Cafe Effe in Lincoln Square/Ravenswood

After living around the block for over a year, I finally bit the bullet and went to lunch at Cafe Effe on Montrose in the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood neighborhood. I pass by the Bosnian spot almost once a day, and have always wanted to test my theory that it's nothing more than a cover for the Eastern European mafia. But, I found that it's much more (though I haven't ruled out any intrigue yet).

My dining companion and I sat outside this past Friday evening. Even though we were sitting right along Montrose, I really felt like I was in no longer in Chicago. We ordered drinks - no diet sodas or iced tea and plenty of strange looks from the waitress - but again, this would not be something that would bother me if I were in another country, so I didn't care. I settled on real coke in a real bottle, which is a treat in itself.

I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich and a garden salad. My friend ordered the Chevapi, which is a Bosnian sausage almost like kefta kebabs (and sometimes spelled cevapcici). Both were extremely delicious and extremely large. (We only made it through half of each and therefore had lunch for the next day.) The sandwiches come on this huge, fresh-baked bread that is a cross between french bread, pita and nan. Both the chicken and the chevapi were really well-seasoned., though I would’ve liked more than just onion on the chevapi.





The only issue with our experience is that we were watched like a hawk by who I'm assuming is the owner and his regular patrons. But, again, this was sort of part of the charm. It might bother me in some trendy, upscale spot, but since I sort of felt like we walked in on their territory, they had the right to size us up.

The total for dinner for two including 2 drinks, 2 sandwiches, and a salad with bread was less than $25. It was a total steal especially considering the quality and the fact that we ate it again the next day. I will DEFINITELY be returning (for more food and investigation).

Cafe Effe
2030 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 334-3436

Thanks for reporting on this place. I walk by Cafe Effe everyday on the way to/from the train and have been curious about it. If it makes you feel any better, I always got the stare down from the owner as I walked by him hosing down the sidewalk in the mornings.

Thanks for the nice pictures and description. Ill have to stop by there. In the hood all the time and never gave it a thought!

Cafe Effe is great. I went here a couple years ago with a few guys from Montenegro. They of course knew what to order (don't remember all, but do remember the cevapcici and bread). There used to be a place on Western south of Pratt that was Bosnian, I think it closed though. They had great food as well.

I am sorry to report that this weekend I saw a Coming Soon sign for a new Greek restaurant in this location. Despite the peculiarities of this place, I kept my fingers crossed that it would be able to survive the neighborhood's ever changing landscape. The chicken sandwich is still one of the best I've ever had. That said, they didn't seem too interested in getting new business, welcoming newcomers, etc, so I'm not terribly surprised. Let's hope this new place is good and compliments the hood.