Cafe 53 - Chicago, Illinois

Ariba H. M.

MY DREAM COME TRUE! I’ve been on the hunt for a Zabiha HALAL Deli sandwich place for months in Chicago and I’m soo lucky that my friend recommended this place to me! We were at Museum of Science and industry and this place was only 6-7min from there! So I just had to go check it out and let me tell you it was absolutely AMAZING!! I got the Pastrami Sandwich with the Dutch Crunch bread and 10/10 delicious!! So fresh and the quantity was worth the price!!

The manager was really nice and friendly too; guess it was my lucky day he had an extra order of the Turkey Pastrami avacado sub which he gave to me for FREE! So I got to try this too and I loved it!

Also got the iced caramel macchiato which was delicious!

Overall the place had cool vibes, filled with students and it was packed on a Sunday afternoon! Highly recommend, got my deli meats fix 😊 Alhumdullilah!

Momen A.

Went there with a few friends. We had the world famous lol Sumac chicken sandwich on two different breads, french baguette, and dutch bread and they were both good but I liked the dutch bread better. We also had pistachio latte and some dessert and everything was good and clean and made with attention. Would definitely come back again!

P. M.

Nice chill vibe here I'm digging. The place has a large sandwich menu and serves breakfast sandwiches all day too which is dope. You can dine in too place is not too small but it is not a big place either for seating. They also have some dessert as here as well that looks very good too. I went with the Garlic Chicken Sandwich 8.5. This a solid sandwich didn't taste the garlic thou as much as would have liked to but still was good.
For dessert I got the carrot cake 8.9 which was very good ngl..and the Caramel Apple Cheesecake 9.1 this smacked was impressed by this one here. Absolutely delicious. But, overall the spot is super chill with some swanky music in the back while you eat.

Ervin E.

As someone who appreciates great vegan options, I was delighted by the variety and creativity of the menu. Every dish was fresh and flavorful. The vegan options were not just an afterthought but a highlight of the menu.
The service was equally outstanding—fast, friendly, and attentive. Even during peak hours, the staff ensured everything ran smoothly, making the dining experience relaxed and enjoyable. The ambiance of the place was warm and inviting, perfect for both a casual meal or a special night out.
This place is a must-visit! I'll definitely be coming back.
I had a Vegan Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich and my partner had a BBQ Lettuce Chicken Wrap.

Ali H.

Wow! I'm so glad I discovered this place. If you're in Hyde Park or near the Museum of Science and Industry, you have to check it out. It's a Zabiha Halal café. We tried the turkey avocado on French bread and the beef pastrami on Dutch bread—both were fantastic. Personally, I preferred the French bread; the Dutch bread was more like a giant biscuit. The sandwiches are huge! The secret patio in the back is a whole different vibe.

Jennifer R.

This place offers the best vegan sandwiches I have ever tried. They were very flavorful and stuff to the brim! The vegan chicken was probably one of the best I have had. They also offer lots of specialty drinks and pastries. They have lots of seating available and even more towards the back. There are bathrooms available for use. It is a great place to come hang out with a friend or to study. I can't wait to return to try more menu items!

N J.

The sandwiches here are all so delightful and fresh. Have never had a bad bite here. Truly getting a sandwich from this place is the highlight of my day everytime- can't recommend it enough.

Emily L.

Great place to take a rest at Hyde Park neighbourhood.

It’s always busy, but the service comes quick and warm.
The staff are welcoming and polite.

Small size of drink is already big enough.
Chai Latte is good, love it.
Bagel has different options- sesame, plain, and wheat.
Bagel 53 is yummy, with cream cheese and tomato.