We cordially invite you to have a taste of Puerto Rico, and experience first hand why this family owned restaurant has been delighting customers since 1950. ¡Bienvenido y Buen Provecho!
Rice based creole soup made to order served with plantains or $4.00 mofongo or trifongo
Served on French bread with lettuce, tomato, cooked onions, mayonnaise, and American cheese.
Green plantains take the place of bread, served with lettuce, tomato, cooked onions, mayonnaise, and American cheeese.
Our combination plate includes your choice of rice, stewed beans, and one of the daily fresh stews
Your choice of two sides: plantains, salas, rice, stewed beans, or $3.50 for mofongo
Founded in 1950, Cafe Central opened its doors on the corner of Madison and Laflin, the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Back then, it was a different era for the growing Puerto Rican community in Chicago. Puerto Rican men, who migrated to Chicago seeking work, yearned for a taste of their estranged island. It was here, at Cafe Central, where they were able to get Puerto Rican comfort food reminiscent of the island.
In the mid 1960’s Cafe Central relocated to its present day location at 1437 West Chicago Avenue in the West Town neighborhood remaining the oldest Puerto Rican restaurant in all of Chicago.
Best Puerto Rican food around! Been coming here for over 15 years and it's still delicious! Have been bringing family here too and they love it! They are always super friendly and welcoming! Would recommend everyone to go there!!!
Delicious Puerto Rican food, just like we were back on the island. Large portions, great flavors, enough to share. Flan was the best I've had in a long time.
As always. If you want original and authentic, I've been coming here for over 35 years and only come here for the best comfort food. Absolutely a must if you want original.
Wow! The food was delicious and the customer service was super A+. It was like eating in a cafeteria on my Island. Very clean and very familiar. The servers know almost everyone by name, I noticed that there were a lot of repeating customers. This is a must visit in Chicago 😄
Been coming here since I was a kid place is a landmark! Best puerto rican food in the city.
So I’ve been all over Chicago trying different foods and Puerto Rican food by far this place made me feel like I was back home on the island
Best Puerto Rican restaurant in Chicago! I love the arroz w gandules 🔥 the best! & the chicken jibarito is delicious 😋 staff is very friendly & welcoming. Great customer service & food. I have been coming to this restaurant 5 plus years. 10 stars ⭐️