Cafe 28

Hi Gang,

First off congrats, I have posted on Chowhound before. Saw your Reader article awhile back and have been lurking.

So some friends want to head to Cafe 28 on Irving Park Rd.

Anybody have the scoop?

Thanks

Dave M
Chicago, IL

I like the cuban selections there an awful lot. The ropa viejo is particularly good in my opinion.

My experience is limited there. I think JeffB has a wider range of experience at Cafe 28.

It is great with their jalepeno mashed potatos. Try the frozen mojito. The pork chops are great as well, very filling. As far as apps, go, I love the scallops and the ceviche. Their dulce de leche is also fantastic. I promise I don't work for them, I've just been there a lot.

Meant to highliht the halibut in the subject on my last post. It is great.

I can't remember the entrees I've ordered there, but I remember they have a delicious pistachio-rum cake.

I'll say i love Cafe 28 also. I have not been since they expanded. Is it still really loud?

The butter they serve with their bread is amazing. Great Mojitos.

And for brunch i highly recommend the green tamales - which are more like polenta, but delicious nonetheless

Very solid place at its price point.

The Cuban stuff is often very good, but not the best and a little pricy for what is cafeteria food in Miami (or at La Unica). The ropa vieja and pork are solid, the steak milanesa excellent, the beans and rice disappointing. Like bad cofee at a diner, hard to forgive, but I will. Nice selection of Spanish/SAmerican wines, mixed drinks and beers, esp. the Dominican beer Presidente.

Coconut rice with shrimp is sweet, gimmicky, but addictive. Tastes a lot like soemthing you might get in Brazil. I'd steer clear of the pricier specials. The Mexican stuff is ok, but I'd focus on the Cuban.

The best part of Cafe 28 is probably atmosphere. Very cool vibe, not overdone. I think that this is the kind of place that San Francisco especially has in spades but other cities have far fewer.

Parking is a train wreck over there with the destruction on Irving. Nearby, check out Biasetti's, Diner Grill, the Long Room, the Ten Cat, Gato Negro (kidding?) Resi's and Snappy's Shrimp House.

Thanks for the heads up everybody. I know the places Jeff recommended well. Still need to try Snappy's and Biasetti's though.

Dave M