Thorndale West Cafe

Arrived at 8am Monday, paid the parking meter, but it was closed with no sign of life.

Needs an update for the delicious REUBEN sandwich. This is a favorite lunch of mine, and a place that makes a good one is a real find.The sandwich itself was the perfect size. Not too big, not too small. Perfect ratio of corned beef to sauerkraut (I requested extra). On buttery rye. Just great.The coffee here is delicious, and I also had an uncharacteristic Mexican Coke with my sandwich. When in the area, I get my morning coffee here, as they don't mess with the small plastic sips of half n' half, they simply hand over the carton. We like this. My awesomeBF loved his cheeseburger. We both love the fries here. Two can eat very well for $20 ish.They've also got an assortment of candy behind the counter, so you can round off your meal with a Ring Pop or two. That cracks me up.

This is the sort of place they tell you about. The little mom 'n pop shop overshadowed by big chains. The place where all the customers are regulars. A local restaurant serving local people at extremely affordable prices.I was surprised to find a place like the heart of Chicago, tucked underneath the L on a street with lots of other businesses. Walking into this place, you already feel at home...it's a tiny little restaurant with approximately 5 small tables and some seats at the counter. The small space was populated by a cook, a waitress/cashier, two old women playing cards, two other customers (seemingly regulars), and our group of 7. We managed to shove ourselves into two of the tables. The best part about this diner was the waitress. She was honestly one of the kindest, most attentive waitresses I have had in a very long time, and quite the nice change from all the interactions we had had with rude people throughout the city. It's so refreshing to remember that there are places like this and people like this, happy to just be serving food to the people in their neighborhood. This lady seemed to know her other customers well, and even let one guy leave with his food without paying for it in full, saying he could just pay her back later. She was so nice. The atmosphere was really what made me appreciate this place, but the food was good too--not spectacular, but good...especially for the value. I got an omelette, hash browns, and two pieces of toast for like $6 or $7. It's hard to find prices like this anywhere, let alone in a big city like Chicago. This place is clearly a Latino establishment, judging by the Spanish-language infomercials playing from overhead and the Spanish signs posted on the walls. The food is a mishmash of American breakfast food, authentic Mexican tacos, and some random Greek specials. Overall, the food was just good, but this place was so heartwarming and I would return in an instant just to experience this sort of bygone restaurant.

Stopped in to get my food fix! I wanted a certain kind of breakfast, and i figured I'd walk in and check this place out. Not many breakfast diners open in the morning, but this one was. Peaceful little diner right outside of CTA Thorndale, and right across from a laundry met, and Swift Elementary School. This place doesn't just sell breakfast; they sell candy, tacos, and chips as well.Great service! I always fell very welcome when i eat breakfast here; it's a friendly environment. You will not be let down : )

Was brought here by someone and was really skeptical looking at the menu. You can get tacos, grilled cheese, gyros, tacos, fried rice.....but the food we all ordered was good and very affordable.

We're new to Edgewater and trying out all the local Mom- n-Pop spots. I've walked by this one for weeks and never noticed it sandwiched between other storefronts. My loss: this is a hidden gem. This cafe' is run by the Brito-Tinoco family with a very friendly young lady taking the orders who is just as vivacious in English as she in Spanish. Menu is pretty large with mostly deli fare plus tacos, fried rice and some Greek flavors. Prices are VERY reasonable; Starbuck's coffee is $1.85. Today's Reuben sandwich was tasty and filling with a generous portion of corned beef. For a couple of bucks more, my wife's fried perch dinner included toast, hash browns, corn and lettuce salad. Everything was fresh and well prepared. Limitations are closing early in the evening (6:30 PM), no Amex, no online menu or ordering. But, if you want fresh comfort food prepared promptly with generous portions, check out this unobtrusive storefront. We'll probably become regulars because it offers such a good value.

This place has a large variety of food at very affordable prices! You can get everything from breakfast to burgers to tacos. It's conveniently located right next to the Thorndale redline and by Swift school. The inside of the cafe is cozy and the service is always amazing and the girl that works there always go above and beyond to accommodate all their customers! I would highly recommend this place if you're in the Edgewater area.

They do a killer omelet and serve breakfast all day as well as sandwiches etal

This is close and friendly , service is very nice.Sometimes it a hit or a miss:-)Food is prepared fresh and easy parking in the morning:-)

All I wanted was a menu and they refused to open the door. I call them to ask for a menu and they are staring at me letting the phone ring as I call. I went to a better spot down the street