Cafe Central - Chicago

Unfortunately, this restaurant did not meet my expectations given the $20 price tag. The arroz con gandules comes in a decent portion, but the rice was quite dr... read more Unfortunately, this restaurant did not meet my expectations given the $20 price tag. The arroz con gandules comes in a decent portion, but the rice was quite dry. The pastelillo appears to be a nice size, but when I took a bite, I found it mostly filled with dough and lacking in filling. The steak jibarito was just okay; it felt like it had been sitting around longer than the 20 minutes they told me my order would take. Overall, I probably won’t be returning to this place.

**Vegetarian options:** The plantains are outstanding! **Kid-friendliness:** There is a large table and high chairs available, making it easy for families to... read more **Vegetarian options:** The plantains are outstanding! **Kid-friendliness:** There is a large table and high chairs available, making it easy for families to enjoy a meal together. The staff warmly welcomes children. **Parking:** Ample parking is available on the nearby neighborhood streets.

This has been my favorite Puerto Rican restaurant for a long time! Even though I now live in Texas, I make it a point to visit every time I come to Chicago. I h... read more This has been my favorite Puerto Rican restaurant for a long time! Even though I now live in Texas, I make it a point to visit every time I come to Chicago. I highly recommend the steak jibarito with arroz con gandules—it's my personal favorite!

I would give it a 5 stars if they had the puertorican pasteles. I had the Pollo Guisado with white rice and kidney red beans and I enjoyed it. I also had friend... read more I would give it a 5 stars if they had the puertorican pasteles. I had the Pollo Guisado with white rice and kidney red beans and I enjoyed it. I also had friends who had a veggie jibarito and they loved it too good job. Please don't go to Borinquen at 3811 N Western that place is terrible service, food, and atmosphere. The Cafe Central service is another better, friendlier, and good atmosphere. Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $20–30 Recommendation for vegetarians: Highly recommend Vegetarian offerings: Vegetarian menu or section Dietary restrictions: Gluten, lactose and vegetarian food options. It is a sitting down with bathroom and very clean place.

Food is amazing. Im from ny looking for good puerto rican food and i found it. Alcapurias delicious, pollo guisado delicious. Rice was soft not hard. Only reaso... read more Food is amazing. Im from ny looking for good puerto rican food and i found it. Alcapurias delicious, pollo guisado delicious. Rice was soft not hard. Only reason I gave it 3 stars on atmosphere is the location. But me personally ill go there any day of the week and twice on Sundays lol Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 3