Nestled along the scenic ER109 14 route in the charming town of Canical, Portugal, Chicago Cafe offers a warm and authentic local experience that perfectly blends the comfort of a neighborhood cafe with the vibrant spirit of a community bar. This intimate spot is a delightful find for travelers and locals alike, eager to indulge in simple yet satisfying eats and refreshing drinks.
Chicago Cafe’s menu, though modest, packs a flavorful punch with highlights like the crisp, ice-cold cerveja that pairs beautifully with their house specialties—Bolo de Bolacha and Salame. The Bolo de Bolacha, a traditional Portuguese layered biscuit cake, offers a luscious, creamy sweetness that melts in your mouth, balanced by the savory, hearty notes of the neatly sliced Salame. These dishes evoke a true taste of local flavor and tradition, inviting guests to savor every bite with genuine pleasure.
Beyond the menu, the cafe’s cozy ambiance invites you to slow down and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Customers have repeatedly praised the friendly and welcoming staff, especially the attentive, warm young woman who ensures every visitor feels at home. This personal touch adds a comforting layer to the experience, transforming a simple coffee or snack break into a memorable encounter.
Real guest reviews paint a picture of Chicago Cafe as a dependable stop for quality coffee and delectable pastries like the beloved pastel de nata, freshly served and irresistibly flaky. One visitor’s heartfelt description of the pastel de nata as the "nicest I’ve had" speaks volumes about the care and craftsmanship that goes into every dish here. Though the space is small, its charm is amplified by the clean facilities and presence of a lovable resident dog, adding to the welcoming vibe.
While some travelers have noted a subtle local reserve towards tourists, the genuine hospitality of the staff ensures that first-time visitors feel right at ease. The cafe also offers simple yet intriguing sandwich options featuring fresh local seafood like tuna and octopus—each bite delivering a fresh, briny burst of the sea that seafood lovers will appreciate.
Whether you’re in need of a peaceful coffee break, a light local snack, or a sociable setting to enjoy a cold beer, Chicago Cafe in Canical is a hidden treasure worthy of your visit. It captures the heart of Portuguese cafe culture with authenticity and warmth, cultivated through quality flavors and heartfelt service.
We stopped by because we wanted to use the bathroom, so the WS is clean. Pasteis de nata is delicious and coffee is good. There is a lovely dog :)
Small cafe serving coffee, beer, sandwiches. 3 sandwich options were tuna, octopus, and a second fish that could not be translated. Got the tuna and mystery fish. Both good, but mystery fish was a bit fishier/saltier, which I enjoyed. Got the feeling the locals there didn’t care for tourists, but the young woman working was super nice, so it didn’t matter.
Good local bar serving food and drink; I can definitely recommend it for tourists.
Stopped here for coffee and pastel de nata. So far it was the nicest pastel de nata I've had. The staff was very friendly and smiley. Had to pay with cash, which wasn't a big issue.