My friend and I came to Central Cafe for brunch and coffee. The food and coffee were good and are not the reason for the 1 star rating…. The reason for the 1 star rating is the atmosphere. There was a strong unpleasant grease odor. The odor clung to our clothing long after we left the cafe. To the point that my family commented on my smell when I returned home, hours later.
I’d suggest ordering for pickup. If you insist on dining in, I’d advise you not to have an event or any plans afterwards as you will pick up and carry this offensive odor afterwards.
It’s a shame.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
Caroline Weeden
My ham and cheese croissant that I got was stone cold in the middle. I ordered a cappuccino breve and they used regular milk.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Nicole
Wonderful selection of delicious treats with lots of sweet and savory options. Delicious coffee. Best of all is the attentive staff! I spilled my coffee on the way out, and before I could turn around, 2 employees were cleaning up, asking if I was ok and starting a new coffee for me. Thank you so much! Will definitely come again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oliver Mena
Delicious and great value food. Great spot to stop in on for a break in between your bike ride!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Thomas Weaver
My new happy place in Highland Park. Ordered the Central Quinoa Bowl—healthy ingredients, well put together, and tasty. Good coffee in a ceramic cup. Carrot cake had nuts, no food color, and only $5. Plenty of available tables inside and out. Good service. Will return frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brittany Spomer
Do NOT order the Avocado Toast!!! Flavorless and bland, there was zero seasoning. Served on white bread not sourdough, with half a ripe avocado and poached eggs. No oil, butter, salt, pepper....NOTHING! Absolutely disappointed.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Margy McCarthy
I truly love Central Cafe. Their atmosphere is great along with their food & drinks. There is a barista woman named Natalie who makes the BEST drinks. (Lattes, smoothies, etc they are always sooo good — so I always try to go when she’s there).
The only negative is that there have been a few times that other baristas have made the drinks and they have not been great at all. (Wish everybody could make them really well!)
Nonetheless, I still go back & love supporting local!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Lana Abelev
Amazing food and smoothies. It also has a wonderful store in the same space while you wait for your food you find a great gift or something for yourself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Denisse Manzanilla
Went in on a Sunday morning. I ordered a latte, which took about 20 minutes. Unfortunately it was not made correctly. It tasted like there was only milk in the cup with syrup. When I opened the lid, the drink was completely white. I went inside to ask if it could get remade and the girl on the counter fought me on it with a terrible attitude. She ended up agreeing and I went to wait back outside. Then another lady heard me on the way out and she told me her drink got messed up too and also asked for it to be remade and the girl inside refused. She had ordered a lavender tea and said it tasted like it had coffee in it. We’re pretty sure my espresso ended up in her drink. After another 20 minute wait, I got my “fixed” latte with an attitude. It was unfortunately just not a good experience. Only giving it two stars because the food was good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Marisa Ellis
Highland Park finally has the charming, welcoming cafe it's been craving! Central Cafe is a breath of fresh air, offering not just incredible coffee, but delicious food and top-notch customer service.
From the first sip, you know their coffee is something special. It's brewed to perfection, with rich flavor and a smooth finish. Whether you're a latte lover or a cold brew connoisseur, Central Cafe has something to tantalize your taste buds.
But the magic doesn't stop at the coffee. Their food menu is equally impressive. They offer a delightful selection of breakfast and lunch options, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From flaky pastries to savory sandwiches, every bite is a flavor explosion.
What truly sets Central Cafe apart, however, is the amazing customer service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They go the extra mile to make you feel welcome, whether you're grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely lunch.
If you're looking for a place to relax, connect with friends, or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a tasty bite, Central Cafe is your new go-to spot. It's the perfect addition to the Highland Park community, and I can't wait to become a regular!
Great food, good coffee, good service, nice atmosphere. I don’t understand the few bad reviews. No, it’s not cheap, but it is Highland Park and food is expensive everywhere these days. I like good value, and I keep coming back because it’s just that good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dimitri Ajazi
TL;DR 5/5: This is how a café should be.Food 5/5: Spring Pea was the soup of the day on each of 2024 March 20 and 21. White cream decorated the vibrant, green soup as a barista would an artful latte and the colors enhanced a rich and textured soup which included strips of Genoa salami. The Rosemary Ham & Cheddar Savory Crepe, accompanied by a vinaigrette-topped salad, added further taste and temperature -- heavy and warm from the savory crepe, light and chilled from the salad -- to the meal. Next, while the Classic Bennie (Canadian bacon, poached eggs, with house salad) was also filling, the Denver Omelet (bell peppers, onion, rosemary ham, cheddar, and substituting chips for house salad) beat all of the above with not only its sunny eggs and bright red bell peppers but also its delicate flavor. And to drink, a hot, Honey Lavender Latte ("heavenly" was how I described it to a server who asked how everything was), proved to be popular for good reason.Service 5/5: Dining in was quasi counter-based, where one orders and pays at the counter, receives utensils and a number to set at their table, and has their meal brought to them and finished dishes cleared away by a server who may ask how the diner's meal was. Or at least that's how it went with me, with never a lag or rush. Great job.Atmosphere 5/5: Side street parking by this café was available. Inside it was fairly busy but not packed. And the interior was bright and airy, clean and comfortable, with tables and chairs thankfully not giving even a hint of violent wobbling, unlike those of some other eateries.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jarrett Dapier
One of the best cafes in the Chicagoland area. Pastries, like the delectable blueberry/lemon cake and the killer strawberry danishes (my go-to), are baked in the cafe and all truly delicious fare. Coffee is excellent, lunches are tasty and fresh, and the smoothies are perfect as all get out. The cafe space itself is bright and inviting. friendly staff. I can’t say enough nice things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ellie K
Raising prices often and nobody can ever say hello. Employees look so miserable working all the
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Jamie Allene
They’ve raised their prices - no one greets you when you come in. Prices don’t match service or amount of food you receive - plus they microwaved my hollandaise sauce.. Seriously. You also have to be okay with plastic cutlery at this higher price. The staff seem seriously unhappy to be there. Disappointed they changed their prices, we put up with no one greeting us, plastic cutlery and constant microwave use when we come in because it was a quick and affordable option. No longer. We will go to a regular restaurant instead.
My friend and I came to Central Cafe for brunch and coffee. The food and coffee were good and are not the reason for the 1 star rating…. The reason for the 1 star rating is the atmosphere. There was a strong unpleasant grease odor. The odor clung to our clothing long after we left the cafe. To the point that my family commented on my smell when I returned home, hours later.
I’d suggest ordering for pickup. If you insist on dining in, I’d advise you not to have an event or any plans afterwards as you will pick up and carry this offensive odor afterwards.
It’s a shame.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
My ham and cheese croissant that I got was stone cold in the middle. I ordered a cappuccino breve and they used regular milk.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Wonderful selection of delicious treats with lots of sweet and savory options. Delicious coffee.
Best of all is the attentive staff! I spilled my coffee on the way out, and before I could turn around, 2 employees were cleaning up, asking if I was ok and starting a new coffee for me.
Thank you so much! Will definitely come again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious and great value food. Great spot to stop in on for a break in between your bike ride!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
My new happy place in Highland Park. Ordered the Central Quinoa Bowl—healthy ingredients, well put together, and tasty. Good coffee in a ceramic cup. Carrot cake had nuts, no food color, and only $5. Plenty of available tables inside and out. Good service. Will return frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Do NOT order the Avocado Toast!!! Flavorless and bland, there was zero seasoning. Served on white bread not sourdough, with half a ripe avocado and poached eggs. No oil, butter, salt, pepper....NOTHING! Absolutely disappointed.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
I truly love Central Cafe. Their atmosphere is great along with their food & drinks. There is a barista woman named Natalie who makes the BEST drinks. (Lattes, smoothies, etc they are always sooo good — so I always try to go when she’s there).
The only negative is that there have been a few times that other baristas have made the drinks and they have not been great at all. (Wish everybody could make them really well!)
Nonetheless, I still go back & love supporting local!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Amazing food and smoothies. It also has a wonderful store in the same space while you wait for your food you find a great gift or something for yourself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went in on a Sunday morning. I ordered a latte, which took about 20 minutes. Unfortunately it was not made correctly. It tasted like there was only milk in the cup with syrup. When I opened the lid, the drink was completely white. I went inside to ask if it could get remade and the girl on the counter fought me on it with a terrible attitude. She ended up agreeing and I went to wait back outside. Then another lady heard me on the way out and she told me her drink got messed up too and also asked for it to be remade and the girl inside refused. She had ordered a lavender tea and said it tasted like it had coffee in it. We’re pretty sure my espresso ended up in her drink. After another 20 minute wait, I got my “fixed” latte with an attitude. It was unfortunately just not a good experience. Only giving it two stars because the food was good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Highland Park finally has the charming, welcoming cafe it's been craving! Central Cafe is a breath of fresh air, offering not just incredible coffee, but delicious food and top-notch customer service.
From the first sip, you know their coffee is something special. It's brewed to perfection, with rich flavor and a smooth finish. Whether you're a latte lover or a cold brew connoisseur, Central Cafe has something to tantalize your taste buds.
But the magic doesn't stop at the coffee. Their food menu is equally impressive. They offer a delightful selection of breakfast and lunch options, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From flaky pastries to savory sandwiches, every bite is a flavor explosion.
What truly sets Central Cafe apart, however, is the amazing customer service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They go the extra mile to make you feel welcome, whether you're grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely lunch.
If you're looking for a place to relax, connect with friends, or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a tasty bite, Central Cafe is your new go-to spot. It's the perfect addition to the Highland Park community, and I can't wait to become a regular!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food, good coffee, good service, nice atmosphere. I don’t understand the few bad reviews. No, it’s not cheap, but it is Highland Park and food is expensive everywhere these days. I like good value, and I keep coming back because it’s just that good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TL;DR 5/5: This is how a café should be.Food 5/5: Spring Pea was the soup of the day on each of 2024 March 20 and 21. White cream decorated the vibrant, green soup as a barista would an artful latte and the colors enhanced a rich and textured soup which included strips of Genoa salami. The Rosemary Ham & Cheddar Savory Crepe, accompanied by a vinaigrette-topped salad, added further taste and temperature -- heavy and warm from the savory crepe, light and chilled from the salad -- to the meal. Next, while the Classic Bennie (Canadian bacon, poached eggs, with house salad) was also filling, the Denver Omelet (bell peppers, onion, rosemary ham, cheddar, and substituting chips for house salad) beat all of the above with not only its sunny eggs and bright red bell peppers but also its delicate flavor. And to drink, a hot, Honey Lavender Latte ("heavenly" was how I described it to a server who asked how everything was), proved to be popular for good reason.Service 5/5: Dining in was quasi counter-based, where one orders and pays at the counter, receives utensils and a number to set at their table, and has their meal brought to them and finished dishes cleared away by a server who may ask how the diner's meal was. Or at least that's how it went with me, with never a lag or rush. Great job.Atmosphere 5/5: Side street parking by this café was available. Inside it was fairly busy but not packed. And the interior was bright and airy, clean and comfortable, with tables and chairs thankfully not giving even a hint of violent wobbling, unlike those of some other eateries.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best cafes in the Chicagoland area. Pastries, like the delectable blueberry/lemon cake and the killer strawberry danishes (my go-to), are baked in the cafe and all truly delicious fare. Coffee is excellent, lunches are tasty and fresh, and the smoothies are perfect as all get out. The cafe space itself is bright and inviting. friendly staff. I can’t say enough nice things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Raising prices often and nobody can ever say hello. Employees look so miserable working all the
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
They’ve raised their prices - no one greets you when you come in. Prices don’t match service or amount of food you receive - plus they microwaved my hollandaise sauce.. Seriously. You also have to be okay with plastic cutlery at this higher price. The staff seem seriously unhappy to be there. Disappointed they changed their prices, we put up with no one greeting us, plastic cutlery and constant microwave use when we come in because it was a quick and affordable option. No longer. We will go to a regular restaurant instead.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
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