Café Colao

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/humboldt-park/caf%C3%A9-colao

18,031 Postcards · 835 Cities

On the Grid : Café Colao

"Is that everything, honey?" Prepare your mouth for buttery sandwich heaven. Tripleta and medianoche and lechon for the meat lovers, egg and avocado for the vegheads. Wash down a tasty quesito with a sweetbomb namesake café colao. Notoriously slow, but worth the wait." - Firebelly Design

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/humboldt-park-restaurants

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The Best Restaurants In Humboldt Park - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Cafe Colao has something we wish all coffee shops served: Puerto Rican pastries like flaky pastelillos de guayaba. In addition to their coffee and bakery menu they’ve also got a long list of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, from steak and eggs to medianoches. There’s no WiFi, but there is sidewalk seating perfect for that coffee date you’ve been putting off, or you can take your iced latte for a walk around the park a block away." - josh barnett, john ringor

@TheInfatuation

18,031 Postcards · 835 Cities

"Café Colao, Humboldt Park. "Is that everything, honey?" Prepare your mouth for buttery sandwich heaven. Tripleta and medianoche and lechon for the meat lovers, egg and avocado for the vegheads. Wash down a tasty quesito with a sweetbomb namesake café colao. Notoriously slow, but worth the wait."

Chicago

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/cafe-colao

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Café Colao - Review - Humboldt Park - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Café Colao has something we wish all coffee shops served: Puerto Rican pastries. In addition to their coffee and bakery menu they’ve also got a long list of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, from steak and eggs to medianoches. There’s no wifi, but there is sidewalk seating perfect for that coffee date you’ve been putting off, or you can take your iced latte for a walk around the park a block away." - Josh Barnett

Sandy Noto

Jessica C.

Google

Cozy little place to stop by for lunch! Love the environment and the staff are friendly and super attentive. Lots of regulars came in and they were remembered and well greeted. You can tell this is a neighborhood gem. Great sandwiches and they have pastries too. I took a Blueberry muffin to go and it was amazing. Definitely worth stopping by.

Eunice R.

Google

best cuban sandwich in town so far and I am from Chicago! I also had the bread with butter. i am used to having sugar on my bread and butter but it was good. i just think the french bread they use is outstanding. coffee, of course, good. Also had a guava tart, it was delicious. not too sweet. the tart part was a little hard for me but I love soft cookies so hopefully that helps you gauge for your taste. The music was salsa the whole time I was there. they have a cute patio which I wanted to sit at but was too hot for that day. The staff is awesome! so nice and courteous. Definitely coming back. Want to try the iced coquito.

Kyle W.

Google

This establishment was so good I had to come back twice in one day. The service feels warm and welcoming. Food tastes like it was made with love. I appreciate great hospitality and tasty food. Thank u 🙏🏻

Anthony L.

Google

Stepping into Café Colao feels like entering a carefully curated vignette warm lighting, soft pastels, and clean marble textures set a quietly chic tone. It’s cozy without being cluttered, calming without ever feeling too quiet. The overall energy is relaxed, making it easy to settle in for a solo slow brew or a meaningful conversation with a friend. Their signature espresso was smooth and layered, showcasing subtle chocolate and nutty notes. I paired it with a delicate pistachio pear tart, which tasted just shy of sweet a perfect foil to the coffee’s depth. Service was gentle and attentive, making the experience feel personal and unhurried.

Rochelle M.

Google

Great service, music, sandwiches, pastries and coffee! A one stop shop for any craving! I had an iced coquito latte, an egg, steak and cheese sandwich and a guava cheese pastry and they were all aaaamaazing! If you’re ordering a sandwich it definitely will be worth the price because it’s stuffed with all the right portions!

M F

Google

Hands down, the best Puerto Rican bakery in Chicago! From their delicious sandwiches to their mouth-watering pastries, every bite is a treat. The fresh, in-house made bread is absolutely delicious! They are definitely not stingy with the filling—especially the guava and queso! The cream cheese literally melts in your mouth. If you’re looking for authentic flavors and generous portions, this is the place to go!

Manny V.

Google

Very friendly Staff and Owners. All the pastries are amazing. Coffee has always been on point. I'm in love with their Tripleta Sandwich and Palcha lemonade.. It's a must try if in the Humboldt Park area..

Jennifer F

Google

I know that the pictures are not appealing to the eye…but what they lack in presentation the make up for in taste. My fiancé and I have been looking for another sandwich spot since our usual spot has changed in taste. This is our spot from now on. My boyfriend had the turkey sandwich and I had the media noche. The sandwiches were warm, the lettuce was not wilted, it had the perfect amount of Mayo. The chocolate chip cookies are sweet but yummy! We also had pastellio and it was fire. The guayaba and powered sugar complimented one another along with a crunchy pastry dough. Service was fast and friendly which is what we all need in the world! Can’t wait to return!

Sylvia P.

Yelp

Every time I find myself in Humboldt Park i find it impossible not to stop somewhere in the hood for either a meal or a treat of some sort. While driving through the other morning, I decided to stop and check out a place I had never visited and I'm so glad that I did. I had a simple breakfast sandwich that was served on a really nice soft baked bread. I also ordered a cafe con leche with oat milk that was perfect and treated myself to a delicious guava and cheese torte that I had never had before. They also have a great selection of other guava treats as well which was originally what I was coming in for. Looking forward to stopping in next time I'm in the hood!

Carol T.

Yelp

Cute small cafe with a few indoor seats and sidewalk seating outside. I had a latte which was good and service was friendly. They serve sandwiches and baked goods, too.

Ariel D.

Yelp

Helpful baristas, beautifully decorated, feels very cozy! Loved the coffee and their pastries, definitely recommend stopping by!

Todd L.

Yelp

First discovered this place when my band was recording in the recording studio that used to be across the street. I walked in, saw several Chicago police officers chatting with the owner, and knew I had found a good one. (Chicago cops always know the best places to eat!) I ordered a cup of coffee and a roast pork and cheese sandwich. Seemed like a straightforward, simple couple of things. But the flavor of both was anything but straightforward. I am not exaggerating to say that, in a city that is the birthplace of Italian Beef, breaded steak, and so many other iconic sandwiches, this may have been the very best sandwich I have ever had. Period. The incredibly flavorful roast pork is shredded and then heated up on a flat grill to create a combination of flavors and textures - from soft and supple to crispy. And that is just the meat. It is served on house-made bread (this IS a bakery), with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. You just have to try it for yourself. The coffee is rich and deeply flavorful and the pastries I tried were also top-notch. It's been more than 20 years since that first visit. The original owner has retired and left her son and his wife in charge, and they have not changed a thing. I went back yesterday and had my mind blown by that sandwich once again. There are just 2 things I would change about this place: 1 - It was closer to my house so I could get there more often. 2 - I wouldn't be so sad when my sandwich was all gone.

David L.

Yelp

Great local cafe for coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Super friendly staff. The outdoor patio is back up, which is a great way to soak up amazing atmosphere of Humboldt Park!!

Manisha P.

Yelp

Definitely check out this spot if you're in Humboldt Park area!! Highly recommend 5/5!! Their sandwiches are out of the world ! I ordered the tuna sandwich( cubano style) and ordered the Iced White chocolate Mocha with Oat milk. So goood!! Definitely a hidden gem! Totally worth the travel as well :) Definitely gets crowded around noon, where there can be a line as well. Will definitely come back here !!!

Juana E.

Yelp

Hands down one of my favorite go to places for a nice simple breakfast sandwich paired with a cup of coconut oatmeal which is an all time classic breakfast in a Latin household. Gracias mi Boricua

Dana A.

Yelp

We were visiting Chicago for a week and found this shop. It became the highlight of our day! We had coffee, sandwiches, pastries and their homemade long bread - everything was delicious! The people are friendly, service is good, and the coffee great! Do yourself a favor and go! We still dream of it!

Jessica D.

Yelp

Well, coming here instantly transported me back to the island. As a Newyorican we have developed our own culture that I almost forgot was quite island culture. While we are every bit essence of the island, we have also assimilated into this pride of NY/PR blend. It's one of those IYKYK situations. Coffee, cafesito, I mean, I swear bisabuela just made me un taza while we sat and ate tostada for breakfast. The bread, the beans, all of it. Usually I can describe food with such detail on flavors and texture but at Colao, it was a feeling the food gave me. I mean walking in the store I got nervous, I was like this feels like every other gentrified offer shop, just playing Salsa, BUT WAS I WRONG Now, while I tasted quite a bit, the tornillos, myllorcas and quesitos were sold out by 11 am each time I went. I attempted a few days in a row with no success, I suppose this means they are that good, but be prepared to be disappointed. The pastelillos de guava and queso... literally almost made me cry, immediate transport. I brought a few back to the Blackhawk's community rink because we were there for Puerto Rico's National hockey exhibitions and everyone who ate also gave that eye rolling slow exhale of joy as they chewed their first bite. My biggest regret now back in NY is we have nothing here like cafe co

Louie N.

Yelp

The food here is always on point. The service is always good. If u can't make it to PR stop by here to have a sandwich and a cafe con leche. Oh and a dessert.

Elizabeth R.

Yelp

My friend and I was talking about where to eat. He said he wanted a sandwich. I told him if he ever had cafe colao? He said no. So I took him. I love the sandwiches and especially the avena. He liked the sandwich. He said he will return again.

Daris S.

Yelp

This coffee shop is seriously its own island in the middle of Humboldt Park. The Cafe Colao (espresso with milk) and the sandwich was delicious, but sitting inside the bustling restaurant listening the staff mingling with the customers is nostalgic for this So Cal girl. I have officially decided to make this cafe my weekend treat!

Brian N.

Yelp

Excellent bakery with a variety of Puerto Rican pastries that delicious. Very friendly staff and a quality place everyone in Chicago should check out.

Pilar B.

Yelp

This place is so great it's so dangerous. Went multiple times for breakfast during my visit to the Humboldt Park / Paseo Boricua. I wanted to try all the yummy desserts and pastries and of course this place didn't disappoint. The Passion Fruit lemonade was amazing and refreshing. The quesitos were soooo good and made me feel like I was in Puerto Rico. They have so many variations with quesitos, donuts, guava & cheese muffins, avena de coco and all was sooo good. Must go back to try their place for lunch one day.

Kris S.

Yelp

Cafe Colao is a cute spot where you can order authentic Puerto Rican pastries and desserts. I have a high bar for quesitos and these quesitos reached it. Their coffee is also very good and strong. I wish I had a Cafe Colao on the corner of the street I live!

Lisa H.

Yelp

Great service, friendly and warm staff. The sandwiches are delicious. They have pastries that look amazing and I'm looking forward to visiting again.

Bernadette A.

Yelp

I ordered a Cuban sandwich and the meat wasn't the freshest. The meat was dry and tasted like it was two days old. I was very disappointed because I was so looking forward to satisfying my palette.

Kevin C.

Yelp

On Division street in the heart of Humboldt Park. One of the many good places to stop by for their homemade famous oatmeal and hot sandwiches. Great baristas and friendly people here. I know people who drive here from the surrounding suburbs. I recommend placing an order ahead, unless you are going to sit down and eat inside, there's not too many tables to eat and the patio-outside should be closed for the season. Oh..and I forgot to mention their quesitos, a must try. The early bird catches the worm.

Maliha S.

Yelp

Loved everything about this place. Service was soo nice. Patio was so cozy on a hot summer day. The sandwich bread was DELICIOUS!! A perfect tuna sandwich. A perfect egg and cheese sandwich. Delicious guava pastry, not too sweet. And delicious iced colao. Really can't overstate what a great hidden gem for breakfast or lunch.

Caroline R.

Yelp

This cafe has a delicious bakery and their breakfast sandwiches always hit the spot. Highly recommend!

Kathryn F.

Yelp

I was OBSESSED withthe avocado sandwich when I lived next to this spot. I am so excited that they're still open! Will definitely get back here the next time I visit Chicago!

Eduardo G.

Yelp

Delicious PR sandwiches and awesome pastries!! This place is a gem in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Nice cultural atmosphere.

Kris Z.

Yelp

The passion fruit lemonade is refreshing. The breakfast sandwiches, tripleta, and medianoche are on the softest, homemade tasting bread with delicious meat. The donuts are soft like they were just made, and yummy guava muffin. It is a hidden gem and reasonably priced. It is small inside so we get carry-out, but there are tables.

Ed J.

Yelp

Hands down the best Pastelillo de Guayaba (Guava Pastry) ive ever had. Flaky crisp layers sandwiching a layer of delicious guava jam..i had 3 of them on one sitting. Its light and airy...I got those 3 patries + a choc chip cookie all for about $6 or so. Their coffee/lattes were good. They also have some delightful looking sandwiches im looking fwd to try as well. A neighborhood gem.

Bmac M.

Yelp

Just got take out but their cubanos and medianoches are tremendous. Also I would recommend the pastry with guyaba y queso. I could eat a million of those (or maybe just 1 with a hot coffee for breakfast every single day.)

Daniel E.

Yelp

Cafe colao still has that mom and pop's feel that I love! There service is amazing and there food is always so good! Thanks for always giving the best!

Eric S.

Yelp

TASTY PASTRY Some delicious 'pastelería de postres' can be found at this bakery on Division St in Humboldt Park. Following a lovely lunch at the nearby Papa's Cache Sabroso, the gf and I craved something sweet. Having passed by Café Colao earlier in the day, we decided that a quick dessert (or three.....) would hit the spot. We ordered a couple of items from the counter, including a Pastelillo de Guayaba (guava & cheese layered pastry), a quesito (cheese-filled twist, basically a latino danish), and a tornillo (flaky spiral filled with delectable vanilla pudding). My girl also got a coffee, which she proclaimed good. While I wasn't a huge fan of the first two items, the tornillo -- what I dubbed "a doughy custard tornado" -- was absolutely terrific. Each item was roughly $3. From the looks of things, it appears that Café Colao makes a mean Cuban sandwich and other panini-type pressed sammies. I'd definitely like to return and try one of those bad boys. Recommended!

Taylor S.

Yelp

Went here a while back. First time having any Puerto Rican food. AMAZING. I had the café colao latte and pastelillo.

seth g.

Yelp

Top tier. Great for take out or if you wanna sit down & chow. Everything tastes wonderful...that bread mmmmmmmmmm

Nina P.

Yelp

After just visiting Puerto Rico, I was very excited to try this place and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious. The breakfast sandwich was great and they had many options to choose from. We also had a guava and cheese pastry that was very good. Would definitely recommend checking this place out.

Lindsay S.

Yelp

I can honestly say, this is my favorite coffee and sandwich shop...period. The owners and staff are some of the most amicable people in the city and always provide incredible service. If you're lucky, abuelita will make an appearance and she is hilarious. They literally have the best flan I've ever had. Get the flan de queso. (Well second to my own). All pastries are good as well. All their sandwiches are incredible. The ham and cheese is delicious plain, but even better with everything.

Tiarra B.

Yelp

The consistent quality and home style feel of this authentic cafe DOES NOT disappoint! The ordering process is beyond simple, with a simple and precise menu of distinct options, that are more that reasonable priced. Shortly after placing an order, everything is made to order, to your liking and style, and without an extensively long wait. When your food comes out, whether you are going or coming, you can already see that you are not only getting your money's worth, but that your eyes may start to overpower you stomach with anxiousness to taste the deliciousness that they bring out to you. You can tell that the food quality is fresh, authentic, and made with care in every single bite, especially with my particular favorite, the Tripleta. And of course, if you're a hot sauce fan, they have the good stuff to add a little kick to your dish. The overall scene of the cafe is very intimate, from the seating, to the decor, and if you pay attention, you will also get a little history to savor during your visit. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking to explore this beautiful culture and the food that comes with it, and hands down has one of the best authentic dishes.

K C.

Yelp

Amazing home baked yummy! Just don't ask to use the bathroom. There is NO public bathroom. Medical condition, so being salty about a public bathroom is a point. Guava croissant that's all I have to say! Yummmmmm!

Maria B.

Yelp

I just visited San Juan, and was so happy to have the delicious coffee again! Service was so friendly too - I can't wait to go back!

Maria S.

Yelp

This was our go to place when visiting our son and his family. My husband and I discovered it years ago when we first came to visit. The coffee was delicious and OMGOODNESS los pastelitos de guayaba! were to die for! For the last six years it was our favorite place to take a break from the grandkids or to walk with them for a treat! A few days ago we stopped in for coffee and los pastelitos de guayaba. I saw something called guava tarts. They were not fully cooked the dough was still raw. We asked if we could return them and get something else and they said no. I bought two pastelitos de guayaba but they were not as amazing as I remember them. It was a disappointing experience. Since that visit we've gone every day to another bakery around the corner from my son's building. Today we spent 78.00 dollars on some macaroons for our grandkids and some treats for all of us. We've been there every day since our visit to cafe colao. I keep thinking how much we would have spent there had they taken back those two pastelitos.

Ashley A.

Yelp

I love these breakfast sandwiches AND the coconut oatmeal! Family owned and another hidden gem in the Humboldt park neighborhood

John H.

Yelp

Good food, reasonable prices and fairly quick service. Sandwich was tasty. Place is not very big for inside dining but has a nice outside area.

G R.

Yelp

Busy little place, really quaint inside seating and a few tables outside too. Nestled in on a stretch of Division St. west of Western Avenue's hipster spots you'll find some of the best Puerto Rican businesses in the city. This cafe has a selection of coffee's, sandwiches, and pastries. I had one of the egg sandwiches that comes on their homemade bread, which goes with it just perfectly, slightly crisp and chewy but sort of a flat bread that doesn't take away from whatever is between it. I picked up some pastries to take home. One being a mango muffin, that I did sample and it was equally as delicious. Staff is friendly, it's a mix of go to the counter upfront, and they'll bring you your sandwich to the table. Sandwiches come in a basket that you can bring back up when your done. Even though you sort of self bus your table, I was really impressed that after you left it was immediately wiped down. A clean table is a nice touch, and amazingly doesn't happen at many places. Every table here was clean and ready for the next guest. Adding this one to my list!

Araceli C.

Yelp

Great little cafeteria Service on point family business I use to try the avena but since I'm a diabetic Is too sweet So I'm going to the small soup and steak & cheese sandwich And a cappuccino Sweet look pretty good I'm bring some for my co workers they love it But is no public washroom

Karen R.

Yelp

So where do I begin , if you are fan of oatmeal you must try the avena de coco - aka oatmeal made with coconut milk .. no not regular runny coconut meal otherwise it won't be that good .. so if you want to know how delicious it is you must go here as soon as possible . Also if your a vegetarian like me you can have the sandwich that has only avocados roasted red peppers and lettuce and tomato but while that sounds regular and something you think you can make at home it still taste more delicious here ,Because they make there own bread .. but if your a meat eater like my husband . Try the tripleta , the Cuban sandwich even though it's a puertorican place .. it's delicious . But if your looking forward to having some delicious puertorican pastries . This place is to die for .. the flan de coco , bread pudding as well as the corn muffin with cheese in the middle it's so delicious .. the staff is great .. and I love that tiny place . But hey I'm the summer they have outside seating and it's awesome .. hey by the way walk around that area there's a few cool doors with some nice art .. buen provecho .. which means enjoy your meal ..

Bee R.

Yelp

What a treat it was to visit a Café Colao! I had a beautiful guava and cheese pastry as well as a coffee (level 2 sweetness). They have their patio open and I was able to safely sit and chat with friends over treats. I look forward to coming back soon!

PJ C.

Yelp

Café Colao is doing take out, and for that reason I consider myself an extremely lucky person. Being Puerto Rican and having recently moved to Chicago, I knew Paseo Boricua was the closest thing I'd get to being back home - I was right. Café Colao's food, service and ambience rang true to the bakeries in PR. They had the music, the decor, and the warmth. We ordered the Cubano, Tripleta, a quesito, and they even had Malta! Both sandwiches had lots of flavor and were clearly fresh. All employees were so friendly and welcoming, and also protected with gloves and masks during this time. If you're looking for a yummy, hearty meal, go give Café Colao some love!

James D.

Yelp

I've been in the neighborhood less than a week -- moving during a pandemic is so much fun. That said I've been here twice in the time I've been here and that should tell you everything you need to know. First, I keep seeing people walk out with big loaves of bread-- and I think I am going to follow their example because I love these sandwiches. I've had the cubano and the avocado w/ cheese and both have been stellar and hit the spot. The staff has been nothing but warm and friendly and I really can't say anything negative about this place. After placing my order, I stand around outside and chat with other people in the neighborhood and in a reasonable amount of time the food comes out. This will, without a doubt, be a regular spot for me.

Carrie H.

Yelp

Their breakfast sandwiches are the bomb. Coconut oatmeal (avena de coco) is absolutely perfect. Their desserts (especially anything guayaba) never disappoint. Great, well-priced lattes & coffee. Would recommend this place a million times over.

Justin B.

Yelp

Came in for a chocolate chip cookie and a vanilla-frosted donut...fine, although I did love the prices of the baked goods and sandwiches on display. Friendly folks and enough seating for maybe a dozen guests too.

Ken T.

Yelp

Puerto Rican place that has soul. This is an institution favored by native Indians and the natives of Puerto Rico. Island bread made right here is the basis of most sandwiches. Coffee is excellent. It will not break your bank, and that my dear friends makes for a sustainable business model, because it brings value to your life.

Dee V.

Yelp

Have not been here in years because we moved to the suburbs but we used to eat here often! We were planning on going soon but they'll be closed for the month of September so we'll be going once they open up again! Please open up a cafe Colao in the NW suburbs, in dire need of PR flavors out here!

LeShonne S.

Yelp

Cafe Colao has been strong in the Humboldt Park community for years!!!! Great sandwiches, delicious coffee, sweet treats, and good people. This is a great lunch spot in the area.

Annie M.

Yelp

Avena de coco from Cafe Colao is one of those incredible Chicago gems that I miss like crazy since moving away. I honestly don't even like oatmeal, but avena de coco is so good that I made an exception (many, many times). I also love the breakfast sandwiches here. The bread is so perfect and fresh, and oddly enough, the lettuce and mayo made the sandwich even better. The people that work there are always nice, even if the service isn't the fastest-- it's worth a few extra minutes to get a home-cooked quality breakfast (especially on a cold day). Nellie's up the street has more seating and a bigger menu, but I always preferred Cafe Colao for a quick breakfast or take-out.

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/humboldt-park/caf%C3%A9-colao

18,031 Postcards · 835 Cities

On the Grid : Café Colao

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/humboldt-park-restaurants

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The Best Restaurants In Humboldt Park - Chicago - The Infatuation

@TheInfatuation

18,031 Postcards · 835 Cities

Chicago

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/cafe-colao

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Café Colao - Review - Humboldt Park - Chicago - The Infatuation

Sandy Noto