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Meli Cafe - River North
Master Critic Review
Meli Cafe - River North
8.0
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Meli Cafe’s River North location is a neighborhood diner-style restaurant and juice bar where breakfast runs all day. The menu leans into farm-to-table touches, fresh-squeezed juices, and large portions across omelets, bowls, and pancakes that appeal to both locals and visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Farmland Bowl, Smoked Salmon Omelet, Pancake Breakfast
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: All-day breakfast with fresh juices, big portions, and a long-running presence in the neighborhood.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic diner breakfasts with fresh juice.
When to visit: Mid-mornings on weekdays for easier seating and pacing.
What to order: Farmland Bowl, Smoked Salmon Omelet, Pancake Breakfast.
Insider tip: Pair a savory plate with one of the fresh-squeezed juices to get the full Meli experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect to use nearby paid garages or metered spots. No on-site valet at this location.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — athleisure, jeans, and weekend brunch wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours; generally conversational on weekdays.
Weekend wait: N/A — this location operates as a daytime cafe and is not open for dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to short waits outside of peak late-morning brunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian omelets, pancakes, grain bowls, and juice options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modify-to-vegan options (fruit plates, some bowls, juices) but no fully dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free substitutions available (select omelets, proteins, salads); pancakes and baked items are not fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual brunch or relaxed daytime meetup than a romantic first date — the vibe leans bright, social, and family-friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served. Expect short to moderate waits on weekend late mornings; weekdays are usually easy to walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs, large portions, and flexible breakfast plates make it well-suited for families, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, fresh-squeezed juices, and dependable all-day breakfast in a casual diner-style setting.
Skip if: You want a trendy brunch scene, craft cocktails, or a quieter special-occasion setting — consider a more upscale brunch spot instead.