Fab Review: Brunch at Meli Cafe 2019

Brunch is always a good idea, especially at Meli Cafe. The best part? You don’t have to wait until the weekend to have brunch food. Benedicts, French toast, pancakes, crepes, yogurt, and more are available all day, every day. Meli has three locations: Greek Town, River North, and Printer’s Row. Dinner is also served at the Printer’s Row location.

{Ambiance}
The warm atmosphere is cozy and quaint with a laid back vibe. It has a neighborhood feel with an attentive, friendly staff. On the weekends, it gets crowded so plan accordingly.

{Food}
What keeps me coming back for more is the quality and the options for food. The menu is packed with farm-to-table dishes using hormone and antibiotic free meats, freshly squeezed juices, house-made jams, syrups, and marmalades, and more. Whether you are looking to eat healthy or have any dietary restrictions, they have a whole section on the menu dedicated to “Healthy Habits” and “Vegan & Gluten-free” options.

Classic Benedict
I’m a sucker for an egg-cellent dish and Meli Cafe has plenty. The Classic Benedict is served on an English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, Hollandaise sauce, and two egg-quisite poached eggs. Served with a side of breakfast potatoes, it is a classic breakfast dish that never disappoints.

Spicy Flamenco Omelet
Live life with a little spice and try the Spicy Flamenco Omelet. The flavors have a southwestern flair with chicken chorizo, jalapeño, onions, tomato, cilantro, and pepper jack cheese. It is topped with avocado and sour cream and served with breakfast potatoes.

Chicken and Waffles
Just when you thought Chicken and Waffles couldn’t get any better, Meli Cafe tops the dish with a sunny side up egg. Slide your fork into the yolk and cut into the house-made herb waffle. Add a piece of the crispy Southern fried chicken and dip generously into the maple bacon marmalade. Attempt to take it ALL in one bite. Close your eyes and enjoy.

Banana Bread French Toast
The Banana Bread French Toast is my favorite item on the menu. I have an undeniable sweet tooth. Banana bread and French toast are two of my weaknesses. The thick, moist, house-baked banana bread topped with sliced bananas, pecans, and caramel is a sweet lover’s dream.

Pour it on!

 

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this is bananas. {banana bread french toast at @melicafechicago} || 🍌🍞 @fabfoodchicago #myzimmernlist #fabfoodchicago

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FAB TIP: Daily specials available here.

Handcrafted Juice Blends
Wash it all down with one of their refreshing, fruit/veggie concoctions. With names like Jump Start Metabolism, Fat Burner, Skin Cleanser, and Body Cleanser, you will feel rejuvenated and invigorated.

Strawberry Salad
Keeping on the lighter side, the lunch menu features wraps (gluten-free tortillas available) and sandwiches as well as some energizing salads. The Strawberry Salad with organic greens, grilled chicken, fresh strawberries, pecans, red onions, feta, and strawberry balsamic will get your summer body ready. If we ever get a summer.

FAB TIP: Have your next party or gathering catered by Meli Cafe. Please allow 24 hrs notice when placing catering orders.

{Experience}
Meli Cafe is a quintessential spot for easy going dining with ingredient conscious food. Service is always with a smile. Reservations are not accepted so be prepared to wait especially on the weekends.

{Locations}
Meli’s Cafe
Greektown || 301 South Halsted, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 454-0748
River North || 540 North Wells St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 527-1850
South Loop || 500 South Dearborn St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 834-0500

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}

Where’s your fave spot for brunch? Share with me below.

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: This meal was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.