Cafeteria Marianao

If you happen to find yourself in the area, stop by Café Marianao! Now to anyone that frequents here, we know that there’s a lot to complain about… The phone number that doesn’t work, the awkward parking situation, the limited about of seats vs. the amount of space that’s in the place, the fact that it closes at 4pm everyday, and the customer service.
Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, make your way over here to order a Double Steak Sandwich with a large Café Con Leche. That’s the only thing I’ve ever gotten from either location in the past 5 years (but I hear everything is good). This food is best served hot and fresh. So either eat there or eat it in your car. I’ve done either depending on the weather outside.
You may ask, why would I rate this place 4 stars despite the logistical issues here. My reasons are 1. I love to support neighborhood businesses and a helpful review that attracts more customers may get some of these issues resolved. 2. The food is damn good. 3. The coffee is great! 4. I love this place and you should too.

Just know that there is no «comfortable» place to sit and have lunch. But seems like most people don’t mind sitting in stools and facing the wall. (And if there is no stools available you have to steal someone’s as soon as they stand up)
But you have to try their sandwiches and café con leche! The best in Chicago I would easily say!
I won’t walk in here without my husband cause you basically catch one of the guys attention, order your food and then just sit and wait. (And hence why I am giving them 4 starts instead of 5). Now a days most restaurants have figured out how to properly take orders and take care of their customers.

My Chilean friend who grew up in Miami had been craving good Cuban, as we were coming from Baltimore, where there is a dearth of Cuban food. This place totally hit the spot for her and myself. She had a steak sandwich, while I had the cubano. Tasted exactly like Miami. The warm churros are the perfect dessert. Nice place, very small — so be prepared to take your order to go or to wait in a crowd for your seats like we did. Yum!

Get the Cubano…

I have known of Marianao since 1980 when we moved to Humboldt Park in Chicago. They always have the BEST steak sandwiches and café con leche that I have ever tasted in my life. These sandwiches always take me back to my childhood because they still taste exactly the same. I hope that the gentrification in the areas where these stores are located does not ever put them out of business. This is truly a Chicago treasure.

Best Café Con Leche i had in my entire life! the steak sandwich are the best i hardly recommended.

The best breakfast sandwiches EVER! Small, but friendly. More people need to check this place out! Worth the 20 minute drive!

One of the best steak sandwiches in the city. Cuban style. Café con leche is always fresh and the steak always tender.