La Catrina Cafe
| Address: | 1011 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA |
| Phone: | +1 312-473-0038 |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
IS
Isotope Blue
Call it a 4.49 stars on my global scale. A friend introduced me to this delightful, if not terribly efficient, cafe last year. Its a sprawling space with three rooms, one gigantic, in the Latino neighborhood Pilsen. Lots of local magazines, postcards for concerts, posters for activist meetings. Wood floors and tables. Decorated in local art, some long term installations and some temporary. This morning (a Sunday in early May 2015) the art is largely portrayals of Chuy Garcia, the Chicago mayoral candidate recently defeated by corporate cyborg Rahm Emanuel. Lots of tables of various sizes, and plenty of power outlets. Wi-fi is free with password for two hours, and then $2 for 6 hours. The wi-fi was slow, even though the cafe was quiet and uncrowded when I first got there. Service is slow, and the line backed up almost out the door at 11am on a Sunday morning. Staff remained good natured, and said their mid-day shift hadnt shown up. Good selection of breakfast and lunchy food, and deserts, both Angolo and Latino. A dozen or so loose leaf teas, mostly herbal. Chai is from a boxed mix - I didnt bother to try it.
TO
Tony Allday
Just moved in to this neighborhood and tried this cafe yesterday. So I went there again today. I loved it, its so quite and peaceful over there, music is very low so you can actually study if thats what you want to do. Coffee tastes great, but I think there is high concentration of caffeine in it though. It is a good thing for those who like to stay awake, and that is the point of coffee anyway. But I dont like it too strong, so next time Ill have to drink half instead of full cup or get me some tea. Because Im planning on going there every day from now on. Staff are very nice and friendly. Many outlets for laptops. I love their chocolate cake! Tables and chairs are perfect height. Very clean environment. I dont do much reviews but this cafe compelled me to do so. Even the customers are very classy, nice, quite, not too loud as other cafes. Beautiful place!
CL
Claudia Herrera
Found this place while divvying around the city, which has a station conveniently located on that same block. Great if youre going there to work as it is never obnoxiously loud, plenty of space and comfortable seating throughout. I always get the quesadillas there, and they have never disappointed, even asked for a cold version of their hot chocolate and they obliged! Any of their dessert selections are always delicious (and highly decadent) and they have a good assortment of pan dulce. The best part of the shop is that it is full of local flavor and art, yet it doesnt have a pretentious feel to it, as other coffee shops can. Part of this is due to the fact that the staff is very down to earth and always accommodating. Stop in if you get a chance.
CA
Caroline López-Martinez
This is one of my go-to cafes for meetings or working/studying! Their customer service is great, their espresso is strong and their pastries are soft and sweet. They have a variety of seating arrangements and rooms- including couches, benches, chairs and stools. Sometimes they have Latin American music playing which is great because it adds to the ambiance. Sometimes however, they play more generic radio hits. If Im there alone, I always bring a pair of headphones and some favorite music just in case I dont dig what theyre playing. As a plus, La Catrina rotates their artwork monthly, featuring local artists. They also have free water with lemon by the counter : )
JE
Jenny Guadamuz
This cafe closes random without prior notice, thus they have very erratic hours. They also close sections of the cafe for community events. Unfortunately, they also dont answer their phones, so its impossible to check if the cafe is open Id stop by if Im near this cafe but I wont waste my time planning a trip here. Two out of the past three visits Ive been unable to sit in the cafe because theyve either been completely closed or two-thirds of the cafe are off limits for an event. This 2 is more more like a 2.5, because they have good coffee and service if theyre open.
RI
Ricky Calderon
Awesome experience the first time I went. Dont know what any of these people are talking about the girl with the glasses and short hair with a bunch of tats was very nice and super cool I believe her name was Paola but she was very nice enough to make me a drink on the house to try it since Ive never tried it but 10/10 would go again in the future The environment was relaxing and the owner is so nice as well (Diana). She made me the best breakfast sandwich Ive ever had so definitely coming back!!
MA
Margaret Larkin
If you live in Pilsen, its a decent place to hang out. The coffee drinks are good, but the bakery items are the kind you can get at any convenience store. Theres also no air conditioning or consistent Internet connection. The neighborhood and this place remind me of what some areas of the city used to be like before the hipsters and/or yuppies moved in. Im not really enthusiastic enough to go out of my way to hang out here, but you might like it if you like Pilsen and want something different.
WU
WU-Shun rabor
Great place to study at. Colorful and doesnt have your basic coffee house look. They serve food there as well. Staff is always friendly. My only issue is when the room is reserved and you have to move your things to another table or to a whole other room. If youre planning to stay there long I suggest to ask if any of the rooms are reserved so that you can study without any interruptions. Other than that great place to be at.
CR
Cristian Hernandez
Good place for a coffee or any other drink without caffeine ( chocolate or ginger or teas). Place has art and seats in different levels. I liked the big windows so you can be at the "mitote". Music in Spanish and not too loud. The place is very well located in case you want to go to a bar or other place to eat. Good for a meeting or met point. A bit pricey for the type of drinks, kind of the Pilsen Starbucks thing.
JO
Johann Flores
La Catrina Cafe is a great example of how amazing Pilsen is. Unpretentious in its appearance and only attempting to be what it actually is... a great cafe with the feel of being in your friends kitchen on a Saturday morning about to have a great meal with an amazing cup of coffee. Special thanks to the prep cooks for always having a smile and giving unexpected table side service!!!!
JO
Jose Galicia
Always attentive toward customers and artists. A must stop and visit . Outside Patio is great in the summer. Vanilla Chai Latte is the greatest. Imported coffees are tasteful. Artist , Community leaders and Students den. A respectful diverse establishment. I come from NW Indiana . Defintly one of my favorites.
EM
Emilie Babicz
La Catrina has artistic charm. Great service and a friendly barista serving delicious espresso drinks and coffee. Staff is bilingual and the café offers space for people to bring laptops or to chat with friends. It seems like a welcoming place for both newbies to Pilsen and for long-time residents.
DA
Daisy Gabriel
Dirty abuelita is a must try! I got a sandwich with chips and veggies and it was under $7 so their food is affordable and delicioso. It is usually always crowded in the evening so get there early if youre trying to get a table and do some work. WiFi is on the slower side which can get frustrating
