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Cafe Marianao
Categories: Restaurants Cuban Restaurants Sandwiches Food Coffee & Tea Cuban, Sandwiches, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2246 N Milwaukee AveChicago, IL 60686
Neighborhood: Logan Square
(773) 278-4533
- Nearest Transit:
-
California-o'hare (Blue Line)
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for Cafe Marianao
Review Highlights
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"Their cafe con leche is amazing." In 20 reviews -
"...delicious breakfast sandwhiches with ham egg and cheese." In 5 reviews -
"I always opt for the double steak with cheese." In 3 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Agnes F.
Chicago, IL
3/11/2012
Breakfast for champions!! I feel that i can take on the world after having their ham, cheese, egg sandwich and a large cafe con leche (i had a bite of my fiance's cubano too and its awesome too)
I love my big breakfasts on the weekends!! -
Review from Ana M.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2012
Simply amazing Cuban sandwiches and super affordable! Also their coffee is great :D
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Review from Onur U.
1/22/2011
I really wanted to love this place. It's certainly authentic. Spanish is clearly the predominant language and ordering is challenging to say the least. The area around the counter is chaotic with people yelling out orders, you're never really sure if your order was taken or not. Eventually our order got through and the food came not too long after that.
The food really disappointed. The Cubano sandwich was so plain it was truly shocking. The whole point of these hole in the wall places is to get something simple done absolutely correctly. They pump them out by the dozens and they taste ok, but nowhere near as good as I was expecting. The bread has a nice crunch to it but the meats are completely under seasoned. We literally killed the bottle of hot sauce that was on the table just trying to coax some flavor out of the thing. Half way through the sandwich I started to wonder if there were any pickles in it. There were a couple but hardly enough to be a noticeable part of the sandwich. Definitely not the noteworthy Cubano sandwich I was expecting.
I might go back to try it again sometime, but more likely I'd hit up the awesome food vans across the street. The tamales, atole and mole tacos from those vans far outshined anything we got at Cafe Marianao. -
Review from Marie C.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2011
Love this place. Been eating here for years. I can eat a steak sandwich w hot sauce and all the goodies even at 7am lol... the only thing I don't like about it , is it seems as if they never trim their meat good enough. I'm always biting into fat. #NoBueno
But its never stopped me before so I'll be back! I'll just tear the fat off like I've always done! -
Review from Kevin K.
Chicago, IL
8/13/2011
This review is for the location on Armitage west of Cicero, as I'm tragically unhip and have never been to the location in Logan Square. I work a block away from this place and have tried so many times to make Cafe Marianao a regular breakfast/lunch spot, but, unfortunately, for now, I've given up.
First of all, the food is outstanding! The Cubanos have thick slices of pork roast, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mayo and are grilled panini style. There's no reason to explain why this tastes good. They're not spicy, so I recommend hot sauce. In fact, they have several bottles of hot sauce right on the counter, and there are usually a couple of dudes at the counter employing the ol' hot sauce-bite-hot sauce-bite technique, a technique for which I have great respect. The Steak and Cheese isn't quite as good, but it's certainly not bad. The steak had a bit of a steak-ums thing going on, as it had probably been frozen at some point in time. The Ham Egg and Cheese is probably the best way to start a morning in the history of mornings. It puts anything that Dunkin' Doughnuts has on their menu to shame. I haven't tried the Cafe con Leche (to say I have a source for coffee would be an understatement), but I've watched them churn 'em out like pros - fresh espresso and milk steamed as hot as the sun. I have little doubt they're fantastic.
So the bad. There's no discernible ordering system. I place my order at the register and then I wait. And wait. Often I see other people who ordered after me get their food before me. At first I thought maybe those people called in their orders ahead of time or maybe they give priority to people eating at the counter, but when it continuously happens, I really have to wonder what the hell is going on. The thought of reverse racism has crossed my mind, as I'm usually the only non-Spanish speaker in the joint. I even tried ordering in Spanish and dropping a few "gracias" and "de nadas" in there, but I still got the same treatment (and I have to say the accent on my "Jamon Juevo y Queso" is flawless). I put up with the regular 15-20 minute waits by studying the huge map of Cuba on the wall, but something always felt off. Then I realized what it was. In the dozen or more times I had been there, I never got so much as a smile or an attempt at conversation or even a look of recognition. The guy and the girl that work the counter would just look at me like I was some sort of alien, take my order and not say anything, and I don't think it was a language thing either. I eat at a taqueria down the street where they don't speak much English, and those guys treat me like family. No, I think these people are just completely void of personality. I can put up with little inefficiencies in exchange for good food, but after awhile I just started to feel unappreciated, even a little disrespected.
It's a real shame, too, because Cafe Marianao is the kind of authentic, ethnic, neighborhood joint that places in other neighborhoods could only pretend to be. it's full of cops, warehouse workers, day laborers, even the occasional gang banger, and they're all there because they work hard, they're hungry and the food here is damn good and cheap. It's just a very real place. Unfortunately, I won't be among them, at least not for awhile.
On the plus side, I can now name all the regional capitals of Cuba. -
Review from desiree b.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2008
Ok, so I literally grew up on their coffee (no really, my grandma used to take me when i was 5 when they were nothing more then a counter in a corner store on kimball and armitage!) anywhooo, ever since they became popular about a year ago their sandwich quality has gone down. HOWEVER still a pretty good sandwich for the price!! And the cafe con leche has yet to be topped in my book (and trust me I've looked!).
As far as the quality of people and lines, yes, very annoying, I've had to threaten physical violence more then once -=/ and once to the cashier -=O she no longer works there btw! Anywhooo times 2, I absolutely HATE having to deal with the people here so I will give all my fellow yelpers a heads up, call your order in!! They'll have it ready by the time you're ready to pick up, helps if you speak spanish, prepare for some very angry stares when you walk in and out, practice your best smirk and shrug!! The wandering customers off the street don't think that far ahead!
Good luck!!
p.s heads up #2 the ATM in that place NEVER works!! -
Review from Davi d.
Brooklyn, NY
4/2/2007
Best cuban sandwiches hands down. Cafe con leche is a treat here too.
Bargain buy. Crowded counter.
There is no set line to placing your order. Just make your way to the front of the pack. Speaking Spanish or being a woman helps speed service but is not necessary.Listed in: Snackin Sammiches
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Review from Kacie M.
4/18/2008
Man I miss this place. If you like hidden ethnic dives, this place is a dream come true. If you're a young caucasian like me, you certainly get stared at when you walk in, but it is TOTALLY worth it. Push your way into line and catch the eye of one of the guys at the counter. Your food will come hot off the grill.
I always grabbed Saturday breakfast here. Their cafe con leche is amazing. Their breakfast sandwhiches are great, and their cubanos are ok. Don't forget to stop at the trucks across the street selling homemade Mexican tamales (for a dollar), aquas, and other amazingness. They are family run and everyone is super friendly.
The combination of the trucks and mariano always made Saturdays in Chicago GREAT.Listed in: Best Cultural/Neighborhood…
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Review from Erin J.
5/7/2008
Went here with the boy on a Saturday morning and it was PACKED. We each got a Cuban sandwich and a cafe con leche, and both were very tasty. This place is old school. My companion said that the three guys behind the counter were the same 3 guys behind the counter for the last several years. We even saw the old man loading up the van in the back. It's also totally a shack - needs some extensive repair work done, and while I saw 3 sandwich presses fully loaded, it seemed like only one of them was working.
I got a LOT of curious stares - I didn't see another white person in there the whole time we were there, lol - but hey, I was there for the food. The sandwiches took a LONG time, but the steady flow of people into this tiny haunt reassured me that it would be worth the wait. For the aforementioned 2 sandwiches, we probably waited 20-25 minutes, which was kinda long, IMO, but okay. More time to nurse my piping-hot cafe con leche and enjoy the neighborhood vibe.
Things to know:
- They only take cash (I think - there's also an ATM inside)
- It's MUCH easier if you speak/understand Spanish
- Takes awhile
- HAFTA get the cafe con leche
Quite happy to return with sweet Spanish-speaking boy in tow. -
Review from Joe B.
8/22/2011
If you want a local spot with great cuban sandwiches and a buzzing social scene this is the place. The place isn't fancy and the people who go can be a little scary but the food is amazing.. its the go to place for a classic cubano sandwich and excellent cuban coffee. You just need to come here and taste the great food!
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Review from Slu S.
Chicago, IL
7/28/2007
Very good steak sandwiches and cafe con leche.
This tiny hole in the wall joint lacks anything resembling service, but you can't beat a huge steak sandwich and a delicious cafe con leche for less than $5.
It seems that this is a Chicago Foodie Hangout and I live not 2 blocks away, but I would think twice about going back unless I had a lot of time to wait.Listed in: Super Sandwich Slate
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Review from Samantha E.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2007
Oooh I love this place. Hung over Logan Square residents, there is a cure...in the form of cafe con leche. It is the best I've had in Chicago. So good.
The food is good, too. Counter ordering is a bit competitive, so be somewhat aggressive, know what you want to order, then get out of the way. Note -- if you just want coffee, you can order it directly to the coffee guy instead of waiting with the other people trying to get food. -
Review from white o.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2008
Pretty solid cuban food.
cheap cost, pretty tasty, pretty big sandwich!
that's all I like this joint! -
Review from Jay N.
Lombard, IL
9/2/2010
Street parking can take some effort. There is a grocery store nearby where their parking lot overflow is taken up by street parking. The service is inconsistent. When it's not that busy, getting up to make an order isn't too bad. When it's busy and you're Asian, you have to bully up to the counter, look someone in the eye to get their attention rather than yelling at them and place your order. After that, getting a cafe con leche or a materva and paying pretty much takes care of itself. Unfortunately, it shouldn't be this hard to make an order, especially for first timers or timid people.
The sandwiches are good and are pretty good value. The Cuban is always a good recommendation and their steak sandwich is tasty as well. Don't wait to get home and eat it since the bread and cheese will be completely different. This place is just for sandwiches so if you're looking for chicken or full meals with black beans and plantains, you'll have to go somewhere else. -
Review from jenise r.
Berwyn, IL
3/22/2008
***update*** i went back and saw the man using some type of paper to grab the meat and he still washed hands after! Needless to say I've come back many time since and have gotten my cafe con leche here and the toasted bread with butter,mmm**
i really hate to be the downer. i just had a steak sandwich here the other day, it taste the same way i make them at home(i'm not an iron chef-but the ingredients we use are the same). i should have tried the cuban. the cafe con leche was good though. i'll go back for that.
the reason for the low stars is because the cook, was just grabbing slices of bistek and throwing it in the pot. doesn't wash his hands- handles his drink-handles cash-puts more meat in because someone just ordered 4 more steak sandwiches-picks up the phone while one hand rubs against the wall near the phone-goes back to handling his drink-grabs my bread and lettuce etc and makes my sandwich. I pay and leave.
i leave feeling ashamed because i know i'm still going to eat the sandwich and enjoy it and i hope i don't get the runs.
just start washing your hands man! someones going to get sick. maybe he's the only one that doesn't? I don't know, I keep making excuses.... -
Review from katherine r.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2008
Delicious sandwiches and well below $5, unless you get a "double". However don't expect a sit-down place -- Marianao is strictly carry-outs (while they have a small lunch counter at the back window you'll never get a seat there). Think Diner Grill (on Irving Park) as opposed to Latin Sandwich Cafe, Irazu or Borinquen.
The crowd can be pushy and the line can be undefined and slow. But if you're willing to spend 15 to 20 minutes getting a carry-out order, it's a thrill to watch the cooks while you wait. -
Review from Nikki L.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2007
I want to get it 3.5 but the ham and cheese is SOO GOOD! I've been hearing good things about this place, but when I finally got to try it, I FELL IN LOVE. This is a shack! The decor looks like but doesn't taste like your school's cafeteria! Not much to it, but I swear the best ham and cheese. I don't even like ham! The bread is so crispy and warm, the inside is soft and chewy and the ham and cheese is melted together and forms this perfect sandwich! Only $2.50 for a ham and cheese and $3.00 for a steak sandwich.
BEWARE: The service takes FOREVER, don't bother going on a sat or Sunday morning, they probably won't even get to your order and it'll take so long you might pass out from starvation. Whether there is 2 people or 12 people in there the service is sadly VERY VERY slow. I hope they get a better system going, because if they do, I'll be there at least twice a week! ENJOY! -
Review from Sammy S.
Elmhurst, IL
2/7/2011
Best steak and Cuban sandwich in Chicago hands down! They have 2 locations, this one and another on Armitage one block pass Cicero heading West. its right on the corner. They have a special sauce " Mojo " make sure you get that on your sandwich. I'm not a coffee drinker but they have the best Cafe con Leche there. Good stuff.
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Review from David C.
4/17/2008 1 Check-in Here
(Almost) guaranteed hangover cure: a steak and cheese sandwich and large cafe con leche from Cafe Marianao. If you can convince one of your drinking compadres to come with you, then split the steak and cheese and a cubano (pork loin, ham, swiss, pickles, mustard). As with many sandwiches, the key is the bread, and Cafe Marianao uses the right stuff.
Three warnings: (1) cash only; (2) you have to be aggresive in stepping up to the counter to order, especially on busy days like Saturdays; and (3) a sandwich takes a bit of time to make, but have patience! -
Review from K. N.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2008
I had a cuban from here and it was good and affordable, but honestly, I've yet to meet a sandwich that reaches the level of Cafe Salamera, RIP.
:(
Come back, Norky! -
Review from Essie C.
Chicago, IL
7/28/2009
That's it! After 20 years I'm quitting Marianao (sorry old man/owner in the corner)! I've been going to this place since they were on Armitage, and you know what? After OVER 20 YEARS...you would think they would modernize at least their ordering system so you can get in and out in a reasonable amount of time. Love their sandwiches and coffee or I wouldn't have lasted this long, but life is short and I can't waste it on a sandwich and coffee!
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Review from Lisa H.
1/31/2009 1 photo
i've lived within walking distance from cafe marianao, pass it all the time. and i wonder, "that place has to be good. people happily crammed in, all kinds of people-puerto ricans, african americans, mexicans, cubans, with a dusting of white folk."
a week prior, my husband, who is a laborer, got a steak sandwich that a fellow employee had brought. the man always drove all the way from the other side of town to get the sandwiches and coffee (they also have an impressive assortment of churros) - this sitting in my neighborhood, and i wait 12 years to try it.
we went around 3pm on a friday, so there weren't many customers. and we got the cuban sandwich-the double-a mere $4 stuffed with roast pork, ham, cheese & pickles on a perfect french roll. the cuban coffee was only 75 cents.
the sandwich was great. the pork was perfectly tender and surprising light-very roasty without being dry.
this place is a real gem. there aren't many places around like this anymore (do you all remember bishops chili?)Listed in: cheap-ass, my hood, the best of the best
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Review from Martha Z.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2006 1 photo
You might have driven past this place a thousand times and never realized that it was open. More importantly you might have never realized that IT'S REALLY GOOD! Sure the circus' might not be up to James Wards tastes but the sandwiches make up for it. Stop by on a Saturday afternoon and it tends to be very crowded. Surprise Surprise they take cash only and the line can be a little chaotic sometimes, but worth the wait. Do try the cafe con leche.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Daniel H.
Chicago, IL
12/30/2008
This place may have the best value in town. The steak sandwich is absolutely amazing. I always opt for the double steak with cheese. Basically, you have steak, cheese, onions, and tomatoes in between some bread. I've also gotten the ham and egg sandwich which is very good. If you feel adventurous, you could ask for a ham and egg sandwich with steak. It isn't on the menu, but they'll make it and it is also very good. This is absolutely the best Cuban sandwich place in Chicago in my opinion. The only reason I have to go to other places is their working hours. I'm not exactly sure what time they close, but it is early...like 5 pm or so. With work, I only have a realistic shot of enjoying these on weekends. Also, I should warn you guys that this place is small and easy to miss if you aren't careful. There isn't a lot of eating room. There is just a counter against the wall (maybe around 8 stools?). I've never seen it where there was no seating available there, but just giving a fair warning.
Also, the coffee is extremely popular for those coffee lovers out there. -
Review from Maria l.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2007
Too bad there are no Cubans making the food...The sandwiches are ok.....Not great for Cuban sandwiches...But the regulars are great! Chat them up (in Spanish) and you'll get some great stories!
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Review from GLOE c.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2011
I can't bear to read these bad reviews. Cafe Marianao is my out most favorite whole in the wall spot. Waking up on my friends couch after a long ass night of partying and bullshitting with friends, walking to get a cafe con leche and a cuban sandwich on a Sunday morning and do I expect a red carpet at the entrance. Hell no! this is what makes me love this place, other than having a few more bar stools to have somewhere to sit I would not change a thing. When the owner is there there's nothing but laughs. Sometimes Antonio my favorite cook cracks me up too but not more than "mi viejito". It has been at times hard to get my order in but that's just what I expect sometimes and I ain't even mad. One thing we all need to understand is that if the area is gentrified and you go to one of these establishments well, you beter get some tough skin, it's just a sandwich spot for God's sake get over your mouth fed ass lifestyle and quit complaining about everything. My favorite sanwich here is the "media noche" or "cuban" accompanied by a cafe con leche made by Antonio.
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Review from Brian L.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2008
An excellent and under-the-radar cafe that offers very good cafe con leche and cubanos at an incredibly reasonable price. Walking into this restaurant you get the very unique feeling of entering a time warp into a 1950s-era Cuban diner on the side of the road, a few miles out from Havana and all right off Milwaukee Avenue.
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Review from morgan k.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2010
I didn't have time to figure out if I was being discriminated against or the staff could give a sh*t. Sounds like the latter from the rest of the reviews here.
So if there's a next time, I'll call my order in. The steak sandwich better be worth the fight/angst that this place serves up. -
Review from Eric V.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2010
Tasty steak and ham & egg sammiches make up for any service shortcomings. Besides, the steak sandwich is only $3.25! How can you complain about that?? The cafe con leche reminds me of being a kid and stealing sips of coffee out of my dad's cup.
Listed in: Sammiches!
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Review from David L.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2011
Customer service is the WORST!!!! from the cooks with attitudes to the cashier.. Coffee was good but the lame steak sandwich was nasty alot of fat on every bite. Back to the cooks "what a bunch of assholes" Ill never recommend anyone to go there. Too bad the owner Willie is a nice guy but should spend more time training his employees on customer service.
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Review from Hector R.
Oswego, IL
2/20/2011
i see some of these review and if you don't have nothing nice to say don't say it at all cause marianao serve the best steak sandwish and sandwish cubano y media noche and coffe and people are very friendly and nice
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Review from Ricky N.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2008
Tasty cuban sandwiches and the best cafe con leche (cofee with milk )in the city .They also serve really delicious breakfast sandwhiches with ham egg and cheese .This place is always jam packed so wait can be long and frustrating at times especially when they have no real ordering system and people will just walk in cut in front of you and yell out their order while you were patiently waiting your turn in line (minus the one star for that )
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Review from Alex S.
Chicago, IL
8/24/2008
Not sure if anyone remembers the Cuban grocery store on Clark Street in Edgewater called Panamericano (they closed several years ago). Anyhow, they had the BEST Cuban sandwiches. Cafe Marianao is very close and comes in 2nd place for me. I would usually consider a steak sandwich lunch or dinner but this is something my husband and I have for breakfast on the weekends once in a while, and it goes great with regular coffee (Cuban is too strong for me). The "pastiletos de carne" are very good too a little dry but still yummy. Be warned it's a small place, it's always packed, the line is long but well worth the wait.
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Review from Gino T.
Washington, DC
7/15/2009
This is the place to be anytime of the day, to get you some bangin steak sandwiches. Get it with cheese and "everything" . You cant go wrong. I can't speak on the coffee, but this is must have to determine any other Cuban joint.
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Review from Amidoux B.
Chicago, IL
9/16/2009
Good sandwiches and very good Cafe con Leche. Nothing life changing though. A solid 3 stars.
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Review from Luis C.
Chicago, IL
7/23/2009
I was introduced to Marianao about 6 years ago and man I cant get enough of. Their cafe con leche is unmatched. Best in town! Hands down. When I have the time I go out of my way to get a cup of coffee from there.
Sandwiches have never let me down. They make what would normally be a simple ham, egg and cheese sandwich into a memorable experience. To top it off their double steak sandwich with cheese, onions, tomatoes is one of a kind. BUT if you want to take your taste buds on the ultimate thrill ride just tell them to add some mayonnaise and hot sauce and you are sure to come back time and time again.
Early morning is the best time to go. You will feel like you got your day started off right. -
Review from jason t.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2007
not much in the way of decor, and only a few stools to sit at, but this loncheria is the spot to get some delicious cuban sandwiches on grilled fresh bread for cheap cheap cheap. the menu only has a few offerings, but they've perfected them. you've got your choice between steak or the traditional ham/pork/pickle concoction with tomatoes & onions & with or without cheese, or a ham & egg breakfast variety, or pan con mantequilla, and espresso drinks. you can walk out of here with sandwich & coffee for under $4. my only complaint is that they close up at 5pm, or else i'd be eating dinner here at least twice a week. it's almost always crowded (or about to get that way), and kind of chaotic...just squeeze up to the counter and flag somebody down to order!
Listed in: eating cheaply but goodly, sangwitches!
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Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
10/25/2010
Yummmm! Order a sandwich de Bistec con queso and cafe con leche! ... Love this place. No need for them to go out of their way with being friendly, as long as they keep making my sandwich it's all good.
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Review from Brenda H.
Chicago, IL
2/13/2008
I go out of my way to get their steak sandwiches, and they're less than $4! They are so delicious and I could eat them all day. I miss them terribly since I no longer live close to them. They close pretty early and this only makes me crave them more on the weekends, when I can actually make it in. This place is heaven.. it looks pretty bad in there, it's a shack.. but let the food speak for itself. I've taken so many people here and I have yet to hear a complaint. You walk in, make your way to the front of the counter and get someone's attention. It can get crazy in there but it's worth the wait. If you want to avoid the drama, call when you're 15 minutes away and your order will be waiting for you at the counter. I do this all the time!!! It may take them a while to pick up the phone but it's the right number.. just keep waiting! There's no tables, only a small counter on the opposite wall.. but that sandwich will make your day, no matter where you eat it. And it's one of the rare food items that still taste good after being refrigerated and microwaved.
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Review from Linda C.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2009
I must truly thank my coworker for introducing me to cuban sandwiches. This is a hole in the wall joint. You walk in and it's basically a counter with people making the sandwiches while you watch. Their steak sandwiches are oh so yummy. They come with cheese, onions, tomatoes and either a single or double layer or steak. Great bargain for such a yummy godly creation. The only downside is that this place is so far from me :/ *sigh*
