.
It can be a little pricey, but we got a 30% off code to use off our total bill. It was a nice amount of savings.
Finally, I was impressed by our waitress' knowledge of the wine selection. They have a bunch of South American wines that I wasn't very familiar with. I asked a few questions to see which one I would like, and the waitress' recommendation (the malbec) was perfect for my dinner choice.
We will be back. -
Review from Car M.
San Diego, CA
1/7/2012
This place rocks.
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Review from Kristy N.
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
My gym is right by this place and the aroma that enchants your nose as you walk by is nothing less than mouthwatering. Or maybe I'm just always hungry when I'm done working out. Either way, I had to give it a try.
We made reservations for Sunday night and the place was pretty busy when we walked in. The decor was very nice..artsy, latin and warm.
Our waiter kept addressing us as 'lady and gentelman' which I'm still not sure how I feel about.
The acorn squash soup was good..not the best I've ever had but whenever I see it on a menu, I have to give it a shot.
I am not much of a carnivore but I'm trying. I decided to baby step it with the single pork chop. LADIES BEWARE --this is not a dainty piece of meat. The thing covered my plate and I felt like I was sawing into it. It was Good but a bit too much for me.
I will be back to try the scallops which looked delicious. -
Review from Diana M.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2011
My husband and I had a wonderful anniversary meal here a couple of weeks ago. It was a Sunday evening, about 6:30 and the middle room only had a few tables filled. The music was at a perfect volume and the lighting was romantic/cozy. Perfect for a special meal. :-)
We started with the Taste of Cuba platter, because we really wanted empanadas (why isn't there an empanadas app??) and we weren't let down. They were delicious as were the croquetas! I could have made a meal of just that platter, but I'm glad I didn't.
I had the Cuban Style Chicken for my entree and it was absolutely devine. A perfectly grilled skin-on chicken breast with a light (as in not made with heavy cream) garlic sauce that was perfectly seasoned. The chicken skin was crispy and the meat was juicy. It was amazing. The black beans and rice were good and the grilled plaintains were pretty decent too.
My husband had the Ropa Vieja. He said it was delicious! I only had a little bite, but that was very good. The steak is shredded and looks like bbq beef, but the sauce is more tomato-y than tangy and is quite a good complement to the meat.
We shared a dessert of guava cheesecake and that too was delicious. Seriously, everything we ate here was great! Not a morsel left on any of the plates!
I can't wait to go back to try the Cuban sandwich and the honey jalapeno pork chops. Or maybe the salmon or the pistachio crusted chicken or brunch or...or...or...you get the idea! -
Review from Cristina G.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2011
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law decided to have my baby shower here and I could not have been happier. It was on a Sunday and they weren't too busy so that worked perfectly for us. There were about 30 of us and although our server was sometimes MIA she was mostly very helpful. We were there from 12-2 and this being brunch time the menu was nice and diverse. I got the french toast with raspberry sauce and it was delicious!! THe chilaquiles were a hit with everyone else.
Now I definitely want to go back there for dinner to see what the place is like during regular business.
Thanks Cafe 28! -
Review from Mimi R.
Chicago, IL
11/11/2011
Soooo disappointed. We had several gift certificates so we were there three times in the past couple months. Each meal was disappointing, primarily because everything and I mean EVERYTHING was too spicy. And we are adventurous eaters and enjoy spicy food.
It was all about the heat in the food and not the flavor, spices, herbs, etc. And, my mojito's (and his margarita) were meh. -
Review from Christopher K.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2011
Romantic atmosphere - good. Margaritas - good. Ropa vieja - gooooood.
Hard to find not much to like about Cafe 28. A connoisseur of Cuban cuisine I am not, but this joint is much better than some of its competitors in the neighborhood (e.g. Coobah, Sabor a Cuba). Waitstaff is polite and attentive, food never disappoints, and drinks are superb.
Really the only thing negative I have to say about the place is that I have sat out on the patio and find it to be not as appealing as the coziness and comfort of the inside dining room. -
Review from Eric H.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2011
The biggest "MEH" this side of the Mehssissippi.
To sum it all up: Diner food, but not at diner prices.
$50.00 for two people for breakfast. Ugh. Ok, to be fair, we each got a bevvie, and an app. But, the portions were infinitesimal, and the flavors were lackluster.
The Southwestern eggs benedict was, by far, the highlight of the meal. The problem? Paying $14.00 for one english muffin, two eggs, some pan-fried potatoes and chorizo (think: sausage). The ricotta-lemon pancakes should have been called... pancakes. With a ramekin of lemon glaze sauce. Not nearly worth $10.00.
The bloody mary I had was almost $8.00 and a bellini for another $8.00.
We left this place afterward, still hungry, and went and got a couple of $5.00 bloodies from O'Donovan's.
Better Cuban food in the local vicinity? Yes. Borinquen Lounge and 90 Miles to Cuba. Plus, half the price.
To sum it up: Diner food, but not at diner prices.
-Cheeers. -
Review from Jamie B.
Chino, CA
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Scallops and duck dish were amazing! We enjoyed the spring rolls... And the cute server! Next time we need more people to join us so we can sample more of the dishes
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Review from Mahsa T.
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've made two visits to Cafe 28 and overall my experiences have been positive. The food is on par with some of the best Cuban places in Chicago. You must try the "Taste of Cuba" appetizer, which comes with empanadas, chicken & ham croquetas, plantain chips and a delicious saffron sauce.
For an entree, I've had the honey jalapeno pork chops, which are tender and flavorful and huge! You have an option of getting a single or double chop. A single is plenty for one person so don't get the double chops unless you're sharing with someone. It also comes with a side of sweet potatoes. You can't go wrong with any of the flavored or regular mojitos or margaritas. My favorite is the raspberry mojito, refreshing on a hot summer day.
Atmosphere and service are warm and friendly. My only complaint is that the entree prices are just a tad expensive, but great place to grab some appetizers and drinks. -
Review from Gwen R.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2011
Ive been here for brunch twice, and been very happy both times. The food is top notch, it's sunny, comfortable, and has something for all ages. The prices are a tad inflated, but not out of the ballpark.
Speaking of all ages, I was worried this place might be a little sophisticated for my 10 month old, but in fact they offered me an on-the-house mickey mouse shaped pancake, complete with fruit features. My little one was delighted, and so was I! Plus, the have one of the best looking hosts/bartenders (male) I've ever seen. Yummy all around! -
Review from Rudra B.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2011
The ropa vieja will melt in your mouth - the mojitos will make you forget your worries. The staff is courteous, the space is, uh, spacious and we love the food.
The Cuban roast pork is the heavenly mix of tender and succulent that is oh-so-difficult to muster.
6 years we've been coming - never disappointing - and do yourself a favor and get a side of Maduros (Fried plantains) to share because you will not be wanting to part with any that come with your meal. -
Review from Stephen D.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2011
Mojitos, the BEST spiced honey butter in the world, Papas Rellenas, Carne a la Parilla and another Mojito.... followed by maybe one more Mojito. That's what i had yesterday for my birthday celebration dinner. This place is my tried and true regular dining spot in Chicago. Friendly, family owned and some of the best Cuban/Mexican dining in the city... did i mention the mojitos???
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Review from Jason M.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2011
Oh Cafe 28, I used to visit you every week for brunch. It was fun. Now you've gone and ruined it all with one bad plate of Chilaquiles.
If there's one thing you should know about Jason M, it's that you don't F with my Chilaquiles. You can make a mediocre pasta or a bland BBQ and I might forgive you, but I will never forgive the bad Chilaquiles.
Where was the sauce? Why was my chicken just a grilled thigh on the side? Ummm, egg? WHY WAS THERE NO JOY?
Your Bloody Mary was still pretty good, but not as good as I remember. Carrot and celery are so 1998. Today, people use cheese and meat and stuffed olives and pickled peppers. Get with it.
Nothing was horrible and Meg L rather enjoyed her omelette, but that doesn't make up for the grave sin that is screwing with Jason M's chilaquiles. Get it together. -
Review from Yadira D.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2012
OMG! Where to BEGIN? So, I've driven past this restaurant numerous times before and each time it catches my eye...This past Saturday, I dined and I fell in love! So my bf, loves cuban food and I love mexican food, what a crazy idea to come here! lol So, I made reservations and decided to surprise my love with this restaurant for our date night. We get there and its a packed house, I'm thinking thank God, I made reservations, we are graciously escorted to our table. The ambiance was nice and dimely lit and romantic, which just added to my excitement. We are greeted by our wonderful server and order drinks to start...as our drinks arrive, we order our food and enjoy each others company in the ambiance.The food arrives and dare I say, its to DIE for. My bf goes to cuban restaurants all the time in different parts of the city and was very impressed with his Ropa Vieja dish. I ended up getting cuban food as well and was very impressed as well with my Bistec a la Cubana dish. We were so stuffed that we contemplating just going home and making it a BB night, but instead indulged in a wonderful flan dessert and a few more drinks and then off we went for some dancing. Overrall we really enjoyed the restaurant and definitely will be back. Great Service, FANTASTIC FOOD, and Fabulous Prices=VERY HAPPY CAMPERS on our end! All Smiles!
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Review from Randy H.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2011
I just ate at Cafe 28, after my weekly dance class in the neighborhood, and rather than going to the bar down the block to eat bar food and drink beer, we decided to sit down and have a real meal at this beautiful Cuban restaurant that looks so good from outside.
I'll cut straight to the point: I just ate one of the best meals of my life. Duck is such a risky choice, because it's so easy to get wrong, but when it's done right, it's indescribable... and Cafe 28 does it right. Sooooo right.
The mojitos tasted good but lacked a bite... but where that might be enough to knock another place down by half a star, this meals was just too good. A delicious drink with one of the best meals I've ever eaten can't be faulted for not getting me tipsy.
Go to Cafe 28. Get the duck. Love, even if only for a moment. :) -
Review from Erick N.
8/7/2011
I have been to Cafe 28 a few times now, once for lunch and the other occasions for weekend brunch. The cuisine has consistently been well above average and it is a great venue if you are not in the mood for a run of the mill brunch menu. In addition to have some standard brunch items such as omelets and pancakes they have several more exotic offerings, featuring Cuban fare. If you still want pancakes, but want to try something different they have Caribbean Banana Pancakes. If you want something on the savory side, my favorite menu item is the Cuban Steak Sandwich; the meat is quite good and not the typical inferior low quality steak often used in steak sandwiches. This steak is good enough to stand alone. I also always order a side of their plantains here (Platanos Maduros), they are sooooo good. The empanadas make for a great appetizer.
In addition to having a stellar menu, the ambiance at Cafe 28 is pretty nice and the service has generally been pretty good as well. There is a nice outdoor patio when the weather cooperates. They have a full bar and serve some tasty bloody Mary's during brunch and the coffee is quite good (and strong) to boot. The price is a tad steeper than most brunch locales, but just by a couple of bucks and the quality of the food makes it well worth the nominal increased cost. -
Review from Julie Z.
6/13/2011
I'll begin this post as I did with my review of Mixteco. I have been fortunate to have eaten a lot of Cuban food prepared by natives of the country. Therefore, I am a harsh critic.
I came here for friend's b-day dinner and I did have high expectations as all I hear about this place is rave reviews.
#1 It smells like fried food and a lot of it....eww.
#2 The food is good. It is definitely not terrible. However, if you are new or inexperienced with Cuban/Latin food, I bet you will love it.
I am all about fresh and Cafe 28 didn't cut it for me.
However, I would go back. Great cocktails. -
Review from Anne M.
7/30/2011
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars - I'd like to go with a 3.5.
Came here with my man a week or so ago after passing by the restaurant several times (and noticing it being pretty busy) - it looks cute, usually has a good crowd, so we tried it.
I made a res. but didn't end up needing it; we arrived early and had no problem getting a table. We sat outside in their lovely patio area (recommend the outdoor seating here!) started with two mojitos (pretty good, though a little weak for an 8 or 9 dollar cocktail) and their bland bread basket (we both thought chips/salsa or more festive bread would have been more appropriate than this very blah bread).
I ordered a chicken meal with beans, rice & plantains, and an odd addition of green beans (I love green beans, but that really didn't fit this dish at all); He ordered a steak dish where half the plate was beans (he wasn't happy about that), rice and plantains.
The food was good, but for the price ($15-19) I would have expected more: flavor, pizazz, quantity? Something!.. Particularly the beans/rice - there was no extra flavor here - tasted like someone mixed white rice with a can of black beans -- nothing more. The chicken had nice flavor, some seasoning, but nothing else really was anything special.
We both love 90 Miles - and the whole time, I couldn't help but think how much better 90's food and prices are!
We had great service from the time we walked in to getting our bill. Everyone was on top of things, but overall, I was a little disappointed with the flavor of the food (and the strength of the drinks), for the high menu prices. -
Review from Heather H.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the food here, as it's always cooked perfectly. It's getting in and being served the food that's the problem.
Granted, my last visit was on Cinco de Mayo. I made a reservation, and still had to wait an additional 40 minutes for the table. I get it, the place was packed, but this is not the first time this has happened. Also, it took almost as long to get a drink at the bar.
Speaking of drinks... we ordered mojito's while waiting for the table. They were spectacular! I had been craving one ever since I knew we were coming here, and it didn't disappoint, in fact it was on par with the one's I'd had at the Delano in South Beach, some of the best anywhere. Then, after we were seated, I ordered a second one. It arrived and tasted... horrible. No sugar to be found, and almost all soda. I did what I never do, I sent it back. I know, they're busy, but I'm not drinking a $9 drink that tastes like crap. I explained what was wrong, and he whisked it away. He came back, and I swear it was the same drink. By now I was pissed and just drank it anyway. I should have gotten something else, but I didn't, I sucked it down in disgust. No one else ordered a second after my experience.
Will I come again? Probably, but it won't be on my recommendation.Listed in: North Center
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Review from tammy s.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2011
I have lived near Cafe 28 since I moved to Chicago and continuously said, "I really want to go there sometime!" Finally...
It was everything everyone told me and more. The fried plantains? To die for. The Ropa Vieja was like butter and melted in my mouth. Speaking of butter, it was just as divine. Who knew butter could be divine? I digress...
The black beans had a great kick and complimented the flank steak perfectly. The steak was so tender (almost pulled pork-ish but better) and was great with a bite of the plantains. Before I knew it, 2 hours had gone by and my plate was empty. I can't wait to go back and try the other entrees I had problems choosing from. Great atmosphere and great service (a little pushy at times but I would take that over no service).
Oh and the mojitos everyone raves over? Yup. To die for. -
Review from Poof A.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2011
Wow. Time to promote your friendly, competent bussers/runners and get rid of your godawful waitresses and hostess ASAP!
I can honestly say I've never experienced worse service in Chicago or anywhere else. Our waitress forgot drinks, forgot half of a friend's meal (how exactly does one eat fajitas without tortillas, salsa, sour cream, beans etc.?), and then had a audacity to add a 20% gratuity to our meal. Doing so probably allowed her to pocket a few extra bucks- although I tip 20% as a rule, I think I would have done more like 15% for a woman who couldn't deign to spend longer than 20 seconds at a time with our table (and it was *not* that busy)- but she has definitely lost our business.
Aside from the bad taste left in our mouths by the snooty server, the food was frankly overpriced and underwhelming. How this place has 4 stars is beyond me. The nice ambiance fails to redeem this disaster. -
Review from janice m.
Chicago, IL
10/25/2011
YUM! I know this is a simple word, but the food here is just that! Yum! Everything I have ever eaten here has been great! We have had dinners and lunch on occasion and never been disappointed. The food is well prepared, tasty and plentiful. The service has always been great, with helpful suggestions from the staff if you are stumped on what to eat. The Cuban coffee is almost as good as what I used to drink every morning in Ibor City in Tampa when I lived there. all in all a pleasurable experience every time!
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Review from Victor V.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2011
Here is a sure way to attract a crowd (not much of that last Saturday, strangely): pick a trendy culinary ethnicity and attach its name to everything on the menu: a grilled sandwitch becomes Cuban sandwitch, pork chops are dubbed Cuban pork etc. Are they good? Sure. Are they authentically Cuban? Not at all. To call the coffee we had "cuban" is a joke: anyone who has ever been in Miami (not to mention Cuba) will know the difference.
But... The food was simple and fresh, Mojitos stiff enough, the waiter seemed genuinely pleasant (and cubanesque), and the patio is cozy and cold-proof. So, all in all, satisfying experience (but don't cancel your trip to Miami for REAL cuban fare. -
Review from Nick S.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have had Cuban food plenty of times from home made by Cubans to a restaurant with chefs that came from Cuba, and this place is not so great.
The beans didn't taste right. Too runny, lack of flavor, and not nearly enough for my Ropa Vieja dish. Not enough rice either.
My Ropa vieja was on the dry side, and lacked flavor, severely. Their plantains were delicious, but doesn't make up for the entire dish being lackluster.
Obviously I am working backwards, so...the chorizo stuffed dates (appetizer) wrapped with bacon were very good. I don't know if this is an "authentic" cuban dish, but it was a daring move and worth it.
The goat cheese appetizer was also great.
I didn't have one, but my friend said the Mojito was very good.
Bottom line, nice and attentive staff, trendy joint with trendy prices as well.
Verdict - save your money and hit a cuban sandwich shop - there WILL be more flavor for less money. -
Review from Claudia R.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2011
So tasty! For apps we had the Papas Rellenas and Coconut Shrimp - both so good! We were pretty full after the appetizers so we decided to split the blackened duck which was perfection!
The atmosphere is so warm and cozy and the staff is attentive and friendly and overall the experience was a delight! -
Review from Joy Z.
Evanston, IL
11/14/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Best mojitos! EVER! I love the Taste of Cuba appetizer. The ham croquets are delicious. My favorite entrees are the pistachio chicken and the ropa vieja. Both are amazing. If you are really hungry, get the jalapeño pork chops. The food and service is always good. Their brunch is good, but usually busy. It is a good place for a date but still kid friendly too.
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Review from Vanessa G.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
The first time I stepped into Cafe 28 was on a late Sunday morning in June. I woke up craving something savory, and felt bored with the crowded brunch spots I usually frequent.
The entrance was small, warmly lit by the sun and casual.The bartender greeted my guest and I right away, and offered me a glass of water before running off to grab a hostess. There a few Mexican ladies quietly chatting in the parlor, someone playing the Spanish guitar in a second room and a buzzing sound from plug-in fans. I loved the ambiance. Overall the indoor dining areas are dim, decorated with exposed brick, wood, and colorful, slightly peeled paint. I remember loving how hushed it all felt. Especially for brunch or breakfast. Ugh, it so nice to be able to hear your guest's conversation, the kitchen, even the tinkling of the ice in your glass.
I've been twice now, and I've ordered the Serrano and Asparagus Eggs Benedict and the Chilaquiles. I also ordered the Taste of Cuba, Cuban cafe con leche and the Caipirinha, which was pleasant. The Chilaquiles really hit the spot. They weren't too spicy--which I like. The chicken was a bit dry and didn't come shredded, but it was still pretty good dipped in sour cream. I was in a forgiving mood. The croquetas in the Taste of Cuba were the stars of the show. They seemed homemade, were perfectly fried and served up with a spicy-lemony dip. They also came with mariquitas. Yum. The Serrano Eggs Benedict was also a pleasant departure from the classic. Nothing really Cuban or Mexican about it, but I applaud the presence of variety. The hollandaise was memorable.
I love this place, and I recommend it for Brunch. Just know that it's more homestyle, comfort food than...a real exercise in gastronomical hoop-lah. B- for Cubanity factor. A+ for mood. -
Review from Jing C.
Chicago, IL
7/20/2011
I really wanted to like this place. It's right by an L stop. Cute area. Cute ambiance.
Alas - it was not meant to be! The chicken I ordered was flavorful but the plantains (a Cuban staple) were rock hard and the rice and beans grainy. The mojitos looked great so I ordered one but mine was sweet but pretty weak on both mint flavor and alcohol. Maybe I didn't look 21? All and all - won't complain if someone wants to go but will probably be skipping this place. -
Review from adam r.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2011
1---Mojitos and bacon-wrapped dates.
I've done Cafe 28 four times now, and those have always been apart of each of my visits. But literally everything else they have prepared has been equally outstanding as well.
2---Consistency in the quality of each visit.
This is the ultimate test. Through my range of experiences, they have always exceeded my expectations. Without a reservation, they quickly accomodate on busy evenings. Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas provide equally relaxed and cultured atmospheres. The food is always stellar and the service never misses. -
Review from Mike G.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2011
Mojito = yes, properly mashed mint, not just chopped up. Tasted great. Bacon wrapped dates were good, but small portion (4 dates). The Ropa dish was nicely prepared, tasted good, not spicy at all but was flavorful. The plantains on the dish were amazing! Tres leches cake was good. Coconut topping was not very traditional but complemented it well. For the price of dinner considering the area, I thought it was very reasonable. Found parking on the street a block away. Had an opentable reservations for a Saturday night (9:30pm) but they were not needed at all. Sat outside which was nice, and had excellent staff service.
