The Café
Nestled in the heart of Chicago along the iconic Route 66, The Café invites travelers to savor a unique blend of art and culinary delight. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu, it's the perfect pit stop for weary road-trippers looking to recharge with fresh, locally-inspired dishes. Amid the rich history of the Mother Road, enjoy an eclectic dining experience that celebrates both the spirit of adventure and the artistic culture of the Windy City. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or lingering over a coffee, The Café is a must-visit destination on your Route 66 journey.
Conrad Zbikowski
4 months ago"I visited here for lunch when they opened at 11 am on a Thursday. I ordered the Chilled Sesame Salmon Bowl ($19, October 2025) and the French Onion Soup ($10, October 2025). I would have liked to order the Garden Cucumber Gazpacho, but that was out of season. The Café has an innovative ordering system where you order at the register and then take an NFC table marker to your table and place it in a reader. This is equivalent to the number flags you have seen before, but more efficient and elegant. I enjoyed the Salmon Bowl, but felt it was heavy on the rice for $19. I would like more of that delicious and fresh arugula and the spicy mayo dressing. I did not especially care for the French Onion Soup. It had Star of Anise and maybe some other spices, and tasted like it was trying to be too fancy and ended up in herbal tea territory. I enjoyed the atmosphere, with abundant natural light and high ceilings. Four out of five stars because of the high price and miss on the soup."
