Hello dear
Welcome To Casa Cactus
At Casa Cactus, nestled in the heart of Chicago, we celebrate the vibrant essence of Latinx culture through our inviting space filled with lush plants and cozy vibes. As a proud Latinx-owned venue, we offer not just a destination for great coffee but a community hub where friends gather over delightful treats like homemade empanadas and sweet conchas. Our menu showcases soulful beverages, including the beloved cafe de olla, served in a charming atmosphere ideal for both relaxation and productivity. With free Wi-Fi and ample outdoor seating, Casa Cactus is more than a cafe; it’s a warm embrace of culture, comfort, and creativity.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Cafe De Olla
Xocomiel
Conchas
Ham Bolillo
About
Casa Cactus
Welcome to Casa Cactus, a delightful oasis nestled in the heart of Mayfair at 4595 N Elston Ave, Chicago. This charming venue and event space stands out not just for its eclectic ambiance, adorned with a plethora of cacti and lush plants, but also for its carefully curated menu of beverages and pastries that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
At Casa Cactus, you will discover a variety of unique drinks that cater to every preference. From the comforting Cafe De Olla to the refreshing Horchata Latte, each cup is a celebration of rich flavors. Guests rave about the Casa Latte, an iced delight infused with the warm spices of piloncillo, perfect for a warm day or a cozy afternoon. Additionally, the Drip Coffee and Cold Brew offer classic options for the purists among us, while the Pumpkin Oat Matcha invites adventurous palates to explore new trends.
- Cafe De Olla: Warm, comforting, and a little taste of home.
- Horchata Latte: Dairy-free delight served cold for a refreshing treat.
- Casa Latte: An exquisite iced latte with piloncillo spices.
- Fig Cheese Pastry: A sweet and savory blend that is a must-try!
The pastry selection at Casa Cactus adds to the experience, featuring mouthwatering options like the Guava Cheese and Chorizo Bolillo. Each pastry is crafted with care, emphasizing traditional flavors that mirror the vibrant culture of this wonderful community. The Conchas, with their crunchy topping and brioche-like texture, have garnered enthusiastic reviews from guests looking for a sweet treat to pair with their morning brew.
Feedback from the locals shines a light on the warmth of the Casa Cactus experience. As Jenna O. aptly describes, it’s a hidden gem filled with cozy vibes, perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The friendly staff ensure every visit feels like coming home, while the variety of seating options provides an ideal space for studying, meetings, or simply enjoying a delicious meal amid the greenery.
For those who seek a creative workspace, Jordan C. found the atmosphere conducive to productivity, with ample outlets and a welcoming environment. Meanwhile, Sarah S. highlighted the enchanting ambiance that invites you to lose yourself in a good book or delve into a project while sipping on exceptional coffee. All around, Casa Cactus stands as a testament to the intersection of community, warmth, and tantalizing flavors.
In a neighborhood where cafes are few, Casa Cactus has become a beloved spot. Whether you are a college student seeking a lively spot, a coffee enthusiast on a quest for the perfect brew, or simply someone craving a cozy place to unwind, Casa Cactus undoubtedly delivers. Come, sip, and savor at this blossoming gem in Chicago.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Cozy vibes, cactus-filled, coffee-tastic. A great addition to a neighborhood with not enough cafes!! Thank you for the ambience, the vibe, the delish empanadas, and always being a fun breakfast swing-in when we're passing through. For anyone who needs a little writing haven with a yummy drink and pastry and a friendly smile from the staff, this is a hidden gem in the Mayfair hood. ”
“ Calling out all College students, coffee enthusiasts, ethnic junkies and adventure seekers! What a blast this place was. If you love your "cafe de olla" this is a great place to get a little taste of home with some coffee and treats. I got mine in a ceremony mug that fits the rest of the vibes of this place! The staff is very friendly and know how to make you feel at home. The cactus decor is fantastic (the music...a little random haha...but nothing headphones can't fix ;)) My concha was warm and spongy! There was plenty of seating space. And several tables to get work done. They seem to have a "back"room with pots and plants..maybe they hold classes of some sort around here, but it was not occupied. Will definitely come back when I'm in the area and bring some friends to experience it! ”
“ A great coffee shop to work from! I came on a Friday morning around 11 and the place was packed! Thankfully they have plenty of seating as well as outlets for charging. The place itself is quiet enough to take calls from, which plenty of people were doing. The coffee is Backlot and they have a variety of treats including empanadas. ”
“ Amazing place, really excels in ambiance. At least 50 plants throughout the space, low lighting, and varied seating options give this place and incredibly cozy vibe to read or work. Minimal and excellent menu. Empanadas are apparently homemade by the owners mother. Cafe Cajeta particularly fabulous. ”
“ I stopped here because I love coffee and I love plants, and this place does both well. This coffee shop is tucked in the neighborhood as if it was always there. I saw the new menu online and had to try the cherry Garcia ice latte. It was really good, I would suggest to add more chocolate flavor to it. The chocolate shavings backslash chunks are a nice treat throughout the drink, but more of that chocolate flavor would be nice. They have a variety of plants throughout the café as well and I believe they have a conference area in the back. The staff here are amazing! ”
“ My kiddo and I have a mutual love of coffee. We enjoy places with a vibe. My kiddo absolutely loved casa cactus. The cactus were so cool to her. She also really enjoyed the "hidden" back room. There's some tables and a couch. It's not really hidden but to her it was lol. We both had the horchata iced latte and was amazing. She's asked me weekly to take her back for the drink, but we haven't had the chance yet. We will definitely be stopping in again and you should too! ”
“ I personally was so happy to be introduced to a good cup of cafe de olla :') It tasted just like the one I had in Mexico City. The empanada pastry was not my favorite. Dry & empty in taste with how hollow it was on the inside. The ambiance was very Mexican. I loved the plants, patterns, & colors. Would visit again! ”
“ Coffee was delicious! Plenty of seating, great for studying or working. The plants, decor, and lighting made for such a cozy environment. ”
“ I am so sad they got rid of the strawberry matcha drink! They have a seasonal pumpkin oat matcha drink now. It's not sweet but nowhere near as good as the strawberry matcha was. ”
“ This is a true local coffee shop. You really won't find laptops here on a Sunday, at least I did not see any when I went. Most people were either from the area or friends meeting up with each other. Newcomers such as myself admired the beautiful details throughout the space. Seriously, it feels like walking into your interior decorator friend's apartment. Chill vibes, records, plants and beautiful eclectic Mexican decor. I cannot wait to see this cafe in November, I just know their space would look amazing for Dia de Muertos. The iced cafe the Olla was delicious, perfectly sweet. It's definitely a small curated menu but they know what they're doing. There is enough seating but overall it's a small place and it gets lively in the morning! ”
