Merienda Café
icewindgale · 101 Google reviewsMerienda Café — one of Grayslake's strongest filipino spots. The cooking is rooted in real tradition. Staff that genuinely cares how your meal goes, and owner on site. GailN: "Fish was fried to a perfect crisp (I requested crispy), the garlic rice was fluffy and well seasoned" [$$]
What 296 diners keep saying
What 296 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Amazing spot above and beyond service good was excellent and lots of it. Great spot and nice people”
“A modern take on some Filipino classics. One of the best restaurants in Grayslake. Try everything, and eat everything. Food could be better, but my taste buds are very specific on Filipino food.”
“Wow delicious and gigantic. I wish I lived closer so I could go all the time.”
“We stopped in to try Filipino food for brunch. Husband got beef & I had chicken with desserts to go. Food was great, the drinks were BETTER than any refresher at Starbucks. Can't wait to try the desserts💜 The staff was friendly & helpful with suggestions. Restaurant was clean & decor was nice. We will definitely be back and would recommend to any one.”
“Food is fantastic. Highly recommend the Longsilog (4 Pcs Pork Sausages) and Tocino fries when they’re available!”
“What an adorable spot! Food was outstanding but get here early! They’re a not so secret local hot spot so they have limited lumpia (but it’s totally worth it). If you haven’t stopped in you have to…Filipino food is something that needs to be experienced and Merienda Cafe is the place just the place to do it. Try everything once the menu once. Cannot wait to be back!”
“Excellent food and drinks. The Ube Milk Cap was so good, and the Tocilog was wonderful. I was worried it would be too sweet but it was very well balanced in flavor. A friend had the Tofu and it was amazing, it had almost a vinegar/pickled flavor to it that I loved. I was only visiting from out of town, otherwise I would already be planning on stopping back in.”
“This place doesn't miss. Drinks are pricey but worth it because they do them so well and there's always some new experimental/seasonal drink that slaps. Not boring. Food is incredible. Silog hits all the right notes. Their Papaya salad proved I don't hate salads. Try something new at this place. Again, they don't miss.”
“Me and my boyfriend always come here and i absolutely love it here, there so sweet and their food is ao delicious i really recommend it here if you want good food”
“We’ve checked out several Filipino breakfast spots in the Chicagoland area (including a famous one in the city that rhymes with Bahama…) and can confidently say this tops all of them. The staff was warm, friendly, and attentive (shout out to Chris and Crystal!); the dining area was that perfect vibe of cozy and homey; and the food was out-of-this world delicious! Everything was great, but our favorites were the bulgogi loaded fries, ube pancakes, and pandan chai. Highly recommend Merienda Cafe, and will definitely be back for more!”
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