Cafecito – Spanish
This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with the energy of a Havana street corner, where the rich scent of dark-roast coffee and sizzling bistec fills the air. The kitchen transforms traditional Latin flavors into soulful staples, serving up everything from spice-laden Huevos Habaneros to golden, pressed Pan de Havana that shatters with every crisp, buttery bite. It is a welcoming retreat where the warmth of the island spirit meets the comfort of a perfectly crafted, heart-warming meal.
26, East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605 +13129222233 http://www.cafecitochicago.com/0Cuisine: Spanish
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Cafecito
Dairy-Free at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Maduros, Palmacate Salad and Elveez. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 3 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Maduros, Mojo Pescado and Tostones. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 35 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Parfait, Maduro Omelette and Maduros. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 10 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including El Toro, Fresco Omelette and Borracho. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Malbec Glass. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Malbec Glass. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 8 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Maduros, Palmacate Salad and Elveez. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Cafecito
Cafecito in Chicago has 31 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Parfait, Maduro Omelette and Maduros. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Cafecito
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Chivito | 47.9 g | 75.7 g |
| Cubano | 12.1 g | 71 g |
| Chopped Salad | 1.4 g | 62.3 g |
| Chimichurri Chicken Sandwich | 3.4 g | 52.4 g |
| Crema De Pollo (8oz) | 7.3 g | 52.4 g |
| Caldo Gallego Soup (8oz) | 48.2 g | 50.2 g |
| Ropa Vieja Platter | 82.6 g | 43.7 g |
| Vaca Frita Platter | 93.9 g | 43.5 g |
| Espanola | 21.1 g | 43.2 g |
| El Toro | 22.1 g | 41 g |
| Exotica Salad | 12.9 g | 34.3 g |
| Choricate Omelette | 18.9 g | 33.2 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
Breakfast Platillos
- El Gringo - $10.49: Two fried eggs, bacon, tater tots Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Pobrecito - $10.99: Two fried eggs over rice and beans, fried plantains Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Espanola - $14.79: Two fried eggs, Spanish chorizo, potatoes, spinach, onions Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Guajiro - $14.49: Two ham croquettes, two fried eggs, rice and beans, chimichurri Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Cubanismo - $14.79: Mexican chorizo, bell peppers, onions over tater tots topped with two fried eggs Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Bistec con Huevos - $15.99: Grilled steak, onions, tater tots, two fried eggs, mojo Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Ropa con Papa - $15.99: Ropa Vieja over tater tots topped with two fried eggs Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Huevos Habaneros - $14.99: Two fried eggs, grilled ham, rice and beans, creole sauce Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Pan de Havana - $13.79: Avocado toast, two fried eggs, mango, tomato, balsamic glaze Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Vegan Pan de Havana - $14.99: Avocado toast, Just Egg, mango, tomato, balsamic glaze Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Parfait - $8.99: Granola, greek yogurt, berries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Volumetrics Available at: breakfast, brunch
Omelettes
- Fresco Omelette - $13.99: Tomato, cilantro, queso fresco, avocado Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Choricate Omelette - $13.99: Mexican chorizo, avocado, Swiss cheese Dietary tags: South-Beach Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Jamon Omelette - $13.99: Virginia Ham and Cheese Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Maduro Omelette - $13.99: Plantain, onion, bell peppers, creole sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Jardinero Omelette - $13.99: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomato, spinach Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Lechon Omelette - $13.99: Roasted pork, onions, tomato, red onion mojo Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Buenos Aires Omelette - $13.99: Sausage, onions, chimichurri Available at: breakfast, brunch
Pancakes
- Cafe con Leche Pancake - $11.99: Signature pancake made with a 'Cafecito' reduction sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Maduros con Pina Pancake - $11.99: Sweet plantains and pineapple Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Havana Mambo Pancake - $11.99: Dark rum and lemon zest Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Rojo y Blanco Pancake - $11.99: Guava glaze and White Chocolate sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Romeo y Julietta Pancake - $11.99: Guava glaze and Caramel Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Tres Leches Pancake - $11.99: Three milk glaze and berries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- La Fruteria Pancake - $11.99: Mixed Berries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Mangonut Pancake - $11.99: Mango and Coconut Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Abuelita Pancake - $11.99: Chocolate chips, cinnamon, churros Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
Pressed Sandwiches
- Cubano - $11.49: Roasted pork, ham, swiss, pickles, mustard Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Palomilla Sandwich - $12.29: Steak, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, shoestring potatoes Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chimichurri Chicken Sandwich - $11.79: Chicken, tomato, chimichurri sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chimichurri Steak Sandwich - $12.29: Steak, tomato, chimichurri sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo Arugula - $11.79: Chicken, tomato, red onion, arugula, citrus mayo Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pavo - $10.99: Turkey breast, bacon, tomato, lettuce, avocado mayo Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jerk Chicken Sandwich - $11.79: Caribbean spices, marinated chicken, lettuce, tomato, red onion, habanero lime mayo Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Guava-Q Sandwich - $11.79: Roasted pork or chicken, caramelized onions, guava bbq sauce, jicama slaw Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chivito - $12.29: Steak, ham, bacon, fried egg, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, onion, citrus mayo Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ropa Vieja Sandwich - $12.29: Slow roasted skirt steak, sweet plantains, black beans, tomato creole sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Proveletta Sandwich - $9.99: Grilled provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, chimichurri sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Margarita Sandwich - $10.49: Tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jardin Sandwich - $11.29: Eggplant, roasted peppers, mozzarella, mushroom, arugula, jalapeño hummus Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lechon Sandwich - $11.79: Roasted pork, tomato, arugula, grilled onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Choripan - $11.79: Argentine chorizo, grilled onions, chimichurri sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo Chipotle - $11.79: Chicken, basil, tomato, mozzarella, chipotle mayo Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Atun - $11.79: Tuna, lettuce, tomato, red onion, citrus mayo, kalamata olives, roasted peppers Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jamon Sandwich - $10.49: Ham, swiss, roasted pepper, herb aioli Available at: dinner, lunch
- Elveez - $9.49: Sweet plantains, guava jam, peanut butter Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Timba - $5.99: Guava, swiss cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tilapia Criolla Sandwich - $12.29: Grilled tilapia, salsa criolla, tomato, lettuce, cilantro lime mayo Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Toro - $11.79: Grilled chicken, mexican chorizo, tomato, swiss, chimichurri Dietary tags: High-Protein, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mar y Tierra Sandwich - $12.29: Spanish chorizo, shrimp, tomato, onion, arugala, citrus garlic aioli Available at: dinner, lunch
- Borracho - $12.29: Shrimp, tomato, jalapeno, chipotle aioli, latin slaw Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- La Costa - $11.49: Turkey, mozzarella, chipotle aioli, arugala, avocado, roasted peppers Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Fuego Sandwich - $11.99: Jerk roasted pork, bell peppers, onions, mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Platters
- Palomilla Platter - $16.99: Thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, raw onions, parsley, lime juice, mojo, rice, beans, plantains Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tilapia Criolla Platter - $16.99: Grilled tilapia with salsa criolla, rice, beans, plantains Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lechon Platter - $16.49: Roasted pork, grilled onions, raw onions, parsley, lime juice, mojo, rice, beans, plantains Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ropa Vieja Platter - $16.99: Slow roasted skirt steak, onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomato creole sauce, rice, beans, plantains Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo Chimichurri Platter - $16.49: Grilled chicken breast with chimichurri sauce, rice, beans, plantains Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak Chimichurri Platter - $16.99: Thinly sliced steak, tomato, chimichurri sauce, rice, beans, plantains Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- GuavaQ Chicken Platter - $16.49: Grilled chicken, caramelized onions, guava bbq sauce, jicama slaw, rice, beans, plantains Available at: dinner, lunch
- GuavaQ Pork Platter - $16.49: Roasted pork, caramelized onions, guava bbq sauce, jicama slaw, rice, beans, plantains Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mojo Shrimp Platter - $16.99: Grilled shrimp, citrus garlic mojo, red onions, parsley, tomato, rice, beans, plantains Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vaca Frita Platter - $16.99: Pan fried braised beef, bell peppers, onions, sherry wine, lime juice, rice, beans, plantains Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Corteza Del Mar - $16.99: Plantain crusted tilapia, mango fried rice, sauteed spinach, red onion Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mojo Pescado - $16.99: Sauteed tilapia, tomato, red onion, parsley, citrus garlic mojo Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Saltado - $16.99: Steak, tomato, onions, bell peppers, yucca, soy sauce, vinegar, rice and beans Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Fuego Platillo - $16.79: Jerk roasted pork, bell peppers, onions, rice and beans Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Palmacate Salad - $13.29: Mixed greens, hearts of palm, avocado, tomato, cucumber, parsley, mint, citrus dressing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chopped Salad - $12.99: Iceberg, hearts of palm, red onion, kalamata olives, garbanzo beans, corn, tomato, pepperoncinis, house vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Arugula Salad - $12.99: Baby arugula, fresh mozzarella, red onion, tomato, red wine vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Exotica Salad - $15.99: Grilled shrimp, spinach, corn, hearts of palm, red onions, avocado, tomato, lemon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fresca Salad - $12.99: Mixed greens, avocado, tomato, red onions, cilantro, queso fresco, balsamic gaze, red wine vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Ceviche - $13.29: Mixed greens, shrimp, tomato, corn, avocado, red onion, celery, lime, rocoto pepper, tortilla Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pollo Milanesa - $15.49: Breaded chicken breast, house spices, house salad Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Starters and Sides
- Cuban Black Bean Soup (8oz) - $3.5 Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caldo Gallego Soup (8oz) - $4: White beans, onions, spinach, ham, potato, spanish chorizo, broth Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crema De Pollo (8oz) - $4: Chicken, corn, celery, onion, red pepper, bacon, cream Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yuca Frita - $5.99 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tostones - $4.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Maduros - $3.49: Sweet plantains Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Maraquitas - $5.49: Plantain chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Croquettes de Jamon - $4.49: Ham croquettes Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nachos Cubanos - $8.99: Plantain chips, mango pico de gallo, mojo sour cream, guacamole Available at: dinner, lunch
- Proveletta en Plato - $9.49: Grilled provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, chimichurri sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Cafecito - $2.69: Cuban espresso combined with a teaspoon of sugar
- Cortadito - $2.89: Cafecito combined with hot milk
- Cafe con Leche - $3.49: Cafecito added to steamed milk
- Colada - $5.79: A pitcher of cafecito
- Batidos - $4.99: Cuban Milkshakes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Mojito - $5: Rum, simple syrup, mint, lime, soda water
- PBR - $3: Beer
- Malbec Glass - $8: Wine Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Cafecito
- Is Cafecito dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Cafecito has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Maduros, Palmacate Salad and Elveez.
- What can I eat at Cafecito on a dairy-free diet?
- Maduros, Palmacate Salad and Elveez carry the dairy-free tag, out of 8 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Cafecito have vegan options?
- Yes. 8 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Maduros and Palmacate Salad.
- Is Cafecito gluten-free?
- 3 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Cafecito?
- Chivito, at roughly 75.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Cafecito
- Mercat a la Planxa — Spanish
- Polombia — Spanish
- Havana Grill — Spanish
- Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! — Spanish
- Boqueria — Spanish
- Marisol — Spanish
- Café Iberico — Spanish
- Hermosa — Spanish
- Del Sur Bakery — Spanish
- Café Colao — Spanish
- El Ñandú — Spanish
- Barra Ñ — Spanish
