Alexa Cafe

:(RIP Alexa’s. You had a short existance and will be sorely missed by this neighborhood local.

Empanadas as big as your head!
Ok, I’m exaggerating they’re not that big, but they are pretty huge. For $ 1.25 I got a cheese empanada about the size of a business size envelope. It was really tasty and a steal for the price, I just wish there was a little sauce for it.
Alexa is a nice little mom and pop shop along Pulaski. They were very friendly, but the ordering/​paying process was weird. I ordered at the register, got my empanada from the counter once ready and then came up to pay before I left. It seems like it would be easy for someone to ditch out on paying.
The sandwiches and empanadas seemed homemade, but the pastries and doughnuts are store bought. Service couldn’t be friendlier, when she later realized I had paid $ 1.75 instead of $ 1.25 she made sure I got my change back. I never would’ve been the wiser.
If I was nearby and looking for a bite I’d come back for the empanada.

I loved this little neighborhood place. We were waiting here to gather everyone up for the walking tour, and the owner kindly let us hang there. While waiting, I caved and decided to order a cuban sandwich. The owner would not even take my money at first, he told me to just sit and wait for the sandwich and pay him later. Wow, that doesn’t happen too often! The sandwich was pretty good, and so economical at $ 4.25. Two friends had the cheese empanada which was humongous, and looked very good. If I am nearby, I would definitely return and try that.

The staff in this place is really nice! It kind of felt like I was over a friends house and her mom was offering me a snack… well until I had to pay :)
They still have some kinks to work out in terms of logistics but I think if they keep the family feel of the place they’ll do just fine as their doesn’t appear to be any competition on the block. The coffee was good but it could stand to be a little stronger. Very interesting café menu: tamales, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, etc. I like variety so this was cool by me.
I would like to see their shelves filled with some fresh pan dulce instead of the few donuts and packaged items that they offered (at least on this day). Get wi-​fi because apparently laptop toting peeps have come to expect this everywhere (not I). Good little spot and if you’re in the area I think it’s definitely worth checking out.

I’ve seen the reviews about this place, not far from where I work, so I thought I’d pay them a visit for a Cuban sandwich at lunchtime. Alexa has a rather small storefront but it runs deep once you walk in. It is part restaurant, café and ice cream shop. The abundant number of Breyer’s posters with delectable sundaes make it unmistakably clear. The interior is quite spacious and the whole place looks very tidy and neatly arranged.
Anyway, I went for a Cuban steak sandwich with grilled onions and cheese on it. The combo meals include a bag of chips (Doritos, Sun Chips, etc.) and a drink (canned Pepsi products mostly). I was amazed that I was the only customer in the place and it was just minutes before noon. A lot of people must not know about it yet. I received excellent, personalized service since I was their only customer that entire time. Looking at the limited inventory of items in the glass case, I can assume they do not have a large volume of customers yet.
I could smell the aroma of grilling steak from the kitchen area long before my Cuban sandwich was ready. The sandwich was fragrant indeed, generously filled with thick strips of beef, served on toasted French bread and cut in half. The waitress offered me the choice of hot peppers or hot sauce. I chose the hot sauce, which was actually pretty flavorful and mild, but a bit too watery.
I examined the other menu items and I think Café Alexa is still undecided on its niche. On one hand, they offer upscale items like Papanicholas coffee and fancy baked goods like cake bars, croissants and cookies. On the other hand, there’s a rather plain, boring-​looking salad in a foil dish and some muffins and breads in mass-​produced, heat-​sealed bags like you’d find at a 7 – 11 or vending machine. And there’s even Maruchan ramen noodle soup packages on display, if for some odd reason you would want one of those for lunch here. Finally, can someone please explain to me what is 90% organic carrot cake? I’m not picky about this stuff, but such a label is misleading. Then there’s a Starbucks marketing approach they have with some earrings for sale on a ladder-​like rack beside the counter.
My lunch was a great value for the money and quite delightful. I think I’ll try the Guatemalan tamales on my next visit. I won’t judge them on the things I haven’t tried. I can only say their Cuban sandwich is great.

Thanks to fellow Unilocaler Erika V I found out about Alexa Café, a little sandwich shop only 4 blocks from my house. It has been open less than four months. The interior is very pleasant and looks spotless (the building is fairly new construction). There is a ladder-​like rack displaying coffee cups, colorful knicknacks and an old-​school camera. There is an ice cream counter too, but I came for the Cuban sandwich. It may not look like much when you compare it with a footlong sub elsewhere, but it is a dense and crunchy little sandwich that is very satisfying. The French bread is toasted, so relax as the lady takes a few minutes to prepare the sliced pork, ham, a few slices of pickle, and some mustard (I declined the hot pepper). They also have a Cuban steak sandwich which may be worth a go next time, along with the tamales, empanadas and alcapurias. Breakfast items include croissants and various wrapped breads. The menu promises to add ribs and wings in the future along with longer summer hours. There were a few people eating lunch there, and they pulled up in a car with a small Cuban flag inside it, so the Cuban sandwiches must be the real deal.

This brand new sandwich shop is a nice addition to the neighborhood. I’ve walked past this place several times, admiring the new construction (a rarity in Albany Park). I finally decided to check the café out for lunch today.
They offer a small menu of both hot and cold sandwiches, pastries, hot chocolate, and ice cream. I ordered a Cuban sandwich to go, and the owner told me that it was a popular sandwich there. She was very friendly, and we spoke for a bit while the sandwich was toasting in the panini press.
The sandwich was delicious, with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, and sweet pickles on buttered bread. She also added hot peppers. The roasted pork was moist, which I definitely appreciated. It was good simple sandwich, and I’ll be back to order it again. They are a fairly new café and have been open for only a month. The menu is small now, but perhaps as business picks up they will expand it. If you’re in the area, stop by for a good Cuban sandwich and great customer service.