Café Colao

First discovered this place when my band was recording in the recording studio that used to be across the street. I walked in, saw several Chicago police officers chatting with the owner, and knew I had found a good one. (Chicago cops always know the best places to eat!)I ordered a cup of coffee and a roast pork and cheese sandwich. Seemed like a straightforward, simple couple of things.But the flavor of both was anything but straightforward. I am not exaggerating to say that, in a city that is the birthplace of Italian Beef, breaded steak, and so many other iconic sandwiches, this may have been the very best sandwich I have ever had. Period. The incredibly flavorful roast pork is shredded and then heated up on a flat grill to create a combination of flavors and textures - from soft and supple to crispy. And that is just the meat. It is served on house-made bread (this IS a bakery), with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. You just have to try it for yourself.The coffee is rich and deeply flavorful and the pastries I tried were also top-notch.It's been more than 20 years since that first visit. The original owner has retired and left her son and his wife in charge, and they have not changed a thing. I went back yesterday and had my mind blown by that sandwich once again.There are just 2 things I would change about this place:1 - It was closer to my house so I could get there more often.2 - I wouldn't be so sad when my sandwich was all gone.

Great local cafe for coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Super friendly staff. The outdoor patio is back up, which is a great way to soak up amazing atmosphere of Humboldt Park!!

Cute small cafe with a few indoor seats and sidewalk seating outside. I had a latte which was good and service was friendly. They serve sandwiches and baked goods, too.

We were visiting Chicago for a week and found this shop. It became the highlight of our day! We had coffee, sandwiches, pastries and their homemade long bread - everything was delicious! The people are friendly, service is good, and the coffee great! Do yourself a favor and go! We still dream of it!

Definitely check out this spot if you're in Humboldt Park area!! Highly recommend 5/5!!Their sandwiches are out of the world ! I ordered the tuna sandwich( cubano style) and ordered the Iced White chocolate Mocha with Oat milk. So goood!!Definitely a hidden gem! Totally worth the travel as well :)Definitely gets crowded around noon, where there can be a line as well.Will definitely come back here !!!

Well, coming here instantly transported me back to the island. As a Newyorican we have developed our own culture that I almost forgot was quite island culture. While we are every bit essence of the island, we have also assimilated into this pride of NY/PR blend. It's one of those IYKYK situations.Coffee, cafesito, I mean, I swear bisabuela just made me un taza while we sat and ate tostada for breakfast. The bread, the beans, all of it. Usually I can describe food with such detail on flavors and texture but at Colao, it was a feeling the food gave me. I mean walking in the store I got nervous, I was like this feels like every other gentrified offer shop, just playing Salsa, BUT WAS I WRONGNow, while I tasted quite a bit, the tornillos, myllorcas and quesitos were sold out by 11 am each time I went. I attempted a few days in a row with no success, I suppose this means they are that good, but be prepared to be disappointed. The pastelillos de guava and queso... literally almost made me cry, immediate transport. I brought a few back to the Blackhawk's community rink because we were there for Puerto Rico's National hockey exhibitions and everyone who ate also gave that eye rolling slow exhale of joy as they chewed their first bite. My biggest regret now back in NY is we have nothing here like cafe co

The food here is always on point. The service is always good. If u can't make it to PR stop by here to have a sandwich and a cafe con leche. Oh and a dessert.

My friend and I was talking about where to eat. He said he wanted a sandwich. I told him if he ever had cafe colao? He said no. So I took him. I love the sandwiches and especially the avena. He liked the sandwich. He said he will return again.

This coffee shop is seriously its own island in the middle of Humboldt Park. The Cafe Colao (espresso with milk) and the sandwich was delicious, but sitting inside the bustling restaurant listening the staff mingling with the customers is nostalgic for this So Cal girl. I have officially decided to make this cafe my weekend treat!

Excellent bakery with a variety of Puerto Rican pastries that delicious. Very friendly staff and a quality place everyone in Chicago should check out.