Cafe 53
Cafe 53 is a beloved Hyde Park staple, especially for its generously portioned sandwiches—regulars rave about the chicken sumac, chicken margherita on Dutch crunch, chicken pesto baguette, and excellent vegan and gluten-free lettuce-wrap options. The welcoming owners, patio seating, peach mango tea, and tempting desserts like pecan pie, carrot cake, baklava, and gelato make it a longtime favorite, though some guests report slow service, forgotten orders, and inconsistent breakfast availability.
What 1,163 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Delicious food and friendly service here! I had cranberry tuna sandwich on French. My sister had sumac chicken sandwich on Dutch crunch. And my son had vegan chicken sumac on French. All 3 were made with love and were divine. We even have left overs for later! We didn't have room for dessert but the baklava was very tempting.”
“Ordered the vegan chicken sumac sandwich on the Dutch crunch bread and WOW-incredible! Will definitely make the hour drive again for this sandwich. 10/10”
“I have loved this place for decades, but yesterday I was blowing away. It is still the absolute best falafel on the south side of Chicago. Gauntlet throne! Also I had their mint lemonade- BLEW MY MIND, obviously made my taste buds very happy. It was a little over sweetened for me but the herby, minty wonderfulness of it.... just delish. I always love sitting out in that hidden back patio, shady and wonderful, even on a hot hot humid day. Feels like I'm back in the Mediterranean.”
“What an absolute gem. We were incredibly impressed from the moment we arrived. The menu offers a great selection of sandwiches, with plenty of options to satisfy different tastes. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The staff were one of the highlights of our visit. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and happy to answer questions, making the experience feel personal and enjoyable. To top it all off, they have a lovely tree shaded outdoor seating area in the back that creates the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your meal. This place deserves recognition on every Chicago "best of" list. From the outstanding sandwiches and excellent vegan options to the charming patio and exceptional service, it truly stands out. We will definitely be back.”
“I love this place. It has such a warm community and neighborhood feel that makes you feel welcome every time you visit. There is a genuine sense of charm and character here that is hard to find, which is why it has become such a beloved part of the Hyde Park community. The backyard patio is especially wonderful during the spring and summer, providing the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or drink. The employees are always kind, friendly, and welcoming, adding to the inviting atmosphere. This place truly feels like a neighborhood gem, full of personality, soul, and the kind of warmth that keeps people coming back again and again.”
“Very friendly staff and we all enjoyed our sandwiches (regular and vegan). If we are in the area again, we will be back. Thank you!”
“Friendly service and really good food! I was hot and hungry and the peach mango tea and lettuce wrap was just what I needed. They even filled my water bottle on my way out.”
“Fabulous sandwiches - Gluten free so got mine on a lettuce wrap and it was incredible - best sandwich I’ve had in years! Owner was delightful and great customer service.”
“A must try cafe with a great vibe; especially if you can sit on the patio. The pecan pie is my favorite. The garlic chicken is excellent, and the chicken margherita on Dutch crunch is a must try. The chicken pesto on a French baguette is also fantastic.”
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